Most babies are born in hospitals, with the help of doctors and nurses, as well as special equipment and supplies. Some women choose to have a midwife to help with pregnancy and delivery. There are anesthetics and medications for safety and stopping pain. If there's a medical problem, women can have a cesarean delivery, when the baby is surgically delivered through the abdomen. There is blood for transfusion if this is necessary, for the woman or the baby.
Hospitals have monitors to find possible problems before they become serious.
Delivery rooms, recovery rooms, nurseries and wards are all designed to make this time as safe and comfortable as possible for the mother and new baby. Some women prefer to deliver at home, with a midwife's help. They may want to have family around and be in familiar surroundings. A delivery at home can be just as easy and safe as a hospital delivery. Only if there is an emergency, or unusual steps need to be taken for the safety of the mother or baby is it important to be near a hospital.