Pregnancy over age 35?

I encourage you to speak with your GP and associated midwife for family planning purposes. It is particularly important because each practice will have a different methodology here--just like in the US. So, you need to find out if your practice is the right one for you. You have the time now to figure out if you need to switch.

The NHS will not offer you upfront testing beyond standard tests that start around 8 weeks of pregnancy. However, like the US there are private practices that you can visit if you desire advance screening.  One of the most reputable is the CARE clinic: http://www.carefertility.com/

It is expensive to have some of these tests, but it does not seem to be much more than US clinics.
 
Generally, the more complicated testing or IVF are only available through the NHS if you have had three miscarriages. It is important to note that if anyone has a miscarriage--even after only a few weeks--it is imperative to go to the emergency room to have it reported. One needs the documentation to merit the the later treatments. Also, it is worth going because post-miscarriage care in the UK can (not always) be impressive. In this area of the midlands, at least, there is a department of specialists and after one miscarriage, it is possible to arrange for screening in earlier weeks of pregnancy--around week 7 to see if there is a heartbeat.

After three miscarriages a woman is then eligible for one round of IVF as suported by the NHS. Even then there are standards. There are age requirements and weight requirements.

Best,
Rutabega

Also, I should mention that at my midwife practice at least, they seem very keen on helping women deal with post-partum depression and the like. At my first appointment they went over it with me in detail, and when I talked about previous issues with depression that I've had (since that makes it more likely you might get PPD) the midwife said she might see me more often later in the pregnancy and make sure the health visitors who come to your house after delivery were aware that they should keep an eye out for anything worrying.

At the practice they also have lots of specialised mental health services (for example, for survivors of sexual abuse who may find aspects of pregnancy traumatic) and social services for women suffering from abuse now.

Just to throw out there for people who might be checking out various practices, it's also good to scope out the mental health aspects. PPD can strike anyone and it's good to know what kind of support you can expect if it happens.

Generally I'm pretty impressed with the array of support services they seem to have here. I think there's even a charity that helps parents with newborns who won't stop crying! I really hope I won't be having to use them though...

After three miscarriages a woman is then eligible for one round of IVF as suported by the NHS. Even then there are standards. There are age requirements and weight requirements.

If you already have a child, this most likely will not be offered to you free of charge.

Rachee, yes, thanks for noting that standard as well. (Sigh)

Again, get to the GP and see if you can speak with the associated midwife.

Also if you're doing the family planning bit Zita West's books are pretty popular here. I would suggest purchasing the most recent release as she updates her books regularly. She worked for the NHS for two decades, so she moves between holistic practices and NHS speak with ease. The British vocabulary on pregnancy is useful on its own, besides all of the advice. Perhaps West is just a little too pushy about an ultra-healthy diet, but, I digress.

Best,

Kris