You are entitled to free prescriptions and dental treatment if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the past year and have a valid maternity exemption certificate. Ask your doctor, midwife or health visitor for form FW8.

Prepaid cards to buy milk, fruit, pulses and vegetables are available under the Healthy Start scheme. They are for pregnant women and for families with children under the age of 4, and who are on certain means-tested benefits. In Scotland, similar help is available through Best Start Foods. For details, see Chapter 53(6).