Can I change where I give birth hospital wise?

ninnypants

Im 35 weeks pregnant and just had a tour of my local hospital when Im 'due' to give birth in, however Im not impressed with it in anyway. Its not what I was expecting and the rooms made me feel ill (pink walls, old furniture etc). Im now thinking of touring another hospital almost equal distance from me, which is brand new (all new equipment, bigger rooms, fewer beds to wards, more family/partner facilities whereas my current hopsital families have to wait in the stairwell!!).

At this stage can I request to move hospital?

Im hoping its not an issue as if I were in town and somethign happened to me, I'd be taken by ambulace to this new hospital by default.

Does anyone know, has anyone done this before? I'd obviously still have my maternity notes etc

Thanks.

John_3:16

I am sure you can choose were you want to have your baby. Ask your midwife?

LondonDiva

Speak to your GP or midwife.

ninnypants

Oh yes I will I just wondered if anyone else has done this.

My mw works at my current hospital so guess Im scared of offending her.

Or might call new hospital first and see what they say....my next mw appt isnt for another 2 weeks now so gives me plenty time etc.

whood

When my partner gave birth to our son 2 years ago we rang Oldham royal up ,Rochdale and Bury but they were full so we ended up giong to Tameside hospital and this was our choice, and now have a little girl due on Tuesday and we havent decided which one to go to, so I dont think it makes a difference where you go.

weezl74

we swapped at 36 weeks from Midwife led at a local hospital, to homebirth. Midwives were absolutely fine with it. You can even just show up at the wrong one if you are in labour and need to, but it's better to give them notice for planning!

HTH

Weezl x

ninnypants

Thanks everyone!

Mme.Hibou

whood wrote: »

When my partner gave birth to our son 2 years ago we rang Oldham royal up ,Rochdale and Bury but they were full so we ended up giong to Tameside hospital and this was our choice.

Good choice, that's where I was born.

MrsTinks

The main reason they like you to have a hospital down is because they will have SOME idea of how many people are due in a set period etc but also if there have been any complications etc they will be aware of them and more prepared to handle them. Ultimately though you should have your notes with you 24/7 so if you get taken to another hospital then you have all the medical details you need

You MIGHT find that if you officially alter your hospital then your midwife might change... depends on the area you're in

Paparika

ninnypants wrote: »

Im 35 weeks pregnant and just had a tour of my local hospital when Im 'due' to give birth in, however Im not impressed with it in anyway. Its not what I was expecting and the rooms made me feel ill (pink walls, old furniture etc). Im now thinking of touring another hospital almost equal distance from me, which is brand new (all new equipment, bigger rooms, fewer beds to wards, more family/partner facilities whereas my current hopsital families have to wait in the stairwell!!).

At this stage can I request to move hospital?

Im hoping its not an issue as if I were in town and somethign happened to me, I'd be taken by ambulace to this new hospital by default.

Does anyone know, has anyone done this before? I'd obviously still have my maternity notes etc

Thanks.

It's your pregnancy, and it's your child's birth, you are the one in control, if the hospital your are booked in don't like it...what are they going to do.... there isn't much they can do is there, speak to the new one, have a chat to the midwives get that visit done, it may look nice etc, but don't make your mind up until you have done the visit.

ladybez

You would still keep the same community midwife as they are area or GP based, but yes it is possible to change at this stage. As has already been suggested have a tour of the "new" unit and new does not always equate to better care and that is the most important thing. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.