Prenatal Care

For patients choosing to have more control over their care and to have the reassurance of additional doctor’s consultations which may not be possible within the NHS, The Birth Clinic offers the Peace of Mind Package. This package is for anyone wishing to remain in the NHS but gain additional consultant care and ultrasound scans privately. The Peace of Mind Package allows you to see a consultant at key milestones in your pregnancy and ensures you receive world-class ultrasound scanning and bloodwork. The Peace of Mind Package includes the following:


Three Obstetrician Consultations

Your consultations with the obstetrician are at months 3, 6 and 8 of your pregnancy. These dates correspond to your major ultrasound scans (Viability Scan, Anomaly Scan and Wellbeing Scan). This timing allows the doctor to review the results of your ultrasound scans and bloodwork with you. At the initial consultation in month three, the doctor will discuss your needs and how your care is organised. You will be given advice about lifestyle, including diet, nutrition, exercise, and travel. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions or concerns you have about your pregnancy. Your consultations at months 6 and 8 will be about 30 minutes each. At each visit blood pressure will be measured alongside a general assessment including a urine test.

Antenatal Ultrasound Scans

These include an early pregnancy viability scan at 7-11 weeks, a nuchal translucency scan at 11-14 weeks, an anomaly scan at 21-23 weeks, and a wellbeing scan at 36 weeks. During your scans you will be given at least three photographs and a report of the scan.

Routine Antenatal Bloodwork

You will receive standard antenatal bloodwork which may include the following tests:

  • Blood Type: The test will indicate your blood type, either A, B, AB or O.
  • Rh (Rhesus): It is important to determine whether you are Rhesus negative or Rhesus positive. If you do not have the Rh antigen in your blood, you are Rh negative, if you do have it, then you are Rh positive. This test is crucial because problems may arise if the mother's blood does not have the Rh factor and the baby's blood does.
  • Glucose Levels: This is to measure the mother’s ability to metabolise sugar and also to screen for gestational diabetes. If theglucose level is above a certain level, you may undergo a “tolerance test”.
  • Iron Levels: This will determine if there is an iron deficiency in the blood. If your blood is low in iron, that does not mean that you are anaemic, but it does make you more susceptible for anaemia. If your levels are low, you may be prescribed iron tablets or injections.
  • Haemoglobin Levels: The blood test will identify the level of haemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying power of your red blood cells. A treatment for anaemia will be prescribed if your level falls below a certain level.
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: To determine whether you have syphilis, hepatitis B, or HIV.
  • Rubella (German measles): The results of this test will determine if you have antibodies for rubella and whether or not you are immune.
  • Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is typically not harmful, but may cross the placenta and cause harm to the baby.
  • Group B streptococcus: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can cause illness and potentially death in newborns. The bacteria are found in the GI tract (gut) and are sometimes found in the vagina and/or rectum. Sometimes during pregnancy, GBS may get into the rectal area or vagina. If GBS is not treated with antibiotics, it may transfer to the baby and place the baby at risk for serious infection or even death.

Patient Care Coordinator Support

During the antenatal period you can contact The Birth Clinic to discuss general questions about pregnancy. If there is an emergency, you will typically be referred to your local NHS obstetric ward or accident and emergency.

Unlimited Private GP Consultations (London Only)

For a supplement, you can receive unlimited consultations with a private GP in London for 12 months. This gives you a convenient and quick way to see a doctor about general medical issues during your pregnancy. You can choose from one of 4 GP surgeries in central London.

For information on the cost of the Peace of Mind Package, please see our Fees Section, ring us on 0844 561 0764, or email us by clicking here.

Download our Brochure here.