Finding out you’re pregnant for the first time is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re the first in your friend group, trying to keep it under wraps for now, or just quietly freaking out—we’ve got you. If you’re not sure who to ask or where to start, here’s a simple guide to your first steps.

 

Step 1: Double (and triple) check

If you’re anything like me, you probably took a few pregnancy tests just to make sure that faint line was actually real—and that you weren’t imagining things! For extra reassurance, you can book an appointment with your GP, who’ll do another test to confirm the pregnancy.

 

Step 2: Head to the pharmacy

It’s time to pick up some prenatal vitamins. There are lots of trusted brands out there—Pregnacare (my go-to), Proceive, and more. Don’t stress too much about which one; the important thing is that you’re taking folic acid and other key nutrients early on.

Step 3: Choosing Your Hospital

Once you’re fairly sure you’re pregnant, it’s time to decide which hospital suits you best. Here are a few things to consider:

• Distance from your home – Think about when you’re going into labour. Being close by can make a huge difference.

• Is there a particular consultant you’d like to attend? Some consultants only work out of certain hospitals, so it’s worth doing a little research.

• Is semi-private care available? Not every hospital offers the same setup, so check whether this option is available and suits your needs.

Step 4: Picking Your Maternity Care Option

In Ireland, you’ve got three main options for maternity care: public, semi-private, and private. Each one gives you a different level of care—and a different bill at the end. Here’s the top-line breakdown:

Public Care

Free of charge. You’ll be looked after by a team of midwives and doctors, attend public clinics, and stay in shared wards after the birth. Reliable and accessible.

Our friend Nicola will tell us more about her Domino Scheme experience in a separate blog post!

Semi-Private Care

You’ll be under the care of a consultant (though not always the same one at each visit). After birth, you’ll usually stay in a room with one or two other mums. Expect to pay around €1,200–€1,800, depending on the hospital. Health insurance might cover some or all of this—worth checking your policy.

Private Care

You choose your consultant and see them at every visit. After delivery, you’ll usually stay in a private room (though it’s not always guaranteed). This option is more expensive, ranging from €3,000–€5,000, plus additional hospital charges. Again, insurance may cover some of the costs.

If you’re considering semi-private or private care, it’s a good idea to email the consultant’s secretary to get a breakdown of fees. Most hospitals have this info on their websites too.

 

Step 5: Contacting a Consultant (if going private/semi-private)

If you decide to go the private or semi-private route, you can reach out to your chosen consultant directly (or usually via their secretary). When you email them, include the following:

• The first day of your last period

• The length of your cycle (especially if it varies from the typical 28 days)

• Your health insurance provider and policy number

 

Depending on your consultant, they may bring you in for an early scan around 6–8 weeks, or wait until the 12-week mark.

 

Step 6: Still Feeling Unsure?

If you’re undecided or just taking it all in—that’s completely normal. Booking a GP appointment, starting on prenatal vitamins, and exploring your hospital options are great first steps. You don’t need to have everything figured out in week one.

Holles Street has a clear list of fees and charges here:

Holles Street Hospital Fees

(Other hospitals like the Rotunda and the Coombe have similar pages worth checking too.)

 

Mini Checklist: First Steps After a Positive Pregnancy Test

Here’s a quick summary to keep you on track:

• Take a couple of pregnancy tests to confirm

• Book a GP appointment to officially confirm

• Start taking prenatal vitamins (look for folic acid)

• Research local maternity hospitals

• Decide if you want public, semi-private, or private care

• Check your health insurance cover (if applicable)

• If going private/semi-private, email your chosen consultant

• Jot down your last period date & cycle length

• Start jotting down questions or thoughts for your first scan