Hospital VS Birthing Centers

When you are pregnant, you may automatically assume that you must give birth in a hospital. In actuality, you have a choice to either give birth at a hospital or at a birthing center. When making your decision on where is the best place to have your baby, it is crucial to have all of the relevant information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Advantages of Delivering in Hospital
Giving birth in a hospital means that you will have immediate access to emergency care. This makes it the best option for women with high-risk pregnancies. In addition, when giving birth in a hospital you will have access to painkillers and anesthesia if it is needed or wanted.

Hospital Delivery Disadvantages
The main focus of a hospital is to treat illness, not birth. Constant changing of staff means that there is a high chance of giving birth with unfamiliar faces present. You can expect to move around but your choices in terms of birthing position may be restricted. In addition, you will not have the ability to eat and drink while in labor.

Birthing Center Advantages
A birthing centers main focus is on birth, not illness. They offer natural pain relief options and use massage, hydrotherapy and cold and warm compresses to help facilitate relaxation. You can enjoy freedom of movement during the labor and delivery and will have the ability to get into the most comfortable position. While in labor, you will be surrounded by people that you are familiar with.

Birthing Center Disadvantages
Not all insurances cover birthing centers, while others may only provide limited coverage. They do not have the ability to provide emergency care, epidurals or prescription pain medications. If there is an emergency or if a c-section is required, you will need to transfer to a hospital. In addition, you will need to leave several hours after giving birth.