Frequently Asked Questions

A referral is not required and your place of residence does not matter.

A consultation fee for patients with health insurance is €20. For uninsured patients, the fee is €85 plus the cost of any examinations carried out during the visit.

Appointments last 20 minutes. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

An on-call doctor at the Women’s Health Clinic sees emergency patients on the same day on weekdays from 8am to 4pm. At other times, please contact the maternity hospital reception.

No. At the Women's Health Clinic, midwives can provide advice on contraception and issue repeat prescriptions for contraceptive pills.

Yes, it can.

Yes. You can book an appointment with a midwife for advice.

Vaccinations are carried out in Room B104 after payment at the reception desk.

Yes. If you only require testing, you can book an appointment with a midwife.

1–2 times a year, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.

Reception is open from 7.30am to 7pm. On arrival, please take a queue number. You will then be called to the reception desk, where you will be given information about the room for your appointment.

Blood tests are carried out in Room B104, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 3pm. Patients are seen in order of arrival through a numbered queueing system.

Urine samples can be provided in Room B116 from 7.30am to 2pm.

Please bring your referral and, if required, a barcode label.

No. You may eat, drink and take your usual medications, as well as any medicines recommended by your gynaecologist.

Please refer to the Colposcopy Advice Sheet.

Please call 666 5834 to cancel your appointment and contact your doctor to arrange a new one.

• Identity document (pass/ID card/driver's license)
• Referral letter (if available in paper form)
• Any test results you may have
• Medications you take regularly
• Indoor footwear
• Personal toiletries
• Personal clothing, if desired

See instructions for patients coming for surgery HERE.

Appointments last 20 minutes. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

An on-call doctor at the Women’s Health Clinic sees emergency patients on the same day on weekdays from 8am to 4pm. At other times, please contact the maternity hospital reception.

No.

There is a water dispenser in the ward, and if you are allowed to eat, meals will be arranged by the ward staff upon admission.

Lunch can be arranged if you arrive at the hospital before 9.45am.

Dinner can be arranged if you arrive before 12.45pm. If you arrive later, meals may not be available on the day of admission.

More detailed information about meal options can be obtained from the nurse on duty when you arrive on the ward.

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Food you bring with you can be stored in the ward refrigerator. Please label all items with your name and ward. Expired or spoiled food must not be left in the refrigerator. Food must not be stored in patient rooms. When leaving the hospital, please ensure all personal items are removed from the refrigerator.

No. However, if you prefer to do so yourself, shaving should be done on the morning of the surgery before coming to the hospital.

For patients covered by health insurance from the Health Insurance Fund, operations are free of charge. However, if you do not have EV health insurance, the cost will be discussed in advance with the doctor referring you for surgery.

A daily inpatient fee of €5 applies. This can be paid on the day of discharge to the ward staff, either in cash, by card or by bank transfer.

The exact amount will be confirmed at discharge. If the fee is not paid at that time, it can be settled later, for example at a follow-up appointment. If payment is not made, the outstanding balance will remain recorded in the West Tallinn Central Hospital’s information system.

The duration varies depending on the procedure. Your doctor will provide more specific information.

The approximate time of your operation will be confirmed by your doctor on the morning of the procedure. The final schedule is set on the day and may change due to emergency gynaecological procedures or caesarean sections.

Patients with more complex medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, elderly patients, patients with oncological conditions, etc.) are usually prioritised. If you experience severe dry mouth, headache or any other unusual ailment while waiting for the operation, please inform the ward nurse.

Yes, you may wear your own clothes, provided they are clean and you have appropriate indoor footwear. However, you will need to wear a hospital gown during surgery. After the procedure, you may change back into your own clothes. Please also bring a change of underwear and, if needed, sanitary pads.

Yes, but the phone should not disturb other patients in the ward. When going for surgery or procedures, your phone must be turned off. Laptops may be used, and WI-FI is available in the hospital.

Please note that staff are not responsible for unattended belongings left in the ward. When going for surgery or a procedure, valuables should be handed in for safekeeping.

Shivering can be a side effect of anaesthesia. How quickly it settles varies from person to person. You will be kept warm with blankets or warming devices, and warm fluids may be given through a vein.

Yes, you can turn when you feel able and comfortable.

The vaginal pack is usually removed the morning after surgery.

The timing depends on the type of operation and will be decided by your doctor.

Usually, the doctor will discuss the operation with you the following morning.

Eating and drinking depend on the type of operation and your recovery. After surgery, you may be advised to moisten your mouth with a damp swab initially.

If you are in pain, please ask your nurse for pain relief. Pain is subjective, and only you can assess its severity.

On the day after surgery, pain relief may be given through a vein. Once you are able to eat and drink, this will usually be changed to tablets.

If your pregnancy is progressing normally (without excessive nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain or bleeding), your first appointment is usually recommended at around 7–8 weeks of pregnancy.

Severe abdominal pain or bleeding (such as menstruation) can be a warning sign. In this case, you should go to the maternity hospital admissions department immediately.

During pregnancy, many changes occur in the body, and sometimes it can be difficult to adapt to them. If you experience pain or discomfort in the abdomen, it is important to rest and take time to recover.

The course of pregnancy is different for every woman. Your midwife will guide and advise you on what to look out for and how to manage changes. Always tell your midwife or doctor about any symptoms or concerns.

An increase in white vaginal discharge during pregnancy is completely normal, as hormonal levels change. However, if the discharge is accompanied by tingling, itching, an unpleasant smell, discomfort when urinating, or when the discharge becomes thick and “cottage cheese-like” in appearance, it may indicate a vaginal infection. In this case, contact your doctor or midwife.

You may attend the ultrasound with an adult companion. The first ultrasound is often performed through the vagina, and this may also be required for screening such as an OSCAR test. Please do not bring children to the ultrasound appointment.

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless contractions of the uterus. They may begin in the sixth week of pregnancy but go unnoticed. They are more commonly felt after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some women do not feel Braxton Hicks contractions at all. As pregnancy progresses, they may become more frequent, but they should remain irregular and not painful.

In the weeks before your due date, contractions may become stronger and more frequent and can cause discomfort. These contractions help prepare the uterus and soften the cervix. Unlike true labour contractions, they do not become regular or progressively stronger.

Foetal movements are usually felt around 20 weeks of pregnancy, or slightly later (around 21–22 weeks) in a first pregnancy. Movements are an important sign of your baby’s wellbeing.

If a child suffers from a lack of oxygen, they move less, saving energy for vital functions. If you notice a significant decrease in your baby’s movements, please contact the maternity unit or attend for assessment so that your baby’s heartbeat can be checked.

Headaches can occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and adjustments in the circulatory system, particularly in the first and third trimesters. During pregnancy, about 10% of women experience headaches.

If you have a history of migraines, they may improve during pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, they may decrease or disappear, especially if the migraine was associated with the menstrual cycle. After you give birth, migraines may return. In some women, migraines may first appear during pregnancy. To relieve headaches during pregnancy, paracetamol can be taken, and it is important to stay well hydrated (around 1.5–2 litres of fluid per day).

Sauna use may be continued during pregnancy, depending on how you feel. The temperature should not be so high that it causes dizziness, palpitations or shortness of breath. Very hot saunas (such as traditional Finnish or Russian saunas at 80–100°C) are not recommended.

Steam rooms, spa environments and salt rooms are generally considered acceptable. Infrared saunas are not recommended, as they raise core body temperature.

Your decision should depend on your overall health and previous experience with sauna use.

Yes, hair dye can be used during pregnancy. Although it is said that everything you apply to your body and eat will reach the baby, there is no evidence that typical use of hair dye is harmful to the baby. As a general principle, moderation is recommended.

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, hair may respond differently to dye, and the final colour may vary from usual. Hair texture and growth may also change, so results may be less predictable.

You may have one support person with you during the induction of labour. This applies to planned inductions with a referral. This is a paid service, and meals are provided for the accompanying person.

Availability of a private family room is confirmed upon arrival at the maternity ward. Please note that advance booking of the room is not possible.

Uterine contractions

‍You may experience painless preparatory contractions for several days, or even up to a week, before labour begins. These contractions help prepare the uterus for childbirth.

As the contractions become more regular, try to stay active at home, change positions and take a shower. If the contractions begin at night and the intervals between them are still long, try to rest between contractions.

If contractions become regular, occur less than 10 minutes apart, and become strong and painful so that you can no longer manage at home, it's time to go to the maternity hospital.

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‍Vaginal bleeding

‍Light spotting (arising after intercourse or vaginal examination) can be monitored at home if the pregnancy is full term.

A mucus-like bloody discharge may occur before labour begins and does not require intervention.

If you experience heavy bleeding and/or prolonged, painful contractions that do not ease, you should immediately go to the maternity hospital (preferably by ambulance).

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‍Rupture of membranes (waters breaking)

‍If clear amniotic fluid is released and the baby’s movements have been normal, you can go to the maternity hospital without urgency. At the maternity hospital, a cardiotocographic examination of the foetus is carried out. If everything is normal, you may be able to return home and come back later (usually within 12 hours, or sooner if labour begins or your temperature rises).

After your waters break, labour may begin naturally within 24 hours. In some cases, labour may be induced after 2–6 hours.

If the fluid is green, brown, or blood-stained, you should go to the maternity hospital immediately.

If you are unsure whether your waters have broken, attend the maternity hospital for assessment.

Please bring: your pregnancy card, identity document, indoor shoes (including for the support person), underwear, comfortable clothing if you wish (we offer a nightgown and a bathrobe), socks, sanitary pads, hygiene items, a phone (with charger), and light snacks. Please also bring any regular medications. If you wish, you may also bring items such as a camera, music or reading material.

Baby care items are available at the hospital. Please bring clothes for your baby for discharge and, if needed, a car seat.

One adult support person from the same household may accompany you. This should be someone with whom you feel comfortable and safe.

The support person must be well (no symptoms such as cough, runny nose or fever) and should remain in the maternity ward for the duration of the stay.

Pain relief is discussed individually. The type of pain relief depends on your preferences, the baby’s condition and the progress of labour.

Various non-medical methods are available in the delivery room, and midwives will guide you throughout labour on breathing techniques, positions and the use of equipment (including the bath).

If the baby is well after birth, they will be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact for at least one hour. This often continues for around 2 hours while you remain in the delivery room. The first breastfeeding usually takes place during this time. Your baby will be weighed and measured before leaving the delivery room, in your presence.

You will be transferred to a postnatal (family) room approximately two hours after birth, or sooner if your condition allows. Please note that family rooms cannot be booked in advance.

Find more information about visiting times HERE.

Discharge usually takes place between 11am and 1pm, provided both mother and baby are well. Most families go home on the second or third day after birth.

For postnatal concerns, you can contact the midwife or doctor who provided your care. Seek medical advice if you experience fever, breast pain, heavy bleeding, lower abdominal pain, unpleasant discharge, or wound problems after a caesarean section.

For breastfeeding support, a lactation consultant is available. All patients receive a leaflet (“Knowledge of breast milk and baby care”) on breastfeeding and newborn care.

Konakion is not a vaccine. It is a vitamin K injection given shortly after birth to prevent bleeding. Oral vitamin K must be given several times and is considered less reliable.

No, unless advised otherwise by a doctor. A healthy, full-term baby does not usually need additional feeding in the first days of life.

No.

A newborn’s stomach is very small at first, and feeding amounts increase gradually. This is why feeding guidance may change over the first few days.

Yes. Bathing is safe. The umbilical area should be kept clean and dry afterwards.

In most cases (95%), this is not an allergy, but a normal newborn reaction called toxic erythema. It does not require treatment. It is not caused by food, clothes or diapers.

Newborns do not usually have a true runny nose. Their nasal passages are very small and may appear blocked. Saline drops, or Humer's sea salt solution can help relieve this.

Vaccinations follow the national immunisation schedule established in the Republic of Estonia. In the maternity hospital, newborns receive a vaccination against tuberculosis (one-off vaccine).

Vaccines protect against serious infectious diseases.

In summer, you can go outside immediately, and there is no strict time limit. In winter, depending on the temperature, a short outing (e.g., 30 minutes) is recommended after the first week of life if temperatures are above –10°C. Time outdoors can then gradually be increased. If the weather is very cold, fresh air can be provided by opening a window while the baby is dressed appropriately.