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Baby & child.

Birthing options advice guides

Thinking about where to give birth? Find out about your maternity options and the questions to ask when choosing between a labour ward, birth centre and home birth.

4 articles

NHS vs private maternity care: what are your options?

Most women in the UK get their maternity care for free through the NHS, but there are also private options available. From paying for scans to private hospitals, this guide explains what services are available before, during and after giving birth.

24 February 2022

Where to give birth

Find the right place for you to give birth, based on your preferences and personal circumstances. Our tool suggests the best maternity options for you to discuss with your midwife.

21 December 2021

Choosing a place to give birth: labour ward, birth centre or home birth

In the UK, you can generally give birth in a labour ward, birth centre or at home. Explore the differences between the options when deciding where to give birth

21 December 2021

Choosing a maternity unit – checklist

Whether you’re deciding between a labour ward or birth centre, or choosing from a number of local options, our checklist of questions to ask the midwife can help you determine if a unit is right for you.

14 July 2021