Information for the public

What has NICE said?

There is not much good evidence about how well this procedure works or how safe it is. It should only be used if extra care is taken to explain the risks and extra steps are put in place to record and review what happens.

More research on this procedure is needed and NICE may look at it again if more evidence is published.

What does this mean for me?

Your health professional should fully explain what is involved in having this procedure and discuss the possible benefits and risks with you. In particular, they should explain the uncertainty about the evidence on how likely it is to help the delivery of your baby and its possible complications. You should only be asked if you want this procedure after having this discussion. Your health professional should ask you if details of your procedure can be collected.

Other comments from NICE

NICE has said that research on this procedure is being done. The procedure could become widely used if the research shows that it works well and is safe.

In an emergency, healthcare professionals may give treatment immediately, without obtaining your informed consent, when it is in your best interests.

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