Pregnancy and childbirth are natural life events and whilst all women hope for a straightforward pregnancy and birth, there is always the chance of complications. Issues that could affect the mother, baby or both. Risk factors may help you to decide where to have your baby whether it be a birthing centre, hospital or at home. Throughout your pregnancy and the birth, your medical team will help you to identify these risks and manage them in the optimum way.
The following are some of the options available to you, including public and private healthcare maternity units. Where you choose to receive treatment and give birth will depend on your needs and risks. Ultimately the option that you choose should feel right for you, as this is your personal experience.
Safety When Giving Birth
Regardless of the location, giving birth in Australia is generally considered safe. Women that are assessed to be low risk are offered the choice of where to give birth. If you choose to give birth at home, as part of your birth plan you should be provided with all the relevant information and risks associated with this by your healthcare professional. You will also be debriefed on what will happen should you be transferred to a hospital during your labour.
This option is higher risk than giving birth in a hospital, especially if something was to go wrong during labour. If you develop certain medical conditions you may be advised to give birth in a hospital as opposed to at home. Dr Kelvin Larwood will be able to assist you with making the right choice for you in regards to your antenatal care.
A Well-Informed Decision
You should be provided with all of the information you need before making the decision of where to have your baby, afterall it is your choice. There is also no pressure as you are able to change your mind throughout the pregnancy if for example you develop health conditions or show signs of risk during screening tests. Your health care professional such as Dr. Kelvin Larwood will discuss your maternity hospital and birthing options.
You should be inquisitive and ask as many questions as possible during your appointments to prepare yourself for labour and delivery. There are plenty of resources available that Dr. Kelvin Larwood is able to recommend at your prenatal appointments. The following are popular birthing options that are available to pregnant women.
Hospital Birth
The majority of Australian women give birth in a public or private maternity unit. If you choose to give birth in hospital you will be looked after by Dr. Kelvin Larwood, as well as midwives that will be there if you require their assistance. You will have choices around the type of care that you receive including pain relief, birthing pool and any other options available within the labour ward.
Advantages
- Access to Dr Kelvin Larwood, anaesthetists (for epidurals and general anesthetic) and neonatologists (specialists in newborn care)
- Specialist services available
- You can have an emergency c-section if required
- Your baby can be transferred to special care or neonatal intensive care quickly if required
Considerations
- You may have the option to go home after delivery or be transferred to a postnatal ward
- You may be looked after by different medical professionals that looked after you during your pregnancy with the exception of Dr. Kelvin Larwood
Birthing Centre
Birth centres are generally comfortable and more like a home than a hospital maternity unit. They are a popular option so it is important to book early. Birth centres are an option for women with low risk and normal pregnancies. For higher risk pregnancies and women with certain medical conditions a birthing centre may not be suitable. It is important to check with the birth centre beforehand.
Advantages
- A more relaxed environment with creature comforts during labour
- You will be looked after by health professionals that you know well
Considerations
- If complications arise you may need to be transferred to a hospital
- You may not have access to certain types of pain relief
- Your health care professional may feel as though it is safer for you to give birth in a hospital
Home Birth
If you have a low risk pregnancy and both you and your baby are healthy you may be able to give birth at home. If complications arise during your pregnancy this may not be a suitable option for you. Your healthcare professional may recommend that you give birth in hospital if you are having twins, your baby is breech or if you have had a prior cesarean.
If you give birth at home you will be supported by your obstetrician such as Dr. Kelvin Larwood. He will be there to assist you with your labour or if it isn’t progressing well to make arrangements to transfer you to a hospital.
Considerations
- You may need to be transferred to a hospital if you experience any complications throughout
- You will not have the option of an epidural
Private Obstetrician
You can select to receive care from a private obstetrician such as Dr. Kelvin Larwood. In this scenario you will have your appointments with Dr. Kelvin Larwood in his clinic on the Sunshine Coast. With this option you may also be admitted to a hospital of your choice. You will be cared for by midwives in your labour but your doctor will also be present. You will be cared for throughout your entire pregnancy, labour, delivery and postnatal.
Taking Your Next Step
To receive more assistance with your pregnancy, your next step may be to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Kelvin Larwood. He is a highly skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a long standing career within the medical industry. Therefore you can rest assured that you are in good hands when choosing Dr. Kelvin Larwood for your antenatal care. For more information regarding his services contact our friendly team today who are always ready to assist with your pregnancy journey.