What are the possible risks of a planned home birth?

Most pregnant people who choose to have planned home births deliver without problems. But research suggests that planned home births are associated with a higher risk of infant death, seizures and nervous system disorders than planned hospital births.

There are several factors that might reduce the risks of these problems, including having:

• Assistance from a certified nurse-midwife
• Access to a doctor who specializes in obstetrics
• A plan for transportation to a nearby hospital, if needed

It's important to talk to your health care provider before you make a decision about a planned home birth. For some people with certain health conditions, as well as those who have not given birth before, the risks of a planned home birth may be higher than they are for others.