Midwives reduce risks and the number of interventions

A study on the practice of midwives in birth centres demonstrated that midwifery can reduce many interventions. This study was carried out in 1997 on populations with similar characteristics.

Here are the main results:

• 4 times fewer forceps (1.4% vs. 4.1%)
• 8 times fewer suction cups (1.7% vs. 10.2%)
• 5 times fewer episiotomies (5.8% vs. 32%)
• 2 times fewer caesareans (10.8% vs. 19.8% for primiparous 1.4% vs. 6.8% for multiparous)

In addition, a reduction of over 70% in 3rd and 4th degree tears was noted.

For the same type of low-risk pregnancy, we note:

• 3 times fewer hospitalizations during pregnancy (3.3% vs. 10.3%).
• A length of hospital stay following delivery of less than 24 hours for midwifery clients vs. 2 days for 35.9% and 3 days for 33.7% of physician clients
• Nearly 2 times less premature babies (2.9% vs. 5.7%)
• Nearly 2 times less low-weight babies (1.6% vs. 2.9%)
• Midwifery clients have a breastfeeding rate of over 98%.

Source: Blais Régis & Pierre Joubert, Évaluation des projets pilotes de la pratique des sages-femmes au Québec (Quebec: Université de Montréal, Université Laval, 1997).

Midwifery practice reduces risks and the number of interventions

Maternity care accounts for a significant portion of the hospital budget.

• Childbirth is the second reason for hospitalization in health establishments.
• Obstetrical procedures remain the second most frequent medical procedures in general and specialized care facilities.
• Childbirth and caesarean sections were among the five most expensive surgical procedures (fee-for-service) in Quebec in 2003.
• Childbirth is the leading cause of hospitalization for women of childbearing age, although at least 80% of them have a normal pregnancy.

Source : MED ECHO, 2001