01 Positive test
You receive a positive pregnancy test and self-refer to Early Pregnancy Pathway. No GP referral needed.
Pathway 01 · Weeks 4–12
Early Pregnancy Pathway — book your appointment
Structured early pregnancy care before maternity begins. Support, clarity and early monitoring from the moment you see a positive test.
How it works
The pathway, step by step
02 Onboarding consultation
An online consultation with Roisín. We discuss your journey to date, health, current medications, supplements, and how to optimise your pregnancy health from the start. Digital early pregnancy guide (evidence-based, first trimester) provided at this point.
03 Blood results and monitoring
We advise on what bloods you need and why, and guide you to nationwide testing services — with same-day turnaround at some facilities.
04 Doctor review
Once results are back, Dr Anthony reviews the results, creates a plan, and prescribes if needed. Some women only need 3-weekly blood tests and support; others need additional ongoing care.
05 Ongoing support
Specialist nurse and doctor support throughout the first trimester.
06 Early scan
Referral to premium early pregnancy sonography services at week 7.
07 12-week review & handover
We discuss the end of care and plan around any support medications initiated. You receive a written summary of your care for your maternity services — for a seamless transition.
Section 03
Who this is for
Early Pregnancy Pathway was built around the realities of the first trimester.
Who provides your care
Specialist care, clinically governed
Care provided by Fertility Nurse Specialist Roisín Baggott and Dr Anthony Rafferty.
FAQs
Early pregnancy questions
I've just had a positive pregnancy test. What should I do first?
Contact your GP within the first week to confirm the pregnancy and discuss your maternity care options. If you want structured clinical support during weeks 4–12 before routine maternity care begins, Early Pregnancy Pathway is available — no referral needed.
When will I get my first scan in Ireland?
Most people have their first scan between 10–12 weeks. If you've had IVF, a previous loss, or are experiencing symptoms, an earlier scan may be recommended. Early Pregnancy Pathway includes an ultrasound referral at week 7.
Is there a gap in early pregnancy care in Ireland?
Yes. Routine maternity care typically begins around 12 weeks. For many people, weeks 4–12 involve very little structured clinical contact — regardless of whether their pregnancy is considered high risk. Early Pregnancy Pathway was built to fill that gap.
Is spotting in early pregnancy normal?
Spotting can occur in early pregnancy and does not always indicate a problem — however, it always warrants clinical attention. Contact your GP or early pregnancy unit if you experience spotting. If you have heavy bleeding or significant pain, attend your nearest emergency department or maternity unit immediately. Early Pregnancy Pathway is not an emergency service.
Do I need a referral to access Early Pregnancy Pathway?
No. You can self-refer directly. We work alongside your GP, fertility clinic, and maternity services throughout.
Is this service only for people who have had fertility treatment?
No. Early Pregnancy Pathway is open to anyone in early pregnancy (weeks 4–12) who wants structured, clinician-led support before routine maternity care begins — regardless of how they conceived.
I've had a previous miscarriage. Can I still access this service?
Yes — and you're exactly who this service was designed for. Previous loss creates a level of anxiety in early pregnancy that routine services are not always equipped to support. Early Pregnancy Pathway provides structured oversight with that context in mind.
I had IVF abroad — who monitors my early pregnancy when I return to Ireland?
Your overseas clinic will direct your protocol, but local monitoring — blood tests and scans — needs to happen in Ireland. Knowing where to go, when to go, and how to interpret results is where many people get stuck. Early Pregnancy Pathway supports patients returning from overseas treatment throughout weeks 4–12.
What are HCG levels and why do they matter?
HCG is the hormone detected in a pregnancy test. In early pregnancy it typically doubles every 48–72 hours. A single result tells you very little — it is the pattern over time that matters. If your clinic has requested HCG monitoring, we can help you understand your results and what they mean for next steps.
How does Early Pregnancy Pathway work alongside my overseas clinic?
Our services complement your clinic's protocol; we do not communicate directly with them on your behalf. We support you in understanding what has been requested, guide you to the right services in Ireland, review your results clinically, and advise on next steps — so you can communicate confidently with your treating clinic.