13th June 2003
POOR FACILITIES CONTRIBUTE TO RISE IN CAESAREANS
Women giving birth in labour rooms without decent facilities are more likely to have emergency Caesarean sections, claims new research from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).
A survey of 2,000 new mums found that poor birth environments may explain why the number of Caesarean sections performed in the UK has risen. Women who had a natural birth were more likely to have easy access to a toilet, be able to use bean bags, pillows and mats and control aspects such as the temperature of the room. In contrast, those who gave birth by Caesarean section generally had less control and poorer facilities.
Gillian Fletcher, president of the NCT, said, "We wanted this research to highlight the importance of a good birth environment in helping to facilitate a straightforward vaginal birth, the kind of birth most women want."
As a result of the findings, "The NCT wants to encourage maternity units to make improvements in the labour room environment to ensure women have a positive birth experience. Significant improvements can be made to labour rooms at little or no cost."
"For instance, beds can be moved to the side of the room to give women more space to move around," she explained. "All women should have sufficient pillows, and use of floor mats, a birth ball and bean bags. When maternity units are being rebuilt or refurbished, women's priorities should be central to the design. Top priorities should include en suite toilets, controllable heating and lighting and sufficient birth pools."
Where to next?- Share your thoughts on this story, in our Your Shout discussion forum
- Read about labour and birth issues
- Find out more about Caesarean births
- Chat to others, in the labour and birth discussion forum
- Get advice and support on the Caesarean sections board
- Visit the National Childbirth Trust website