Antenatal care helps make sure both mother and baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy.
Midwifery-Led care
Midwife‑led care is suitable for women who have a low‑risk pregnancy. Your care will mainly be provided by a midwife. You will usually attend a Maternity Unit or Maternity Hub at around 12 weeks of pregnancy for your first appointment. This will include your booking visit, an early scan to check the baby’s development and due date, blood tests, and advice on staying healthy during pregnancy.
You will then have regular antenatal appointments as your pregnancy continues.
During labour and birth, you will be cared for by a midwife, but obstetricians will be available if needed.
Consultant-Led care
Consultant‑led care is for women who may need extra support during pregnancy. This may be because of problems in a previous pregnancy, an existing medical condition, or if complications develop during the current pregnancy.
You will usually have more appointments at the hospital, where you will be cared for by a specialist doctor. Your midwife and GP will still be involved in your care and will support you throughout your pregnancy.
During labour and birth, you will be cared for by a team of hospital midwives and doctors (obstetricians).
Shared Care (Consultant and midwife)
This type of care is carried out in the hospital at the consultant’s clinic and also by community midwives, either in your GP surgery or midwifery hub.
You may be offered this type of care if you have an existing medical condition or if you have had problems in a previous pregnancy.
During your labour and birth, you will be cared for by a midwife, and obstetricians will be available if needed.
At around 12 weeks of pregnancy, you will attend the maternity unit for your first appointment. This will include your maternity booking, an early scan to check your baby and confirm your due date, blood tests, and advice on staying healthy.
You will then continue to have regular appointments as your pregnancy progresses. A more detailed scan will usually be arranged at around 20 weeks.
Antenatal checks
Urine check
Your urine will be tested at your appointments. This helps to check for things like protein (also called albumin).
If protein is found, it may mean you have an infection that needs treatment.
It can also be a sign of pre‑eclampsia (a condition linked to high blood pressure).
Baby’s development and movements
From around 26 weeks of pregnancy, your midwife or doctor should check your baby’s growth.
- If you have midwifery-led care, the midwife will measure the distance from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone.
- If you have consultant-led care, your baby’s growth may be checked using ultrasound scans.
These measurements will be recorded on a growth chart in your electronic record, to track your baby’s progress.
Monitoring your baby’s movements is an important way to keep track of your baby’s wellbeing during pregnancy. Every baby has their own pattern of movements, and getting to know what is normal for your baby can help you recognise any changes.
Movements such as kicks, rolls, stretches and turns are a sign that your baby is active. If you notice a reduction in your baby’s movements, or a change in their usual pattern, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day.
In most cases, an assessment will provide reassurance. However, prompt assessment can sometimes identify concerns early and help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Watch our short video to learn how we monitor your baby’s movements during pregnancy.
Blood pressure
- A rise in blood pressure later in pregnancy could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
- It is very common for blood pressure to be lower in the middle of pregnancy. This is not usually a problem but may make you feel lightheaded if you stand up quickly.
If you have any concerns, speak to your midwife.
Useful resources
You can find more information about antenatal care in the Public Health Agency Pregnancy Book.