The article obviously make comparisons to the UK and having given birth twice in the UK, it struck me as really strange that you could go for 8 hours without ha

The article obviously make comparisons to the UK and having given birth twice in the UK, it struck me as really strange that you could go for 8 hours without having your blood pressure measured. I can't remember the exact interval they do it at here, but I had straightforward natural births with no major risk factors and it felt like I was having my blood pressure checked frequently when I was in labour. I was also surprised that somebody would be induced that early unless there was a risk that made it necessary. I really can't imagine that happening here and most pregnant women I've known have been desperate to avoid being induced if they can help it. I don't know if it's relevant to maternal mortality, but the epidural rates in the US always stun me compare to those in the UK. The culture in my limited circles is to try and avoid them if you can manage without. You can obviously have one if you want and there is an anaesthetist available, but it's been a small minority of people I know who have gone in knowing they definitely want one. I guess they cost money too so the NHS probably doesn't push them!