We included English-language peer-reviewed publications from developed Western nations reporting maternal and newborn outcomes by planned delivery location. Outcomes’ summary odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
Results
Planned home births were associated with fewer maternal interventions including epidural analgesia, electronic fetal heart rate monitoring, episiotomy, and operative delivery. These women were less likely to experience lacerations, hemorrhage, and infections. Neonatal outcomes of planned home births revealed less frequent prematurity, low birthweight, and assisted newborn ventilation. Although planned home and hospital births exhibited similar perinatal mortality rates, planned home births were associated with significantly elevated neonatal mortality rates.
Connie’s comments: To reduce neonatal risks, moms should not take drugs during pregnancy (and maintain a healthy pregnancy of whole foods and exercise and monthly prenatals with OBs/CNMs) and homebirth CNMs/midwives should risk out mothers (high risks) for homebirths based on monthly prenatals.
Reblogged this on Full of Life Community.