"Outside Of Guidance" Pregnancy

7 replies

Mslongears · 10/10/2025 15:26

Has anyone gone through this?

From my booking appointment I was automatically labelled high risk due to a previous smaller baby (5.9lbs, no problems with placenta or cord function). First baby was just over 7lbs, and both me and partner are quite small people with very small babies running in the family. I've requested a homebirth this time, and was told by the midwife no chance as they like to induce small babies early. I've been advised on a homebirth group to request an out of guidance midwife. So far this baby is measuring slightly ahead (15 weeks), so I will continue to have growth scans privately rather than through a consultant. Already been told I'll be induced at 38 weeks which is just ridiculous.

Please don't lecture me over my decision, I'm well informed and confident with this. This is baby #4 so I know how it goes

OP posts:

Esssa · 10/10/2025 15:34

They can tell you what they want to do all they like. You get to assess how you feel about their recommendations and either agree or decline. I'd think if this baby is measuring ahead then previous small baby doesn't count as the situation now is different. Lots of time until delivery but if you don't tell them what you want they won't facilitate it spur of the moment. I'd definitely be telling them you are planning a home birth with the option to change your mind as new information comes as your pregnancy progresses.

Echomama · 10/10/2025 15:53

Esssa · 10/10/2025 15:34

This. They cannot force you into any sort of induction or early delivery. Just flat out say no.
I too have small babies with extra growth scans and I informed them straight away and throughout my pregnancies I'll be having a spontaneous labour. (Would love a home birth but it's just near impossible where I live so this may be a factor for getting yours to accept it)
But I would read up and ask about the trusts policies for providing for a home birth delivery and fight tooth and nail regarding policy and guidelines if it is something you so desire

JuniperandI · 10/10/2025 19:19

Induction is SO common these days with the list of factors for 'high risk' growing more and more. I was told in my booking in appointment that they'll want to induce me and they've said the same ever since.

Absolutely say no, it is your body and your baby. My trust are flat out saying there's not enough midwives to provide at home services at the moment, and they can't guarantee an ambulance if things go wrong so that might be mentioned to you too.

InjurySolicitor · 27/01/2026 20:31

I'm a birth injury solicitor. A lot of 'out of guidance' cases end up on my desk.

patooties · 27/01/2026 20:33

I’d also steer clear of the home birth groups. They are one track minded, pitched at all costs at ‘beating the system’ (or they were when I was having mine).

Homesweethome99 · 27/01/2026 21:08

I’m surprised (but not disbelieving you!) because my Homebirth midwife was very relaxed about OOG births in this circumstance. Was it a Homebirth midwife or just general community one you spoke with?

how far gone are you? This baby might not even track small anyways!

ultimately, you can choose how to give birth and if you want a homebirth then they essentially just have to fill out a load more risk assessments.

if you’re otherwise low risk, not far from a hospital and have a dedicated Homebirth team then I can’t see the issue.

only thing that would worry me, in your situation, is if your trust doesn’t have a dedicated/specialist Homebirth team. As I think that makes a BIG difference with risk.

Original poster

Mslongears · 27/01/2026 23:53