You can discover where you can give birth according to your preferences and needs – in a labour ward, in a birth centre or at home.Watch the video to learn about the different options. Your midwife at your chosen maternity unit or your doctor can help advise you on the best choice for you.Video credit: NHS North West London maternity services.
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.
