COVID-19 influences increase in births outside of Oregon hospitals

Pregnant women in Oregon are avoiding the hospital for their birthing plans and turning to birthing centers or giving birth at home, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
The findings reflect a larger national trend of more women choosing community births over hospitals amid the pandemic.
“In Oregon, in-hospital births declined significantly during the first year of COVID-19 and affected system-owned hospitals more than independent ones. Similar dynamics may be present nationwide as COVID-19 continues in the U.S.,”

Pregnant women in Oregon are avoiding the hospital for their birthing plans and turning to birthing centers or giving birth at home, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
The findings reflect a larger national trend of more women choosing community births over hospitals amid the pandemic.
“In Oregon, in-hospital births declined significantly during the first year of COVID-19 and affected system-owned hospitals more than independent ones. Similar dynamics may be present nationwide as COVID-19 continues in the U.S.,”