Dr Kara Thompson
@drkarathompson
Obstetrician. Geelong. One half of podcast Pregnancy Uncut exploring real stories of pregnancy and birth.
Is it time for a national maternity inquiry in Australia to improve care for all women and babies? This is currently happening in the UK where the cost of maternity litigation is higher than the entire cost of providing maternity care in the NHS. theguardian.com/australia-news…
The bill for maternity negligence claims in the UK since 2019 is higher than the entire cost of providing maternity care. Devastating. theguardian.com/society/2025/j…
'Ockenden...stressed that the cost of avoidable maternity harm was felt across “mental health, other health services, the economy, the wider community, relationships, whole families and careers”.' So true, @DOckendenLtd theguardian.com/society/2025/j…
"Half of black women in UK who raise concerns during labour did not receive suitable help, study finds" theguardian.com/society/2025/j…
Biggest ever Australian birth outcomes data published overnight, comparing low risk women birthing in public versus private hospitals. Outcomes overwhelmingly safer for both mum and baby under obstetric led private care. Care also cheaper to provide. obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.11…
Planned birth (both caesarean and IOL) at 39 weeks versus expectant management in low-risk women reduces perinatal mortality and other severe adverse outcomes. Strongest neonatal and maternal safety benefits seen with planned caesarean birth. thelancet.com/journals/eclin…
Induction of Labour from 38 weeks for macrosomic babies reduces incidence of shoulder dystocia, emergency caesarean, forceps and PPH. An important addition to the evidence for women making informed decisions about their care. thelancet.com/journals/lance…
An excellent article outlining the value of private maternity care. We need these conversations to ensure we continue to offer choice, full continuity of care, and safety. apple.news/AyTmtqlL5R6aN1…
Power suits FTW at the brilliant @NASOG Australian Birth Forum today ✨. Please sign the e-petition to eliminate gender discrimination in our private insurance system and to help ensure safety and choice is maintained for all women. ✍🏼 aph.gov.au/e-petitions/pe… #formydaughter
aph.gov.au/e-petitions/pe… End gender based healthcare discrimination. Women shouldn’t have to pay more than men for care, sign this petition to make health insurance fair. #formydaughter #pregnancyInEveryPolicy #ProudToBeAnOandG
Private maternity ward closures worry doctors abc.net.au/listen/program… via @ABCaustralia #formydaughter #pregnancyineverypolicy End decades of underinvestment in womens health. Equity and choice for pregnant woment now.
Great article.
AJOG Expert Review in Labor: Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns caused by pathophysiologic processes other than fetal acidemia - FHR pattern changes caused by acute CNS injury during labor because of middle cerebral artery occlusion or thrombosis ajog.org/article/S0002-…
AJOG Presents: Delivery at an inadequate level of maternal care is associated with severe maternal morbidity ow.ly/sSo850TWQR0
EIGHTY TWO percent. I had a 2nd trimester miscarriage in my first year as a consultant surgeon. It was devastating. She would have been 17 now. It's just awful to think this is such a common experience for women surgeons. 💔💔💔 #GenderEquity #ILookLikeASurgeon
Up to 82% of pregnant surgeons experience miscarriage, preterm delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction. Occupational hazards, including prolonged standing, physical exertion, overnight shifts, and teratogenic exposure, contribute to these risks. ja.ma/4eUXVQn
Hey, it's me. Talking with Dr Kara Thompson about childbirth, elective inductions, motherhood in Orthopaedics and autonomy in the public health system open.spotify.com/episode/6nqOeg…
"Period cramps are often just a precursor to a whole range of medical events they end up having to endure, from having precancerous cells burned off your cervix to having your fallopian tubes unblocked without anaesthetic." Great piece from @rhiannonlucyc theguardian.com/commentisfree/…