BJOG study: Medclair technology enables climate smart childbirth
BJOG, an International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published a study on 25 January 2024 (1), in which they investigated the impact of climate in childbirth.
According to this study, health care is responsible for approximately 5% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. When they look at the UK specifically, this equates to the National Health Service (NHS) emitting 25 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) annually. Efforts to decrease this are of utmost importance, and the National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a goal to cut emissions by 80% by the year 2032, with a further aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
With around 140 million births annually, maternity care carries a significant environmental footprint, especially when considering rising rates of cesarean sections, often the most common major surgery in many countries. Therefore, engaging healthcare workers in sustainability initiatives becomes crucial, particularly focusing on frequently occurring events like childbirth. By implementing green practices in maternity wards and promoting natural birth options, we can significantly reduce the healthcare sector's environmental impact.
To grasp the significance of this study, we’ve sought insights from Olesya Nikonova, the R&D Manager at Medclair AB, who will share why she finds it particularly interesting.
“This analysis of the climate footprint is extensive, encompassing areas such as energy consumption, laundry, ppe, consumables, stainless steel instruments as well as use of anesthesia and analgesia agents”.
The researchers used life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the carbon footprint of birth in two settings, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester in England and the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.
“Olesya highlights that the study provides a comprehensive comparison of various birth methods, including planned cesarean sections and vaginal births at home and in hospitals”
The study reveals that while C-sections often require more resources and generate more emissions compared to vaginal births, the choice of pain relief significantly influences the overall carbon footprint. Using nitrous oxide during vaginal birth amplifies its environmental impact by a staggering 25-fold, exceeding even the footprint of a C-section. Nitrous oxide is a major contributor to healthcare's carbon footprint, hence alternative methods of pain relief or nitrous oxide destruction systems would lead to a substantial improvement in carbon footprint.
“According to study results referred to by Olesya Nikonova, a vaginal childbirth using nitrous oxide in a hospital equipped with Medclair solutions decreases carbon emission to the level of the planned C-section procedure”.
REFERENCE:
1. Study BJOG: The carbon footprint of different modes of birth in the UK and the Netherlands: An exploratory study using life cycle assessment 25/01/2024, https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17771
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