Hospital Births

Each Maternity Unit Varies in terms of the size and services offered. It’s best to discuss with your G.P. the services in your area. Antenatal Care can be shared between the Obstetrician and /or the Midwives and the G.P. This schedule of care will be discussed with you on your first visit and will also depend on your medical/ obstetric history. Providing everything remains normal throughout your pregnancy and labour you will be cared for entirely by the midwifery staff. However, if you required additional assistance obstetricians, anaesthetists and paediatricians would be readily available. After the birth of your baby you will be transferred to the postnatal area, where a team of midwives and support staff will look after you both. Most mothers and babies stay in hospital for one to two days following delivery. However it is possible to go home as soon as six hours after the birth, providing you are both well.

You may be able to opt to give birth in a Birth Centre/ Unit where a team of Midwives/Community Midwives will look you after, and occasionally your G.P. Birth Units may be part of the local Maternity Unit or a separate entity. The advantage of this option is that the Unit is more personal than a large hospital creating a more home-like environment. Here a midwife you would have met during your pregnancy will deliver your baby. There is also the back up of specialist hospital services should it be needed. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated with no obvious risk of complications during labour, then you may want to opt for this type of unit. However, Birthing Units are not as widely available as we would wish, so speak to your G.P. about the facilities in your local area.

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