Maternity clinic

Schedule the first appointment at the maternity and child health clinic as soon as you have confirmed the pregnancy.

Pregnant women and families expecting a child are entitled to maternity clinic services.

The service is only for citizens of Helsinki.

At the maternity clinic, a public health nurse monitors the progress of the pregnancy, and the health of the baby and the mother after childbirth. Maternity clinics also offer support in becoming a parent. The pregnant woman's spouse or other support person is always welcome to attend the clinic with them.

During the maternity clinic visits, the nurse carries out the necessary examinations, monitors the foetal heartbeat and looks after the pregnant woman’s physical and mental wellbeing. If problems occur during pregnancy, the doctor or nurse will refer the pregnant woman for a follow up appointment at the maternity outpatient clinic at a local hospital. It is possible for a pregnant woman to have two ultrasound screening tests during the pregnancy.

The maternity clinic aims to identify as early as possible what level of support a pregnant woman and their family require. Pregnant women and their families will be offered other support they may need, for example, social or substance abuse services.

The maternity clinic also provides guidance in applying for parental benefits, and issues the certificates needed for these. If a child is to be born outside of marriage, the father of the child can recognise his paternity during the pregnancy at the maternity clinic.