How early do I have to decide where to have the baby?

[Aubergenie]

I'm 9 and half weeks pregnant with my first child and have had a couple of early scans due to previous miscarriage. The nurse at the EPAU asked me if I was going to have the baby at that hospital and I wasn't sure what to say. I know that I have been referred to the midwives there although I haven't had an appointment yet.

I've not heard great things about the hospital and I'm not sure whether I want to have the baby there or not. Can I choose which hospital I want? I'm also toying with the idea of a home birth but a bit worried about what would happen if it all went wrong.

My question is, when do I have to decide? A friend mentioned that she thinks it's quite difficult to get transferred to another hospital once you're in the system somewhere.
Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks for any advice you can give!

Hi, as far as I know you can change you mind at any point. So even if you say now for instance you are having it at home/hospital you can change your mind later whenever you want!! Good luck!

My advice would be to put your name down for a home birth - if there is any chance you might want one. It is easier to change your mind and opt for a hospital birth at any time (even up to d-day itself), whereas you might not get much cooperation from your local health services if you announce at 39 weeks that you want a home birth.

You can choose the hospital you want if that is the route you want to go. Basically, you are legally entitled to choose - see the website www.birthchoiceuk.com/ for details of the service in your area. Also the website www.homebirth.org.uk/ for information on homebirths. Would also recommend Janet Balaskas's book "Waterbirth", which has loads of info on birthing in general, (as well as lots on waterbirths).

Hope this helps. Good luck with it - and don't get too stressed over it all, you have months to read up on it.

I'm planning to move to a different place at 37 weeks just so I can give birth there.

I certainly rebooked to a birth centre at 30 weeks, partly just to get away from the community midwives.

Thanks for all the replies. It's good to know that I've got time to make my decision. I was just worried that I might get pushed into something when I go for my next appointment. I'm going to take some time to explore my options.