Would you like to talk with somebody about your options for place of birth?
Some women may find it helpful to talk to someone about their birth options. This is especially true if they have had a pregnancy, labour or birth that was difficult previously, or if something unexpected happened. It is not unusual to be unsure about your options or what effect any choices may have on this pregnancy and birth.You can speak to your midwife, and if needs be she will refer you to a birth options clinic, which is normally run by the consultant midwife at your chosen maternity unit.If you are considering requesting a planned caesarean birth, this decision would be made with you and the specialist midwifery and obstetric teams. Ask your midwife to refer you to the appropriate clinic, where you will be able to discuss your options.
Safety is always the priority, so if you have certain needs or complications with your health and/or pregnancy it may mean that giving birth on a labour ward is the safest option. Your midwife or doctor will discuss this with you if it is their recommendation.If this is your first baby, and your pregnancy is considered low-risk, it is just as safe to have your baby in a midwife-led birthing centre as it is to have your baby in a labour ward. Research shows the risk to the baby is slightly increased when planning to give birth at home.If this is your second or subsequent baby, it is just as safe to have your baby at home as it is to have your baby in a midwife-led unit or in a labour ward. Women who give birth at home, or in a midwife-led birthing centre are much less likely to require medical assistance including caesarean section, instrumental delivery, blood transfusion and episiotomy.
This is a decision you will make following discussion with your midwife or doctor at around 34-36 weeks of pregnancy, but it is helpful to start thinking about your preferences before this time.
Portal: Choosing place of birth
You can change your mind about where to have your baby at any point. If you choose to have your baby at home or in a midwifery led unit (birth centre), some events or complications before or during labour may mean transfer to the labour ward is advised.
Home
At home – in the comfort of your own home with the support of two midwives and whoever you choose to have with you. You can hire a birthing pool and your midwife can provide gas and air (entonox) if you want to use it.
Midwife-led unit (MLU)/ birth centre
This is a ward within the maternity unit. It is a homely and calm environment that supports normal birth with minimal assistance. Midwives and chosen birth partners are on hand to support you. You will have the choice of a birthing pool, gas and air (entonox), aromatherapy and opiate based pain relief, depending on your maternity unit of choice.
Obstetric-led unit (OLU)/ Labour ward/Delivery suite
This is a ward in a maternity unit where your care will be provided by a team of doctors and midwives. Normal birth with minimal intervention is always the goal, if it is safe to do so. Access to more specialised medical facilities and equipment is available for those women who need it.
Some women may find it helpful to talk to someone about their birth options. This is especially true if they have had a pregnancy, labour or birth that was difficult previously, or if something unexpected happened. It is not unusual to be unsure about your options or what effect any choices may have on this pregnancy and birth.
You can speak to your midwife, and if needs be she will refer you to a birth options clinic, which is normally run by the consultant midwife at your chosen maternity unit.
If you are considering requesting a planned caesarean birth, this decision would be made with you and the specialist midwifery and obstetric teams. Ask your midwife to refer you to the appropriate clinic, where you will be able to discuss your options.
