Pregnant women can now book to see a midwife without seeing a GP
- Healthwatch Wokingham
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 24
Pregnant women can now book to see a midwife without visiting a GP by completing a simple online form. You can choose which NHS trust you'd like to contact directly, giving you more control and quicker access to care.
Here’s a roundup:
New system on NHS.uk: Fill out a simple online form to get referred directly to your local maternity team: Refer yourself for NHS pregnancy care – NHS
Faster care: This helps expectant mums get care sooner which is important for screening tests and personalised support.
Optional GP visits: You can still see your GP if you want to, especially if you have other health conditions.
Wider access: Over 75% of NHS trusts now use the system, and nearly 85,000 people have already used it since March 2025. This includes local trusts for Frimley Park and Royal Berkshire hospitals.
Big impact: This change will save GPs around 180,000 calls and 30,000 appointments a year across England.
What the experts think: NHS leaders and charities such as Tommy’s support the move, saying it makes pregnancy care safer and easier.
For more details about the service, visit NHS England’s website: NHS England » Mums-to-be to skip the GP to get faster first NHS midwife appointments
