Intrapartum care for healthy women and babies

Recommendation ID: CG190/03
Question: Long‑term consequences of planning birth in different settings: What are the long‑term consequences for women and babies of planning birth in different settings?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:
The long‑term consequences of birth experiences and birth outcomes are poorly understood, particularly in relation to place of birth. A large population‑based observational study would compare women's experiences and outcomes in different birth settings (with subgroup analysis by mode of birth) in relation to the wellbeing of the women and their children over different periods of time (for example, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years). A secondary analysis could compare different providers where birth philosophies are different. Outcomes would be compared by accessing medical records and through qualitative interviews. Primary outcomes are long‑term physical morbidity, pain after birth, readmission to hospital, infection, psychological morbidity (for example, postnatal depression, bonding, relationship breakdown with partner, fear of giving birth in future) and breastfeeding rates. Secondary outcomes are impact on attachment between mother and child, obesity in children, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, educational achievement and family functioning.

Source guidance details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	31/12/2022