The first Antenatal visit
Your first visit to hospital can be any time from 12-20 weeks in the pregnancy. The purpose of this visit is to get a full picture of your health and the health of your baby. You can expect to speak to a midwife, who will ask a range of background questions about your health and medical history. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions about your care and the range of services that are available to you. You will be asked for a urine sample, will have your blood pressure taken and will have blood tests. The purpose of the blood tests will be explained to you. In some hospitals, you may have an ultrasound scan on your first visit, at others you will have it at around 20 weeks.
The visit lasts approximately 2 hours. If your pregnancy is normal, subsequent visits will be much shorter. Visits can be shared between the hospital and your GP or midwife.
At each visit you will provide a urine sample, your blood pressure will be taken and you will be examined. If you have any questions or worries related to your pregnancy, you should ask the midwife or doctor. Most hospitals will have a system of parentcraft classes which you and your partner or friend can attend near the time of birth. These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about breastfeeding, nutrition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preparing you and your family for the birth of the baby.