Having a Baby in England

Having a baby is a life-changing event, and for expats and digital nomads living in England, it comes with its own set of challenges and experiences. The healthcare system in England is renowned for its National Health Service (NHS), which provides care that is mostly free at the point of use. For expats, navigating this system can be different from what they're used to back home. From choosing a healthcare provider to understanding the nuances of public versus private healthcare, having a baby in England as an expat involves a series of important decisions and adjustments. This article aims to provide an overview of what expats can expect when expanding their family in England.

Choosing a Doctor

When it comes to managing pregnancy in England, expats have the option to choose between NHS services or private healthcare providers. To find a doctor or midwife, expats can register with a local General Practitioner (GP) who will then refer them to a midwife or an obstetrician. Most healthcare professionals in England speak English, and it is relatively easy to find English-speaking doctors and midwives, as English is the primary language of communication in healthcare settings. Additionally, in larger cities, it's possible to find doctors who speak other languages, catering to a diverse expat community.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in England typically involves regular appointments with a midwife or a doctor. The NHS provides a schedule of checks and scans, including the initial 'booking' appointment, an early pregnancy scan at around 12 weeks, and an anomaly scan at around 20 weeks. Additional appointments will be scheduled throughout the pregnancy to monitor the health of the mother and the developing baby. Private healthcare options are also available, offering more frequent appointments and additional services such as 3D and 4D scans.

Do Expats Typically Have Private Health Insurance when Having a Baby in England?

While the NHS provides comprehensive maternity care free of charge, some expats choose to have private health insurance for additional peace of mind or for access to private healthcare services. Private insurance can cover the cost of private consultations, treatments, and hospital stays. However, it's not a necessity for receiving quality prenatal care and many expats rely solely on the NHS for their maternity needs.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public hospitals under the NHS is generally positive, with a focus on safety and support. Public hospitals are well-equipped to handle a range of birthing situations. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer more personalized care, shorter wait times, and often more luxurious facilities. However, the cost can be significantly higher in private hospitals, and not all private facilities have emergency care options, which means that in case of complications, patients may be transferred to an NHS hospital.

C-Sections in England

Caesarean sections are relatively common in England, with about 25-30% of births being delivered this way. The decision for a C-section is usually based on medical necessity, although maternal request C-sections are also possible. The NHS supports both elective and emergency C-sections, and the procedure is also available in private hospitals.

Pain Management During Delivery

Various pain management options are available during delivery in England. The NHS offers gas and air (nitrous oxide), epidurals, and other pain relief medications. Water births and birthing pools are also options for natural pain relief. The choice of pain management is a personal decision, and healthcare providers typically support the mother's preferences, provided there are no medical contraindications.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Major cities in England, such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, have hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) that provide specialized care for newborns who need extra support. These facilities are equipped to handle a range of complex medical conditions and are staffed by a team of expert neonatologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. For expats living outside of these major cities, it's important to be aware of the nearest hospital with a NICU in case of any complications during or after delivery.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in UK

"This was my second birth in the UK. My first prenatal care was all with the Chipping Norton Midwives and we intended to have them assist us in a home birth. However, after 20plus hrs of labour, they suggested I be transfered to the Horton Hospital in Banbury. There I was induced and delivered in 6 hrs with help of gas and air, and later meptid. The consultant was very eager to take charge and prep me for a c-section, but we refused. We left hospital ASAP as it felt very impersonal and well, just not home! My second pregnancy was also through the Chipping Norton midwives. Again, we wanted to have a home birth and the midwives were fully supportive. Home births here receive the same treatment as in a midwife led unit (same pain relief options, positions, and support), except when you are in labour the midwife can't just leave to look in on someone else or do anything else! A second midwife comes when the birth is near. The second birth was only 5 hrs long. No pain relief was needed - I was home, safe, confident and comfortable! We also used hypnobirthing which one of the midwives had taught us. Our baby was born in a birthing pool and after a brief celebration, the midwives tucked us into our own bed! It was magical," commented an expat living in Chipping Norton.

"Move to Chipping Norton. Not all units are good units. Chipping Norton has the UNICEF Baby Friendly Award. They care for their mums and do not consider them numbers. As maternity services struggle to provide good care, Chippy is a diamond in the lot," said one expat living in Chipping Norton.