The maternity clinics serve families during pregnancy, birth and the time shortly after the birth.
The mother remains registered with the maternity clinic for three months after childbirth. Usually after the age of two weeks, the follow-up of the health of the newborn baby moves to the child welfare clinic.
Expecting mothers should contact a maternity clinic on the 7th–9th week of pregnancy. They go to see a public health nurse at the maternity clinic for the first time on the 9th–11th week of pregnancy, and the medical check-up takes place on the 12th–13th week of pregnancy.
The maternity clinic services are free of charge.
At the maternity clinic, the health hazards for the mother and the baby are prevented and treated. Also, the adoption of healthy lifestyles is promoted and the good relations within the family strengthened.
The maternity clinic informs the future parents of the services provided by society (maternity grant and allowance, child welfare officers, domestic help etc.).