Giving Birth in London from Overseas

International Maternity Care with Dr Keith Duncan MD FRCOG

Many women who live outside the UK choose to give birth in London under the care of one named consultant obstetrician. Dr Keith Duncan MD FRCOG cares for patients who begin their pregnancy abroad and travel to London for the final weeks and the birth. Planning for this starts well before they arrive.

Dr Duncan has over 30 years' experience and more than 4,000 deliveries, and has been a sub-specialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine since 2001. He delivers at The Portland Hospital. Through his online consultations, your care with him can begin wherever you are in the world.

Who is this page for?

This page is for anyone who is pregnant, lives outside the UK and is planning to give birth in London with Dr Duncan. This includes:

• Expats and overseas residents who would like to deliver in London
• Patients living abroad who are returning to the UK to have their baby
• Patients who have started antenatal care in another country and wish to transfer their care part-way through pregnancy
• Patients planning a caesarean section in London

When should I arrive in London?

Dr Duncan advises patients who live overseas and plan to give birth in London to arrive no later than 35 weeks. Arriving at this stage allows time for at least a couple of antenatal appointments and scans with Dr Duncan before your due date, and, crucially, a Portland Hospital midwife booking appointment, without which the Portland won't admit you. It also gives you time to settle in London before the birth. The right timing is individual to each pregnancy. Dr Duncan may recommend a different arrival date if you are expecting twins, are planning a caesarean section, or have had complications earlier in your pregnancy. He will discuss the best timing with you at your online consultation, taking into account your pregnancy, your flights and your travel insurance.

How can I plan my care before I arrive?

The best way to plan your care from overseas is to book an online consultation with Dr Duncan, ideally as soon as you know you wish to deliver in London, rather than in the final weeks before you travel. Online consultations take place by secure video, and can be arranged to suit your time zone. Before your appointment you will be given a secure way to share your records. This allows Dr Duncan to review your pregnancy so far and plan the rest of your care with you. With your permission, Dr Duncan can also write to your doctor overseas, so everyone involved in your care is working from the same plan.

What records should I bring?

Please bring copies of all your pregnancy records to London, and share them in advance wherever possible. These should include:

• Scan reports, including your dating scan and any images
• Blood test results
• Your blood group and antibody status
• Screening results, such as NIPT, nuchal scan and anomaly scan findings
• Your vaccination history, including any vaccines given during pregnancy
• Details of any complications, medications, and previous pregnancies and births

Please note that records need to be translated into English before you see Dr Duncan, and it is always advisable to keep your notes in your hand luggage when you fly, so they are with you if you need medical help during the journey.

Can I fly in late pregnancy?

As long as your pregnancy is progressing without complications, flying should not harm you or your baby. However, each airline sets its own rules on how late in pregnancy you can travel, so please check with your airline before you book. Commercial airlines generally carry singleton pregnancies with a fit-to-fly letter until 35+6 weeks, and twins until 31+6 weeks. Cut-off policies differ between airlines and between single and twin pregnancies. Many airlines ask for a fit-to-fly letter later in pregnancy, confirming your due date and that your pregnancy is progressing normally. Your fit-to-fly letter should come from your local physician. Dr Duncan's article "Is It Safe To Fly During Pregnancy?" explains how to reduce the risk of DVT on long-haul flights, how to stay comfortable, and when you should not fly.

What happens when I transfer my care to Dr Duncan?

Your first appointment after arriving in London is an in-person consultation and scan with Dr Duncan. At this appointment he reviews your records from overseas and agrees a plan with you for the rest of your pregnancy and your birth.

This appointment takes place at one of Dr Duncan's London clinics: The Portland Hospital Consulting Suite, 132 Harley Street or Ovara Health in Chelsea. At your first appointment with Dr Duncan, investigative blood tests will only be performed if necessary, but all patients need at least a 'group & save' blood test performed with the midwives.

From then on, your care is consultant-led. Dr Duncan sees you personally at every appointment, performs the scans himself and performs your delivery. Appointments become more frequent as your due date approaches. Like all of Dr Duncan's patients, you will have his personal mobile number, with 24hr access for support.

Delivering at The Portland Hospital

Dr Duncan delivers at The Portland Hospital, the UK's only private hospital dedicated to women and children. The hospital is at 205-209 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5AH.

You can read more about what to expect in Dr Duncan's blog post "Your Delivery at The Portland Hospital, London". If you are planning a caesarean section, see our caesarean sections page.

How much does it cost?

Dr Duncan offers fixed-price maternity care packages that start at different points in pregnancy. These include a package from 35 weeks and a C-section only option, and full details are on our fees page.

The package price reduces the later you start care, which suits many patients who join from overseas in the later stages of pregnancy. Your admission to The Portland Hospital is billed separately by the hospital. Anaesthetist and paediatrician fees are also billed separately. Dr Duncan is recognised by all major UK and international insurance companies, many of whom he can invoice directly. If you plan to use international health insurance, please raise pre-authorisation with the practice early. You should also check your coverage directly with your insurer before starting care. Dr Duncan is also delighted to offer an initial complimentary consultation online for overseas patients to discuss your pregnancy care and associated fees.

Ready to Book Your Online Consultation?

To arrange an online consultation with Dr Duncan before you travel, please contact his secretary Colette. Online consultations are available to patients anywhere in the world. They are the first step to planning your birth in London.

Giving Birth in London from Overseas FAQs