Unassisted births account for around 0.25 percent of all births in the United States. Unassisted delivery is fraught with danger. During labor, 20% of all previously normal pregnancies develop problems and high-risk conditions, necessitating the help of qualified medical experts. The most common complications include hemorrhage, infection, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal distress. Many factors can affect your chance of an unassisted birth, including your race/ethnicity, marital status, age, income, education, access to health care, location, and type of labor pain you are experiencing. Even if you do manage to go through labor without the help of a physician, your baby still needs attention after it is born. Even if you have a straightforward vaginal birth, your newborn will be exposed to a variety of risks that require immediate action by caregivers who know how to handle these situations. For example, your baby may need to be resuscitated if it does not breathe at birth or has other issues requiring emergency treatment. Without assistance, a single mother would be unable to care for her child during this time. Almost all babies can be born alone, but it's important to recognize that these births are risky for both the mother and child. If you are considering an unassisted birth, discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Some hospitals may not allow home births or require that you have a companion present for safety reasons.