Outcomes In Nulliparous Women Research Articles

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in nulliparous women with a booking body mass index exceeding 50 kg/m2.

Women with a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2 carry an increased obstetric risk; however, the experience of the Class IV and above obese nulliparous women is less understood. To describe maternal and perinatal outcomes in nulliparous women of booking BMI > 50 kg/m2. A cohort study of 48 nulliparous women who delivered between 2015 and 2019 in a tertiary hospital and had a booking BMI > 50 kg/m2. Obstetric outcome data was collated via electronic and written patient records. The relationship between mode of delivery and BMI was assessed using direct logistic regression. Multiple pregnancies and severe congenital malformations (n = 3) were excluded. The mean booking BMI was 53.7 kg/m2 (SD 4.05) and mean maternal age was 30.4 years (SD = 5.7). Comorbidities included asthma (43%), essential hypertension (20%) and diabetes (61%). Antenatally, accuracy was compromised in 80% of morphology scans (n = 35). In the perinatal period, 33 women (68.8%) were induced compared to a spontaneous onset of labour in two (4.1%) women. There were nine elective caesarean sections (CS), five of which were for breech presentation. Of those who intended on vaginal delivery (n = 35), 51% (n = 18) had an emergency CS. In these women, the risk of CS increased by a factor of 1.36 for every one point increase in BMI > 50 kg/m2. The average gestational age was 37.5 weeks (SD 2.4) with 14% (n = 6) experiencing preterm deliveries. The incidence of babies born >90th percentile for gestational age was 15 (34%). Increased BMI impairs maternal and perinatal outcomes and significantly increases the risk of emergency CS. BMI > 50 kg/m2 is associated with higher-level interventions and obstetric complications.

Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Insurance Status on Obstetric Outcomes: Secondary Analysis of the NuMoM2b Study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of race/ethnicity and insurance status on obstetric outcomes in nulliparous women. Secondary analysis of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring Mothers-To-Be. Obstetric outcomes included the development of a hypertensive event during pregnancy, need for a cesarean section, delivery of a preterm neonate, and postpartum hemorrhage. Of 7,887 nulliparous women, 64.7% were non-Hispanic White (White), 13.4% non-Hispanic Black (Black), 17.8% Hispanic, and 4.1% were Asian. Black women had the highest rates of developing new-onset hypertension (32%) and delivering preterm (11%). Cesarean deliveries were the highest in Asian (32%) and Black women (32%). Individuals with government insurance were more likely to deliver preterm (11%) and/or experience hemorrhage after delivery. In multivariable analyses, race/ethnicity was associated with hypertension and cesarean delivery. More important, the adjusted odds ratios for preventable risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and severe anemia were greater than the adjusted odds ratios for race/ethnicity in terms of poor maternal outcome. Although disparities were observed between race/ethnicity and obstetric outcomes, other modifiable risk factors played a larger role in clinical differences. · Race or insurance alone had mixed associations with maternal morbidities.. · Race and insurance had low associations with maternal morbidities.. · Other, modifiable risk factors may be more important.. · Both social and biological factors impact health disparities..

Intravenous fluid rate of 250 mL/h versus 125 mL/h in nulliparous women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Evidence regarding the type and rate of intravenous (IV) fluid administration during labor is still inconclusive and the studies assessing the impact of IV fluids had mixed results. To evaluate the effects of IV fluids at an infusion rate of 250 mL/h as compared with 125 mL/h on labor outcomes in nulliparous women. We searched six databases for relevant studies through a search strategy containing the relevant keywords "IV hydration", "IV fluids", and "labor" from the inception of these databases to May 1, 2023, without any applied restrictions. Search results were imported to Covidence for screening of eligible articles for this review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of IV fluids at 250 mL/h on the outcomes of labor in nulliparous women at term (>37 weeks) as compared with 125 mL/h were included only. Data regarding the characteristics of included studies, participant's baseline characteristics, and concerned outcomes were collected in an Excel spreadsheet and all the concerned outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the meta-analysis models using RevMan 5.4. Pooled data from 11 RCTs with 1815 patients showed that 250 mL/h infusion rate had a significant reduction in cesarean section rate (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56-0.88, P = 0.002), the first stage of labor duration (MD -46.97, 95% CI -81.79 to -12.14, P = 0.008), the second stage of labor duration (MD -2.69, 95% CI -4.34 to -1.05, P = 0.001), prolonged labor incidence (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.89, P = 0.003), as compared with 125 mL/h. Also, the vaginal delivery rate (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12, P = 0.009) was higher with a 250 mL/h infusion rate. IV fluids at an infusion rate of 250 mL/h during labor in nulliparous women decreased the cesarean delivery rate, increased the vaginal delivery rate, shortened the first and second-stage labor duration, decreased the incidence of prolonged labor as compared with 125 mL/h. These findings suggest enhanced labor progression and a lower risk of labor complications with higher infusion rates. However, future research involving a more diverse population and exploring the potential benefits of combining IV infusion rates with other interventions, such as adding dextrose or less restrictive oral intake during labor, is needed.

OP01.03: The correlation between the transverse diameter of the levator hiatus at 2D transperineal ultrasound and labour outcome in nulliparous women

OP01.03: The correlation between the transverse diameter of the levator hiatus at 2D transperineal ultrasound and labour outcome in nulliparous women

Perinatal outcomes in nulliparous women with a history of multiple pregnancy losses according to number of previous pregnancy losses

While it is widely acknowledged that pregnancy losses can lead to negative outcomes for both mothers and fetuses, there is limited information available on the specific levels of risk associated with each additional pregnancy loss. This study aimed to investigate the effect of number of previous pregnancy losses among nulliparous women on maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The study population included all nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies who delivered in all university-affiliated obstetrical centers in a single geographic area between 2003 and 2021. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of women who delivered at our medical centers and had varying numbers of previous pregnancy losses were compared with women who had no previous pregnancy loss. The primary outcome of this study was preterm delivery rate at <37 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes were adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression modeling. During the study period, 97,904 nulliparous women met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of those women, 84,245 (86%) had no previous pregnancy losses (reference group), 10,724 (11%) had 1 previous pregnancy loss, 2150 (2.2%) had 2 previous pregnancy losses, 516 (0.5%) had 3 previous pregnancy losses, 160 (0.2%) had 4 previous pregnancy losses, and 99 (0.1%) had ≥5 previous pregnancy losses. Women who had previous pregnancy losses had significantly higher rates of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes mellitus (pregestational and gestational), unplanned cesarean delivery, perinatal death, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and neonatal hypoglycemia. The risks of preterm delivery and most other adverse obstetrical outcomes correlated with the number of previous pregnancy losses. Multivariate analyses showed that each previous pregnancy loss was associated with an additional, significant, increased risk of preterm delivery of 14% at <37 weeks of gestation, 37% at <34 weeks of gestation, 45% at <32 weeks of gestation, and 77% at <28 weeks of gestation. A history of previous pregnancy losses increased the risk of preterm delivery and other perinatal outcomes in a dose-dependent manner. To minimize perinatal complications, obstetricians should be aware of the risks and complications in this unique population, consider close monitoring of the cervical length, and maintain high vigilance in case of complications with special attention to other potentially modifiable risks.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES OF LABOUR INDUCTION AT 40 WEEKS VERSUS EXPECTANT MANAGEMENT FROM 40 WEEKS TILL 40 WEEKS 6 DAYS IN TERM NULLIPAROUS WOMEN

Background:The goal of obstetrics is a pregnancy that results in a healthy infant and a healthy mother.Much of the art of good obstetric care involves the delicate balance of avoiding caesarean delivery with all its attendant complications Methods :A Prospective randomized control study conducted at PESIMSR, KUPPAM, Comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes of labour induction at 40 weeks versus expectant management from 40 weeks till 40 weeks 6 days in term nulliparous women. The study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics board.Written informed consent was obtained from all study subjects. The women were categorized into group A and group B by computer-generated randomization each containing 64 nulliparous pregnant women. The primary outcome was maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women with labour induction at 40 weeks versus expectant management at 40 weeks till 40 weeks 6 days. Results: 128 nulliparous pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria was taken into the study after obtaining consent.The mean age of patients in induction group was 23.12 +/- 2.805 and in expectant group was 22.62 +/- 2.547 years.The mean period of gestation in expectant group was 40 weeks 4 days.42.19% of participants in group A had a cesarean section, 1.56% had instrumental delivery and 56.25% had a normal vaginal delivery.Where as in group B, 23.43% had a cesarean section,3.13% had instrumental delivery,and 73.44% had a normal vaginal delivery.There was no statistical significance between the mode of delivery in Group A and Group B (p=0.074).A longer duration of labour was noted in induction group compared to expectant group. P value 0.043, which is statistically significant. NICU admissions were high in an expectantly managed group compared to the induction group.But when APGAR scores were compared in both groups,no statistical significance was seen at 1 minute and 5 minutes.Conclusion:Labor induction at 40 weeks appears to be a safe alternative to expectant management for spontaneous labor beyond 40 weeks to deliver with no mortality and minimum morbidity to safeguard the mother and neonate,with precautions and evidence-based protocols to identify the risks and challenges to initiate the natural labor process.

Maternal position during the second stage of labor and maternal-neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women: a retrospective cohort study

The existing evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions about the association between maternal position in labor and obstetrical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different maternal positions during the second stage of labor among women with and those without epidural analgesia on important obstetrical outcomes including perineal damage. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data of women who delivered vaginally over a 2-year period. The associations between maternal and gestational characteristics and several obstetrical outcomes were analyzed. We considered perineal damage as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of operative vaginal births, duration of fetal descent, intrapartum blood loss, and 1-minute and 5-minutes Apgar scores. A total of 2240 nulliparous, at-term pregnancies were included. Of those, 76.9% gave birth in a supine position and 23.1% gave birth in alternative positions. The results showed that regardless of the use of epidural analgesia, nonsupine positions in the second stage of labor are associated with a significant reduction in the risk of both episiotomy and perineal damage to any degree (P<.0001) and to a reduction in the duration of fetal descent (Spearman rho, 9.17; confidence interval, 3.07-15.32; P=.003). No statistically significant differences were found in the 1-minute and 5-minutes Apgar score between the 2 groups. Our results show that nonsupine positions in the second stage of labor and at the time of birth are associated with a significant increase in having an intact perineum and a reduction in any perineal trauma and in the need for an episiotomy regardless of the use of epidural analgesia.

AHA stage 1 hypertension and risk of small for gestational infants in nulliparous women

Non-Obstetric guidelines by the American Heart Association (AHA) have redefined hypertension (HTN) into stages with a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 130-139 mmHg and/or diastolic BP of 80-89 mmHg defined as stage 1. It is well known that stage 1 HTN confers a significantly elevated risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, but less is known regarding effects on placental function and subsequent birth weight. This study aims to assess risk of small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight in women stratified by non-Obstetric HTN cut points. This was a secondary analysis of a large prospective observational study investigating birth outcomes in nulliparous women (nuMoM2b). Subjects were excluded from the current analysis for incomplete outcome data, lack of first trimester blood pressure, structural fetal anomaly, and pregestational diabetes. Women were stratified based on documented first trimester blood pressure defined as normotensive (< 120/< 80), elevated (120-129/< 80), stage 1 HTN (130-139/80-89), or stage 2 HTN (either by medical history or BP ≥140/≥90). Logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for SGA birth weight (< 10%) and pregnancy induced HTN ([PIH], gestational HTN or preeclampsia). 7,951 pregnancies were included in the analysis with 601 (7.6%) meeting criteria for stage 1 hypertension based on AHA guidelines and 754 (9.5%) delivered SGA neonates. There were no significant differences in rates of SGA among groups < 10% (p=0.184) or < 3% (p=.920), Figure 1. There were also no differences in SGA after regression analysis (Table 1). Women with stage 1 HTN had the highest risk of PIH (aOR 2.1, CI 1.7-2.6) while stage 2 HTN was not significant after adjustment (aOR 1.3, CI 0.92-1.8). Nulliparous women with stage 1 hypertension by non-obstetric guidelines do not have an elevated risk of SGA despite and increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Intrapartum Epidural Anesthesia and Obstetric Outcome in Nulliparous Women with Term Labor: An analysis of 2 years’ Experience

Aim: to ascertain whether labour profiles and delivery outcomes of nulliparous women who received epidural analgesia were comparable to those of women whose labour was managed with alternative forms of pain relief. Patients and Methods: a prospective, randomised, controlled clinical study carried out in Saudi German and Elhussine University hospitals. Recruitment was open to 100 nulliparous women planning a vaginal delivery of a term singleton foetus. Results: 100 women, with gestational age of 37–41 completed weeks, were chosen at random to receive either continuous epidural analgesia (EPI) or alternative forms of pain relief (NEPI). Compared to the EPI group, the NEPI group's labour took less time to deliver (P&lt;0.05). The first stage's mean duration was 3.7 ± 1.1 hours compared to 4.8 ± 3.1 hours (P &lt; 0.05), while the second stage's mean duration was 102.4 ± 9.3 minutes compared to 132.1 ± 15.8 minutes (p &lt; 0.05). The mean NEPI dose of oxytocin was 10.5 ± 2.3 units, while the mean EPI dose was 15.6 ± 2.5 units (p &lt; 0.05). While NEPI groups had higher rates of spontaneous vaginal deliveries and caesarean sections than EPI groups, NEPI groups required fewer surgical deliveries overall (p &lt; 0.05). VAS scores during labour were less significantly in EPI group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Regardless of their intention to labour, nulliparous women use epidural analgesia frequently. Other pain management techniques are linked to a slight but statistically significant decrease in the average length of labour and the rate of surgical delivery in women who do not plan to use epidural analgesia as their primary analgesic modality.

Outcomes of oligohydramnios in term pregnancy ending in normal vaginal delivery or C section irrespective of induction

Objective: To determine the outcome of oligohydramnios in term pregnancy ending in normal vaginal delivery or C Section irrespective of induction. Study Design: Descriptive Study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obs &amp; Gynae, HMC, Peshawar from 23rd January 2022 to 22 July, 2022. Methodology: A total of 289 pregnant female patients at term (37-42 weeks) presented to the Gynae OPD of our hospital with oligohydramnios (diagnosed clinically having AFI &lt; 5%) were enrolled through nonprobability consecutive sampling technique. Sample size was calculated taking 75%10 proportion of meconium-stained liquor cases as an outcome of oligohydramnios, 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error on WHO sample size calculator. Patients with singleton pregnancy, nulliparity, Bishop score &lt;5, gestational age of 37-42 weeks were included. Results: Statistically insignificant differences were observed for various outcomes variables in oligohydramnios at term as meconium-stained liquor, Apgar Score &lt; 7 at 1 min, NICU admissions, apgar score &lt; 7 at 5 min with respect to age of patients as p-values of 0.702, 0.489, 0.244, 0.489 and 0.900 were recorded respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that oligohydramnios at term did not influence the outcomes in nulliparous women with unfavorable cervix.

Delivery, maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women with gestational diabetes undergoing epidural labour analgesia: a propensity score-matched analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to retrospectively analyse the influence of epidural labour analgesia (ELA) on delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using propensity...

Refining the Clinical Definition of Active Phase Arrest of Dilation in Nulliparous Women to Consider Degree of Cervical Dilation As Well As Duration of Arrest

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;225:294.e1–294.e14) Contemporary duration of labor is slower than historically recorded. Previous studies, including the Consortium on Safe Labor, concluded that 4 hours of oxytocin augmentation may increase vaginal delivery rates without increasing harm to the neonate. Current definitions of arrest of dilation do not examine the degree of cervical dilation and give recommendations for dilation beyond 4 hours. Using the Consortium on Safe Labor’s retrospective cohort study as a guideline, this study aimed to understand the impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women in the active phase of labor in reference to time needed to achieve cervical dilation of 6, 7, 8, and 9 cm.

Characteristics That Influence the Success of External Cephalic Version in Nulliparous Women [A198

INTRODUCTION: Studies identified that nulliparous women (NW) are at increased risk for failed external cephalic version (ECV). This study examined maternal characteristics and maternal/neonatal outcomes of NW with failed and successful ECVs. METHODS: Using the NBER Natality Database (2016–2018) ECV attempts in NW were identified. ECV success and cesarean delivery (CD) rates were calculated. Maternal demographics, comorbidities, and neonatal outcomes were compared between cohorts using bivariate analysis. Statistically significant (P&lt;.001) differences were reported. RESULTS: The ECV success rate in 13,015 NW was 40.0%. Black NW had the highest success rate (54.5%), followed by Hispanic (49.1%), Asian/Pacific Islander (45.0%), White (37.8%), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (27.2%) NW. Self-pay NW had the highest ECV success rate (58.3%), followed by Medicaid (45.2%), and private insurance (26.8%). Successful ECV saw decreased neonatal ventilation (5.4% versus 6.8%) but increased NICU admission (9.9% versus 6.7%). NW with successful ECV had a 29.9% CD rate. Higher CD rates were found in NW with a history of hypertension (54.3% versus 29.4%), gestational diabetes mellitus (56.3% versus 28.9%), and gestational hypertension (38.3% versus 29.2%). There was no association between race or payer status and CD rate after successful ECV. Pertinent negatives for both cohorts include, age, BMI, history of diabetes, birth weight, gestational age at birth, Apgar scores, neonatal seizures, maternal ICU admission, transfusion, and unplanned hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: When counseling NW on ECV, it is important to fully account for several factors that affect the chance of ECV success or CD. The reasons for the impact of the factors found here will require further investigation.

Cerebroplacental ratio and neonatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies with reduced fetal movement: A prospective study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting poor outcomes in low-risk pregnancies with reduced fetal movements (RFMs).Study DesignThis prospective study included singleton pregnancies at 28–40 weeks, presenting with RFM but no additional risk factors. Sub analysis was performed for pregnancies between 36 and 40 weeks. Umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility indices (PIs) were measured, and the MCA-PI to UA-PI ratio (CPR) was calculated. Mode of delivery, gestational age, fetal monitoring category, Apgar score at 1 and 5 min, birth weight, presence of meconium, umbilical artery pH, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were recorded. Women with good and poor outcomes were compared with doppler indices and pregnancy characteristics.ResultsOf 96 women, 86 had good outcomes. There was no significant difference in UA-PI (0.871 ± 0.171 vs. 0.815 ± 0.179, P = 0.446), MCA-PI (1.778 ± 0.343 vs. 1.685 ± 0.373, P = 0.309), or CPR (2.107 ± 0.635 vs. 2.09 ± 0.597, P = 0.993) between the poor and good outcome groups. No difference was found in the location of the placenta, biophysical profile (BPP) score, fetal sex, or amniotic fluid index (AFI) at the time of presentation. The proportion of nulliparous patients in the poor outcome group was higher than that of multiparous patients. Sub analysis for 36–40 weeks revealed the same results; no significant difference in UA-PI (0.840 ± 0.184 Vs 0.815 ± 0.195, P = 0.599), MCA-PI (1.724 ± 0.403 vs. 1.626 ± 0.382, P = 0.523), or CPR (2.14 ± 0.762 vs. 2.08 ± 0.655, P = 0.931) between poor and good outcome groups.ConclusionsCPR is not predictive of neonatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies with RFM. However, a higher proportion of poor outcomes in nulliparous women warrants further investigation.

The Effect of Hospital-Based Childbirth Classes on Birth Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a hospital-based childbirth preparation class on birth outcomes in nulliparous women (N = 222). Outcomes of expectant mothers who attended the class were compared to a matched control cohort who did not attend preparation classes. Findings revealed women in the intervention group were more likely to give birth vaginally. While trends in a positive direction occurred, no significant difference was found in the frequency of elective induction, preterm birth, or length of stay. Data were also analyzed pre COVID-19 pandemic and 14 weeks after. A shorter time between hospital arrival and birth was significant for the intervention group. In addition, a significant change in elective induction (increase) occurred in the control group.

The Effect of Hospital-Based Childbirth Classes on Birth Outcomes

The purpose of this study was to compare birth outcomes in nulliparous women who attended a community-hospital–based childbirth class compared with those who did not attend any classes (N = 222). Previous research on childbirth education has been limited by inconsistent class content and inconclusive findings. Reducing primary cesarean rates and preterm births, elective inductions, and lengths of stay (LOS) can improve the well-being of women and newborns and reduce the cost of care.

Relationship between maternal age and labor induction duration and outcomes in nulliparous women

Objective To determine the relationship between maternal age and labor induction duration among nulliparous women. Methods This retrospective cohort study included nulliparous women with non-anomalous, term, singleton pregnancies undergoing labor induction with intact membranes at a tertiary-care academic hospital from January 2015 to April 2017. Maternal age was stratified as follows: <25 years, 25–29 years, 30–34 years, 35–39 years, and ≥ 40 years. The primary outcome was induction duration, defined as the time the first induction agent was administered to time of birth. Secondary outcomes were cesarean delivery, cesarean indication, hemorrhage, blood transfusion, peripartum infection, composite neonatal morbidity, and induction duration among the subset of women who ultimately underwent cesarean. The data were analyzed using chi-squared and Fisher exact tests. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for maternal race/ethnicity, maternal body mass index, gestational age at start of induction, and induction indication. Hazard ratios were used to calculate induction duration among women who underwent cesarean delivery, stratified by age and adjusted by the same variables. Results Among the 955 patients included, the median induction duration was 32.3 h (interquartile range (IQR) 20.4–41.0 h). Women 40 years and older had a slight increase in induction duration (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.05) and a seven-fold increased risk of induction lasting 60 h or longer (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 7.3, CI 1.8–29.9) when compared to those under 25 years of age; otherwise, there was no association between maternal age and labor induction duration. There was no association between age and cesarean delivery, cesarean indication, hemorrhage, transfusion, peripartum infection, or adverse neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, there was no association between maternal age and induction duration even among women who ultimately underwent cesarean. Conclusion We found no association between maternal age and induction duration for women under 40 years of age. For women 40 years of age and older, these was an increased risk of labor induction lasting 60 h or longer. Despite this, we found no association between maternal age and cesarean delivery or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Refining the clinical definition of active phase arrest of dilation in nulliparous women to consider degree of cervical dilation as well as duration of arrest

Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with duration of arrest of dilation beyond 4 hours are not well known. In addition, the current definition of arrest does not consider the degree of cervical dilation (6 cm vs 7 cm vs 8 cm vs 9 cm) when arrest occurs. We sought to examine maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women who achieved the active phase of labor according to the duration they required to achieve a cervical change of at least 1 cm (<4 hours vs 4-5.9 hours vs ≥6 hours) beginning at 6, 7, 8 and 9 cm. This was a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women with term singleton cephalic pregnancies in spontaneous or induced active labor (≥6 cm). To evaluate the effect of labor duration on maternal and fetal outcomes at different degrees of cervical dilation, we categorized women based on time intervals they required to achieve a cervical change of at least 1 cm after membrane rupture ("<4 hours," "4-5.9 hours," and "≥6 hours"), and we correlated each time interval with referent cervical dilation status (6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, and 9 cm). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were analyzed according to the duration to progress at least 1 cm starting from each degree of cervical dilation. Our primary outcome was a composite of neonatal outcomes, including intensive care unit admission, neonatal death, seizure, ventilator use, birth injury, and neonatal asphyxia. In addition, we examined maternal outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, controlling for predefined covariates. Of 31,505 nulliparous women included in this study, 13,142 (42%), 10,855 (34%), 11,761 (37%), and 17,049 (54%) reached documented cervical dilation of 6, 7, 8, and 9 cm, respectively. At cervical dilation of 6 or 7 cm, the arrest of dilation of <4 hours compared with arrest of dilation of 4 to 5.9 hours was associated with decreased risks of adverse maternal outcomes. When cervical dilation was 8 or 9 cm, arrest of dilation of <4 hours compared with arrest of dilation of 4 to 5.9 hours was associated with decreased risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. For example, women starting at a cervical dilation of 8 cm who required <4 hours to achieve a cervical change of 1 cm compared with those who required 4 to 5.9 hours had lower rates of cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.55), chorioamnionitis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.60), and the neonatal composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.72). When cervical dilation is 6 or 7 cm, allowing arrest of dilation of ≥4 hours is reasonable because it was not associated withincreased risks of adverse neonatal outcomes. When cervical dilationis 8 or 9 cm, the benefit of allowing arrest of dilation of ≥4 hours should be balanced against the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Universal late pregnancy ultrasound screening to predict adverse outcomes in nulliparous women: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Currently, pregnant women are screened using ultrasound to perform gestational aging, typically at around 12 weeks' gestation, and around the middle of pregnancy. Ultrasound scans thereafter are performed for clinical indications only. We sought to assess the case for offering universal late pregnancy ultrasound to all nulliparous women in the UK. The main questions addressed were the diagnostic effectiveness of universal late pregnancy ultrasound to predict adverse outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of either implementing universal ultrasound or conducting further research in this area. We performed diagnostic test accuracy reviews of five ultrasonic measurements in late pregnancy. We conducted cost-effectiveness and value-of-information analyses of screening for fetal presentation, screening for small for gestational age fetuses and screening for large for gestational age fetuses. Finally, we conducted a survey and a focus group to determine the willingness of women to participate in a future randomised controlled trial. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2019. The protocol for the review was designed a priori and registered. Eligible studies were identified using keywords, with no restrictions for language or location. The risk of bias in studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Health economic modelling employed a decision tree analysed via Monte Carlo simulation. Health outcomes were from the fetal perspective and presented as quality-adjusted life-years. Costs were from the perspective of the public sector, defined as NHS England, and the costs of special educational needs. All costs and quality-adjusted life-years were discounted by 3.5% per annum and the reference case time horizon was 20 years. Umbilical artery Doppler flow velocimetry, cerebroplacental ratio, severe oligohydramnios and borderline oligohydramnios were all either non-predictive or weakly predictive of the risk of neonatal morbidity (summary positive likelihood ratios between 1 and 2) and were all weakly predictive of the risk of delivering a small for gestational age infant (summary positive likelihood ratios between 2 and 4). Suspicion of fetal macrosomia is strongly predictive of the risk of delivering a large infant, but it is only weakly, albeit statistically significantly, predictive of the risk of shoulder dystocia. Very few studies blinded the result of the ultrasound scan and most studies were rated as being at a high risk of bias as a result of treatment paradox, ascertainment bias or iatrogenic harm. Health economic analysis indicated that universal ultrasound for fetal presentation only may be both clinically and economically justified on the basis of existing evidence. Universal ultrasound including fetal biometry was of borderline cost-effectiveness and was sensitive to assumptions. Value-of-information analysis indicated that the parameter that had the largest impact on decision uncertainty was the net difference in cost between an induced delivery and expectant management. The primary literature on the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound in late pregnancy is weak. Value-of-information analysis may have underestimated the uncertainty in the literature as it was focused on the internal validity of parameters, which is quantified, whereas the greatest uncertainty may be in the external validity to the research question, which is unquantified. Universal screening for presentation at term may be justified on the basis of current knowledge. The current literature does not support universal ultrasonic screening for fetal growth disorders. We describe proof-of-principle randomised controlled trials that could better inform the case for screening using ultrasound in late pregnancy. This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017064093. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 15. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Mid-luteal uterine artery Doppler indices in the prediction of pregnancy outcome in nulliparous women undergoing assisted reproduction

Traditionally, the assessment of endometrial receptivity at transvaginal ultrasound scan has been based on the thickness and the morphological appearance of the endometrium. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate endometrial thickness (ET), endometrial morphology and uterine artery Doppler parameters prior to assisted reproduction treatment (ART) in the prediction of pregnancy outcome. This was a prospective cohort study. ET, morphology and uterine artery Doppler (UtAD) pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were measured in the mid-luteal stage of the menstrual cycle ultrasonographically, timed with urinary luteinizing hormone testing. A total of 50 women were included in the analysis. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per embryo transfer was 42.0% (n = 21/50). Twenty nine women (58.0%) had an unsuccessful outcome. There were no differences in mean ± SD endometrial thickness (ET) (10.0 ± 1.8 mm vs. 10.5 ± 2.4; p = 0.43), or endometrial morphology (100% (n = 21) vs 100% (n = 29); p = 1.00) between the pregnant and not pregnant groups. Similarly, there were no differences in mean ± SD UtAD PI (2.17 ± 0.83 vs. 2.07 ± 0.81; p = 0.67 or mean ± SD UtAD RI (0.84 ± 0.10 vs. 0.81 ± 0.10; p = 0.30). Ultrasonographic endometrial assessment did not differentiate between those who would have a subsequent clinical pregnancy.