Advised to give birth in UCLH - 40 miles away

[DreadfulSpiller]

Hi
I'm almost 18 weeks into a high risk pregnancy (I've 1 dd and 2 mc before). I live in Kent, but am having a lot of my care at UCLH and have been advised by the haematologist and Obs to have the baby there, as it's a big teaching hospital and they can react better in an emergency.

I'm happy to go with their advice whatever is best for me and baby, however, it will be a controlled delivery, induction at 39 weeks if I get that far. Last time, this took FOREVER to get going and my DH had to go home overnight a few times, however, this will be more difficult this time, we lived 10 mins away from a big London hospital when I had DD.

has anyone been in a similar situation? Will do what's best, but really don't cherish dH being away from me, being so far from DD and also, I know what stretched London hospital care can be like ...

Thanks all.

If you're going to be induced, could DH book a travelodge in the area or something?

Well, i wasn't in your situation, I was two minutes away, but I had both my dds in UCH and I think that it is a great hospital in terms of expertise. Are you having a muliple birth?

Hi, thought of travelodge option, might have to be the way forward, it's all so far away I don't know why I'm worrying, this pregnancy is only just starting to feel real tbh, have only told 2 people outside family as can't quite believe its all ok.

Reassuring to hear positive experience from UCLH.

Not multiple no, have a blood clotting disorder, 3 DVts, 2 in pregnancy and had 2 mc.

had DD at whipps x - delivery was gd in terms of care, but post natal care and experience was appalling.

Well post natal is not as good as ante-natal in most larger hospitals, but UCH do have really good ante-natal care. My consultant had concerns about dd1's growth and I was seen in a couple of days by the european expert in the field. Luckily all was fine. Could you maybe rent somewhere for a week?

I had two relatively high risk pgs at UCH - first time (pre the rebuild) the care was so dreadful I bailed and went private. second time (post rebuild) I felt thoroughly looked after and the care was better than the private care. I was monitored weekly and saw consultants all the way through.

My antenatal midwife second time round was just lovely. First time was non-existent - literally didn't see anyone. Post natal care both times a bit hit and miss.

Anyway, yes I think the specialist care there is very good. General care and post natal care only so-so but I think it's like that everywhere. Once they know you are ok they are onto the next case and genuine post-natal support is cursory.

Hi , thanks for the info dr Johnson, glad to hear its improved post re build. Not had much antenatal there yet, just a brief couple of consultant appts, been mostly haem stuff there so far, had all my scans and other apps at my local hospital. care will ramp up there in a few weeks when I have my booking appt and specialist scans there I think. Obs consultant v approachable tho, which is great.

Our local hospital is new, was looking forward to being near dd and dh, with a private room and bathroom! Having Whipps flashbacks of having to discharge myself after 5 days, no help bfing, overcrowded, disinterested MWs ... Rant over!

TBH, if we get far enough along to be admitted for a Controlled delivery it will be amazing, and I'll be happy anywhere that delivers a healthy baby, just having a wobble and worries about logistics.