Should I be scared of the NHS??

[RickyR]

That's news to me ! I thought surgical operations were all standardized, based on best evidence published in reputable journals and peer-reviewed, then subject to audit of results, whether they are in NHS or private hospitals Likewise I thought most advanced treatments and drugs are only available in NHS hospitals; if drugs are only available privately they are outrageously expensive, relatively new (with side effects as yet unknown), and of limited help in treatment
Not quite sure how this helps reassure a healthy 30 year old in early pregnancy about where she should have her antenatal care and deliver her baby
Unless she wins the lottery, she is best to be reassured, as I have already done that the NHS is safe for the vast majority of healthy mums-to-be [/SIZE]

In an ideal world that would be true, you'd be shocked to see the variation in standards even between different NHS Trusts and Hospitals. Take for instance that you have 60% better chance of survival of a heart attack in Greater London then elsewhere in the UK, partly because of the equipment and specialists that is only available in three hospitals in the UK (all based in London. Anyway, thread drift, my apologies.

Anyway, what it comes down to is that the OP should not fear having a baby on the NHS, you'll recieve excellent care before, during and after the pregnancy, from your local clinics, midwives and the hospital (Marvie, my other half is now 10 weeks pregnant and is receiving packs, DVD's, books, screening, tests, scans, classes etc). You however will have a choice in which hospital for the baby to born in, and you can research that choice and make the decision based on the quality of hospital, accessibility and other factors.
The only thing you might miss by having the baby here, is the support of your family who will be in the Philippines unless you can get visas for them to come here.