Specialist antenatal care is used when there is a need for extended medical assessment during pregnancy. It may be relevant when the pregnant person has medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia or illnesses affecting the heart, kidneys or thyroid. It may also concern fetal-related conditions, such as growth restriction, amniotic fluid deviation, placenta position or blood flow assessment. Specialist care does not replace routine midwife visits but complements them, and is usually provided at hospital-based clinics.

During the visit, the medical record and earlier findings are reviewed, and a doctor or specialist midwife makes a targeted assessment based on the clinical question. Examinations may include ultrasound, CTG, blood pressure measurement, laboratory tests or follow-up of previous results. If necessary, more frequent appointments or further investigations are planned. The assessment is documented and forms part of the continued pregnancy care.

Specialist care is not used for general pregnancy follow-up but for specific medical indications. It may be relevant for a limited period or throughout the pregnancy.

Alma’s tips 🌿

• A helpful tip can be to ask what clinical question the referral is meant to address.

• You can note which examinations were performed, if you want to follow developments over time.

• You can ask whether specialist care will replace or run alongside regular midwife visits.

• If closer follow-up is planned, you can ask how the follow-up schedule will be documented.