[Planned home versus planned hospital births: adverse outcomes comparison by reviewing the international literature]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the safety of planned home birth compared to hospital birth, in low-risk pregnancies.

Method: An international literature review was conducted. Mortality, adverse outcomes and medical interventions were compared.

Results: Home birth was not associated with higher mortality rates, but with lower maternal adverse outcomes. Perinatal adverse outcomes are not significantly different at home and in hospital. Medical interventions are more frequent in hospital births.

Conclusion: Home birth attended by a well-trained midwife is not associated with increased mortality and morbidity rates, but with less medical interventions.