The Rotunda Hospital Dublin

Further Antenatal Care

The purpose of antenatal care is to promote good physical and mental health throughout the pregnancy and to make sure that all is well with the mother and her baby. It also aims to identify problems early and to treat them appropriately.

Antenatal Care

Further Antenatal Visits

Having regular check-ups is important for you and your baby. 

Your return visits during the pregnancy will be shorter than the first visit and, although you may find some of the visits a chore, it is very important to attend them.

  • At each antenatal visit you will have your blood pressure and urine checked.
  • Your healthcare professional will look for obvious signs of fluid retention in your hands and legs.
  • They will also feel your tummy to check the growth of your baby and to see that it is in the correct position for birth.
  • The baby’s heartbeat will be checked and you will be asked about the baby’s movements.
  • All these findings will help to manage your pregnancy and can determine the type of birth that is best for you and your baby.
Antenatal Care

At around 28 Weeks

You may have your haemoglobin (iron level) rechecked.  If you are rhesus negative, you will already have received information in the post about your blood group and your antibody level will be assessed and you will be given an injection of Anti-D.  It may be necessary to do other specialist blood tests at this stage of the pregnancy, for example, if you develop high blood pressure or a body itch. Always talk to your midwife or doctor if you have any worries. They will be able to advise you and keep you informed of your progress.

If your due date arrives and you have not gone into labour, your pregnancy is now termed ‘post mature’ or simply, overdue. Nearly half of all pregnant women are still pregnant at 40 weeks but most will go into labour in the coming week. You will be seen again in the antenatal clinic at 41 weeks if you still haven’t gone into labour.

The doctor will discuss your care plan with you. If by any chance you can’t make it to an antenatal appointment, please telephone your clinic so that another appointment can be scheduled.

Towards the end of the pregnancy, your appointments will be more frequent. In the last few weeks, your GP, midwife or hospital doctor will probably see you on a weekly basis.

Antenatal Care

Baby's Movements

Generally, you will start feeling the baby move between 18 – 22 weeks. In the beginning, the movements are very gentle and will become stronger as the baby grows. Towards the end of pregnancy, many people will say the baby will stop moving as it runs out of space. This is not correct. You should be able to feel your baby kick every day right up to the day of birth.


If, in the late stages of pregnancy, you are feeling less than 10 movements during the day (a 12-hour period) you should come into the hospital, as the baby may require further monitoring. Please phone the assessment and emergency unit for advice – 01 817 1700..

Antenatal Care

Your baby. Your body.

Pregnancy is one of the most important journeys that you will ever go on. 

To help you understand as much as possible about your pregnancy, this section will take you through your pregnancy week by week, to the day of the birth of your baby and it will give you information on the things that you should do during the different stages of pregnancy.

Due Date Calculator
Trimesters of Pregnancy
Antenatal Care

Ultrasound & Fetal Medicine

We provide diagnostic scans, blood and other screening tests to out rule possible abnormalities with your baby. The staff working in this area are highly specialised and will provide you with all the support and advice you may require.

Ultrasound Scans
Fetal Medicine

Additional Screenings and Antenatal Services

Additional Screenings