New maternity tech lands in Wairarapa

DETECTOR: Core midwife Marilyn Smethurst uses the new foetal fibronectin equipment. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A new machine in Wairarapa Hospital's maternity unit is designed to predict the likelihood of premature labour and birth.

It will help avoid unnecessary transfer of women to a tertiary hospital out of the district.

Last year 21 women were transferred and 19 of those were for women who were at risk of premature birth.

All women presenting with suspected premature labour between 23 and 34 weeks will be offered the test, which detects the presence of foetal fibronectin.

The level of foetal fibronectin present can help predict a woman's risk of going into labour.

Charge midwife manager Alison Andrews said five of the 19 pregnant women who were transferred to other hospitals last year returned to have their babies at Wairarapa Hospital.

"The foetal fibronectin machine will reduce unnecessary transfers to other DHBs, especially Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast, and prevent considerable stress to women and their families.

"It will improve our service and help the obstetrician make decisions about the management of patient care."

So far 10 core midwives in the maternity unit have been trained to use the analysing machine.