Giving birth is one of life's greatest miracles, and no two experiences are precisely the same. Nowadays, pregnant women have a variety of birthing options including location, medication, people in the room, etc. Some women opt for home births with a midwife and family members around for support. On the other hand, some expecting women prefer delivering their baby in a hospital. Here's what you need to know if you choose the latter:

Advantages

If you choose to deliver your baby in a hospital, you will have complete access to trained medical doctors, surgeons and nurses. These professionals are knowledgeable and will guide you through a safe delivery process. Plus, should anything go wrong, you have immediate medical attention available. For example, if the baby is breech, you could end up needing a cesarean section operation to ensure the safety of you and your child. Women with complicated pregnancies or specific conditions are recommended to give birth in a hospital just in case anything goes wrong.

At a hospital, you can receive pain medication to help with labor like an epidural or a spinal block. However, when it comes to pain medication, you call the shots, even if you change your mind mid-labor. In addition, hospitals are fully equipped with the most advanced technology and tools to care for you and your baby. When it comes to proper health care for you and your newborn, hospitals have everything and everyone you need. Employees' jobs include keeping you and your little one safe.

Disadvantages

Although delivering in a hospital is the most popular birthing option chosen by pregnant women, there can be disadvantages. Hospitals can be large and overwhelming. As a result, some expecting parents feel as though they aren't given the proper attention they need or deserve. Some families choose a specific doctor and nurse to deliver their child, but it doesn't always work out that way. You never know when you will go into labor. Just because you took all the necessary planning steps doesn't mean your delivery will go the way you want.

Some people simply do not like the look, smell or overall environment. Hospitals are often stereotyped as places where sick people go, with cold, sterile and off-putting atmospheres. However, this isn't always the case. Most maternity wards are painted with soothing colors and designed to make you, your family and friends and your new family member feel comfortable and at home.

Although more hospitals are open to modern birthing options, medical centers still have firm policies in place. Health professionals are trained to adhere to protocols and procedures, and as a result, you are, too. Hospitals don't allow for many flexible birthing options compared to home delivery. For example, if your hospital only allows one family member in the room while you give birth, you must follow the policy. Be sure to talk to your practitioner early on to discuss any alternative birthing conditions you may want. Some hospitals allow midwives, which is traditionally a home birth care provider. Most doctors will put forth the effort to give you the delivery experience you want, but you'll never know if you don't ask.

Things to keep in mind

If you choose to give birth in a hospital, it's important to pick the right one. Is it covered by your insurance? Does it have the amenities you want? How far is it from your home? These are some things to take into consideration before choosing the place where you will be birthing your child. It's in your best interest to take a tour of the place before your due date. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings and meet the people who will assist you during labor. For some women, this step can help relieve a lot of prelabor stress and make the delivery process much more comfortable when the big days comes. After all, you never know how much time you'll be spending at the hospital. You could be in and out or might have to stay a few weeks, depending on your delivery.