Having your baby at the Rotunda Hospital

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

Where is the Rotunda and how do I contact it?

The Rotunda Hospital is on Parnell Square, Dublin 1, D01 P5W9, with the main entrance on Parnell Square West, just north of O'Connell Street. The main number is 01 817 1700, which the hospital also gives for emergencies. Ring outpatients on 01 873 0596 for appointments, Monday to Friday during normal working hours.

Other numbers on the Rotunda's contacts page: parent education classes 01 817 1787, ultrasound 01 817 1790, community midwives 01 817 6849.

How do I book in to the Rotunda?

The Rotunda asks you to contact it as soon as you know you are pregnant, by ringing outpatients on 01 873 0596. Maternity patients do not need a letter from their GP to book. If you have a condition such as diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy, a GP letter helps the hospital set how soon you are seen.

Most women are entitled to free maternity care as a public patient under the HSE Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, and no medical card is needed. If you are at low risk and live in Dublin 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 or 13, you can book directly with the Rotunda's community midwives on 01 817 6849, 8am to 4pm on weekdays.

When is the booking visit at the Rotunda and what should I bring?

The Rotunda aims to see you for your booking visit between 12 and 14 weeks, but there is a waiting list. Allow 2 to 3 hours and arrive about 15 minutes early. Bring your PPS number, your medical card or health insurance details, any GP letter and the medicines you take. You do not need to fast.

At the visit you are asked about your health history, and you have your blood pressure checked, a urine sample, blood tests with your consent and a dating scan, so come with a full bladder. Blood results are not given over the phone. One named companion can come with you.

Which scans will I have at the Rotunda?

You are offered a dating scan at your booking visit, and every woman attending the Rotunda is offered a detailed anatomy scan at about 20 to 22 weeks. You need a full bladder for any scan before 15 weeks. One named companion can come to the booking visit and the 20 to 22 week scan.

Children are not allowed at scan appointments, and recording devices are not allowed.

What care options does the Rotunda offer?

Public care follows one of three pathways: supported care for normal risk, led by midwives with your GP, assisted care for medium risk, and specialised care for high risk. You can move between them if a risk appears. Most women with no major health problems share antenatal care between the hospital and their GP.

With shared care, the Rotunda says you usually see your GP at around 20 weeks and return to the hospital at around 28 weeks, with visits weekly near your due date. Semi private and private care are also offered, with fees.

Does the Rotunda run antenatal classes?

Yes. The Rotunda runs six antenatal classes taught by specialist midwives. You are offered the introductory class at your booking visit, and you start the other five about ten weeks before your baby is due. Class 1 is for mums to be, and partners are encouraged to come to classes 2 to 6.

Ring parent education on 01 817 1787 with questions. There are also refresher classes if you already have a child, and an online nutrition class with the Rotunda dietitians on Wednesday mornings, booked on 01 873 0596 once you are registered.

Who can use the Rotunda Early Pregnancy Unit?

You must be over six weeks pregnant to be seen in the Early Pregnancy Unit. Your GP or the hospital's emergency and assessment unit can refer you, or you can refer yourself by phoning the unit on 01 817 6846. Clinics are by appointment, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 11.30am, and you come with a full bladder.

After two previous miscarriages the unit aims to see you at 8 weeks, and after a previous ectopic or molar pregnancy at 7 weeks.

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

If your baby's movements are reduced or have changed, contact the Rotunda straight away on 01 817 1700, and you will be asked to come to the assessment and emergency unit. The same unit sees you after a fall or knock to your bump. Early on, the hospital says to attend the emergency room if you cannot keep fluids down.

In labour, the Rotunda says to come in when contractions are regular, about 5 minutes apart and lasting 45 to 50 seconds, or sooner if you have had fast labours before or need pain relief. In an emergency, ring 112 or 999.

What are the visiting times and parking at the Rotunda?

Your nominated support person can visit the wards from 8am to 8pm, and no more than 2 people can be at the bedside at once. One named support person can stay with you in labour. On site parking is open only in the evenings and at weekends, costs 8 euro a visit and takes coins only.

The car park hours are Monday to Friday 4.30pm to 11pm, and 9am to 11pm at weekends and on bank holidays. Nearby multi storey car parks include the Ilac Centre, Parnell Street and Marlborough Street. Some Rotunda pages still carry older COVID notes, so ring ahead if you are unsure.

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.