From free prescriptions and essential vitamins, to statutory maternity pay, a lot of assistance is available
Pregnant women in England are entitled to free NHS prescriptions during pregnancy and for 12 months after giving birth, whether they are employed or not. (In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, they are free for everyone.) You need a maternity exemption certificate, which you can get from a midwife, doctor or health visitor.
You are also entitled to free dental treatment during pregnancy and for 12 months after giving birth in all parts of the UK. You must have a maternity exemption certificate or equivalent.
This is a digital or paper certificate, and you show it to the pharmacist when picking up prescriptions in England, or the dentist at your appointment.
“When you’re pregnant or have a new baby, there can be extra costs that add up quickly. That’s why it’s vital to check you are getting all the help you’re entitled to,” says Lilly Aaron, the senior policy manager at the Money and Pensions Service.
