Editor’s Note: Medical professionals caution against home birth because of the risks involved. A hospital is the safest setting for childbirth, especially when a life-threatening complication develops, which can happen without warning. Women have the right to make an informed decision about where they prefer to deliver, but always consult a doctor to understand the risks. (Click here to know more about home births.)
It’s not a surprise that pregnant women during the time of a global health crisis worry not just for their health but for the health of the child in their womb.Kapuso actress Max Collins, who’s expecting her first child with husband Pancho Magno, is exploring all options to ensure a safe delivery for her baby. She is due to give birth in July 2020.
“I just don’t feel comfortable in a hospital setting, lalo na now,” Max tells "Chika Minute" on GMA 7’s daily news show 24 Oras.
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Many hospitals today are operating at full capacity treating COVID-19 patients. However, health officials assure everyone that hospitals can still attend to people with other healthcare needs, such as pregnant women having their prenatal checkups or giving birth now that COVID-19 referral hospitals are being set up.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW“I just started a course for home birthing. I want it to be a water birth, so I’m looking for a mini pool,” the preggo mama added. Max and Pancho are now preparing their home in case Max decides to go forward with a home birth.
A water birth has its own pros and cons. Immersion in water has been found to help during the first stages of labor, which may mean a shorter labor period with little to no pain medications required. But water births are also linked to higher infection risk for mom and baby. (Click here to know the qualifications for a water birth.)
Preparing to give birth without pain medication
“I never thought it would come to this, but I think it’s the safest for me,” Max said. However, she’s still also discussing with her obstetrician-gynecologist about giving birth in the hospital.
“I’m not 100% sure about the home birth,” the preggo mama said. It all still depends on the baby’s position when her due date arrives, for starters. Max is also still trying to gauge if she can give birth without anesthesia.
CONTINUE READING BELOWRecommended VideosThis is precisely why she’s been preparing her body physically by exercising regularly. “I don’t know how I’ll be able to give birth naturally if my body is not in good shape,” Max explained. “Kasi if there’ no anesthesia, it’s going to be difficult,” she added.
Contrary to what many people think, regular exercise is great for pregnant women as long as they have the go-ahead from their doctor. Studies have shown that it helps lower chances of having pregnancy complications and a C-section delivery.
Click here for labor positions that could ease pain and here for other ways to cope with labor pain.
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