So recently our family went through a traumatic experience. Our sister in law and partner sadly lost their baby after premature labour. She was 21 weeks 4 days when admitted to hospital with pains in her back and belly. Soon after her first examination, they were sent to the grievance room where they were told that their baby would pass away after birth. During this experience, baby showed strength and was kicking throughout. 

Not until over 12 hours later, were they told that in other hospitals they have the facilities to support premature babies from 22 weeks onwards and some slightly younger if kicking and strong heart beat seen but the one they were in wouldn't provide any support for any baby under at least 24 weeks. No monitoring for baby happened after this statement and they were told baby would be left to die in their arms. Once hearing this news we tried to transfer to the nearest hospital that facilitates this. However, the hospital made many errors and didn't manage to get the transfer in time. The hospital had over 36 hours to make this transfer but still continued to refuse for most of this. By the time a midwife pushed for them to be transferred it was too late. 

My niece was born and lived for around 20 minutes before sadly passing away. 

During my sister in law's pregnancy not once was she informed about different hospitals providing different support especially for those babies that are premature. 

I have had 6 pregnancies and I have 3 healthy children, I have never been informed of this in any of these and neither has any other mother that I have spoken to. 

This needs to change- mothers to be need to be informed of this at their first health care appointment. I also think that hospitals should inform any pregnant lady who goes there of the facilities that their hospital has for premature babies and if a woman is in possible labour they should be directed to the nearest hospital that can provide this.