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Objective: The aim of the present open label randomized controlled trial was to compare the rate of cesarean section (CS) after elective induction with that of expectant management in low‐risk nulliparous women at 39 weeks. Methods: This randomized controlled trial from a tertiary maternity care center enrolled low risk nulliparous pregnant women at 38–38+4 weeks between April 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. Participants were randomized into either the elective induction group (e‐IOL) or the expectant management (EM) group though computer generated block randomization. The primary outcome was cesarean rate and the secondary outcome include adverse maternal and perinatal outcome between e‐IOL and EM groups. We performed intention to treat analysis. Results: A total of 360 women were enrolled into the present study. Analysis was performed for 179 women in the e‐IOL group and 180 women in the EM group. The baseline demographic characteristics including Bishop score were comparable between the groups. The CS rate in both groups was 17.3% (31/179) and 25% (45/180), which is comparable (P = 0.08). There was one intrapartum stillbirth in the e‐IOL group, and two babies succumbed in the neonatal period in the EM group. The maternal and perinatal outcomes between the groups were not found to be significantly different. Conclusion: Elective induction of low‐risk nulliparous women at 39 weeks was not associated with increased cesarean section rate. The maternal and perinatal outcomes were comparable. Large, multicentric real time randomized controlled trials are needed to understand the benefit of elective induction in low‐risk nulliparous women. This should include centers with large volume of deliveries especially from emerging countries also. Synopsis: Elective induction at 39 weeks is not associated with increased cesarean sections. However, routine elective induction cannot be generalized to all low‐risk women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global challenge of preterm birth persists with little or no progress being made to reduce its prevalence or mitigate its consequences, especially in low‐resource settings where health systems are less well developed. Improved delivery of respectful person‐centered care employing effective care models delivered by skilled healthcare professionals is essential for addressing these needs. These FIGO good practice recommendations provide an overview of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of the various care models for preventing and managing preterm birth across global contexts. We also highlight that continuity of care within existing, context‐appropriate care models (such as midwifery‐led care and group care), in primary as well as secondary care, is pivotal to delivering high quality care across the pregnancy continuum—prior to conception, through pregnancy and birth, and preparation for a subsequent pregnancy—to improve care to prevent and manage preterm birth. Synopsis: To mitigate preterm birth and its consequences, maternity models of care in all contexts should prioritize consistency and continuity of care and carer(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the Netherlands, antenatal cardiotocography (aCTG) to assess fetal well‐being is performed in obstetrician‐led care. An innovative initiative was started to evaluate whether aCTG for specific indications—reduced fetal movements, external cephalic version, or postdate pregnancy—is feasible in non‐obstetrician‐led care settings by independent primary care midwives. Quality assessment is essential when reorganizing and shifting tasks and responsibilities. Therefore, we aimed to assess the inter‐ and intraobserver agreement for aCTG assessments between and within four professional groups involved in Dutch maternity care regarding the overall classification and assessment of the various components of aCTG. Method: This was a prospective study among 47 Dutch primary care midwives, hospital‐based midwives, residents, and obstetricians. Ten aCTG traces were assessed twice at a 1 month interval. To ensure a representative sample, we used two different sets of 10 aCTG traces each. We calculated the degree of agreement using the proportions of agreement. Results: The proportions of agreement for interobserver agreement on the classification of aCTG between and within the four professional groups varied from 0.82 to 0.94. The proportions of agreement for each professional group were slightly higher for intraobserver (0.86–0.94) than for interobserver agreement. For the various aCTG components, the proportions of agreement for interobserver agreement varied from 0.64 (presence of contractions) to 0.98 (baseline heart frequency). Conclusion: The proportion of agreement levels between and within the maternity care professionals in the classification of aCTG traces among healthy women were comparable. This means that these professional groups are equally well able to classify aCTGs in healthy pregnant women. Synopsis: The proportion of agreement levels between and within professionals in midwife‐led and obstetrician‐led care in the classification of antenatal cardiotocography traces among healthy women are comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To study the impact of respectful maternity care (RMC) training of health care providers on RMC and birth satisfaction in mothers undergoing normal vaginal birth.A prospective interventional study was performed comparing RMC and birth satisfaction in women undergoing vaginal births before and after RMC training of health care providers from November 2021 to March 2023 in a tertiary care center in India. Person‐centered maternity care (PCMC) and birth satisfaction scale‐revised (BSSR) scales were used to study women's RMC and birth satisfaction, respectively.A total of 100 women undergoing normal vaginal birth were enrolled in pre‐ and post‐intervention phases. The intervention was done through formal and onsite training of health care providers in RMC. The mean total PCMC scale score in the post‐training group demonstrated a remarkable increase to 51.95 ± 6.50, significantly higher than the pre‐training mean of 32.82 ± 8.47 (P < 0.0001). The mean ± SD of the BSSR scale total score in the post‐training group increased significantly to 27.17 ± 3.67, surpassing the pre‐training mean of 21.19 ± 5.48 (P < 0.0001).The study showed significant improvement in RMC and birth satisfaction score in the post‐training group thereby emphasizing the importance of RMC training of health care providers in the facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: Scaling up postpartum and postabortion family planning requires stronger health system stewardship, community and private sector engagement, measurement, and financing. Maternal health leadership is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore inequalities in antenatal care (ANC) in South Korea. Based on the guidelines of the WHO, we categorized less than eight visits to an obstetrical facility as insufficient ANC. We examined ANC inequalities associated with age, disability, nationality, income, and geographic accessibility. Methods: We extracted delivery event claimed from 2013 to 2022 from the National Health Insurance Service database. By tracing back 270 days from the delivery date, we counted the number of antenatal visits for each childbirth and calculated the proportion of women with insufficient ANC and assessed both absolute and relative inequalities for each population group. The logistic regression analysis for both underuse and overuse of ANC were conducted. Results: Out of 3 416 517 childbirths, 104 109 women (3.0%) had fewer than eight ANC visits. Although the average number of ANC visits reached 18.7 in 2022, significant inequalities persisted across different population groups. The insufficient ANC rate was 28.1% for teenage women, 6.4% for disabled women, 10.7% for non‐Korean women, and 15.2% for dependents of medical aid households. Women with low income and those living in obstetric care underserved areas also exhibited higher ANC insufficiency. From 2021 to 2022, sufficiency in ANC decreased for teenage, disabled, and non‐Korean women, highlighting the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conclusion: Antenatal care inequalities are evident in South Korea's well‐resourced health system. There is a need for further investigation into these disparities and the qualitative aspects of maternity care services. Synopsis: Despite South Korea's well‐equipped health system, significant antenatal care inequalities exist, necessitating further exploration and qualitative analysis of maternity care gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To assess the frequency and determinants of medical interventions during childbirth without women's consent at the population level.The nationwide cross‐sectional Enquête Nationale Périnatale 2021 provided a representative sample of women who delivered in metropolitan France with a 2‐month postpartum follow‐up (n = 7394). Rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of interventions during childbirth (oxytocin administration, episiotomy or emergency cesarean section) without consent were calculated. Associations with maternal, obstetric, and organizational characteristics were assessed using robust variance Poisson regressions, after multiple imputation for missing covariates, and weighted to account for 2‐month attrition.Women reporting failure to seek consent were 44.7% (CI: 42.6–47.0) for oxytocin administration, 60.2% (CI: 55.4–65.0) for episiotomy, and 36.6% (CI: 33.3–40.0) for emergency cesarean birth. Lack of consent for oxytocin was associated with maternal birth abroad (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06–1.36), low education level, and increased cervical dilation at oxytocin initiation, whereas women with a birth plan reported less frequently lack of consent (aPR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68–0.92). Delivery assisted by an obstetrician was more often associated with lack of consent for episiotomy (aPR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11–1.94 for spontaneous delivery and aPR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.13–1.72 for instrumental delivery, reference: spontaneous delivery with a midwife). Cesarean for fetal distress was associated with failure to ask for consent for emergency cesarean delivery (aPR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.28–1.96).Women frequently reported that perinatal professionals failed to seek consent for interventions during childbirth. Reorganization of care, particularly in emergency contexts, training focusing on adequate communication and promotion of birth plans are necessary to improve women's involvement in decision making during childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pain that women experience during labor and childbirth is the central feature of parturition in humans. Despite improvement in the development of standards for pain assessment and treatment, labor pain is mostly ignored especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries resulting in unmeasured suffering from childbirth for mothers. Objectives: We aimed to provide a comprehensive estimation of the pooled magnitude and associated factors of labor pain management practices in Ethiopian public health facilities. Search Strategy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis statement. Electronic databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched from database inception to June 30, 2023. Selection Criteria: The inclusion criteria were established prior to article review and follows the population, intervention, comparison and outcome criterions. Data Collection and Analysis: We evaluated publication bias by means of funnel plots and Egger's test. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 statistics. For each associated factors in meta‐regressions, the pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted. A P value of 0.05 was used to determine the significance of the small study effect. Main Results: Our search terms yielded 17 studies with 5735 participants. The pooled prevalence of labor pain management practices in Ethiopia was 45.73% (95% CI: 39.13, 52.32; I2 = 96.4). Having adequate knowledge regarding labor pain management (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 2.74, 5.11; I2 = 53.8%), a favorable attitude toward labor pain management (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 2.03, 4.14; I2 = 63.8%), availability of labor analgesics (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.18, 4.79; I2 = 46.2%), and clinical experience of 10 or more years (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 2.06, 5.78; I2 = 19.0%) were factors that were statistically associated with the use of labor pain management practices. Conclusion: We concluded that the routine practices of labor pain management by obstetric health providers in Ethiopia are still low. Therefore, it remains important to call for holistic and inclusive interventions targeting maternity health providers and hospital officials to update their long‐standing practices. Registration: Registered in PROSPERO under protocol number CRD42023429140. Synopsis: Labor pain management practice in Ethiopia is still low. Formulating a systematic approach to implement pain management guidelines would be valuable across the maternity care pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Surgery for obstetric fistula is a highly effective treatment to restore continence and improve quality of life. However, a lack of data on the cost‐effectiveness of this procedure limits prioritization of this essential treatment. This study measures the effectiveness of fistula surgeries using disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted. Methods: In 2021 and 2022, the Fistula Foundation funded 20 179 fistula surgeries and related procedures at 143 hospitals among 27 countries. We calculated DALYs averted specifically for vesicovaginal fistula and rectovaginal fistula procedure types (n = 13 235 surgeries) by using disability weights from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. We based cost calculations on direct treatment expenses, including medical supplies, health provider fees, and preoperative and postoperative care. We measured effectiveness using data on the risk of permanent disability, country‐specific average life spans, and treatment outcomes. Results: The total treatment cost was $7.6 million, and a total of 131 433 DALYs were averted. Thus, the cost per DALY averted—the cost to restore 1 year of healthy life—was $58. For this analysis, we took a cautious approach and weighted only surgeries that resulted in a closed fistula with restored continence. We calculated DALYs averted by country. Limitations of the study include data entry errors inherent in patient logs and lack of long‐term outcomes. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates that obstetric fistula surgery, along with having a significant positive impact on maternal health outcomes, is highly cost‐effective in comparison with other interventions. The study therefore highlights the benefits of prioritizing fistula treatment as part of the global agenda for maternal health care. Synopsis: Obstetric fistula treatment is highly cost‐effective. The current study highlights the benefits of prioritizing fistula treatment as part of the global agenda for maternal health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal reports of decreased fetal movement (DFM) are a common reason to present to maternity care and are associated with stillbirth and other adverse outcomes. Promoting awareness of fetal movements and prompt assessment of DFM has been recommended to reduce stillbirths. However, evidence to guide clinical management of such presentations is limited. Educational approaches to increasing awareness of fetal movements in pregnant women and maternity care providers with the aim of reducing stillbirths have recently been evaluated in a several large clinical trials internationally. The International Stillbirth Alliance Virtual Conference in Sydney 2021 provided an opportunity for international experts in fetal movements to share reports on the findings of fetal movement awareness trials, consider evidence for biological mechanisms linking DFM and fetal death, appraise approaches to clinical assessment of DFM, and highlight research priorities in this area. Following this workshop summaries of the sessions prepared by the authors provide an overview of understandings of fetal movements in maternity care at the current time and highlights future directions in fetal movement research. Synopsis: This conference workshop report provides an overview of contemporary understandings of decreased fetal movements in maternity care highlighting future directions in fetal movement research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the implementation of a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) intervention to improve the practice of birth companionship at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study found that the introduction of the PDSA intervention significantly increased the practice of birth companionship, with the percentage of mothers utilizing the service rising from less than 2% to 94.7%. The findings suggest that a stepwise PDSA intervention can effectively improve the practice of birth companionship and contribute to the realization of effective implementation of birth companions for all mothers during labor and delivery. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To determine the proportion of women who experienced disrespect and abuse (D&A) and the type of D&A during labor and postpartum, and to determine the factors significantly associated with D&A. Methods: A cross‐sectional mixed‐methods study undertaken in tertiary care teaching institute South India. After ethical approval, 380 postpartum women within 72 h of delivery were recruited for the study. The determinants of respectful maternity care (RMC) were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. For quantitative assessment, they were interviewed using questionnaires adopted from the United States Agency for International Development‐ Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (USAID‐MCHIP) protocol, which has verification criteria for RMC. As a second method for quantitative assessment, they were asked to rate the care from their perspective on a 10‐point score. For the qualitative component, they were asked to identify the healthcare workers associated with D&A by their designation and to answer three open‐ended questions. IBM SPSS Statistics 25 (IBM Corporation, Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25) was used for analysis. D&A as per RMC standards I–VII and its severity were expressed as frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence interval. Univariate analysis was used to determine the associated factors, and severity was determined by χ2 test. Results: The prevalence of D&A was high (85%) according to the RMC standards of the USAID‐MCHIP questionnaire, whereas it was only 33% according to women's perspective. The most common type of D&A was non‐dignified care. The factors significantly associated with D&A were women over 25 years, those admitted as an emergency referral, having a recommendation letter, and relatives working at the same healthcare facility. Conclusion: The prevalence of D&A was high as measured by the USAID‐MCHIP questionnaire, and the most common type was non‐dignified care followed by physical abuse. Synopsis: The prevalence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth is high according to the standards of the USAID‐MCHIP, but it is lower from the women's perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: Sudden‐onset climate events can have a significant impact on maternal health care systems, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries where resources are limited. We outline strategic policies that can help anticipate and plan for such disasters and help minimize negative maternal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal care and infant mortality rates are crucial indicators of healthcare quality. However, millions of women in low‐income countries lack access to adequate care. Factors such as high‐risk pregnancies and unmanaged diet increase the risk of developing complications during pregnancy, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of maternal health. The increasing burden of non‐communicable diseases represents a significant threat to fragile health systems. The lack of access to appropriate prenatal care and poor maternal and newborn health outcomes are major concerns in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). It emphasizes the need for innovative, integrative approaches to healthcare delivery, especially in pregnant women. The health services need to be reorganized holistically and effectively, focusing on factors that directly impact maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality, resulting in improved access to maternity services and survival of "at‐risk" mothers and their offspring in many LMICs. Based on the FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) recommendations of extending preconception care to the postpartum stage, the authors of this review have developed a new model of care—PregCare—based on the triple‐intervention‐based holistic and multidisciplinary maternal and fetal medicine model for low‐risk pregnancies. This model will help transform the traditional model's high visitation frequency into a safe and reduced office visit, while increasing virtual connections, point of care and self‐care with doctors, nurses, and community‐based providers of self‐care. This shall be based on a sophisticated central PregCare call center powered by innovative technologies combined with experienced personnel in perinatal management (doctors and nurses/midwives). Digital technologies have revolutionized healthcare delivery, expanded treatment options, and improved precision in targeting specific conditions and patient types. In the realm of maternal health, there is a growing recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach encompassing prenatal care, long‐term health care, and integration with existing health programs and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To learn lessons for maternity care by scrutinizing postpartum hemorrhage management (PPH) in cases of PPH‐related maternal deaths in France and the Netherlands. Methods: In this binational Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD), 14 PPH‐related maternal deaths were reviewed by six experts from the French and Dutch national maternal death review committees regarding cause and preventability of death, clinical care and healthcare organization. Improvable care factors and lessons learned were identified. CEMD practices and PPH guidelines in France and the Netherlands were compared in the process. Results: For France, new insights were primarily related to organization of healthcare, with lessons learned focusing on medical leadership and implementation of (surgical) checklists. For the Netherlands, insights were mainly related to clinical care, emphasizing hemostatic surgery earlier in the course of PPH and reducing the third stage of labor by prompter manual removal of the placenta. Experts recommended extending PPH guidelines with specific guidance for women refusing blood products and systematic evaluation of risk factors. The quality of CEMD was presumed to benefit from enhanced case finding, also through non‐obstetric sources, and electronic reporting of maternal deaths to reduce the administrative burden. Conclusion: A binational CEMD revealed opportunities for improvement of care beyond lessons learned at the national level. Synopsis: Multinational maternal death reviews provide opportunities for care improvement beyond improvable factors already identified by national maternal death enquiries, through the perspective of a different care context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article explored the impacts of disrespectful care and abusive care practices and the potential interventions to eliminate those practices. Respectful maternity care is a fundamental right for all women. It ensures that women are able to exercise their rights in maternity care. However, research studies have shown the recent prevalence of poor‐quality care for women in maternity units in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The literature on this topic was searched on PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Science Direct/ Elsevier, and SCOPUS. A total of 24 qualitative and quantitative research articles were included. Thematic analysis was conducted by using the six steps. Impacts are coded on topics including psychological impacts due to disrespectful and abusive care practices, impact on the care process, normalization of the absence of care, suppression of knowledge regarding the labor process, and poor obstetric outcomes. Interventions are coded on topics including programs for health professionals to improve care, education and empowerment programs targeting the women and community, enacting policies and guidelines regarding disrespectful and abusive care practices and improving the facilities in the healthcare system. The majority of the evidenced‐based interventions were multi‐component and tailored to the needs of a particular setting. More research evidence is needed to inform the healthcare authorities and policymakers to transform these potential interventions into practice. Future research should clearly document the effectiveness of various combinations of interventions, feasibility, cost‐effectiveness, and outcomes. Synopsis: The present study found five impacts of disrespectful care and abusive care practices and reports on the evidence‐based and suggested interventions found in the studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the factors associated with trophoblastic infiltration in ampullary pregnancy from the perspective of clinical and pathologic characteristics. Methods: A single‐center, retrospective, clinicopathologic cohort study was conducted in women who were diagnosed with tubal pregnancy and underwent salpingectomy in the International Peace Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to June 2021. Results: A total of 333 eligible women diagnosed with ampullary pregnancy were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that preoperative β‐human chorionic gonadotropin greater than 3000 IU/L (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02–7.03), and vascular remodeling phenomenon (aOR 4.34, 95% CI 2.41–7.83) were positively correlated with the infiltration of extravillous trophoblasts into serosa, while presence of chronic inflammation of the fallopian tube was a negatively corellated factor (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.85). Conclusion: The depth of trophoblastic infiltration in tubal pregnancy may be related to the presence of chronic inflammation in the fallopian tube. A tubal pregnancy in a tube with chronic salpingitis is more likely to develop into an abortive ectopic pregnancy; whereas in a fallopian tube without chronic inflammation, the risk of it developing into a ruptured ectopic pregnancy increases. Hence, early identification is needed to properly address this dangerous pregnancy situation. Synopsis: Trophoblastic infiltration of tubal pregnancy may have an association with chronic inflammation of the fallopian tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The authors aimed to assess the characteristics and integration of immunization services into the prenatal care provided by maternity care units (MCUs) in Italy. Methods: A cross‐sectional nationwide study using a web‐based survey was conducted from June to August 2021. The study population consisted of 342 obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs), members of the Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and heads of MCUs. The main outcome was to assess the performance of several vaccine‐related services among the surveyed MCUs. Results: Overall, 112 of 342 MCUs completed the survey, for an overall response rate of 32.7%. Almost all MCUs (96.4%) provided vaccine information, but only 22% had an onsite vaccination clinic. Less than half (43.8%) offered vaccines during prenatal visits and 75% of those sites required women to set up an extra appointment for vaccination. Although 68% MCUs recorded vaccines administered, only 20% of them managed to record vaccines in their own medical records. The institutional‐logistic issues were the most voted vaccination barrier (40.2%). Conclusions: Institutional barriers and lack of certain vaccine‐related services offered during prenatal care in Italian MCUs might be responsible for many missed vaccination opportunities. Embedding maternal immunization programs within the current prenatal care services might optimize vaccine coverage. Synopsis: The lack of integration between maternal immunization programs and prenatal care services might represent a significant barrier that prevents maternal care providers from recommending and offering vaccines to pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To reduce average surgical‐site infection (SSI) rates to less than 7.5%, as well as other complications by incrementally implementing an SSI prevention care bundle in maternity: (1) ChloraPrep; (2) PICO dressings, performing elective cesarean sections in a main theater rather than a labor ward and warming blankets; (3) vaginal cleansing; and (4) Hibiscrub. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, the association between categorical variables was assessed by χ2 tests, temporal trends in the monthly percentage change of SSI were measured using the Joinpoint Regression Program v4.7.0.0. Results: In all, 1682 women (mean age 33.1 ± 5.2 years) underwent either elective (53.9%) or emergency (46.1%) cesarean section. After a small initial increase (10.0%–11.8%), SSI progressively declined to 4.4% (χ2 = 22.1, P < 0.001), as did sepsis, reoperation or readmission for SSI: from 12.5% to 0.5% (χ2 = 90.1, P < 0.001). The rates of SSI fell progressively with the cumulative introduction care bundle components. The average monthly percentage change was −14.0% (95% confidence interval −21.8% to −5.4%, P = 0.004), and the average SSI rate was kept below 7.5% for the last 12 months of the study. Conclusion: The maternal SSI prevention care bundle is simple and inexpensive; it effectively reduces SSI after a cesarean section and should be offered routinely to women undergoing cesarean section. Synopsis: Global surgical‐site infection (SSI) rate relating to cesarean sections is up to 18%; no consensus of benchmark targets exists for SSI after cesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the dire situation in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis. Palestinians in Gaza are facing poverty, lack of basic services, and limited access to food, education, and healthcare. Amidst these challenging conditions, the article highlights the overlooked issue of sexual and reproductive health for women and girls in Gaza. The conflict has exacerbated challenges related to maternal health, access to healthcare facilities, and the availability of medical supplies. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire, protected humanitarian access, and international support to address the healthcare needs of women in Gaza. [Extracted from the article]

Synopsis: A summary of the findings in the Supplement, highlighting the heterogeneity in reported quality of maternity care and inequalities within and between countries in the European region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the perception of quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) around the time of childbirth among migrant and nonmigrant women in Europe. Methods: Women who gave birth at a health facility in 11 countries of the WHO European Region from March 2020 to July 2021 were invited to answer an online questionnaire including demographics and childbirth experience. Data were analyzed and compared for 1781 migrant and 20 653 nonmigrant women. Results: Migrant women who experienced labor perceived slightly more difficulties in attending routine antenatal visits (41.2% vs 39.4%; P = 0.001), more barriers in accessing facilities (32.9% vs 29.9%; P = 0.001), lack of timely care (14.7% vs 13.0%; P = 0.025), inadequate room comfort and equipment (9.2% vs 8.5%; P = 0.004), inadequate number of women per room (9.4% vs 8.6%; P = 0.039), being prevented from staying with their baby as they wished (7.8% vs 6.9%; P = 0.011), or suffering abuse (14.5% vs 12.7%; P = 0.022) compared with nonmigrant women. For women who had a prelabor cesarean, migrant women were more likely not to receive pain relief after birth (16.8% vs.13.5%; P = 0.039) and less likely to provide informal payment (1.8% vs 4.4%; P = 0.005) compared with nonmigrant women. Overall, the QMNC index was not significantly different for migrant compared with nonmigrant women. Conclusion: Gaps in overall QMNC were reported by both migrant and nonmigrant women, with improvements to healthcare necessary for all. Synopsis: Both migrant and nonmigrant women reported gaps in overall quality of maternal and newborn health care, highlighting the need for overarching improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) during the COVID‐19 pandemic by facility type among 16 European countries, comparing rates of instrumental vaginal birth and cesarean. Methods: Women who gave birth in the WHO European Region from March 1, 2020, to February 7, 2022, answered a validated online questionnaire. Rates of instrumental birth, instrumental vaginal birth, and cesarean, and a QMNC index were calculated for births in public versus private facilities. Results: Responses from 25 206 participants were analyzed. Women giving birth in private compared with public facilities reported significantly more frequent total cesarean (32.5% vs 19.0%; aOR 1.70; 95% CI 1.52–1.90), elective cesarean (17.3% vs 7.8%; aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.65–2.19), and emergency cesarean before labor (7.4% vs 3.9%; aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14–1.70) (P < 0.001 for all comparisons), with analyses by country confirming these results. QMNC index results were heterogeneous across countries and regions in the same country and were largely affected by geographical distribution of regions rather than by type of facility alone. Conclusion: The study confirms that births in private facilities have higher odds of cesarean. It also suggests that QMNC should be closely monitored in all facilities to achieve high‐quality care, independent of facility type or geographical distribution. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04847336 Synopsis: Births in private facilities consistently had higher odds of cesarean, while overall quality of care was heterogeneous both across and within countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the incidence and causes of severe maternal outcomes and the unmet need for life‐saving obstetric interventions among women admitted for delivery in a referral hospital in Somaliland. Methods: A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted from April 15, 2019 to March 31, 2020, with women admitted during pregnancy or childbirth or within 42 days after delivery. Data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) and sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) maternal near‐miss (MNM) tools. Descriptive analysis was performed by computing frequencies, proportions, and ratios. Results: The MNM ratios were 56 (SSA criteria) and 13 (WHO criteria) per 1000 live births. The mortality index was highest among women with medical complications (63%), followed by obstetric hemorrhage (13%), pregnancy‐related infection (10%), and hypertensive disorders (7.9%) according to the SSA MNM criteria. Most women giving birth received prophylactic oxytocin for postpartum hemorrhage prevention (97%), and most laparotomies (60%) for ruptured uterus were conducted after 3 h. Conclusion: There is a need to improve the quality of maternal health services through implementation of evidence‐based obstetric interventions and continuous in‐service training for healthcare providers. Using the SSA MNM criteria could facilitate such preventive measures in this setting as well as similar low‐resource contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a letter to the editor discussing a recent study on the relationship between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and breast cancer. The study included over 150,000 postmenopausal women from the Korean National Health Insurance database and found that MHT was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly certain combination therapies. The author of the letter provides some constructive comments, suggesting that the effects of mammography, past hysterectomies, and other high-risk factors should be taken into account in future analyses. Overall, the study is commended for its valuable research and the authors are encouraged to continue their work in the future. [Extracted from the article]

SYNOPSIS: Abusive care practices during labor and childbirth are a violation to women's rights and call for a strong political will towards the Respectful Maternity Care agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: Perinatal quality collaboratives must incorporate patient and community member preferences in the design and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives to achieve truly patient‐centered maternity care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]