Home birth: what you should keep in mind

Home birth

Many women dream of the possibility of having a delivery at home, in a much warmer, more welcoming and familiar environment. Although it may seem somewhat risky, if the pertinent precautions are taken into account, it may be an option to consider. Giving birth at home allows you the possibility of being in a calmer environment, where You can prepare details yourself that will make your birth an even more special moment.

But in order for this idea to become a reality, it is essential that some essential requirements are met. Otherwise, your baby's health and your own could be seriously compromised. Therefore, if you are thinking of having a home birth, you must take into account all these points.

Home birth, an option for everyone?

No, far from it, home birth is an option for all pregnant women. On one side, most women prefer to give birth in a hospital, surrounded by doctors, instruments and drugs. This is in no way questionable, each woman has the right to decide what she wants to do. Regardless of the decision, the most important thing is that it is always made from maturity, anticipating possible complications and organizing even the smallest detail so that any eventuality can be resolved as quickly as possible.

Once you decide that you want to give birth at home, you should know that your pregnancy must meet certain requirements so that this is possible without taking important risks.

Let's see what they are the essential requirements to have a home birth.

A normal pregnancy

representation of the birth canal

To begin with, it is necessary that all your pregnancy has passed normally and that once the delivery has arrived, you are between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation. At less than 37 weeks, delivery is considered risky because the baby is born prematurely. From week 41 there may be risks due to lack of amniotic fluid, infections, etc. What's more:

  • The baby cannot have suffered no health complications During pregnancy
  • Not having a multiple pregnancy, in this case there is a risk of premature delivery that requires hospitalization in any case
  • The baby must be placed in the proper position at the time of delivery. That is, once it is time to give birth, the baby's head must be placed in the pelvis. Otherwise, it is a delivery with a high risk of complications.
  • Not having given birth by cesarean section in previous deliveries. Since this increases the chances of it happening again in later deliveries.

Also, you must assess your own health throughout your pregnancy. If you have gained too much weight or if you are overweight before pregnancy, if you have had problems with high blood pressure during pregnancy, diabetes problems or any other health problem. In this case, you will most likely have to deliver in a hospital. It will be the safest option for yourself and your child.

How to prepare for a home birth

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198009113031101

You will need to a qualified person to assist you in your delivery, a midwife or a a doula that can help you bring your child into the world. Choose the right person well weeks before delivery, you must fully trust that person and feel comfortable with them. In addition, this person must have contacts with the hospital or with a medical service, since it is possible that you may need it.


Do not forget to prepare a possible urgent visit to the hospital, since the delivery can come early and have to change plans at the last minute. Make sure you have a car nearby and someone who can take you to the hospital. Try to have your mobile phones well charged in case you need to contact the emergency service and have the hospital bag ready in case it is necessary.

You must also notify your midwife or doctor who is following your pregnancy, in case during these weeks some inconvenience arises that could compromise the home birth.


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