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Does midwifery-led intrapartum care require anaesthetic services?
J A Pickett1, C A Oppenheimer, A E May
1Department of Anaesthesia, Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Midwifery-led care for low-risk pregnancies requires significant anaesthetic and pain relief interventions. Even uncomplicated births in these units often necessitate epidurals or other anaesthesia, highlighting a substantial need for pain management services.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Anesthesiology
- Maternal Health Services
Background:
- The Cumberlege Report advocates for increased midwife roles in low-risk maternity care.
- Midwifery-led units, like the 'Home from Home' scheme, offer antenatal and intrapartum care for uncomplicated pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review the anaesthetic service requirements for a midwifery-led delivery unit.
- To assess the need for anaesthesia and analgesia in low-risk pregnant women under midwife care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient records over a 12-month period.
- Analysis of anaesthetic interventions provided to women in the 'Home from Home' delivery scheme.
Main Results:
- 1610 women were admitted to the scheme during the review period.
- 181 women (11.2%) received anaesthetic intervention.
- Epidurals were the most common intervention (77.0%), followed by general anaesthetics (10.1%) and spinal anaesthetics (9.6%).
Conclusions:
- Low-risk pregnant women in midwifery-led units have a considerable need for anaesthesia and analgesia.
- The findings underscore the importance of accessible anaesthetic services within midwife-led maternity settings.
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