Written Evidence Submitted to UK Parliament Science Communication Inquiry

In August 2016, my response to the Science and Technology Committee's invitation for written submissions was published here.

 

Unfortunately, many advances in science are viewed as negative and unnecessary 'medical interventions' in maternity care, and women are simply not informed about them.

 

 

Planned Birth Research that Does Not Compare Planned Birth Outcomes CANNOT INFORM BIRTH PLANS

Researchers this week warn women and doctors against planning births prior to 39 weeks because of an increased risk of poor child development at school.

Predictably, the media has reproduced their conclusions almost unequivocally:

- American Council on Science and Health: Planned Birth for Non-Medical Reasons not such a Good Idea

- The Sydney Morning Herald: Planning an early caesarean raises the risk of developmental delays, Sydney researchers
- Medscape: Early Planned Birth Tied to Greater Risk for Poor Development

 

What no one seems to have noticed is that the researchers don't factor in two very important risks of waiting until 39 or 40 weeks and/or spontaneous vaginal birth:
stillbirth and intrapartum death or injury.

The babies who died couldn't be assessed for their early child development, but by excluding their demise from the data, this research is unhelpful for the purpose claimed:

Remember - the aim of Planned Birth Before 39 Weeks and Child Development: A Population-Based Study (Bentley JP et al, Pediatrics Dec. 2016) is "'to inform more judicious clinical decision-making" as women approach the end of their pregnancy, by communicating the "benefits of waiting".

In this context, listed below are 8 points that summarize important flaws in this research:

Planned Birth Research that Does Not Compare Planned Birth Outcomes CANNOT INFORM BIRTH PLANS

Researchers this week warn women and doctors against planning births prior to 39 weeks because of an increased risk of poor child development at school.

Predictably, the media has reproduced their conclusions almost unequivocally:

- American Council on Science and Health: Planned Birth for Non-Medical Reasons not such a Good Idea

- The Sydney Morning Herald: Planning an early caesarean raises the risk of developmental delays, Sydney researchers
- Medscape: Early Planned Birth Tied to Greater Risk for Poor Development

 

What no one seems to have noticed is that the researchers don't factor in two very important risks of waiting until 39 or 40 weeks and/or spontaneous vaginal birth:
stillbirth and intrapartum death or injury.

The babies who died couldn't be assessed for their early child development, but by excluding their demise from the data, this research is unhelpful for the purpose claimed:

Remember - the aim of Planned Birth Before 39 Weeks and Child Development: A Population-Based Study (Bentley JP et al, Pediatrics Dec. 2016) is "'to inform more judicious clinical decision-making" as women approach the end of their pregnancy, by communicating the "benefits of waiting".

In this context, listed below are 8 points that summarize important flaws in this research: