Birthplace in Australia is a cohort study being undertaken by a collaboration of researchers from around the country. The primary aim of the study is to compare neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with births that, at the onset of labour, are planned to be at
- those planned to be in standard labour wards, for women at 'low risk' of complications.
Commencing in 2012, this is a national study funded through an NHMRC Project Grant (2012-2015).
Whilst more than 7,500 babies are born outside standard labour wards in Australia each year there is limited evidence of the safety of these alternative settings and significant concerns have been raised about the wellbeing of babies in particular. The National Maternity Services Plan, released in January 2011 by the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council acknowledged that many Australian women experience restricted birthing choices and supports expanding the range of models of care. High quality data on the risks and benefits associated with giving birth in the various settings must be available to women, policy makers and service providers. This study is the first of its kind in Australia and will provide that evidence.
The study will also look in detail at outcomes such as interventions during labour and maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. For the women who plan to give birth at home, in birth centres or stand-alone midwifery units, additional data will be obtained regarding transfer to a higher-level service during or after labour.
A population based cohort examining perinatal outcomes using routinely collected data in NSW has been published.