Over the past few years, several countries have introduced packages of interventions known as perineal care bundles. These bundles are groups of interventions which policymakers hope will address the rising rates of anal sphincter injury (severe tears to the perineum…
Dr Sara Wickham looks at the evidence for physiological third stage; an important physiological process and a key part of birth.
Late pregnancy ultrasound is being offered to more and more women. Also known as third trimester ultrasound, this type of scan is offered to check things such as fetal growth, find out the baby’s presentation or position, assess amniotic fluid…
Over the years, I have shared a number of studies showing that induction increases the chance of caesarean. This is also something that I explain in depth in my book, In Your Own Time. It’s important that we discuss this…
Dr Sara Wickham looks at studies exploring the evidence for GBS screening and treatment.
What do women want when it comes to the induction decision? Dr Sara Wickham investigates research which shows that it’s more complex than we might think.
One of the key criticisms of the technocratic approach to birth is that it focuses on short-term, physical outcomes while ignoring medium- and long-term consequences, and the wider mental and social implications of interventions. In this blog post, I’m going…
Dr Sara Wickham looks at some of the information women need in order to make an informed decision about transvaginal ultrasound examination.
What are the benefits of water for birth? Sara Wickham looks at studies highlighting the advantages of this for women and babies.
Women want more information and support with decision making about induction of labour, especially when there’s no good medical reason for it