Having a Baby in London, the U.K. - Part 2

Today we had to arrange to a special doctor's visit to check on the health of the pregnancy. A pulling sensation on the belly button had led my wife to have concern that something wasn't quite right. So, as you should always do, we phoned the Edgeware Birth Centre to let them know of our concern and advise us what to do. They were able to arrange to us to visit the Victoria Ward at the Barnet Hospital right away. From Stanmore it was only a short 6.8 mile drive.

On approach, if it weren't for the sign, we wouldn't have believed we were in the right place because the buildings have more of a residential feel than the typical institutional character of a hospital. Especially after having been told that having a baby in a hospital in the U.K. is completely different than the United States. It has been explained to use that women are placed in a common ward as opposed to a private or shared room as is the general practice in the states. My impression of the Victoria Ward was not nearly as cold as I had expected, however it must be taken into account that the Barnet Hospital is quite new.

After navigating through the snappy woman at the reception desk in the Victoria Ward we waited for about 10 minutes in a small waiting room (about large closet size). Then a very friendly nurse guided my wife to a bed where she could have a thorough examination. They monitored the baby's heart and the hardness of her abdomen for about 1/2 hour. After they (and us) were assured that all was indeed well they did a few final precautionary tests (blood pressure, temperature and urine sample).

Overall it was comforting to know that all was well and that we could get assistance through the NHS in a timely fashion to deal with any unforeseen events that can occur during any pregnancy. For me, the jury is still out on the NHS, however today was one for the plus column. We still hope to have a natural birth without complications and this would be able to take place at the "home from home" at Edgeware Birth Centre. If we have any difficulties we will be sent to the Barnet hospital, and from what others have experienced, it is not something we would look forward to.