Home deliveries in the Netherlands — Perinatal mortality and morbidity

Abstract

The obstetrical organizational system in the Netherlands is based on the selection for risk factors. We conclude that: (i) The reporting of perinatal death is not complete. (ii) Perinatal mortality can be reduced. (iii) More iatrogenic interventions are present in low-risk deliveries in hospitals. (iv) Neurological behavior of low-risk babies born at home is equal to those born at the hospital, despite the worse maternal profile of the latter and the level of acidemia at birth in the first. Good data especially in reffered cases are necessary before adopting a similar system.