Polish women who choose to go through pregnancy and childbirth in the UK often face a difficult decision. Should they choose the NHS, or use the services of a Polish gynaecologist in the United Kingdom? The antenatal care system in the UK differs significantly from that in Poland.
In England pregnancy is not routinely supported with medical treatment before 12 weeks. Miscarriage during this period is treated as a natural response of the body. Of course, a woman in this difficult situation can count on basic medical support, but hormonal medications such as progesterone (e.g., lutein) are not administered.
Additionally, healthy pregnancy is usually managed by a midwife rather than a doctor. The midwife uses traditional methods of monitoring pregnancy – weighing and measuring the expectant mother, assessing her general health, and performing cervical massage. However, she will also refer the patient for specialist examinations such as ultrasound scans and blood tests.
Pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy tests (during the first visit)
The first appointment with a gynaecologist after confirming pregnancy is an extremely important moment not only for the expectant parents, but above all for the health of the mother and the developing baby. During this visit, doctor orders a range of basic tests that help assess overall health and establish a plan for further prenatal care.
1. Medical history and physical examination
During the first visit, doctor takes a detailed medical history covering:
- chronic illnesses,
- past infections,
- history of births and miscarriages,
- menstrual cycles,
- allergies and current medications.
Basic physical examination is also performed:
- blood pressure measurement,
- weight and height measurement (BMI calculation),
- gynaecological examination,
- breast examination,
- cervical smear (if not done within the last 6–12 months).
2. Ultrasound confirming pregnancy
At this stage, the first transvaginal ultrasound is performed:
- confirms intrauterine pregnancy,
- determines the number of embryos (single or multiple pregnancy),
- assesses gestational age based on CRL (crown–rump length),
- checks for embryo heartbeat.
3. Laboratory tests (blood and urine)
The following basic and mandatory tests are ordered:
Blood tests that includes:
- full blood count – assessment of general health (anaemia, infection),
- blood group and Rh factor – important for the risk of Rh incompatibility,
- anti-D antibodies – if the mother is Rh-negative,
- TSH – thyroid function assessment,
- fasting glucose – screening for abnormal glucose metabolism,
- syphilis test (VDRL),
- HIV,
- HCV,
- HBsAg – hepatitis B.
Serology:
- toxoplasmosis (IgG and IgM) – immunity or infection risk,
- rubella (IgG and IgM) – important for assessing potential foetal risk,
- cytomegalovirus (optional, especially if infection is suspected).
Urine test:
- kidney function assessment,
- detection of possible urinary tract infection (often asymptomatic in pregnancy).
First trimester medical tests (weeks 1–13)
The first weeks of pregnancy are full of emotions and major changes in the mother’s body. Although nothing may be visible externally, much is happening inside as new life is developing. This is when the most important tests are carried out to ensure the pregnancy is progressing normally and to identify any early abnormalities.
Pregnancy weeks 6–8
- First gynaecological consult (if not done earlier): medical history, examination, pregnancy confirmation.
- Transvaginal ultrasound – confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy, presence of embryo, heartbeat, gestational age.
- Basic laboratory tests (if not previously done):
Pregnancy weeks 10–11
- Follow-up visit – discussing the results, assessment of wellbeing and pregnancy development.
- Additional tests or referrals if needed.
Pregnancy weeks 11–13 + 6 days
Genetic (prenatal) ultrasound:
- Combined test (PAPP-A + free beta-hCG) – blood test combined with ultrasound markers to assess the risk of genetic conditions (e.g., Down, Edwards, Patau syndromes).
Second trimester tests (weeks 14–27)
The second trimester is often the most comfortable period. Nausea usually subsides, energy returns, and the baby bump grows. This is also when important tests assessing foetal development are performed.
Pregnancy weeks 15–17
- FBC and urine test – routine monitoring and early detection of infections or anaemia.
- If necessary – repeat serology (e.g., toxoplasmosis), especially if earlier results were inconclusive.
Pregnancy weeks 18–22
Anomaly scan (mid-pregnancy ultrasound) is one of the most important scans performed by a specialist in prenatal diagnostics. It will help assessing:
- foetal anatomy and organs
- growth and amniotic fluid volume,
- placenta location,
- foetal sex (if parents wish).
Pregnancy weeks 21–22
Routine FBC and urine test.
Pregnancy weeks 24–28
- Glucose tolerance test (OGTT) – “sugar curve”. It requires preparation and lasts around 2 hours.
- Anti-D antibodies – again if the mother is Rh-negative.
- Routine FBC and urine tests.
Third trimester tests (weeks 28–40)
The final trimester is a time of anticipation and preparation for birth. Abdomen grows rapidly and medical appointments become more frequent. Doctors closely observe foetal development, position, and the mother’s health.
Pregnancy weeks 28–30
- FBC and urine test – checking iron levels, red blood cell count, kidney function.
- Anti-D antibodies (if Rh-negative).
- Ultrasound scan – foetal growth, placenta location, amniotic fluid.
Pregnancy weeks 32–34
- Follow-up ultrasound scan (“third prenatal scan”).
- Routine blood and urine tests.
Pregnancy weeks 35–37
- Vaginal and rectal swab (GBS) – screening for Group B Streptococcus. A positive result is not a disease but requires antibiotics during labour.
- Routine blood and urine test.
- CTG monitoring if indicated (reduced foetal movements, hypertension, diabetes).
Pregnancy weeks 38–40
- CTG – monitoring foetal heartbeat and uterine contractions (usually weekly until labour).
- Cervical assessment during examination.
- Additional ultrasound and specialist consultations if needed.
Pregnancy care with a Polish gynaecologist in the UK
While living in the UK, you may choose to have your pregnancy managed by Polish gynaecologist in London. Polish doctor can follow the pregnancy care schedule used in Poland. In this case, more tests are usually carried out, and the patient remains under the care of a doctor rather than a midwife.
Women who prefer Polish pregnancy care model should consult Polish gynaecologist in the UK for details. We welcome all expectant mothers to our Polish Medical Clinic in London!
