Some people are not good candidates for home birth because they have one or more conditions which increases their risk of complications. These include, but are not limited to:
- Diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes
- Hypertensive disease (blood pressure greater than 140/90 at rest)
- Pulmonary disease or cardiac disease which interferes with activities of daily living|
- A history of thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism
- hematological or coagulation disorders, i.e., leukemia or sickle cell anemia
- Seizures controlled by medication if the client has seized within the last year
- Hepatitis B, HIV positive, or AIDS
- Current use of psychotropic medications if client is not under the care and monitoring of a physician during the pregnancy
- Current substance abuse of drugs or alcohol
- Rh sensitization (positive antibody titre)
- Incompetent cervix
- Previous uncontrollable postpartum hemorrhage
- Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section (VBAC) under certain circumstances (many are good candidates for homebirth–call me to discuss your situation)
- Delivery of an infant who was premature or stillborn, or a neonatal death that is associated with maternal health conditions, i.e., hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Rh Sensitization, clotting disorders
- Certain genetic conditions
If any one of these risk factors is applicable to you, hospital birth is likely the safest option. If you would like more information about monitrice services, please feel free to inquire about those.