29 weeks pregnant - Is it too late to book a private hospital?

[animontaldo]

Hi,

I'm 29 weeks pregnant and I'm having my first baby. I'm 35 and I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which puts my pregnancy at somewhat of a risk, though it's all under control so far.

I have been using NHS services up to now and I can't complain, they've been good enough. However, I took a tour of one of their hospitals recently and it got me thinking about doing the delivery at a private hospital instead.

Mostly, I want to do this because I want to get an epidural early on during labour. I don't want to be sent home to suffer, which could be hours or even days of pain I know that NHS hospitals can get busy in London so I don't want to take any chances. My question is, is it too late to look for a private hospital such as the Portland Hospital or the Lindo Wing? Are there any private hospitals that you would recommend?

I'm not sure anywhere will give you an epidural in early labour. There's very good reasons why they shouldn't.

I know it all seems scary but being sent home to labour is not a bad thing and usually those hours or days are not that painful. As soon as it becomes unmanageable you head into hospital.

By all means go private but if you want to avoid pain your best bet is an elective c-section.

Have you looked into pricing?

I can't see any hospital giving you an epidural in early labour. It would be very likely to stall your labour, leading to much greater complications. There are lots of ways to manage contractions in early labour, but getting hooked up to an epidural asap isn't a viable one. Similarly, home is the best place for you to be in early labour and the longer you can stay there, the better generally.

Going private has advantages if what you want is an ELCS, but not really for vaginal births. I get that you're nervous, but I don't think going private would do anything much for the support you receive for a vaginal birth other than relieve you of several thousand pounds and get you your own room afterwards.

Definitely not too late if you want a delivery only package.
The Portland is probably the most expensive ad it doesn’t have nhs care so any extra ‘needs’ for you or the baby would be charged separately which could result in a bill of 10s of thousands!
Lindo prices are online & part of the imperial group.
Have you looked at queen Charlottes? Slightly cheaper than lindo