We monitor the health of the pregnant parent and the foetus during periodic check-ups at the maternity clinic. At the same time, we will also review the well-being of your whole family.
At each check-up, we will provide you and your partner with information on the progress of your pregnancy, advice on health and safety during pregnancy and support to meet your family's individual needs.
During appointments, we will discuss the life situation, wellbeing and resources of you and your family members. We will answer any questions that you may have on your mind.
Examinations at the maternity clinic
We will carry out the examinations needed to monitor your pregnancy during the periodic health check-ups at the maternity clinic.
During your first visit, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for future visits to the maternity clinic.
At each check-up, we will check the pregnant person's blood pressure, weight and any presence of sugar and protein in the urine. When possible, you can carry out these tests yourself at the clinic before your visit.
As the pregnancy progresses, we will also monitor the pregnant person’s blood haemoglobin levels.
We will listen to your baby's heartbeat from the second maternity clinic visit onwards. We will monitor the growth of the uterus and the baby as well as the baby's position and movements.
During the medical examination, we will review any underlying medical conditions and medications the pregnant person may have, in particular, as well as other factors that may affect the course of the pregnancy or the birth.
These examinations aim to identify possible risk factors and disorders occurring in pregnancy. If necessary, we will arrange additional visits and referrals to specialist care.
Public health nurse appointments during pregnancy
You can book an appointment to a maternity and child health clinic as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test result. During the first visit, you will discuss your health and matters related to the pregnancy with a nurse.
Extensive health examination, including a medical examination.
We will discuss topics related to the health of the baby and the well-being of the family based on the preliminary information and a resource form. You can fill in the necessary forms in Maisa or on site at the clinic.
We will direct you to book an appointment for family coaching and a physiotherapy group.
We will examine the health of you and the foetus, as well as the well-being of the whole family.
We will direct you to a glucose tolerance test performed between weeks 24 and 26 of pregnancy. We will measure your haemoglobin level.
After a health examination at a maternity and child health clinic before the end of the 18th week of pregnancy, you get a certificate of pregnancy. You need the certificate to apply for maternity grant from Kela. We will create a certificate of pregnancy in the Apotti system and, with your permission, forward it to Kela.
If you are not married to the father of the child at the time of the birth or if the child is born from fertility treatment to a female couple, we will ask about your willingness to acknowledge paternity or maternity. Acknowledgement is possible during pregnancy weeks 30–32, provided that both parents are present at the clinic.
We will discuss your life situation, mood and any concerns you may have.
This appointment is intended for first-time mothers.
Among other things, we will discuss breastfeeding, baby care and care supplies, as well as various services for families with children.
If necessary, we will provide you with Rho(D) immune globulin. Read more in Finnish (Health Village) (Link leads to external service)
At this appointment, we accept the acknowledgement of paternity or maternity. For confirmation, we need the identity documents of both parents. Read more in the Pregnancy weeks 22–24 section.
At 37–41 weeks of pregnancy, we will perform a health examination every two weeks unless otherwise agreed with you or the childbirth does not start earlier.
We will discuss your health and matters related to childbirth. We will measure your haemoglobin level.
When the pregnancy has lasted for about 10 days over the due date, you can book an appointment at the maternity outpatient clinic or for an overdue check-up.
Doctor’s appointments during pregnancy
We will discuss with you how the early stage of the pregnancy has progressed and whether you have chronic illnesses or medications that may affect the course of the pregnancy.
We will look into matters related to childbirth.
The doctor may perform a gynaecological examination if you have had contractions, for example.
After childbirth and postpartum check-up
If you are a first-time mother, a public health nurse will visit you at home within a week of you being discharged from the maternity hospital. We meet with mothers with previous births at a maternity and child health clinic or, if necessary, at home.
We will discuss your health and that of the baby and the experiences related to pregnancy and childbirth. We will check uterine contraction and breast health to determine your physical recovery. We will remove any caesarean stitches or staples.
We will examine the baby. We will provide instructions for breastfeeding and baby care. You will receive guidance and advice appropriate for your family.
You will also get the first appointment to the child health clinic for the baby.
The postpartum check-up is 5–12 weeks after giving birth.
We will discuss the well-being of you and the family. We will examine your physical recovery from childbirth. We will also help you decide on a suitable contraceptive method for you.
Postpartum check-ups are carried out at the Ruoholahti Postpartum Assessment Unit by public health nurses and midwives specialised in postpartum care.
If you need a medical examination, the postpartum check-up is carried out at your maternity and child health clinic. The need for a medical examination is assessed by a public health nurse.
