BORN in the Rotunda aims to address the paucity of contemporary data regarding optimal care for normal-risk nulliparous patients. Currently there is uncertainty about how to guide decision making for these women and the impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
This prospective observational study aims to address these uncertainties by prospectively analysing 1,000 normal-risk nulliparous women. Key outcomes include the proportion of patients who remain normal-risk at term, timing and frequency of spontaneous onset of labour, timing and indication of induction of labour and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Additionally, we will examine maternal characteristics—including age, BMI, and socioeconomic factors—that may influence labour, delivery and neonatal outcomes.
Conducted at Ireland’s largest maternity hospital, this study will generate extensive data to refine antenatal care strategies. By promoting evidence-based decision-making and identifying modifiable risk factors, we aim to enhance maternal satisfaction, reduce unnecessary interventions, and improve obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Findings will contribute to national and international maternity care guidelines, fostering advancements in clinical practice.
This project aligns with the Government’s Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 Pillar 3: Listening and Learning as it focuses on listening to the voices of women to increase our knowledge through research and surveys. By supporting this project, the HRB will directly contribute to shaping women’s health supports, services and healthcare expertise; while also contributing to growing the evidence base for women’s health approaches in Ireland.
Additionally, BORN will align with the Rotunda Hospital’s strategic plan 2022-2026 of ensuring an excellent patient experience by giving 1,000 women an opportunity to translate their experience into improved care for future patients. This pioneering approach of putting women’s experience alongside assessment of clinical outcomes will provide the Rotunda with a unique opportunity to show how it is prioritising the autonomy and lived experience of its patients.