1. Chapter 5-3
Childbirth Options

2. Prepared Childbirth
Reducing pain & fear during the birth process through education and breathing and conditioning exercises.
Many women attend classes
with a partner who acts as
her “coach”.

3. Labor: When the baby
moves out of the
uterus and into the
vagina to be born
Delivery: The birth
itself. (the baby comes
out of the body)

4. Who will deliver the baby?
Obstetrician: Doctor who specializes in the care of mothers & babies before and after birth
Family doctor: some will provide prenatal care & deliver babies
Midwife: trained to assist in childbirth – some are registered nurses.

5. Where will the baby be born?
Hospitals - most common and safest
Home - only for pregnancies without complications or risks
Alternative birth centers - more like home
Do not offer medication
Birth attended by midwives
For low-risk pregnancies