First visit (GP, when you know you are pregnant)

Following the diagnosis of pregnancy, a first ante-natal encounter will be made with your doctor. At this visit the doctor will take an appropriate history, carry out an appropriate examination and give you a form FW8 that you need to obtain your certificate for free prescriptions. Also ask for a copy of Emma’s Diary. This is a book produced by the Royal College of General Practitioners that includes plenty of information about pregnancy. It is free and well worth a read. You will be asked to sign form FP24 that enables your GP to care for you during pregnancy.

A letter of referral will be made to the consultant of your choice. A booking appointment will be made for the consultant’s ante natal clinic. This appointment should occur between 12 and 14 weeks depending on when you were first seen regarding the pregnancy.

As you leave after this appointment you should make an appointment to be seen in the usual ante-natal clinic here in the surgery at 26 weeks (fifth visit).

Second visit (16-18 weeks, hospital)

This will be the ante-natal booking appointment at the hospital. You will be seen by a midwife. She will raise full set of proper notes for the hospital and register you on the hospital computer system. She will ensure that you receive a dating scan appointment, serum testing for Down's syndrome (unless you decline) and 18 week foetal anomaly ultrasound scan appointment. For women in their first pregnancy ante-natal classes will be organised; for those in subsequent pregnancies, a refresher course will be offered.

Third visit (18-20 weeks, hospital)

This will take place at around 18 weeks at the hospital for an ultrasound scan and depending on the consultant there may be a consultation with the hospita1 obstetrician as well.

Fourth visit (24 weeks, Midwife or GP at the surgery)

24 weeks this is at the ante-natal clinic at the the health centre and can be with the midwife or the general practitioner; bloods should be taken for full b1ood count and antibodies. Women in their first pregnancy who have a blood grouping that is rhesus negative wil1 have an injection of Anti-D antibodies given to prevent rhesus disease.

Fifth visit (28 weeks, Midwife at the surgery)

At 28 weeks at the ante-natal clinic at the health centre. You can choose midwife or general practitioner full blood tests as at previous visit.

Sixth visit (32 weeks, Midwife at the surgery)

At 32 weeks at the ante-natal clinic at the health centre with the midwife or general practitioner.

Seventh visit (34 weeks, Midwife or GP at the surgery

At 34 weeks at the ante-natal clinic at the health centre with the midwife or general practitioner.

Eighth visit (36 weeks, hospital)

At 36 weeks at the ante-natal clinic in the hospital. At this appointment the consultant will discuss with you the type of delivery that will be necessary.

Ninth, tenth and eleventh visits (37,38 and 39 weeks, Midwife or GP at the surgery

If any of the above visits are booked for the hospital ante-natal clinic it does not have to be repeated in our clinic (typically some of: 28, 32, 34 or 38 weeks, term and after).

Additional visits

We are always happy to see you if you are concerned or wish to discuss something prior to your next booked visit. Use the schedule above as a guideline. You may always make an extra appointment with your doctor in normal surgery hours as well. If we feel that you should be seen more often during the pregnancy then we will advise accordingly.

What to bring to the ante-natal clinic

Always take your hospital co-op card with you whenever you see a doctor or midwife. This contains details of your pregnancy that helps to keep the doctor and midwife informed of your progress. It is usually sent to you by the hospital after your booking visit. Please bring a fresh urine sample with you to the ante-natal clinic for every appointment. Usually one of our practice nurses will check your urine, and blood pressure whilst you are waiting to see the doctor.