NHS Lothian Maternity Services believe that you should have control over the way your care is planned and delivered, based on your health, your personal circumstances and what matters to you.
All options should be explained and discussed with you. As you progress through your pregnancy, you will be invited to discuss where you can have your baby in Lothian and to consider options for pain management and what can help you through labour. Together with your midwife or doctor you will talk about your options and discuss your preferences for the birth of your baby. This can be written down in what is traditionally called a birth plan.
As part of the Best Start in Lothian, NHS Lothian are working to ensure every woman has this conversation about her birth preferences.
Care in pregnancy (antenatal care)
Your midwife will discuss the options that are available for your care during pregnancy. All professionals work in partnership and a GP and/or obstetrician may be involved if necessary. Remember you can discuss and change your choices at any time.
Where can I have my Baby?
In Lothian, these are your options:
- at home
- at the Lothian Birth Centre
- at the maternity unit in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
- at the maternity unit in St John’s Hospital
More information and virtual tours can be found under ‘Where Can I Have My Baby?’
To help you decide where to give birth, please go to:
https://assets.nhs.uk/prod/documents/Birth-options-first-baby.pdf
https://www.nice.org.uk/sharedlearning/the-birth-choice-tool-from-which
