Pregnancy and birth in England: NHS midwife care, scans, free prescriptions and dental care (MatEx), vaccines in pregnancy and baby checks
Published: Last checked: October 20265 min read
Short answer
You can refer yourself for NHS pregnancy care; the first midwife appointment is usually at 8 to 12 weeks. Pregnant people and recent mothers get free NHS dental care, and free prescriptions with a MatEx. Flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccines are advised. Maternity care may cost visitors.
In short
- This post is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is based on the NHS, NHSBSA, UKHSA and GOV.UK pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and applies to England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
- You can refer yourself for NHS pregnancy care ("Refer yourself for NHS pregnancy care"); a GP can also refer you. It is recommended to do so as soon as you know you are pregnant.
- The first midwife appointment (booking appointment) is usually at 8 to 12 weeks and takes about an hour.
- Pregnant people and those who had a baby in the last 12 months get free NHS dental treatment; free prescriptions need a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx).
- Maternity care is not in GOV.UK's list of services free to everyone; it may be chargeable for visitors or people whose status is uncertain. Talk early to the hospital's overseas visitors team.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- NHS: Pregnancy guide
- NHS: Your first midwife appointment
- NHS: Vaccinations in pregnancy
- NHSBSA: Maternity exemption certificates
- NHSBSA: Pregnant or had a baby in the past 12 months
- NHS: Your baby's health and development reviews
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