[Optimal world-wide obstetrical care; a WHO report]

'Safe motherhood; care in normal birth: a practical guide' is a document produced by an international technical working group of the World Health Organization. This report addresses issues of care during normal birth irrespective of country or region. Routine interventions and non-interventions in the physiological processes of pregnancy and labour are analysed and assessed for their scientific validity. Scientific foundation of obstetric practice is considered an important step towards worldwide demystification of obstetric practice, which now often relies on authority, culture and habit. For risk assessment, the cornerstone of the Dutch system of obstetric care, an evidence-based strategy is imperative. This requires scientific training in schools of midwifery.