Non-instrumental Vaginal Delivery Research Articles

Perineal stress as a predictor of performing episiotomy in primiparous women: a prospective observational study

BackgroundEpisiotomy is a surgical solution to relieve perineal stress, resulting in an easily repairable incision, in comparison to the risks of serious vaginal trauma during delivery. The midwife typically adopts such a clinical decision, on experience and subjective judgment. However, the association between perineal stress and episiotomy is poorly characterized. Our aim was to identify a threshold value for perineal stress leading to episiotomy, which eventually may be employed as a clinical tool for assessing whether an episiotomy is required or not.MethodsIn total, 245 nulliparous women were investigated for perineal stress during non-instrumental vaginal delivery in Ningbo Women & Children’s Hospital. During the second stage of labor, a flexible membrane stress sensor was placed between the fetal head and perineal wall above the anal fissure. Once the entire fetal head pressed against the sensor, real-time perineal stress was measured, and the peak value was recorded. Cases were divided into non-episiotomy group (n = 173) and episiotomy group (n = 72). The correlations between perineal stress and episiotomy was assessed through logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, estimated birthweight, duration of second stage of labor, maternal body mass index, and presence of analgesia. Midwives were blinded to all stress measurement values. The predictive value of perineal stress on performing episiotomy was evaluated, together with the ideal cut-off perineal stress value for performing episiotomy. A ROC analysis was also performed.ResultsThe episiotomy group had significantly higher levels of perineal stress in comparison to the non-episiotomy group (140.50 ± 16.03 N versus 118.37 ± 19.21 N, p < 0.01). The episiotomy group was linked to significantly higher perineal stress in comparison to the non-episiotomy group (140.50 ± 16.03 VS 118.37 ± 19.21 N, p < 0.01). ROC analysis between perineal stress and episiotomy revealed a high area under the curve (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.75–0.86) and a cut-off value for perineal stress of 124.49 N was identified for episiotomy decision.ConclusionThe level of perineal stress was an independent predictor of performing episiotomy in nulliparous women during non-instrumental vaginal delivery. Perineal stress exceeding 124.49 N was identified as the cut-off prompting midwives to perform episiotomy.

Caesarean delivery and pubertal timing in boys and girls: A Danish population-based cohort study.

There is considerable public and scientific interest in the declining age of pubertal timing. Prenatal and postnatal stress has been proposed to relate with earlier pubertal timing, but it remains unknown whether intrapartum stress may affect pubertal timing as well. This study aims to examine the potential effect of caesarean delivery on pubertal timing in boys and girls. This study was based upon the nationwide Puberty Cohort nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) from 2000 to 2003. A total of 15,731mother-child pairs with complete information on delivery mode and puberty were included in the main analysis. The delivery mode was categorised into non-instrumental vaginal delivery (reference), instrumental vaginal delivery, elective caesarean delivery before labour, emergency caesarean delivery during labour and un-specified caesarean delivery. Children's pubertal development were self-reported in web-based questionnaires from 11years of age and every 6months throughout puberty (2012-2019), including Tanner stages 2-5, menarche, voice break, first ejaculation, axillary hair growth and the onset of acne. Regression models for censored, normally distributed time-to-event data were used to estimate mean monthly differences in age at attaining the different pubertal milestones and the average of all these estimates for each sex (a combined indicator of pubertal timing). A total of 2810 participants were born by caesarean delivery (17.9%). Neither elective nor emergency caesarean delivery was associated with earlier age at achieving the pubertal milestones in boys or in girls. For the combined indicator, the mean age differences for elective caesarean delivery and emergency caesarean delivery were 0.1 (95% CI -1.1, 1.4) months and -0.7 (95% CI -2.0, 0.5) months in boys and 0.7 (95% CI -0.7, 2.0) and 0.2 (95% CI -1.3, 1.7) in girls. This study does not suggest a clinically important effect of caesarean delivery on children's pubertal timing.

Association of Persistent Breech Presentation With External Cephalic Version Success.

To evaluate a possible correlation between a new variable-persistent breech presentation-and the success rate of external cephalic version (ECV). This was a retrospective study of ECVs performed from January 2008 through January 2019 in an Israeli tertiary care hospital. The study group included all pregnant women who underwent an ECV at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation. Persistent breech presentation was defined as persistent breech presentation during all ultrasound examinations performed between the anatomy scan at mid-pregnancy and the gestational week when ECV was attempted. Women in whom cephalic presentation was documented at least once on these ultrasound examinations were defined as not having persistent breech presentation. The primary outcome was defined as the success rate of ECV, and the secondary outcome was defined as the mode of delivery after a successful ECV. We identified 1,271 women with breech presentation during the study period. They had undergone median of five (range 2-7) ultrasound examinations. External cephalic version was attempted in 684 women (53.8%), with a success rate of 61.5%. External cephalic version succeeded in 19.6% of those with persistent breech presentation (44/224) compared with 82.0% (377/460) of those without persistent breech presentation (P<.001). Ultimately, women with persistent breech presentation and successful ECV experienced a lower rate of vaginal delivery (27.3% vs 79%, P<.001), and a higher rate of instrumental (29% vs 13%, P<.001) and cesarean deliveries (43% vs 7%, P<.001) compared with the nonpersistent breech presentation group. The rate of noninstrumental vaginal delivery among women with persistent breech presentation, regardless of ECV, was 5.4%. Women with persistent breech presentation experienced a high rate of ECV failure and a low rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Is there unwarranted variation in obstetric practice in Australia? Obstetric intervention trends in Queensland hospitals.

Objective The aim of this study was to report on the rates of obstetric interventions within each hospital jurisdiction in the state of Queensland, Australia. Methods This project used a whole-of-population linked dataset that included the health and cost data of all mothers who gave birth in Queensland, Australia, between 2012 and 2015 (n=186789), plus their babies (n=189909). Adjusted and unadjusted rates of obstetric interventions and non-instrumental vaginal delivery were reported within each hospital jurisdiction in Queensland. Results High rates of obstetric intervention exist in both the private and public sectors, with higher rates demonstrated in the private than public sector. Within the public sector, there is substantial variation in rates of intervention between hospital and health service jurisdictions after adjusting for confounding variables that influence the need for obstetric intervention. Conclusions Due to the high rates of obstetric interventions statewide, a deeper understanding is needed of what factors may be driving these high rates at the health service level, with a focus on the clinical necessity of the provision of Caesarean sections. What is known about the topic? Variation in clinical practice exists in many health disciplines, including obstetric care. Variation in obstetric practice exists between subpopulation groups and between states and territories in Australia. What does this paper add? What we know from this microlevel analysis of obstetric intervention provision within the Australian population is that the provision of obstetric intervention varies substantially between public sector hospital and health services and that this variation is not wholly attributable to clinical or demographic factors of mothers. What are the implications for practitioners? Individual health service providers need to examine the factors that may be driving high rates of Caesarean sections within their institution, with a focus on the clinical necessity of Caesarean section.

Gestational age-related reference values for Apgar score and umbilical cord arterial and venous pH in preterm and term newborns.

Despite much literature on reference values of acid-base status in umbilical cord blood at birth, there are as yet no studies performed to determine gestational age-dependent references in cord venous blood and no studies on preterm acid-base standards. Similarly, the normal reference range of Apgar scores for term and preterm infants has not yet been determined. Data were obtained from the maternity units of Skåne University Hospital, Malmö and Lund, Sweden, from 2001 to 2010. Validated paired arterial and venous cord pH values were obtained from 27175 newborns, of whom 18584 had spontaneous, non-instrumental vaginal deliveries and a 5-minute Apgar score equal to or greater than the median value for the individual gestational week. Simple linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed. Values were reported as mean±standard deviation and median with 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Median 5-minute Apgar score was 7 for gestations shorter than 28weeks, 8 for 28weeks, 9 for 29-30weeks, and 10 from 31weeks onwards. A linear decline in pH for both cord arterial and venous blood was seen with advancing gestational age (P<0.001). Median 5-minute Apgar scores were <10 before 31weeks of gestation. Both umbilical cord arterial and venous pH decreased linearly with increasing gestational age. Further studies are needed to show whether gestational age-related pH reference ranges might be preferred to fixed cut-offs in the estimation of umbilical cord acidemia at birth.

Evidence of overuse? Patterns of obstetric interventions during labour and birth among Australian mothers

BackgroundThere is global concern for the overuse of obstetric interventions during labour and birth. Of particular concern is the increasing amount of mothers and babies experiencing morbidity and mortality associated with caesarean section compared to vaginal birth. In high-income settings, emerging evidence suggests that overuse of obstetric intervention is more prevalent among wealthier mothers with no medical need of it. In Australia, the rates of caesarean section and other obstetric interventions are rising. These rising rates of intervention have been mirrored by a decreasing rate of unassisted non-instrumental vaginal deliveries. In the context of rising global concern about rising caesarean section rates and the known health effects of caesarean section on mothers and children, we aim to better characterise the use of obstetric intervention in the state of Queensland, Australia by examining the characteristics of mothers receiving obstetric intervention. Identifying whether there is overuse of obstetric interventions within a population is critical to improving the quality, value and appropriateness of maternity care.MethodsThe association between demographic characteristics (at birth) and birth delivery type were compared with chi-square. The percentage of mothers based on their socioeconomic characteristics were reported and differences in percentages of obstetric interventions were compared. Multivariate analysis was undertaken using multiple logistic regression to assess the likelihood of receiving obstetric intervention and having a vaginal (non-instrumental) delivery after accounting for key clinical characteristics.ResultsIndigenous mothers, mothers in major cities and mothers in the wealthiest quintile all had higher percentages of all obstetric interventions and had the lowest percentages of unassisted (non-instrumental) vaginal births. These differences remained even after adjusting for other key sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.ConclusionsDifferences in obstetric practice exist between economic, ethnic and geographical groups of mothers that are not attributable to medical or lifestyle risk factors. These differences may reflect health system, organisational and structural conditions and therefore, a better understanding of the non-clinical factors that influence the supply and demand of obstetric interventions is required.

Labor Analgesia in South West Nigeria: Methods and Self-reported Effectiveness.

Context:Labor exposes many women to severe pain. Effective labor pain management is one of the prerequisites for a satisfying labor experience.Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the labor pain management practices and patients’ assessment of adequacy of pain relief in two tertiary hospitals in South West Nigeria.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 pregnant women who had a noninstrumental vaginal delivery at the obstetric units of Babcock University Teaching Hospital and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, between December 2017 and May 2018. A structured questionnaire was administered to women within 24 h of delivery to record details of labor and delivery, the form of labor analgesia administered and respondents’ perceived effectiveness of the analgesia. Data were analyzed using the IBM-SPSS statistics for Windows version 21.0 (IBM, Armonk, New York).Results:Sixty-six (50%) women rated labor pain to be severe. Thirty-eight women (28.8%) did not receive any pain relief during labor. Nonpharmacological pain management practices such as back massage, breathing exercises, and companionship were administered to 45(34.1%), 79(59.8%), and 45(34.1%) women, respectively. Nine women (6.8%) received intramuscular pentazocine (30 mg) for labor analgesia. There was a statistically significant association between use of back massage and severe labor pain perception (χ2 = 4.080; P = 0.043). Self-reported effectiveness was highest among users of back massage (82.2%) and companionship (77.8%).Conclusions:There is a large unmet need for labor analgesia in South West Nigeria. Nonpharmacological pain management practices were the most frequently used methods, and most patients experienced reduction in severity of pain. There is need for improvements in obstetric analgesia services in our maternity units.

Perineal outcome following educational intervention: a retrospective audit of primiparous women

The management of vaginal delivery appears to offer an opportunity to reduce the morbidity of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) which is very common in the postpartum period. Research by the authors suggests that an episiotomy is protective against PFD, in particular urinary incontinence. The aim of this subsequent audit was to see if educational intervention can alter the common medical practice of episiotomy and in turn reduce postpartum PFD. Nine hundred and fifty four primiparous women with a non-instrumental vaginal delivery were included, of which 30% had an intact perineum, 51% a spontaneous tear and 19% an episiotomy. The intervention was a teaching session by the Head of Urogynaecology encompassing the anatomy, the impact of a vaginal delivery on PFD, in addition to local and international research. Whilst no significant difference was noted overall in the episiotomy rates as a result of the educational intervention (p = .17), significant differences were noted with the different accoucheur types. Where the accoucheur was an obstetrician or obstetrics registrar, the episiotomy rates increased from 56% to 70% (p < .01); where the midwife was the accoucheur the episiotomy rate changed minimally (11–18%, respectively; p = .27). This demonstrates that feedback about the provider’s own practice patterns can change the behaviour to conform with the agreed upon standards.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting approximately 85% of Australian women following a vaginal delivery. A link has been made between the perineal outcome and PFD, which has a significant impact on the quality of life. Previous research suggests that the management of a vaginal delivery offers an opportunity to reduce its morbidity, with an episiotomy being protective. However, there is a wide variation in the use of episiotomy which ranges from 9% to 100%.What the results of this study add? The literature suggests that the strongest factor associated with the episiotomy rates arises from differences in the attitude and training. Consequently, this study explored whether an educational intervention can change the common medical practice of episiotomy and in turn reduce postpartum PFD.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? No significant difference was noted overall in the episiotomy rates as a result of the educational intervention, however, the response to the educational intervention was varied among the different types of accoucheurs with the obstetricians, obstetric registrars and student midwives significantly increasing their rate of episiotomy, whilst the midwives demonstrated no significant change. This suggests that there are contributing factors which may include past education and experience; this is an area for further research.

Impact of animated instruction on tablets and hands-on training in applying bimanual perineal support on episiotomy rates: an intervention study

Introduction and hypothesisIn Palestine, episiotomy is frequently used among primiparous women.This study assesses the effect of training birth attendants in applying bimanual perineal support during delivery by either animated instruction on tablets or hands-on training on episiotomy rates among primiparous women.MethodsAn interventional cohort study was performed from 15 October 2015 to 31 January 2017, including all primiparous women with singletons and noninstrumental vaginal deliveries at six Palestinian hospitals. Intervention 1 (animated instructions on tablets) was conducted in Hospitals 1, 2, 3, and 4. Intervention 2 (bedside hands-on training) was applied in Hospitals 1 and 2 only. Hospitals 5 and 6 did not receive interventions. Differences in episiotomy rates in intervention and nonintervention hospitals were assessed before and after the interventions and presented as p values using chi-square test, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Differences in the demographic and obstetric characteristics were presented as p values using the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsOf 46,709 women, 12,841 were included. The overall episiotomy rate in the intervention hospitals did not change significantly after intervention 1, from 63.1 to 62.1% (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.84–1.08), but did so after intervention 2, from 61.1 to 38.1% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.33–0.47). Rates after Intervention 2 changed from 65.0 to 47.3% (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.40–0.67) in Hospital 1 and from 39.4 to 25.1% (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.35–0.68) in Hospital 2.ConclusionsHands-on training of bimanual perineal support during delivery of primiparous women was significantly more effective in reducing episiotomy rates than animated instruction videos alone.

Maternal overweight and obesity increase the risk of fetal acidosis during labor.

To investigate whether maternal overweight and obesity increased the risk of fetal acidosis measured in umbilical cord arterial blood after delivery. Population-based cohort study of 84,785 term (≥37 weeks) infants. Logistic regression was used to estimate risks of fetal acidosis in umbilical cord arterial blood. Fetal acidosis was defined as pH <7.10 or as pH <1st percentile on a normal reference curve. Risks of fetal acidosis increased, regardless of definition, with maternal overweight and obesity severity. Compared to normal weight (BMI 18.5-<25), the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for pH <7.10 were 1.35 (1.23-1.47) for overweight (BMI 25-<30), 1.46 (1.27-1.69) for mild obesity (BMI 30-<35), and 1.75 (1.42-2.15) for severe obesity (BMI ≥35). The association for obesity was attenuated in analyses restricted to non-instrumental vaginal deliveries. Maternal overweight and obesity increased the risk of fetal acidosis. More complicated deliveries in obese women may partially explain this association.

Resident consultant cover may become part of 21st century maternity care, but it is not a panacea.

Resident consultant cover has long been proposed as a solution to a wide variety of current intrapartum issues: poor clinical outcomes; high intervention rates, particularly increasing rates of caesarean section; middle-grade rota gaps; and decreased training opportunities. As has been the case for many previous well-intentioned, apparently simple and plausible interventions introduced into maternity care, however, there may be little or no benefit when robustly tested. The recent systematic reviews from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and Reid et al. conclude that there is no clear evidence of different intrapartum outcomes and safety of care with 24-hour resident consultant presence on the labour ward. Reid et al. found that increased hours per week of rostered consultant presence significantly reduced the likelihood of emergency caesarean sections and increased the likelihood of non-instrumental vaginal deliveries; however, an effect on mortality and morbidity was not identified. The authors accept that the quality of the existing data was low; however, the introduction of a resident labourist model of care in the USA has similarly failed to demonstrate any tangible benefits in intrapartum process measures or clinical outcomes (Srinivas et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016;215:770.e1–9). Although intrapartum outcomes are important direct markers of patient safety, it is crucial to consider other drivers behind the push for resident consultant cover, particularly the increasing number of middle-grade rota gaps in UK maternity units: heads of school reported 30% rota gaps in a 2014 survey. This is likely to be exacerbated by the recent call for a reduction in training numbers by Health Education England (HEE). In response to these rota gaps, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have recommended resident consultant working (http://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/working-party-reports/ogworkforce.pdf), and a recent RCOG commentary concluded that some resident consultant care in most units was inevitable (http://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/news/membership-news/og-magazine/December-2016/feature.pdf). RCOG also recognises that there may be difficulties with the sustainable implementation of resident consultant working, however. A Kings Fund review of maternity staffing concluded that the skill mix, experience, and deployment of available staff were of greater importance and were more amenable to change, and that the costs of continuous consultant presence was prohibitive (Sandall et al. The King's Fund, 2011). Moreover, issues with perceived junior status and reduced opportunities to practice independently have been raised by other Medical Royal Colleges. This may be a timely opportunity for a wider review of the structure of maternity units in the UK. Some centralisation of obstetric services may be useful, with a networked approach to provide all models of maternity care in the most efficient manner possible, including formally matching and classifying obstetric units with neonatal units (levels 1, 2, and 3). Certainly, different level obstetric units are likely to use different models of staff provision. We agree that there is unlikely to be a single solution across all maternity units, and more research in this area is imperative; however, we consider that the call for a future cluster of randomised trials may provide too narrow a focus, and there should also be mixed-methods studies investigating the sustainability of different models of care provision, including health economics evaluation, perceptions of patients and doctors, as well as clinical outcomes. Finally, it is the current generation of junior obstetricians that will be most affected by these changes, and their opinions need to be actively sought as part of any sustainable solution for the future. Full disclosure of interests available to view online as supporting information. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

The effect of senior obstetric presence on maternal and neonatal outcomes in UK NHS maternity units: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is little consensus regarding the hypothesised link between obstetric consultant presence and maternal and neonatal outcomes. To pool existing data on the impact of consultant presence on the outcomes of women who have given birth in UK National Health Service (NHS) maternity units. Twelve databases, grey literature, and reference lists were searched. Studies conducted in UK NHS maternity units comparing outcomes during lesser consultant presence versus increased consultant presence that reported mode of delivery and adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. Studies were divided into three groups by type of comparison: (1) hours of rostered consultant presence during the weekend versus hours of rostered consultant presence during the week; (2) hours per week of rostered consultant presence pre-increase versus hours per week of rostered consultant presence post-increase; and (3) no rostered consultant presence versus rostered consultant presence. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Fifteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, presenting data from 125 856 births. Overall, there was no significant difference between lesser and increased consultant presence for any outcome. When data were stratified by comparison type, the likelihood of emergency caesarean section was significantly lower (odds ratio, OR 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.86-0.96) and the likelihood of non-instrumental vaginal delivery was significantly higher (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.12) when the rostered hours of consultant presence per week were increased. Increased consultant presence has some effect on mode of delivery, but no evidence for a benefit for adverse outcomes was found. Increasing hours of NHS obstetric consultant presence may increase chance of non-instrumental vaginal delivery.

Duration of second stage of labor and instrumental delivery as risk factors for severe perineal lacerations: population-based study

BackgroundWe sought to investigate the impact of the duration of second stage of labor on risk of severe perineal lacerations (third and fourth degree).MethodsThis population based cohort study was conducted in the Stockholm/Gotland region, Sweden, 2008–2014. Study population included 52 211 primiparous women undergoing vaginal delivery with cephalic presentation at term. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR), using 95% confidence intervals (CI). Main exposure was duration of second stage of labor, and main outcome was risks of severe perineal lacerations (third and fourth degree).ResultsRisk of severe perineal lacerations increased with duration of second stage of labor. Compared with a second stage of labor of 1 h or less, women with a second stage of more than 2 h had an increased risk (aOR 1.42; 95% CI 1.28–1.58). Compared with non-instrumental vaginal deliveries, the risk was elevated among instrumental vaginal deliveries (aOR 2.24; 95% CI 2.07–2.42). The risk of perineal laceration increased with duration of second stage of labor until less than 3 h in both instrumental and non-instrumental vaginal deliveries, but after 3 h, the ORs did not further increase. After adjustments for potential confounders, macrosomia (birth weight > 4 500 g) and occiput posterior fetal position were risk factors of severe perineal lacerations.ConclusionsThe risk of severe perineal laceration increases with duration until the third hour of second stage of labor. Instrumental delivery is the most significant risk factor for severe lacerations, followed by duration of second stage of labor, fetal size and occiput posterior fetal position.

Population-based reference curve for umbilical cord arterial pH in infants born at 28 to 42 weeks.

The objective of the study was to examine normal variations of umbilical cord arterial pH by gestational age (GA). Population-based cohort study of 46 199 infants born from 2008 to 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden, with GA 28 to 42 weeks, Apgar score ⩾7 at 5 min, non-instrumental vaginal delivery, and birth weight for GA⩾3rd and ⩽97th percentile. Quantile regression was used to investigate the associations between GA and infant sex, and pH. The mean umbilical cord arterial pH (s.d.) was 7.29 (0.10), 7.27 (0.07), 7.25 (0.07) and 7.23 (0.07) among infants born at 28 to 31, 32 to 36, 37 to 41 and 42 weeks, respectively. Arterial pH decreased linearly with increasing GA, and female infants had higher pH than male infants (P<0.001). Umbilical cord arterial pH varied in a linear fashion by GA and was influenced by infant sex. The provided reference curve taking GA into account may yield a more accurate definition of acidosis at birth.

Vacuum extraction in fetal macrosomia and risk of neonatal complications: a population-based cohort study.

High birthweight is associated with complicated childbirth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between birthweight, mode of delivery, and neonatal complications among infants born at term with a birthweight ≥3000g. This population-based cohort study used data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register from 1999 to 2012, including 1030775 births at >36 completed weeks. Exposure was mode of delivery, categorized into non-instrumental vaginal delivery (VD), emergency cesarean section (CS), vacuum extraction (VE) or cesarean section following attempted vacuum extraction (VE+CS), and birthweight was divided into five categories (3000-3999g, 4000-4499g, 4500-4999g, and ≥5000g). The following outcomes were assessed: 5-min Apgar score <7, neonatal convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage, and brachial plexus injury. Infants born after VD with a birthweight of 3000-3999g were used as reference in the logistic regression analysis. The odds ratios for all complications increased at higher birthweights among infants born after VE/VE+CS and VD. The highest risks were seen after VE/VE+CS with an adjusted odds ratio for neonatal convulsions of 2.6 (95% CI 2.1-3.2) in the reference birthweight group and 6.3 (95% CI 4.3-9.2) among infants with a birthweight of ≥4500g. The corresponding adjusted odds ratios for intracranial hemorrhage were 2.6 (95% CI 1.7-3.9) and 6.7 (95% CI 3.3-13.6) and for brachial plexus injury 4.0 (95% CI 3.3-4.9) and 88.4 (95% CI 71.9-108.4). Vacuum extraction is a risk factor for serious neonatal complications, in particular when used in macrosomic fetuses.

Induced Labor in Sweden, 1999–2012: A Population‐Based Cohort Study

Previous studies show contradictory results about the impact of induced labor on the cesarean delivery rate and few studies have investigated the risk of vacuum extraction subsequent to induced labor. The aims of the present study were to describe the rate of induced labor in Sweden from 1999 to 2012, and to assess the risk of unplanned cesarean delivery and vacuum extraction after induced labor in relation to medical complications and length of gestation. A register-based cohort study was conducted, including 1,078,536 women with spontaneous or induced onset of labor who gave birth by noninstrumental vaginal delivery, unplanned cesarean delivery, or vacuum extraction in gestational week 37 + 0 to 41 + 6. Logistic regression was used to study the association between induced labor and instrumental delivery. The rate of induced labor increased from 7.7 to 12.9 percent among primiparous and from 7.5 to 11.8 percent among multiparous women. Induced labor was associated with 2-3 times greater risk of unplanned cesarean delivery among all women, except multiparas in gestational week 37-38, and with a 20-50 percent higher risk of vacuum extraction after the adjustment for confounding factors. Among women without a recognized medical complication, induced labor was associated with a threefold increased risk of cesarean delivery in gestational week 39-41 and a 40 percent increase in gestational week 37-38 compared with women with spontaneous onset of labor. The proportion of induced labors increased substantially during the 14-year study period and was associated with an increased risk of both cesarean delivery and vacuum extraction, even in women without a documented medical complication. The increased risk of instrumental delivery should be taken into account when counseling about the risks and benefits of induced labor.

Extensive subdural hematoma in full term neonate due to falcine laceration

Subdural hematoma in supratentorial location occur due to rupture of bridging veins or by laceration of falx, the latter entity being extremely uncommon cause of hemorrhage in full term new-born neonate who has been delivered by non-instrumental vaginal delivery. Compressive effects on the fetal parietal bones by rigid maternal pelvic structures result in frontal–occipital elongation and vertical or oblique molding. This in turn causes cranio-caudal stretching of both the falx and tentorium. Normally the give-away is at the falcine and tentorial junctions, rarely only falcine laceration can result. Most of massive subdural hematomas due to falx laceration, tentorial laceration or occipital diastasis have a rapid lethal course or patients may have permanent neurological disability. We describe a case of full term neonate who had extensive subdural and parenchymal hemorrhage resulting from falcine tear.

Mode of delivery and subsequent reproductive patterns. A national follow-up study.

To investigate associations between mode of delivery and subsequent reproductive outcomes. Cohort study. Women with term singleton live births from 1987 to 2009. Denmark, birth registration data. Women with a first singleton delivery after 37 weeks were followed until the end of 2010, from a first birth to include subsequent live births. We used Cox's proportional hazards model stratified by parity to compare the likelihood for subsequent delivery according to mode of delivery at first and later births, estimating maternal age effects and lag time to next delivery. Likelihood of a subsequent live-born child by previous delivery mode. We identified 642,052 women with a first delivery. Compared with women with a non-instrumental vaginal delivery, delivering a child by elective cesarean section implied a 23% (95% CI 0.76-0.787) decreased likelihood for subsequent delivery. Emergency cesarean section meant 16% fewer (95% CI 0.84-0.85), and vaginal instrumental delivery 4% fewer subsequent deliveries (95% CI 0.95-0.96). Hazard ratios were largely unchanged after controlling for parity and year of birth. Small age-trends were seen, with hazard ratios affected by maternal age at birth. Delivery mode at first birth affected marginally the time lag until next birth. Fecundity, measured as likelihood of a successive live-born child, varied with mode of delivery at the first and also subsequent births. A first or later delivery by cesarean section implied decreased likelihood of subsequent delivery compared with women with a first vaginal birth.

Induction of Labor for Term Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses

Induction of labor (IOL) when the fetus appears small for gestational age (SGA) toward term may improve perinatal outcomes and prevent fetal death. If these fetuses are small as a variant of the normal spectrum, early induction may not improve outcomes and may cause obstetric complications. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of early IOL on neonatal outcomes and rates of maternal obstetric interventions in SGA term infants. The cohort included all term singleton deliveries and their neonatal outcomes occurring in 2004 to 2008. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of term (37–42 weeks) growth-restricted singleton deliveries were analyzed. Small for gestational age was defined as birth weight lower than the 10th percentile adjusted for gestational age and sex. The exposed group, termed early-induction SGA group, included women giving birth after IOL for suspected intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of a singleton SGA neonate at 37 to 39 weeks. The unexposed group, or no-early-induction SGA group, included women giving birth at 40 weeks of gestation or later and those who gave birth spontaneously to term SGA neonates at 37 to 39 weeks. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal complications, and obstetric interventions were compared to evaluate benefits/drawbacks of early term IOL for IUGR. Of 37,342 women who had a singleton neonate at 37 weeks of gestation or later, 2378 (6.36%) neonates were born SGA. The early-induction and no-early-induction SGA groups included 445 and 1933 neonates, respectively. Most obstetric complications were similar in the 2 groups. Women in the early-induction group had significantly more hypertensive complications and a higher rate of cesarean deliveries compared with the unexposed group, and only 65.5% reached noninstrumental vaginal delivery (P < 0.0001). Neonatal Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes and sex were similar between the 2 groups. Compared with the unexposed group, the early-induction group had higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia necessitating phototherapy (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–2.53) and hypoglycemia (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.56–3.62). Two neonates in the early-induction group had respiratory complications. Necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, adverse neurologic outcomes, and need for resuscitation were rare and similar in both groups. No neonates died. The risk for any adverse neonatal outcome was ~2 times higher for the early-induction compared with the unexposed group (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.46–2.61; P < 0.0001). The most significant danger in abstaining from IOL for IUGR at term is intrauterine fetal death. Of 37,342 singleton deliveries, 33 fetal deaths occurred at 37 to 42 weeks, 0.88 cases per 1000 live births at term; only 1 was an SGA fetus at 37 weeks. The risk for intrauterine fetal demise at term for non–early-induction SGA was 0.52 cases per 1000 live births, similar to that of the general term population (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.08–3.85; P = 0.99). For suspected IUGR at term, awaiting spontaneous labor risks fetal decompensation, yet active IOL might increase rates of obstetric interventions and neonatal complications of early term delivery. This study found no apparent neonatal benefit for early term IOL for SGA neonates.

Birth Experience in Women with Low, Intermediate or High Levels of Fear: Findings from the First Baby Study

Fear of childbirth and mode of delivery are two known factors that affect birth experience. The interactions between these two factors are unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of different levels of fear of birth and mode of delivery on birth experience 1month after birth. As part of an ongoing prospective study, we interviewed 3,006 women in their third trimester and 1month after first childbirth to assess fear of birth and birth experience. Logistic regression was performed to examine the interactions and associations between fear of birth, mode of delivery and birth experience. Compared with women with low levels of fear of birth, women with intermediate levels of fear, and women with high levels of fear had a more negative birth experience and were more affected by an unplanned cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery. Compared with women with low levels of fears with a noninstrumental vaginal delivery, women with high levels of fear who were delivered by unplanned cesarean section had a 12-fold increased risk of reporting a negative birth experience (OR 12.25; 95% CI 7.19-20.86). A noninstrumental vaginal delivery was associated with the most positive birth experience among the women in this study. This study shows that both levels of prenatal fear of childbirth and mode of delivery are important for birth experience. Women with low fear of childbirth who had a noninstrumental vaginal delivery reported the most positive birth experience.