International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Giving birth at home is three times riskier for babies than those taking place at a hospital, new research has revealed.

The researchers found babies born at home are more likely to die from heart or breathing problems.

On average, the mortality rate for newborns delivered in hospital was around 0.3 per 1,000 live births, compared with one per 1,000 live births for those born at home.

Researchers from the US examined birth statistics from North America, Australia and Europe, detailing their findings in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The research was conducted by scientists at the Maine Medical Center in the US.

"We don't know exactly why this trend exists but there could be many causes such as a lack of equipment and expertise.

"At home, foetuses may not be adequately monitored for early signs of distress. In hospital they are constantly checked; but at home the midwife is on her own doing everything," the Daily Mail reported lead researcher Dr Joseph Wax as saying.

According to the NHS, home births are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Healthy mothers-to-be with no expected complications are allowed to have midwives attend them for a birth at home rather than in hospital.

Posted by Martine Ward