Home births have gained intense popularity in America and the Academy of Pediatrics has released a new set for guidelines for to-be mothers.
With advancements in technology, science and medicine, many mothers are now opting to deliver their child at home and home births have become extremely popular in America. While pregnant mothers see this as a luxury, medical experts are not too happy with this new development as more women opt for home births, since some high-risk births can cause dangerous consequences.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics concurs with the recent statement of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists affirming that hospitals and birthing centers are the safest settings for birth in the United States while respecting the right of women to make a medically informed decision about delivery," reads a report published by Pediatrics.
The AAP recommends the following factors for a mother considering a home delivery:
- Absence of preexisting medical conditions,
- Absence of significant disease during pregnancy,
- A single pregnancy (no twins, triplets or higher),
- Baby's head should be facing down,
- Pregnancy has lasted at least 37 weeks, but no more than 41 weeks,
- Spontaneous labor, or labor induced as an outpatient,
- A certified nurse-midwife, certified midwife or a physician practicing within an integrated and regulated health system,
- At least one appropriately trained person whose primary responsibility is the baby (this person must be qualified to resuscitate the baby if necessary),
- Ready access to consultation,
- Assurance of safe and timely transport to a nearby hospital with a preexisting arrangement for such transfers.
