DENVER — More pregnant people are turning away from hospital births and instead choosing their homes, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 26-30.
Cincinnati Children's researchers tracked out-of-hospital births and found that the numbers doubled in the region from April 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023, compared to births from January 1, 2018 - February 29, 2020. The trend was seen most in young, highly educated mothers who were also more likely to have higher body mass index and fewer prenatal visits, according to a study abstract, "The Changing Landscape of Planned Out-of-Hospital Births."
Research author with Cincinnati Children's Emily Miller MD, MS, FAAP, said the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against planned home births for higher-risk pregnancies. A myriad of factors contribute to a high-risk pregnancy, including maternal age, chronic illness, previous birthing issues like preterm birth, and being pregnant with multiples, she said.
"As intensive care doctors who care for critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it is important to understand the changing landscape of where, when and how pregnant people are delivering their babies and the associated impact on infant health outcomes," Miller said.
As rural hospitals and clinics face potential closures due to federal Medicaid cuts, Miller said it is crucial that expectant mothers consider all circumstances when deciding where they ultimately want to give birth.
"As more parents choose to deliver their infants outside of a hospital, it is important to understand associated infant health outcomes, including the risk of adverse events such as birth injury, need for respiratory support, and death, so families can weigh the potential benefits and risks, consider their individual circumstances, and ensure access to appropriate medical care if needed," Miller stated.
The authors received financial support for this research from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology.
