When it comes to the safest way to give birth, you’ll find a lot of different opinions on the subject. Some people swear it is safer to give birth at home, while others believe birth is safer in a hospital. Your health will need to be assessed before you can determine the method of birth that is safest for you and your baby.
Women who are about to give birth have more delivery options available today than ever before. We can choose to deliver in a hospital or a birth center or even at home. We can also choose to go painkiller-free or to get an epidural. Even though it was a terrible idea, in 2015 some women even chose dolphin-assisted birth.
Ultimately, the safest birth for you is whichever method will result in a healthy mother and baby. This birth method face-off will weigh the pros and cons of different types of deliveries.
Vaginal Delivery vs. Cesarean
Whether or not you will deliver via a c-section or vaginal delivery may be out of your hands. Sometimes your plans for a natural birth will go out the window due to unforeseen complications. An obstetrician may also refuse to perform a cesarean if it is not indicated, even if you want one so you can schedule the birth or because you’re afraid to go through labor.
A cesarean may help you lower your risk of certain birth injuries such as shoulder dystocia and asphyxia, which happens when the baby’s oxygen is cut off. You can learn more about perinatal asphyxia diagnosis and treatment and other birth injuries here.
A vaginal birth may be preferable because it exposes your baby to microbes that can have a positive effect on their health. It is also believed to squeeze fluids out of your infant as it passes through the birth canal.
Drug-Free vs. Epidural
Many women choose to get an epidural because the pain relief allows them to rest during labor. If you already have an epidural, you will lower your risk of having to quickly be placed under general anesthesia if the need for an emergency c-section should arise. Some studies have also suggested that women who receive epidurals have a lower risk of postpartum depression.
There are also plenty of good reasons many women choose to skip the epidural. Some benefits of a drug-free birth may include:
- Shorter labor
- Easier breastfeeding
- A sense of empowerment
- Faster recovery time
Whether or not to get an epidural or to go natural is a personal decision no one else can make for you. The good news is if you decide to go drug-free and then you change your mind, you can opt for painkillers at any time.
Home Birth vs. Hospital Delivery
Again, whether or not home or hospital is the safer option depends on your situation. The benefit of giving birth at home with a midwife includes lower rates of cesareans and painkillers. You will also have a lower chance of maternal infections and hemorrhage. However, if complications arise, you’ll need to get to the hospital, fast. The benefit of using the hospital is you will have fast access to lifesaving equipment if you need it.
You may be able to choose water birth if you choose to give birth at home with a midwife instead of a hospital. You can choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery or you can stay in the water until the birth. It is believed that the water may cause less pain for the mother, along with lowered blood pressure because the water helps the mother relax.
Are you planning a hospital, midwife-led, or home birth? It’s important to be ready and decide wisely because each birthing option has benefits and drawbacks. Attending a Calm Birth School Hypnobirthing Online program, or one from any reputable platform, can help you and your birth partner reduce stress and anxiety associated with labor and delivery, so you’ll experience a positive birth experience.
The best way to have a healthy delivery is to find a doctor or midwife you trust and to get regular prenatal care. Eat well, maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and stay away from anything your doctor does not recommend. No matter which birth method you choose, eventually you will get to hold your baby in your arms.
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