Likely moving to UK this summer - pregnant and a little nervous

Hi,

It looks like my husband is about to accept a job that will have us relocating to London over the summer. It's all very exciting, and we're really happy about the move, but in addition to all the relocation stresses (where to live, etc.) we have 2 children under the age of 5 and a third on the way in late October. Not only that, but I had a C-section with my son (my daughter - the oldest - is adopted), and have been advised to have a scheduled C-section with this baby. Especially because there is a fibroid-like growth that my doctors here are monitoring closely and which puts me a a bit higher risk as far as the pregnancy and delivery goes.

I know that medical care in the UK is top-notch, but this is such a big decison affecting our whole family. I will be about 7 months pregnant when we move here and am just feeling a bit nervous about finding new doctors, the delivery, etc. Reassurance anyone???

thanks,
Melissa

You'll be fine. When you get here go and register with a GP (ie, a family doctor) straight away. They will refer you to a hospital in your area and set up your midwife care (for your ante natal checks)  and then you will also be assigned an Obstetrician (at the hospital).  As you have a risk factor, you will be seen regularly by the obsetrician as well as the midwife.  Bring all your medical notes with you - you are expected to carry your maternity notes around with you here in any case.  After the birth, once you are home, you are visted by a midwife for two weeks to see how you're getting on and see if you need any help.  After that you are assigned a 'health visitor' who is basically a paediatric nurse who runs a baby clinic in your local area where you can take baby to be weighed and checked out.

I can understand your concern, moving so late in your pregnancy etc, hope this information helps.

For a lighthearted but informative book about pregnancy from a UK perspective, get your hands on Kaz Cooke's book The Rough Guide to Pregnancy and Birth.

Also, your husband's company may provide some private health insusrance which could help you get a private room or other such perks that you might not get just on the NHS.

If you know in advance where you are moving exactly, you could also phone ahead to the GP office in that area to let them know you are coming and that you will be needing to see someone immediately. It's not necessary, but might give you more peace of mind to chat with someone.