You're growing a person. You shouldn't also have to remember forty appointments, forms and vaccines. Add your due date, and the app will hold the rest, one small, clear step at a time.
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A free, voluntary resource, built by an Irish woman for the women of Ireland. Your feedback keeps it accurate.
A map of services in Ireland, not medical advice. If in doubt about anything, ring your GP, midwife or maternity unit.
Your dates make the checklist yours. Not sure yet? Put in your best guess. You can change it any time, for example after your dating scan.
or, how far along are you today?
or, the first day of your last period
You are
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weeks pregnant
Want reminders? Add your checklist dates to your phone's calendar and it will remind you the day before each one. Nothing is sent to us.
Your journey so far
Saved on your phone only. You'll also find these, and your appointment notes, in Notes at the bottom.
Short answers based on HSE and Citizens Information guidance, with links to each source. Checked September 2026.
It's the HSE scheme that gives free GP care during pregnancy and after the birth. You can use it if you live in Ireland or plan to live here for at least a year. On a first pregnancy you get a first GP visit (ideally before 12 weeks) plus 5 more visits shared between your GP and the hospital. Later pregnancies get 1 plus 6 visits. There are 2 free visits after the birth: baby at 2 weeks, and you and baby at 6 weeks.
Source: Citizens Information: maternity and infant care services
It's completely free, with no sign-up, no email and no account. Your due date, ticks and notes are saved only on your own phone, and are never sent to us. You can save a backup, add your key dates to your phone's calendar, and add the app to your home screen.
Yes. Tap Notes at the bottom of the screen. You can write down questions before an appointment, and after it note what was discussed, anything to follow up and the date of your next appointment. You can copy or share your notes to show your GP or midwife, or to send to yourself. Your notes stay on your phone only and are included in your backup.
Yes, through your phone's own calendar. Tap Add reminders to my calendar on the Today screen, or in Your dates and details. This saves a file called my-pregnancy-dates.ics to your phone: open it and tap Add All (iPhone) or choose your calendar app (Android). Your calendar then reminds you the day before each step, and you can add your next appointment from Notes too. Nothing is sent to us, and it works without a signal. To turn reminders off, delete the Maternity Journey events from your calendar. The app doesn't send push notifications, because that would mean storing information about you on a server.
Book an appointment with your GP once you know you're pregnant. You and your GP fill in the application form together and the GP sends it to the HSE. Your GP also sends a referral letter to your maternity hospital or unit.
Source: Citizens Information
On a first pregnancy, a first visit plus 5 more, shared between your GP and the hospital (6 GP-and-hospital visits in total). On later pregnancies, 1 plus 6. If you have a condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, up to 5 extra GP visits are covered. After the birth there are 2 more free visits.
Source: Citizens Information
Public maternity care is free if you live in Ireland or plan to live here for at least a year. That covers hospital care as a public patient and your GP visits under the scheme. Private care means paying consultant and hospital fees, and health insurance often doesn't cover the consultant's fee.
Source: HSE: care options
Public care is free and mostly led by midwives, with some visits at your GP. Private care means a named consultant obstetrician and often extra scans, and you pay consultant and hospital fees. Semi-private care is a mix, and it's only offered in the Dublin maternity hospitals. The milestones, vaccines, leave and supports are much the same whichever you choose.
Source: HSE: care options
Usually between 8 and 12 weeks (some Dublin hospitals see women at 12 to 14 weeks). It's your first and longest hospital visit, with your history, blood pressure, urine and bloods, and a dating scan. If you have no appointment letter by about week 11, phone the hospital.
Source: HSE: antenatal appointments
In public care, most women have 2 routine scans: a dating scan (usually before 15 weeks) and a fetal anatomy scan (usually at 18 to 22 weeks). Extra scans are only done for a medical reason. Private care often includes extra scans.
Source: HSE: ultrasound scans
Not routinely. The 36-week visit is a check-up: the midwife or doctor feels your bump to check which way baby is lying and talks through your birth wishes. A scan is only arranged if there's a medical reason, such as baby's growth, bleeding or changes in movement.
Source: HSE: ultrasound scans
Yes for the dating scan in early pregnancy: a full bladder lifts the womb so it can be seen. You usually don't need one for later scans. Follow the instructions on your appointment letter.
Source: HSE: dating scan
At your booking visit you'll be offered tests for anaemia, your blood group and rhesus factor, rubella immunity (and chickenpox immunity at some hospitals), and screening for syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Group B Strep isn't routinely tested for in Ireland, but if it's found you'll be offered antibiotics in labour.
Most women first feel movements between 16 and 24 weeks. There's no set number that's normal, so get to know your own baby's pattern. If movements slow down, stop or change, contact your maternity unit straight away; don't wait until the next day.
Source: HSE: your baby's movements
Under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, your GP sees you first, ideally before 12 weeks, then your visits alternate between your GP and the maternity hospital: 5 more check-ups shared between them on a first pregnancy, 6 on later ones. There's no single fixed timetable; your GP and hospital set it. Book your next appointment before you leave each visit. Hospital appointments show in the HSE Health App and are usually confirmed by letter.
Source: Citizens Information: Maternity & Infant Care Scheme · HSE: antenatal appointments
No. Whooping cough (weeks 16 to 36), flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy, not mandatory. The HSE recommends whooping cough and flu vaccines to protect you and your baby, and says COVID-19 vaccines are safe in pregnancy. It's your choice: talk to your GP, midwife or pharmacist.
Source: HSE: vaccines in pregnancy
Yes, from 28 weeks. The HSE says going to sleep on your side in the third trimester reduces the risk of stillbirth. Either side is fine, and if you wake on your back, just turn onto your side again.
The essentials: a rear-facing car seat, a pram that lies flat, a Moses basket or crib for your room then a cot, a new firm flat mattress that fits, sheets and cellular blankets or a low-tog sleeping bag, nappies, cotton wool, a changing mat, a baby bath, clothes, and a room thermometer and a digital thermometer. Leave out cot bumpers, pillows and sleep positioners, and never let baby sleep in a bouncer or on a nursing pillow.
Source: HSE: what a newborn baby needs
Your blood group is checked automatically in your booking bloods, so you don't need to arrange anything. If you're rhesus negative, many hospitals now take a blood sample at your booking visit (from 11 weeks) to check whether your baby is RhD positive or negative, using baby's DNA in your blood. If baby is RhD negative, you won't need routine anti-D. If baby is RhD positive, or your hospital doesn't do this test, you'll be offered anti-D at about 28 weeks and after the birth. Contact your maternity unit about any bleeding or bump to your tummy.
Source: HSE: blood tests in pregnancy
Some hospitals test everyone and others only test women at higher risk. It's done between 24 and 28 weeks, takes about 2 hours, and you fast the night before. Ask your midwife if you need one.
Source: HSE: blood tests in pregnancy
Between weeks 16 and 36, and it's free. Get it from a GP taking part in the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, and it protects your baby in the first weeks of life.
Source: HSE: vaccines in pregnancy
Yes. The flu vaccine and appointment are free for pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy, from your GP or pharmacy.
Source: HSE: vaccines in pregnancy
The HSE lists: soft-serve ice cream (such as a 99), unpasteurised milk and cheese, mould-ripened and blue cheeses, raw or undercooked eggs including homemade mayonnaise, raw or undercooked meat, cold cured meats, liver and liver pâté, raw or smoked fish including sushi, shark, swordfish and marlin, and some shellfish. Limit tuna and caffeine (200mg a day). There is no safe amount of alcohol.
Source: HSE: foods to avoid in pregnancy
The HSE says paracetamol is safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding at recommended doses. Take the lowest dose that works for the shortest time. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are not normally recommended in pregnancy unless a doctor prescribes them. Check cold remedies with your pharmacist.
Source: HSE: paracetamol · HSE: NSAIDs
Folic acid (400 micrograms a day, at least until 12 weeks) and vitamin D (15 micrograms a day for the whole pregnancy). Iron only if your bloods show you need it. Your GP may advise a higher dose of folic acid for some conditions.
No. The HSE says you need about 250 extra calories a day in the second trimester and up to 500 in the third trimester.
Source: HSE: healthy eating in pregnancy
The HSE suggests 30 minutes, 5 times a week, at a level that feels comfortable. If you're new to exercise, start with 15 minutes, 3 times a week. After 12 weeks, avoid long periods lying flat on your back while exercising, and avoid activities where you could fall. Check with your GP or midwife first if you have a medical condition.
Source: HSE: safe exercise in pregnancy
It depends on your hospital. The HSE says to book as early as possible after your booking visit. The Coombe opens bookings at 18 weeks, while Cork University Maternity Hospital asks you not to book until 28 weeks. Classes usually run between 26 and 32 weeks.
Source: HSE: antenatal classes
Public classes aim to reach every mum, but places can be limited. Private, paid antenatal classes run in many communities; the HSE suggests checking that the teacher is a qualified parent educator, and Cuidiú runs courses around the country. If this isn't your first baby, ask your hospital about a refresher class: for example, the Coombe and the National Maternity Hospital run them.
Source: HSE: antenatal classes · Cuidiú
HSE antenatal classes are usually free. Depending on your hospital, they're in person, online or both. The main antenatal course and the breastfeeding class are separate classes and are booked separately.
Source: HSE: antenatal classes
The HSE's list includes your pregnancy records, nightwear, maternity pads, nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed, toiletries, snacks, a phone charger, and for baby: vests, babygrows, a hat, newborn nappies and a car seat to go home.
Source: HSE: hospital bag
Ring your midwife or maternity unit when contractions are regular, last at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes. Go in straight away if baby's movements change, you have any bleeding, or your waters break or you have signs of labour before 37 weeks. If your waters break after 37 weeks, ring your midwife or maternity unit first.
Source: HSE: timing your contractions · HSE: maternity emergencies
26 weeks of maternity leave, plus up to 16 weeks of unpaid additional leave. At least 2 weeks must be taken before your due date and at least 4 weeks after the birth. Give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice.
The standard rate is €299 a week in 2026, rising to €309 from January 2027, for 26 weeks, if you have enough PRSI contributions. Rates usually change each January. Apply on MyWelfare.ie at least 6 weeks before your leave starts, or 12 weeks before if you're self-employed.
2 weeks, taken together, any time in the 26 weeks after the birth. Paternity Benefit is €299 a week in 2026 (€309 from January 2027) if the PRSI conditions are met. Give 4 weeks' written notice and apply 4 weeks before the leave (12 weeks if self-employed).
Source: Citizens Information: paternity leave · Citizens Information: Paternity Benefit
Parent's leave is paid: 9 weeks for each parent in the child's first 2 years, with Parent's Benefit of €299 a week in 2026 (€309 from January 2027). Parental leave is unpaid: up to 26 weeks for each parent, any time before the child turns 12 (or 16 if your child has a disability or long-term illness), if you've worked for your employer for a year.
Source: Citizens Information: parent's leave · Citizens Information: parental leave
Yes. Pregnant employees can take paid time off, including travel time, for antenatal and postnatal medical visits up to 14 weeks after the birth. You can also attend one set of antenatal classes in paid work time (except the last 3 classes), and a father or partner can take paid time off once to attend the last 2. Give your employer at least 2 weeks' written notice of each class.
Yes. If you gave birth in the last 2 years, you can take 1 hour a day, with pay, as breastfeeding breaks. Tell your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before you return.
Within 3 months. If you register in time, your baby's PPS number and Child Benefit forms are sent to you automatically. Registering is free; a full birth certificate costs €20.
A newborn exam and hearing screen within 72 hours, a public health nurse home visit in the first days, the heel prick test in the first week, a GP check for baby at 2 weeks, and a check for you and baby at 6 weeks. The public health nurse does a development check at 3 months.
Source: HSE: baby checks 0 to 6 months
Your GP (or hospital) checks how you're recovering: your wound or stitches, blood pressure and weight, bladder and bowel control, your mood, contraception and when your next cervical check is due. Baby is usually checked in the same appointment.
Source: HSE: postnatal check-up
Postnatal hubs are free community clinics for mothers and babies in the first 6 weeks, offering checks, feeding support, physiotherapy and mental health support. They're linked to maternity services in Cork, Kerry, Carlow-Kilkenny, Galway, Sligo, the three Dublin maternity hospitals and Drogheda, with Waterford, Limerick, Cavan and Letterkenny planned.
Source: Irish Examiner: postnatal hubs
Your maternity hospital. You're still under its care until 6 weeks after the birth, so for things like fresh or heavier bleeding, signs of infection, a temperature or anything that worries you, ring your maternity unit or go to its own maternity emergency and assessment unit (not the hospital's main emergency department), rather than waiting for a GP appointment. After 6 weeks, your GP is your first call. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
Not back to the maternity hospital. Once baby has been discharged, whether after a day, a few days or a stay in the neonatal unit, ring your GP or GP out-of-hours. In an emergency, go to the emergency department that sees children near you (for example CUH in Cork, or a Children's Health Ireland hospital in Dublin), or call 112 or 999.
Many midwives and public health nurses now advise resting your pelvic floor for the first 6 weeks after birth, whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean, and starting pelvic floor exercises from 6 weeks. The HSE's exercise pages suggest starting gently when you feel ready (waiting until 6 weeks after a forceps or vacuum birth), so follow the advice of your own midwife or physiotherapist. For leaking, pain during sex or prolapse, your GP or public health nurse can refer you to a women's health physiotherapist; time limits vary between hospitals.
Source: HSE: exercise after pregnancy
Check the HSE CervicalCheck register online with your PPS number and date of birth: it shows when your next screening test is due. If you've had a baby, wait until at least 12 weeks after the birth before having your test. Freephone 1800 45 45 55.
Source: HSE CervicalCheck: check the register · HSE: booking your cervical screening
Birth reflections is a free service at many maternity hospitals, where a midwife goes through your notes and your birth with you. You refer yourself. Most mums find it best to wait until after 6 weeks, when the early days have settled. There's no deadline.
Source: HSE: birth reflections at CUMH
They're free. A printed My Pregnancy book is often given at the hospital booking visit, and My Child: 0 to 2 Years by the public health nurse after the birth, but printed copies aren't always available. You can read them all free online.
Yes. Baby Food Made Easy is a free, live 90-minute online session (Zoom or Webex) led by CORU-registered senior HSE community dietitians. It covers introducing solid foods, weaning stages and textures, and managing allergies. It runs monthly and is open to parents anywhere in Ireland. Your public health nurse will also go through weaning with you at baby's 3-month check, and may give you a QR code to sign up.
Source: Eventbrite: Baby Food Made Easy · HSE: when to start weaning
Yes, it's free. Babies born between September and February are offered RSV immunisation in the maternity hospital soon after birth (for this season, 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027). Babies born between March and August are offered it at their GP practice as early as possible in the RSV season, so discuss it at baby's 2-week check.
Source: HSE: RSV immunisation
Yes. New in 2026, there is a midwife-led postnatal appointment specifically for mums, between 3 and 6 weeks after the birth, separate from your GP's 6-week check for you and baby. It's run through postnatal hubs, which are still being set up around the country, so places can be limited. Ask your maternity unit where your nearest hub is, ideally before baby arrives, and book as early as you can.
Source: HSE: National Clinical Guideline, Postnatal Midwifery Care · HSE: midwife-led postnatal appointments
Every child under 8 can get a GP visit card, covering free GP visits, out-of-hours urgent GP care, asthma care and assessments at ages 2 and 5. Apply online through the HSE's Free GP Care portal with your PPS number and your GP's name. If your baby is under 4 months, you can apply before their PPS number arrives.
Source: HSE: under 8s GP visit card
The HSE says it doesn't matter which brand of first infant formula you buy or what it costs: they all meet the same standards. It doesn't recommend follow-on formula. Talk to your public health nurse or GP before changing formula.
Source: HSE: types of formula
Yes, in many areas. Public health nurses run free breastfeeding support groups in many health centres and primary care centres, and many meet weekly with no booking needed. Cork and Kerry alone have more than 27. Times and days vary, so use the HSE breastfeeding support finder or ask your public health nurse. Many groups welcome pregnant women. If you're combination or formula feeding, ask your public health nurse whether your local group is open to you; your PHN, midwife and GP support every way of feeding.
Source: HSE: find breastfeeding support · HSE: Cork and Kerry groups
The HSE advises starting solid food at around 6 months, for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, and never before 17 weeks. Signs baby is ready: sitting up and holding their head steady, picking up food and putting it in their mouth, and swallowing it. Introduce allergens like egg, dairy and peanut early, and never give honey, salt or sugar before 12 months.
Your public health nurse, your hospital, HSE breastfeeding support groups, the HSE 'Ask our breastfeeding expert' live chat (weekdays 10am to 3pm), and voluntary groups: Cuidiú, La Leche League of Ireland and Friends of Breastfeeding.
Source: HSE: ask our breastfeeding expert · Citizens Information: breastfeeding
Go straight away if baby's normal movements have changed, you have any bleeding from your vagina, or your waters break or you have signs of labour before 37 weeks. Also contact your maternity unit urgently for severe tummy pain, a severe headache with blurred vision or swelling, or if you're very distressed. If a life is at risk, call 112 or 999.
Source: HSE: maternity emergencies · HSE: warning signs in pregnancy
No. It's an independent guide that brings together information published by the HSE and Citizens Information, with links to every source. It isn't an HSE service and doesn't replace your GP, midwife, obstetrician or public health nurse. If in doubt, ring them.
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Not medical advice. Maternity Journey Ireland is a free, independent guide to the services, appointments and entitlements available in Ireland. It is general information and does not replace your GP, midwife, obstetrician, public health nurse or maternity hospital. Always follow their advice for your own care and your baby's. If your pregnancy is high-risk, your care team's plan comes first.
It's written in plain language from HSE, Citizens Information and maternity hospital sources, with a link to the source on every card. Information was checked in October 2026. You are using version 31. Services change and hospitals do things differently, so if anything here differs from what your care team tells you, follow them. We can't guarantee the information is complete or up to date. Maternity Journey Ireland is not part of, or endorsed by, the HSE, Citizens Information or any hospital.
In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
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Your ticks and details are saved privately for you.
Public, private or semi-private, this is for you. The milestones, vaccines, entitlements, leave and supports are much the same whichever care you choose. Where your consultant or hospital gives you different dates, go with theirs.
Your due date is optional, and you can change it any time. Your dating scan may adjust it, and every date in the app moves with it. It stays on your phone and is never sent to us.
Reminders go into your phone's own calendar, which reminds you the day before each one. Nothing is sent to us. To turn them off, delete the "Maternity Journey" events from your calendar.
Your ticks live only on this phone. Save a backup before you change phone or clear your browser, or to open your checklist on another device.
If things have changed, or you need a break from reminders.