What does this mean for my pregnancy and birth?

What if I am due before Tuesday 11 August?

North Devon District Hospital maternity unit remains open until Monday 10 August. Anyone who goes into spontaneous labour after Sunday 9 August will go to a different hospital, for example Exeter. If your C-section or planned induction is scheduled for later than Friday 7 August, then this will now take place at a different hospital as arranged with your midwife.

Can I still see my usual community midwife?

Yes, your routine appointments in the community will stay the same.

I am a low-risk pregnancy, can I give birth at the hospital without a doctor?

Many people have babies without needing a doctor present, however any pregnancy can quickly change and even low-risk people may need a doctor very quickly during their birth. To keep everyone safe, all pregnant people will be asked to give birth elsewhere in case they, or their baby, needs a doctor.

Where can I give birth?

You still have a choice about where to have your baby – this could be Exeter hospital, Taunton, Plymouth, Truro or another regional hospital. Please discuss these options with your midwife.

What should I do if I am having a planned C-section?

If your C-section is planned for later than Friday 7 August, this will now take place at a different hospital, for example Exeter. Please discuss this with your midwife at your next appointment or, if you are due in the next 6 weeks, with the midwife when they call you.

What should I do if I get induced?

If your induction is scheduled for Friday 7 August or earlier, this will still happen at North Devon District Hospital. If it is scheduled for Saturday 8 August or later, this will now take place at a different hospital, for example Exeter. Please discuss this with your midwife at your next appointment or, if you are due in the next 6 weeks, with the midwife when they call you.

Can I have my baby at a midwife-led birthing centre?

Some women can have their baby in a birthing centre. You can discuss this option as part of your birth planning. Our team will carry out a risk assessment to see if that is suitable for you. Please note that these units are not staffed 24/7. They are staffed by a midwife as part of an on-call rota and is dependent on staffing availability at the time of your baby's birth. It is essential that you contact the maternity triage line before attending - 01392 406 616

Can I have a home birth?

We are not currently able to offer a home birth service during this temporary suspension. Home births form part of our wider birthing service, and safe home birth provision requires access to obstetric support should an emergency arise. With some homes in North Devon located a significant distance from the nearest obstetric unit, we must ensure the safety of both women and babies, as well as our colleagues.

We are increasing support within our community midwifery teams to meet additional demand and ensure women continue to receive safe care close to home wherever possible.

We recognise this may be disappointing for some families, but introducing or expanding home birth services during this period would create additional risks. Our focus is on providing the safest possible care while the temporary suspension is in place.

What happens if I go into labour quickly?

You should contact maternity triage as soon as you believe labour has started so that appropriate advice can be provided.

I plan to give birth at Exeter but Plymouth is just as close to me. If I have an emergency will the ambulance take me to Exeter?

SWAST has advised us that if there is an emergency they will take people to the nearest hospital which for North Devon patients may be Exeter but also Plymouth or Taunton.

How will women with high-risk needs, including diabetes in pregnancy, be supported?

High-risk pregnancies will continue to receive specialist antenatal care, monitoring and support throughout pregnancy. The temporary suspension only affects where births take place and does not affect access to antenatal services, community midwifery support, maternity advice or specialist maternity clinics. Individual care plans will continue to be reviewed by the maternity team and those with complex needs will be supported to ensure they receive the right care in the most appropriate setting. 

Are women booked for caesarean sections being scheduled at other Trusts?

All caesarean sections will take place at Exeter or at a hospital of your choice. We are contacting patients and rebooking their caesarean sections. You can choose to transfer your care to another Trust should you wish to.

I have concerns about my pregnancy what do I do?

Call maternity triage immediately on 01392 406616 if you: 

• think you may be in labour 

• have reduced fetal movements 

• have bleeding 

• feel unwell 

• have pain or symptoms that worry you 

• have concerns about your pregnancy 

• need urgent advice 

Please do not wait. The line is open 24/7. Please do not worry that you are bothering us. We would much rather you call.