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Background: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe infection from influenza resulting in poor neonatal outcomes. The majority of evidence relates to pandemic 2009 A/H1N1 influenza. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women hospitalised with seasonal influenza. Methods: This national, prospective, observational cohort study used the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) to identify all pregnant women admitted to hospital between 01/11/2016 and 31/10/2018 with laboratory confirmed influenza at any gestation and up to two days after giving birth. These were compared to women admitted to give birth that did not have influenza. Baseline characteristics, immunization status, maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared. Results: There were 405 women admitted to hospital with laboratory confirmed influenza in pregnancy: 2.7 per 10,000 maternities. Compared to 694 comparison women, women with influenza were less likely to be professionally employed (aOR 0.59, 95%CI 0.39–0.89) or immunised in the relevant season (aOR 0·59, 0·39–0·89) and more likely to have asthma (aOR 2.42, 1.30–4.49) or have had a previous pregnancy complication (aOR 2·47, 1·33–4·61). They were more likely to be admitted to intensive care (aOR 21.3, 2.78–163.1) and to have a cesarean birth (aOR 1·42, 1·02–1.98). Their babies were more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care (aOR 1.86, 1·01–3·42). Conclusions: Immunization reduces the risk of hospitalisation with influenza in pregnancy which is associated with increased risk of morbidity for both the mother and baby. There is a continued need to increase awareness of safety and effectiveness of immunization in pregnancy and provision within antenatal care settings, especially for high-risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess a new device (Tydeman Tube) designed to facilitate delivery of the impacted foetal head at caesarean section. Standard digital vaginal technique and the Tydeman Tube were each used to elevate the foetal head on a validated full dilatation caesarean simulator. Greater elevation of the foetal head was achieved with the Tydeman Tube than digital technique (mean difference +9.1 mm,p < 0.001). Although greater force was applied to achieve this elevation (mean difference +0.42 Kgf,p < 0.001), the force was spread over a greater area (6.97 cm2versus 2.0 cm2). Therefore, mean pressures applied to the foetal head were lower (mean difference −2.3 Kg cm2,p < 0.001). The first uses of the Tydeman Tube in clinical practice were described. Clinicians found it easy to use and effective (mean score 7.7/10). The Tydeman Tube is an effective tool for delivering the impacted foetal head on a simulator and its initial use in clinical practise has proved positive. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Safe, secure, healthy housing is a crucial determinant of health. The aim of this study was to determine whether women that experienced homelessness (WEH) in England prior to or during pregnancy, are at greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than women that are housed. A retrospective nationwide population study was conducted using English national Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care database. The population included one randomly selected singleton birth with a gestational age >24 weeks' per women, in hospital, between the 1st January 2013 and 31st March 2023. WEH were identified as having at least one homeless code ("no fixed abode", "registered with a homeless-exclusive GP practice", "clinical diagnosis of homelessness") at the time of birth. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), preterm birth (<37 weeks') and low birthweight (<2500 g) for WEH compared to housed women overall and those in the most deprived areas. Results were adjusted for age, ethnicity, parity, year of birth and pre-existing medical conditions. The study population comprised 3 349 601 births from 2013–23. 3301 (0·1%) births were from WEH. Homelessness increased the risk of SMM, preterm birth and low birthweight, with fully adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 1·28 (95% CI 1·02–1·60), 2·02 (95% CI 1·81–2·25) and 2·16 (95% CI 1·94–2·40) respectively compared to housed women. This remained significant when compared to women living in the most deprived areas: aOR 1·24 (95% CI 0·99–1·55), 1·94 (95% CI 1·62–2·34), 1·87 (95% CI 1·69–2·08) respectively. These results highlight the need for prioritisation in policy to improve housing prior to and during pregnancy. Quality research that investigates not just dichotomous homelessness, but the impact of frequent moves during pregnancy, housing quality and overcrowding is required, which necessitates the collection of detailed housing information through pregnancy and the postnatal period. NV is funded by a clinical research fellowship from Nuffield Department of Population Health and Academy of Medical Sciences Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]