Dr Kara Thompson

Obstetrician. Geelong. One half of podcast Pregnancy Uncut exploring real stories of pregnancy and birth.

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

@believemeithurt Well done Liz, thank you 🙏🏼

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

Women cannot make informed choices if they are not informed. 'Information provision on material risks at birth remains patchy. We argue that this occurs because normality-centred care in maternity services prevents informed choices.' Women deserve better.

[Rebecca Matthews @RMatthewsPsych]

🚨 New Perspectives article in @theMJA 🚨

“Linguistic manoeuvres: obstetric violence camouflages harm and loss of consent from birth”

By @autinveniamviam @believemeithurt @RMatthewsPsych @NadineMontgmery @JamesTitcombe @realpelvicguru

➡️ https://t.co/Gw3NLaKewG

[H1N1 @autinveniamviam]

This concept of dyadic outcomes may point a way ahead out of the morass of CS rate indicators that continue to be used to judge the performance of a maternity unit.

[Dr Kirsten Connan @TassieObGyn]

Time to move obstetrics into the risk equalization scheme

#WomensHealthcare
#ReduceGenderBias in #Healthcare

A Milestone for Women’s Health: NASOG’s Petition Tabled in Parliament https://t.co/jzjC7CfvwS

[MercyPerinatal @MercyPerinatal]

The next 🌏 Global Obstetric Journal Club 🌏 is here… and we have a HUGE paper to discuss on Wednesday 10th September 2025, 17:00 AEST/08:00 GMT.

A paper by Callander and Colleagues that dropped in BJOG (BJOG 2025;0:1-11) ignited much-spirited debate.

It concluded standard public maternity care (free in Australia), when compared to private obstetrics care, was associated with a doubling of perinatal deaths, a tripling of 3rd degree tears and a near tripling of postpartum haemorrhage. And to top it off, public care is apparently more expensive to the public purse.

Haven't read the paper yet? Follow the link below.
We recognise the many implications of a paper with such a hot message. So did the press. Some clinicians pounced on the findings, others recoiled

…and some stepped back. Many of you emailed us, asking we even handedly review this paper and provide guidance. Of course we will!! Or at least, we will try.

Want to know more, read the paper and make sure you are ‘in the room’ when we break this paper down. Follow the link here (or in our bio👆 ) to read the paper and register for this session: https://t.co/Rzf3LRL72U

#GOJC #mercyperinatal #obstetrics #publichealthcare #privatehealthcare #gynaecology

[Dr Gino Pecoraro OAM @PecoraroGino]

https://t.co/Fpz0OjH2Tc

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

"Maternal choice matters. The @AusBirthTrauma says ‘we need to stop infantilising women and we need to actually empower women with information'. We aspire to see care move from ‘normal birth’ to normalising maternal choice at birth". 👏🏼 https://t.co/80dsuPTUU7

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

@JamesTitcombe It is getting shared widely on the maternity socials in Australia. A great article I think everyone working in maternity care should read. Thank you!

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

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.

https://t.co/SnsJt1Ryqv

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

The bill for maternity negligence claims in the UK since 2019 is higher than the entire cost of providing maternity care. Devastating.
https://t.co/QhMGDQZuI4

[BirthTrauma @BirthTrauma]

'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 https://t.co/h3F0aAi5r8

[Catherine Roy @catherineroyuk]

"Half of black women in UK who raise concerns during labour did not receive suitable help, study finds"

https://t.co/dQnYuzmbxI

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

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.

https://t.co/wVTCmjCRjP

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

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.

https://t.co/bw0X7Ptz4f

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

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.

https://t.co/8hhVxbklbf

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

https://t.co/Jhe8RW4KDk

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

Doulas and Freebirths are options ✅. Obstetrician... not an option ❎. According to official government website in Queensland.

[Dr Kirsten Connan @TassieObGyn]

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.

https://t.co/cTWNMd4sGx

[Dr Kara Thompson @drkarathompson]

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. ✍🏼 https://t.co/U7p8t4gKOK…
#formydaughter

[Dr Gino Pecoraro OAM @PecoraroGino]

https://t.co/poZt7hkjrr

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