40w LaterGuide

Choosing where to receive prenatal care and give birth is an important part of preparing for pregnancy and childbirth.

Availability and healthcare systems vary by country and region, so start by finding out which maternity care providers and birth facilities are available near you.

What should you consider?

Location is important because you will usually have multiple prenatal visits throughout pregnancy. You may also want to consider:

• Whether prenatal care and delivery are available at the same facility
• The qualifications and experience of the maternity care team
• Available facilities and emergency services
• Whether specialists and neonatal care are available if needed
• Appointment availability, including evenings or weekends if important to you
• Your preferred approach to labor, pain relief, birth, and postpartum care
• Cost and insurance or healthcare coverage, depending on your country

What if your pregnancy is considered high risk?

Some pregnancies require additional monitoring or care from specialists in maternal-fetal medicine or other medical fields. Depending on your individual circumstances, your healthcare provider may recommend receiving care or giving birth at a facility equipped to manage higher-risk pregnancies.

Factors that may require additional assessment include:

• Certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart or kidney disease, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, or autoimmune diseases
• A previous pregnancy with serious complications, recurrent pregnancy loss, or preterm birth
• Multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets
• Certain fetal conditions or suspected genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
• Significant uterine abnormalities or other obstetric conditions
• Infections or medications that may affect pregnancy
• Other factors identified during prenatal care

Age can also influence pregnancy risk, but age alone does not automatically determine where you need to receive care. Your overall health and pregnancy history should be considered together.

Is a larger hospital always better?

Not necessarily. A large specialist hospital may have immediate access to a wider range of specialists, intensive care, neonatal services, blood transfusion services, and advanced procedures. This can be particularly important for certain high-risk pregnancies.

On the other hand, a local maternity unit or clinic may be easier to reach and may provide greater continuity of care. The right choice depends on your individual pregnancy risk, the services available locally, your preferences, and how quickly higher-level care can be accessed if complications occur.

Choose a place where you feel safe and supported

Rather than choosing a facility based only on its size or reputation, consider whether it can provide the level of care you are likely to need and has a clear plan for emergencies or referrals.

If you are unsure which level of maternity care is appropriate for you, discuss your medical and pregnancy history with a healthcare professional.