Home birth is a safe and recommended option for women with a low‑risk pregnancy, meaning there are no medical or pregnancy‑related complications.
National guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) supports home birth for women who meet these criteria. Evidence shows that for women having their second or subsequent baby, planned home birth is particularly suitable, with fewer medical interventions and negative outcomes for babies comparable to those in hospital obstetric units. For women having their first baby, home birth remains an option, and your midwife will discuss the benefits and considerations with you so you can make an informed choice.
Some women choose home birth because being in familiar surroundings can help them feel calmer and more in control during labour, which is linked to positive emotional wellbeing after birth. Women who plan a home birth are less likely to need interventions such as a drip or continuous monitoring and are more likely to have a straightforward vaginal birth.
UCLH has a dedicated team of community midwives who support home births for women living within the UCLH catchment area. If you are interested in planning a home birth, please speak to your midwife, who can give you personalised information.
If you choose this option, a midwife will usually visit you at around 37 weeks of pregnancy to help plan your birth, discuss practical arrangements and answer any questions. Plans can be reviewed or changed at any time during pregnancy if your needs or preferences change.
Find out how to contact the supervisors of midwives
