Choosing a Hospital?

[tigger2022]

Hi! I only found out I was pregnant yesterday and I'm 4 weeks so very early in pregnancy. I called my GP and they booked me in with the midwife in just over 3 weeks. Then the receptionist mentioned really casually that before my appointment, I need to come into the office and fill in a form with some basic details including which hospital I want to give birth in. This feels like a huge decision, especially so early on. How do you choose? What kind of things do you factor in?

Most people just get given the nearest hospital as it makes sense for when you have appointments/go into labour. It’s also easier for the health visitor to visit if they ever do as they’ll be local to you.

First baby I was assigned to the midwifes in St Thomas’ as it was the closest hospital to me. Second time round I asked to pick a different hospital as my first experience was traumatic and I didn’t want to go back there.

As long as you have no problems with the closest hospital to you, I’d just choose that one. It makes the most sense

...or am I overthinking it?

Haha no don't worry. Tbh I've never heard of women being able to choose their hospital just because they've said they're pregnant but I guess it depends where you are in the country!

Just go for the one closest to you as you don't want to be travelling for ages once you're heavily pregnant for any appointments. Or if you drive maybe it won't be a problem for you? Definitely consider the journey to the hospital once you're in labour as you really need to be able to get there as quick as possible!

I've picked my nearest hospital that we know very well anyway. Where we live were under a certain trust but the hospital would be like 20 miles away up a dual carriageway and I don't fancy doing that ! So I'm under a different trusts hospital but it makes sense as it's nearer and we know it.