Second pregnancy

[missrosexx]

(TW speak of baby deaths)

So I'm 17 weeks pregnant with my second child after 4 years of trying! But the anxiety has definitely kicked in, I'm high risk due to thyroid problems and was really hoping for a home birth but doesn't look like that will be a possibility. The 2 main hospitals in my area have shocking maternity wards with extremely bad press at the moment surrounding baby neglect and deaths and I'm 100% not going to be going to have my baby in those hospitals. So what are my other options. Am I allowed to travel out of area into another hospital I feel more comfortable in? Or will a home birth still be considered even though I'm high risk??

You are allowed to choose any hospital you wish to give birth at. How was your last delivery can I ask?

I'm allowed a pick of two hospitals but both are going through shocking news at the moment, I was living in Cornwall with my first and the hospital was amazing I'm in a different area now

You can chose whatever hospital suits you best, but In my case first labour was and awful 27 hours.

Second I went back to the same place, contractions started at 6.15 and baby was born at 6.59. I've heard second come faster then the first, and in my case that was very much true. So unless you have warning, it's probably going to be the closest one to you, good luck x

If you’re high risk don’t go for a home birth. You’ll need monitoring throughout.

I think those hospitals who have bad press now they will take extra measures to make sure their care is better. If just bc they are under scrutiny.

Make sure you’re informed of what choices you have, pain relief, etc so you know what’s happening. Is your husband someone who can advocate for you too?

Talk to your midwife and tell her your concerns, ask if the care has improved, if the midwives (from the scandals) are still there etc.

I would say that it depends exactly why you have been classed as high risk- are you undergoing active treatment for your thyroid issues? Many women get given the 'high risk' label without the actual risks being properly explained. You have every right to choose where you give birth and the team cannot refuse you a home birth but I would advise you to get the full picture before you make such a decision.

Some babies born to mums with thyroid issues need to go to NICU post birth (absolutely not saying this will happen to you but something to consider) therefore a hospital setting will be more appropriate for example.

Without the full info it is too hard to say but you could speak to your midwife at your next appointment to discuss. You could also choose to give birth at a different hospital that is not local to you but do consider how you would get there in labour. Equally you may be offered induction or opt for an ELCS therefore a longer drive wouldn't be an issue.

Lots to consider and it may be that you need to see how things are going further down the line but I hope you can get some answers soon as I fully understand the anxiety of it all being an unknown (30 weeks pregnant with DD2 myself and in a similar situation).

I'm allowed a pick of two hospitals

You can give birth in any nhs hospital in the UK. They may strongly push your two closest ones but you can request any hospital you like. Alternatively you can show up to any hospital in active labour and they will admit you