1. Childbirth Options Chapter 5 Section 3

2. Prepared childbirth- education about childbirth & breathing &conditioning exercises for a pregnant woman.
Benefits: reducing pain & fear during the birth process
Labor- process by which the baby gradually moves out of the uterus & into birth canal
Delivery- the birth itself

3. Things expectant parents can learn from taking childbirth education classes.
-breathing techniques
-how the baby develops
-warning signs of problems
-what to expect during labor & delivery
-role of coach
-how to make a birth plan
- what to expect after the birth

4. Qualifications:
Obstetricians: doctors who specialize in prenatal care & delivery and are qualified to handle emergencies and complications.
Family Doctors: doctors who have some training in prenatal care and delivery but may not be qualified to handle complications.
Certified Midwives: People who have advanced training in normal pregnancy and birth and have passed a certification exam.
Certified nurse-midwives: Nurses who have advanced training in normal pregnancy and birth and have passed a certification exam.

5. 32. Reasons why a couple might choose an alternative birth center:
More homelike environment
Prepared, natural childbirth emphasized
Usually charge less than hospitals
Time spent at the facility usually shorter

6. 33. Hospitals generally the safest places to give birth because they have trained personnel, sanitary conditions, and high-tech medical equipment. When a complication occurs, hospitals have more resources to handle the situation.