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[Sense and sensibility in delivery care]
Dag Moster1, Rolv Terje Lie, Trond Markestad
1Seksjon for nyfødte, Barneklinikken, Haukeland Universitetssjukehus, 5021 Bergen. dag.moster@smis.uib.no
Summary
Home birth is debated for safety among low-risk women. Current scientific evidence supporting home birth safety compared to hospital delivery is weak, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Maternal Care Policy
Context:
- The organization of delivery care involves both professionals and the public.
- A notable public debate intensified in 2005 when a Norwegian princess opted for a home birth.
- This highlights the societal engagement with childbirth location choices.
Purpose:
- To critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting claims of home birth safety for low-risk women.
- To analyze the role and recommendations of the Norwegian National Advisory Committee for Maternal Care in the ongoing debate.
- To address the scientific disagreement regarding the safety of different birth settings.
Summary:
- Some professionals assert that home or midwifery unit births are as safe as hospital births for selected low-risk women.
- However, the existing scientific evidence underpinning these claims is considered weak.
- The Norwegian National Advisory Committee for Maternal Care is a significant participant in this discussion.
Impact:
- The findings underscore the need for robust scientific evidence to guide maternal care policies.
- Recommendations for birth locations should more accurately reflect the current state of scientific understanding and disagreement.
- This research encourages a more evidence-based approach to the debate on delivery care organization.