You can give birth at home, in a midwife-led unit or in a hospital, and where feels right depends on you, your pregnancy and what’s available near you. Your midwife will help you decide, and you can change your mind at any point.
The three main options
At home. A midwife supports you through labour in your own space. The NHS says that if you’ve had a baby before, a planned home birth is as safe as having your baby in hospital or a midwife-led unit. If you need extra help, you’d be transferred to hospital.
In a midwife-led unit (birth centre). A unit run by midwives, sometimes called a midwifery unit or birth centre. It may be part of a hospital (alongside) or completely separate (freestanding). Ask your midwife which type the nearest one is, and how long a transfer to hospital would take.
In a hospital obstetric unit. Doctors are on site, along with specialist newborn and anaesthetic care. Most births in the UK take place in an NHS hospital maternity unit.
Thinking about which suits you
- If your pregnancy is low risk, the NHS says giving birth at home or in a midwife-led unit makes you less likely to need assistance such as forceps or ventouse.
- If your pregnancy is higher risk, or you have certain medical conditions, the NHS says it’s safest to give birth in hospital, where specialists are available.
- Pain relief varies by setting. An epidural, for example, usually isn’t available at home or in most midwife-led units, so it helps to know what you’d like before labour.
- Circumstances can change during pregnancy or labour, so it’s sensible to be open to more than one option.
Questions to ask your midwife
- Which birth places are available to me, where I live?
- What would make me more suitable, or less suitable, for each?
- If I choose a birth centre or home birth, what happens if I need to be transferred, and how long would it take?
- What pain relief is offered in each setting?
- Can I visit before I decide?
When to get help
If you’re worried about your pregnancy at any point, contact your midwife or maternity unit the same day, or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Read more
In our classes, Meg helps you think through your options and what to ask your own care team, so you feel confident making choices that suit you.
Baby Steps GP provides antenatal education. This guide is general information, not medical advice, and doesn’t replace advice from your midwife, GP or maternity unit.