This report considers issues relevant to maternity services, including antenatal services, birthing options, postnatal services up to six weeks after birth, and peer and social support for women in the perinatal period.

This discussion paper is part of a review of maternity services, which will lead to a comprehensive plan for maternity services into the future. The review will: canvass a wide range of issues relevant to maternity services, including antenatal services, birthing options, postnatal services up to six weeks after birth, and peer and social support...

Births in Australia are at an historical high – with around 285 000 babies born in 2007. This corresponds to an estimated total fertility rate of 1.93 babies per woman, the highest since the early 1980s. This is not a one-off event as fertility rates have been generally rising for the last 6 years. Overall...

Maternal deaths are rare, catastrophic events and require monitoring and investigation. The report is an observational study of maternal deaths based on information provided by the states and territories. It includes information about the women, pregnancy, clinical care and the deaths. Maternal deaths that occurred up to year after the end of the pregnancy are...

The goal of newborn screening is early identification of children affected by congenital and metabolic disorders for which medical treatment can be promptly initiated to avert metabolic crises and prevent irreversible neurological and developmental sequelae. Early identification of these conditions is crucial, as timely intervention can lead to a significant reduction of morbidity, mortality, and...