The combined ante-natal care scheme provides care during pregnancy between your GP and an obstetrician. This is available free of charge to all women with a valid PPS number. You can avail of this by completing an application form with the doctor. Ideally you should attend for initial examination early in pregnancy. Thereafter, your visits alternate between the surgery and the ante-natal clinic.

• The scheme also provides for post natal checks a 2 weeks and 6 weeks after the birth of your baby.