Obstetricians and gynaecologists are reassuring the public maternity services are robust.
Earlier this week, [a study found http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/201817897/babies-more-at-risk-under-midwives,-new-study-saysbabies are more at risk during birth if a midwife rather than a doctor is in charge.]
Ian Page, who chairs the New Zealand Committee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said the difference in outcomes in the study was small, at about five-per-1000 babies.
He said it would still be worthwhile to investigate whether the difference could be further reduced.
"Undoubtedly we should look into things further but you've got to look at the whole journey, not just take little snapshots, which is what this study has done. And then try to understand in those pregnancies where the outcome was not ideal, what if anything could have been done differently."
The Health Ministry also said the maternity system was safe, but said the study will be assessed.