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Where to Give Birth: Hospital, Birth Centre or Home?

The main birth settings, who they suit, and questions to ask your midwife or doctor when choosing.

Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.

Depending on where you live and on your health, you may have a choice about where to give birth. All settings can offer safe, supportive care. The best one is the one that fits your health, your wishes and the services available to you.

Hospital (obstetric unit)

Care is led by doctors and midwives, with access to epidurals, assisted birth, caesarean sections and specialist baby care on site.

• Often recommended if you have a higher-risk pregnancy, for example high blood pressure, diabetes, a twin pregnancy, a baby in a breech position, or a previous caesarean
• More medical pain relief options
• Less home-like surroundings, though many units now try to be welcoming

Midwife-led birth centre or unit

These offer a calmer, more home-like environment and are for women with a low-risk pregnancy. Some are inside a hospital and some are separate from it.

• Fewer medical interventions, with options such as birthing pools, gas and air, TENS machines and massage
• No epidural, so you would be transferred to an obstetric unit if you needed or wanted one
• Transfers happen, particularly for first-time mothers

Home birth

A home birth means that you labour in your own space, supported by midwives who bring their equipment with them. It is usually offered to women with a low-risk pregnancy.

• Familiar surroundings and freedom to move
• Pain relief is limited to options such as a birthing pool, gas and air or TENS in some areas
• If complications arise, you would be transferred to hospital. First-time mothers are more likely to need to transfer, so it is worth knowing how long the journey takes.

Questions to ask your midwife or doctor

• Which settings are suitable for me, given my health and history?
• What pain relief is available in each place?
• How many people can be with me, and can I use a birthing pool?
• What happens if I need to be transferred, and how quickly?
• How long will I stay after the birth, and what support is there for feeding?
• Can I visit the unit before the birth?

Keep an open mind

Labour does not always go to plan, and plans can change for your safety or your baby's. A flexible attitude helps. A good birth is one where you feel informed, listened to and supported, wherever it happens.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.