Comparing midwifery care in alternative and traditional birth units in France

Accompagnement et Soins personnalisés Autour de la Naissance en filière Physiologique Versus filière Conventionnelle en France : Effets Sur la santé Psychique Des Couples et Sur la santé de la mère et de l'Enfant à l'âge de 2 Ans.

Observational Rennes University Hospital · NCT06630741

This study is testing whether giving birth in alternative midwifery units leads to better mental health for couples and healthier outcomes for mothers and children compared to traditional maternity units.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment748 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRennes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Eaubonne and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06630741 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the effects of alternative midwifery units (AMUs) and traditional maternity units on the psychological health of couples and the health of mothers and children at the age of two. Couples who participated in the PhysioCare study will complete standardized questionnaires online two years after birth, assessing various aspects of maternal and child health. The study will also include semi-structured interviews to gather perceptions of care from women, partners, and professionals. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of perinatal care and improve practices in France.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women who participated in the PhysioCare study and their partners, including first-time and non-first-time parents.

Not a fit: Patients who have withdrawn consent from the PhysioCare study or whose child has died since the last questionnaire will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved maternal and child health outcomes and better support for families during childbirth.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with midwifery-led care approaches, indicating potential benefits for maternal and child health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women who participated in the PhysioCare study, as well as the already included first-time parents partners.
* Non-first-time parent partners who received information about the PhysioCare study but did not participate.
* Having been informed about the protocol and not having expressed opposition to participate in the PhysioCare study.

Non-inclusion Criteria:

* Participant who has withdrawn his/her consent to participate in the PhysioCare study
* Participant excluded from the PhysioCare study
* Death of the child since the last questionnaire was entered
* Adults under legal protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship) and persons deprived of liberty.

Where this trial is running

Eaubonne and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions To Compare 2 Models of Midwifery Care in Maternity CareMidwife-led caremidwifery birth unitsphysiologic birthcontinuity of patient carehumanized carepost-traumatic stress disorderspostpartum depression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.