The place of 'active birth' in present-day obstetric practice

"Active birth' is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in obstetric practice. The psychosocial background of current public interest in the subject is examined. Guidelines are suggested to accommodate "active-birth' practices within the hospital environment. The Johannesburg Hospital experience of the application of these guidelines in the first 100 patients admitted to the "Midwives Active Birth Unit' is reported.