The choice of a good maternity hospital, where the long-awaited baby will be born, is very important for many expectant mothers. And if our parents turned to the nearest local maternity hospital for help, then modern medicine gives women the full right to choose a maternity hospital to their taste.

Is it possible to choose a maternity hospital myself

It is considered absolutely normal if the parents-to-be visit several institutions, find out everything about the conditions in them, talk to doctors and choose the best option for themselves. In this case, an agreement must be concluded between the pregnant woman and the maternity hospital on the delivery of the child in this institution. If there is such an agreement and the corresponding marks in your pregnancy card, you (when the waters run out or the beginning of labor pains) have the right to demand from the ambulance to take you not to the precinct, but to the maternity hospital of your choice.

Choosing a maternity hospital is half the battle. In addition, it would be useful to also decide on the obstetrician-gynecologist who will take over your childbirth. It is normal practice to meet your doctor a month before giving birth. During this time, you will have time to meet with the doctor several times, he will look at your card, learn about all possible complications during childbirth, and you can simply establish contact in order to give birth no longer with a stranger, but with a doctor who knows you perfectly.

When meeting your future obstetrician, do not forget to take his phone number and ask if you can call this number at any time of the day. Such an agreement with a doctor, as you understand, implies additional payment in the future. But you will be sure that the doctor will come to you to take delivery, at any time of the day. If you don’t want to pay, you can still come up and talk to the doctors at the hospital. But there is no certainty that you will find yourself on the shift to the chosen doctor.

How to choose a maternity hospital

With the fact that it is better to choose a maternity hospital in advance, we have already decided. Now let's figure out which maternity hospital to choose. First of all, you should consult with the gynecologist who is taking care of your pregnancy. If you have health problems, there is a risk of premature birth, or other complications, you should contact a specialized maternity hospital, where there are appropriate conditions, equipment and the opportunity to help you and your baby in the best possible way.

If there are no special threats and risks, then you can choose any maternity hospital you like. What criteria should future parents be guided by?

1. The proximity of the medical institution to home

In this regard, as you understand, a local maternity hospital is best suited, to which you can quickly reach in case of the onset of labor or the discharge of water. Therefore, first you should take a closer look at this particular option. If it suits you according to all of the following criteria, consider yourself lucky.

2. Conditions of stay

Living conditions need to be checked in three main areas - the prenatal department, the delivery room and the wards for the stay of mothers and children. You need to evaluate: the number of women in labor in the prenatal room, the cleanliness and conditions for giving birth in the delivery room, the presence of a separate toilet and shower in each ward, the number of mothers with babies in the room and the possibility of being in the ward with the baby alone, as well as everything that is important to you ... In each of these zones, a woman, depending on the situation, will have to spend quite a long period of time. Therefore, the conditions there must be comfortable.

3. Availability of good equipment and experienced staff

It is difficult to foresee all possible complications, but it would be good if it was originally equipped with all the necessary equipment to resuscitate a child and help a woman in labor. Also inquire about the possibilities of the maternity hospital to relieve pain during labor, whether they have masks with oxygen, whether they give injections, or practice other methods of pain relief.

It is very important to know that experienced gynecologists, neonatologists and courteous nurses will deal with mother and child. You cannot ask directly about this, so talk to those women who have already given birth in the maternity hospital of your choice, or read reviews on parenting forums on the Internet.

4. Possibility of joint childbirth and stay with the baby (or even with the husband) in a separate ward.

Now joint childbirth is practiced in all maternity hospitals. But some specialists carry out such childbirth well and with pleasure, and some reluctantly give up the remnants of the Soviet past. You need the first option. After all, joint childbirth is aimed at pleasant emotional experiences, the general joy of having a baby, mutual support and help during childbirth. And if the doctors are not tuned in to the participation of the future dad in childbirth, this will only cause additional stress for all participants in the process.

In addition to the possibility of the presence of relatives during childbirth, discuss the possibility of vertical childbirth. If you are interested in this new method of giving birth to a child, and you want to try it, make an agreement with the doctor in advance so that it does not turn out that such childbirth is not practiced in the maternity hospital of your choice or the doctor has no experience in carrying it out.

After giving birth, you will have to spend 3 to 5 days in the postpartum ward. Find out if your baby will be with you at all times. If you want to rest and sleep off, ask if it will be possible to pick up the child for a few hours. Or vice versa, if you do not want to let go of the crumbs from yourself, will you be allowed to do it. Find out how often your family will be able to visit you. In some maternity hospitals, when paying for additional services, it is possible for both parents to be in the ward together (subject to all tests for the absence of diseases and infections in the child's father).

At the first visit to the maternity hospital, the expectant mother will be offered a contract for paid childbirth or other additional paid services of the maternity hospital. They offer a more comfortable stay and more attentive staff. For example, you can choose a separate ward, provided that all women are in common wards for several people. Or there will be a separate toilet and shower in your room. You have the right to agree to additional payment or refuse.

If you have a voluntary health insurance policy, ask your insurance company about the possibility of paying for such additional services of the maternity hospital. But remember that paid births do not guarantee easy delivery. These are just the conditions of stay in the hospital, which often fade into the background when the mother picks up her newborn baby.

The question of which maternity hospital to choose can worry a pregnant woman at the initial stage or closer to the cherished day. Or it may not occur at all, because when the birth begins, an ambulance will take you to the nearest maternity hospital on duty, and there they will definitely help your baby to be born. If you do decide to choose a maternity hospital, then let's look at some aspects of this case.

Where to begin

If you live in a small town, then, most likely, the question of how to choose a maternity hospital is not worth it. But, for example, there are more than 30 maternity hospitals in Moscow, and here, willy-nilly, you will want to think: is it worth hoping for a maternity hospital that is closest to your home or choosing an institution in advance where maximum comfort will be created for you and your baby.

Here you can be helped by the recommendations of those friends and acquaintances who used the services of a particular maternity hospital. You can also read a lot of information on various forums. But it is worth noting that when they tell you: I liked this hospital, choose it, you should keep in mind that all people are individual and the situations of different women may be different. And conditions, even in reputable institutions, may not meet your requirements. But in order for the birth to be successful, every little thing is important. Therefore, in order to make a final decision, it is best to speak with the chief physician of the selected maternity hospital.

You need to find out in advance what the conditions are in the hospital and what you need to take with you. Thanks to this, your stay there will be as comfortable as possible, and you will be able to prevent unexpected "surprises". Here's a small list:

• sanitary and hygienic conditions;
• how many people will be accommodated in the prenatal, maternity, and postnatal wards;
• in the prenatal ward, to facilitate contractions, women in labor can use special fitball balls. Check if they are, and if not, then grab yours;
• is there an additional service for placement after childbirth in a separate hospital ward;
• what might be required? For yourself - the necessary clothes, sheets, hygiene items, compression hosiery for childbirth. For the unborn baby - diapers, undershirts, diapers, bottles;
• what medications you or your baby may need and will not be provided free of charge;
• specify the methods of pain relief during childbirth, be prepared that in some maternity hospitals it will be necessary to pay extra for anesthesia;
• if you plan to invite your husband for childbirth, you must resolve this issue in advance by filling out all the necessary documents;
• It is advisable to take into account the location of the hospital, whether your husband, parents or friends will be able to take you to a specific chosen hospital in the event of an emergency delivery, because an ambulance will take you to the nearest one. First of all, you should consider the maternity hospital located closest to the place of residence, what if it is the best?

Choosing a doctor and getting to know him

As practice shows, expectant mothers do not always choose a maternity hospital, and then a doctor. Sometimes the opposite happens. In any case, it is necessary to get acquainted with the doctor in advance so that he examined you and read your medical record, in case of chronic diseases or indications for a caesarean section, because during childbirth it is advisable for the doctor to know all the nuances so that after childbirth both the baby and the mother feel great. As a rule, doctors leave their phone number to future women in labor, in case of emergency questions and situations.

Paid maternity hospital

If, after weighing all the pros and cons, your choice fell on a paid maternity hospital, then at about 36 weeks of pregnancy, you must conclude a contract. Carefully read all the terms of the contract in order to immediately resolve all your questions. Ask about the availability of intensive care units for babies. In some commercial maternity hospitals, in addition to partner deliveries, it is also possible for the dad to stay in the ward with the mom and the baby after childbirth, ask all aspects in advance.

You should also immediately get acquainted with the doctor, both for examination and for establishing contact, because it is also important for expectant mothers to feel confident and comfortable before, during and after childbirth. Feel free to ask how the birth will go - natural or, in the case of an emergency or certain medical condition, a caesarean section. The doctor planning to take your childbirth will be able to tell you everything in detail if you want, because not everyone has a desire to know everything in detail in advance.

Postpartum stay

In the overwhelming majority of maternity hospitals, a baby is brought to the mother in a few hours, and they are further in the ward together until discharge. From the first hours of the child's life, the mother takes care of him herself. This method has a beneficial effect on babies and their mothers: frequent breastfeeding improves lactation, the child quickly gets used to breastfeeding, mothers are less prone to postpartum depression. If you have questions about breastfeeding, newborn care, nurses, doctors or roommates can help you with this, and after discharge it will be easier to cope with the new and very important role of mom.

But there are still a small number of maternity hospitals that work according to the scheme, when a newborn is brought to the mother for several hours for feeding and carried away to the infant ward. If this option does not suit you, check this in advance in the chosen maternity hospital so that unpleasant situations do not arise at such an important moment in life.

If, after weighing all the pros and cons of certain maternity hospitals, you still cannot decide, then listen to your intuition, because the most important thing is that you feel calm and confident after the decision is made.

The natural end of pregnancy is childbirth. Therefore, all women preparing to become a mother sooner or later begin to be interested in them and prepare. One of the most important points to worry about is how to choose a maternity hospital where everything will happen. This is of great, often decisive, importance for a woman and a newborn baby.

In the past, it was customary to give birth in the nearest maternity hospital at the place of registration or residence of a woman. At the time of the onset of contractions, an ambulance was called, and the woman was brought to a specific institution - all maternity hospitals provided the same services, the conditions of stay in all of them were at the same level. Nowadays, a lot has changed - each medical institution has its own level, package of services, equipment and specialization. Maternity hospitals are no exception. Therefore, modern women are often faced with the question of how to choose a maternity hospital, how to do it correctly and what to consider when making a decision.

Medical indications

Modern maternity hospitals are divided into ordinary and specialized ones. If the woman is absolutely healthy, the pregnancy is proceeding successfully and there are no complications, then you can agree to give birth in an ordinary maternity hospital. If it is known in advance that a problem situation may arise in the process of giving birth to a child, or not everything is in order with health, you should think about getting into a specialized or at least a maternity hospital at a large hospital. For example, diseases of the heart or kidneys require the presence of a cardiologist or nephrologist, since in case of complications, it may be necessary for immediate assistance of narrow specialists. In this case, medical indications will serve as an answer to the question of how to choose a maternity hospital.

Preferences

The birth of a child is a serious process, and it is worth approaching it as responsibly as possible. There are different categories of women for whom different factors can be decisive. In some situations, the proximity of the hospital to the place of residence is of particular importance - the closer it is located, the faster you can get to it. For some mums, it is much more important that the medical staff is as sympathetic as possible. Doctors call such women in childbirth who want to "give birth for them" - that is, they need constant medical attention, stimulation, pain relief, and sometimes even surgery. In this case, it is worth choosing a paid maternity hospital and discussing in advance all the services that will be provided there. As a rule, the more a woman is afraid of childbirth, the more scrupulously the doctor and institution are chosen.

Behavior in the hospital

There are modern maternity facilities with the status of "baby-friendly hospital". This title is awarded by WHO for compliance with all of its requirements. In such maternity hospitals, early attachment of the baby to the breast is practiced, it is forbidden to supplement with formula and use pacifiers. All this is done so that the newborn adapts as early as possible, all measures are taken to bring the process of childbirth and feeding closer to a natural course. For such institutions, the free behavior of a woman in the first stage of labor is characteristic - you can stand or walk, listen to music, take a shower or a bath. In this case, the postpartum period also passes naturally - the child is around the clock with his mother, and sometimes with his father, if there is such an opportunity in the ward.

If you wish, you can choose a more "strict" institution that practices the old rules - women in wards are separated from children, rest from childbirth and feed them by the hour. Strangers are not allowed to visit the child or at the time strictly allotted for visits. On the one hand, this approach is more familiar and convenient for staff, on the other hand, it is considered somewhat outdated.

Equipment

Another important factor that needs to be taken into account when looking for an answer to the question of how to choose a maternity hospital is the availability of medical equipment. For example, not all institutions are equipped with children's intensive care. It is worth paying special attention to the equipment, for example, is there a possibility of blood transfusion in the maternity hospital, round-the-clock ultrasound, neonatologist, anesthesiologist, surgeon. Of course, it will be better if all this equipment is not needed and you do not have to resort to emergency assistance from specialists, but nevertheless, the presence in the hospital of everything necessary for operational assistance somehow reassures. When choosing, it is allowed to walk around the building, check the equipment of the wards and the delivery room, the availability of specialized departments and equipment. How to choose a maternity hospital in Yekaterinburg, experts advise: it is better to visit several institutions and talk to the staff, and then make a decision.

Staff

Many health workers recommend that women choose not a medical organization, but a doctor who will take over the birth. Qualification is very important, and if there is a doctor whom a woman trusts, you need to choose the institution where he works. Moreover, it is not only the level of competence that is important, but also just sympathy - it is important that a woman feels comfortable and confident enough. In this case, the answer to the question of how to choose a maternity hospital in St. Petersburg is solved quite simply - it is enough to find a good doctor with whom a trusting relationship is established.

Paid childbirth

If the choice is made in favor of paid services, then an agreement is concluded with the maternity hospital. The contract starts from the moment it is signed and lasts for six weeks after delivery. This guarantees medical supervision and comprehensive assistance to the client, that is, to the woman in labor. Payment includes not only the provision of medical care, but also the conditions of stay - a separate room, bath or shower, food and other services. Their cost in different medical institutions varies and depends on the level of the institution and its status. How to choose a maternity hospital in Chelyabinsk, for example? To do this, it is worth studying all the advertising of the city, which is given by local institutions, if possible, listen to the reviews of women in labor and young mothers, read information on the network, analyze the data and only then make a decision.

Free childbirth

How to choose a maternity hospital with a certificate? Taking into account the same factors as when choosing a paid clinic. Free childbirth, from the point of view of medical care, should not differ from paid, but the conditions of stay in the hospital are somewhat simpler. For example, you can get into a ward with several more women in labor and children, use the toilet and shower on the floor, and not in the ward. Ultimately, the birth of a child, his presence, the ability to hold and feed his child smoothes out all the inconveniences, so that in some cases it is quite possible to do without unnecessary expenses. At the same time, how to choose a maternity hospital according to a certificate becomes clear after visiting several state institutions.

Choice by reviews

One of the factors influencing the choice of the clinic is the impressions of other women in labor. Of course, the so-called "word of mouth" should not be neglected - mothers who gave birth in this or that institution can tell a lot about it. How to choose a maternity hospital in Moscow is discussed on many forums of the capital. It should be borne in mind that reviews on the Internet are not always reliable - it happens that the organization simply pays for them for advertising purposes. It is better to pay attention to the experience of friends or relatives - it is more truthful. They will definitely advise how to choose a maternity hospital in Moscow. On the other hand, for every woman different things matter - for some, the equipment of the ward is of paramount importance, so that you can rest, and for someone - if only Ivan Ivanovich took delivery, the rest is not important. In the latter case, the woman is more concerned with the question of how to choose a doctor in the hospital.

In addition, do not forget that pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by a sharp change in hormonal levels and mood, and this also affects the perception of a woman. In such a state, many tend to exaggerate the shortcomings of the institution, or vice versa, in euphoria, they simply do not notice them.

Childbirth abroad

Some wealthy families, when deciding how to choose the right maternity hospital, pay attention to foreign clinics. This is understandable - the level of medical care there is much higher, eminent specialists are more competent. The cost of childbirth ranges from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands. In addition to the procedure itself, the family bears expenses for the flight, visa, accommodation, accompanying relatives and the services of a medical translator. The main stream of women in labor rushes to European countries. According to the latest data, the best medical care is provided by clinics in Sweden. In the UK, childbirth will cost about $ 10,000, in Israel - about 6,000, in Germany - 5,000 euros. This amount usually includes the cost of a special contract, medical policy, translation services, hotel accommodation and air tickets. Naturally, if you need emergency assistance in an unforeseen situation or even surgery, you will have to pay extra for this. On the other hand, the quality of services rendered to a woman in labor is significantly higher than the domestic level. Do not forget that many European countries do not grant citizenship to children born on their territory. In this case, children born in the USA, Argentina, Canada and Malaysia receive citizenship from highly developed countries. In order to return home with a child, you need to contact the embassy in the country.

When to choose a maternity hospital

Experts advise to start looking for "your" institution as early as possible. In the modern world, a rare pregnancy passes without complications, so if the choice is made in advance, then doctors will have more time to observe a woman and know everything about the course of her pregnancy. Ultimately, this fact can play a significant role. In addition, the earlier you start your search, the more information you can collect - get to know a doctor, examine the equipment of a medical institution, listen to what others have to say about him. It is also an added plus when making a decision. The factor of sympathy plays an important role, for example, the doctor is a very good specialist, but he does not like him as a person. In this case, it is better to turn to another doctor - trust and respect are very significant during childbirth, otherwise it is difficult for a woman to concentrate and follow all his instructions.

Partner childbirth

In many modern maternity hospitals, partner childbirth is practiced - this is when a close or relative is present with the woman in labor. It is believed that the presence of a loved one nearby helps a woman feel more comfortable and protected. On the other hand, this makes it possible to control the work of medical personnel - a woman is not up to it during labor, and a husband or girlfriend can call a doctor or ask midwives for help. Not all maternity medical organizations allow partnerships, and if a woman wants, then she needs to find just one where possible. It is better to discuss everything in advance - it happens that childbirth lasts for many hours and the partner also needs somewhere to rest. Usually in organizations of this kind, an additional room or at least a bed is provided. In some institutions, a person present at childbirth is required to pass tests and submit documents on the state of health. Others require nothing more than an identity document. Sometimes partners are given clothes on the spot - shoe covers, a robe, a hat, and sometimes you can come in your own clean one.

Choose the maternity hospital that you like. Compulsory health insurance (MHI) gives such a right. However, the choice of a maternity hospital may be limited. So, an important document is an exchange card, which is issued at the 20-22th week of pregnancy in an antenatal clinic or other medical institution that has the right to conduct pregnancy. It indicates the features of the course of pregnancy, the results of all examinations and tests passed. In the absence of this important document, it will not be possible to choose a maternity hospital especially: childbirth is possible only in the infectious (observational) department of a maternity hospital or hospital.

Find out everything: reviews about the hospital and doctors, conditions in the ward, caring for newborns ...

Check out all the available reviews about the maternity hospital, the work of doctors, the conditions in the wards (such comments can be found on the Internet). There will definitely be both positive and negative responses. Pay attention to those that deal with specific actions of medical personnel, compliance with hygienic requirements for the premises, and everything that directly affects the health of mothers and babies. For example, there is a draft in the wards, nurses are always absent from the field - this is important. But that in the corridors there are old sofas and sagging armchairs - it is not so important.

Pay special attention to the comments about caring for babies. Have there been cases when children were discharged with diaper rash, weight loss, etc.? Already through official channels, clarify the issue of the presence or absence of children's intensive care.

Also, be sure to find out when choosing a maternity hospital whether there is a paid department in it, how much such childbirth can cost and how the conditions differ in the commercial version. Determine for yourself how much more comfortable living conditions are important to you and the advantages that a labor contract provides.

Check to see if the facility can be closed for sanitation on the dates of the due date. Listen to the advice of a gynecologist leading a pregnancy, perhaps he will recommend a clinic and even a doctor. After all, he knows your state of health well and can give useful advice, especially if it concerns the need for childbirth in a specialized hospital (if a woman has any diseases that may require the presence of some narrow-profile doctors or the presence of special equipment at childbirth).

When deciding to contact a commercial clinic, be sure to check it for a license and a certificate entitling you to provide such services.

Having picked up several "candidates", proceed to a detailed study of the possibilities and services of the institution that you would like to receive additionally. For example, can someone close to be there during childbirth, what is the procedure for applying anesthesia, will they give you a baby immediately after birth, is it possible for a mother to stay with a newborn? Find out in advance how many people the wards are designed for; How many women in labor at the same time, on average, are giving birth to one team or obstetrician-gynecologist; whether free behavior during childbirth is encouraged in the maternity hospital (i.e. is it allowed to get up and walk); are visits allowed or the new father will be able to see the baby only through the window of the maternity hospital. Find out which medical procedures are required and which you can refuse (for example, shaving the perineum, cleansing enema, preventive vaccinations of the child). If you feel that the restrictions and rules of the hospital do not suit you, look for other options. Do not hesitate to come to the selected maternity hospital, look at the conditions in person, talk to women in labor, talk to doctors.

Do I need a contract for childbirth or is it better to give birth for free?

During the "free" delivery, if you pay for services with a birth certificate, you will receive guaranteed medical care. But one should not hope for 100% attention of the staff with this type of delivery. You may have to give birth in a company (there may be several women in labor at the same time in the delivery room), and living conditions may not be the most comfortable.

There are often cases when relatives or friends offer to "negotiate" with a doctor. A significant disadvantage of such an oral agreement may be that no one can guarantee the presence of the chosen doctor at childbirth. At the most crucial moment, he may not work (for example, be out of town and not be able to get to the hospital on time). In addition, even while at the workplace, he can be called to another patient, who is in the clinic on a paid basis, and in whose contract this particular specialist is designated. Yes, and such agreements have no legal force. So, in case of negligence, it will be impossible to bring the doctor to justice. Therefore, if you decide to give birth "with your" doctor, consider such moments and decide for yourself how much this option suits you.

In addition, for "paid" women in labor, as a rule, better conditions of hospital stay are provided. It can be either a separate ward or a double ward equipped with household appliances or simply with a good repair, depending on the capabilities of the maternity hospital. Some clinics also have rooms for family accommodation, when the spouse is in the hospital with his wife and child. They can offer a choice of staying with the baby or separately. And also a list of services that are available to a woman in labor is indicated: the type of anesthesia (electroneurostimulation, local infiltration anesthesia, inhalation, epidural), special nutrition, etc.

It is better to conclude a contract directly with the maternity hospital, and not through an intermediary, which is an insurance company. This can complicate decision-making in the event of an emergency (until you get through to the insurer and get permission for the necessary manipulation, the cherished minutes will go away). Before signing the papers, carefully read the contract, it is better if the spouse does it too.

In case of emergency hospitalization, if the issue of choosing a maternity hospital has not been resolved, an ambulance will take you to the nearest maternity hospital where there are free places, or if a birth certificate is issued and you already have at least minimal information about the nearest maternity hospitals or maternity wards of hospitals - in the one you ask for. The main thing is that the clinic is not private, overcrowded with patients or closed for quarantine. If you have a contract, you will be taken to your chosen medical facility. The main thing is to always keep your exchange card with you.

SARS, flu, or another infectious disease can also interfere with your plans. According to the rules, healthy and sick women cannot be together. So, in case of emergency hospitalization, you will be brought to the maternity hospital, where there is an infectious diseases department, or to a clinic with which a contract has been concluded, but to a special observational department1. The downside is that right after childbirth, even despite the terms of the contract, the child will not be given to you so as not to infect him. So before giving birth, you should carefully monitor your health.

Choosing a doctor for childbirth

Before the first acquaintance with the doctor who will take delivery, tune in to the positive and again start collecting available information, only in relation to the specialists of a particular maternity hospital. Check their regalia, work experience, patient reviews. But relying only on word of mouth is not worth it, everyone has a different temperament, education, and, accordingly, a view of the world. If the objective benefits outweigh the subjective ones, get to know your birthing doctor in person. At your first appointment, do not hesitate to ask questions and talk about anything that bothers you. Don't expect paternal or maternal sympathy. The main thing in your relationship is not tenderness, but professionalism.

Evaluate your first impressions of communicating with the doctor who will take over your childbirth. If they are unpleasant, do not hesitate to change your doctor, compatibility and trust are very important. If you cannot figure out your impressions, take a sheet of paper, write down the pros and cons in two columns (for example, high qualifications are a plus, he is a man, and even specifically jokes constantly - a minus, etc.). Analyze all the points, choose from the negative ones that you are ready to put up with, and those that categorically do not suit you. Which are more? This is the solution. Plan an acquaintance in advance, at least a month in advance, by coming to scheduled consultations, you will be able to assess how the chosen doctor for childbirth is punctual, courteous, and subject to mood swings. Also, do not trust the ratings and strive to give birth at the clinic's most famous doctor. As a busy person, he will not be able to give you maximum attention, besides, scientific titles, positions can be associated with administrative work, which often limits real practice. It is helpful to visit a doctor with your husband or a relative. The loved one will provide you with another third-party opinion. Collect all the "readings" and make a decision.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing a maternity hospital

So, as you embark on a responsible choice, keep the following questions close at hand.

• What services are offered in the maternity hospital (paid services in private and public clinics)?
• What are the sanitary and living conditions in the clinic?
• What is the reputation of the hospital? Were there any mentions in the press related to scandals or accidents in this medical facility?
• Is free behavior allowed during childbirth?
• Are family visits allowed?
• What methods of pain relief are used, does the expectant mother have a choice?
• What additional services can I receive during labor (vertical labor, birth with a husband)?
• What stay of a mother with a newborn is allowed in the hospital - joint or separate?
• What are the conditions for newborns? How qualified are neonatologists working in the clinic?
• Is there a neonatal intensive care unit?
• What programs are allowed, what can your family bring you after giving birth?
• When and how is the payment for the services rendered made?

What you need to know about childbirth

It is necessary to gather information about what kind of pain relief assistance to use beforehand. So, electroneurostimulation will help in the early stages of childbirth or during the rapid course of the process, and will relieve pain that radiates primarily to the back. Inhalation anesthesia - for those who are panicky afraid of injections. Local infiltration anesthesia helps to avoid painful sensations in a specific area, but does not last long. It can be used to relieve sensations immediately after childbirth. With epidural anesthesia, medication is injected into the lumbar region and often causes pain to disappear completely. When choosing a method, it is always worth remembering that pain relief is an effect on the body of both the mother and the child, so the choice (if the clinic provides it) should be as deliberate as possible.

Photo: Press Service of the Mayor and the Moscow Government. Denis Grishkin

Closer to home, more or more comfortable - it is not always easy for a pregnant woman to understand which maternity hospital is right for her and her baby. But this question becomes one of the main ones as the cherished date approaches. Understanding the difference between obstetric hospitals in Moscow and what services they provide.

A pregnant woman in the capital has a fairly large selection. Only in the city health care system there are 27 obstetric ones. Four of them have the status of perinatal centers. Last year, more than 137 thousand deliveries took place in city clinics. And that's not counting private medical institutions that provide paid medical services.

In contrast, government clinics do not have to pay for childbirth. All you need is a compulsory medical insurance policy. Childbirth is paid for from the federal budget. In order to support maternity hospitals, funding is additionally carried out at the expense of birth certificates - a woman can receive it simultaneously with registration of maternity leave after the 30th week of pregnancy (or after the 28th, if she is expecting twins or triplets), as well as receive it after childbirth (if they were not paid for). This gives the woman the right to choose the maternity hospital.

Maternity hospitals according to indications

Each of the 27 Moscow obstetric hospitals has not only vast experience, but also its own specialization. For example, there are those who specialize in specific medical cases - diseases of mothers and babies, complications or emergency situations. Therefore, when choosing a maternity hospital, you should pay attention to these criteria.

Maternity hospitals at hospitals No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov and No. 29 named after N.E.Bauman specialize in childbirth in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. In the hospital No. 15 named after O.M. Filatova help women with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Profiles of the A.K. Eramishantseva - pathology of the urinary system and mental illness. In infectious diseases hospitals No. 1 and 2, women with hepatitis, drip infections, HIV and syphilis are admitted, in the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center for Tuberculosis Control - according to their profile.

The recently opened maternity hospital GKB No. 40 is the only obstetric hospital in Russia where pregnant women with cancer can receive specialized care. And the maternity hospitals of hospitals No. 3, 7, 13, 24, 70, 81 and the Center for Family Planning and Reproduction specialize in preterm birth.

A complete list of maternity hospitals and their profiles is available on the website of the Moscow Department of Health.

The doctor of the antenatal clinic will tell you which hospital is suitable for each specific case. Early registration, regular observation by an obstetrician-gynecologist - all this will allow you to choose the right maternity hospital.

It is also important to remember about the location of the clinic, because the date of birth is rarely predicted accurately: everything can change at any time. If labor begins suddenly, there may not be enough time to travel to the other side of the city. And the ambulance team will take the woman to the nearest hospital.

What is included in the "free package"

Emergency medical care is provided free of charge throughout Russia. Childbirth is a medical emergency. Another thing is that this process is not easy, and women, worrying about themselves and their unborn child, are often ready to give any money.

In a hospital, high-quality medical care should be provided free of charge. Women are provided with the latest equipment and the most qualified doctors, always ready to carry out surgery and emergency procedures for patients and newborns. In addition, under the health care modernization program, neonatal intensive care units have been opened in all obstetric hospitals. The child will receive high-level assistance here. All obstetric hospitals are structural units of multidisciplinary clinics, so mothers also receive highly qualified care, including high-tech. For example, if the pubic joint (symphysitis) of the expectant mother disperses during pregnancy, then she is transferred to traumatology, operated on, and then the woman is discharged home with the child. Previously, prolonged bed rest was required.

It is important that the decision to use additional equipment or medication will be made by the doctor depending on each specific situation.

Statistics show that aid is becoming more and more effective. From year to year in Moscow maternity hospitals the level of infant mortality is decreasing. For several years, it fell by 30 percent - from 8.4 cases in 2010 to 5.9 cases in the first half of 2017 per thousand live births.

In addition to improving the qualifications of doctors, work is constantly being carried out to improve the conditions for the stay of patients in obstetric hospitals. Partner childbirth is only welcome, and any married couple can receive this service. Practically in all maternity hospitals there is such an opportunity (separate maternity wards). Whether this service is available in the selected maternity hospital should be clarified in advance. If, for example, separate boxes are not enough for everyone, it can only be provided for a fee. The husband may not be allowed to give birth even if all the blocks are occupied by women who have signed a contract for paid childbirth. Or the husband has an acute infectious disease (as they say, "got a cold").

Paid childbirth

For money, the patient can choose in advance a doctor who will monitor her condition during pregnancy and take delivery. In this case, the woman is promised contact with an individual obstetrician-gynecologist around the clock. Nowadays, childbirth is gaining popularity not only with an individual doctor, but also with a midwife, psychologist, doula, and so on.

The pricing policy in maternity hospitals is different. It depends both on the qualifications of the specialist - the most expensive childbirth will be received by doctors and candidates of medical sciences, heads of departments, and on conditions (a single ward, a ward with her husband, and so on).

It is worth remembering that if at the time of delivery the doctor cannot come to the hospital for any reason, another specialist will take over the delivery. Just in case, you should also get acquainted with the "reserve" specialist in advance.

It will be cheaper to conclude a contract for childbirth with the brigade on duty. In this case, it will not be possible to choose a doctor, but relatives will be able to visit a woman and a child after giving birth. There are hospitals where paid services include postnatal observation of a woman for a month. In addition, for an additional fee, they can offer a more comfortable room with a separate toilet room, TV, refrigerator and other amenities.

And in some private clinics, the wards are more likely to resemble the rooms of five-star hotels with the appropriate service and prices no worse than elite resorts. Therefore, a pregnant woman should choose exactly where her child will be born not only from her needs, but also from her capabilities.

The task of obstetric hospitals is not only safe, but also happy motherhood. So that nothing darkens this day. So that only the happiest memories remain.