The National Board of Health and Welfare has no general recommendation regarding home births. They do not advise but do not recommend women to give birth at home, but it is up to each region. On the other hand, it is viewed negatively if home births increase due to the corona pandemic.
- I think it is unfortunate that expectant parents choose to give birth at home due to concerns about infection and not because they have a strong desire for home birth in themselves and have planned for it, says Tomas Lindén, head of department at the National Board of Health and Welfare.
"Low risk of becoming infected"According to him, the regions have today taken effective measures that reduce the spread of infection during childbirth, so staying at home due to concern about infection is not something you need to do.
- There is a very small risk of becoming infected during childbirth and pregnancy in itself does not seem to mean an increased risk of becoming infected with covid-19.
He emphasizes that in the case of a planned home birth, it is important to have a careful survey so that you see what possible risk factors there are and find out complications that can be predicted.
Do you advise against home birth?
- It is up to the regions to meet that desire of a woman. We do not recommend but we do not advise against it either, says Tomas Lindén.
"Not suitable without licensed staff"On the other hand, he is serious about some women choosing to give birth unassisted at home, ie without a midwife or other licensed staff.
- If you do not have knowledgeable and experienced staff present at a birth, the risk of complications increases. It is not appropriate to give birth without licensed staff. I advise against it directly because of the risks, says Tomas Lindén, head of department at the National Board of Health and Welfare.