Birthplace decisions Information for pregnant women and partners on planning where to give birth

Why would I be advised to birth in a particular place?

If you are generally healthy with no medical concern for you or your baby (a low chance of complications) your clinicians will advise that, from their perspective, birth is safe at home, in a CMU, or in an AMU. This does not mean that you cannot choose the Labour Suite. A full discussion about risks and benefits of every setting should take place so you can make an informed decision. You will be advised to consider all of these aspects when you make your birthplace decision.

Having a low chance of complications means:

other than the common discomforts of pregnancy, you are generally healthy and well.

you have no significant medical or pregnancy conditions affecting you or your baby.

if you have given birth before, that there were no complications (such as heavy bleeding after birth).

you are pregnant with one baby (not twins or triplets).

your baby has grown healthily during pregnancy and is in a ‘head down’ position.

you are between 37 and 42 weeks (term), and you have not developed any new conditions or issues just before your labour begins, such as bleeding, your waters breaking more than 24 hours before labour begins, or developed an infection that could be passed to your baby.

It is important to note that low chance of complications does not mean there is no chance of complications in any labour and birth setting.