UK Healthcare & Pregnancy?

My husband and I have recently moved to the UK as residents. We'd like to begin trying for our 1st baby in the next 3 months or so - but I'm not sure how the British Medical system works.
Who should I visit for a pre-pregnancy check-up and/or advice? Is that something you go to your GP for, or does one visit a nurse or midwife?
(We're signed up with BUPA, so we are able to go private too.)

That said - does one REALLY need to see a healthcare professional before trying, or do you think the advice that baby books give (re. nutrition & supplements etc.) is enough?

So new to this, so many questions... so excited! :)

Welcome to the UK! Good news is that the National Health Service should look after all your pregnancy needs free of charge - not sure what BUPA will cover but they'll be able to tell you. You can go to see your GP if you want any advice or have any questions - I did that last year when we were thinking about TTC and they really put my mind at rest and were very sympathetic (I was worried about a past illness recurring during pregnancy) - but you don't have to. Main thing is to take your folic acid supplement and BD regularly.

If you haven't already found NHS Direct this info may help you (explains why folic acid is a good idea for example) http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/questions/ca...

A friend recommended Pregnancy for Dummies to me - you can get the UK edition from Amazon - and me and my husband have found it really helpful.

The national government also publishes the Pregnancy Book, which your midwife should give you once you're pregnant, but you can see it online at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsands...

Hope this helps a little and best of luck.