Private Maternity in the U.K

[AllanH]

Dear fellow members,

I hold a British Passport but my wife holds a British National Overseas (BNO) and Hong Kong Passport.

We married (in Hong Kong) in May 2018 but wish to have a hospital birth in the U.K.

I understand that there are some private maternity wards available in the U.K. My question is whether there are NHS hospitals (in the Hertfordshire and surrounding area) that accepts International clients? There used to be one called Knutsford Suite (at Watford General Hospital), but was shutdown on 1st May 2015. If required, we could explore private maternity wards at other nearby counties.

Since we are based in Hong Kong, my wife will continue to be in employment. She expects to undergo the necessary screening tests and physical antenatal checks from this end. In addition, she expects to be cared for up to 36 weeks of pregnancy before we fly out to the U.K.

Let me thank you in advance for your feedback.

Regards,

Allan

You can go into private wings attached to NHS hospitals - the ones I can think of are in London. Do you have any preferred parts of UK where you want to stay?

This guide might help you find a unit

www.which.co.uk/birth-choice/maternity-care/nhs-vs-private-health-care-what-are-your-options

Also, do make sure your plans have flexibility - if there are any issues in the pregnancy (hope not) or if it's twins, then the flight cut-off date might be some weeks earlier. Also, you need to allow plenty of recuperation and admin time (birth registration and passport) before your family can return. Where will you live for those weeks?

Probably out of area, but St Thomas' (London) have a private maternity wing.

I understand that the private wings of London hospital's are expensive. Hence, we are flexible in terms of location. We will originally be staying with our parents in Watford, Hertfordshire.

However, we don't mind travelling or staying at a nearby accomodation close to a reputable hospital offering private maternity.

I know Mums In Solihull used to offer private maternity packages and birth at nearby hospital.

Any private care is going to cost, and given the uncertainties around birth it is to some degree an open cheque. Sorry I can't help with specific hospitals.

Any woman presenting at an NHS hospital in labour will be treated and looked after, but if not eligible for free care then will be charged after, but care will be given at the time.

I was also going to say Mums in Solihull (West Midlands)

I think it's £9k for the private package, which includes a couple of nights in hospital. It's on their website.

Will she be ok to fly at 36 weeks?

Having a pilot father (unless the rules changed after he retired), I know that you cannot travel past 32 weeks (which is the absolute recommended maximum) for long distance flights. Coming from Hong Kong, I fear that you may not find any airline willing to take this responsibility. It is also medically not recommended. I would reconsider this plan, especially given the uncertainties around birth. She might very well go into labour anytime from 32 weeks onward. You don't want that to happen on a plane flying long distance - unless you are willing to pay an OB/GYN to fly with you and be on call! And even then if things go bad you might have a pretty bad situation at hand...
As to private care, Kings College, has a good offer of around £10k. It also has a good reputation.

I would recommend the Westminster Suite at St Thomas in London.

I also think leaving flying to 36 weeks is tight. I did my last long haul flights at 20-something weeks and that was already pretty uncomfortable. She would need a fit to fly letter at that point, which might be fine but any complications would leave her grounded. Pregnancy can go from low to high risk overnight so even if she's having an easy pregnancy it could change in the latter stages (mine did).

"unless the rules changed after he retired"

Yes, they have changed.

Currently, nearly all airlines adhere to the WHO guidelines which state that for an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy, a doctor's note is required after 28 weeks and no flying after the 36th week (multiples, 32 weeks)

I have had some private care at mums mentioned above and it was excellent (though it's some time ago now, and related to a pregnancy complication). I would call a couple of options and speak with them.

No private maternity care will be cheap, partly because of the unknowns. They also may well end up being charged at a higher rate.

However, I can't help but think your plan is a bit ambitious in terms of the long flight at that gestation? Also, when you say you're happy to stay elsewhere, what are your thoughts on the type of accommodation as that will impact on where you can stay, not all options are going to be comfortable/suitable for a new born.