Birthing options

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.

NHS vs private maternity care: what are your options?
Learn about the antenatal care and birth options available for free through the NHS, and what private midwives and hospitals can offer.
Why choosing where to give birth matters
Find out how having your baby at home, in a birth centre or in a labour ward impacts your birth experience.
Choosing a maternity unit – checklist
Use our checklist to ask your midwife the right questions and help you decide which local birth centre or labour ward to have your baby at.

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Compare maternity options: labour ward, birth centre or home birth
In the UK, you can generally choose to give birth in a labour ward, birth centre or at home. We help you compare the options and discover which one is right for you.
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.
Maternity options
Thinking about where to give birth? Find out about maternity options, how to book your maternity care, and the key questions to ask when researching local services.

Birthing options

NHS vs private maternity care: what are your options?

Why choosing where to give birth matters

Choosing a maternity unit – checklist

Put us to the test

Compare maternity options: labour ward, birth centre or home birth

Where to give birth

Maternity options