All women, including first time mothers, are entitled to choose the place that their baby is born.
Most women can be reassured that they can leave the final decision until the last few weeks of pregnancy – all women who receive pregnancy care from Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust will automatically be provided with labour and birth care.
Women who have had uncomplicated pregnancies and who are ‘low risk’ can be reassured that there is no reason why they should birth in hospital.
Midwives and obstetricians provide professional advice and sometimes you may not wish to accept this; this is your choice and our service will support your right to choose.
If you are unhappy that your right to choose is not being heard you can discuss this with a Supervisor of Midwives; s/he can be contacted through the hospital switchboard 01932 872 000
Homebirth Service Reinstated
We are pleased to advise that Home Birth Services will be reinstated in Surrey from midday on Thursday 12 January 2023 for those women and birthing people who choose this option, following the temporary suspension of home births in December 2022.
Despite the demand on South East Coast Ambulance services remaining high, we recognise that having a home birth is an important choice to provide. Our midwifery staff want to help women, birthing people and their partners to make a birth plan that feels right for them which is based on relevant, up to date information.
In general, women who are ‘low risk’ usually choose
-
birth at home
-
birth at the hospital in the Home- from –Home rooms
-
birth in the hospital within the Labour Ward
In general, women who have some risk factors are encouraged to discuss their requirements with their midwife and a Consultant Obstetrician
For example:
-
A previous Caesarean section
-
An ongoing medical problem
-
When pregnancy goes into its 43rd week
-
When the placenta is low but not obstructing the passage of the baby
In general, women who have had a complicated pregnancy or are having significant medical treatment are usually advised to birth within a hospital setting
For example:
-
Blood pressure problems especially pre-eclampsia
-
When labour is premature (at less than 37 weeks)
-
When the baby has not been growing well
-
When the woman has problems with blood clotting
