Common Questions

Our midwives are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Here are some examples of questions that we are commonly asked.

How and when do I get referred to the hospital?
You can refer yourself as soon as you find out you are pregnant, ideally before ten weeks of pregnancy, by phoning 020 8321 5007, or you can go to your GP who can refer you to the hospital.

When will my first appointment with a midwife be?
We try to see everyone by eight weeks of pregnancy.

When will my first scan be?
We offer a dating or screening scan at 12 weeks of pregnancy, then a more in-depth scan at 20 weeks.

What antenatal screening test do you offer?
We offer the combined screening test of a scan and blood test at 12 weeks pregnancy.

Do you offer home birth?
Yes, we actively promote and support homebirth; we have caseload midwives and team midwives who are happy to support you in a home birth if that is your chosen place of delivery.

What are my options for place of delivery?
We offer delivery at home, in a midwifery led birth centre or on the labour ward, depending on your individual needs and choices.

Do I have to live in this area to deliver here?
No, you have a choice of which hospital you deliver in and we accept women to deliver here that live outside the area.

Can I book with you if I have a medical or previous pregnancy complication?
Yes, we have an effective team of doctors and midwives, run by one of our consultant obstetricians, who care jointly for women with complications to ensure they are cared for in a safe and appropriate way depending on their needs.

What happens if I have a problem in pregnancy or postnatally?
If it is a non-urgent question, you will have been given your named midwife's contact details and you can phone her at any time when she is working. If she is not working or the matter is urgent you will be advised to call labour ward on 0208 3215946 and we will be happy to deal with your concern.

Do we offer antenatal classes?
Yes, we offer classes for women having their first babies. And for all women delivering in the birth centre, we offer a one-off active birth class.

Do we offer pool births?
Yes, we have 2 pools in the birth centre and one on labour, so we actively support pool birth.

Do we have a 24 hour epidural service?
Yes we have a 24 hour epidural service as we have an anaesthetic doctor present 24 hours a day.