All people in the UK have a right to access NHS maternity care, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Costs
It is important to be aware that not everyone is entitled to maternity care, free of cost. This will depend on whether one is ‘ordinarily resident’, which can include foreign nationals. Ordinarily resident means that a person is living in the UK lawfully, voluntarily and for settled purposes.
If you are charged for maternity costs and do not know why or wish to challenge this, you can contact Maternity Action. Maternity Action is an organisation which supports and advocates for pregnant people and new parents within the UK, helping with issues such as employment and healthcare. You can visit their website here, where you will find an advice helpline per region.
What to do if you’re pregnant
If you are wondering what to do when you’re pregnant, the NHS say to see a midwife or GP as soon as possible so that you can start receiving maternity (antenatal) care and obtain all the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy. You should see a midwife before you’re ten weeks pregnant.
Maternity care through the NHS consists of 10 pregnancy appointments to check the health of your baby, screening tests to determine the chances of your baby having particular conditions, as well as blood tests to detect syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B. See the NHS website to find more information on what maternity care involves.
Please also find our report on maternity engagement and outreach work with Gypsies and Travellers.
If you are experiencing difficulties accessing maternity care because you are travelling, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays.
