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Having A Baby in the UK
The first choice for expectant mothers is whether to go through the NHS or private healthcare system as soon as possible as hospitals and obstetricians book up quickly.
The NHS provides free care throughout your pregnancy and delivery. Expectant mothers should see their NHS GP for their first appointment after which they will be referred to the local NHS hospital and midwife team. Some NHS GPs may also share the care in which case some appointments may be at your local GP surgery. A midwife will attend the birth unless there are complications in which case an obstetrician will assist.
Some NHS hospitals offer a dedicated midwife service for an additional fee. The same midwife will see you throughout your pregnancy and during the birth.
With the NHS, you will receive free care throughout your pregnancy and delivery. In addition, pregnant women receive free dental care and medication with NHS prescriptions from conception through to the first twelve months of the baby's life.
In the private system, you must find an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist who will care for you throughout your pregnancy and deliver the baby. Most Obstetrician/Gynaecologist consultants in London have both private and NHS practices. Check-ups are generally with the same obstetrician, and he/she and a midwife will be present at the birth. Alternatively you can find the hospital first and work with an in-house team of midwives. It is important to note that most British insurance companies will not cover private pregnancy and baby delivery costs. Choose your doctor wisely as you will have a long-term relationship with him/her.
Table of Comparison (not only for pregnancy & birth)
| General Practitioners | NHS | Private |
| Time | Schedule appointments up to a week in advance; children take priority. Most practices offer a number of same day emergency | Can book ahead and can usually be seen on the same day |
| Visit Length | Shorter visits – approx 10 minutes | Longer visits - approx 20-30 mins |
| Cost | Free | £90 - £160 |
| Support Staff | Physiotherapists, nurses, social workers, dieticians and baby clinics can be available (useful for new mothers) | Most don't offer complementary services but your GP can refer you |
| Doctor | May not see the same doctor every time | Can usually schedule appointment with preferred doctor |
| Registration | All GP surgeries (clinics/practices) require new patients to register. At times, popular surgeries limit new patients so you may not be able to register with your first choice. Log on to www.nhs.uk to find the nearest surgery | Many private GPs prefer registration and some require an annual membership |
| In an Emergency - GP services | All GPs are required to offer 24-hour care. Many surgeries join togetherto service patients out of hours. Call your local practice and a recorded message will provide contact information | Will pay home visits. Out of hours you may call your doctor or be offered someone from a pool of private GPs. The cost for a home visit is often double that of a daytime visit |
| Vaccinations | Only required UK vaccinations given. Free. Other vaccinations available for an additional fee | Can request additional vaccinations as per home country etc. Additional cost |
| Medication | Free to all pregnant women and children throughout first year. Otherwise, NHS medication is offered at a fixed price independent of the real cost of medication | Must pay for all prescriptions provided by private healthcare |
