In 2017, a national study was started by Sahlgrenska University Hospital where the Academic Hospital and 14 other obstetric clinics participated.

The purpose of the study was to investigate what was best for the child and the mother, starting in week 41 or 42. The study was to last for three years, but was prematurely halted due to the preliminary results.

Since the preliminary results from the study showed that the chance can increase for the child to survive in a startup that is done during week 41 compared to week 42, they have now chosen to start with earlier startups in Dalarna, reports SVT News Dalarna.

Want a scientific basis

Gunilla Hallberg, chief physician and section manager in obstetrics at the Academic Hospital.

Instead, the Academic Hospital has chosen to wait until all the study results have been presented before making any decision on the matter.

- You have to look at the whole study to be able to determine that it is, then you also have to analyze the results. How big are the advantages and disadvantages of starting a delivery earlier? This is information and data that we think you need before you change a routine, says Gunilla Hallberg, chief physician and section manager in obstetrics at the Academic Hospital.

Have you had any discussion about having previous startups?

- Startups are already taking place today during week 41 if there are indications that there are risks of waiting longer. But in this case, we want to have a scientific basis before deciding anything, says Gunilla Hallberg.

Clinical assessment is made

Today, the Academic Hospital is working on assessing possible start-up at the individual level.

- By first making an assessment so that we can avoid getting into risky situations such as an acute caesarean section or that you are forcing and thus creating risks instead of avoiding them.

The final study result will be presented later this fall.