Too much intervention spoils the birth

Too much intervention spoils the birth
16 April 2003

The release of the report on maternity 2000 and 2001 confirms what Parents Centre already knew. That medical intervention during birth is increasing.

The report reveals that only half of women pregnant with their first child actually have a normal birth, quarter of them have an operative vaginal birth, and the remaining quarter have a caesarean section.

"This is a disturbing trend. Birth is a natural event requiring reserves of strength and endurance, not forceps and knives," said Parents Centre President, Sharron Cole.

"It is important that women prepare themselves for an active birth by eating well and exercising regularly."

"The World Health Organisation guidelines state that 10-15% of births are likely to result in a caesarean section. The current New Zealand rate is 22%, which represents a growing trend. This is unlikely to change without adequate education."

"The current trend represents an unnecessary waste of maternity funding, which could be better spent elsewhere," Sharron Cole said.

Contact: Sharron Cole 04 586 113 or Judith Stanley-Dyer 04 9055 762

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