Advice needed: hospital in London

[marsup]

I'm now in my 32nd week and have to go to London in my 33rd week (one day) and again in 34th (overnight) for work. My What to expect... book says it is sensible to get details of a hospital/midwife in the area if travelling late in pregnancy. Does anyone have a suitable ph number and address for emergency contact if I do go into premature labour while in London? (I'm up north so will be between Kings X station and the Kensington area). And how does it work - can I just turn up and have baby anywhere???

(When I booked the train I dreamt I had the baby in the GNER and woke up thinking 'at least it wasn't a Virgin birth'. Sorry!)

I did the same - went to london when 34 wks for day and night, rather irresponsibily I did no preparation to find out numbers beforehand - just made sure I took my notes with me.

would have thought you can go to any NHS hospital. have you asked your local midwife for her advice?

Mears would be able to answer this if she's around.

I think if you had to dial 999, they would take you to the nearest maternity unit if possible, and if not, would contact the "flying squad" of midwives for the area you were in.

I had to do this in 1992 in Shepherds Bush, when I went into labour with my first. She started coming much quicker than anticipated so we had to call an ambulance instead of getting a taxi. The ambulance men took one look at me, saw the head coming and called in the flying squad team, who delivered me at home. They took me to hospital afterwards at my request, because I needed stitches, and my kitchen ceiling had fallen down the night before, flooding the place! I stayed in for 5 days until the mess could be sorted, but they would've sent me home sooner had it been possible.

You can have your baby at any NHS hospital really. You could look here to find the nearest maternity unit to where you will be. Good idea to take hand held casenotes.

Good luck and at your dream!

You'll be fine if you go into labour at Kings x, as UCH is less than a mile down the road. An excellent maternity unit, I had both of mine there.
As for Kensington area, I think it would be Chelsea and Westminster or St. Mary's, both with good reputations.
Wherever you are, I'm sure you'll be well looked after

Hope you have a nice trip to London

Thanks for all the advice and reassurance - it's very unlikely anything will happen but I thought I'd do what the book says for once and be prepared!