When planning a pregnancy, the choice of medical care and place of delivery is a priority and requires careful consideration. The following questions point out some aspects that you should consider. Where do I start? Start by making a list of your most important requirements . In addition to your personal preferences, consider: Your and your baby’s safety; Proximity to home; The distance you need to travel when you go into labour; Cost. Then look up possible locations and get information about them , for example: From family, friends and others; In press reports; On their websites. Plan a visit to the places that interest you most. Find out: If the care offered is desirable in terms of safety and effectiveness; If their practices respect the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth; If the team includes all the required professionals and provides you with all necessary care, information and comfort; If the care is individualised and respects your health needs, choices and preferences. Make sure that all your questions are answered. Make a note of your opinions and questions, then compare and choose. Is there a relationship between the choice of medical care during pregnancy and the maternity hospital? Many women prefer the obstetrician who monitors them during pregnancy to also accompany them during childbirth. If this what you want, make sure your obstetrician can attend the delivery at the place you choose, or choose an obstetrician who can. If you choose to see a physician during pregnancy in the same place as delivery, it will also be more convenient for you to have there: All required obstetric diagnostic exams; Preparation for childbirth; Registration of the baby; Neonatal exams for the baby; Recovery after childbirth. How do I know it’s safe? The place you choose for antenatal care and childbirth must have all the human, technological and physical resources necessary to ensure the safety of you and in all circumstances. Find out about the team of health professionals, especially their areas of interest and experience. Resources needed to respond to any emergency are, among others: 24-hour care for pregnant woman; Operating theatre; Intensive care units; Blood transfusion service. Enquire about health professionals who regularly attend births. The following specialists should be present: Obstetrician; Anaesthetist; Neonatologist; It is also important for the place to be equipped to handle a premature birth or possible complications with the baby (NICU). Ask whether they have newborn monitoring systems and their characteristics. What do I need to know about costs? Ask about prices of: Consultations; Diagnostic tests; Births; Hospitalisation. Also consider things that can affect prices. Ask about agreements with insurers and health subsystems, co-payment for services and any exclusions. If you have health insurance that includes childbirth, read the particular conditions of your policy carefully. Pay particular attention to cover for your baby. In many policies, there is no provision for special care and / or longer hospitalisation following delivery. If necessary and possible, include this cover in your policy with the advance notice required by your insurer. What about personal preferences? In most cases, these preferences have to do with: The possibility of companion staying during labour, delivery and hospitalisation; Having the newborn in the room during hospitalisation; Help with the baby and the level of care after childbirth; Freedom to receive visitors; Privacy and comfort. When you visit, look at and assess rooms and the rules on these aspects in the units. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
