Choosing Between a Birth Center and a Hospital

If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant you may be wondering if you want to have a traditional hospital birth or choose a birthing center that offers more modern yet natural ways for delivering a baby. Safety is a top concern for most mothers-to-be. Whichever option you choose, you will want to make sure that you are comfortable with your decision.

• Ask your OB/GYN if they feel that a birthing center would be an option for you. Many pregnancies carry some risks of complications during delivery. If your doctor thinks you are not a good match for a birthing center they will let you know that they feel a hospital delivery would be a safer choice for both you and your baby.

• Decide what type of pain management you are going to use during delivery. If you are going to opt for an epidural then a birthing center is not the right choice for you. Birthing centers are not able to administer epidurals for pain management. If this is your first delivery you may want to go with a hospital for the delivery. First time moms often do not realize the pain of labor, and may change their mind about their epidural choice as labor gets stronger.

• Ask the hospital about its procedures of natural birth options. Some hospitals are able to offer the peace of mind in case of an emergency and still provide some natural options such as water birthing. Ask your hospital if they have birthing tubs available.

• If you are going to need to be induced either due to multiple births or being overdue you will want to choose a hospital to deliver. Hospitals are able to administer medications to induce through an IV; a birthing center does not administer IVs.

• Decide how comfortable you are with delivering your baby without the use of medications or medical interventions such as a vacuum. Birthing centers focus on the natural ways to have a child. If this is not a choice you are comfortable with you will want to choose a hospital to deliver your child.