Abstract
Object
The purpose of this study is to examine the safe perinatal care and delivery for low risk women by a midwife-managed delivery unit.
Methods
A total of 214 low risk multipara women who wished care in a midwife managed delivery unit were enrolled in this study. The care for pregnant women, assessed to be in low risk by obstetricians, was started after 28 weeks of gestation. In cases where complications or increased risk factors become event during pregnancy, labor, or in the postpartum period, the woman is referred to an obstetrician in the perinatal care center. Thirty-five women were excluded due to complications occurring before delivery. The perinatal outcomes of pregnancy were compared between 179 women in a midwife managed delivery unit and 258 low risk multipara women in a consultant led labor ward.
Results
Significant differences between the midwives unit and labor ward were found in Apgar Score at 1 minute (midwife managed vs. consultant led; 8.6±0.5 vs. 8.2±0.7, p<0.0001) and 5 minutes (midwife managed vs. consultant led; 9.3±0.5 vs. 9.0±0.4, p<0.0001), and in gestational age (midwife managed vs. consultant led; 39.8±0.9 weeks vs. 39.4±0.9 weeks, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in birth weight, blood loss, and umbilical artery blood gas pH (UA-pH). There was no severe asphyxia with UA-pH less than 7.00. Overall, there was little difference between the two groups.
Conclusions
Midwife managed perinatal care for low risk women results in safety equal to consultant led treatment.
