American giving birth in the u.k

Oh WOW am I scared to death. I have NO idea what to expect. I have travelled back and forth from the U.S to the U.K for almost two years now. I could only stay for a few months at a time. Last year I married my English boyfriend and while we plan to live full time in the U.S I found myself pregnant. Next thing I know everyone is talking in my ear about having the baby in the U.K would be safer. My parents in the U.S think I am crazy to have a baby there because it is safer to have one in the U.S. All I remember was watching the news in the U.K before I was pregnant with horror stories about midwives and bad hospital care and being turned away at the emergency room door. Now I don't like the idea of midwives but it seems I won't really have a choice in that matter in the U.K that is just the way it is done right? Honestly i am panicked a bit about it all. I have read up on midwives and thats all well and good but WHAT ABOUT COMPLICATIONS? Will I even see a doctor at all during the birth? Will my baby see one? How does the whole thing work? What is the common procedure there? Are there doctor check ups or midwife check ups? Are the midwives on staff at the hospital? Do I go to a hospital? We have midwives here but it is not a mainstream idea yet. Midwives don't work in the hospital they are part of birthing centers and they have a doctor on call or they transport you to a hospital. I would not chose a midwife if we where having the baby in the U.S the idea is way to new to me. So please tell me what happens because waking up in a cold sweat over this has to stop.

.....bad news stories for a reason

Hi,

I just wanted to say, the only bad news stories I keep hearing is how overstretched our hospitals are because of women (not saying yourself) coming to the UK already pregnant (often many of them not speaking English and demanding translators - which our government funds!!) to give birth here because our NHS system is superior to what they get abroad, which is putting a massive strain on our system and woman are getting turned away at reception if they aren't literally ready to drop.

As soon as they have given birth, they are then hurried out of the hospital as quick as possible to free up the bed for the next one (unless there are complications with you or the baby)

There aren't enough doctors, nurses, midwives & beds to go round for everyone and I believe those in the NHS are paid a pittance for what they have to put up with.

With regards to the standard you can expect, I would say it is the best (for free) in the world.

Obviously, if you want to pay private and get a more guaranteed service then you always have that option available to you as well.

(by the way, I do not work for the NHS!)

Good luck with your choice

Hey!

I'm sorry you are feeling so panicked by our system!! Actually the midwife thing works really well here and i've never had any problems. Having very recently had a baby I have been watching some birth programs on tv and I would be worried about the American way!! I think the midwives will give you a much more natural birth. They are all highly trained and focused so you are in good hands. If there are any concerns then a doctor will see you and also your baby will be checked over after birth by a doctor and again at about 6 weeks. The midwives work in hospital and in the community too. After you are sent home from hospital they visit you at home every day til you are settled. Usually about 10 days I think.

The news is always doing scare stories about the health service in this country but it's never as bad in reality and definately depends on where you are. I think the problem is in numbers of midwives in some areas.

How about registering at a doctors and talking to your midwife at the local surgery? I'm sure they will be able to put your mind at rest.

Feel free to send me a message if you want more answers about how we do things. I don't want to just run on if i'm not being helpful!!

Love Tracey xxxx