To give birth at home is not as dangerous as it was thought before
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Most modern women prefer to give birth in hospitals and do not even think about childbirth at home. Of course, you will say, because in maternity hospitals all conditions are provided for this: qualified obstetrician-gynecologists, modern equipment and necessary medications.
But the International Nonprofit Organization Cochrane Collaboration has prepared a survey that shows that home births can also be safe if they are well planned and prepared.
"Reviews of Cochran" is the general name of all the studies that this organization prepares. The last of them is dedicated to birth in the home. The study involved employees from the University of Copenhagen, as well as obstetrician-gynecologists.
Despite the prevailing opinion, both professionals and pregnant women themselves, that safe delivery can only take place within the walls of the hospital, the authors of the survey advocate home births. In their opinion, at home, giving birth is not more dangerous than in special institutions, if this process is under the supervision of a qualified doctor or obstetrician.
An example can serve several regions of Denmark, where childbirth at home is absolutely normal and even ordinary.
Scientists Jett Aro Klauze and Ole Olsen, who participated in the preparation of this material, say that according to their data, the number of cases requiring surgical intervention - a caesarean section, is 60% lower in the case of home births compared with deliveries in hospitals.
In addition, 30% lower and the number of postpartum complications, for example, crotch ruptures or bleeding.
"If home births become common. And if the experience of carrying out childbirth at home is safe and successful, it should become an integral part of the healthcare system, "says Ole Olsen. - In some Danish regions, the system of assisting women in labor who do not want to be served in clinics is very well organized. Unfortunately, this is not the norm for all countries. "
Of course, every woman has the right to decide where and how she wants to give birth, but the experience of Danish doctors can hardly be transferred to the post-Soviet space.