Maternal transport

Abstract

Maternal transport offers the following distinct advantages over newborn transport: 1. The mother at risk may receive the highest level of obstetric expertise and technology available in the area. 2. The newborn is assured of immediate intensive paediatric evaluation and support. 3. The reduced equipment needs increase the speed and efficiency of the transport operation. 4. Mother-infant bonding may be enhanced. Maternal transport can never replace newborn transport for there will always be unexpected deliveries of compromised or malformed infants. Thus, in an effective regional perinatal care system, obstetric and neonatal transport programmes should complement each other. Experience to date would indicate that, when such efforts are co-ordinated, one can expect a further decline in perinatal morbidity and mortality for the region.