Pregnancy services
Vaccines needed during pregnancy
When you should get the flu and whooping cough vaccines during pregnancy and who can vaccinate you.
Antenatal classes
Antenatal classes help you to prepare for labour, the birth of your baby and becoming a parent. Many maternity hospital and health centres offer antenatal classes for free. Learn about what to expect from an antenatal class.
Ultrasound scans
Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create a picture of your baby on a screen. This scan will show you the baby's heart beating and you may find out your baby's sex. The most common scans are dating scans and fetal anatomy scans.
Blood tests offered in pregnancy
Blood tests are offered to all pregnant women. They are important for your health and your baby's health. Read trusted information from the HSE on a list of blood tests offered in pregnancy in Ireland.
Antenatal and maternity care options
Find out what types of antenatal care are available in Ireland.
Screening tests during pregnancy
Find out about the types of screening tests that might be carried out during pregnancy and the reasons why, how to make an informed choice and what false positive and false negative results mean.
Diagnostic tests during pregnancy
Diagnostic tests check for chromosomal and genetic conditions that include Down syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, Patau’s syndrome. These tests are often the only way to be sure if your baby has certain health problems.