The legal framework
Maternity care is delivered mainly by midwives and is free on the NHS. Around ten antenatal appointments are offered for a first pregnancy, with two routine scans. Maternity leave is among the longest anywhere at fifty-two weeks, but Statutory Maternity Pay covers only thirty-nine of them, and at a low flat rate after the first six weeks. Shared Parental Leave allows the balance to be split between parents.
NHS maternity care is free and midwife-led: you book with a midwife rather than an obstetrician, and only see a consultant if there is a reason. Leave is generous in length and thin in pay — up to fifty-two weeks, of which thirty-nine are paid, the first six at ninety per cent of earnings and the rest at a flat statutory rate. Shared parental leave allows most of it to be transferred between partners, though take-up remains low.
Key points
| Care model | Midwife-led, with obstetric input where needed |
|---|---|
| Appointments | Around ten for a first pregnancy, fewer for later ones |
| Cost | Free on the NHS; care must never be refused or delayed, whatever the charging status |
| Maternity leave | Fifty-two weeks, of which thirty-nine are paid |
| Pay | Ninety per cent of earnings for six weeks, then a low flat rate |
| Paternity leave | Two weeks, with Shared Parental Leave available |
| Place of birth | Hospital, midwife-led unit or home, according to risk and choice |
In practice
- Book with a midwife by around eight weeks: the first appointment sets up screening and care.
- Tell your employer at least fifteen weeks before the due date to secure your leave rights.
- Maternity care must not be withheld from anyone, whatever their immigration status — say so if you are turned away.
- Consider Shared Parental Leave early: it must be notified in advance.
Cost and coverage
Care is free on the NHS; maternity pay is capped at a flat rate after the first six weeks.
Recent changes
Protection from redundancy has been extended to cover pregnancy and a period after returning from maternity leave, and neonatal care leave and pay were introduced for parents whose babies need hospital care after birth.
Where to go
- NHS maternity services, bookable directly without a GP referral in most areas.
- Health visitors for care after birth.
- Maternity Action for advice on rights at work.
Worth knowing
Maternity care is chargeable for some overseas visitors, but it is classed as immediately necessary: it must be provided first and billed later. Nobody should delay care over cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much maternity pay do you actually get?
Six weeks at ninety per cent of your average weekly earnings, then thirty-three weeks at the flat statutory rate or ninety per cent of earnings if that is lower, then thirteen weeks unpaid. Many employers top this up; check your contract, because the difference is substantial.
What is shared parental leave?
A scheme allowing a mother to end her maternity leave early and share the remaining leave and pay with her partner, in blocks if they wish. It is flexible on paper and administratively fiddly in practice, which is why take-up has stayed low.
Official sources and links
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised