NHS pregnancy care
NHS pregnancy care is available to everyone who is pregnant.
This is the care you have while you're pregnant to help make sure you and your baby are as healthy as possible.
NHS pregnancy care includes:
- antenatal appointments
- screening tests
- ultrasound scans
- care during labour and birth
Free NHS prescriptions and dental care
If you're pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months, you're entitled to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS dental treatment.
You need to have a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) to get free prescriptions and free dental treatment.
How to get a Maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
You are usually entitled to the MatEx certificate as soon as you know you're pregnant.
Your midwife, GP or health visitor will complete the application form for you. Ask them about it if you haven not been offered it.
Time off for antenatal appointments
If you have a job and are pregnant, you have the right to paid time off for antenatal appointments.
Your employer must pay you your normal rate for this time off.
This can also include antenatal or parenting classes.
Other healthcare benefits and financial support
There may also be other benefits you can claim towards health costs.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for:
- Healthy Start: help to buy food and milk – you can get free milk, infant formula, vitamins, fruit and vegetables if you're receiving certain benefits or you're under 18
- Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme – you might be able to get help with transport costs to hospital if you're receiving certain benefits or have a low income
Where to get help and support
You can seek advice on maternity benefits as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
If you have a job and you're pregnant, you're entitled to 52 weeks (1 year) of maternity leave.
Depending on your situation there might be other benefits to support you.
There are lots of organisations that can offer information and advice.
Find out more
If you are visiting England from abroad and need care
Everyone who is pregnant in England will be offered NHS pregnancy care, but you may be asked to pay for it afterwards if you do not usually live in the UK.
Find out about how to access NHS services in England if you are visiting from abroad