What is an antenatal care package done with?

A package may bring together appointments with a maternity professional, blood pressure and urine checks, blood tests, assessment of symptoms, and ultrasound appointments when indicated. The team also reviews your medical history, previous pregnancies, medicines, mental wellbeing and practical questions about birth and newborn care.

Supplements can include folic acid, iron, vitamin D or another product when clinically appropriate. Low-dose aspirin may be advised for some people with particular pre-eclampsia risk factors. Magnesium sulphate is a hospital treatment used in specific situations and is not a routine supplement for every pregnancy.

Bring a list of medicines, allergies, long-term conditions and questions to each visit. Take only the supplements or medicines recommended for you, and check before starting an over-the-counter product. Keep appointment results together so different members of your maternity team can see the same information.

Ask which checks are routine, which depend on your history, and what symptoms should prompt a call between appointments. The contents and timing of a package may change as pregnancy progresses.

Contact your maternity service promptly for vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, severe headache, vision changes, severe upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, fever with feeling unwell, or reduced fetal movement after you have been given movement guidance. Seek emergency help for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding.

Which appointments and tests are included? Which supplements apply to me, and why? Do I need advice about aspirin or another medicine? Who should I contact outside scheduled visits?