homebirth at 36 weeks?

[CloudiaPickle]

I'm 37 weeks on Sunday but feeling very different (and imminent!) for the past day or so. I'm booked for a home birth but if I don't make it to 37 wks, will I have to be transferred afterwards anyway? Or just if necessary?

I'm only measuring 34cm but midwife wasn't concerned as I'm still progressing and am.petite, plus my other children were small (under 7lbs) but then I worry how small this one is now in that case. Has anyone else had a homebirth at 36 weeks? Would you? Or should I make arrangements for hospital if it is going to be in the next few days?

[gillyweed]

I'm 38wks and 'waiting' for my 2nd homebirth. However my first was in a completely different city with different procedures; nothing was left at my house, midwives turned up with everything when the fun began.

It was made quite clear to me last wk if it was early than spot on 37wks (even by a few hours!) I would have to go in to hospital; however I put this down to the midwives not being on call till this point and the equipment not being delivered till the morning of 37wk (homebirths are pretty rare in these parts!).

Have your midwives not discussed this with you? I could be wrong but are babies born before 37wks not classed as prem? I think you need to discuss it with them and talk about procedures etc (equipment, whose on call, prem babies.). They may be fine if they are experienced in hb.

That said I've felt ready to go from about 36 + 4 and I'm still sat here bouncing on my bloody ball! Good luck!

[Wolfbasher]

I planned a home birth with DC3 but went into labour at 36 weeks and 6 days. Rang the labour ward and they wouldn't send a midwife out - said I needed to come in if it was earlier than 37 weeks. I didn't push it though - I have heard of some people refusing to come in, and a midwife then being sent, but don't know if this is just urban myth or real.

I think they expect potential complications before 37 weeks - there were a lot of people in the room when DC3 shot out - paediatrician etc. etc. Baby was absolutely fine, and 5 mins later they'd all left again :)

[ISpyPlumPie]

I was also told that the minimum is 37 weeks and they will not come out even at 36+6 (urban area, no equipment brought round in advance). Don't know what would happen if you just tell them you're staying put!

Good luck with everything

[AuntySib]

Home birth at 36+4, all fine. BUT this was 14 years ago, with dedicated home birth team ( now disbanded) and lead midwife who had been seeing me all through the pregnancy made the judgement herself. Rules actually stated 37 weeks !minimum. I think if you were to contact hospital and spell out that you were under 37 weeks they may not have the discretion not to call you into hospital.
In my case, midwives left onice they'd checked me and baby ok, returning the next day .
Hope it all goes well for you!

[shirkingworking]

I wasn't allowed one with DC2 at 36 weeks, 5 years ago. Tried to set up for one as DC1 had arrived very very quickly so I wanted to the equipment there just in case I couldn't get to hospital in time. But DC2 arrived before the midwives had dropped off all the "stuff" - which I think they do at 37 weeks. And I would have been told to come in to hospital if I'd have tried for a homebirth. (Although I could quite easily have had an unattended and unplanned homebirth whether or not I was "allowed" given the speed of DC2's arrival... Luckily we made it to the hospital.) They make sure there is a paediatrician in the delivery room if you have a baby before 37 weeks. Just in case. DC2 was totally fine by the way. Good luck!

[PenguinsIsSleepDeprived]

Our area mw won't come out pre 37 weeks. The baby is technically prem so they just won't take the risk.

[PenguinsIsSleepDeprived]

Oh and I have been told if you refuse to come in and they are seriously worried then they will send an ambulance to cover themselves.

[Leontine]

I know someone who had a homebirth at 35+6 and everything was fine. It was a planned UC though, so there were no restrictions to have to think about.