Weekend Is Risky Time to Give Birth, Study Shows

Weekend births are more dangerous for both mother and baby, a recent study has shown and the safest day to be born is a Tuesday.

The study by Imperial College found that 770 deaths a year could be avoided and said the results were 'consistent' with lower standards of weekend care when there can be a higher rate of complications.

Weekend death rate for babies is 7.3 per 1,000.

The study was based on 1.3 million births in England between April 2010 and March 2012.

Infants born on a Saturday or Sunday were found to be 7% more likely to be stillborn or die in their first week of life than those delivered during the week and the study reported a ‘highly statistically significant increase in perinatal mortality at the weekend’.

Infections after childbirth were 6% and the chance of a baby suffering an injury during childbirth was also 6% higher.

Commenting on the study, Medical Negligence Partner, Matthew Cox said: “It is worrying that weekend cover, particularly at senior level, is insufficient to deliver a safe paediatric and obstetric service on Saturday and Sunday.

“One would have thought these services would be prioritised because patient safety is so important for vulnerable new borns.  It is well recognised that obstetrics and paediatric claims cost the NHS most in negligence claims, notwithstanding the trauma to families and I welcome anything that can improve these risks.”

The NHS are to commission a wider independent review of NHS maternity services in the hope to assess how best to deal with the increasing birth rate and the results of this study.

For advice on your medical negligence claim call 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

Subscribe to our newsletter

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.