Cesarean Delivery Rate Research Articles

Treatment of Diabetes in Pregnancy With Metformin.

Metformin is a commonly used drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has been used to treat gestational diabetes since the 1970s. In pregnancy, its proven benefits include reduced gestational weight gain and reduced fetal size; some studies have shown reduced risk of cesarean delivery and lower rates of hypertension. Metformin can reduce the need for insulin therapy but does not eliminate such need in many patients. Despite these benefits, metformin crosses the placenta and has been associated with increases in the risk of giving birth to small-for-gestational-age neonates in some studies of individuals with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. In addition, higher body mass index (BMI) z-scores have been observed among exposed offspring in some of the long-term follow-up studies. Nevertheless, metformin's low cost, ease of administration, and global reach make it a reasonable intervention in a population affected by rising rates of obesity and diabetes in pregnancy. Further follow-up studies are required to monitor the long-term health of exposed offspring.

Association Between Maternal Co-morbidities and Cesarean Delivery Outcomes: A Retrospective Study

Background: The rate of cesarean delivery is increasing worldwide despite alarming potential risks. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between maternal co-morbidities and adverse outcomes of cesarean sections. Methods: This study was conducted at Alzahra Hospital in Rasht, Iran, during 2023. Demographic data of pregnant women, their co-morbidities, and cesarean outcomes, defined as mortality or complications including postoperative ICU admission and the first-minute neonate’s Apgar score, were recorded. The relationship between maternal co-morbidities, the number of co-morbidities, cesarean section outcomes, and the first-minute neonate’s Apgar score were analyzed. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, chi-squared test, and two independent t-tests were used. Results: The data from 246 women were analyzed. Gestational diabetes mellitus (36.2%) was the most common co-morbidity. More than 90% of babies had an Apgar score of 7 - 10. Regarding the relationship between maternal co-morbidities and unwanted outcomes, no statistically significant association was found except for hypertensive disorders (P = 0.003). Apgar scores were not affected by maternal co-morbidities (P = 0.183). No cases of mortality were reported. Conclusions: Despite a notable number of maternal co-morbidities, limited adverse outcomes with no mortality were documented, emphasizing the role of cohesive teamwork in improving outcomes.

Upper back, neck, and shoulder pain during labor epidural analgesia: a quality improvement initiative

BackgroundSevere upper back/interscapular, neck and shoulder pain during labor epidural analgesia (PLEA) is not uncommon. The objective of this quality initiative was to evaluate the incidence, demographic associations and management of PLEA. MethodsAn eight-month, single-center quality improvement initiative was performed for the detection and management of PLEA. After survey-based consensus among obstetric anaesthetist attendings and fellows, a three-step PLEA treatment protocol with interventions and numeric rating scale (NRS, 0 – 10 scale) pain assessments was introduced. Demographic data and outcomes were compared among parturients with and without PLEA. ResultsAmong 2888 women who received labor epidural analgesia from October 2022 through May 2023, 36 (1.2% [95% CI 0.9% to 1.7%]) reported PLEA. Women with PLEA were younger, more likely to be nulliparous, and had a higher body mass index (BMI) than women without PLEA (p < 0.05 for all). A total of 72.2% (26/36) of women with PLEA received at least one protocol treatment. Twenty-three women received first-line therapy, with pain relief in 91.3% (21/23). The median NRS score decreased from 9 [IQR 8–10] to 3 [1–4]. Women with PLEA had a higher incidence of cesarean delivery (CD) and a longer interval between epidural placement and delivery; 52.8 vs. 17.5% (p < 0.001) and 16.5 vs. 6.9 hours (p < 0.001), respectively. ConclusionsThe incidence of PLEA was higher than previously reported. Patients with PLEA were younger, more commonly nulliparous, had higher BMI, longer epidural infusion times and higher CD rates. A three-step treatment protocol was successful in managing PLEA.

Use of vaginal dinoprostone for women with term prelabor rupture of membranes and an unfavorable cervix within 6 h versus within 6–24 h

BackgroundMost guidelines propose inducing labor within 24 h following term (37 or more weeks of gestation) prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). However, the exact timing for initiating induction within the 24 h period remains unknown. This study aims to comparatively assess the efficacy and safety of the use of vaginal dinoprostone within 6 h versus within 6–24 h for singleton pregnancies with PROM and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study including singleton pregnancies with PROM and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6) in which labor was induced using vaginal dinoprostone. Women were divided into two groups according to the timing of the use of induction (within 6 h versus within 6–24 h after PROM). Baseline maternal data, maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis.Results450 women were included, 146 (32.4%) of whom were induced within 6 h of PROM and 304 (67.6%) were induced within 6–24 h. Cesarean delivery rate (15.8% versus 29.3%, p = 0.002) and nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing (4.8% versus 10.5%, p = 0.043) in group with vaginal dinoprostone within 6 h were significantly lower than those in group with vaginal dinoprostone within 6–24 h. There was no significant differences in terms of duration from IOL to vaginal delivery.ConclusionInduction of labor within 6 h with vaginal dinoprostone after PROM for singleton pregnancies with an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6) significantly associated with less cesarean section, less nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing, compared to induction of labor within 6–24 h after PROM.

Variability of Care Practices for Extremely Early Deliveries.

Assess temporal changes, intercenter variability, and birthing person (BP) factors relating to interventions for extremely early deliveries. Retrospective study of BPs and newborns delivered from 22-24 completed weeks at 13 US centers from 2011-2020. Rates of neonatology consultation, antenatal corticosteroids, cesarean delivery, live birth, attempted resuscitation (AR), and survival were assessed by epoch, center, and gestational age. 2028 BPs delivering 2327 newborns were included. Rates increased in epoch 2-at 22 weeks: neonatology consultation (37.6 vs 64.3%, P < .001), corticosteroids (11.4 vs 29.5%, P < .001), live birth (66.2 vs 78.6%, P < .001), AR (20.1 vs 36.9%, P < .001), overall survival (3.0 vs 8.9%, P = .005); and at 23 weeks: neonatology consultation (73.0 vs 80.5%, P = .02), corticosteroids (63.7 vs 83.7%, P < .001), cesarean delivery (28.0 vs 44.7%, P < .001), live birth (88.1 vs 95.1%, P < .001), AR (67.7 vs 85.2%, P < .001), survival (28.8 vs 41.6%, P < .001). Over time, intercenter variability increased at 22 weeks for corticosteroids (interquartile range 18.0 vs 42.0, P = .014) and decreased at 23 for neonatology consultation (interquartile range 23.0 vs 5.2, P = .045). In BP-level multivariate analysis, AR was associated with increasing gestational age and birth weight, Black BP race, previous premature delivery, and delivery center. Intervention rates for extremely early newborns increased and intercenter variability changed over time. In BP-level analysis, factors significantly associated with AR included Black BP race, previous premature delivery, and center.

AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm) in Prolonged Dystocic Labor: Focus on Asynclitism Degree.

Asynclitism, a misalignment of the fetal head with respect to the plane of passage through the birth canal, represents a significant obstetric challenge. High degrees of asynclitism are associated with labor dystocia, difficult operative delivery, and cesarean delivery. Despite its clinical relevance, the diagnosis of asynclitism and its influence on the outcome of labor remain matters of debate. This study analyzes the role of the degree of asynclitism (AD) in assessing labor progress and predicting labor outcome, focusing on its ability to predict intrapartum cesarean delivery (ICD) versus non-cesarean delivery. The study also aims to assess the performance of the AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm) algorithm in integrating AD with other ultrasound parameters for predicting labor outcome. This retrospective study involved 135 full-term nulliparous patients with singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation undergoing neuraxial analgesia. Data were collected at three Italian hospitals between January 2014 and December 2020. In addition to routine digital vaginal examination, all patients underwent intrapartum ultrasound (IU) during protracted second stage of labor (greater than three hours). Four geometric parameters were measured using standard 3.5 MHz transabdominal ultrasound probes: head-to-symphysis distance (HSD), degree of asynclitism (AD), angle of progression (AoP), and midline angle (MLA). The AIDA algorithm, a machine learning-based decision support system, was used to classify patients into five classes (from 0 to 4) based on the values of the four geometric parameters and to predict labor outcome (ICD or non-ICD). Six machine learning algorithms were used: MLP (multi-layer perceptron), RF (random forest), SVM (support vector machine), XGBoost, LR (logistic regression), and DT (decision tree). Pearson's correlation was used to investigate the relationship between AD and the other parameters. A degree of asynclitism greater than 70 mm was found to be significantly associated with an increased rate of cesarean deliveries. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a weak to very weak correlation between AD and AoP (PC = 0.36, p < 0.001), AD and HSD (PC = 0.18, p < 0.05), and AD and MLA (PC = 0.14). The AIDA algorithm demonstrated high accuracy in predicting labor outcome, particularly for AIDA classes 0 and 4, with 100% agreement with physician-practiced labor outcome in two cases (RF and SVM algorithms) and slightly lower agreement with MLP. For AIDA class 3, the RF algorithm performed best, with an accuracy of 92%. AD, in combination with HSD, MLA, and AoP, plays a significant role in predicting labor dystocia and labor outcome. The AIDA algorithm, based on these four geometric parameters, has proven to be a promising decision support tool for predicting labor outcome and may help reduce the need for unnecessary cesarean deliveries, while improving maternal-fetal outcomes. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to further validate these findings and refine the cut-off thresholds for AD and other parameters in the AIDA algorithm.

Third-Trimester Ultrasound Diagnosis of Large for Gestational Age and Risk of Cesarean Delivery.

Determine if knowledge of a third-trimester ultrasound diagnosis of large for gestational age (LGA) independently increases the risk of cesarean delivery (CD). Historical cohort comparing CD rate among patients diagnosed with an LGA fetus on a clinically indicated ultrasound from January 2017 to July 2021 with those without an LGA diagnosis at 34 weeks or later. LGA was defined as an ultrasound-estimated fetal weight greater than or equal to the 90th percentile for the gestational age. Univariate analysis was performed to identify significant confounding variables and was utilized as covariates for binary regression with CD rate as the primary outcome, and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Nulliparous term singleton vertex (NTSV) and multiparous CD rates were also compared. There were 447 patients diagnosed with an LGA fetus and 1971 patients without an LGA diagnosis on third-trimester ultrasound. The positive predictive value of LGA diagnosis was 50.1% and the false positive rate was 10.6%. Patients with a diagnosis of LGA had higher AOR of CD (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.56-2.83), and higher AOR of NTSV CD (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.14-3.13) compared with those without an LGA diagnosis. There was no difference in the rates of non-medically indicated CD, multiparous primary CD, and attempted and successful TOLAC. Our results suggest third-trimester ultrasound diagnosis of LGA independently increases odds of CD, specifically among nulliparous patients, and the potential bias may be one factor contributing to excessive CDs and NTSV CDs.

Changes in Maternal Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Pregnancy Outcomes Across Monitoring Regions - Six Provinces, China, 2016-2022.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of women of advanced maternal age (AMA), accompanied by a rise in adverse pregnancy outcomes in certain regions of China. From 2016 to 2022, there was an observed increase in the proportion of AMA, educational levels, and incidences of preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) in both primiparous and multiparous women. Concurrently, there was a declining trend in the rate of cesarean deliveries and the incidence of macrosomia among multiparous women. In addition to focusing on health management for AMA individuals, proactive steps should be undertaken to enhance the quality of medical services and promote childbirth at optimal ages, thereby reducing the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Evaluation of Statewide Program to Reduce Cesarean Deliveries Among Nulliparous Individuals With Singleton Pregnancies at Term Gestation in Vertex Presentation.

To evaluate the effect of statewide efforts to reduce nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) cesarean delivery rates in California. This was a population-based study of all NTSV births in California from 2015 to 2019. In 2015, all California hospitals with NTSV cesarean delivery rates above the 23.9% Healthy People 2020 target were invited to join a CMQCC (California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative)-sponsored, 3-year, multifaceted collaborative or a system-level quality collaborative to safely support vaginal birth. We examined the cesarean delivery rate overall and by participation or nonparticipation in a collaborative program. Secondarily, for hospitals that started with an NTSV cesarean delivery rate above 23.9%, we compared patient-level, hospital-level, and obstetric management characteristics between hospitals that met the Healthy People 2020 target (cesarean delivery rate below 23.9%) in 2019 and those that did not. There were 758,268 NTSV births at 238 hospitals. Annual mean NTSV cesarean delivery rates decreased among all racial and ethnic groups statewide and among all patients, regardless of payer, maternal age, or body mass index (BMI). The decrease in cesarean delivery was driven largely by a decrease in the frequency of cesarean delivery performed for labor dystocia (14.9% in 2015 to 12.8% in 2019) and from cesarean delivery before the onset of labor (4.2% in 2015 to 3.3% in 2019). For hospitals that started with an NTSV cesarean delivery rate above 23.9%, NTSV cesarean delivery rates among 80 hospitals participating in the CMQCC had a mean±SD decline of 6.9±5.9%, 13 hospitals participating in the system-level collaborative had a 5.0±4.5% decline, and those not participating in any collaborative had a 2.1±6.0% decline. In multivariable analysis, there was no association between meeting the Healthy People target and any of the hospital-level factors or aggregated patient-level characteristics. Rates of induction of labor increased in both groups and were not associated with a change in cesarean delivery rates. Hospitals in California between 2015 and 2019 with a wide variation in institutional and patient characteristics successfully reduced their NTSV cesarean delivery rates. Reduction in the NTSV cesarean delivery rate at hospitals that started above the Healthy People target was not associated with differences in patient characteristics but rather a reduction in cesarean deliveries for labor dystocia and cesarean deliveries performed before the onset of labor.

Effective Epidural Analgesia during Labor: A Feasible Method to Decrease Unnecessary Cesarean Deliveries in Thailand

Thailand has reported a high rate of cesarean delivery (45%–55%), prompting global concern about an increase in cesarean delivery rates. Fear of labor pains is one of the most common reasons pregnant women opt for cesarean delivery. Labor pain is associated with cervix dilation and fetal descent into the birth canal, which is exacerbated by ischemic pain caused by uterine contraction. Modern medical and non-medical techniques have demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and ensuring safety during labor and delivery. Neuraxial labor analgesia is a highly effective medical pain relief method but has no effect on the rate of cesarean or assisted vaginal delivery. Medication administration for pain relief during labor, using a combination of a local anesthetic and an opioid, was observed to be transmitted across the placenta to the fetus, but had no significant effects on fetal outcomes in mothers who chose epidural analgesia. There are several techniques for administering neuraxial labor analgesia that can be customized for each pregnant woman. To achieve the most wonderful feasible labor and delivery experience, effective epidural labor analgesia is a crucial technique for reducing anxiety and suffering about labor pain. It is safe, widely used world-wide, and effective. Implementing a policy to increase public and medical providers awareness and acceptance of labor pain relief, as well as establishing a safe obstetric anesthesia service provided by obstetric anesthesiologists, could improve maternal and neonatal safety while significantly lowering the rate of unnecessary cesarean deliveries.

Risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in electively induced or expectantly managed full-term IVF pregnancies

Research questionAre there differences in the rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients who underwent induction of labor at 39 weeks compared to those who were managed expectantly? DesignThis is a retrospective cohort study of 1,176 low-risk singleton pregnancies conceived following IVF with no contraindications to vaginal delivery. Two groups were constructed: elective induction of labor from 39 weeks 0 days to 39 weeks 6 days (n=234) versus expectant management (n=942). Main outcome measure was the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Secondary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery. Sub-analyses were performed within fresh and frozen embryo transfer groups. ResultsHypertensive disorders of pregnancy developed in 8.1% of patients in the induction of labor group and in 12.4% in the expectant management group (P=.06). This difference was attenuated after controlling for potential confounders (P=.28). For frozen embryo transfers, the unadjusted odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were significantly lower with induction of labor compared to expectant management (P=.02) and after adjusting for confounders, the odds ratio neared significance (P=.09). For fresh transfers, there was no difference in the odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between the two groups. The odds of delivering via cesarean section were higher in the induction of labor group, in the total population and in sub-analyses. ConclusionOverall, in IVF conceived pregnancies, induction of labor when compared to expectant management was not associated with a lower incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, it was however, associated with a higher rate of cesarean delivery.

Pregnancy and delivery outcomes after abdominal vs. laparoscopic myomectomy: an evaluation of an American population database

ObjectiveTo evaluate population characteristics and obstetrical complications after abdominal myomectomy vs. laparoscopic myomectomy. DesignRetrospective cohort study, using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample, with hospital discharge between 2004 and 2014. SettingsPopulation-based. Subject(s)13868 and 338 pregnancies following abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy, respectively. ExposureObstetrics outcomes following abdominal and laparoscopic myomectomy were collected. MethodsMultiple and Binomial logistic regression were used and adjusted in different models for age, obesity, chronic hypertension, and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus. Main Outcome Measure(s)Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. Result(s)Abdominal myomectomy were characterized by younger patients, lower rates of Caucasian, chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, active smoking, illicit drug use, and higher rates of previous cesarean delivery, and multiple gestations when compared to laparoscopic myomectomy. Pregnant women with laparoscopic myomectomy had decreased rates of pregnancy-induced hypertension [adjusted risk ratios (aRR) 0.12, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.006-0.24)], gestational hypertension (aRR 0.24, 95%CI 0.08-0.76), preeclampsia (aRR 0.18, 95%CI 0.07-0.48), and preeclampsia or eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (aRR 0.03, 95%CI 0.005-0.3), gestational diabetes mellitus (aRR 0.14, 95%CI 0.06-0.34), preterm premature rupture of membranes (aRR 0.14, 95%CI 0.02-0.96), preterm delivery (aRR 0.36, 95%CI 0.23-0.55), and cesarean delivery (CD) (aRR 0.01, 95%CI 0.007-0.01) and small for gestational age (aRR 0.15, 95%CI 0.005-0.04), compared to abdominal myomectomy group. Laparoscopic myomectomy group had a higher rate of spontaneous aRR 35.57, 95%CI 22.53-62.66), and operative vaginal delivery (aRR 10.2, 95%CI 8.3-12.56), uterine rupture (aRR 6.1. 95%CI 3.2-11.63), postpartum hemorrhage (aRR 3.54, 95%CI 2.62-4.8), hysterectomy (aRR 7.74, 95%CI 5.27-11.4), transfusion (aRR 3.34, 95%CI 2.54-4.4), pulmonary embolism (aRR 7.44, 95%CI 2.44-22.71), disseminated intravascular coagulation (aRR 2.77, 95% CI 1.47-5.21), maternal infection (aRR 1.66, 95%CI 1.1-2.5) and death (aRR 2.04 95%CI 1.31-3.2)) and intra-uterine fetal death (aRR 2.99, 95%CI 1.72-5.2) compared to the abdominal myomectomy group. ConclusionsWomen who had a previous abdominal myomectomy have underlying risk factors for hypertension disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomies have higher risks of bleeding, uterine rupture, resultant complications, and death, and should be monitored as high-risk patients, like abdominal myomectomies.

Effect of maternal age on the rate, type, and indications of caesarean section deliveries: A study from a maternity hospital of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of maternal age on the rate, type (elective or emergency) and indications of caesarean section. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Government Maternity Hospital, Peshawar. Period: January 2020 to January 2021. Methods: The normal labor register, which contains data of each, and every delivery conducted in the mentioned hospital, was used to find out total number of caesarean sections during the period of study. All those patients were included in the study who underwent caesarean section during the study period. Total number of caesarean sections was 603 after excluding the patients with ruptured uterus, multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy and cephalopelvic disproportion. Maternal age was noted and compared with the rate of caesarean section. Maternal age was further categorized as &lt;20; 21-25; 26-30; 31-35; 36-40 and &gt;40 years. Results: Among 603 patients, the majority of patients who underwent caesarean section were in 26-30 years age group followed by 21-25 years. When the indications for caesarean section were compared based on the already defined categories of age, a significant difference (p&lt;0.001) was found. Previous caesarean sections were found to be the topmost cause in all age groups while the second common cause was malpresentation. Elective caesarean section rate was found to be significantly higher than emergency ones with p-value&lt;0.001. Conclusion: Our results revealed a greater number of caesarean sections in the younger age group; therefore, it can be concluded that maternal age has no direct effects on the rate, type, and indications of caesarean section.

Understanding Obstetrical Surgical Planning for the Pediatrician.

Cesarean deliveries are common in the United States, occurring in approximately one-third of deliveries in 2021. Given this high rate of cesarean deliveries, it is important for all clinicians caring for the pregnant person-infant dyad to be educated about cesarean deliveries. In this review, we describe the indications for cesarean delivery, the evidence-based practices of preoperative planning to ensure safe deliveries, and the clinical decision-making behind various cesarean incisions. In addition, we discuss the most common complications of cesarean deliveries for the pregnant person-infant dyad.

Trends in rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and associated morbidities in Canada: a population-based study (2012-2021).

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a leading cause of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). We sought to explore trends in HDP and related morbidity outcomes in Canada. In this retrospective population-based study, we used hospital discharge data from Canada, excluding Quebec, to identify females who had an HDP diagnosis during a birth admission between 2012 and 2021. We analyzed temporal and geographical trends in HDP, as well as temporal trends in adverse outcomes associated with HDP. Among 2 804 473 hospital admissions for birth between 2012 and 2021, the rate of any HDP increased from 6.1% to 8.5%, including pre-existing hypertension (0.6% to 0.9%), gestational hypertension (3.9% to 5.1%), and preeclampsia (1.6% to 2.6%). For 2017-2021 combined, relative to Ontario (6.9%), HDP were significantly more prevalent in nearly all other Canadian regions. For example, in Newfoundland and Labrador, the rate was 10.7% (unadjusted rate ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.49-1.63). Among females with any HDP, rates of cesarean delivery rose from 42.0% in 2012 to 44.3% in 2021, as did acute renal failure (0.4% to 0.6%), while rates of early preterm delivery, intrauterine fetal death, maternal hospital length of stay (≥ 7 d), admission to the maternal intensive care unit, severe hemorrhage, and SMM trended downward. The rate of HDP has risen across Canada, with a concomitant decline in some HDP-associated morbidities. Ongoing surveillance of HDP is needed to assess the factors associated with temporal trends, including the effectiveness of evolving HDP prevention and management efforts.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes with respect to treatment modalities in women with gestational diabetes mellitus at a rural tertiary care teaching hospital.

To estimate the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and compare adverse pregnancy outcomes with respect to treatment modalities in a peri-urban teaching hospital in Telangana. A prospective study was conducted on GDM cases delivered from January 2019 to March 2020. GDM was diagnosed using a two-step procedure of screening using IADPSG criteria. Women diagnosed with GDM were divided into four groups - diet group, metformin group, metformin plus insulin group and insulin group based on the treatment modalities. Adverse pregnancy outcomes of the women managed with different treatment modalities were recorded. Good glycaemic control (FBS, P = 0.04, 2 hrs PLBS, P = 0.01) was achieved in diet and metformin groups. Incidence of Gestational hypertension (P = 0.01) and preeclampsia (P = 0.01) were found to be higher in the insulin group when compared to the metformin and insulin group, metformin group and diet group. No difference was noted with respect to polyhydramnios, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, induction labour and caesarean delivery rates between the treatment groups. Apgar score at 5 min of <7 (P = 0.02), neonatal intensive care unit admissions for >24 hrs (P = 0.03) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (P = 0.01) were found to be higher in insulin-required groups. Rates of shoulder dystocia, stillbirth, early neonatal death within 1 week and respiratory distress did not vary significantly between the treatment groups. Universal screening of women for GDM and multidisciplinary management of women once diagnosed tend to lessen maternal and fetal complications. Metformin can be an effective, cheaper and non-invasive alternative to insulin in the management of GDM.

Nursing Care for Ny 'S with Impaired Sense of Security and Comfort Acute Pain Associated with Physical Injury Agents Post-Section Caesarea

The World Health Organization has determined that the average rate of sectio cesarean delivery in a country is around 5-15% per 1,000 births. Sectio cesarean delivery is the process of giving birth surgically by making incisions in the mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to remove the baby. One of the effects of SC is post-SC pain, which is caused by an incision or tear in the tissue of the front abdominal wall. Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that results from actual and potential tissue damage, regardless of the nature, pattern, or cause of the pain. This study aims to describe the disturbance of a sense of security and comfort due to pain in post-Sectio Caesarea patients at Sumber Kasih Cirebon Hospital. This study uses a case study method by applying nursing care to the patient Mrs. for assessment, diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. The results showed that the patient's comfort and pain disorders could be overcome, with the patient no longer complaining of pain and the pain scale reduced from 5 to 1. Thus, the patient's problem can be said to be resolved. The implications of this study indicate that appropriate nursing interventions can significantly reduce post-sectio cesarean pain, thereby improving the quality of life of postoperative patients.

Did we observe changes in obstetric interventions in SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women at the beginning of COVID-pandemic in Belgium? Results of a nationwide population-based study.

BackgroundPregnant women are more vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19 compared to their non-pregnant peers. Early in the pandemic, there was a rise in cesarean deliveries and preterm births among infected pregnant women. This study aims to evaluate whether there were any changes in obstetric interventions during the first two waves of the pandemic in Belgium. MethodsBetween March 2020 and February 2021, the Belgian Obstetric Surveillance System (B.OSS) conducted an extensive, nationwide population-based registry study, that included nearly all births to women with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within six weeks before hospitalization in Belgium. The perinatal outcomes of these women were analyzed and compared with pre-pandemic regional perinatal data. ResultsA total of 923 SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women were admitted to the hospital; 9.3 % were hospitalized for severe COVID-19, while the remaining were hospitalized for obstetric reasons. Infected women had a higher median BMI, a higher incidence of diabetes, and a greater proportion were overweight or obese compared to the reference group (p < 0.001). While the majority of women gave birth vaginally, symptomatic women and those with a severe infection had slightly higher rates of cesarean delivery, though not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders. Only severely ill women had an increased risk of preterm delivery (aOR 2.3; 95 %CI [1.2–2.5]; p = 0.02) and of induced labor (OR 1.8; 95 %CI [1.1–2.8]; p = 0.01). The use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery was more common in the infected group (OR 2.6; 95 %CI [1.6–4.1]; p < 0.001). ConclusionsObstetric interventions, such as cesarean delivery and induction, remained at pre-pandemic levels. However, a SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to have increased medically induced preterm delivery and the use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

Obstetric Characteristics and Outcomes of Gestational Carrier Pregnancies

Advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have led to an increase in gestational carrier (GC) pregnancies. However, the perinatal outcomes of GC pregnancies remain understudied, necessitating a deeper understanding of their associated risks. To assess maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes associated with GC pregnancies. A comprehensive systematic search of publications published before October 31, 2023, using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. Two authors selected studies examining obstetric characteristics and outcomes in GC pregnancies with 24 or more weeks' gestation. Studies with insufficient outcome information, unavailable data on gestational surrogacies, and non-English language studies were excluded. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, 2 investigators extracted and synthesized both quantitative and qualitative data. Both fixed-effect and random-effect analysis were used to pool data. The primary outcomes were obstetric characteristics and outcomes, including hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Secondary outcomes included severe maternal morbidity and mortality associated with GC pregnancies. Six studies from 2011 to 2023 involving 28 300 GC pregnancies and 1 270 662 non-GC pregnancies were included. GCs accounted for 2.5% of in vitro fertilization cycles (59 502 of 2 374 154 cycles) and 3.8% of ART pregnancies (26 759 of 701 047 ART pregnancies). GC pregnancies were more likely to be conceived by frozen embryo transfer compared with non-GC ART pregnancies (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% CI, 1.56-5.15), and rates of single embryo transfer were similar between the 2 groups (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.94-1.48). GCs were rarely nulliparous (6 of 361 patients [1.7%]) and were more likely to have multifetal pregnancies compared with non-GC ART patients (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.35). Comparator studies revealed lower odds of cesarean delivery (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.65) and comparable rates of hypertensive disorders (aOR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.45-1.64), preterm birth (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68-1.00), and low birth weight (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.50-1.26) in GC pregnancies vs non-GC ART pregnancies. Comparatively, GC pregnancies had higher odds of hypertensive disorders (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.13-1.84) vs general (non-GC ART and non-ART) pregnancies with comparable cesarean delivery risk (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.90-1.25). Preterm birth and low birth weight data lacked a comparative group using multivariate analysis. Severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality were rare among GCs. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, although GC pregnancies had slightly improved outcomes compared with non-GC ART pregnancies, they posed higher risks than general pregnancies. Contributing factors may include ART procedures and increased rates of multiple gestations which influence adverse perinatal outcomes in GC pregnancies.

Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Pregnancy.

To examine the presentation, management, and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a contemporary obstetric population. This is a case series of all admissions for DKA during pregnancy at a single Midwestern academic medical center over a 10-year period. Diabetic ketoacidosis was defined per the following diagnostic criteria: anion gap more than 12 mEq/L, pH less than 7.30 or bicarbonate less than 15 mEq/L, and elevated serum or urine ketones. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between individuals with type 1 and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Between 2012 and 2021, there were 129 admissions for DKA in 103 pregnancies in 97 individuals. Most individuals (n=75, 77.3%) admitted for DKA during pregnancy had type 1 diabetes. The majority of admissions occurred in the third trimester (median gestational age 29 3/7 weeks). The most common precipitating factors were vomiting or gastrointestinal illness (38.0%), infection (25.6%), and insulin nonadherence (20.9%). Median glucose on admission was 252 mg/dL (interquartile range 181-343 mg/dL), and 21 patients (17.6%) were admitted with euglycemic DKA. Fifteen admissions (11.6%) were to the intensive care unit. Pregnancy loss was diagnosed during admission in six individuals (6.3%, 95% CI, 2.3-13.7%). Among pregnant individuals with at least one admission for DKA, the median gestational age at delivery was 34 6/7 weeks (interquartile range 33 2/7-36 3/7 weeks). Most neonates (85.7%, 95% CI, 76.8-92.2%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and required treatment for hypoglycemia. The cesarean delivery rate was 71.9%. Despite similar hemoglobin A 1C values before pregnancy and at admission, individuals with type 1 diabetes had higher serum glucose (median [interquartile range], 256 mg/dL [181-353 mg/dL] vs 216 mg/dL [136-258 mg/dL], P =.04) and higher serum ketones (3.78 mg/dL [2.13-5.50 mg/dL] vs 2.56 mg/dL [0.81-4.69 mg/dL] mg/dL, P =.03) on admission compared with those with type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes required intravenous insulin therapy for a longer duration (55 hours [29.5-91.5 hours] vs 27 hours [19-38 hours], P =.004) and were hospitalized longer (5 days [4-9 days] vs 4 days [3-6 days], P =.004). Diabetic ketoacidosis occurred predominantly in pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes presented with greater DKA severity but achieved clinical resolution more rapidly than those with type 2 diabetes. These results may provide a starting point for the development of interventions to decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity related to DKA in the modern obstetric population.