Give birth in a birth centre

You might not immediately consider this question, assuming that the only available option is a hospital birth. However, if you’re pregnant and residing in the UK, there are several additional possibilities for where you can give birth, and we’re here to enlighten you about them.

The options for your delivery will hinge on various factors, including your location, pregnancy circumstances, and personal preferences. Depending on these factors, you have the choice to give birth at home, in a birthing centre, or at a hospital.

If your pregnancy is considered low-risk and both you and your baby are doing well, you can opt for a midwifery-led unit or a birth centre delivery. This option is safer than home birth, but it offers fewer resources compared to a hospital in case your birth plan takes an unexpected turn.

However, birth centres might not be suitable for women with conditions like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, or for those who have experienced complications in previous labours.

Birth centres can be either integrated within a hospital maternity unit, offering more specialized assistance, or located separately from a hospital, meaning immediate specialized help may not be readily accessible. Consult your midwife to understand the available options.

Discuss with your midwife or doctor to determine if a birth centre delivery aligns with your situation. We strongly recommend understanding the available options in your area, as you might need to travel if there are no nearby centres. You should also ask questions to get a clearer picture of what to expect during the delivery. While we’ve covered some of these questions here, we urge you to discuss them further with your healthcare provider:

Opting for a delivery centre located within a hospital is a safer choice. This ensures that if complications arise, you’ll have almost immediate access to obstetric, neonatal, or anaesthetic care. Before making your decision, inquire with your midwife about the available options.

If your chosen birth centre isn’t situated within a hospital, a transfer might be necessary in case of complications. Research indicates that about 4 in 10 first-time pregnant women who choose a birth centre are transferred to a hospital due to complications. In contrast, only 1 in 10 women who have had more than one pregnancy require such a transfer. Both figures show an improvement compared to home births.

You should also inquire about the following:

• How long would it take to transfer to the hospital if needed?
• Which hospital would I be transferred to?
• What pain relief options are available during a birth centre delivery?

Unlike a home birth, you can request an epidural for a birth centre/midwifery unit delivery situated within a hospital. However, if the centre is separate from a hospital, you’ll need to be transferred for an epidural. Available pain relief options include a TENS machine, a birthing pool, gas & air, and self-help techniques. Our Pain Relief series covers all these options. To learn more, you can explore our articles on Pain Relief options: Self-help and Pain Relief options: Stronger options.

You’re welcome to have your chosen birth partner with you during the delivery. Professionally, a midwife will be there to guide you through labour. If you’re fortunate, the midwife who supported you during your entire pregnancy might continue to do so during labour. She’ll also coordinate a hospital transfer if necessary.

One advantage is a lower likelihood of interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction. Additionally, the comfortable environment might help you stay more relaxed and better manage labour. If your family shares your excitement, they can visit since birth centres are usually located close to home.