Study: Birthing moms get multiple interventions

A new study suggests that most pregnant women in the U.S. are still experiencing high-tech, medically-complex childbirth, with most opting for several interventions. The organizations behind the study, meanwhile, contend that many of these interventions are excessive and possibly dangerous if used on healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. One of the organizations backing the study, Lamaze International, is a high-profile proponent for "natural" childbirth. The other, Childbirth Connection, works to educate women on childbirth choices.

When women go into labor, the most commonly-chosen interventions include electronic fetal monitoring, intravenous drips, epidural or spinal analgesia, urinary catheters, and use of synthetic oxytocin to speed labor, according to the study, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Lamaze International and Childbirth Connection. Four of ten women surveyed reported that their caregiver tried to induce labor. About 80 percent said their provider performed an episiotomy without asking them whether it should be performed.

In listing these concerns, these advocacy groups hope to make the point that despite years of advocacy, women still aren't being put in the driver's seat when it comes to pregnancy and delivery. It seems clear that providers who address these concerns have an opportunity to boost women's satisfaction levels substantially, and quite possibly their health outcomes as well.

Get lots of detail on the research:
- see the groups' press release
- download an executive summary