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• Myotonic dystrophy linked to high miscarriage and preterm birth rates. • Spinal muscular atrophy increases cesarean sections due to preterm labor. • Postpartum worsening of muscle strength noted in Pompe disease. • GNE myopathy shows no significant increase in emergency cesarean rates. Genetic neuromuscular disorders affect muscle function and control by the nervous system, presenting significant clinical challenges, particularly during pregnancy. To systematically review the literature on the obstetric outcomes and complications in women with genetic neuromuscular disorders. We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL Ultimate from inception till June 2024 using terms like "pregnancy", "genetic neuromuscular disorder", "myotonic dystrophy", "maternal health" etc. Pregnant women with genetic neuromuscular disorders. Screening, selection, and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. A total of 28 studies from 1978 to 2023 examined pregnancy outcomes in women with genetic neuromuscular disorders. The disorders included myotonic dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), and others. Common complications were polyhydramnios, preterm labor, miscarriages, and cesarean sections. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) showed higher neonatal risks than type 2 (DM2). Women with SMA faced exacerbated muscle weakness, while CMT and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy were associated with preterm labor and cesarean deliveries. Pompe disease exacerbated symptoms, and GNE myopathy showed similar pregnancy outcomes to the general population. Non-dystrophic myotonias had higher fetal distress and postpartum complications. Women with genetic neuromuscular disorders face increased pregnancy complications, including preterm labor, cesarean sections, and disease symptom exacerbation. Multidisciplinary care between neurologists and obstetricians is essential in managing these high-risk pregnancies effectively, ensuring better maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research is needed to develop standardized care protocols and improve clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Limited evidence on best strategy with unfavorable cervix 24 h after first vaginal dinoprostone. • Efficacy, maternal and neonatal morbidity after repeated methods questioned. • Similar vaginal delivery and neonatal morbidity between vaginal dinoprostone and cervical ripening balloon. • Cervical ripening balloon more efficient with more favourable cervix or labor within 24 h. To compare dinoprostone vaginal insert (PG) with cervical ripening balloon (CRB) as second line of cervical ripening in women at term with a persistent unfavorable cervix after first PG. This retrospective cohort study comprised all women with singleton fetus in cephalic presentation who required cervical ripening at term (≥37 weeks) for maternal and/or fetal disease using repeated PG or CRB for a persistent unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <6) 24 h after first PG. Primary outcome was vaginal delivery rate. Secondary outcomes were favorable cervix (Bishop score ≥6) or labor within 24 h after second device placement, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and neonatal morbidity. 180 women were analyzed (127 repeated PG (70.6 %) and 53 CRB after first PG (29.4 %)). After second device, 93.3 % of women had a favorable cervix (Bishop score ≥6) or were in labor within 24 h, and the rate was significantly higher after CRB, compared to repeated PG (98.1 % vs. 91.3 %; p = 0.048). Vaginal deliveries were similar between groups (62.2 % after repeated PG vs. 54.7 % after CRB; p = 0.36). PPH was observed in 22.2 % of included women, and no difference was observed between groups (21.3 % vs. 21.4 %; p = 0.63). Neonatal morbidity was similar between groups (13.4 % vs. 9.4 %; p = 0.48). Vaginal delivery rate and neonatal morbidity were similar when using PG or CRB as second line in women at term with a persistent unfavorable cervix after first PG. CRB seemed to be more efficient on the cervix status, compared to repeated PG, in these women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Past studies on labor analgesia mainly focused on neuraxial techniques. • Major regional differences in labor analgesia were seen in Finnish hospitals. • Nitrous oxide, epidural and non-pharmacologic methods were the top three used. • Pudendal analgesia rouse nearly to paracervical levels in 2019. Labor analgesia should be equally available to every woman giving birth. However, previous studies have found notable regional differences between countries and regions in the use of epidural analgesia. We aim to evaluate the trends in the use of different labor analgesia methods in Finnish hospital districts. We performed a nationwide retrospective register-based cohort study. From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2019, we collected vaginal birth data concerning used labor analgesia from the national Finnish Medical Birth Register. Cesarean sections were excluded because of the missing labor analgesia data from the elective operations. Data were grouped and interpreted based on 19 hospital districts in Finland. There were 567 593 vaginal births during the years 2007–2019. Major differences were observed in the use of labor analgesia between hospital districts. The trends also varied during the study period within the same hospital district. Neuraxial analgesia was the most used during the study period – on average 63.6 % of the deliveries had neuraxial analgesia. It was followed by nitrous oxide by 58.0 %. Interestingly, the rates of non-pharmaceutical analgesia increased the most during the study period. The results showed major differences in the use of different labor analgesia methods between Finnish hospital districts, and the analgesia policies do not seem to be nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• P-MRI improves cd-USG by offering valuable insights into placental invasion. • A higher number of cesarean sections is linked to higher cesarean hysterectomy risk. • Higher PV in the S2 sector increases adverse perinatal outcomes with placenta previa. • A higher rate of peripartum hysterectomy is required for higher CCD and short CCL. • P-MRI predicts peripartum hysterectomy and neonatal mortality in t-PP. To assess the reliability of placental magnetic resonance imaging measurements in predicting peripartum hysterectomy and neonatal outcomes in patients with total placenta previa. This retrospective cohort study, conducted at a single tertiary center, identified 372 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa. 277 singleton pregnancies that met the inclusion criteria and were diagnosed with total placenta previa in the third trimester were divided into two groups according to whether a placental MRI was performed. Two radiologists analyzed the MRI findings of 150 pregnant women with total placenta previa. Measurements were conducted for the placental volume of the upper and lower uterine sectors, cervical canal length, and cervical canal dilatation. A comparison was made between the surgical progression of these pregnant women and 127 pregnant women with total placenta previa who did not undergo an MRI. After pathological examination, 122 (63.2%) of 193 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum underwent peripartum total abdominal hysterectomy. The results were compared using logistic regression analysis. Reduced placental volume in the upper uterine segment and increased volume in the lower uterine segment significantly correlated with a higher probability of peripartum hysterectomy (cut-off: ≤343.4 and ≥ 403.4 cm3; OR: 0.993, 95 % CI: 0.990–0.995 and OR: 1.007, 95 % CI: 1.005–1.009, respectively). Shortened cervical canal length and increased dilatation raise the risk of peripartum hysterectomy (cut-off: ≤34, ≥11 mm; OR: 0.82, 95 % CI: 0.77 − 0.88 and OR: 1.7, 95 % CI: 1.4 − 2.1, respectively). The risk of neonatal death is 32 times higher in those < 34 weeks than in those 34 weeks or higher (95 % CI: 4.2–250, p = 0.001). Placental MRI significantly contributes to predicting peripartum total abdominal hysterectomy and neonatal mortality in patients with total placenta previa associated with placenta accreta spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Women undergoing trial of labour following two previous caesareans (TOLA2C) are more likely to develop endometritis or sepsis postnatally. • Women undergoing TOLA2C are more likely to have a longer postnatal stay. • Neonates of women undergoing TOLA2C are more likely to have Apgar scores less than seven and require neonatal unit admission. • The best predictor of successful vaginal delivery following TOLA2C is a prior successful vaginal birth after caesarean. To assess the (i) predictors of and associated rates of success and; (ii) maternal and perinatal outcomes of women undergoing trial of labour after two previous caesarean sections (TOLA2C). This retrospective cohort study collected data from two regional obstetric centres with 12,000 deliveries per annum collectively. The population included singleton pregnancies undergoing (i) TOLA2C, (ii) elective repeat caesarean section following two caesarean sections (ERCS) and (iii) trial of labour after one caesarean section (TOLA1C). Data was collected electronically from 2013 to 2021. Statistical analysis included Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare unpaired samples alongside univariate and multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome measure was maternal and perinatal outcome. The three groups included; n = 146 TOLA2C, n = 206 ERCS and n = 99 TOLA1C. TOLA2C had a success rate of 65 % compared to 74 % for TOLA1C (p = 0.16). The optimal predictor of successful TOLA2C was previous successful TOLA1C OR 8.65 (95 % CI 2.75–38.41). TOLA2C was associated with greater risk of endometritis and/or sepsis postnatally compared to the other two groups [10.3 % (n = 15) versus 0.5 % (n = 1) and 3 % (n = 3) for ERCS and TOLA1C respectively p < 0.01]. It was also associated with longer maternal hospital stay [2.4 days (+/-1.8) versus 1.8 (+/-0.8) and 1.8 (+/-1.7) p < 0.01], a greater proportion of neonates with Apgar scores less than 7 (p =<0.01) and higher rates of neonatal unit admission [14 % (n = 20) versus 5 % (n = 11) versus 4 % (n = 4) (p =<0.01)]. Women considering trial of labour following two caesarean sections should be counselled regarding the potential increased risk of endometritis, sepsis and adverse neonatal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that labor depends on too many interacting factors and no parameter can fully predict its outcome, fetal cerebral Doppler has emerged as the most reliable tool for prediction, in contrast with fetal weight, which performs significantly worse in the last weeks of pregnancy. The importance of the cerebral Doppler follows the inverse pathway of fetal weight increasing its performance in the last weeks of pregnancy and reaching its highest ability prior to labor. A combination of cerebral flow, fetal weight, and selected clinical information may obtain moderate predictions of labor outcome, provided the interval to labor is not long. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is an association between maternal and fetal Doppler in early labour with the occurrence of labour complications. • A predictive model including early labour CPR and mean UtA Doppler allows the identification of over three out of four women at low-risk of intrapartum hypoxia that are submitted to obstetric intervention due to suspected intrapartum fetal compromise. • The predictive model has a good capacity to rule out and a moderate capacity to rule in OI due to IFC, albeit with poor predictive value. • The predictive model including antenatal and intrapartum characteristics combined with abnormal CPR and mean UtA PI may be used as a screening tool for subclinical uteroplacental insufficiency manifesting during active labor. The evidence-based management of human labor includes the antepartum identification of patients at risk for intrapartum hypoxia. However, available evidence has shown that most of the hypoxic-related complications occur among pregnancies classified at low-risk for intrapartum hypoxia, thus suggesting that the current strategy to identify the pregnancies at risk for intrapartum fetal hypoxia has limited accuracy. To evaluate the role of the combined assessment of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and uterine arteries (UtA) Doppler in the prediction of obstetric intervention (OI) for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC) within a cohort of low-risk singleton term pregnancies in early labor. Prospective multicentre observational study conducted across four tertiary Maternity Units between January 2016 and September 2019. Low-risk term pregnancies with spontaneous onset of labor were included. A two-step multivariable model was developed to assess the risk of OI for suspected IFC. The baseline model included antenatal and intrapartum characteristics, while the combined model included antenatal and intrapartum characteristics plus Doppler anomalies such as CPR MoM < 10th percentile and mean UtA Doppler PI MoM ≥ 95th percentile. Predictive performance was determined by receiver–operating characteristics curve analysis. 804 women were included. At logistic regression analysis, CPR MoM < 10th percentile (aOR 1.269, 95 % CI 1.188–1.356, P < 0.001), mean UtA PI MoM ≥ 95th percentile (aOR 1.012, 95 % CI 1.001–1.022, P = 0.04) were independently associated with OI for suspected IFC. At ROC curve analysis, the combined model including antenatal characteristics plus abnormal CPR and mean UtA PI yielded an AUC of 0.78, 95 %CI(0.71–0.85), p < 0.001, which was significantly higher than the baseline model (AUC 0.61, 95 %CI(0.54–0.69), p = 0.007) (p < 0.001). The combined model was associated with a 0.78 (95 % CI 0.67–0.89) sensitivity, 0.68 (95 % CI 0.65–0.72) specificity, 0.15 (95 % CI 0.11–0.19) PPV, and 0.98 (0.96–0.99) NPV, 2.48 (95 % CI 2.07–2.97) LR + and 0.32 (95 % CI 0.19–0.53) LR- for OI due to suspected IFC. A predictive model including antenatal and intrapartum characteristics combined with abnormal CPR and mean UtA PI has a good capacity to rule out and a moderate capacity to rule in OI due to IFC, albeit with poor predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High cumulative oxytocin dose in labour increases adverse postpartum outcomes. • High cumulative oxytocin dose almost tripled cases of severe bleedings postpartum. • Overdistended bladders were twice as common after high cumulative oxytocin doses. • More women had a negative birth experience after high cumulative oxytocin doses. This study aimed to determine the association between the total cumulative oxytocin dose during labour and adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience and breastfeeding in term primiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour. A prospective observational multicentre study, including 1395 women with spontaneous labour, in seven hospitals in Southeast Sweden. Multivariable logistic regression (Crude Odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) for relevant confounders) was used to analyze the association between oxytocin dose and postpartum outcomes. The exposure was the cumulative oxytocin dose during labour, classified in percentiles (<25th, 25-75th, >75th). The outcomes were occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injury, postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss > 1000 ml), Apgar score < 7 at five minutes, umbilical cord arterial pH, postpartum bladder overdistension, exclusive breastfeeding at one week and three months, and the woman's perceived birth experience. Women receiving high amounts (>75th percentile, >4370 mU) of oxytocin infusion during labour had an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (OR 2.73 (1.78–4.19)), an overdistended bladder (OR 2.19 (1.11–4.31)), an infant with an Apgar score < 7 at five minutes (OR 2.89 (1.27–6.57)), a negative birth experience (OR 1.83 (1.25–2.69)), and a decreased chance of exclusive breastfeeding at one week (OR 0.63 (0.41–0.96)). After adjusting for confounders, all outcomes remained statistically significant except risk of low Apgar score and chance of exclusive breastfeeding. In women with high cumulative oxytocin dose during labour prompt, and prophylactic administration of uterotonics after delivery of the placenta should be considered to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The risk for bladder overdistension can be reduced by implementing routines for observation for signs of bladder filling in the early postpartum period, as well as routine use of bladder scans post micturition to assess for successful bladder emptying. As women's birth experience have a major impact on their future mental health, should be routinely assessed postpartum, and support should be offered to women with negative experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All three models (Grobman 2007, Grobman 2021 and Zhang model 2020) were observed to have a fair discriminative capacity. • Poor agreement between observed and predicted probability of successful TOLAC limits its usefulness in the study setting. • A population-specific model, including intrapartum factors, may aid in predicting the outcome among women undergoing TOLAC. To externally validate three predictive models (the Grobman model (2007), the Zhang model (2020), and the Grobman model (2021)) for identifying women with increased chances of a successful trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC). This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital from 2018 to 2021. Individual probabilities were calculated for women with previous one caesarean section who underwent TOLAC at term, using the predicted probabilities from the logistic regression models. The primary outcome of this study was vaginal delivery following attempted TOLAC. The predictive ability of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operative characteristics curves (AUC) and a calibration graph. Of 1515 eligible women who underwent TOLAC, we found an overall rate of successful TOLAC of 60.3 %. No significant difference was noticed in adverse scar outcome and neonatal morbidity while comparing successful and failed TOLAC. The discriminative ability of Grobman-2007 and Grobman-2021 and the Zhang model were fair to poor with the AUC of 0.54(95 % CI 0.51–0.57), 0.62(95 % CI 0.59–0.65) and 0.66(95 % CI 0.63–0.69) respectively. The agreement between the observed rates of TOLAC success and the predicted probabilities for all three models was poor. The performance of all three models predicting success after TOLAC was poor in the study population. A population-specific model may be needed, with the addition of factors influencing the labour, such as the methods of induction, which may aid in predicting the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high-resource countries, adverse perinatal outcomes are currently rare in term, non-malformed fetuses, undergoing labor, but they remain a leading cause of medico-legal dispute. Precise terminology is important to describe situations related to inadequate fetal oxygenation in labor, to ensure appropriate communication between healthcare professionals and adequate transmission of information to parents. This position statement provides consensus definitions from European perinatologists and midwives regarding the most appropriate terminology to describe situations related to inadequate fetal oxygenation in labor: suspected fetal hypoxia, severe newborn acidemia, newborn metabolic acidosis, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. It also identifies terms that are imprecise or nonspecific to this situation, and should therefore be avoided by healthcare professionals: fetal well-being, fetal stress, fetal distress, non-reassuring fetal state, and birth asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of evidence that the presence and length of the purple line could represent a non-invasive method of estimating and determining labour progress. The primary outcome was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between the purple line length and cervical dilatation in active labour. The secondary outcome was to determine the association between the purple line length and the fetal head descent, and to calculate the pooled mean length of the purple line at a cervical dilatation of 3–4 cm and at a cervical dilatation of 9–10 cm. We searched the Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Clinical Trials.gov and Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register databases from inception till March 25, 2023. We included observational studies of pregnant women in active first stage of labour who had their labour progress assessed with the use of regular vaginal examinations and who had the occurrence recorded and length of the purple line measured at the same time. Two reviewers independently evaluated study eligibility. We used the random effects and fixed effects model for meta-analysis. There were six eligible studies included in the systematic review that reported on 982 women in total with the purple line appearing in 760 (77.3%) of cases. We found a moderate positive pooled correlation between the purple line length with cervical dilatation (r = +0.64; 95%CI: 0.41–0.87) and fetal head descent (r = +0.50; 95%CI: 0.32–0.68). For women either in spontaneous or induced labour, the pooled mean length of the purple line was more than 9.4 cm when the cervical dilatation was 9–10 cm, whereas it was more than 7.3 cm when the cervical dilatation was 3–4 cm. The purple line is a non-invasive method that may potentially be used as an adjunct in labour progress assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite awareness of obstetricians to the constant increase in the number of cesarean sections in recent years, the fear of a uterine scar rupture is still present and influences the choice of the mode of delivery in patients with two previous cesarean sections. However, several clinical studies have suggested that, under certain conditions, vaginal birth after two cesarean sections is usually successful and safe. The objective of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal issues according to the planned mode of delivery in patients with two previous cesarean sections. It was a retrospective observational comparative study at Rennes University Hospital between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020. We performed a propensity score for the comparison of neonatal outcomes: cord pH, cord lactates, Apgar scores, transfer to neonatal unit and deaths, according to the planned delivery mode. Secondary outcomes were maternal issues: uterine rupture, post-partum hemorrhage, deaths. A total of 410 patients with two previous cesarean section were eligible for our study. Prophylactic cesarean was performed in 358 cases (87.3%). Trial of labor was attempted in the 52 remaining patients (12.7%), 67.3 % of whom were successful. Neonatal weight, APGAR score at 1–5–10 min, and pH on cord blood were comparable in both groups. One case of uterine rupture occurred in the trial of labor group. Trial of labor seems to be a reasonable option for women with two previous cesarean sections in a selected population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A uterus after a cesarean delivery may have a myometrial scarring, known as niche. • Niches are reported as the most common long-term complication, following cesarean deliveries. • In patients with secondary infertility, cesarean niche doesn't seem to affect future fertility. • Patients with a known niche, considering trial of vaginal delivery, might be in high-risk group for uterine rupture. To determine how does a uterine niche diagnosed prior to conception, affects future fertility and obstetrical outcomes, in a group of patients with secondary infertility undergoing fertility treatments. A retrospective case-control study was performed, recruiting patients after cesarean delivery, before fertility treatment. Using stored ultrasound photos and video loops, we determined niche's sonographic parameters during the preconception period and retrieved the fertility and obstetrical outcomes thereafter. 104 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 86 were available for analysis. 56 (65%) had uterine niches larger than 2 mm in depth, and 30 (34%) had a uterine scar of 2 mm or less. Demographic characteristics were not different between groups. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy between the groups. There were four cases of cesarean scar rupture during failed trial of labor (TOLAC), all of which were in the group with larger than 2 mm niche (33% of all TOLAC cases in the respected group). While it appears that pre-conception presence of uterine niches larger than 2 mm in depth does not adversely affect future fertility, these niches might serve as a risk factor for future uterine rupture during TOLAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature concerning the overall use of labor analgesia among women with trials of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is lacking. The primary aim of this study is to report the rate of different labor analgesia methods among women with TOLAC. The secondary aim was to compare the use of labor analgesia between women with the first TOLAC and control group consisting of nulliparous women. Study design. Data from the National Medical Birth Register was used to evaluate the usage of labor analgesia in TOLACs. The use of labor analgesia in the first TOLAC is compared to the pregnancies of nulliparous women. The analgesia methods were stratified into neuraxial analgesia, pudendal, paracervical, nitrous oxide, other medical, other non-medical, and no analgesia. These are analyzed as categorized dichotomy (yes or no) variables. A total of 38 596 TOLACs as second pregnancy of the mother was found during our study period. The control group consisted of a total of 327 464 pregnancies of nulliparous women. Epidural analgesia (61.6% vs 67.1%), nitrous oxide (56.1% vs 62.0%), and non-medical analgesia (30.1% vs 35.0%) were less consumed among women with TOLAC. The rate of spinal analgesia was higher among women with TOLAC (10.1% vs 7.6%) when compared to the control group. However, when only vaginal deliveries were included, the rate of labor analgesia increased especially in the TOLAC group. The main finding of this study is that women with TOLAC had a generally lower rate of labor analgesia. However, the rate of spinal analgesia was higher among women with TOLAC when compared to the control group, however. The results of this study inform midwives, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists on current practices and how to improve the analgetic treatment in TOLAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent the occurrence of perineal trauma in parturients. A bibliographic search was carried out in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PUBMED, LILACS via Virtual Health Library (VHL), Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Scielo, Web of Science, and PEDro databases. Randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of any intervention to prevent perineal trauma during pregnancy and/or childbirth were included. There were no temporal or language restrictions. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-bias Tool for Randomized Trials. Fifty studies, with a total of 17,221 participants, were included in this meta -analysis. No intervention during childbirth was effective for the prevention of perineal trauma (RR = 1.07, 95% CI [0.98.1.18], p < 0.01, I2 = 83%) when compared to no intervention. However, a lower risk of perineal laceration was verified with techniques performed during pregnancy, when compared to no intervention (RR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.71, 0.93], p = 0.05, I2 = 47%). Among them, highlight the effects of perineal massage in preventing lacerations (RR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.54, 0.87], p < 0.01) when compared to no intervention. The techniques performed during pregnancy, especially perineal massage, are associated with a lower risk of perineal laceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cesarean delivery on maternal request (elective-CD) increased between 1999 and 2015 in the United States, but multiple studies have reported the association between elective-CD and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. More contemporary trends and outcomes are currently unknown. The objective of the current study was to examine contemporaneous trends and outcomes of patients who had elective-CD in the United States.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study querying the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample from January 2016 to December 2019. A three-step exclusion approach was used to identify the surrogate for elective-CD (prior uterine scar, maternal / fetal indications for CD, and labor). The primary outcome was temporal trend of elective-CD. The secondary outcomes included severe maternal morbidity in low-risk vaginal delivery candidates, assessed with inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score.Results: Among 14,648,135 all deliveries for national estimates, 184,945 (1.26 %) patients had elective-CD. The number of patients undergoing elective-CD decreased from 1.35 % to 1.13 % among all deliveries (16.3 % relative-decrease; P-trend < 0.001) and from 4.14 % to 3.51 % among all CD cases (15.2 % relative-decrease, P-trend = 0.002) between QT1/2016 and QT4/2019. The decreasing trend of elective-CD remained independent in multivariable analysis: odds ratio (OR) compared to 2016, 0.96 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.95-0.97) for 2017, 0.94 (95 %CI 0.93-0.95) for 2018, and 0.87 (95 %CI 0.86-0.89) for 2019. In a propensity score weighted model among low-risk vaginal delivery candidates, patients in the elective-CD group were more likely to have severe maternal morbidity compared to those in the non-elective-CD group (OR 2.01, 95 %CI 1.87-2.15).Conclusions: This national-level analysis suggests that the number of elective-CD is gradually decreasing in recent years in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Worldwide, cardiotocography is used for continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions during labour. Different methods for FHR registration and registration of contractions are available. Literature about the frequency of use of different fetal monitoring methods is lacking.Objective: To evaluate the use of and preferences for fetal monitoring methods for intrapartum fetal monitoring among Dutch obstetric care providers.Study Design: Between October and November 2020 the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology sent an email invitation to all secondary care midwives and gynaecologists (in training) in the Netherlands to complete an online survey regarding the use and personal experience with fetal monitoring methods. The survey mainly consisted of multiple choice questions. Descriptive statistics are reported. Continuous variables were presented as median with interquartile ranges (IQR). Categorical variables were expressed as numbers with percentages.Results: The response rate was 29 % (n/N = 510/1748). All Dutch hospitals were represented. The respondents estimated the use of fetal scalp electrode (FSE) at 71 % (IQR 58-85 %) of deliveries. The most common indication for use of the FSE was inadequate external FHR registration (94 %). More than half (54 %) of the respondents reported to use intrauterine pressure catheter with an estimated use of 5 % (IQR 2-8 %) of deliveries. The most common indication for use of intrauterine pressure catheter was inadequate external contraction registration (75 %). The use of ST-analysis was reported in 25 % of the respondents with an estimated use of 60 % (IQR 30-72 %) of deliveries. Almost all respondents (99 %) reported to use fetal blood sampling with an estimated use of 15 % (IQR 10-23 %) of deliveries. Ninety percent of respondents would prefer a valid and reliable external monitoring technique during labour. Thirty-one percent of respondents assume that external fetal monitoring with non-invasive fetal electrocardiography and electrohysterography will become standard care within the next 5 years.Conclusions: Currently, the FSE is the most used technique for FHR monitoring during labour in the Netherlands. The most common indication for use of FSE is inadequate external FHR registration. Obstetric care providers would prefer a non-invasive external registration method that provides reliable data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association of fetal heart rate short-term variability (STV) pattern during term labor with both neonatal composite morbidity (cord blood pH ≤ 7.10 and/or neonatal intensive care unit admission and/or Apgar score at 5 min <7) and small for gestational age (SGA) status.Study Design: Retrospective cohort in a single academic institution between January 2016 and December 2018. A total of 1896 women that delivered a singleton during labor in cephalic presentation after 37 weeks of gestation were included (948 women with SGA neonates and 948 women with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) neonates that were matched to women with SGA neonates based on maternal age, parity, induction of labor, gestational diabetes, gestational age at delivery and a history of one cesarean section using propensity score matching). STV was compared at labor onset (cervical dilation ≤ 4 cm), in the first stage of labor (cervical dilation = 6 cm) and in the second stage of labor (cervical dilation = 10 cm). A generalized linear mixed model was used to assess the association between SGA status, neonatal composite morbidity and STV.Results: After adjustment for maternal origin, term, gestational diabetes, labor length, SGA status was not associated with any change in STV during labor (mean adjusted STV: -0.20 ms, 95 %CI[-0.58-0.17], p = 0.284 at labor onset, 0.29 ms, 95 %CI[-0.1- 0.68], p = 0.155, in the first stage of labor and 0.36 ms, 95 %CI[-0.02-0.74], p = 0.065 in the second stage of labor). In case of neonatal composite morbidity mean adjusted STV was lower in the first stage of labor (mean adjusted STV: -1.29 ms, 95 %CI[-2.1 - -0.43], p = 0.003) and in the second stage of labor (mean adjusted STV: -1.15 ms, 95 %CI[-1.96 - -0.34], p = 0.005). The results were similar with the addition of delivery mode and meconium-stained amniotic fluid in the model or non-reassuring fetal heart rate and meconium-stained amniotic fluid.Conclusions: This work suggests that STV decrease during term labor is associated with fetal well-being, independently of fetal weight. This suggests that further prospective studies should consider the evaluation of this parameter in the prediction of neonatal compromise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are only few studies on the effects of pelvic or hip fractures on subsequent delivery outcomes. The aim for this study is to evaluate in a nationwide sample whether the rate of elective CS and emergency CS would decrease during the time after maternal hip and pelvic fracture.Material and Methods: In this nationwide registry-based study, data on all women aged 15-49 years with pelvic or hip fractures leading to hospitalization were retrieved from the Care Register for Health Care for the years 1998-2018. Wrist fractures were used as a control group. The data were linked with data from the National Birth Register, where each first pregnancy during the 14-year follow-up is collected. The delivery outcomes of these pregnancies were analyzed. The results were interpreted with odds ratios (OR), adjusted odds ratios (aOR), and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).Results: A total of 2878 women with pelvic fracture, 1330 women with hip fracture, and 29 580 with wrist fracture found in the Care Register for Health Care. Of these, a total of 586 (20.4 %) women gave birth during the following 14 years after pelvic fracture, 147 (11.0 %) women after hip fracture, and 5255 (17.7 %) women after wrist fracture. Women with pelvic fracture had higher odds for CS during each time period. The aOR for CS was 1.62 (CI 1.22-2.12) during first 5 years, 1.87 (CI 1.33-2.62) during years 5-10, and 1.97 (CI 1.11-3.41) during years 10-14. Women with hip fractures had notably higher odds for CS during first 5 years after fracture (aOR 1.64, CI 1.40-2.67).Conclusions: The results of this study advocate that vaginal delivery is generally possible rather quickly after hip or pelvic fracture. Unplanned CS after hip fractures was more common at the beginning, but the exact reason for this remains unknown and further research should be made on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop and validate (both internally and externally) a prediction model examining a combination of risk factors in order to predict postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in a general obstetric Irish population of singleton pregnancies.Study Design: We used data from the National Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System (MN-CMS), including all singleton deliveries at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), Ireland during 2019. We defined PPH as an estimated blood loss of ≥ 1000 ml following the birth of the baby. Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection was used to develop the prediction model. Candidate predictors included maternal age, maternal body mass index, parity, previous caesarean section, assisted fertility, gestational age, fetal macrosomia, mode of delivery and history of PPH. Discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) C-statistic. We used bootstrapping for internal validation to assess overfitting, and conducted a temporal external validation using data from all singleton deliveries at CUMH during 2020.Results: Out of 6,077 women, 5,807 with complete data were included in the analyses, and there were 270 (4.65%) cases of PPH. Four variables were considered the best combined predictors of PPH, including parity (specifically nulliparous), macrosomia, mode of delivery (specifically operative vaginal delivery, emergency caesarean section and prelabour caesarean section), and history of PPH. These predictors were used to develop a nomogram to provide individualised risk assessment for PPH. The original apparent C-statistic was 0.751 (95% CI: 0.721, 0.779) suggesting good discriminative performance. There was minimal optimism adjustment to the C-statistic after bootstrapping, indicating good internal performance (optimism adjusted C-statistic: 0.748). Results of external validation were comparable with the development model suggesting good reproducibility.Conclusions: Four routinely collected variables (parity, fetal macrosomia, mode of delivery and history of PPH) were identified when predicting PPH in a general obstetric Irish population of singleton pregnancies. Use of our nomogram could potentially assist with individualised risk assessment of PPH and inform clinical decision-making allowing those at highest risk of PPH be actively managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) in promoting cervical ripening during labour induction.Methods: Six major databases were searched from inception until 22 April 2021. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed. Various endpoints (n = 21) were meta-analysed, and the endpoints were pooled as mean differences (MD) or risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: In total, 23 RCTs were included in this review, comprising 26 intervention arms and a total of 4305 patients (2210 and 2095 patients were allocated to the IMN and control groups, respectively). Pertaining to obstetric-related maternal outcomes, the pooled analysis showed that admission to delivery time and rate of caesarean delivery were significantly reduced in the IMN group. Moreover, the mean Bishop score and the mean change in Bishop score were significantly increased in the IMN group. Pertaining to drug-related maternal side effect outcomes, the pooled analysis showed that the rates of headache, palpitations, nausea and flushing were significantly lower in the IMN group. Pertaining to neonatal outcomes, the pooled analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal death, fetal distress, meconium-stained water, Apgar score < 7 at 1 and 5 min, and mean Apgar score at 1 and 5 min.Conclusion: IMN correlated with several obstetric-related maternal outcomes. IMN was not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, but was associated with substantial drug-related maternal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstetric research is often criticized for using surrogate or combined outcomes with a disproportionately heavy weight of less relevant components. The objective of this methodological systematic review was to assess the choice and reporting of short-term perinatal outcomes for management of labor at or near term and evaluate if there is any need and possibility to harmonize them. A systematic methodological review of Cochrane reviews was performed. The review was registered prospectively at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number212954. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched by topics and group browsing and by combination of free-text words and standardized subject terms. Cochrane Systematic Reviews with focus on management of labor at or near term, including timing, type of labor onset, mode of delivery and intrapartum care were included while those focused on prenatal care, postnatal interventions, and preterm deliveries were excluded. Prespecified and reported non-prespecified short-term perinatal (foetal and newborn) outcomes were collected. The outcomes were grouped into domains and classified independently by two authors into five prespecified groups regarding their anticipated importance for patients. Outcomes reflecting how a patient feels, functions, and survives were deemed patient-important. We also evaluated whether any of the outcomes were salutogenic (reflecting positive health and well-being rather than illness or adverse event prevention or avoidance). Our search resulted in 806 Cochrane Systematic Reviews, of which we included 141 published between the years 1996 and 2020. We identified 348 unique outcomes, of which 15 (4.3%) were prespecified and 13 (3.7%) were reported in at least 10% of the reviews. Only half of the prespecified outcomes were reported. In total, 88 (25.3%) of the 348 outcomes were classified as patient important, reflecting how a patient feels, functions, and survives. Salutogenic outcomes were rare (3.4%). To conclude, variation in the choice of outcomes for management of term labor as well as the discrepancy between chosen and reported outcomes were large. Harmonization of perinatal outcome measures, based on consensus between researchers, clinicians, and families, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to: 1. Establish the median gestational age of spontaneous labour for low-risk nulliparas. 2. Examine the variation in mode of delivery and short-term neonatal outcomes with gestation at onset of spontaneous labour.Study Design: This is a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at a tertiary obstetric unit. The study population was 12, 323 low risk nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies who experienced spontaneous onset of labour. The study period was over seven years, from Jan 1st 2011 to 31st Dec 2017. Exclusion criteria were multiparity, multi-fetal pregnancy, booking after 14 weeks gestation, antepartum or intrapartum death, or any obstetric or fetal indication for delivery with the exception of post-maturity. Gestation of onset of spontaneous labour, demographic variables and maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was median gestational age at onset of spontaneous labour and its distribution at term. Secondary outcomes were mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes including low-apgar score and NICU admission.Results: 12, 323 patients were eligible for inclusion. Median gestation for onset of labour was 40.1 weeks gestation, with 80.5% of spontaneous labour occurs by 41 + 0 weeks gestation. The risk of assisted delivery (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23 - 1.42), caesarean section (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.88-2.51) and low-apgar scores (RR 3.13 95% CI 1.50-6.55) increased significantly with spontaneous labour after 41 weeks' gestation.Conclusions: Nulliparous women with low-risk pregnancies are most likely to experience spontaneous labour between 40 + 0 and 40 + 6. 80.5% of spontaneous labour occurred by 41 + 0 weeks gestation. Assisted vaginal delivery, caesarean section and low-apgar scores were significantly more likely with spontaneous labour after 41 weeks' gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the relationship between intrapartum contraction frequency, rest interval duration, and cervical dilation speed and the risk of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).Study Design: This was a retrospective case-control study conducted in a maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Babies born without major congenital anomalies between September 2006 and November 2017 at ≥ 35 + 0 weeks' gestational age were eligible. Cases were diagnosed with moderate-severe HIE. The controls were the first eligible baby born before and after each case with normal Apgar scores and not admitted to the neonatal unit. Intrapartum uterine activity was assessed by automated analysis of external tocography recordings. Cervical dilation was assessed by linear interpolation between vaginal examination measurements. The speed of cervical dilation was expressed as the times from 4 to 6 cm, >6 cm to the start of pushing, and from pushing to delivery.Results: Intrapartum tocographs results were available in 49 of 88 cases and 121 of 176 controls. The median contraction rate in cases was 7.7 (Interquartile range [IQR]: 6.6-9.0) compared to 7.0 in controls (IQR: 6.2-7.9) (p = 0.021). The median rest interval duration was 56 s (IQR: 38-76) in cases and 62 s (IQR: 50-79) in controls (p = 0.058). Cases took longer to progress from > 6 cm to the start of pushing (cases: 02:58 [01:14-04:49], controls: 01:48 [00:51-03:34], p = 0.020) and from pushing to delivery (cases: 00:34 [00:24-01:10], controls: 00:27 [00:13-00:56], p = 0.036).Conclusions: Higher contraction frequencies and slower progress towards the end of labour are both independently associated with the risk of moderate-severe HIE. Inter-contraction rest interval duration as measured by external tocography does not provide additional accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We analyzed the incidence of obese and severely obese parturients and the impact of maternal obesity on mode of delivery, perinatal and neonatal mortality, and neonatal health.Study Design: We included all singleton births from the medical birth register of Finland from 2004 to 2018 (n = 792 437). Maternal body mass index (BMI) was categorized into three classes: non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2), obese (BMI 30 - 39.9 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more). The yearly incidence of obese and severely obese parturients per 10000 births was calculated. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: Between 2004 and 2018, the incidence of obese and morbidly obese parturients increased by 44% and 103%, respectively. Cesarean section rates were 23.6% and 30%, respectively (aOR 1.63 CI 1.61 - 1.66 and 2.33 CI: 2.23 - 2.44). Neonates born to morbidly obese parturients had an increased need for intensive care unit treatment (aOR 2.21 CI: 2.10 - 2.32), higher perinatal mortality (aOR 1.65 CI: 1.28 - 2.14), and higher neonatal mortality (aOR 1.68 CI: 1.04 - 2.72). The need for neonatal intensive care (aOR 1.50 CI: 1.47 - 1.53), perinatal mortality (aOR 1.25 CI: 1.13 - 1.39), and neonatal mortality (aOR 1.33 CI: 1.09 - 1.62) increased also among obese parturients.Conclusions: We report a worrying increase in obese and morbidly obese parturients. Neonates born to these parturients were more likely delivered by cesarean sections and had higher rates of perinatal and neonatal mortality, and intensive care unit treatment. This highlights the importance of preventing obesity among fertile-aged females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the accuracy of intrapartum fetal heart rate abnormalities as defined by National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines to predict moderate-severe neonatal encephalopathy of apparent hypoxic-ischemic etiology.Study Design: A case-control study of HIE risk factors was conducted. Eligible babies were born in a single maternity hospital in Dublin, Ireland between September 2006, and November 2017 at ≥35 + 0 weeks' gestational age. Cases were eligible babies with moderate-severe neonatal encephalopathy of definite or apparent hypoxic-ischemic etiology. Controls were eligible babies born before and after each case with normal Apgar scores. The included subjects who had intrapartum fetal heart rate recordings were identified. Pattern features (baseline rate, variability, accelerations, decelerations [early, late, variable, prolonged], bradycardia, sinusoidal pattern) were manually identified blind to all clinical details by one of the authors. Each 15-minute segment was then algorithmically categorized (uninterpretable, normal, suspicious, pathological).Results: Of 88 cases and 176 controls, 71 cases (81%) and 146 controls (83%) were admitted to the delivery suite in labor. From that group, intrapartum FHR traces longer than 15 min were available for 52 (73%) cases and 118 (83%) controls. The FHR pattern feature with the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was the maximum number of consecutive segments in which the baseline was >160 bpm (0.71 [95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.80]). The category variable with the highest area under the curve was the number of suspicious segments (0.76 [95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.84]). A tri-variate logistic regression model incorporating the total number of segments, the number of "suspicious" segments classed, and the number of "pathological" segments achieved an area under the curve of 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.86). With 95% specificity, this model correctly identified 17 cases (33%) at a median time before delivery of 2 h and 18 min (interquartile range: 01:19-04:40).Conclusions: The power of fetal heart rate analysis to predict neonatal encephalopathy is hampered by poor specificity given the rarity of the outcome. When analyzing a suspicious trace, it is beneficial to consider the overall duration of the suspicious pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Labour pain is a constantly increasing pain. This study thus aims to determine the effects of acupressure and shower on labour pain and postpartum comfort.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), the control group consisted of 40 pregnant women, while the experimental groups consisted of 80 pregnant women in total. The experimental groups received routine labour care and either acupressure or showers upon reaching three cervical dilations (4-5, 6-7 and 8-10 cm). The control group only received routine labour care. A maternal information form (MIF), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ) were used to collect data.Results: Pain was significantly reduced in both of the experimental groups, in contrast to the control group, in all periods of the study (p < 0.001). Postpartum comfort also significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Acupressure and showering are effective in reducing labour pain and increasing postpartum comfort. Midwives and nurses can therefore apply them as inexpensive and easy to administer methods for labour pain relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Prolonged second stage of labor could be associated with an increase in maternal and neonatal morbidity. However, in France, no consensual definition of prolonged 2nd stage of labor exists and therefore factors associated with prolonged second stage have not yet been studied. From national population-based data, we aimed at defining the prolonged 2nd stage of labor in France and identifying its associated factors for women with epidural.Study Design: From the French national perinatal survey of 2016, we included all women who reached 2nd stage of labor and delivered at term of a singleton infant in cephalic presentation. We studied the distribution of the duration of the 2nd stage according to parity and defined prolonged 2nd stage as the 90th percentile. Among women with epidural, factors associated with a prolonged 2nd stage of labor were then explored by univariate and multilevel multivariable analysis, to take the cluster effect into account. The proportional change of variance was estimated for each multivariate model.Results: Among the 8154 women included, 3574 were nulliparous and 4580 multiparous. Prolonged second stage was defined as a duration of more than 89.6 min and 30.6 min for nulliparous and multiparous women without epidural; and respectively 185.7 min and 120.1 min for women with epidural analgesia. The factors associated with prolonged 2nd stage of labor were respectively for nulliparous and multiparous women, macrosomia (aOR 1.74 [1.03-2.94] and ORa 2.52 [1.69-3.76]), prenatal preparation classes (aOR 1.47 [1.04-2.08] and aOR 1.56 [1.21-2.01]), a prolonged 1st stage (aOR 1.47 [1.14-1.87] and aOR 1.52 [1.19-1.95]) and delivery in a public maternity unit (aOR 2.68 [1.50-4.78] and aOR 3.12 [1.88-5.17]). Women's characteristics accounted for 3.4% of the variance and maternity organizational characteristics for 26.1%.Conclusion: In France, prolonged 2nd stage of labor can be defined as a 2nd stage exceeding 3 h in nulliparous and 2 h in multiparous women with epidural analgesia. The identification of its associated factors allows determining a target population of women at risk of prolonged 2nd stage and improve their 2nd stage's management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate neonatal fever and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in febrile laboring women and assess whether the time interval between epidural analgesia (EA) administration and chorioamnionitis is associated with these complications.Methods: A retrospective cohort study at a university affiliated medical center between 2003 and 2015. Included were women who underwent term vaginal delivery attempt and diagnosed with chorioamnionitis. The primary outcomes compared between febrile women with and without EA were neonatal fever and adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. The association between time from EA to fever (<6, 6-12, >12 h) and maternal and neonatal complications was also assessed.Results: During the study period, 1,933 women with chorioamnionitis were assessed. Of them, 1,810 (93.6%) received EA prior to fever and 123 (6.4%) febrile parturients did not receive EA. Neonatal fever and other neonatal adverse outcomes were similar in the EA vs. non-EA group (2.2% vs. 0.8% and 2.7% vs. 4.9% (NS)), except for transient tachypnea of the newborn rates which were lower in the EA group (1.4% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.043). Maternal complications were similar, besides for higher rates of instrumental deliveries found in the EA group (24.0% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). Time between EA and fever onset was not associated with neonatal complications in logistic regression analysis.Conclusion: Neonatal and maternal outcomes are similar in febrile laboring women with and without EA. The time interval between EA and onset of fever is not associated with increased rates of neonatal fever or adverse outcomes and should not affect the management of labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Currently, the most common indication for cesarean section is a previous cesarean section. Some of them are performed for no medical reasons. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the preferences and expectations of women concerning birth after cesarean section. This study's main aim was to understand the women's points of view on the mode of birth after cesarean.Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data was collected using an original structured online questionnaire. The study group consisted of 733 pregnant Polish women who had previously undergone a cesarean birth.Results: Women more often preferred vaginal birth after cesarean section (73.26%) and less frequently (23.33%) chose elective cesarean section. Women preferring VBAC when making decisions were guided by the benefits, opportunities, and risks associated with each mode of birth. For women preferring elective cesarean section the only highly significant factor was the experience of previous deliveries. Women mainly use Internet sources and the support of other women giving birth after cesarean section. More than half of the women did not talk about the mode of birth with their midwife, and every fifth did not talk about it with the obstetrician.Conclusion: Obstetric history and personal beliefs about birth after cesarean section, motivations, and concerns about childbirth affect women's preferences regarding the mode of birth. It is necessary to educate women, in particular, talks about the opportunities and risks associated with cesarean birth carried out by the medical staff at an early stage of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Many women will seek information online about induction of labour. However, the quality of the available information varies greatly and there are no regulations regarding the content that is published. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the quality of online health information on induction of labour.Study Design: We established a bespoke search strategy with our public and patient representative using common induction of labour search terms. In January 2021 we used the metasearch engines Dogpile, Duckduckgo and Ecosia to identify relevant websites and additional searches were undertaken using different google platforms. We included all open access websites in English which provided specific advice to women on induction of labour. We assessed the quality of the websites for their credibility, accuracy, readability, and content quality in duplicate. The websites were compared according to their source of funding, target user and whether they were pregnancy specific websites or generic. There was no funding for this project.Results: We screened 2875 websites from the searches. 221 websites were included out of which only 45 (20%) were pregnancy specific and 109 (50%) had governmental funding. Generic websites had higher credibility (median 6.0 vs 5.5; p = 0.031), accuracy (median 10.75 vs 9.5; p = 0.042) and quality scores (median 45.0 vs 40.0; p = 0.036) than pregnancy specific ones. Those with governmental funding had higher quality scores than commercially funded ones for credibility (median 6.5 vs 5.5; p = 0.002), accuracy (median 13.5 vs 9.0; p < 0.000), readability (72.2 vs 61.2; p = 0.001) and quality (51.0 vs 38.5; p=<0.000).Conclusions: The quality of online health information on induction of labour is varied. Governmental websites seem to offer better quality information to pregnant women awaiting induction of labour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare intracervical (IC) and intravaginal (IV) application of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for labor induction in term pregnancies with unfavorable cervix.Study Design: This prospective randomized trial included 212 pregnant women with term pregnancy and unfavorable cervix randomly assigned for labor induction with either IC (0.5 mg) or IV (2 mg) PGE2 formulation. Main outcome measured was time interval from labor induction to delivery. Difference in mode of delivery and adverse perinatal outcomes between two studied groups was also investigated. Significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: Studied groups did not significantly differ regarding main characteristics such as age, parity, body mass index or Bishop score. Women in IV group compared to those in IC group had shorter induction to delivery time interval (p < 0.001) and induction to active phase time interval (p = 0.001), higher prevalence of vaginal delivery within 24 h of labor induction (63,3% vs 40,6%, p = 0.002) and higher prevalence of successful induction of labor (95,9% vs. 86,5%, p = 0.020). The analysis did not reveal significant difference in mode of delivery between groups (p = 0.453) or other adverse perinatal outcomes.Conclusion: IV application of PGE2 compared to IC application is more efficacious and comparably safe for labor induction in term pregnancies with unfavorable cervix and should be the method of choice for labor induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main reasons for the rising caesarean section rate is labor progression abnormalities. New guidelines were released promoting the changing paradigm from Friedman to Zhang's labor curves. However, the lack of evidence of its safety and the unclear effect on caesarean section rates have been challenging its adoption.Objective: Comparison between women with Friedman's criteria of arrested labor and women with Zhang's in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes.Materials and Methods: Retrospective, single-center cohort study in a tertiary hospital between January 1st 2015 and December 31st of 2016.Exclusion Criteria: preterm or multiple deliveries, women without entering the active stage of labor, scheduled caesarean deliveries. Women were classified into 3 groups: normal progress, labor arrest by Friedman's criteria or by Zhang's criteria. Maternal morbidity included thrombotic, hemorrhagic, traumatic, infectious, and "total" (any of the previous morbidities). Adverse neonatal outcomes were assessed as a composite. Single and multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain the odd ratio (ORs) of each group and by stage of labor. Statistical significance threshold was set at 0,05.Results: From a total number of 5051 deliveries, 3665 deliveries were included in the study, 2839 with normal labor progression, 426 with labor arrest according to Friedman's criteria and 400 according to Zhang's criteria. Regarding neonatal outcomes, no significant differences were observed. Compared to normal labor, labor arrest was significantly associated with higher total maternal morbidity (OR for Friedman's criteria 3.04; 95% confidence interval, 2.26-4.09; OR for Zhang's criteria 3.59; 2.68-4.80), maternal hemorrhagic (OR for Friedman's criteria 2.87; 1.81-4.55; OR for Zhang's criteria 2.80; 1.75-4.49) and infectious morbidity (OR for Friedman's criteria 3.56; 2.44-5.18; OR for Zhang's criteria 4.77; 3.34-6.80). Results were still significant after adjustment for confounders. Comparing Friedman's and Zhang's criteria, no significant differences regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes were verified.Conclusion: Changing criteria of labor arrest from Friedman's to Zhang's was not associated with more maternal morbidity in our study population nor worse neonatal outcomes. Changing labor arrest criteria from Friedman's to Zhang's may reduce caesarean section rates without an important increase in maternal and neonatal morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of priming the uterine cervix before Manual Vaccum Aspiration (MVA) using 200 µg or 400 µg of vaginal misoprostol, inserted a mean time of 6 h before MVA in first trimester miscarriage.Study Design: Randomized, triple-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. Patients between 18 and 50 years old, with a diagnosis of miscarriage, were eligible for the study. Patients were allocated to receive either 200 μg or 400 µg of misoprostol before the MVA. The primary outcome was the need to dilate the uterine cervix with mechanical dilators (Hegar dilators). As a secondary outcome, cervical dilatation ≥8 mm before the procedure was considered successful. A difference of <25% was considered as non-inferior.Results: Between December 21, 2016 and October 6, 2019, 269 women were screened. After screening, 105 and 106 women received 200 µg and 400 µg of misoprostol, respectively. Mechanical cervical dilatation was not necessary in 84.8% (95%CI 77% to 90%) and 96.2% (95%CI 91% to 99%), in the 200 µg and 400 µg groups, respectively [difference = 11.5% (95%CI 3.7% to 19.2%). Cervical dilatation of ≥8 mm was 52.4% (95%CI 42.9% to 61.7%) in the 200 µg misoprostol group, while in the 400 µg group was 71.7% (95%CI 62.5% to 79.4%) [difference = 19.3% (95%CI 6.5 to 32.2).Conclusion: After a mean time of 6 h, 200 µg of vaginal misoprostol is not inferior to 400 µg of misoprostol for cervical priming before MVA, in first trimester miscarriage. This non-inferiority was not observed when the ≥8 mm criterion was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study is aimed at evaluating the characteristics of the pelvic floor, assessed through transperineal ultrasound, since it may influence or increase the possibility of having a cesarean delivery, with the objective of acting on those variables that can be modified during pregnancy.Study Design: Transperineal ultrasound was performed on 109 primiparous pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy, recruited between May 2018 and February 2019, with the purpose of studying the hiatus area at rest, retention and Valsalva. We have reassessed them at the end of pregnancy and delivery data were recorded. We selected 8 patients as case-study, who had cesarean section delivery due to failure of labor progression. We selected 4 control-cases for each, reaching the total of 32 controls, with similar age and body mass index, to avoid obtaining a biased result from these data.Results: In the study of hiatal areas, patients who delivered by cesarean section had a smaller hiatal area at rest, during levator ani muscle contraction and during Valsalva maneuver, at all visits. In early pregnancy, the range of the resting hiatal area was 13.8 ± 2.0 cm2 for cesarean sections, compared to 16.2 ± 2.7 cm2 for vaginal deliveries with an OR of 0.57 (0.34-0.95, 95% CI). For hiatal area on Valsalva, the OR was 0.55 (0.35-0.88, 95% CI). Therefore, the smaller the hiatal area, the greater the possibility of cesarean section. At the end of pregnancy, between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation, the OR of hiatal area on Valsalva was 0.78 (0.60-1.00, 95% CI).Conclusion: The hiatus area measured by transperineal ultrasonography at the beginning and at the end of the pregnancy may be useful to identify the patients who are at a higher risk of cesarean delivery due to failure of labor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: After 41 weeks, the labor induction term varies according to countries and obstetrical teams. The French recommendations are not to exceed 41 weeks 6 days. However, there are no data on the percentage of nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks going into spontaneous labor within five or six days.Objective: The objective was to establish the rate of spontaneous labor within five days amongst nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks, and to identify the maternal and obstetrical factors associated with this spontaneous labor.Materials and Methods: Retrospective study in a University Hospital Maternity between January 1st and December 31st 2017. All nulliparous women with a cephalic fetal presentation and unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks (Bishop ≤ 3) were included. The maximum term for induced labor was set at 41 weeks 5 days. The population was divided into two groups: spontaneous labor and induced labor (induction between 41 weeks and 41 weeks 4 days for medical indications or maternal wish and induction at 41 weeks 5 days for full term). The maternal and obstetrical characteristics of the two groups at 41 weeks were compared as well as the maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results: The rate of spontaneous labor among the 269 women included was 38.3% (n = 103/269). At 41 weeks, the presence of painful uterine contractions and a Bishop score of 3 were associated with spontaneous labor within five days (p < 0.01). The Bishop score criteria most associated with spontaneous labor were cervical dilation and fetal station. The cesarean delivery rate was 20.4% in the group of women with spontaneous labor versus 41.0% in the group of induced labor (p < 0.01). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of neonatal outcome.Conclusion: Among nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks, almost 40 % will have a spontaneous onset of labor within five days. The only factors found to be associated with this onset of labor are the presence of painful uterine contractions and a higher Bishop score at 41 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this integrative literature review was to appraise studies conducted worldwide using misoprostol and estradiol in converting Type 3 transformation zone (TZ) of the cervix into Types 1 or 2 and to assess which regimen could be more feasible in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We reviewed the English language literature for peer-reviewed studies that evaluated strategies to convert Type 3 TZs to Types 1 or 2 for cervical cancer screening. Web of Science and PubMed searches were performed up to July 2020. Search terms included: "cervical colposcopy," "inadequate colposcopy", "cervical cancer screening", "transformation zone," "estrogen", "estradiol", and "misoprostol." Inclusion criteria were articles published in the English language, original research, and peer reviewed articles. A total of 127 articles were abstracted, 24 articles were reviewed, and 9 articles met all inclusion criteria. We found that intravaginal misoprostol, intravaginal estradiol, and oral estradiol can successfully convert Type 3 TZ to Types 1 or 2. A single dose of vaginal misoprostol had a similar maximum response rate (20-80%) to a multi-dose regimen over several days or weeks of both intravaginal estradiol (64-83%) and oral estradiol (50-70%). Misoprostol administration was associated with more side effects such as abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding compared to estradiol, although these were generally mild. In conclusion, Oral estradiol, intravaginal estradiol, and intravaginal misoprostol can be used to convert Type 3 TZ to Types 1 or 2. Intravaginal misoprostol is well tolerated and more feasible in LMICs due to availability and shorter treatment schedule compared to oral or intravaginal estradiol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study examined the association between resting heart rate (RHR) of early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese population.Methods: As retrospective study, medical data of 15,092 pregnant women gave birth in 2019 was collected and analyzed. The pregnant women's age, educational level, pre-pregnancy body weight, height, parity, family history of diabetes, lipid profile, blood pressure and RHR were recorded during 11 ∼ 13+6 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between maternal characteristics and RHR and GDM. And we further evaluated the predictive roll of RHR in different sub-groups defined by their body mass index (BMI), age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol and triglyceride.Results: 2313 women (15.33%) were diagnosed as GDM according to 75 g OGTT. According to the quartile value of RHR, the subjects were divided into four groups. Risk of GDM increased significantly as RHR increased. In the fully adjusted model, ORs(95%CI) for the lowest vs highest quartiles of heart rate were 1(as reference), 1.14(0.97 ∼ 1.33), 1.25(1.05 ∼ 1.40), 1.41(1.21 ∼ 1.62), respectively. In the subgroup's analysis, we found the relationship between RHR and risk of GDM was evident in women with low and normal BMI; with normal fasting plasma; and normal serum lipid level.Conclusion: The current study shows early-pregnancy maternal RHR is associated with potential risk of developing GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the long-term effects of antenatal aspirin exposure on child health and neurodevelopmental outcome beyond the perinatal period.Study Design: PubMed, Embase.com, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched from inception through 5 November 2020. We performed a cited-reference search and ClinicalTrials.gov was searched on 20 October 2020 to identify trial results that were not reported elsewhere. We included randomized controlled trials reporting on health-related outcomes in children (aged > 28 days) exposed to aspirin versus placebo or no treatment during pregnancy. Studies with any dose or duration of aspirin use were included. We excluded studies evaluating other antiplatelet agents or non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool for the original randomized controlled trials and the QUIPS for the follow-up studies. Results are presented as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).Results: The search yielded 6,907 unique records. Two studies were included, containing 4,168 children at age 12 months and 5,153 children at 18 months. Children were exposed to aspirin 50-60 mg versus placebo or no treatment. At 12 months, post-neonatal mortality was lower after allocation to aspirin (0.2% versus 0.5%; RR 0.28, 95%CI 0.08-0.99) in a single study. At 18 months, fewer children were found to have (gross and fine) motor problems (RR 0.49, 95%CI 0.26-0.91) after antenatal aspirin exposure in one study. No differences were found in mortality rate; the proportion of children with a short stature or low weight; or respiratory, hearing or visual problems at 18 months. Both included studies had a high risk of bias.Conclusion: The two included studies showed evidence of potential benefit of antenatal low-dose aspirin on mortality and neurodevelopment up to the age of 18 months. Our findings support the current application of low-dose aspirin in pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. However, further follow-up research of children who were exposed to low-dose aspirin during pregnancy is of utmost importance to exclude potential long-term harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To introduce the concept of extended or prolonged mechanical balloon labour induction as opposed to pharmacological methods and amniotomy after single balloon expulsion, by the novel use of side-by-side Foley catheter balloons. This method is of particular relevance when there is prior uterine surgery, fetal reserve is uncertain, the risk of vertical infection is high, or facilities for labour monitoring are limited.Study Design: We conducted simulation studies to compare balloon circumferences and resistance to passage through a simulation cervix between different gauge, fluid distension volume and number of Foley catheters. We describe an illustrative clinical case.Results: In simulation studies we found modest increases in Foley catheter balloon circumference with increased catheter gauge and with increasing volume of distending fluid. We found that retention of Foley balloon(s) by a flexible simulated cervix was increased with the gauge, distending volume and number of balloons used side-by-side. We describe the case of a mother with pre-eclampsia with severe features and compromised fetal reserve in whom the side-by-side balloon method achieved spontaneous delivery after a single balloon had been expelled without labour commencing.Conclusions: Institutional protocols for Balloon labour inductions should take into account the characteristics of locally-available balloon catheters. Further research is justified to determine the usefulness of extended mechanical labour induction with side-by-side balloon catheters, particularly with prior caesarean section, uncertain fetal reserve and settings with limited fetal monitoring capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Perinatal mortality after previable prelabor rupture of membranes (previable PROM) might be underestimated as most studies exclude patients with poor prognosis, or solely include patients in tertiary-care centers. We aimed to report perinatal, neonatal and long-term outcomes in a consecutive series of women with pregnancies complicated by previable PROM.Study Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study including women with singleton pregnancies and previable PROM ≤ 23+6 weeks gestational age (GA) from one tertiary hospital and eight affiliated secondary hospitals in the region of Amsterdam, the Netherlands (June 2012 until January 2016, PPROMEXIL-III cohort). Exclusion criteria were signs of active labor before onset of PROM or fetal structural anomalies visible at ultrasound. We assessed perinatal mortality. Furthermore, outcomes were maternal, perinatal, neonatal and long-term child characteristics.Results: We included 98 pregnancies with previable PROM. Twelve women (12.2%) opted for termination of pregnancy, resulting in 86 pregnancies included in further analyses. Median GA at PROM was 20+2 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 17+6-22+0). Median GA at delivery was 22+6 weeks (IQR 20+1-26+4). Delivery within 1 week occurred in 38.4% of women and 60.4% delivered before 24 weeks GA (viability). Perinatal mortality occurred in 73.3% of pregnancies. 23/33 (69.7%) live-born neonates survived to discharge, representing 26.7% of total. None of the children died after discharge. Developmental data at two and/or five years of age was available for 13/23 children (i.e. all children born before 32 weeks of gestation), with 69.2% of children reporting a normal neurodevelopment. However, more than half of children reported respiratory problems.Conclusion: In women with previable PROM perinatal mortality was 73.3%, with a normal neurodevelopment in 69.2% of surviving children with follow-up data. Due to broad inclusion criteria, this cohort represents a population more generalizable to daily practice as compared to previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of combing Shangliao point injection with epidural analgesia on labor pain and birth process in women with low back pain and the possible mechanisms.Methods: 93 consecutive women were randomized to receive either Shangliao point injection combined with epidural analgesia or epidural analgesia. Another 14 women were recruited to explore the mechanisms and the transperineal ultrasound was performed accordingly.Results: The main result duration from epidural analgesia to baby delivery was significantly shorter in epidural analgesia and saline injection group than that in epidural analgesia group 307.0 (175.0-445.0) min VS 369.0 (254.0-563.0) min (P = 0.02). The verbal numerical rate scaling score in low back during the first contraction was significantly decreased 5.0 (4.0-7.0) after Shangliao point injections (P < 0.001). The consumption of ropivacaine per hour was significantly less in epidural analgesia and saline injection group than in epidural analgesia group (-0.4 mg, 95%CI: -0.1 to -1.8; P = 0.03). The angle of progression and anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus at rest and during valsalva were significantly increased after shangliao point injection (7.10°, 95%CI, 1.50~12.70; P = 0.02); (9.10°, 95%CI, 3.60~14.58; P < 0.01); (0.27 cm, 95%CI, 0.03~0.51; P = 0.03); (0.30 cm, 95%CI, 0.13~0.48; P < 0.01).Conclusions: Shangliao point injection could shorten the time to baby delivery and rapidly relieve low back pain in addition to epidural analgesia, that may attribute to its function of relaxing the pelvic floor muscles and promote fetal head progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with recurrent short interpregnancy interval (IPI) in women in their third delivery.Methods: A retrospective computerized database study of all women who delivered their first three consecutive deliveries in a single tertiary medical center over 20 years (1999-2019). Maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with recurrent short IPI (<6 months between the 1st and 2nd pregnancy and the 2nd and 3rd pregnancy) were compared to women with recurrent optimal IPI (18-48 months), and to women with a single short IPI (<6 months between the 1st and 2nd pregnancy followed by an optimal IPI of 18-48 months between the 2nd and 3rd pregnancy). Additionally, in the recurrent short IPI groups, outcomes of the 2nd and 3rd pregnancies were compared in order to achieve an ideal adjustment to background characteristics. Univariate analysis was followed by multiple logistic regression models; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Results: During the study period 10,569 women had three consecutive deliveries at our medical center, of those 338 (3.2%) women had recurrent short IPIs, and 1,021 (9.7%) had recurrent optimal IPIs. Recurrent short IPI was associated with a significantly higher risk of maternal anemia (Hb < 10gr%) on admission to labor (aOR 3.4 [95% CI 1.09-10.65], p = 0.04) and higher risk of small for gestational age neonates (aOR 10.4 [95% CI 2.32-46.93], p < 0.01), as compared with women with recurrent optimal IPI and significantly higher rates of low neonatal birth weights (2500 gr) and anemia (Hb < 10gr%) alongside lower rates of operative vaginal deliveries as compared with women with single short IPI followed by an optimal IPI. In the recurrent short IPI groups, the 3rd deliveries had significantly higher rates of in-labor cesarean and anemia (Hb < 10gr%) on admission as compared to their 2nd deliveries.Conclusion: Recurrent short IPI is associated with maternal anemia and small for gestational age neonates. Guiding patients towards prolongation of the IPI should include explanatory comments on these outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Forceps delivery is associated with a higher risk of maternal birth trauma. It is speculated that it is due to sub-optimal use of forceps in inexperienced hands. The aim of this study was to determine the association between time of forceps birth and prevalence of levator avulsion over the last six decades.Study Design: This was a retrospective analysis of datasets of women with a history of forceps delivery, seen at a tertiary urogynaecological centre between January 2014 and August 2018. They had undergone a standardized interview, clinical examination and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound. Archived imaging data was reviewed for levator avulsion offline at a later date, blinded against all clinical data. Associations between levator avulsion, maternal age at first vaginal birth, the weight of the first vaginally born baby, and time since forceps delivery categorised by decade were tested by univariable analysis. Factors found to be significant on univariable analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to test the association between prevalence of levator avulsion and time of forceps delivery while controlling for confounders.Results: In total, 2026 patients were seen during the study period. Among them 511 (25.2%) had a history of forceps delivery. Fourteen volume datasets were incomplete or missing, leaving 497 complete datasets for analysis. Mean age at presentation was 58 ± 12 years (23-91). Mean body mass index was 29 ± 6 kg/m2. Mean age at first delivery was 25 ± 5 years. Mean birth weight of the first vaginal birth was 3454 ± 557 g. 457 women (92%) had had one forceps delivery, 31 had two forceps deliveries (6%) and 9 had three forceps deliveries (2%). Mean time interval between forceps delivery and assessment was 32 ± 13 years (0.3-64.8). 229 women (46%) were diagnosed with levator avulsion. The prevalence of avulsion after forceps increased significantly from 34% to 56% between 1950 and 2017 (P = 0.04). However this difference became insignificant when controlling for maternal age at 1st vaginal delivery and birth weight.Conclusions: We found no evidence of a changed prevalence of levator avulsion at forceps delivery over the last 67 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Consent on the labour ward is a complex and controversial topic which is poorly understood. Consenting labouring women is recognised as challenging and problematic, and thus, it is uncertain that pregnant women experience true informed consent during labour. This project aims to explore healthcare professionals' views and experiences of consent practice on the labour ward.Design: Qualitative research performed in a tertiary hospital labour ward in Central London with 5500 patients annually. Eleven obstetricians and seven midwives participated. In-depth one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed by thematic analysis.Results: Three themes were identified: 1) The value of women's choice: healthcare professionals framed consent as an agreement process rather than an exercise of choice. Implicit paternalism was evident with some healthcare professionals imposing their own recommendations upon patients. 2) Communicating risk: many participants viewed full risk communication, including extremely rare risk disclosure as their duty to ensure the validity of obstetric consent despite the risk of overwhelming women. 3) Law and professional practice: many healthcare professionals lacked knowledge of the implications to practice of current law.Conclusion: Healthcare professionals' experiences of consent on the labour ward reflect uncertainties and ambiguities in consent practice such that it sometimes falls short of legal and professional requirements. Difficulties in discussing risk with women in an appropriate way at an appropriate time threatens the lawfulness of consent. If consent is to remain as the legal standard of autonomy, we recommend the provision of specialist training to assist professionals in providing timely consultation dialogues which endorse women's right to choose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the incidence of uterine rupture (UR), and evaluate risk factors, management, and associated maternal and perinatal outcomes.Study Design: This multicentre prospective population-based study involved six regions in Italy accounting for 49% of national births. The study population comprised all women aged 11-59 years delivering at ≥22 gestational weeks with a diagnosis of UR from September 2014 to August 2016. Maternal and pregnancy characteristics and information on potential risk factors were collected. Unadjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed with respect to the background population.Results: In total, 74 cases of UR occurred among the study population (rate 0.16/1000 pregnancies; mean age 34 years; 14 perinatal deaths, one maternal death). A significantly higher risk of UR was observed for maternal age ≥ 35 years (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.00-2.51), multiparity (RR = 5.71, 95% CI 3.14-10.04), previous caesarean section (RR = 20.5, 95% CI 11.11-37.74) and uterine scarring (RR = 6.44, 95% CI 2.94-14.12). A significant association was observed between UR and caesarean section as the mode of delivery (RR = 27.9, 95% CI 10.2-76.5) and gestational age < 37 weeks (RR = 11.82, 95% CI 7.46-18.71).Conclusions: This study found a low rate of UR compared with other European countries, probably due to the high rate of primary caesarean sections and to resistance towards trial of labour and vaginal delivery after caesarean section among obstetricians in Italy. The unforeseen increase in caesarean sections -and, as a result, an increase in placenta accreta spectrum disorders, peripartum hysterectomy and related maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality as a consequence of previous uterine scarring - failed to ensure better maternal and perinatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: S100B and cardiac troponin T (c-TnT) are relevant biomarkers at birth of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and myocardial ischemia secondary to metabolic acidosis during labor, respectively. The purpose was to assess in-utero changes in S100B and c-TnT levels in an experimental model of labor-like acidosis.Methods: Repeated umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) in ten experiments were performed in mild (phase A, 1 UCO/5 mn), moderate (phase B, 1 UCO/3 mn), and severe (phase C, 1 UCO/2 mn) period. The experiments were stopped if arterial pH reached 6.90.Results: UCOs resulted in fetal acidosis with pH dropping to 6.99 ±0.13. When compared to the baseline period fetal S100B increased between phases A and B (7% ± 4 vs 17% ± 13, p = 0.030) and between phases A and C (7% ± 4 vs 24% ± 8, p < 0.001). Fetal c-TnT serum levels increased during occlusions: 102 ng/L (58-119) in phase A, vs 119 ng/L (103-198) in phase B vs 169 ng / L (128-268) in phase C (p < 0.05, for all). When compared to the baseline control period, fetal ΔcTnT was significantly modified throughout UCO series: 5.0% (-3; 45) in phase A, 51% (4; 263) in phase B, and 77% (56.5; 269) in phase C (p < 0.05 for all).Conclusions: S100B and c-TnT increased when fetal acidosis occurred, which reflects the potential neurological damage and fetal cardiovascular adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Women with planned cesareans can require delivery before the scheduled date. However, data describing the morbidity associated with planned cesarean deliveries performed before the originally scheduled date is lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the morbidity associated with planned cesarean delivery performed before compared with on the scheduled date.Study Design: This retrospective single-center cohort study included all 3595 women with singleton pregnancies and cesarean deliveries after 36+6 weeks. All cases were reviewed individually to identify the initial intended mode of delivery, determined before 37 weeks. We excluded the 2145 (59.7%) unplanned cesareans initially planned as vaginal deliveries. Finally, the analysis included 1450 women with planned cesareans: 1232 (85.0%) performed as scheduled, and 218 (15.0%) before that date. The composite outcomes of maternal morbidity was one or more of the morbidity measures, including surgical complications, postpartum hemorrhage, infection and thrombo-embolism. Neonatal morbidity measures included 5 min Apgar score < 7, arterial cord blood pH < 7.00, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Results: Reasons for performing planned cesarean delivery before the scheduled date were as follows: onset of labor (n = 109; 50.0%), rupture of membranes (n = 85; 39.0%), preeclampsia (n = 9; 4.1%), scar pain in women with a previous cesarean (n = 6; 2.8%), unexplained vaginal bleeding (n = 5; 2.3%), and nonreassuring fetal heart rate (n = 4; 1.8%). Mean gestational age for planned cesarean deliveries before the scheduled date was 38.7 weeks ± 0.8 versus 39.2 weeks ± 0.7 for those performed when scheduled (P < 0.0001). The maternal morbidity composite outcome rate was significantly higher among planned cesareans performed early compared with those on the scheduled date: 18.3% vs 9.7%, respectively, P = 0.0002. It was still higher in the multivariable analysis: aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.46-3.21, P = 0.0001. The neonatal composite outcome did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusion: In planned cesarean deliveries, maternal morbidity is higher for cesareans performed before rather than on the scheduled date. Studies without accurate intent-to-treat analyses underestimate the morbidity associated with planned cesareans. Accordingly, medical records must make it possible to distinguish planned cesarean deliveries performed before the scheduled date from those performed as planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]