Chapter 1: Investigating Birth Timing

In a recent blog post, Toni Harman raises a critical question: Are we frequently intervening in childbirth too soon and too often? This inquiry is prompted by a new study examining the correlation between gestational age and birth timing across three nations: the United States, the Netherlands, and England.

The essence of the research revolves around a seemingly straightforward question: What time did you give birth? However, this leads to a more profound examination of our birthing practices. The study conducted by Professor Eugene Declercq and Dr. Neel Shah, among others, analyzes birth timings by the hour in the U.S., the Netherlands, and England, focusing on home births and spontaneous vaginal births in hospitals.

Patterns of Birth Timing:

When considering spontaneous vaginal births in hospitals, the Netherlands and the UK—where midwives primarily assist—see the majority of deliveries occurring between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. In contrast, home births peak during the early morning hours of 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Conversely, in U.S. hospitals, which are mostly staffed by obstetricians, births predominantly happen between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

The full findings were published by Declercq E. et al. in PLoS One on January 18, 2023.

The video titled "We've been giving birth ALL WRONG | The Dark History of Childbirth" explores the historical context of childbirth practices and raises questions about current methodologies.

Additional Findings of the Study:

The research highlights variations in gestational age. In the U.S., the average gestational period has decreased by over half a week in the last three decades. In 1990, the mean gestational age was 39.1 weeks, dropping to 38.5 weeks by 2020.

Percentage of Early Births:

The study also reveals that the percentage of births occurring before 40 weeks gestation varies by country:

• In the U.S., 76% of births happened prior to 40 weeks.
• In England, 60% occurred before this mark.
• In the Netherlands, 56% were delivered before 40 weeks.

What implications do these statistics hold?

Consider this: Spontaneous vaginal births, primarily assisted by midwives in England and the Netherlands, are more likely to transpire between 1 AM and 6 AM, which may align more closely with natural birth timing.

In contrast, the scheduling practices in U.S. hospitals often lead to births occurring during regular working hours, raising the question of whether these "organizational priorities" disrupt the natural processes of labor.

Maternal Mortality Rates:

This discussion is further complicated by the maternal mortality rates, which reveal stark differences. In 2020, the U.S. recorded 24 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that is disproportionately higher among Black women. Meanwhile, maternal deaths due to complications are exceedingly rare in the Netherlands.

As highlighted by Professor Eugene Declercq and colleagues, the findings imply that existing organizational structures in the U.S. could be hampering natural birth patterns and that adopting practices from England and the Netherlands could enhance perinatal outcomes.

My Takeaway:

Do we require emergency C-sections and other medical interventions? Absolutely. They can be life-saving. However, such interventions should only be utilized when genuinely necessary.

Do contemporary maternity systems often intervene too soon? Based on this research, it appears that in certain regions, organizational priorities may indeed interfere with the intricate natural processes of labor.

What steps should we take? It’s crucial to apply interventions judiciously—not routinely, too early, or excessively.

Could early and frequent interventions disrupt essential microscopic processes during childbirth, potentially affecting a child's long-term health? This is an area needing further investigation, but it raises significant concerns for the future.

Let us know your thoughts in our Facebook group!

The second video, titled "Big news… We're PREGNANT! (How We Found Out, 1st Trimester Recap, Birth Plans & More)" shares personal experiences of pregnancy discovery, the first trimester, and future birth plans, providing relatable insights for expectant parents.

For More Information:

Conclusion:

This research presents an opportunity to reflect on how we approach childbirth and the importance of aligning our practices with the natural timing of birth.

Connect with me, Toni Harman, as I share evidence-based insights on microbiomes, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Follow us on our social media platforms to join the discussion.