Non-nationals opt for natural births

NON-NATIONAL mothers are more likely to have a natural birth, without the use of pain relief, induction or caesarean sections, compared to their Irish counterparts.

They are also less likely to have medical conditions during pregnancy, like high blood pressure or the baby in breech position.

The survey took a sample of 100 non-national mothers mostly from Eastern Europe, South Africa and Britain. A smaller proportion were from other African and Asian countries. Three quarters of non-national women have a normal vaginal birth rather than a caesarean section or vacuum birth. This is far higher than the rate for Irish women of 65%. A fifth of non-nationals (23%) had induced labour, a third lower than the Irish rate of 31%.