We support home births as well as hospital-based births in all three hospitals of The Hague

We also support women who want to have a water birth, which is possible at home in a special pool (in dutch), or in birth clinic “Wereldwonder” in MCH - Westeinde

MCH-Westeinde

Birth Clinic “Wereldwonder”
Lijnbaan 32
2512 VA The Hague

070-3051870

Bronovo hospital

Bronovolaan 5
2597 AX The Hague
070 - 312 41 41

Haga hospital

Birth hotel Haaglanden
Sportlaan 600
2566 MJ The Hague
070-210 7700

Delivery

After a long period of physical and mental growth, the pregnant woman is ready to give birth and the baby is big enough and ready to be born. Most deliveries take place between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, which is three weeks before to two weeks after the due date. An average pregnancy lasts 280 days, which equals 40 weeks or nine months.

When you give birth in this period, we will support your delivery no matter where you want to give birth; at home, in hospital, or in the birth clinic. We also support water births. When your baby is born before the 37th week or after the 42nd week, the gynaecologists at the hospital will support your delivery.

Every birth is different and requires a different approach. We will help you to create a situation that suits your needs. If your pregnancy is healthy and normal and you want to have a home birth, we will come to your home when you are in labour. If needs be, you can even choose where you want to give birth when you are already in labour. If you choose to give birth in hospital or in the birth clinic, we will decide with you when it would be the best time to move.

Pre-labour

In the weeks before the due date, women often experience more and more hard bellies and sometimes also short painful contractions. This is perfectly normal; this is only “false labour”. These contractions help soften and efface the cervix. You are not yet in established labour.

Active labour

Good, strong contractions are the main prerequisite for a smooth and uncomplicated delivery. There are three kinds of hormones that contribute to those contractions:

  • Adrenaline; your body produces adrenaline when you are stressed, anxious, or cold. This hormone works against the contractions;
  • Oxytocin; causes contractions, causes the muscle of the uterus to contract;
  • Endorphin; is a kind of morphine that alleviates pain.

For further information on how to stimulate the production of these hormones, see Pain.

Pushing

When you are almost fully dilated, you will feel the urge to push. This sensation is caused by the head of the baby which has descended and is now pushing against your rectum. This may feel as if you have to move your bowels. The baby is slowly being pushed out of the uterus. Many women experience this stage of labour as very intense. Your uterus starts contracting very powerfully; it may feel as if your body is taking over control. Try to welcome the urge to push – strong contractions that urge you to push are essential to a smooth and quick delivery. If you are having your first baby, this stage can take 1 to 2 hours. If you’ve given birth before, the baby may arrive as quickly as 5 to 30 minutes.

During labour, we will check regularly whether you and the baby are doing well. We will monitor the progress of labour closely, and we will regularly listen to the baby’s heart.