Pregnancy

Antenatal Care

Deciding on where you would like to have your baby is quite a decision. Take some time to think about your options. We have listed the local NHS and private options below. It is worthwhile considering the practicalities too such as driving distance from your home and costs. In addition to choosing a hospital you will usually also have several check-ups with your GP.

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: Large NHS hospital close by on Fulham Road. If you would like to book there for your care you can contact them directly at the link here and they will send you your first appointment to see a midwife via post for around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy (counting from the first day of your last period). They may be able to offer some appointments in the community in Fulham and have a very popular Birthing Unit for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy at low risk who wish a natural birth, but with the back up of a full hospital.

• The Kensington Wing: The private maternity wing of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. They offer a variety of packages for midwife or Consultant led care for patients who are self-paying or using insurance. They have lots of info on their website here. Many consultant will offer the opportunity to have a meet and greet before booking. It has the great advantage of being close by for appointments and has a large neonatal unit in case of emergency.

• The Portland Hospital: The largest private only maternity unit in London. They have an onsite neonatal unit for babies over 30 weeks and offer a variety of packages and rooms, from suites to midwife led care. Contact them to discuss or check out a tour first, all info available here.

• The Lindo Wing: Private maternity unit based slightly to the north in Paddington, in St. Mary's NHS hospital. All their info and prices are available on their website here. Very popular since the Duchess of Cambridge delivered there they have an excellent nursery and also have an excellent neonatal unit.

• St. Mary's Hospital: Based next to the Lindo Wing in Paddington it also offers both a labour ward and birthing centre option for low-risk women. You can find out more and self-refer for their care here.

• Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital: Another excellent NHS hospital which offers a labour ward plus a midwife-led birth centre and excellent neonatal care. It is a little further from SW6 and it is worth thinking about all the options how it will work with getting to antenatal appointments especially as you may still be working at that point. For NHS care you can refer yourself to the hospital here. They also have a large private maternity unit which you will find the details of here.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, if you have specific queries or wants then it is well worth seeking recommendations from your family doctor, friends, and thinking about researching or having a visit before you commit. It is generally advisable to make a decision so that you can have your first antenatal appointment by 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Antenatal Classes

Classes are a brilliant way to understand a little more about labour and delivery plus meet some other local mums to be.

• The Bump Class: Dr Lucy and Dr Hugh both really enjoying sharing their experience as parents and doctors with parents to be on this excellent class. A local class based in Parsons Green it covers all the essential info for mums to be and has a popular "Father's evening" to make sure parents are ready too. More information available here.

• Private antenatal classes are also offered by the private hospitals at the Kensington Wing and the Portland Hospital.

• Chelsea and Westminster: Women having their baby on the NHS at Chelsea can also book on their free antenatal classes, full info here.

Ultrasound scans

If you are receiving NHS care then it is usual to have a scan at 12 weeks and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Many couples prefer to have an early scan to confirm the pregnancy and dates, (plus check for twins!) a little earlier from 6 weeks of pregnancy privately. Recommendations for private ultrasound are below, they can also offer general wellbeing scans later in pregnancy. 

Pain and bleeding in early pregnancy can be a sign of a complication such as an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life threatening, and in this case you should always consult your doctor or in an emergency attend your closest Accident and Emergency Department. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Accident and Emergency department are open 24/7 and will be able to arrange your referral for any urgent tests needed. 

• Fetal Medicine Centre: Excellent private Harley Street clinic who offer all routine pregnancy scans, plus more complex scans and tests. Contact them directly for appointments here.

• Women's Ultrasound Clinic: Another excellent private Harley Street clinic who offer full range of pregnancy scans and checks. They also run a clinic at Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon, which is a handy option only about 20 minutes driving from Parsons Green with parking available on site.

• Women's Wellness Centre: Private ultrasounds available in this clinic based in Fulham Road in Chelsea, further information available here.

Shops

Thanks to the wonders of amazon and click and collect shopping has become a whole lot easier but there are some things where it is really helpful to know a great local place to go. We've listed a few of our favourite here:

• Anita's House: If you are just getting started or maybe are a little behind then go to Anita's house. Its a fab personal shopping experience and one-stop shop just along New Kings Road. You can try out all the different items and they will make sure you only get what you need. Get in touch with them here.

• Peter Jones: The nursery department is a go to for lots of essential. Also useful to take a look at prams close up before you buy. You can book an appointment and they will help make sure you get everything you need.

• Indian Summer: Brilliant local shop on Fulham Road, perfect if you need a last minute baby or child gift, find them here.

• Seraphine: One of Dr Lucy’s favourite shops for workwear especially, details here…