Accessing maternity care in London

Maternity care in London provides comprehensive support to expectant mothers from the beginning of pregnancy through to childbirth and postnatal care. The National Health Service (NHS) offers a wide range of services to ensure both mother and baby have the best possible health outcomes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to access and navigate the maternity care system in London.

How to sign up for maternity care

Booking Your First Appointment: As soon as you know you’re pregnant, you should make an appointment with your GP or directly contact a midwife at your local NHS hospital. The first official antenatal appointment, often called the ‘booking appointment,’ should ideally take place by the 10th week of pregnancy. This appointment can be longer than subsequent ones, as it involves providing your medical history and discussing your care plan.

Choosing Where to Give Birth: In London, you have options on where to give birth, including NHS hospitals, midwife-led units, or at home. Each choice will be discussed with you, including the benefits and risks associated with each setting, to help you make an informed decision.

Accessing pregnancy care

Routine Check-ups: Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll be offered regular check-ups to monitor the health of you and your baby. These include blood tests, ultrasound scans, and screening for certain conditions.

Antenatal Classes: Many NHS trusts and private providers offer antenatal classes. These classes cover various topics, from preparing for labor and birth to breastfeeding and basic baby care.

Support for High-risk Pregnancies: If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you may be referred to a specialist team for closer monitoring. This could be due to medical history, complications in a previous pregnancy, or multiple births.

Giving birth in London

Labor and Delivery: When you go into labor, you’ll be supported by midwives, and if necessary, doctors. London’s maternity units are well-equipped to handle various birthing situations, from natural births to more complex cases requiring additional interventions.

After the Birth: After your baby is born, you’ll receive postnatal care for at least 6-8 weeks. This includes support from midwives and health visitors, who can offer advice on everything from feeding your baby to adjusting to parenthood.

Specialised maternity services

Perinatal Mental Health: Pregnancy and the postnatal period can affect mental health. The NHS provides support and treatment for conditions such as postnatal depression.

Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding workshops and lactation consultants are available to help with breastfeeding. Many hospitals and community centers in London offer drop-in sessions.