Planned Home Birth in Low-Risk Pregnancies in Spain: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that planned home birth in low-risk pregnancies is a generally safe option. However nowadays, only 0.5 percent of deliveries have been at home in Spain. This study sought to understand the characteristics of planned home births with qualified healthcare professionals in low-risk pregnancies and their results on maternal and neonatal health in the Balearic Islands. The study followed a retrospective descriptive design to investigate planned home births from 1989 to 2019 (n = 820). Sociodemographic data of women, healthcare professional intervention rates, and maternal/fetal morbidity/mortality results were collected. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the IBM SPSS Version 25 software package. The results indicated that women with low-risk pregnancies who planned home births with a qualified midwife had a higher probability of spontaneous vaginal birth delivery and positive maternal health results. Furthermore, the risk of hospital transfer was low (10.7%) and the rate of prolonged breastfeeding (>1 year) was extremely high (99%). Moreover, the study showed that planned home births can be generally associated with fetal well-being. The conclusions and implications of this study are that planned home births in low-risk pregnancies attended by qualified midwives in the Balearic Islands achieve positive results in both maternal and newborn health, as well as low rates of obstetric intervention.

Characteristics of Homebirth in Hungary: a Comparative Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Nonetheless, the safety and risks related to home birth is not well expounded upon and is very much a topic of debate. Available published literature also substantiates regional variability (15,28,41,42,45,46,51).…”

“…Distinctly, our study has shown the majority (64.3%) of low-risk multiparous females experienced spontaneous deliveries at home and were less likely to undergo an operative birth (p<.001). A study originating from four Nordic countries in northern Europe have shown the majority of low-risk multiparous females who experienced spontaneous birth in their previous pregnancies were more likely to give birth at home (41), and low-risk pregnancies attended by quali ed midwives ushered in positive results among both maternal and newborn health levels, including low rates of obstetric intervention (28,42,43), similar to the investigation by Galera-Barbero & Aguilera-Manrique (15).…”

“…In Hungary, very little research has been published regarding home births for a multitude of reasons, speci cally, the lack of funding and institutional support. However, beyond Hungary, studies indicate females who plan home births experience a very low risk of instrumental vaginal birth and Caesarean section, therefore, a higher probability of spontaneous vaginal birth (15,28,(41)(42)(43). Distinctly, our study has shown the majority (64.3%) of low-risk multiparous females experienced spontaneous deliveries at home and were less likely to undergo an operative birth (p<.001).…”

“…However, outside of Hungary, several prosperous and high-income countries are considering the reintroduction of home births (1,3). This is based on claims of equal safety at lower intervention rates compared to institutional births in which overtreatment may be present (15). Furthermore, it is based on the stated reduction of maternal-foetal morbidity and suggested psycho-social advantages for the mother (16).…”

Characteristics of Homebirth in Hungary: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Outside of Hungary, several countries are considering the reintroduction of homebirths. This is based on claims of equal safety at lower intervention rates, compared to institutional births in which overtreatment may be present [ 19 ]. Furthermore, psycho-social advantages associated with homebirth for the mother are also beneficial [ 20 ] and the introduction of effective interprofessional collaboration should be driven for a safe home birth [ 21 ].…”