If you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, it is normal to feel anxious about what could happen during delivery, especially if it might lead to your baby being admitted to a neonatal unit. Whether this is due to a preterm birth or other health concerns, knowing what might happen can help ease some of the stress and anxieties surrounding this critical time.

Your healthcare team will talk to you about the safest way to deliver your baby, always keeping your and your baby's well-being in mind. In most cases, your baby's condition allows for a vaginal birth, making a planned C-section⍰ unnecessary. Whether it is a vaginal birth or a caesarean section (C-section), they will explain everything clearly, so you understand the benefits and risks. After birth, your baby may need some extra help to stabilise, such as oxygen therapy⍰ or other medical support. Whenever possible as soon as possible after birth, immediate skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby is highly recommended. This intimate contact provides many benefits, including regulating your baby's temperature and strengthens the connection between you and your child.

Your partner or other birth companions play an important role in all this. They will be there to support you, providing comfort and helping you communicate with the medical team. If your baby requires specialised care in a neonatal unit, the medical team will inform you about the reasons for the transfer and provide you with information about what to expect during your baby's stay in neonatal care.