Babies born at home to first-time mothers are almost three times more likely to die or suffer complications, a new report claims.
Home-birth infants are 2.8 times more likely to suffer conditions linked to distress or oxygen deprivation during labour, the Birthplace In England study finds.
These can include stillbirth, death within the first week, brain injuries, fractures and faeces in the lungs.
There was no increased risk for babies born in hospital or whose birth was planned at units led by midwives.
Serious problems are rare â occurring 3.5 times in every 1,000 births in anÂ obstetric unit.
But the figure rises to 9.5 per 1,000 babies if the mother chooses a home birth, the Oxford University study finds.
Study leader Prof Peter Brocklehurst said that, generally, giving birth was safe.
âThese results should reassure pregnant women that they can make informedÂ decisions about where theyâd most like the birth to happen,â he added.
Royal College of Midwives chief executive Cathy Warwick said: âThis study demonstrates the safety of midwife-led care.â