Birthing options can include both the location where you would like to give birth as well as how you would like to give birth. In the U.S., most deliveries occur in a hospital. Many people also choose to give birth in a birthing center or at home. In NC, last year 15% more births occurred at home than the previous year. Choosing to have a baby at home or in a birthing center may not be advisable in mom's with chronic medical conditions, or if mom has certain obstetric conditions list gestational diabetes or placenta previa, or when labor occurs before 27 or after 42 weeks. When birthing at home or in a birthing center, you can expect fewer delivery interventions like medication for pain or medication to increase the frequency of your contractions. When birthing in the hospital, you can expect access to medical interventions during delivery as well as access to providers who can intervene quickly in case of complications. Most providers only deliver babies in one type of setting, so choose a provider who will deliver in the setting that you prefer. Hospital births are more expensive than births at a birthing center or home. However, some insurance providers do not cover birthing centers and home births. Check with your insurance provider to learn what they will cover.
"Birthing Options: Where & How" by Mecklenburg Birthing Connections (pdf)
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