What happens when you go into the hospital? (Specifically Edinburgh)

[MimiDaisy11]

I'm still at the end of the second trimester so have a decent amount of time to go though I'm curious about what to expect. I've read all the material given to me but there's not much about what happens at the hospital other than descriptions of issues with birth and painkiller options.

When you are admitted do you change into your nightdress? (I see from hospital bag that they say to wear an open front nightdress) Are you on a ward with other pregnant women? Is that where you stay and give birth? (assuming all goes well and no c-section, other operations etc needed) Is privacy an issue? Are you mostly left alone with just regular checks until things progress?

Also specifically for those who've given birth in Edinburgh. I was just told it was Edinburgh Royal Infirmary or Livingston St Johns for giving birth in Lothians but I see there's a birth centre at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Is that the place where all women give birth or are there two options there? It seems from reading online that there are two separate areas. Is the birthing centre better? Do I need to request it?

Thanks for your replies.

Hi Mimi. I live in Edinburgh and had a baby at the royal infirmary in 2019, and I'm due my second in 8 days time!
The birthing Center is the default place you will go if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy and there are rooms available when you arrive there. I think there are only about 8-10 rooms. If there are all full then you will just go into the labour ward but you would still get your own room there if you are in active labour.
There isn't much difference in the rooms to be honest. You get a bit more space in the birth centre and a bath is available to you. But in both cases you still get put into the post natal Ward once you've had the baby.
I actually have ended up with a c-section with my first after 2 rounds of failed induction. I'm hoping to deliver naturally with my second. I found the pre-baby care at the hospital excellent but the post-natal care really bad as they were understaffed. Don't be afraid to ask for help on the post natal Ward, especially with breast feeding.

Thanks for your reply that's helpful to know. I think poor post-natal care seems, unfortunately, to be a widespread problem in the UK - at least that's my impression from stories I've read on here.

Hope things go well with your labour! I think this time of year is usually the least busy for babies being born (or so I read) so hopefully, you get some more attention in the post-natal ward.

I've had two babies at ERI, one 2 years ago and one last month. First one was on labour ward due to being premature, so needing extra monitoring, second in the birth centre. It also depends on what pain relief you want, I believe if you want an epidural then you have to go to the labour ward. There are separate post natal wards for each. Last month it was all very quiet, I guess people are trying to get in and out as quickly as possible just now, and I had the post natal ward to myself over night. The staff I saw were really helpful.