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Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 1

Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study.

Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 2

Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 2 Regional analgesia/anaesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 2 Regional analgesia/anaesthesia.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 3 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 3 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 4 Labour length.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 4 Labour length.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 5 Spontaneous vaginal birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 5 Spontaneous vaginal birth.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 6 Instrumental vaginal birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 6 Instrumental vaginal birth.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 7 Caesarean birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 7 Caesarean birth.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 8 Perineal trauma.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 8 Perineal trauma.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 9 Low 5‐minute Apgar score.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 9 Low 5‐minute Apgar score.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 10 Admission to special care nursery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 10 Admission to special care nursery.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 11 Prolonged neonatal hospital stay.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 11 Prolonged neonatal hospital stay.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 12 Postpartum report of severe labour pain.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 12 Postpartum report of severe labour pain.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 13 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 13 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 14 Difficulty mothering.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 14 Difficulty mothering.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 15 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.15

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 15 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 16 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.16

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 16 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 17 Low postpartum self‐esteem.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.17

Comparison 1 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials, Outcome 17 Low postpartum self‐esteem.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.5

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.6

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.7

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.8

Comparison 3 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.2

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.3

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.4

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.5

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.6

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative views about birth experience.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.7

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative views about birth experience.

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.8

Comparison 4 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 3 Spontaneous vaginal birth.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.4

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 4 Caesarean birth.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.5

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 5 Admission to special care nursery.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.6

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 6 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.7

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience.

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.8

Comparison 5 Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics, Outcome 8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum.

Comparison 1. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia Show forest plot

14

12283

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.84, 0.96]

2 Regional analgesia/anaesthesia Show forest plot

9

11444

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.93 [0.88, 0.99]

3 Synthetic oxytocin during labour Show forest plot

15

12620

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.91, 1.04]

4 Labour length Show forest plot

12

5366

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐0.85, ‐0.31]

5 Spontaneous vaginal birth Show forest plot

19

14119

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.08 [1.04, 1.12]

6 Instrumental vaginal birth Show forest plot

19

14118

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [0.85, 0.96]

7 Caesarean birth Show forest plot

22

15175

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.78 [0.67, 0.91]

8 Perineal trauma Show forest plot

4

8120

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.92, 1.01]

9 Low 5‐minute Apgar score Show forest plot

13

12515

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.50, 0.95]

10 Admission to special care nursery Show forest plot

7

8897

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.76, 1.25]

11 Prolonged neonatal hospital stay Show forest plot

3

1098

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.42, 1.65]

12 Postpartum report of severe labour pain Show forest plot

4

2456

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.83, 1.21]

13 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience Show forest plot

11

11133

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.59, 0.79]

14 Difficulty mothering Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

15 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum Show forest plot

3

5363

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.94, 1.09]

16 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Totals not selected

17 Low postpartum self‐esteem Show forest plot

1

652

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.77, 1.30]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 1. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ all trials
Comparison 2. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia Show forest plot

14

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Other support permitted

7

9752

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.96, 0.99]

1.2 Other support not permitted

7

2598

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.85, 0.96]

2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour Show forest plot

15

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Other support permitted

5

9495

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.99, 1.10]

2.2 Other support not permitted

10

3125

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.97, 1.02]

3 Spontaneous vaginal birth Show forest plot

19

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Other support permitted

9

10889

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.03 [1.00, 1.05]

3.2 Other support not permitted

10

3329

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [1.07, 1.16]

4 Caesarean birth Show forest plot

22

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Other support permitted

11

11326

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.85, 1.03]

4.2 Other support not permitted

11

3849

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.65, 0.86]

5 Admission to special care nursery Show forest plot

7

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Other support permitted

2

7328

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.84, 1.17]

5.2 Other support not permitted

5

1569

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.71, 1.17]

6 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Other support permitted

1

5567

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.73, 1.02]

6.2 Other support not permitted

1

149

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.18 [0.09, 0.36]

7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience Show forest plot

11

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Other support permitted

5

8639

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.62, 0.78]

7.2 Other support not permitted

6

2539

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.62 [0.56, 0.69]

8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Other support permitted

1

4559

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.92, 1.02]

8.2 Other support not permitted

2

804

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.98, 1.13]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 2. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy regarding presence of companion
Comparison 3. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia Show forest plot

14

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

9

10888

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.96, 0.98]

1.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

5

1462

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.69, 0.99]

2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour Show forest plot

15

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

8

10568

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.98, 1.02]

2.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

7

2066

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.93, 1.11]

3 Spontaneous vaginal birth Show forest plot

19

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

13

12672

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [1.01, 1.06]

3.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

6

1546

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [1.06, 1.17]

4 Caesarean birth Show forest plot

22

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

14

13064

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.93 [0.86, 1.02]

4.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

7

2077

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.54 [0.43, 0.68]

4.3 Unknown availability of epidural analgesia

1

34

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.4 [0.14, 13.98]

5 Admission to special care nursery Show forest plot

7

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

5

8380

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.85, 1.13]

5.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

2

517

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.26 [0.08, 0.88]

6 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

1

6915

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.89 [0.75, 1.05]

6.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

1

149

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.18 [0.09, 0.36]

7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience Show forest plot

11

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

9

10404

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.64, 0.77]

7.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

2

774

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.48, 0.63]

8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Epidural analgesia routinely available

2

5214

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.95, 1.03]

8.2 Epidural analgesia not routinely available

1

149

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.15 [0.95, 1.40]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 3. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ availability of epidural analgesia
Comparison 4. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia Show forest plot

14

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Setting had routine EFM

6

8580

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.96, 0.99]

1.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

6

2186

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.96 [0.90, 1.02]

1.3 Policy about routine EFM not known

2

1579

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.89 [0.80, 0.99]

2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour Show forest plot

15

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Setting had routine EFM

4

8340

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.98, 1.11]

2.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

7

1726

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.96, 1.01]

2.3 Policy about routine EFM not known

4

2568

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.97, 1.08]

3 Spontaneous vaginal birth Show forest plot

19

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Setting had routine EFM

8

9717

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.03 [1.01, 1.06]

3.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

7

1913

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [1.06, 1.17]

3.3 Policy about routine EFM not known

4

2561

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.07 [1.01, 1.13]

4 Caesarean birth Show forest plot

22

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Setting had routine EFM

9

10123

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.83, 1.01]

4.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

8

2457

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.55, 0.79]

4.3 Policy about routine EFM not known

5

2595

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.06 [0.84, 1.33]

5 Admission to special care nursery Show forest plot

7

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Setting had routine EFM

3

7740

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.84, 1.11]

5.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

3

729

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.48 [0.21, 1.12]

5.3 Policy about routine EFM not known

1

428

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.98 [0.76, 5.18]

6 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Setting had routine EFM

1

6915

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.89 [0.75, 1.05]

6.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

1

149

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.18 [0.09, 0.36]

7 Negative rating of/negative views about birth experience Show forest plot

11

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Setting had routine EFM

4

7467

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.60, 0.76]

7.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

4

1710

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.53, 0.68]

7.3 Policy about routine EFM not known

3

1977

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.84 [0.65, 1.08]

8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Setting had routine EFM

1

4559

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.92, 1.02]

8.2 Setting did not have routine EFM

2

804

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.98, 1.13]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 4. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ policy about routine EFM
Comparison 5. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Any analgesia/anaesthesia Show forest plot

14

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.1 Support people were hospital staff

6

9152

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.96, 0.99]

1.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

4

1790

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.86, 0.97]

1.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

4

1408

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.88, 1.00]

2 Synthetic oxytocin during labour Show forest plot

15

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.1 Support people were hospital staff

6

9561

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.06 [1.01, 1.11]

2.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

3

1018

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.50, 0.94]

2.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

6

2041

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.96, 1.01]

3 Spontaneous vaginal birth Show forest plot

19

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.1 Support people were hospital staff

9

10813

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.03 [1.01, 1.06]

3.2 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

5

1470

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.07 [0.99, 1.15]

3.3 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

5

1935

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.12 [1.07, 1.17]

4 Caesarean birth Show forest plot

22

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.1 Support people were hospital staff

9

10786

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.85, 1.05]

4.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

7

2330

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.60, 0.86]

4.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

6

2059

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.69, 1.01]

5 Admission to special care nursery Show forest plot

7

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

5.1 Support people were hospital staff

3

7428

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.84, 1.17]

5.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

2

829

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.66, 1.12]

5.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

2

640

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.40 [0.67, 2.93]

6 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

2

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Support people were hospital staff

1

5567

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.73, 1.02]

6.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

1

149

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.17 [0.09, 0.33]

6.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

7 Negative rating of/negative feelings about birth experience Show forest plot

11

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.1 Support people were hospital staff

4

8145

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.87 [0.73, 1.03]

7.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

3

1325

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.57, 0.77]

7.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

4

1708

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.57 [0.51, 0.64]

8 Breastfeeding at 1‐2 months postpartum Show forest plot

3

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.1 Support people were hospital staff

1

4559

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.92, 1.02]

8.2 Support people were not hospital staff and not chosen by woman

2

804

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.98, 1.13]

8.3 Support people were not hospital staff and were chosen by woman

0

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 5. Continuous support versus usual care ‐ variations in provider characteristics