Benefits and Risks of Different Birth Settings

If you are newly pregnant, you may be wondering where the best place for you to give birth in Kansas City would be. We are so lucky to have such phenomenal care providers in every sector in Kansas City so we have put together a quick benefits and risks check list for you to help you decide what would be the best location for you. Take a look and fill out our contact sheet so we can help walk with you as you make this important decision!

Planned Hospital birth - Benefits

  • immediate access to emergency care for high-risk pregnancies 

  • ready access to medical pain relief 

  • no transport required if complications arise

Planned Hospital birth - Risks

  • higher chance of unnecessary interventions during labor 

  • more likely to be induced or have labor augmented 

  • more routine interventions, such as IV fluids and continuous fetal monitoring 

  • restricted eating during labor 

  • typically less patient choice 

  • limited or no availability of hydrotherapy

Planned Homebirth - Benefits

  • lower risk of obstetrical intervention 

  • prenatal care focused on holistic, individual care for the whole person 

  • more autonomy, less protocol 

  • ability to have anyone desired be present at birth 

  • recovery in the comfort of home 

  • postpartum visits at home

Planned Homebirth - Risks

  • emergency care may require transport

  • no access to epidural or medical pain relief should these be desired 

  • complications arising during labor may require transport 

  • planned homebirth with a first baby may pose slightly higher risk than planned hospital birth

Obstetricians vs. Midwives

  • OB’s are trained surgeons, midwives are experts in normal 

  • Midwives tend to take a more natural, whole-person approach to pregnancy and birth

  • care with an OB is generally routine, while a midwife offers more individual attention

  • all appointments with an OB take place in an office or hospital setting, midwives typically offer some appointments in the home 

  • OB’s may perform high level interventions such as C-section, while a midwife must transfer care if complications arise 

  • Midwives offer more face to face time during labor, OB’s are usually only present for the pushing phase

References:

Howland, G. (2017). The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth. Gallery Books. 

Howland, G. (2023) Is a Water Birth Right for You? https://www.mamanatural.com/water-birth/

The Birthplace Cohort Study: Key Findings. https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/birthplace/results

 

mykcdoula@gmail.com