Having your baby at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street

These answers come from the National Maternity Hospital's own pages and the HSE, checked on 2 November 2026.

Where is the National Maternity Hospital and how do I get there?

The National Maternity Hospital is on Holles Street, Dublin 2, D02 YH21, and the main number is 01 637 3100. There is no parking on the hospital grounds. There is paid street parking nearby, and clamping is enforced on the surrounding streets, so public transport is usually easier.

Dublin Bus routes include the 4, 7, 15A and 120. It is a short walk from Pearse station on the DART and about 10 minutes' walk from the St Stephen's Green Luas stop.

How do I book in to Holles Street?

You start your care by filling in the hospital's online booking form, Request Your Maternity Appointment, or through the Central Booking Office, and you can book as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, you need a referral from your GP. Public maternity care at the hospital has no fees.

Public care is also free nationally under the HSE Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, which your GP registers you for. You need your PPS number, and no medical card.

What care options does Holles Street offer?

Public care follows one of three pathways matched to your risk: Supported Care for normal risk, Assisted Care for medium risk and Specialised Care for high risk. In most pathways your antenatal visits are shared between your GP and a hospital midwife. Some women, such as those on Specialised Care, are asked to come before 12 weeks.

Midwife led options for normal risk pregnancies include the hospital's Midwifery Led Clinic, community satellite clinics, the Domino service (a hospital birth with early discharge home) and the Homebirth service. Semi private care, led by a consultant at the Fitzwilliam Maternity Clinic and shared with your GP, has fees: ring 01 637 3537.

Which scans will I have at Holles Street?

The hospital's ultrasound department offers early pregnancy, dating and later pregnancy scans and anomaly scans. Under the HSE schedule you are offered a dating scan at your booking visit and an anatomy scan at 20 to 22 weeks. The department is on Level 2, on scan@nmh.ie or 01 637 3217, weekdays 8am to 4pm.

Check in no more than 10 minutes before your scan. Children are not allowed, though a baby under one who has to stay with you can come if you contact the department first. Tell them in advance if you need an interpreter. Recording devices are not allowed.

Is there an early pregnancy service at Holles Street?

Yes. The early pregnancy scanning service is for women less than 12 weeks pregnant with problems such as bleeding or tummy pain. It is by appointment only, in the Ultrasound Department on Level 2, Monday to Friday from 8am to 1.30pm. Referrals come from GPs and from the hospital's emergency room.

What should I do if I am worried during my pregnancy?

The emergency room for pregnancy is open 24 hours a day, every day, on 01 637 3100. If you are not sure whether to come in, ring and a midwife will advise you. The hospital lists reasons to come in, including reduced baby movements, bleeding, tummy pain, a high temperature and severe vomiting.

For chest pain or tightness, go to your nearest general emergency department. If your waters break, come in so it can be checked. The emergency room does not see babies: for a baby, contact your GP or public health nurse, or go to the nearest children's hospital if it is urgent. In an emergency, ring 112 or 999.

Does Holles Street run antenatal classes?

Yes, in person and online. The First Time Parent class lasts about 3.5 hours on a weekday morning and is recommended from around 30 weeks; in person places are limited, so book about two months ahead. Book by emailing classes@nmh.ie or ringing 01 637 3499 with your hospital number and due date.

Online only classes include Wellbeing in Pregnancy, Hypnobirthing, Twins, Healthy Minds and a monthly evening Partners Class for partners. Partners are welcome at the classes. The eLearning Hub has modules you can do at your own pace, on keeping healthy, labour and birth, feeding and caring for yourself and your baby.

What are the visiting times at Holles Street?

On the postnatal wards, your nominated support partner can visit from 8am to 9pm every day with a green visiting card. Other adult visitors and your baby's brothers and sisters can come from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm, with no more than two adult visitors at a time. Parents can visit the neonatal unit at any time.

Lullagram's pregnancy section is free: week by week guidance from the HSE, your Irish dates such as when to apply for Maternity Benefit, and your maternity unit with its HSE pages. This is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried, contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit.