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The study, published in the British Medical Journal, show babies born in private hospitals were more likely to be born before 40 weeks, more likely to have some form of resuscitation at birth, and more likely to be readmitted within 28 days for problems such as feeding difficulties and respiratory conditions.
The study also found increased rates of intervention in private hospitals, such as caesarean section, forceps and epidurals, along with feeding difficulties, sleep issues and behavioural disorders. “Obstetric intervention is much higher in private hospitals, but the argument [for this] has been this leads to better outcomes for babies,” says study co-author Professor Hannah Dahlen from the UWS School of Nursing and Midwifery who examined the cases of more than 690,000 women who gave birth to single babies in NSW between 2000 and 2008.
According to the study, five per cent of babies born in private hospitals suffered birth trauma such as damaged scalps, jaundice or broken bones, and were readmitted to hospital within 28 days while in public hospitals similar problems related to only 3.6 per cent of newborns.
“NSW has one third of the nation’s births, and this study shows these procedures may be associated with increased problems for healthy women and babies.”
Many of these problems are associated with higher rates of medical intervention such as caesarean section and vacuum-assisted births, and led to separation between the mother and baby, a longer stay in hospital, and higher rates of readmission within 28 days.
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In contrast, babies born in the public hospital system were more likely to be admitted for problems relating to socioeconomic circumstances. The study casts doubt on claims private hospitals provide enhanced services and facilities, says Professor Dahlen.
“This study should encourage Australian women to question unnecessary interventions that interfere with the birth process, as there appears to be no advantage to the baby and possible disadvantage if you are low risk,” he says.
“There is no evidence to suggest that paying more for health in Australia guarantees a better health outcome for healthy childbearing women, as this study demonstrates. There is also little evidence that private care is cost effective, which is important given the context of rising health costs in Australia. Pregnancy and birth for most women is a healthy process, not a disease, and countries which understand this and use their obstetricians appropriately have lower rates of intervention and excellent outcomes.”
