help - can I still give birth in MLU/Birthing centre?

[strawberrycheesecake1989]

Hi, my bump was measuring on the smaller end at 32 week fundal height measurement whereas at my 28 week measurement I was right up on the bigger end so got sent for a growth scan. Sonographer measured baby on the smaller size (below 10th percentile) so I was automatically referred to see a consultant within the fetal medicine department 3 days later. Consultant said there's nothing to worry about baby and she measured him as being on the 24th percentile (big different from 3rd!) and checked all the dopplers etc and said everything is fine. she then wanted to see me in 2 weeks time just to check on the growth - which she did and baby is growing well and staying around 25th percentile. she's now said she wants to see me in 2-3 weeks time. my worry is by this point ill be at 37 weeks so technically at term.

my question is, does this mean that I won't be able to opt for the birthing centre anymore and will have to go to labour ward?

thanks in advance for any help. don't really have a straight forward way of contacting the consultant until I see her again in 2 weeks time so if anyone could help in the meantime id really appreciate it.

It might depend on your trust, but I had 3 growth scans at 34w, 36w and 38w due to reduced growth, but at the last scan the consultant discharged me back to the community midwife as they're no longer concerned, so I can use the MLU if I want to.

OP sounds like everything is basically normal and they’re just keeping an eye for you. I’d go ahead and plan the birth as you wish - just bear in mind sometimes new things crop up toward the end of pregnancy and you have to change plans anyway!

that's good to know. thank you for the help!

Speak to your consultant. If she is telling you everything looks normal, you should be able to use the MLU.

My hospital have strict rules for the birthing suite . I was told I couldn’t use it because I had high blood pressure after my waters spontaneously broke. I was so gutted . But after labouring on my own for 32 hours my blood pressure went down and they happily offered me the birthing suite . I was told by my midwife that even in high risk pregnancies they can sometimes offer it . My birthing unit is part of my hospital though so if there are any complications I can easily be transferred .