MLU birth with high BMI?

[mamaAJ]

I was referred to consultant at booking for BMI 37.5, I saw them at 14 weeks when I had dating scan and they signed me straight back over to midwife led care and said no further visits were required.
Had GTT done at 28 weeks, all normal. Midwife gave me results a couple of weeks after.
Was weighed again at 28 weeks BMI was 39.

Haven't had any issues so far (33wks), so I'm planning on using the MLU which is actually in the hospital on the floor below consultant labour ward.

Since I'm midwife led and BMI hasn't caused any issues do you think I'll be able to use the MLU? Or should I be prepared to have to argue my way to the birth I really want?

It varies by hospital - ask your midwife. The hospital I used had a cut off of 35.

Out of interest - "the birth you want"? Do you know what facilities are available on CLU? Ours did have a pool etc and you don't have to lay still on a bed just because you're not MLU.

Also, do remember baby won't read or respect your birth plan, so try not to get your heart set on a specific scenario.

@HoneysuckIejasmine it's more so the environment and atmosphere in the birthing centre compared to the consultant unit - lots of space and facilities (en suit, partners can stay, calm and relaxed, open kitchen and living area with garden).
I'm not expecting to make a birth plan and it go that way with no surprises, but I do want to feel comfortable in my surroundings and the CLU in my hospital was very clinical.
If there was a genuine danger to my baby I would transfer there in a heartbeat, no questions asked.

I'm currently pregnant with my first child, and was consultant led due to BMI (over 35, but below 40 at booking in), but I was signed over to midwife led at 37 weeks. At my consultant appointment I discussed using our local freestanding MLU, and the consulatant agreed that this would be appropriate in my situation. My midwife (who is attached to the MLU) also supports this as well as my preference for a waterbirth. Obviously the situation could change if any problems crop up before or during birth.

They seem to have quite a holistic approach in my health board area, and haven't treated me in the way that I was worried they could just based on my BMI, but have considered my overall situation and health.

You can give birth wherever you want to, however you should check with the hospital/your midwife to find out what your local unit policy is re BMI and place of birth. If your BMI is higher than what the standard cut-off is on the midwife led unit then it’s best to get agreement with consultant/senior midwife that you can give birth there (and make sure it’s documented in your notes). Then you don’t have to worry about being ‘allowed’ when you are in labour, don’t have to battle etc.
It’s absolutely up to you how and where you give birth, sometimes your maternity care providers will want to have a conversation with you to make sure you understand any risks etc if you are going outside guidelines. Good idea to take someone with you to this appointment, and remember that no one is more invested in/cares more about your baby than you do!
Good luck

UPDATE

Had my 34 week appointment with midwife today and mentioned I'd like to birth in the birthing centre rather than labour ward, she wasn't phased at all and actually finished the sentence for me as she knew what I was going to say!
She said she can't see any problem with it - I've had a very uncomplicated pregnancy so far (I know this could still change) so therefore she says there's no reason for me not to birth on the MLU. My BMI is still below the cut off apparently... even though the website states 35. Mins was 39 at 28wks.
Not complaining tho.

I asked if this would be written into my notes but she said there's no need... I'm not sure if I should just request that it's in my notes, so there's no confusion when I go into labour?

I know in our area very few people make it into the fancy MLU. They are so strict - have to be at least 39 weeks but not more than 40, normal BMI, no issues, under 40 years old - the list goes on. Of course they don’t tell you that until you try to get in there during labour.

I was consultant led due to fibroids, but out of my 6 NCT group, only 1 made it in there.

I can't see it being Na issue I'm going for a vbac on mlu