Changing hospitals

[HelloMummy123]

Hi all - i had my registering appointment for my pregnancy so far. My first midwife is in 2 weeks. Am i allowed to pick which hospital i would want to have the baby in? My folder says the registering nurse discussed my preference with me when in fact she didn't. Or is it based on where you live?

[Purpledoggy]

It is based on where you live but you do have some ability to choose. I declined my nearest ‘default’ hospital because the next closest one, which I am technically not in catchment for, is much bigger and more experienced with complex needs like mine. Plus my husband works there. You should be able to discuss options with your midwife at the first appointment but think they like you to choose early so all of your scans, including 12 week, are done at your chosen hospital for continuity xx

[Cheekymonkey85]

In my area we can pick our hospital. We are quite central to 2 different ones which. One wants you to go to the hospital for all antenatal checks, the other holds their appointments in community clinics so we choose right at the start so they can pass note on. You can change at any time though. In a completely different area my sister switched in her last few weeks of pregnancy as she was unhappy with her care, she went through her gp to sort that out x

[Gladys_Friday]

Hi there,You absolutely can choose whichever hospital in the UK you want to give birth in. My friends are midwives and obstetricians and as the hospital's in my area are poor, I said I wanted to go totally out of area and give birth. They said many women don't realise that you can choose to give birth wherever you want, for any reason you want. It's 100% up to you. I'm having my early midwife appointments locally, but next week (wk 18) I have a call with an obstetrician and that's who I tell I want to have my baby elsewhere. They are the ones who will then make the arrangements for you to go to your hospital of choice for a pre birth visit and then to deliver. Good luck!