Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

Nursing

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-24-2024

Abstract

Objective: Determine a difference in a home versus hospital birth on neonatal and maternal mortality, intrapartum intervention rates, postpartum care, and overall cost in the United States.

Methods: Multiple online databases were used to find research articles that focused on home and hospital births. Studies with a publication date from 2018 to present were used to determine an up to date and accurate review of this topic.

Results: Neonatal adverse outcomes are less likely in-home births, and the lowest neonatal mortality rate is seen in midwife-assisted hospital birth in the United States. The maternal mortality rate is similar between both home birth and hospital birth. Patients with planned home birth are at lower risk for intrapartum interventions. Postpartum care in the United States is severely lacking and not up to standards with patient preferences. The cost of care from a midwife is less than an obstetrician and has more comprehensive care but is not covered by most insurances.

Conclusion: Midwife-assisted hospital birth is the safest option in the United States. Neonatal adverse outcomes and intrapartum interventions are less likely in a home birth. Maternal mortality rates are similar in both home and hospital births. Postpartum care needs to be better utilized and insurance coverage is negatively impacting a patient's ability to choose a location of birth.

Keywords: Mortality, interventions, postpartum care, cost, midwife, obstetrician, home birth, hospital birth

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Emily Borsellino is a Physician Assistant Student with a special interest in Endocrinology and will be working in this field following graduation. She will be presenting Home Birth vs Hospital Birth in Low-risk Pregnancies in the United States - What is Safest?” because she has a special interest in researching maternal mortality in the United States and how this can be improved.

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