Chapter 2. Prenatal Development, Pregnancy, and Birth

Introduction

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Historically, pregnant women were not sure how pregnancy and childbirth would end (Kitzinger, 2000; Wertz & Wertz, 1989). Birth itself could pose threats to both mother and child, and childbed fever was always a concern. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, doctors often made matters worse. In fact, they could spread childbed fever because they did not wash their hands (Wertz & Wertz, 1989).

By the beginning of the twentieth century, handwashing and other improvements in stopping the spread of disease made it more common for middle-class women to choose hospital births. Gradually, with the science of obstetrics, the risks of giving birth were greatly reduced. By the late 1990s the risk of maternal death was almost nonexistent (Miniño et al., 2002).

During the women’s movement of the 1960s and 1970s, natural childbirth at a birthing center became popular. Pregnant women wanted to avoid the hospital and now focused on managing the pain of labor with controlled breathing, the involvement of their partners, and without drugs.

2.1 Activity

In this activity you will put yourself in the shoes of a pregnant woman in labor and will need to make decisions about your birth options.

Imagine that you are a pregnant woman. You are full-term (40 weeks gestation) and are in the beginning stages of labor. You have some quick decisions to make, but hopefully you have thought about these things in preparation for the birth of your little bundle of joy!

2.2 Something to Consider

There are pros and cons to home, birthing center, and hospital births. Some of the positives of a natural childbirth include freedom to control the birth experience, no medical intervention, a lower chance of a c-section, reduced financial costs, lower risk of infection, and visitation freedom. Some disadvantages of a home or birthing center birth include no available pain medication, limited insurance coverage, increased risk of complications during the birth, no postpartum assistance, having to file for the child’s birth certificate on your own, and responsibility of cleaning the area after the birth.

For women giving birth in a hospital setting, they have immediate access to medical care if needed. Medical interventions and technological advances are readily available should a complication arise. The hospital setting is also the ideal birthing place for women with higher risk pregnancies. Additionally, pain medication is available if needed or desired. Disadvantages include an increased chance of c-section, less control over the birth experience, and increased financial costs and risk of infection.

The decision for a hospital or home or birthing center birth is a big one and can be considered a controversial one. There are research studies that demonstrate both the benefits and disadvantages of each option. If and/or when it is your turn to make this decision you and your partner should discuss birthing options with your health-care professional and make the decision that best fits you!

How has this activity made you think about the various options for delivering a baby?