Antenatal care
Booking and regular check-ups through pregnancy, so problems are found early.
Antenatal care is the regular check-ups you have while you are pregnant. They keep you and your baby healthy and find problems early, when they are easier to treat.
When to come
Start antenatal care as early as you can in your pregnancy.
- Antenatal booking: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:00 pm. This is your first visit, when we register your pregnancy.
- Antenatal clinic: Saturdays at 9:00 am, for your regular check-ups after booking.
What happens at your visits
At booking we ask about your health, any previous pregnancies and the medicines you take. At each visit we check your blood pressure, weight and urine, measure the baby's growth and listen to the heartbeat. Routine tests include blood group, blood count and screening for infections, and ultrasound scans are available on site.
Danger signs: come straight to the hospital
Do not wait for your next visit if you have bleeding, a severe headache, blurred vision, swelling of the face or hands, fever, leaking fluid, or if your baby is moving less than usual. The hospital is open 24 hours. Call 0806 083 9148.
Read more in our article Antenatal care: what to expect.
Specialist clinics in this department
Common questions
When should I start antenatal care?
As early as you can in your pregnancy. Come to antenatal booking on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 3:00 pm.
Can I use my NHIA or HMO cover for antenatal care?
Cover differs between plans. Bring your card, and our NHIA desk will check what your plan includes.
What if something worries me between visits?
Bleeding, severe headache, blurred vision, swelling, fever, leaking fluid or less movement from your baby are danger signs. Come to the hospital straight away; it is open 24 hours. For other questions, call 0806 083 9148.
Need to see a doctor?
Book online or call us. The emergency department is open 24 hours.