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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Should I move from Whipps Cross to UCLH?

9 replies

skewiff · 06/01/2011 22:23

I am 24 weeks pregnant with second child. My first was born at UCLH. We live (and lived then) in Walthamstow.

First pregnancy/ birth the journey to UCLH was doable. But now we have our other child to consider ...

Also my first child has v. mild cerebral palsy, which has never been explained. The birth was fantastic so I've never felt that it was UCLH's fault.

However, because of this I want to make sure that I'm going somewhere that is good - or as good as anywhere can be.

And most stories that I hear from Whipps Cross are fairly horrific.

Has anyone got any really recent experiences at either hospital?

Do you think I'm mad to travel half an hour or more to a far away hospital on a second birth (which I always imagine might be quicker)?

I can't have a homebirth because I have Group B strep.

Thank you.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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roulade · 07/01/2011 07:53

My sister had her dd at Whipps 6 weeks ago and found it all fine except for waiting an age to be discharged (on a weekend). I had ds there 4 years ago and they were fine though very busy!

Adair · 07/01/2011 07:58

I live in (north) Walthamstow and having mine at Homerton as that's where I had first two babies (one lots of medical intervention, one with none- both great) as we lived in Stoke Newington then. I LOVE Homerton - think they are absolutely amazing. Have been in with a scare (or two ) and they have been nothing but lovely and reassuring and thorough. Takes 20 mins odd to get there in no traffic but loads more if traffic. I have group b strep too - tbh it has reassured me more than worried me (as I think they admit earlier than without).

Though a neighbour looked at me in horror and said she would never go to Homerton and Whipps Cross were fantastic...

My second birth wasn't really quicker - well, until my waters broke then it really was!

Original poster

skewiff · 07/01/2011 22:42

That's really interesting Adair,

I am trying to decide whether to go to Homerton or UCLH.

I know UCLH well b/c of having first child there, but don't know Homerton at all.

Have they just had work done on the maternity Unit? Is it completed?

I don't drive. How easy is it to get to appointments from Walthamstow?

OP posts:

Adair · 08/01/2011 09:17

The maternity unit is finished, have only been in the first bit of the delivery suite but seems nice.

I don't drive either - there is the W15 which takes FOREVER especially with Olympic village diversion but goes from Higham Hill right down to the hospital via Walthamstow Central, and the 48 which stops near Homerton High St (5-10 min walk ?) from Walthamstow Central Bus station and takes not so long - 20 mins? I have also got a cab a couple of times, about £8 from where I am (north of Lloyd park).

If you go for early appointments (8.30am, you're usually out in half an hour. My next is 10am which will probably be more waiting.)

PS re the waiting to be discharged. I found that, but have learnt to ask (politely) and then they just do it there and then .

PrettyCandles · 08/01/2011 09:33

I had my first two dc at UCH even though I lived in Brent. I would probably have had dc3 there as well but we moved out of London when I was 9w pg. However the care at UCH was so good that I preferred to commute back to London for all my scans and tests. I didn't transfer my a-n care to my local hospital until after my anomaly scan.

I travelled to all my appointments by tube - parking outside UCH cost 20p per 3 minutes! And that was before the congestion charge.

When in labour, and the occasion I had a bit of a scare at work, I went to UCH by taxi.

Without the slightest hesitation, I would choose to commute to an excellent unit, rather than the convenience of a poor unit.

Adair · 08/01/2011 09:59

Friend had very good experiences at UCH.

Original poster

skewiff · 08/01/2011 11:56

Thank you - esp for v. useful practical info ie bus numbers, Adair.

I have decided to go to Homerton. Its much closer than UCH and for the birth (which is what I am changing for) that will be important, I think.

Did you have antibiotics with your first two babies, Adair?

I am happy to have them if they are really needed - but speaking to the Group B strep organisation - they say you can have an 'advanced', test which has very accurate results 5 weeks prior to the birth. The Group B comes and goes from people's bodies, so is not actually present all of the time. The results of this 'advanced' (more advanced than GP's test) are almost 100% guaranteed to be correct at the time of birth.

I am just not keen on flooding a new born's body with antibiotics so early on. Also did it really annoy you - the drip and cannula?

OP posts:

tethersend · 08/01/2011 12:01

Sorry to hijack, but I had my first at UCLH and thought they were fantastic.

I now live in Bethnal Green- does anyone know if I'll be able to go to UCLH with my (as yet hypothetical) second?

edeluna · 08/01/2011 15:07

I've been getting all of my antenatal care at UCLH and have been very happy and impresses with them. The only other hospital I've had any experience with is Barnet, which is my closest hospital. But given the possibility of a couple of potential complications in my pg, I decided very early on to go with UCL. When the big day comes, I'll most likely be travelling into town by taxi, which may not be so convenient, but I have a lot of confidence in the hospital so I think the journey will be worth it.

tethersend As far as I understand, anyone can book in to UCLH regardless of where they live. Just give the Antenatal Clinic a call.

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