What is the importance of antenatal care appointments?

Antenatal appointments: If you are expecting your first child, you are likely to have up to 10 appointments. If you have had a baby before, you should have around seven appointments. In certain circumstances, for example if you have or develop a medical condition, you may have more appointments.

Your appointments may take place at your home, in a Children’s Centre, in your GP’s surgery or in hospital. You may be asked to go to hospital for your scans.

Your antenatal appointments should take place in a setting where you feel able to discuss sensitive problems that may affect you (such as domestic violence, mental illness).

Early in your pregnancy your midwife or doctor should give you information about how many appointments you are likely to have and when they will happen. You should have a chance to discuss the schedule with them. There is a table gives you a brief guide to what usually happens at each antenatal appointment.

If you cannot keep an antenatal appointment, please let the clinic or midwife know and make another appointment.

Importance of antenatal care appointments     

The aim is to check on you and your baby’s progress and to provide clear advices and explanations about your care. At each appointment you should have the chance to ask questions and discuss any concerns or issues with your midwife or doctor. Each appointment should have a specific purpose. You will need longer appointments early in pregnancy to allow plenty of time for your midwife or doctor to assess you, discuss your care and give you advices. Wherever possible, the appointments should include any routine tests.