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Objective This article identifies how mode of delivery and the presence of labor affect the initiation and effectiveness of breastfeeding. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of breastfeeding success after vaginal delivery, cesarean section after labor, and scheduled cesarean section in term, singleton deliveries in nulliparous patients at a large academic institution from 2017 to 2018. Exclusion criteria included major postpartum complications requiring admission to the surgical intensive care unit or neonatal intensive care unit, general anesthesia, and major fetal anomalies. Breastfeeding success in the immediate postpartum period, defined as the first 2 to 3 days postpartum prior to hospital discharge, was measured by the presence of breastfeeding, the need for formula supplementation, the average number of breastfeeding sessions per day, the average amount of time spent at each breastfeeding session, the average number of newborn stools and wet diapers produced daily, and the neonatal percentage in weight loss over the first 2 to 3 days of life. Multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to assess the association between mode of delivery and markers of breastfeeding success after adjusting for potential confounders. A Tukey's post hoc analysis with pairwise comparisons was performed to assess differences in breastfeeding outcomes between vaginal delivery, scheduled cesarean section, and cesarean section after labor. Results A total of 2,966 women met inclusion criteria during the study period, 1,936 (65.3%) of whom underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery, 415 (14.0%) of whom delivered by scheduled cesarean section, and 615 (20.7%) of whom underwent cesarean section after labor. There were significant differences in maternal age, obesity, race/ethnicity, insurance status, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and 1-minute Apgar's score less than 7 between vaginal delivery, scheduled cesarean section, and cesarean section after labor. There were also significant differences between indication for oxytocin, type of anesthesia, and postpartum hemorrhage between the three groups. After controlling for these factors, women who underwent vaginal delivery were more likely to have infants with decreased need for formula supplementation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–1.93) and were less likely to switch from breast to formula feeding (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.04–1.31) in comparison to women who delivered via cesarean section in labor or scheduled cesarean section. The infants of these women also had an increased number of breastfeeding sessions on average (β = 0.06, p = 0.002), required fewer number of daily formula feedings (β = 0.14, p Conclusion Women who deliver by cesarean section, despite the presence or absence of labor, are less likely to maintain exclusive breastfeeding postpartum and are more likely to require formula supplementation. These women may need more support with breastfeeding after surgery in order to experience similar benefits for neonatal growth and weight gain. Key Points

To determine if the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) made on prenatal ultrasound (US) leading to an improvement in clinical outcomes.This was a retrospective chart review of all patients with evidence of PAS on US from 2012 to 2018 in one tertiary care medical center with subsequent use of MRI of the uterus to confirm diagnosis. The type of PAS classified by imaging was compared between US and MRI, with a final diagnosis made using histology. Outcomes that were analyzed included the following: 1) MRI correctly changed diagnosis, 2) MRI incorrectly downgraded diagnosis, 3) MRI incorrectly upgraded diagnosis, and 4) MRI did not change diagnosis. AForty-one patients received an MRI to validate the diagnosis of PAS after ultrasound and are included in the analysis. MRI changed the diagnosis in 36.6% (15/41) patients, correctly changing the diagnosis in 22% (9/41) and incorrectly upgrading the diagnosis in 14.6% (6/41). Patients whose diagnosis was upgraded by MRI (either correctly or incorrectly) were more likely to deliver earlier compared to those who were either downgraded or had no change in their diagnosis [33. 2 ± 3. 5 weeks vs 35. 2 ± 2. 9 weeks,The use of MRI incorrectly changed the diagnosis as much as it correctly changed the diagnosis of PAS after US. MRI should not be used routinely as a clinical adjunct to ultrasound in the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum.

While adequate weight gain in twin pregnancies with normal prepregnancy BMI has been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, it remains unclear whether adequate weight gain in patients with overweight or obese prepregnancy BMI is associated with similarly improved pregnancy outcomes, and whether this comes at the expense of maternal health risks such as increased risk for gestational diabetes or hypertension.To estimate the association between adherence to weight gain recommendations and pregnancy outcomes in overweight and obese women with twin pregnancies.This is a retrospective cohort study of women with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/mA total of 252 overweight and obese women with twin pregnancies met inclusion criteria, 171 (67.9%) of whom met or exceeded weight gain requirements and 81 (32.1%) of whom did not. There were no differences in baseline clinical and demographic characteristics between the two groups. Women with inadequate weight gain had significantly less weight gain in each trimester, as well as less total weight gain for the whole pregnancy. Women with inadequate average gestational weight gain had significantly lower birthweights of the larger twin (2440 versus 2675 g,For overweight and obese women with twin gestations, meeting the IOM recommendations for weight gain in pregnancy is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. CondensationWomen with overweight or obese prepregnancy BMI in twin gestations who gain the recommended amount of weight in pregnancy have improved pregnancy outcomes.

Objective To evaluate whether receipt of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate within 7 days of delivery is associated with increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of women who were receiving 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for preterm birth prevention and delivered between 2010 and 2014. Women were dichotomized by whether a dose of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate was administered within 7 days of delivery. Demographic and clinical characteristics were examined, including obstetric history and details of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate receipt. Bivariable analyses were used to compare the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage in women stratified by 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate receipt within 7 days of delivery. Multivariable analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results Of 221 women who met inclusion criteria, 93 (42%) received 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate within 7 days of delivery and 18 (7.8%) experienced a postpartum hemorrhage. No differences were observed in the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage between women who did and did not deliver within 7 days of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate injection (9.7% vs 7.0%, P=.478). These findings persisted after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio for postpartum hemorrhage, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.5–15.8). Conclusion Recent receipt of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for prevention of recurrent preterm birth is not associated with risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

To examine the practice of delayed cord clamping and associated neonatal outcomes in preterm dichorionic twin gestations.This is a retrospective cohort study of women delivering dichorionic-diamniotic twin gestations between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation at a single large academic center between 2013 and 2015. Neonatal outcomes of twins receiving delayed cord clamping were compared to those who did not.Of 58 eligible women delivering dichorionic twins, eight (13.8%) had both neonates receive delayed cord clamping, resulting in 16 neonates who received delayed cord clamping and 100 who did not. Neonates who received delayed cord clamping had no difference in umbilical artery pH, 5 min Apgar score, NICU length of stay, need for pressors, neonatal death, or other adverse outcomes.Delayed cord clamping in dichorionic twin gestations born at 32 weeks or less is feasible and in this small cohort does not appear to be associated with worse neonatal outcomes.

Background: Adherence to minimum weight gain recommendations in twin pregnancies as defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes; however, th...

Objective Adequate maternal weight gain in twin pregnancies is associated with improved outcomes such as increased fetal growth and decreased incidence of preterm birth. However, it remains unclear when gestational weight gain has the greatest influence on pregnancy outcomes. Our objective was to identify at which time in a twin pregnancy does inadequate maternal weight gain have the greatest association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of women with twin pregnancies and normal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) who delivered at ≥24 weeks' gestation by a single maternal–fetal medicine practice between 2005 and 2017. Baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between women with and without adequate average gestational weight gain (weight gain per week based on the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations). This analysis was performed for weight gain over the entire pregnancy, as well as from 0 to 16, 16 to 24, and 24 weeks to delivery. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to control for potential confounding variables. Results A total of 609 women with twin pregnancies and normal prepregnancy BMI were included, of whom 386 (63.4%) had adequate average gestational weight gain over the entire pregnancy and 223 (36.6%) did not. Inadequate average gestational weight gain between 0 and 16 weeks' gestation was associated with a higher incidence of birthweight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.51) and less than the 5th percentile for gestational age (aOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.29–3.40). Inadequate gestational weight gain between 16 and 24 weeks was associated with lower birthweight of the larger twin (β: –0.09; p = 0.04). Inadequate weight gain from 24 weeks to delivery was associated with spontaneous preterm birth Conclusion In twin pregnancies, gestational weight gain between 0 and 16 weeks as well as between 16 and 24 weeks is most associated with fetal growth, whereas gestational weight gain after 24 weeks is most associated with preterm birth. This may help elucidate the mechanism of action of the impact of gestational weight gain in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE To develop a predictive model for early-onset neonatal sepsis or death among infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN This was a case-control study of all deliveries

The objective of this study is to determine whether there is an association between delivery time and obstetric interventions, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes. Retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women delivering singleton, vertex, live births at ≥37 weeks gestation at a single center from 2014 to 2015. Nighttime deliveries were designated as those occurring between 18:00 and 05:59 h. The primary outcomes were obstetrical interventions (cesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, episiotomy). Secondary outcomes included indications for operative deliveries, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes. Of 7691 women eligible for inclusion, 3707 (48.2%) delivered during the nighttime. Women who experienced nighttime deliveries had no demographic or clinical differences compared with women delivering during the daytime. Women delivering during the nighttime had greater odds of cesarean delivery (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.14–1.43) and operative vaginal delivery (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.20–2.78). Women who delivered at night were also more likely to have neonates with a 5 min Apgar score

Objective: Use of effective contraception could be one method to decrease recurrent preterm birth by increasing intervals between pregnancies. We assessed correlates of contraceptive counseling and uptake among women who delivered preterm. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered live-born singletons or twins before 32 weeks' gestation. We assessed documented contraceptive counseling and method uptake by postpartum discharge, using inpatient medical records, and correlates of highly effective contraception uptake by the postpartum visit using outpatient records. Results: Of 594 eligible women, 44.6% (n = 265) had documented inpatient contraceptive counseling, but only 21.4% (n = 127) left the hospital using a World Health Organization (WHO) tier 1 or 2 method. Women who were younger, non-Hispanic black, multiparous, and delivered at earlier gestational ages were more likely to have inpatient counseling documented. Compared with women with private insurance, women with public insurance were more likely to have documented counseling (22.8% vs. 87.5%, p

To evaluate adherence to a delayed cord clamping protocol for preterm births in the first 2 years after its introduction, perform a quality improvement assessment, and determine neonatal outcomes associated with protocol implementation and adherence.This is a retrospective cohort study of women delivering singleton neonates at 23-32 weeks of gestation in the 2 years before (preprotocol) and 2 years after (postprotocol) introduction of a 30-second delayed cord clamping protocol at a large-volume academic center. This policy was communicated to obstetric and pediatric health care providers and nurses and reinforced with intermittent educational reviews. Barriers to receiving delayed cord clamping were assessed using χ tests and multivariable logistic regression. Neonatal outcomes then were compared between all neonates in the preprotocol period and all neonates in the postprotocol period and between all neonates in the preprotocol period and neonates receiving delayed cord clamping in the postprotocol period using multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses.Of the 427 eligible neonates, 187 were born postprotocol. Of these, 53.5% (n=100) neonates received delayed cord clamping according to the protocol. The rate of delayed cord clamping preprotocol was 0%. Protocol uptake and frequency of delayed cord clamping increased over the 2 years after its introduction. In the postprotocol period, cesarean delivery was the only factor independently associated with failing to receive delayed cord clamping (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.96). In comparison with the preprotocol period, those who received delayed cord clamping in the postprotocol period had significantly higher birth hematocrit (β=2.46, P=.007) and fewer blood transfusions in the first week of life (adjusted OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.96).After introduction of an institutional delayed cord clamping protocol followed by continued health care provider education and quality feedback, the frequency of delayed cord clamping progressively increased. Compared with historical controls, performing delayed cord clamping in eligible preterm neonates was associated with improved neonatal hematologic indices, demonstrating the effectiveness of delayed cord clamping in a large-volume maternity unit.

Reducing cesarean deliveries is a major public health goal. The low rate of vaginal birth after cesarean has been attributed largely to a decrease in the likelihood of choosing a trial of labor after cesarean, despite evidence suggesting a majority of women with 1 prior low transverse cesarean are trial of labor after cesarean candidates. Although a number of reasons for this decrease have been explored, it remains unclear how systems issues such as physician call schedules influence delivery approach and mode in this context.The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between obstetricians' call schedule and obstetric outcomes among women eligible for a trial of labor after cesarean.This is a retrospective cohort study of the likelihood of attempting a trial of labor after cesarean and achieving vaginal birth after cesarean among women with 1 prior low transverse cesarean delivery and a term, cephalic singleton gestation based on the delivering provider's call schedule. Attending obstetrician call schedules were classified as traditional or night float call. Night float call was defined as a schedule in which the provider had clinical responsibilities only for a day or night shift, without other clinical responsibilities before or after the period of responsibility for laboring patients. Call schedules are determined by individual provider groups. Bivariable analyses and random-effects logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between obstetricians' call schedule and the frequency of trial of labor after cesarean. Secondary outcomes including frequency of vaginal birth after cesarean and maternal and neonatal outcomes also were assessed.Of 1502 eligible patients, 556 (37%) were delivered by physicians in a night float call system. A total of 22.6% underwent a trial of labor after cesarean and 12.8% achieved vaginal birth after cesarean; the vaginal birth after cesarean rate for women attempting a trial of labor after cesarean was 56.5%. Women were more likely to undergo a trial of labor after cesarean (33.1% vs 16.5%, P.001) and achieve vaginal birth after cesarean (18.7% vs 9.3%, P.001) when cared for by physicians with a night float call schedule. Regression analyses demonstrated physicians with a night float call schedule remained significantly more likely to have patients undergo trial of labor after cesarean (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64, 95% confidence interval, 1.65-4.25) and experience vaginal birth after cesarean (adjusted odds ratio, 2.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.36-3.45) after adjusting for potential confounders. However, the likelihood of achieving vaginal birth after cesarean if a trial of labor after cesarean was attempted was not different based on provider call type (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96, 95% confidence interval, 0.57-1.62). Although women delivered by providers with a night float schedule were more likely to experience uterine rupture (1.8% vs 0.6%, P = .03), chorioamnionitis (4.3% vs 1.7%, P = .002), postpartum hemorrhage (7.6% vs 4.8%, P = .03), and neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (6.8% vs 3.9%, P = .01), these associations did not persist when the population was limited to women attempting trial of labor after cesarean.Although physicians working on a night float call system were significantly more likely to have patients with a prior cesarean undergo trial of labor after cesarean and achieve vaginal birth after cesarean, their patients also were more likely to experience maternal and neonatal morbidity. However, these differences did not persist when limiting analyses to women attempting a trial of labor after cesarean. Using a night float call schedule may be an effective measure to promote a trial of labor after cesarean and vaginal birth after cesarean.

Racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth remain a major public health challenge in the United States. While 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C) is recommended for preterm birth prevention in women with a prior preterm birth, non-Hispanic black women continue to experience higher rates of recurrent preterm birth than white women receiving the same treatment. Further investigation of disparities in 17OHP-C use and adherence is warranted.We sought to evaluate whether racial and ethnic disparities exist in the use of and adherence to 17OHP-C within a population of eligible women.This was a retrospective cohort study of women with a prior spontaneous, singleton preterm birth who were eligible for 17OHP-C for preterm birth prevention and received care at a single institution from 2010 through 2014. Associations between self-identified race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic black vs women in all other racial/ethnic groups) and documented counseling about 17OHP-C, receipt of any 17OHP-C, and adherence to 17OHP-C administration were each estimated by bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Adherence to 17OHP-C was defined as not1 missed dose, initiation20 weeks' gestational age, and continuation until 37 weeks or delivery.Of 472 women who were clinically eligible for 17OHP-C, 72% (N = 296) had documented 17OHP-C counseling and 48.9% (N = 229) received 17OHP-C. There were no differences in likelihood of 17OHP-C counseling or receipt of 17OHP-C based on race/ethnicity. While overall 83% (N = 176) of women were adherent to 17OHP-C, only 70% (N = 58) of non-Hispanic black women were adherent, compared to 91% (N = 118) of all other women (P.001). Non-Hispanic black women had more missed doses (2.4 vs 0.4 doses, P.001) and later initiation of care (12.0 vs 10.2 weeks, P.001) than women in other racial/ethnic groups. After adjustment for potential confounders, non-Hispanic black women were significantly less likely to be adherent to 17OHP-C (adjusted odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.65). A significant interaction between non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity and public insurance was identified (adjusted odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.52).In a diverse cohort of women eligible for preterm birth prevention, non-Hispanic black women are at an increased risk of nonadherence to 17OHP-C. Non-Hispanic black women with public insurance are at a particularly increased risk of nonadherence.

We sought to investigate the relationship between obstetricians' cognitive traits and delivery outcomes among women with a prior cesarean delivery.A total of 94 obstetricians completed 5 standardized psychometric scales: Reflective Coping, Proactive Coping, Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance (MSTAT), Need for Cognition, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Scores were analyzed by quartile. Delivery data were collected for primiparas with 1 prior low transverse cesarean delivery and a term, cephalic singleton. We used χ(2) tests and random effects logistic regression to examine the relationship between obstetricians' cognitive traits and their patients' frequency of trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).Of 1502 eligible patients, 22.6% underwent TOLAC. Women were more likely to undergo TOLAC when cared for by physicians with scores in the highest quartile of the proactive coping (33.6% vs 19.6%; P.001), MSTAT (29.2% vs 21.0%; P = .002), and Need for Cognition (27.9% vs 21.5%; P = .02) assessments, or in the lowest quartile for anxiety assessment (28.0% vs 20.6%; P = .001). Similarly, those with high proactive coping (18.0% vs 11.3%; P = .001), high MSTAT (16.6% vs 11.8%; P = .03), and low anxiety (19.2% vs 10.4%; P.001) had greater VBAC rates. Random effects regression analyses revealed physicians with high proactive coping remained significantly more likely to have patients undergo TOLAC (adjusted odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.14) and those with low anxiety remained significantly more likely to have patients experience VBAC (adjusted odds ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-3.37).There is an increased likelihood of TOLAC and VBAC for women delivered by physicians with more proactive coping and less anxiety.

Objective The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between physician coping skills, need for cognition, tolerance of ambiguity, and anxiety and their patients' mode of delivery. Study Design Ninety-four obstetricians were surveyed using 5 standardized psychometric scales: Reflective Coping, Proactive Coping, Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance-II, Need for Cognition (measures learner motivation and engagement in cognitive efforts), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Psychometric test scores were analyzed by quartile. Data regarding route of delivery were collected on 3488 nulliparous, term, cephalic, nonanomalous singleton deliveries performed by participating physicians. χ 2 tests and random-effects logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the obstetrician cognitive traits and type of delivery. Results Sixty-one percent of the women were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery, 15.5% by operative vaginal delivery, and 23.5% by cesarean delivery. Random-effects multivariable logistic regression adjusting for patient characteristics demonstrated that physicians with the most reflective coping (ie, highest quartile) were significantly less likely (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.98) to perform operative vaginal delivery. However, lower anxiety and higher ambiguity tolerance were associated with an increased risk of chorioamnionitis and postpartum hemorrhage, respectively. There were no identified differences in adverse neonatal outcomes by physician cognitive or affective traits. Conclusion There is a decreased risk of operative vaginal delivery for patients delivered by providers with better adaptive decision-making traits. Other cognitive and affective traits were associated with a greater chance of chorioamnionitis and hemorrhage. Further work is required to elucidate whether training in these cognitive and affective traits can alter obstetric outcomes.