Table 1

Unit cost (2015, €) in base case analysis, and sensitivity analysis using maximum cost prices and cost prices resulting from bottom-up calculation

UnitBase case analysisSensitivity analysis
Maximum cost in literatureBottom-up calculation
Consultation and medication during first and second stageHome visit by a midwifeVisit4957
Gynaecological consultationVisit2037
OxytocinDose0.6043
EpiduralProcedure1854452638252
RemifentanilProcedure8646
MorphineProcedure0.6043
PethidineProcedure0.6243
NalbuphineProcedure3.2543
Nitrous oxideProcedure42245
General anaesthesiaProcedure3913971339713
CardiotocographyProcedure15138
Birth (staffing, overhead and referral) and intervention during second stage Birth at birth centreProcedure980
Birth at birth centre with referralProcedure725
Birth at homeProcedure60457
Birth at home with referralProcedure59857
Birth at hospitalProcedure113639
Birth at hospital with referralProcedure113039113039916
Additional costs after referral
Spontaneous birthProcedure67738122342209
Vacuum extractionProcedure63738144558418
Forceps extractionProcedure63738144558516
Caesarean sectionProcedure868382157581403
Intervention and consultation during third stageBlood transfusionProcedure44637578578
OxytocinDose0.6043
Repair perineal tearProcedure1543
Repair perineal tear in operating theatreProcedure678381057957
Manual removal of placentaProcedure74638746381059
Paediatric consultationVisit1637
Gynaecological consultationVisit2037
Admission and transportAdmission mother and child
Hospital stay—wardDay39842
Hospital stay—medium careDay60542
NICU stayDay167942
Ambulance transport—urgentProcedure55937
Ambulance transport—non-urgentProcedure27037
Postnatal carePostpartum consultation by a midwifeVisit3357
Birth centre stayDay372
Maternity care assistanceHour4539
Maternity care assistanceOnce8439