NHS maternity care for newcomers

If you're expecting a baby while living in the UK, the NHS maternity care system offers comprehensive, free support from early pregnancy through the first year after birth. Unlike systems in some other countries, NHS maternity care is designed for all pregnant people regardless of employment status or visa type, and you can start your care immediately by self-referring directly to a maternity unit—no GP appointment needed.

How to self-refer to NHS maternity care

Self-referral is the standard way to start NHS maternity care in the UK, and it's simpler than many expect. As soon as you know you're pregnant, you can contact your local hospital maternity unit directly and complete a self-referral form. Most NHS trusts now accept self-referrals online through digital systems, though you can also phone or visit in person. When you refer yourself, have your NHS number ready if you have one; if not, the maternity unit can help you obtain it. The earlier you refer, the better—ideally by 8 weeks of pregnancy—as this helps ensure your first appointment is booked before 10 weeks, allowing time to plan your personalised care.

Each NHS trust has a local catchment area and accepts self-referrals from those living within that area. Once you submit your form, you'll receive a confirmation email and should hear back within 2-4 weeks. A midwife from your maternity unit will contact you to arrange your first booking appointment, which is typically a 20-minute screening consultation in the antenatal clinic. Your GP will be notified of your pregnancy after your first midwife appointment, so you don't need to visit them first.

Free prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy

One of the most valuable benefits of pregnancy in the UK is access to free NHS prescriptions and dental care. These benefits apply from the moment you're confirmed pregnant and continue for 12 months after your baby is born—meaning prescription costs and NHS dental treatment are completely free during this period. This covers all prescriptions and all NHS dental treatment (including check-ups and fillings), regardless of whether they're pregnancy-related.

To claim these benefits, you need a Maternity Exemption Certificate. Your midwife, GP, or health visitor must apply for this on your behalf—you cannot apply directly yourself. They can submit the application using the digital maternity exemption service or by completing form FW8. If they use the digital service, you'll receive your certificate by email within days. Otherwise, it will arrive by post within 10 days. Your certificate is valid for 12 months from either your due date or your baby's birth date, whichever is later.

• Keep your Maternity Exemption Certificate with you when collecting prescriptions or attending dental appointments
• Dental benefits only apply at NHS dentists; private dental care is not covered
• If you need to pay for a prescription before your certificate arrives, ask for form FP57 to claim a refund later
• Your child also receives free prescriptions until age 16 and free dental care until age 18

Antenatal scans and midwife appointments

Your NHS maternity care includes regular appointments and scans to monitor your pregnancy and your baby's health. All scans and appointments are free. The number of appointments varies slightly depending on whether this is your first pregnancy: first-time parents usually have at least 10 appointments plus 2 ultrasound scans, while those who have given birth before typically have 7 appointments. Your midwife will personalise your care plan based on your health and pregnancy circumstances, so you may have additional appointments or scans if needed.

You'll have two main ultrasound scans as standard: the dating scan around 11-14 weeks of pregnancy, which confirms your due date and checks your baby's development, and the 20-week scan (also called the anomaly or mid-pregnancy scan), which checks your baby's physical development and screens for certain conditions. Screening tests for infections including HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B are offered during pregnancy, along with other checks like blood pressure and urine tests at most appointments.

Most of your regular antenatal appointments will be with a community midwife based near where you live. Some appointments may be at a hospital clinic, GP surgery, or community clinic depending on what's available locally. You'll be given a blue or purple maternity notes booklet at your first appointment—keep this with you at all times until birth, as it contains your pregnancy history and important contact numbers. Your midwife will discuss your preferences for care and birth throughout your appointments, and you can bring a partner or support person with you if you wish.

Choosing where to give birth

The NHS offers multiple options for where you give birth, and the choice is entirely yours. You can plan to give birth at home, in a midwife-led unit (also called a birth centre or midwifery unit), or in a hospital labour ward. Which options are available depends on where you live, and your midwife will discuss what's available locally and answer questions about each setting.

Midwife-led units and birth centres

Midwife-led units are designed to feel welcoming and homely, with care provided by midwives rather than doctors. There are two types: 'freestanding' units that are separate from hospitals in community settings, and 'alongside' or 'co-located' units on the same hospital site. Both offer a less medicalised approach to birth for low-risk pregnancies. If complications arise at a freestanding unit, you'll be transferred to hospital by ambulance. At an alongside unit, transfer to the labour ward is quicker. These settings generally have fewer medical interventions and higher rates of vaginal birth for straightforward pregnancies.

Home birth

Home birth is an NHS-supported option in the UK. If you choose a home birth, you'll be cared for by midwives from the NHS home birth team. You'll receive one-to-one care from your midwife during labour, with a second midwife present for the birth. Home birth is considered safe for low-risk pregnancies and research shows that women having their second or subsequent babies at home often experience fewer medical interventions and report greater satisfaction. You can use your own facilities, move about freely, and choose pain relief options like gas and air, a warm bath, or a birth pool. If complications develop, you can be transferred to hospital. Epidurals are not available at home, but your midwife will discuss all available pain relief options with you.

Hospital labour ward

Most births in the UK happen in hospital labour wards (also called obstetric units or delivery suites). Midwives will care for you, with doctors available if needed. The main advantage of hospital birth is direct access to specialists—obstetricians, anaesthetists (for epidurals), and neonatal specialists—if your labour becomes complicated or your baby needs specialist care. However, hospital births tend to involve more medical intervention overall. You can still make choices about how you want to give birth, and many hospitals offer birthing pools and aim to create a calm atmosphere.

Your midwife may recommend hospital birth if you have a health condition, are expecting twins, or if your baby is in a breech position. You're always supported to make the choice that feels right for you, and you can change your mind at any point in pregnancy or labour. Ask your midwife about tours of local maternity facilities if available—seeing the spaces beforehand helps you make an informed decision.

Maternity care is urgent care—never delay over charging worries

NHS maternity care is free and available to everyone who is pregnant, regardless of immigration status, visa type, or whether you're working. This is an important reassurance: you should never delay or avoid seeking maternity care because of concerns about costs, immigration matters, or registration requirements. All pregnant people have the right to NHS maternity care without charge, from self-referral through to 12 months after birth.

If you experience any concerns about your pregnancy, such as spotting, severe pain, reduced baby movements, or any worrying symptoms, contact your maternity unit straight away. They have 24-hour helplines specifically for this purpose, and urgent maternity care is always provided. Your maternity notes contain emergency contact numbers. If you're early in pregnancy and have concerns before your first midwife appointment, you can contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice, which is also free. Never let worry about payment prevent you from seeking help—your health and your baby's safety are what matter.