The motion was that midwives should ‘abandon the medieval practice of physiological management’ of this stage.
The event took place at the National Liberal Club, London, where experts debated the topic and the audience voted on the motion at both the start and end of proceedings.
At the beginning of the evening, 21% of the audience voted in favour of abandoning physiological management.
After speeches had been made and discussions had taken place, there was a slight change in perception with 17% in favour of abandoning.
Professor Philip Steer and maternity manager Andrea Philip were arguing in favour of the putting a halt to physiological management of the third stage.
Professor Steer said: ‘Natural means being a hunter gather. We use technology all the time to keep ourselves safe and we don’t even think about it.
‘Technology is good, we wouldn’t be here without it and at the moment active management is the best thing we’ve got.’
Professor James Drife and Professor Cecily Begley argued in favour of keeping physiological management.
Professor Drife said: ‘We really have to respect the judgement of individuals - experienced individuals.’
Professor Begley added that ‘women need to be given the pros and cons and make up their own minds’.
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