Is a hospital or a birthing center better for childbirth? (Hospital vs. Birthing Center)

This is a very special time for you, who are expecting to become a mother, and it is a time when you have to make many decisions. Among these decisions, the most important decision you will have to make is whether to give birth to your baby in a hospital or a birthing center . As we all know, traditionally we choose a hospital. Because we see it as the safest place for both you and the baby. In Sri Lanka and in many countries around the world, 99% of births take place in hospitals. However, recently, some people have been tempted to do this natural process of childbirth, free from a medical environment, and in a comfortable place like home. This is what we call birthing centers. So, both these options have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about it clearly.

What is a 'Birthing Center'?

Simply put, a birth center is a place where you can give birth naturally in a comfortable, home-like environment. They are based on the belief that most women need minimal medical intervention during childbirth.

These centers have beautifully decorated, softly lit, private rooms that make you feel at home. Here, your entire care is led by a trained and qualified midwife. However, they also seek the guidance of obstetricians whenever necessary.

From the moment you start labor until you go home after the baby is born, you will stay in this comfortable room. You will also have the opportunity to go home soon after the baby is born. Hospitals usually have a high rate of cesarean sections. However, in such centers , cesarean sections, painkillers, vacuum extractions , or forceps are rarely performed.

Key differences between a hospital and a birthing center

To easily understand the difference between the two, let's look at this table.

So, what's right for you? A hospital? A birthing center?

Before making this decision, you should honestly consider your own health status. Birth centers are designed for low-risk pregnancies only. If you have a medical condition that could lead to complications, you should definitely choose a hospital.

When to choose a hospital:

If you have any of the following risk factors, choosing a hospital is best for your and your baby's safety.

• If you are over 35 years old .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia .
• If you are carrying twins or more .
• If the baby is in an abnormal position (most babies are born head down, but complications are more likely if the baby is in a breech or transverse presentation ).
• If you have had a previous cesarean section , you are at risk of uterine rupture.
• If the pregnancy has exceeded 41 weeks .
• If you have any other medical conditions that could complicate childbirth .

In a situation like this, your doctor will definitely recommend a hospital because if there is a sudden problem, all the necessary medical facilities, operating rooms, and neonatologists are all in one place.

On the other hand, if you are young, healthy, have no risk factors, are carrying a single baby, and are in the correct position (head down), a birth center may be a good option for you. But if you choose to do so, make sure they have a clear and rapid plan for transferring you to a hospital in the event of an emergency.

Even in a hospital, you can plan things however you want.

Some people think, "We can't do things the way we want in the hospital." But that's not entirely true. You can write down your wishes in advance as a "Birth Plan" and give it to the doctor when you go in.

For example,

• Do you need an epidural or not?
• Would you like to delay the cutting of the umbilical cord a little?
• If it's a boy, should he be circumcised or not?

If your wishes are like this and there is no danger to you or the baby, the doctor will definitely respect them. So don't be afraid. Talk openly with the doctor about your wishes.