How late in the day is too late to opt for a home birth?

[NatalieJane]

I am 34+5, having pretty strong but fairly irregular contractions for over a week now, but if I do make it past 37 weeks (I think that is the earliest they will let you deliver at home isn't it?) is it too late for me to ask for a home birth?

I will have to do some major research before I go to my midwife, and decide for definate that that is what we want to do (if we get the choice) but before I do all of that, what is the lastest you can opt for a home birth?

I would have thought after the baby is born. I can't see why it would be a problem before that. It's your choice.

Well, I have another midwife in just under two weeks (I will be 36+3) is that pushing it too far or should I contact her earlier than that if we decide on it for sure?

...another midwife appointment....

Basically even if you would be set on a Hospital Birth and then decide otherwise, you still could do it, theoretically, but of course it's better for them if you let them know in advance,. At 36 weeks it would not be to late really, but you might want to call her and say that you wondered about HOmebirth, so, if they feel they would like to talk to you about it more in advance then you give them the chance, and if they don't say anything, then you know you forwarned them

I think it should be fine. I had a homebirth arranged (didn't happen but that's another story ) and all that happened was that at 38 weeks the midwife came to my house and did a run-through and got me to sign some sort of consent form. Also dropped off a big bag of instruments and equipment).
Had opted right from first booking in appointment so even though ended up giving birth in hospital I had the advantage of having all my midwife appointments at home which was lovely - really relaxing and dd always there to listen in.
Good luck!

I didn't decide for definate until gone 36 wks. The mw did a home birth visit just to make sure all was ok at home, at 37 wks.I was always booked at hosp aswell though.

I only decided at about 36 weeks (hadn't even given it a thought until then), and my midwife was fine about it.

my friend didn;t book it until 34 weeks, and she ended up going 10 days over...and no problem having her home birth....

Mine was booked 'officially' at 38 weeks so they had less chance to hassle me and find reasons not to do it. I had been planning it quietly for months though

Well it certainly looks like I haven't missed the boat or that we have to make the choice today, I won't take ages in letting them know, but didn't want to be rushed into anything either.

Thanks all