1 ScopeThis guideline is applicable to all midwives and obstetricians within maternity services. It is relevant to all women receiving community or hospital-based antenatal, intrapartum and post-natal care, up until transfer from the community midwife to the health visitor. The publication of the NICE guideline 45 in April 2007 will necessitate future further service changes, which are likely to influence this guideline.