FAQs

Care during pregnancy and childbirth

Why private care?

The National Health Service provides basic safe care for women during pregnancy and childbirth, usually in the environment of a large multi-department hospital. Unfortunately the hospitals are often crowded and some are not very well maintained. The patient may see a relatively junior doctor after waiting for some time. However, these hospitals do have all facilities including intensive care facilities both for newborn babies and for mothers. A private doctor and clinic offer a more comfortable environment and access to a more senior doctor without a wait. In the private system there is not the extensive multi-department support. However, this is rarely needed in childbirth.

How do I access care?

Private care with The Birth Company is fully accessible by a direct route – click here for information. The Birth Company consultants – Dr Donald Gibb and Dr Cathy Roberts – look after women who are planning to have their baby delivered at The Portland Hospital for Women and Children.

What sort of care can I have at the Portland Hospital?

At The Portland Hospital most births are ‘consultant-led’, which means that all antenatal care is done by the consultant. All the consultations are with your consultant. The consultant will also either arrange all your scans or do the scans themselves. During your labour, you will be looked after by the midwives at The Portland Hospital, with your consultant attending at intervals. Your consultant should also be present during your delivery.

At The Portland Hospital there is also a facility for ‘midwifery-led care’. With midwifery-led care, most of the consultations will be with a midwife and the midwives will also look after you in labour and perform the delivery. If there are any difficulties during the pregnancy or during labour, a consultant will become involved. It is possible that you will have previously met this consultant.

What type of options of care does The Birth Company offer?

At The Birth Company we have an in-house midwife, Catriona Muir, who facilitates our antenatal clinics, books expectant mothers for delivery at The Portland Hospital, and does some of the antenatal check-ups. She also works part-time at The Portland Hospital.

At The Birth Company, we have designed two packages, the Consultant Package and the Integrated Package in order to offer women more choice in the type of care you would like to receive:

The Consultant Package means that you have all your care with the consultant. You will see the consultant for antenatal appointments, the scans are at the Birth Company and your consultant will be present at your delivery. You will see our midwife once for an antenatal booking appointment in mid-pregnancy.

The Integrated Package involves a greater input from our midwife in the antenatal period. The consultant will still see you for most of the antenatal appointments, but in the later stages of pregnancy the consultations alternate between the midwife and the consultant. Your scans will be performed by a sonographer at The Birth Company. During your labour you will be looked after by a midwife at The Portland Hospital, but your consultant will be present during part of the labour and your delivery.

What facilities does The Portland Hospital have?

The Portland Hospital has:

• a special care baby unit which can treat babies of more than 32 weeks
• resident paediatric (baby) support
• a resident medical officer in obstetrics
• resident anaesthetists, and
• a nursery facility to allow mothers to rest while their babies are looked after.

The Portland Hospital provides a high standard of accommodation and catering. Various types of room are available including single rooms, a few double rooms, and some suites. In the single rooms, partners can sleep on a folding bed.

Car parking is available at nearby NCP car parks. The Portland Hospital is inside the congestion charge zone. Traffic wardens visit frequently and actively!

How much will it cost?

This depends on how long you stay in hospital. Including hospital charges and doctor's charges, a private birth will cost between £6,000 and £13,000. For details of the charges for The Birth Company click here. For a brochure of facilities and prices at The Portland Hospital, click here.

When will I have to pay?

You will receive separate invoices from The Portland Hospital and The Birth Company.

From the hospital you will receive an invoice for inpatient services and one for the paediatrician and possibly also one from the anaesthetist. We notify The Portland Hospital that you are booking to deliver there under the care of Dr Gibb or Dr Roberts. The hospital sends you an information pack with several forms that you need to complete and return to the hospital. In order to secure your booking with The Portland Hospital, you are asked to pay a deposit of about £4,500 six weeks before your expected date of delivery. The amount is based on the first 24 hours plus one night. Outstanding charges are settled directly with the hospital.

The Birth Company issues invoices in two stages. Once you have made a decision to book with us, we will confirm the contents and cost of your package in the form of a contract. You need to sign the contract and return it to The Birth Company. With your contract we will send an invoice requesting a deposit of £1,200. This will secure your booking with The Birth Company. The balance of your package will be due after delivery, once you have been discharged from hospital.

Will my insurance company pay?

UK insurance companies generally pay for private care only if there is an emergency that requires hospital admission antenatally, or during delivery (ie a Caesarean section), or postnatally.

International insurance companies tend to be more accommodating for obstetric patients. It is the patient's responsibility to find out up to what level their insurance company will cover them, for both the hospital’s and the consultant’s fees. Often the insurance company pays only a percentage of the consultant’s fee. If so, the patient will be required to pay the balance. For some overseas insurance companies we will require a Letter of Guarantee for payment with details of the level up to which you will be covered.

Can The Birth Company handle my insurance claim?

We are happy to help our clients with their insurance claims and in most cases we can deal with the insurance companies directly regarding payment for a care package. However, in some cases we will ask the client to settle with us first and then claim back from their insurance company – for example, if the payment is for a single appointment, or if the insurance is taken under any of the Blue Cross Blue Shield related companies in the USA. This is due to administration difficulties we have had in the past. The administration staff at the Birth Company will always give you a clear receipt of payment.

Tests during pregnancy

What blood tests will I need to have?

A full antenatal blood profile is taken at between 12 and 16 weeks. This means that we take one blood sample and from this we will get samples to test all of the following:

• Your haemoglobin level will be measured, to check the strength of your blood. This reflects the level of iron in your blood. A good result is above 10.5g/dl. If your level is below this, you are at high risk of anaemia and may need to take an iron supplement.
• Your blood group and antibodies are checked to determine whether you are Rhesus negative. If you are found to be Rhesus negative, we will check your partner’s blood group. If he is negative, no further action needs to be taken. However, if he is positive you will be need to take Anti-D injections at 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, to help prevent there being any serious effect on your baby.
• Your rubella status is checked to determine if you are immune to German measles. Most women are immune. If you are not immune, you should consider being immunised after your pregnancy. If you are not immune, immunisation cannot be done during pregnancy.
• We routinely test for syphilis (VDRL), which is a sexually transmitted disease. Although virtually non-existent, it is checked as a national standard.
• Your hepatitis B status is checked routinely.
• Glucose is checked to make sure your blood sugar levels are maintaining a normal balance. Levels can be affected by diet. If your levels remain high, we may reassess your diet to avoid complications later in your pregnancy. A high glucose level increases the risk of gestational diabetes.

Blood is taken again at around 32 weeks to check your haemoglobin and sugar levels.

Non-routine tests

There are many tests that we can perform at your request. If you are unsure if you need extra pathology tests, you can discuss this with a consultant at the time of your appointment. Some of the more commonly requested tests are:

• Toxoplasma test. This is available to women who are concerned about eating undercooked meat or keeping cats. French clients usually have this test. It is not uncommon for results to show a past infection, but this will have no implications for the pregnancy. If you have had a recent infection, you will need careful assessment to check that the infection has not damaged the baby.
• HIV test. An HIV test is available after full discussion. It takes several days for the results to come through. We can notify you of the results either by phone or in person.
  

How often will my urine be tested?

At every consultation, the consultant or midwife will do a simple dipstick urine test.

Scans

How many scans will I need to have?

We offer scans at 8, 12, 22 and 36 weeks as part of our packages. At each scan, measurements of the baby are taken, the amniotic fluid is assessed and the placenta is located. If you are not intending to book with us for a private delivery but would like private scans you can have a scan at any time during the pregnancy. NHS hospital usually offer at least two scans between 12-16 weeks and an anomally scan.

Between 7-11 weeks we check the viability of the pregnancy. This is to confirm a heartbeat of the baby is present and it is not ectopic. Women who have experienced a previous miscarriage, received fertility treatment or suffered an ectopic will be concerned that everything is ok.

At the 12-week scan, a screening for Down’s syndrome is offered by measuring the neck skinfold thickness and the bone in the baby’s nose. This may be complemented by a blood test on the woman's blood for two hormones (human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnancy associated protein).

The 22-week scan (sometimes called an anomaly scan) checks the structure of the baby in detail. The baby’s heart, brain, spine and limbs are scanned to detect any abnormalities. The scan can never completely guarantee 100% health, but it will give a very strong reassurance. We will also check the placenta, amniotic fluid and the umbilical cord.

The 36-week scan is a final check to measure the baby’s head, abdomen and limbs and to estimate the weight of the baby. This gives a guide to how big the baby will be at birth. We also look at how the baby is moving, the amount of amniotic fluid and where the placenta is. This scan is not commonly offered on the NHS, but we believe it is very useful, especially if there is a query about the type of delivery a mother may need to have. The size and position of the baby can affect the mode of delivery. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

When should I have my first ultrasound scan?

If you are under 35 years of age and there are no complications, a good time to have your first scan is at 12 weeks.

If you are unsure when your last menstrual period was, or if you have irregular periods, it is useful to have an early scan to establish the dates: a dating scan.

If you have suffered a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy in the past, you are more likely to want a scan earlier in your pregnancy for reassurance. Also, if you feel you are suffering a miscarriage or fear an ectopic pregnancy, we would recommend that you are seen as soon as possible to consider your concerns and provide reassurance. Women over 35, and certainly women over 40, should have a viability scan at 8 weeks. This is because older women have a greater risk of silent miscarriage. A silent miscarriage is when a woman miscarries but shows no symptoms of bleeding or stomach cramps. In many cases women continue to feel pregnant even if the baby has stopped growing early in the pregnancy. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

How early can the baby’s heartbeat be seen on an ultrasound scan?

If you’re not overweight, the heartbeat can be seen on an abdominal scan from 7 to 8 weeks. If there are particular concerns to see it earlier, this can be done with a transvaginal scan at 6 to 7 weeks. A transvaginal scan should not be done without good reason. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

How early can I tell if I’m having twins (or more)?

On the first scan. Be cautious though, because in some rare cases a twin can disappear early. Have another scan before you tell your relatives or friends.

What if the scan shows twins?

If the scan shows two babies or more, you will need some special advice. It is important for the person performing the scan to find out whether there are two complete sets of amniotic sacs and placentas, or if these are shared. (If they are shared, it means that the twins will be identical.) If they are shared, they are called a monochorionic placenta and a monoamniotic sac. It is very important to know if they are shared because of the particular hazards these pregnancies face during the antenatal period.

Any woman with a multiple pregnancy will need to have extra scans to allow the doctor and midwife to check that both babies are growing satisfactorily. Twins and higher multiples are high-risk pregnancies and both carry a significant risk of premature birth.

Why might I need or want extra scans?

Extra scans will be recommended if the doctor or the midwife thinks the baby seems to be small. Most small babies are healthy small babies, but with some there may be a problem with the placenta, or they may not be getting enough nutrition or oxygen. The baby is measured on the scan and its birth weight is estimated. Measurements will also be taken of the head (BPD or bi-parietal diameter; OFD or occipito frontal diameter; and HC or head circumference), the leg length (FL or femur length), and the diameter and circumference of the abdomen (AC or abdominal circumference). If normal fetal movements, normal fetal blood flow and a normal volume of amniotic fluid are seen on the scan, this is very reassuring. If the baby seems to be small, additional tests are carried out. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

Some women will have an extra scan at about 17 weeks to confirm the sex of the baby.

Women will also have extra scans purely for reassurance if they are anxious.

What is a 3D scan?

A 3D ultrasound scan is a special scan that shows the baby in three dimensions. The main reason for having this type of scan is if you are curious to see your baby's face. The best time to have a 3D scan is at 26-32 weeks of pregnancy. This is because it is easier to get a good picture when there is more amniotic fluid but the baby has not yet become too big. It is more difficult to see the face if the baby has its arms or legs in front of its face. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

What is a 4D scan?

A 4D scan is a 3D scan with the added dimension of time – as in a film or video. The baby can be seen moving. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

Do I need to have a 3D/4D scan for medical reasons?

Not usually. If the baby has a rare malformation, a 3D/4D scan could provide extra information for medical purposes. This is rare. Parents ask for these scans out of curiosity. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

Is it difficult to do a 3D/4D scan?

It’s not difficult, but the baby has to be co-operative! The face is best seen at 26-32 weeks and the baby should not hold its hands or feet(!) near the face. It may take some time for the baby to get into a good position. A fetal wellbeing scan is always done at the same time as a 3D/4D scan. If the baby is not in a good position, you may be asked to go for a walk and return later. If you have to have a repeat scan, it has to be fitted in to the busy clinic schedule, so you may need to wait for up to two hours. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

Can I have a record of my 3D/4D scan?

You will get three still black and white 3D scan images and a DVD which records between 20-30 minutes of the baby’s movement in 4D. Click here for more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company.

How much does a 3D/4D scan cost?

The cost of the scan depends on whether it is done by Dr Gibb or one of our experienced sonographers. Prices also vary according to whether you choose to have a scan during the week or at the weekend. For details of fees for scans, click here. For more information on ultrasound scan services at The Birth Company, click here.

Are scans ever dangerous?

There is no evidence that scans can harm babies. However, it is wise not to have too many scans, or scans that last a long time. The scan should be done with a particular objective in mind. This will determine how often you have scans and how long each one lasts. There have been several newspaper articles of scare stories about scans. There is no scientific basis for such understandable anxieties.

Looking after yourself, and your baby, during pregnancy

What if I am having a lot of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy?

Most women have some nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Making a few sensible changes to your diet may help. Eating something light and simple in the morning, like toast or ginger tea or biscuits can sometimes reduce the nausea. The nausea or vomiting usually persists but diminishes, and by about 15 weeks it usually becomes insignificant. It is probably a response to the early pregnancy hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). Medication can be given if necessary and acupuncture is useful. In some rare cases, the woman may need to be admitted to hospital to have intravenous fluids. An ultrasound scan should be performed to rule out multiple pregnancy and hydatidiform mole (a very rare complication of pregnancy).

What if I have vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy?

Many women experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. If you get a sharp pain in the lower abdomen at about the same time, and if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, you will need to have a clinical examination, an ultrasound scan and a blood test to make sure the bleeding is not caused by an ectopic pregnancy (an ectopic pregnancy is where the egg has been fertilised in the fallopian tube, preventing the baby from growing normally and causing a serious risk to the mother). If you have a previous history of early miscarriage, it will be reassuring for you to have the ultrasound scan. If you think there may be a problem with your pregnancy – for example, because there is a relative lack of breast tenderness, or if you have changes in urinary function or nausea – an ultrasound scan can confirm that the pregnancy is healthy. The vast majority of women with bleeding in early pregnancy go on to have a healthy baby.

Should I be concerned if I have had a previous ectopic pregnancy?

Yes. You should have an assessment and an ultrasound scan at 6-7 weeks. Most subsequent pregnancies are in the normal place and progress to the birth of a healthy baby.

Should I worry about breech?

Breech is when your baby’s feet are facing down and the head is up – which is the opposite to what it should be if you were to give birth. You don’t need to worry if a breech is seen on an early scan or on a clinical examination before 34 weeks. Most breech babies will turn to a head-down position by 37 weeks. If the breech lasts longer than this, a doctor will need to give you a full assessment in late pregnancy to determine the best mode of delivery for you.

What is the placenta?

The placenta, also known as the afterbirth, is a spongecake-like object, attached to the wall of the womb. It transfers oxygen and nutrition from your blood to your baby's blood. The placenta can be seen on an ultrasound scan. Sometimes it may be described as ‘low’ on the 22-week scan. This would be a reason to have a repeat scan at 32-34 weeks. Ninety-five per cent of placentas that are low will have moved to a normal, higher position by this time. Five per cent will be described as placenta praevia.

What is placenta praevia?

This means that the placenta is below the baby. This has two implications. Firstly, it may cause some vaginal bleeding. This doesn’t usually harm your baby, but if you have vaginal bleeding you must tell the doctor or midwife. Secondly, a persistent placenta praevia will obstruct the passage of the baby through the birth canal and a Caesarean section may be necessary. A placenta praevia on the front side of the womb in association with a previous Caesarean section is a particular hazard.

What about exercise?

Exercise is important in pregnancy. Swimming and antenatal yoga is an ideal form of exercise because they are quite gentle and low impact. Most gyms will give advice about exercise during pregnancy. We recommend the book Have a Baby and Look Better Than Ever, by Yinka Thomas and Tonia Buxton, published by Angel Publications.

What about diet?

Diet is very important in pregnancy. Many books deal with this. We recommend Have a Baby and Look Better Than Ever, by Yinka Thomas and Tonia Buxton, published by Angel Publications.

What about smoking?

Smoking and passive smoking are bad for the pregnant mother and her baby. Women addicted to cigarettes should seek specialised advice about how to stop smoking. It is also important that partners avoid smoking around women during pregnancy and around the baby after birth.

Is alcohol bad for my baby?

There is some controversy about this. We believe that having alcohol in reasonable, social amounts is not dangerous. Excessive alcohol consumption is bad. Between 5 and 8 units of alcohol a week is reasonable. (One unit of alcohol = a small glass of wine, or a half pint of ordinary strength beer, or a pub measure of spirits.) Women who get troublesome early contractions (painful Braxton Hicks contractions) should try to take one glass of wine in the mid-evening. This relaxes both the mind and the womb. It does not harm the baby.

Can I travel?

Yes. Long-haul travel is fine until 32 weeks in a normal pregnancy, and short-haul until 36 weeks. When the pregnancy is obvious after 28 weeks’ gestation, it is wise to take with you a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming that you are fit to fly. Most airlines will have their own guidelines but will usually be happy with a doctor’s letter. Always check with your airline before booking a flight. During the flight you should wear anti-thrombosis (DVT) stockings, drink water, keep moving your legs, and walk around. Some doctors suggest that you take low-dose aspirin a few hours before you fly. This will thin the blood and can help prevent blood clots in the legs, which carry the greatest risk during a flight, particularly long-haul flights. The pressurised cabin is not harmful to the baby.

Can I do yoga classes?

Yes. Pregnancy yoga is available in many centres around London. The Portland Hospital has classes throughout the week. There are also classes at The Active Birth Centre (www.activebirthcentre.com) and Triyoga in Primrose Hill (www.triyoga.co.uk). The National Childbirth Trust can also help you to find a class that is close to your home.

Can I have sex?

Yes, unless you have vaginal bleeding, a history of recurrent miscarriage or a placenta praevia.

Can I take medication during pregnancy?

Always consult a doctor or a pharmacist if you need to take medication. Most over-the-counter medicines are safe, although the manufacturers always print a disclaimer on the product.

Can I treat thrush in pregnancy?

Yes. The diagnosis should be verified from a vaginal swab. Treatment in the form of a cream and pessary is safe in pregnancy and can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies. The treatment should include one vaginal pessary. You should seek the advice of a doctor before taking oral treatment for thrush or if your symptoms persist. Adjusting your diet can also help, as it can change the acidity of the vagina.

Should I have a cervical smear while I’m pregnant?

Not unless you have had unexplained vaginal bleeding or an obvious change in your cervix. Scheduling of smear tests should be discussed at your postnatal visit.

What is complementary (alternative) therapy?

Complementary therapy is therapy that complements conventional western medicine. Many people have become disillusioned with western medicine and turn to complementary therapies. There are many different types. Some are provided through The Birth Company. Click here for more information.

The birth of your child

Can I attend birth preparation classes?

Yes. The Portland Hospital and many other facilities provide such classes. If you are looking for classes close to where you live, the National Childbirth Trust (www.nct.org.uk) will be able to locate a venue for you. The Birth Company can advise you about providers.

What is active birth?

Active birth is a philosophy that women should be encouraged to give birth naturally with limited medical intervention. This involves good preparation through classes such as those held at The Portland Hospital, the Active Birth Centre (www.activebirthcentre.com), and the National Childbirth Trust (www.nct.org.uk). Yoga and complementary therapies are encouraged.

In which position can I deliver my baby?

You should deliver your baby in the position in which you are most comfortable. Sitting upright in the bed with the feet on supportive pads is a common position. A supported squat or the all-fours position is very natural. A deep squatting position is bad because it increases the risk of tearing and of needing a lot of stitches. Some women adopt an all-fours position on the bed or on the floor.

Can I give birth in water?

Yes. As long as the midwife or doctor has been trained in this and has experience. Being in water is commonly used as a form of pain relief during labour, but it is less common for the mother actually to give birth in water. There is a birth pool in one of the rooms in The Portland Hospital delivery suite.

What is TENS pain relief?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This is a technique involving low-current electrical stimulation of nerves in the back. This causes a buzzing sensation and reduces the pain of labour. It is effective until about half way through the first stage of labour. The TENS unit is a small hand held monitor which has electrode leads coming out of it. These are attached to disposable adhesive pads that stick to your lower back. When you feel a contraction coming, you press the booster on the TENS device. This helps ease the pain of labour. The Birth Company can provide you with information about hiring a TENS machine.

What is an epidural?

An epidural is an injection in your back which blocks the pain impulses coming from your womb. It is usually a very effective method of pain relief with few side effects. However, it may reduce your ability to push the baby out and can slow down the later stages of labour. Nowadays there are mobile epidurals available which enable you to continue moving around during labour.

When might induction of labour be necessary?

If your doctor thinks that your baby is at risk or under some threat by remaining too long in the womb, he or she might suggest that induction should be performed. You should first ask about the condition of your cervix (cervical ripeness). For a first baby, an unready (unripe) cervix means a long and difficult induction of labour with an increased risk of needing a Caesarean section. If it is a second or subsequent baby and there is a favourable cervix, it is easier to induce labour and for the woman to go on to have a natural birth. There are complementary methods of inducing labour including homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology, spicy food, vigorous walking, and sex! The decision about when induction of labour is necessary is not always clear cut. You may want to ask for a second opinion.

When might a Caesarean section be necessary?

If your doctor believes that there is a significant risk to you or your baby by continuing with a vaginal birth, he or she may recommend a Caesarean section. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is a major operation and there are risks of anaesthesia, organ damage during surgery, haemorrhage, blood clot and infection. All these risks can be minimised. Also, it takes longer to recover from a Caesarean section than from a vaginal birth.

What is fetal monitoring?

Fetal monitoring means listening to your baby’s heartbeat during labour to make sure that it sounds healthy. This can be done with a trumpet (a fetal stethoscope) or with a small electric device called a Doptone. In cases where more intensive observation is needed, an electronic fetal monitor may be used. The fetal monitoring may be done for a few minutes at the beginning of labour as a screening procedure to monitor the baby’s heartbeat. If used more extensively it will limit your mobility.

Why might an episiotomy be done?

An episiotomy is a cut made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening. Fewer episiotomies are performed now than in previous years. Essentially it is done if the perineum seems to be about to tear badly. It is difficult to see this during a waterbirth and in some squatting positions.

Will I need stitches?

Most women having their first baby need to have stitches. A small tear heals as well as an episiotomy. If it looks likely that the tear will be bigger, it is better to have an episiotomy.

How is the placenta delivered?

The placenta can be delivered either naturally or by active management. A natural birth of the placenta simply means allowing it to deliver some time after the baby. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut after it has stopped pulsating. The placenta is awaited. Normally it will emerge after about 15 minutes but it can take more than an hour. The small risk of waiting is vaginal bleeding. If this happens, an injection is given to cause a contraction of the womb and the placenta is delivered. The alternative is for an injection to be given routinely with the birth of the baby to encourage early delivery of the placenta. This lessens the risk of bleeding.

Can I have stem cell collection?

This has to be arranged in advance. You will have to have a collection pack delivered in advance to your home. You will then need to bring it with you to the hospital. The midwife or doctor prepares the pack just before the baby is born. After the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut, the blood is collected from the placental segment of the cord. This is a relatively simple procedure for most doctors and midwives. It can be done at any kind of birth, including a Caesarean section.

After the birth

How long will I need to stay in hospital after the birth?

This depends on how easy the birth has been and how well you manage with feeding your baby. For a first baby, most women stay at least four nights. For a second and subsequent baby they can go home much more quickly. Some prefer to stay and enjoy the rest!

Will I need to have a postnatal check-up? If so, when?

A postnatal check-up will be arranged for you six weeks after your baby is born. This is to check that you have made a complete recovery and you have no postnatal concerns. During the check-up we will also discuss contraception and, if you have not had a cervical smear done recently, we can do this for you. We do not perform 6-week check-ups for the baby. This is done by your GP or health visitor.

Will anyone visit me at home after the birth?

Yes. Even if you have had a private delivery, the NHS community midwife from your local hospital will come and visit you several times in the first 10 days. After 10 days, you are discharged by the community midwife to a health visitor who will also visit you at your home to discuss your health and the health and progress of your baby.

Does The Birth Company do gynaecological care?

Yes. We do routine gynaecology follow-up to fit intrauterine contraceptive devices. We also perform cervical smears and can do gynaecological procedures and scans. For more information about our gynaecological services, click here.