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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
PAUSEMATTERS Study: Quantifying the natural rhythms and pauses of birth
1
Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Perth, Australia
2
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Midwifery, Berlin, Germany
3
University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Health, Sydney, Australia
4
South Metropolitan Health Service, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
5
Australian Catholic University, School of Nursing Midwifery and Paramedicine, Melbourne, Australia
6
The University of Sydney, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, Australia
7
University of Lübeck, Institute for Health Sciences Midwifery Science, Lübeck, Germany
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A616
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pauses or slowing in labour are commonly viewed as pathological and often result in medical intervention. However, recent research suggests that physiological plateaus are both common and integral to self-regulation that promotes maternofetal wellbeing. It is essential to better understand these natural pauses - including their timing, duration, and impact on birth outcomes - to help reduce unnecessary interventions.
OBJECTIVES:
The PAUSEMATTERS study aims to document the prevalence, duration, and timing of natural pauses in labour and evaluate their relationship to maternal and neonatal outcomes.
METHODS:
This prospective observational cohort study aims to recruit a target sample size of 73 women planning a homebirth with a privately practicing midwife in Western Australia between September 2024 and December 2025. Following the birth, midwives provide their birth records and complete a questionnaire or interview offering further details regarding the labour pattern and birth outcomes. Women are also invited to complete a questionnaire or interview reflecting on the same aspects of labour from their own perspectives.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings are reported here at approximately half of the target sample size. As of June 2025, data indicate that plateaus commonly occur during labour - sometimes multiple times - and can last from a few minutes to several hours, appearing at all stages and times of day. Among participants, the vast majority remained at home for the birth. Over 85% had a spontaneous vaginal birth, and fewer than 15% underwent a caesarean section. Both midwives and women report a variety of factors associated with physiological plateaus.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study supports the concept of physiological plateaus. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about birth outcomes, preliminary data suggest no safety concerns for mothers or newborns when plateaus occur.
KEY MESSAGE:
Recognising physiological plateaus in labour may help reduce unnecessary medical interventions and improve birth outcomes. Poster session 2 (Group A)
Pauses or slowing in labour are commonly viewed as pathological and often result in medical intervention. However, recent research suggests that physiological plateaus are both common and integral to self-regulation that promotes maternofetal wellbeing. It is essential to better understand these natural pauses - including their timing, duration, and impact on birth outcomes - to help reduce unnecessary interventions.
OBJECTIVES:
The PAUSEMATTERS study aims to document the prevalence, duration, and timing of natural pauses in labour and evaluate their relationship to maternal and neonatal outcomes.
METHODS:
This prospective observational cohort study aims to recruit a target sample size of 73 women planning a homebirth with a privately practicing midwife in Western Australia between September 2024 and December 2025. Following the birth, midwives provide their birth records and complete a questionnaire or interview offering further details regarding the labour pattern and birth outcomes. Women are also invited to complete a questionnaire or interview reflecting on the same aspects of labour from their own perspectives.
RESULTS:
Preliminary findings are reported here at approximately half of the target sample size. As of June 2025, data indicate that plateaus commonly occur during labour - sometimes multiple times - and can last from a few minutes to several hours, appearing at all stages and times of day. Among participants, the vast majority remained at home for the birth. Over 85% had a spontaneous vaginal birth, and fewer than 15% underwent a caesarean section. Both midwives and women report a variety of factors associated with physiological plateaus.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study supports the concept of physiological plateaus. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about birth outcomes, preliminary data suggest no safety concerns for mothers or newborns when plateaus occur.
KEY MESSAGE:
Recognising physiological plateaus in labour may help reduce unnecessary medical interventions and improve birth outcomes. Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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