Giving birth in UK from Ireland

[Paragonian]

Hi, was hoping to get some advice. I'm Irish and currently work in Ireland while caring for a relative. Husband lives and works in UK. TTC at moment and we are hoping that I will give birth and spend the following year in UK together before I move back to UK permanently. I maintain a UK address with husband, and have active joint and personal bank accounts after living in UK for many years. Just wondering what thoughts people have... should I register with gp and have all pregnancy appts in uk (over regularly anyway)? Should I just have baby in Ireland and then move? (This worries me though as how would I manage follow-ups as I'd have moved back to UK to be with husband...) would appreciate any advice or thoughts.... thanks!!! 😉

Hi! Good luck with ttc!!
I think you would have to consider how often you would be back in the UK and the cost of flying back for appointments. In UK you have about 10-11 antenatal appointments as a basic if you have no problems. More, even fortnightly if you need growth scans, have gd or other issues.

It might be a lot of hassle and expense if you have to go back frequently.

Though it might also be a lot of expense paying for your antenatal care in Ireland too.
Hopefully everything will go smoothly and you won't need extra appointments.
I would imagine if you did have your antenatal care in Ireland they would give you a set of notes that you could bring with you to UK when you go back. Not sure what way it would work though if newly registered with a gp having technically came from overseas if you would still be entitled to NHS treatment even though your husband lives and works there? It's a tough one!

Thanks Emma! 10-12 visits sounds like a lot.... but then again TTC is taking a lot of flights and timing too 😉 Plus he would be over here for most appts too if we decide I'll stay here. Ireland will certainly be the cheaper option! Already registered with gp in UK thankfully.

I think then if your already registered in the UK stay in Ireland and just move across when your planning to go home to have the baby. Possibly you could let your gp in UK know you are pregnant and receiving private antenatal care in Ireland?

To be fair most of the appointments are checking your BP, dipping your urine and measuring bump/ listening to baby. My husband only ever comes to scans so your hubby doesn't really need to come over for them unless you really want him there. Again things may be different in the south, but that's just my experience from NI.

I have to say that was my initial thinking.... then I guess I started to consider it too much and was wondering how safe / suitable / appropriate it would be to arrive with no history... then I guess I just bring what notes with me that I can.... if I'm thinking this much now, what will I be like with a bfp!! 😂🤔😳

I know up here EVERYTHING is written in your paper notes, nothing on computer, every blood tests, urine dip, BP reading etc so to be fair they are quite comprehensive so would have all info needed. And you are told to carry your notes with you at all times and if you go on holidays etc so I'm sure it would be fine to just transfer with those notes.

Ps I had my dates for maternity leave worked out about 3 months before I was actually pregnant (and was extremely lucky to fall pregnant 3 days before when I had planned to be pregnant!! Lol) so I know all about thinking about every little detail! Lol.

I moved to UK from Ireland at 35 weeks. I had antenatal care in Ireland, brought notes and scan reports etc. Moved over a weekend and had booking appt on Monday. It was fine. Irish people are entitled to NHS care immediately on moving and vice versa- there is a reciprocal agreement in place between the governments.

Emma I think it is the same with notes here, everything seems handwritten and I've noticed my sister always had hers... must ask her more.... wow by the way, you're planning worked wonderfully!!

Rinceoir, that's great to know about the reciprocal agreement. When did you move over? Who was your booking in appt with? Sorry for all the questions!!

OP I have sent you a PM