HSE National Clinical Guideline
National Clinical Guideline Intrapartum Care for Women on the Supported Care Pathway
Topic:
Intrapartum care for women on the supported care pathway
Document Owner:
National Clinical Lead for Guideline Development in Maternity and Gynaecology Services, National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP)
National Group:
Guideline Development Programme, National Women and Infants Health Programme
Effective From: 30 June 2025
Evidence based recommendations for the care of women with normal-risk pregnancies on the Supported Care Pathway (SCP) in spontaneous labour up to the immediate postpartum period.
This national guideline sets out comprehensive, evidence-based standards for intrapartum care of women with normal-risk pregnancies on the Supported Care Pathway, from spontaneous labour onset to the immediate postpartum period. It details eligibility criteria, assessment algorithms, supportive birth environments, management of all labour stages and early neonatal care, and defines escalation thresholds, governance, implementation, audit, and trauma-informed, woman-centred practice requirements across Irish maternity services.