Lower Cesarean Section Rate Research Articles

Current concepts on the use of the partogram to monitor labor progression.

The partogram is a graphic tool used to monitor labor progression. This article reviews the recent literature on the use of the partogram, aiming to evaluate whether its implementation reduces cesarean section rates and to determine which model is more appropriate. Studies that compared using the partogram with not using it were analyzed, as well as studies that contrasted different partogram models. The results indicate that partogram use is not associated with a significant reduction in cesarean section rate, particularly in countries with low cesarean section rates. However, the modified World Health Organization partogram, which eliminates the latent phase, appears to have advantages over the classic 1994 model, with significantly lower cesarean section rates. Although the partogram has not shown significant benefits in reducing cesarean sections, it is still a useful tool for graphically documenting the progress of labor, which could improve clinical decision-making. In Chile, the high cesarean section rates, close to 45%, suggest that implementing the WHO 2000 partogram could be beneficial. However, local studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of reducing cesarean sections.

Is confidence in knowledge related to childbirth fear and mode of birth among Polish women?

Abstract Background In Poland, cesarean section (CS) rate is 48% what means that it is one of the highest rate among OECD countries and the highest in the European Union. WHO has considered that CS rates higher than 15% at the population level are not associated with reductions in maternal and newborn mortality rates. Fear and attitudes towards childbirth are shaped years before the first pregnancy. Yet, little is understood about how young people’s knowledge, attitudes and fears concerning the birth process shape their healthcare preferences around birth. Thus, the aim of the study was to examine whether confidence in knowledge was associated with childbirth fear prior to pregnancy and preference for CS. Methods We recruited 782 women aged 18 - 35 (mean 24.7, sd = 3.19) who had never been pregnant but wished to have at least one child in the future. The women answered questions about: (i) socio-economic situation, (ii) confidence in knowledge and educational needs related to pregnancy and childbirth; (iii) fear of childbirth prior to pregnancy; (iv) preferred mode of birth in the hypothetical pregnancy in which there are no medical indications for cesarean section. Results Almost one in four women (22.1%) preferred CS in a hypothetical low-risk pregnancy. In addition, most often young women gained knowledge on pregnancy and birth from experiences and stories of family members (62.3%). Women with moderate and high level of confidence in knowledge had respectively lower odds of high level of childbirth fear prior to pregnancy comparing to women with low level of confidence in knowledge (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39-0.83 and OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33-0.88, respectively). Conclusions Increasing knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth among young women might lower childbirth fear and thus, indirectly, lower rates of CS in the future. Key messages • The results of this study may solve very important public health problem i.e. the growing rates of cesarean section. • Confidence in knowledge may be an important factor associated with the level of childbirth fear.

Analysis of the Effect of Midwives’ Psychological Care Intervention on the Progress of Labor and Cesarean Rate of Elderly Women in Labor

Objective: To analyze the effect of midwife psychological nursing intervention in the clinical care of elderly women in labor. Methods: According to the order of admission, 74 elderly women were divided into the control group and the observation group. In addition to the routine perinatal nursing interventions, the observation group strengthened the implementation of midwives’ psychological nursing interventions. The duration of labor, mode of delivery, psychological state, and stress response indexes of the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results: The observation group had a shorter duration of all labor stages and total duration of labor than the control group, a lower cesarean section rate than the control group, and a higher degree of improvement in anxiety, depression, and stress response indexes in the 3-day postpartum period as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of midwife psychological care intervention in perinatal care of elderly women can further shorten the duration of labor, reduce the cesarean section rate, and improve the psychological state and stress indicators, which is worth promoting.

Lumbar disk herniation in pregnancy: its incidence, presentation and management: a systematic review.

Back pain in pregnancy is common, but pain from lumbar disk herniations in pregnancy is rare. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyse literature on lumbar disk herniation in pregnancy, focusing on risk factors, incidence, clinical presentation, and management. We conducted a literature review using PubMed and Web of Science databases, including studies from January 1, 1950, to August 1, 2023. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for cohort studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for case-control studies were utilised to assess risk of bias. The review protocol was not previously published. A total of 41 studies were reviewed, with 6 addressing incidence and risk factors and 35 focusing on clinical presentation and management. Symptomatic lumbar disk herniation during pregnancy was found to be uncommon, with no significant predisposition noted during pregnancy as per magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. However, patients with MRI-detected herniations were more likely to report back pain. Non-surgical management resulted in higher rates of complete symptom resolution (69% vs. 50%) and lower rates of cesarean section (57% vs. 70%) compared to surgical management. Among surgically treated patients, microdiscectomy showed higher symptom resolution (59%) compared to laminectomy (17%) or a combined approach (33%). While pregnancy does not inherently increase the risk of herniated lumbar disks, the presence of a prolapsed disk can predispose to back pain during pregnancy. There is poor quality evidence that should be interpreted cautiously. Non-surgical management, in the absence of red-flag symptoms including bowel and bladder dysfunction may be trialled and yield comparatively better symptom resolution. Additionally, surgical management if necessitated has no clear link to pregnancy complications within the scope of this study.

Continuity of care by a primary midwife (caseload midwifery): a cost analysis using results from the COSMOS randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCaseload midwifery (continuity of midwifery carer) offers benefits including lower caesarean section rates, lower risks of preterm birth and stillbirth, and improved maternal satisfaction of care. Despite these advantages, concerns...

At any cost: a paradigm shift in the culture of caesarean section rate monitoring in the United Kingdom

Recent reviews into maternity safety in the United Kingdom (UK) have led to a paradigm shift in culture and policy around caesarean section (CS) rate monitoring. CS rates in the UK have risen considerably over the last few decades and, in this time, there has been national effort at the level of government to kerb such rises due to concerns about the associated morbidity, and the medicalisation of birth. However, recent findings from two landmark reviews raise concerns that the pursuit of low CS rates may have caused harm to patients in some instances, and this has led the UK government to recommend cessation of the use of total CS rates as performance metric for maternity services. Instead, it is proposed that such data be collected with use of the Robson classification. Ongoing appraisal of maternity safety will be required to evaluate the effect of these changes in future.

From evidence to tailored decision-making: a qualitative research of barriers and facilitating factors for the implementation of non-clinical interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean section in Romania

ObjectiveTo improve understanding of the drivers of the increased caesarean section (CS) rate in Romania and to identify interventions to reverse this trend, as well as barriers and facilitators.DesignA formative...

Obstetric practice differences between Syrian refugees and non-Syrian nonrefugee gravidae: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

To assess differences in obstetric practices between Syrian war refugees (SRs) and non-Syrian nonrefugees (NSRs) in a tertiary care provider in Germany. This was a retrospective study of SRs (n = 356) and NSRs (n = 5836) giving birth between January 2015 and December 2018. Data on medical history, birth mode, complications, and neonatal parameters was extracted. Group differences were evaluated using Mann-Whitney and χ2 test. Logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the association of refugee status with mode of birth in conditions associated with increased risk of cesarean section (CS). SRs had higher rates of adolescent pregnancies (1.7% versus 0.6%, P = 0.020) but fewer maternal diseases compared with NSRs (1.7% versus 3.9%, P = 0.035). The rate of CS was higher in the NSR group (43.9% versus 36%, P = 0.003), as well as the rates of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.006) and steroid administration for lung maturation (P = 0.012). Cases of umbilical artery pH ≤7.0 were more common in SRs (0.4% versus 1.1%, P = 0.027). Women with previous CS had similar odds of CS in the current pregnancy irrespective of study group (odds ratio, 0.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.50-1.75]). SR women had lower rates of CS but higher rates of adolescent pregnancies and neonatal pH ≤7.0 at birth compared with NSR women.

Prevalence and Determinants of Caesarean Section in a Private Health Facility: A Cross-sectional Study

Emergency obstetric care (EmOC) has dramatically lowered the maternal death rate in Bangladesh since the early 1990s. Rising caesarean section rates over the past ten years have had an impact on the nation's economy in addition to other signs of better mother care. According to demographic and health surveys, caesarean section rates increased from 3.5% in 2004 to 23% in 2014. Women who become pregnant after 35 years, live in cities, have a higher level of education and frequently use antenatal services have a greater average annual rate of prevalence in caesarean sections. The objective was to assess the indications and the trends of caesarean sections done over a two-month period. The study of prevalence and determinants of caesarean section was conducted in a renowned private hospital in Dhaka. Among 197 women who were admitted to the department of obstetrics and gynecology, the number of total deliveries was 175 (89% of total admission). The indications varied a little in cases of lower abdominal pain and preeclampsia. Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) and breech have a small proportion (about 5% both). The proportion of repeated caesarean sections was 47%. Recently the indication of a maternal choice is also coming up (11%). The data were compared and analyzed to determine if the indications were significant enough for cesarean delivery. Although a caesarean section is currently a relatively safe obstetrical procedure, it is advised that the indications should be carefully evaluated in order to lower caesarean section rates. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 26(2): 195-203, 2023 (July)

Treatment effects of laparoscopy versus laparotomy on heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

To compare the treatment effects of laparoscopy versus laparotomy on heterotopic pregnancy (HP) after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The retrospective case-control study enrolled 109 patients diagnosed with HP after IVF-ET treatment in our hospital from January 2009 to March 2020. All patients received surgical treatment by either laparoscopy or laparotomy. Data for general characteristics, diagnostic features, surgical parameters, as well as perinatal and neonatal outcomes were collected. Sixty-two patients received laparoscopy and 47 received laparotomy. Significantly lower percentage of large hemoperitoneum (P = 0.001), shorter surgery duration (P < 0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001), higher rates of general anesthesia (P < 0.001), and lower cesarean section rates for singletons (P = 0.003) were found in the laparoscopy group. The perinatal and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups. When interstitial pregnancy was considered alone, the surgical blood loss was significantly reduced in the laparoscopy group (P = 0.021), but there was no significant difference in hemoperitoneum, surgery duration, or perinatal and neonatal outcomes in singletons. Both laparoscopy and laparotomy are effective surgical treatments for HP after IVF-ET. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive but laparotomy can be an alternative in emergency situations.

Cervical dilatation at diagnosis of active phase of labour determines the mode of delivery and peripartum outcomes: a retrospective study in a single tertiary centre in Malaysia

BackgroundThere is an increasing trend of Caesarean section rate in Malaysia. Limited evidence demonstrated the benefits of changing the demarcation of the active phase of labour.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 3980 singletons, term pregnancy, spontaneous labouring women between 2015 and 2019 comparing outcomes between those with cervical dilation of 4 versus 6 cm at diagnosis of the active phase of labour.ResultsA total of 3403 (85.5%) women had cervical dilatation of 4 cm, and 577 (14.5%) at 6 cm upon diagnosis of the active phase of labour. Women in 4 cm group were significantly heavier at delivery (p = 0.015) but significantly more multiparous women were in 6 cm group (p < 0.001). There were significantly fewer women in the 6 cm group who needed oxytocin infusion (p < 0.001) and epidural analgesia (p < 0.001) with significantly lower caesarean section rate (p < 0.001) done for fetal distress and poor progress (p < 0.001 both). The mean duration from diagnosis of the active phase of labour until delivery was significantly shorter in the 6 cm group (p < 0.001) with lighter mean birth weight (p = 0.019) and fewer neonates with arterial cord pH < 7.20 (p = 0.047) requiring neonatal intensive care unit admissions (p = 0.01). Multiparity (AOR = 0.488, p < 0.001), oxytocin augmentation (AOR = 0.487, p < 0.001) and active phase of labour diagnosed at 6 cm (AOR = 0.337, p < 0.001) reduced the risk of caesarean delivery. Caesarean delivery increased the risk of neonatal intensive care admission by 27% (AOR = 1.73, p < 0.001).ConclusionsActive phase of labour at 6 cm cervical dilatation is associated with reduced primary caesarean delivery rate, labour intervention, shorter labour duration and fewer neonatal complications.

Sonographic examination at the beginning of the second stage of labor predicts birth outcome in vaginally intended breech deliveries: a blinded prospective study

PurposeIn order to spread competence in vaginal breech deliveries, it is necessary to develop new and easily applicable tools for birth progression and safety evaluation. Ultrasound is a useful and ubiquitously available tool with already documented value for birth progression observation. In deliveries out of breech presentation, an established ultrasound examination is missing. We determined the descent of the fetal buttocks in relation to the maternal pelvic inlet using intrapartum ultrasound. We evaluated these results in comparison to the clinical vaginal examination with the aim to establish an easily applicable method for birth outcome prediction. Therefore, we analyzed the predictive value of our examinations on birth outcome parameters, such as cesarean section rate, as well as fetal and maternal outcome parameters.MethodsWe performed a prospective blinded study on 106 mothers with vaginally intended breech delivery. At beginning of stage two in labor, the descent of the fetal buttocks into the mother’s pelvic inlet was detected with transabdominal ultrasound and vaginal examination by different observers. Primary outcome variable: Cesarean section rate. Secondary outcome variables: rate of manual assistance in vaginal deliveries, birth duration, 5′ APGAR score, umbilical arterial pH, maternal blood loss, and perineal injury. For non-parametric values, Wilcoxon’s χ2 test was performed. In order to analyze the predictive value of our examination, lack-of-fit analysis was conducted. Reliability evaluation of the sonographic examination was done with a matched-pair analysis.ResultsWomen with positive intrapartum ultrasound breech engagement sign (+ IPUBES) had a significantly lower rate of cesarean section in comparison with those with negative IPUBES (5/67; 7.5% vs. 18/39; 46.2%; p < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve for the prediction of CS for negative IPUBES was 0.765 with a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 74.7%. Sonographic examination showed an excellent reliability in a matched-pair analysis comparing vaginal and sonographic examinations with a mean difference of 0.012 (SD ± 0.027, 95% CI − 0.014 to 0.065). Mean birth duration was significantly longer in deliveries with negative IPUBES (533 min vs. 440 min; p = 0.0011). Fetal and maternal outcome parameters were not significantly different between deliveries with positive and negative IPUBES.ConclusionsSonographic evaluation of the fetal descent in relation to the mother’s pelvic inlet screens reliably for emergency cesarean section. This newly presented method for birth progression observation might be a powerful tool for distribution of expertise in vaginal breech delivery and is able to give reference for clinical vaginal examination by obstetricians in training.Trail registryClinical trial. Date of registration: 13.03.2019; Date of initial participant enrollment: 20.03.2019; DRKS00016885; https://www.drks.de; German clinical trials register.

Comparison of maternal-fetal outcomes between laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage and McDonald cerclage in women with cervical insufficiency

Objective: To compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of women with cervical insufficiency (CI) undergoing McDonald cerclage (MC) and laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage (LCC), so as to provide evidence for the selection of cerclage methods. Methods: A retrospective trial was carried out in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2010 to December 2020. A total of 221 women who underwent the prophylactic cerclage were divided into MC group (n=54), LCC with MC history group (n=28) and LCC without MC history group (n=129) by the mode of operation and whether the pregnant women who underwent LCC had MC history. General clinical data, pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the three groups. Results: (1) General clinical data: the proportion of women accepted cervical cerclage during pregnancy in MC group, LCC with MC history group and LCC without MC history group were 100.0% (54/54), 7.1% (2/28) and 27.1% (35/129), respectively (P<0.001). The indications of the three groups showed statistical significance (P=0.003), and the main indication was the history of abortion in the second and third trimester [75.9% (41/54) vs 89.3% (25/28) vs 84.5% (109/129)]. (2) Pregnancy complications: the incidence of abnormal fetal position [7.8% (4/51) vs 17.4% (4/23) vs 19.8% (24/121)], placenta accrete [5.9% (3/51) vs 13.0% (3/23) vs 11.6% (14/121)], uterine rupture [0 vs 4.3% (1/23) vs 5.8% (7/121)] in the MC group were all lower than those in LCC with MC history and LCC without MC history groups. However, there were no statistical significances (all P>0.05). Intrauterine inflammation or chorioamnionitis [15.7% (8/51) vs 0 vs 0.8% (1/121)] and premature rupture of membrane [23.5% (12/51) vs 4.3% (1/23) vs 0] were both significantly higher in MC group than those in LCC with MC history and LCC without MC history groups (all P<0.001). (3) Pregnancy outcomes: the cesarean section rate was significantly lower in MC group (41.2%, 21/51) than that in LCC with MC history group (100.0%, 23/23) and LCC without MC history group (100.0%, 121/121; P<0.001). MC group was associated with lower expenditure than LCC with MC history and LCC without MC history groups (12 169 vs 26 438 vs 27 783 yuan, P<0.001). The success rates of live birth cerclage did not differ significantly in MC (94.4%, 51/54), LCC with MC history (82.1%, 23/28) and LCC without MC history (93.8%, 121/129) groups (χ2=5.649, P=0.059). There was no significant difference in neonatal intensive care unit occupancy, neonatal birth weight and neonatal asphyxia between the three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Both LCC and MC are the treatment choice for women with CI, which may get similar liver birth. However, MC has the advantages of low cesarean section rate, economical and easy operation. Therefore, MC is recommended as the first choice for CI patients, and LCC is for women with failed MC.

Time trends in caesarean section rates and associations with perinatal and neonatal health: a population-based cohort study of 1 153 789 births in Norway

ObjectivesTo study caesarean section (CS) rates and associations with perinatal and neonatal health in Norway during 1999–2018.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.SettingMedical Birth Registry of Norway.Participants1 153 789 births and 1 174 066...

The efficacy of sequential day 3 embryo and blastocyst transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of sequential transfer that one cleavage-stage embryo on day 3 and one blastocyst on day 5 are sequentially transferred in the same treatment cycle over conventional day 3 embryo transfer and blastocyst transfer in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF).Study Design: 2836 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients with RIF were divided into three groups according to female age: <35, 35–39 and >39 years old groups, and four groups depending on the number and period of embryo transferred: two day 3 embryo, two blastocyst, single blastocyst and sequential transfer groups; Pregnancy outcomes including implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), abortion rate (AR), ectopic pregnancy rate (EPR), multiple pregnancy rate (MPR), live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal characteristics from all the groups were assessed. ResultsSequential transfer caused a significant increase in the IR, CPR and LBR over two day 3 embryo transfer and did not improve the IR, CPR and LBR over two blastocyst transfer in patients with RIF. Sequential transfer had higher CPR, MPR and LBR and lower IR than single blastocyst transfer. No significant differences were present in neonatal characteristics among the transfer protocol groups. Singleton group had a higher average gestational age and birthweight as well as a lower cesarean section rate, preterm labor rate and low birthweight rate than twin group. Additionally, the AR had no significant difference and the EPR of blastocyst transfer was low. ConclusionsSequential transfer was not an effective method to improve IR in patients with RIF, and blastocyst transfer with higher IR was suggested. Single blastocyst transfer could serve as an effective transfer protocol to reduce MPR.

Obstetric outcomes after cervical loop electrosurgical excision procedure

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate whether a history of loop electrosurgical excision procedure (i.e., conisation) affects obstetric and neonatal outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out in Västernorrland county, Sweden. 57 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies and previous conisation were compared with 100 age-matched pregnant controls without history of conisation. ResultsThere was significantly lower gestational age by delivery (p = 0.036), however, the premature delivery rate was not different. Caesarean section was also less frequent (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.081–1.04, p = 0.047) in the conisation group than those in the control group. There were no differences in neonatal outcomes. ConclusionsPrevious conisation does not affect the risk of prematurity or cervical dilatation during the first stage of labour. Women with history of conisation had a lower rate of caesarean section, and lower gestational age by delivery.

Laparoscopic versus laparotomic myomectomy in infertility management and its pregnancy outcome in Nigeria

Uterine leiomyoma is common among black women of reproductive age in Africa and is associated with infertility. Its definitive means of treatment is myomectomy which can be approached by laparoscopy or laparotomy. There is a need to know if any of these two modes of treatment affects the chances of achieving pregnancy or its outcome in women with background infertility. Objective: To assess the proportion of women who achieved pregnancy after laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy with background infertility, their pregnancy outcome and a comparison of the two groups. Materials and Method: The study retrospectively reviewed 36 out of 188 women that had either laparoscopic (n=86) or laparotomic myomectomy (n=102) and achieved pregnancy over a period of 30 months. Result: There was pregnancy in 21 out of 86 women that had laparoscopy and 15 among the 102 women that had laparotomic myomectomy. This gave the pregnancy rates of 24.4% and 14.7% respectively. The pregnancy outcome was favourable and similar between the two groups with the laparoscopic group having a lower caesarean delivery rate of 76.2% compared to100% in the laparotomy group. The duration of hospital stay was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group. Conclusion: Laparoscopic or laparotomic myomectomy improves the chances of pregnancy in women with background infertility below 35 years. The laparoscopic group had a significantly lower caesarean section rate and a shorter duration of hospital stay than the laparotomic group, however, both groups had a similar and favourable pregnancy outcome.

Robson's Ten Group Classification System to Evaluate Cesarean Section Rates in Honduras: The Relevance of Labor Induction.

To use the Robson Ten Group Classification (RTGC) to analyze cesarean section (CS) rates in a Honduran maternity hospital, with focus in groups that consider induction of labor. Cross-sectional study. Women admitted for childbirth (August 2017 to October 2018) were classified according to the RTGC. The CS rate for each group and the contribution to the overall CS rate was calculated, with further analyses of the induction of labor among term primiparous (group 2a), term multiparous (group 4a), and cases with one previous CS (group 5.1). A total of 4,356 women were considered, with an overall CS rate of 26.1%. Group 3 was the largest group, with 38.6% (1,682/4,356) of the cases, followed by Group 1, with 30.8% (1,342/4,356), and Group 5, with 10.3% (450/4,356). Considering the contribution to overall CS rates per group, Group 5 contributed with 30.4% (345/1,136) of the CSs and within this group, 286/345 (82.9%) had 1 previous CS, with a CS rate > 70%. Groups 1 and 3, with 26.6% (291/1,136) and 13.5% (153/1,136), respectively, were the second and third larger contributors to the CS rate. Groups 2a and 4a had high induction success, with low CS rates (18.4 and 16.9%, respectively). The RTGC is a useful tool to assess CS rates in different healthcare facilities. Groups 5, 1, and 3 were the main contributors to the CS rate, and groups 2 and 4 showed the impact and importance of induction of labor. These findings may support future interventions to reduce unnecessary CS, especially among primiparous and in women with previous CS.

Comparison of cesarean section rates between obstetricians preferring labor induction at early versus late gestational age

ObjectiveTo compare the cesarean section (CS) rates of obstetricians with a preference of labor induction at early versus late gestational age. Material and methodsMedical records of women who were low risk, nulliparous, singleton pregnancy, and >37 weeks and delivered their babies, were reviewed. Obstetricians, who preferred labor induction at<41 weeks, were allocated to the early induction group; and the other obstetricians were allocated to the late induction group. ResultsThe late induction group had a higher percentage of labor induction at ≥41 weeks, compared with the early induction group (21% vs. 8%, p = 0.007). The late induction group had a lower CS rate (11.0% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the early induction group (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.14, p < 0.001), maternal age (HR = 1.04, p = 0.001), premature rupture of membranes (HR = 1.59, p = 0.006), and birth body weight (kg, HR = 2.13, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of CS. In women receiving labor induction (n = 312), birth body weight (kg, HR = 1.72, p = 0.04) was the sole predictor of CS; and there is a trend that the early induction group (HR = 1.54, p = 0.051) has a higher CS rate, compared with the late induction group. However, gestational age at labor induction was not a predictor of CS. ConclusionIn low-risk pregnancies, obstetricians preferring labor induction at early gestational age seem to be associated with a higher CS rate, compared with obstetricians preferring labor induction at late gestational age. Nonetheless, the above finding seems to be associated with physician's factor, instead of gestational age at labor induction.

Benefits and risks of spontaneous pushing versus directed pushing during the second stage of labour among women without epidural analgesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the benefits and risks of spontaneous pushing and directed pushing used by labouring women without epidural analgesia during the second stage labour. DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. MethodsRandomised controlled trials published in PubMed/ MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, psycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and four Chinese databases were systematically searched from their inception to December, 2021. Grey literature were also searched. Two authors independently screened the literature and evaluated the quality of the included studies. ResultsTen studies with a total of 1510 women were pooled. Spontaneous pushing in the second stage of labour reduced the rates of Caesarean section and extended episiotomy. The difference was significant among spontaneous pushing group and directed pushing group, with relative risk and 95% confidence intervals of 0.42 and 0.19–0.94, 0.49 and 0.29–0.82, respectively. There was no significant difference in the duration of the second stage of labour, rates of spontaneous vaginal birth and newborn outcomes. ConclusionThe results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that spontaneous pushing during the second stage of labour results in at least the same maternal and newborn outcomes, lower Caesarean section rates and lower incidence of extended episiotomy.