HOME BIRTH
Why? Women who have had a previous hospital birth experience with no complications may wish to experience birth in the comfort in their own home in familiar surroundings. Many women want the family, including the siblings, at the birth. Women who choose this option usually want to be in control of their own birthing situation.
What it entails: A private midwife, who works with a doctor as a back-up usually helps the mother deliver. Bear in mind that over 90% of healthy pregnant women receiving good antenatal care will give birth spontaneously. However, if things don't go according to plan, you may need to be transferred to hospital.

WATER BIRTH
Why? Water has many potential therapeutic benefits and enthusiasts say that its benefits include freedom of movement, effective pain relief, natural acceleration of labour, lowering of blood pressure, less perineal trauma, less intervention and a gentler entry into the world for the baby. Much of this is proven by available research.

What it entails: You can have a water birth at home. You can have labour in the water and then get out and give birth on the terra firma. Or you can labour outside the bath and give birth in the water.

INDUCTION
Why? Inductions is needed of your waters break, and your labour does not progress. After a 12 to 24 hour period of little and no progress, you will be induced as your baby could be predisposed to infection. If your placenta is ageing and is no longer working efficiently, or your baby has stopped growing and is no longer thriving in your womb. If you are suffering from high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.
What it entails: Prostaglandin pessaries or sometimes jelly is inserted into the vagina to ripen the cervix. Or there is artificial rupture of the membranes – an amnihook, which looks like a big crochet needle, will be used to break the bag of water surrounding the baby. A syntocinon drip which contains the synthetic version of oxytocin will be put into your arm. This can cause a rapid onset of labour.

HOSPITAL BIRTH
Why? A managed labour which is actively controlled by a gynaecologist/obstetrician. This kind of labour is the norm, and generally suitable for women who have suffered from complications during pregnancy.
What it entails: Constant monitoring ensures that ant difficulties can be offset or dealt with immediately. Pain relief is literally on tap, and experts are on hand to offer advice if needed.

CAESARIAN SECTION
Why? If you are suffering from a serious condition, such as pre-eclampsia or heart disease. If your placenta is lying low and is blocking the entrance from the womb (placenta previa), or it is becoming detached (placenta abruption). If your baby is too big, or your pelvis is too small. If your baby is in distress. If your baby is lying transverse (sideways) or if this is your first baby and he is lying breech (bottom) first, or if your baby's face or brow is presenting.
What it entails: There are two types of caesarian sections: emergency, when an unexpected decision has to be made, or elective, when you know in advance.