Risk Factors For Cesarean Section Research Articles

Physical activity, sitting time and sleep duration before and during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: A prospective panel study.

To examine how changes in physical activity, sitting time and sleep duration through pre-, mid- and late pregnancy are in association with Caesarean section, medically indicated Caesarean section and small for gestational age. While circadian activities could change throughout pregnancy, studies exploring the effect of change in those activities on pregnancy outcomes remain limited. This study applied a prospective panel design. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess the three activities before and during pregnancy and was administered three times from August 2015-July 2017. Multiple logistic regression models were used. The analysis included 488, 477 and 455 participants in the models for Caesarean section, medically indicated Caesarean section and small for gestational age, respectively. This study followed the STROBE guidelines. The mean age of participants was 32.18years, and more than half (54.90%) were primiparous. Sleep duration of >8hr/day before pregnancy and experiencing a decrease in mid-pregnancy was a risk factor for Caesarean section and medically indicated Caesarean section. Sitting ≥8hr/weekday in pre-, mid- and late pregnancy had a protective effect for Caesarean section and medically indicated Caesarean section. Sitting <8hr in mid-pregnancy and experiencing a decrease in late pregnancy was a risk factor for small-for-gestational-age infants. Physical activity was not significantly related to pregnancy outcomes. Sleep duration of 7-8hr and sitting time of more than 8hr/day seem beneficial for women both before and during pregnancy. Health professionals could assess pregnant women or those intending to become pregnant regarding their sleep and sitting behaviour and provide relevant interventions.

Risk factors for caesarean section in primigravidae

Risk factors for caesarean section in primigravidae

Factors for predicting cesarean section during epidural analgesia: a retrospective study

Purpose of investigation: To explore the risk factors for cesarean section during trial of labor with epidural analgesia. Materials and methods: A total of 100 parturients who received epidural analgesia were selected for this study. Fifty parturients underwent vaginal deliveries and 50 parturients underwent cesarean sections. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was carried out with the continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine and 2 mcg/ml fentanyl at 6 ml/h with patient-controlled analgesia (6 ml/time, locked time 15 minutes). Results: The univariate analysis showed a significant difference in the gestational age of parturients between cesarean section and vaginal delivery (p = 0.013). Compared with the parturients in the vaginal delivery group, cesarean section group parturients showed longer interval time from epidural analgesia to cesarean section (p &lt; 0.001), a higher number of analgesia interventions (p &lt; 0.001), higher doses of PCEA (p &lt; 0.001), and higher number of top-ups (p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed that a high gestational age and long interval time were strongly associated with a high possibility of cesarean section during epidural analgesia. Conclusion: High gestational age and long interval time are important risk factors for the prediction of cesarean section during epidural analgesia.

Can Oxytocin Augmentation Modify the Risk of Epidural Analgesia by Maternal Age in Cesarean Sections?

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2018;97:872–879) Oxytocin augmentation of labor is often used in the setting of labor dystocia to increase the likelihood of vaginal delivery, and therefore avoid cesarean section. Increasing maternal age is an established risk factor for cesarean section. Oxytocin augmentation has been found to occur more frequently among women receiving epidural analgesia, and the authors of this study proposed associations may exist among epidural analgesia, oxytocin augmentation, and maternal age and the correlation with cesarean section. This study examined the effects and interactions of oxytocin augmentation, epidural analgesia and maternal age on the risk of cesarean section in nulliparous women.

Is age and socioeconomic status associated with preference for birth mode in nulliparous women in China?

To examine the association between sociodemographic factors and preference for birth mode in nulliparous women in China. A total of 4606 women before or in early pregnancy were recruited from 2013 to 2016 in the Shanghai Birth Cohort Study. Generalized linear regression was used to examine the association of sociodemographic characteristics with preferred birth mode and actual cesarean section(CS) without clinical indications in 2713 nulliparous women, and the changes from preference of vaginal birth to actualCS without clinical indications in 2369 nulliparous women. After controlling for potential confounders, preference for CS was associated with older maternal age [31-34years: adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56-4.78; ≥ 35years: 6.27, 3.28-12.01, p for trend < 0.0001] and lower level of education (below junior college vs college or above: 1.51, 1.10-2.09). Older maternal age (≥ 35years: 3.37, 1.74-6.50), born in city or township (city vs countryside: 3.18, 1.93-5.24; township vs countryside: 1.97, 1.06-3.66), and lower level of education (below junior college vs college or above: 1.38, 1.01-1.88) were significantly associated with a CS without clinical indications. Women who preferred vaginal birth but had an actual CS without clinical indications were more likely to be older (≥ 35years: 4.30, 1.44-12.83) and born in city (city vs countryside: 2.89, 1.33-6.30). Older age, lower education level, and being born in city or township were risk factors for CS without clinical indication in China.

Trend in primary caesarean delivery: a five-year experience in ABRUZZO, ITALY

BackgroundPrimary caesarean section (PCS) rate is one of the main indicators of quality of care suggested by the Italian Government. Hospital rankings are usually based on it, therefore lower rates reflect more appropriate clinical practice. The aim of this study is to describe a five-year trend of PCS rate in Abruzzo region from 2009 to 2013 and to examine the medical indications for this mode of delivery.MethodsForty-five thousand one hundred forty-nine deliveries occurring from 2009 to 2013 were collected from all hospital discharge records (HDR) and analyzed. Among them we found 12,542 PCS. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated using logistic regression methods to evaluate the relationship between maternal risk factors and PCS in hospital over 1000 delivery/yrs.ResultsThe five-year PCS rate was 28.9%, with a decreasing trend from 31.4% in 2009 to 26.1% in 2013. Vasto Civil Hospital shows the lowest PCS rate (17.9% in 2013) among hospitals with a maximum of 1000 deliveries per year, while Pescara Civil Hospital shows the lowest PCS rate (25.4% in 2013) among hospitals with over 1000 deliveries per year. Women with major risk factors for cesarean section delivered more frequently in maternity units over 1000 delivery/yrs. Logistic regression analyses showed as diabetes, hypertension, twin pregnancy, fetal distress and preterm delivery were significant risk factors to deliver in unit over 1000 delivery/yrs. The most frequent (overall 66.6%) discharge diagnosis recorded in Hospital discharge records (HDR) is “Caesarean Delivery Without Indication”. 7.3% of PCS made in Abruzzo concerns women living in other Italian regions. 11.4% of PCS contains one of the indications to caesarean section (CS) that the Italian Guidelines consider appropriate.ConclusionsDuring the analyzed period, Abruzzo showed a decreasing, but still too high, PCS rate, compared to the limits fixed by the Italian Ministry of Health. Considering the limitation of this study, based on administrative data that are poor in clinical information, it is not possible to define the appropriateness of all caesarean sections.

Maternal Age is a Risk Factor for Cesarean Section Following Induction of Labor

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2017;57(4):426–431) Women 35 years or older, considered advanced maternal age (AMA), are more likely to experience complications and adverse neonatal outcomes including stillbirth. Pregnancies in these older women are increasing in western countries. Scheduled induction of labor in AMA pregnancies has been increasingly practiced; however, data concerning the outcomes of induction of labor (IOL) in AMA pregnancies are limited. This study explored the relationship between IOL and cesarean delivery in AMA women.

Maternal height and risk of caesarean section in singleton births in Sweden-A population-based study using data from the Swedish Pregnancy Register 2011 to 2016.

Caesarean section (CS) has short and long term adverse health consequences, and should therefore only be undertaken when necessary. Risk factors such as maternal age, maternal body mass index (BMI) and fetal weight have been extensively investigated in relation to CS, but the significance of maternal height has been less explored in Sweden. The aim was to investigate the significance of maternal height on risk of CS in a representative, population-based sample from Sweden, also taking into account confounders. Data on singleton births in the Swedish Pregnancy Register 2011 to 2016 were collected, including women with heights of 140 cm and above, constituting a sample of 581,844 women. Data were analysed with epidemiological and biostatistical methods. Mean height was 166.1 cm. Women born outside Sweden were significantly shorter than women born in Sweden (162.8 cm vs. 167.1 cm, p<0.001). There was a decreasing risk of CS with increasing maternal height. This effect remained after adjustment for other risk factors for CS such as maternal age, BMI, gestational age, parity, high birth weight and country of birth. Frequency of CS was higher among women born outside Sweden compared with Swedish-born women (17.3% vs. 16.0%), however, in a multiple regression model country of birth outside Sweden diminished as a risk factor for CS. Maternal height of 178–179 cm was associated with the lowest risk of CS (OR = 0.76, CI95% 0.71–0.81), whereas height below 160 cm explained 7% of CS cases. BMI and maternal age are established factors involved in clinical assessments related to birth, and maternal height should increasingly enjoy a similar status in these considerations. Moreover, when healthcare professionals are counselling pregnant women, taller stature should be more emphasized as a positive indicator for successful vaginal birth to increase pregnant women’s confidence in giving birth vaginally, with possible positive impacts for lowering CS rates.

Césarienne après déclenchement du travail : facteurs de risque et score de prédiction

ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to determine the risk factors for caesarean section at the time of labor induction, to establish a prediction algorithm, to evaluate its relevance and to compare the results with observation. MethodsA retrospective study was carried out over a year at Nantes University Hospital with 941 cervical ripening and labor inductions (24.1%) terminated by 167 caesarean sections (17.8%). Within the cohort, a case-control study was conducted with 147 caesarean sections and 148 vaginal deliveries. A multivariate analysis was carried out with a logistic regression allowing the elaboration of an equation of prediction and an ROC curve and the confrontation between the prediction and the reality. ResultsIn univariate analysis, six variables were significant: nulliparity, small size of the mother, history of scarried uterus, use of prostaglandins as a mode of induction, unfavorable Bishop score<6, variety of posterior release. In multivariate analysis, five variables were significant: nulliparity, maternal size, maternal BMI, scar uterus and Bishop score. The most predictive model corresponded to an area under the curve of 0.86 (0.82–0.90) with a correct prediction percentage (“well classified”) of 67.6% for a caesarean section risk of 80%. ConclusionThe prediction criteria would make it possible to inform the woman and the couple about the potential risk of Caesarean section in urgency or to favor a planned Caesarean section or a low-lying attempt on more objective, repeatable and transposable arguments in a medical team.

Can oxytocin augmentation modify the risk of epidural analgesia by maternal age in cesarean sections?

Maternal age is an established risk factor for cesarean section; epidural analgesia and oxytocin augmentation may modify this association. We investigated the effects and interactions of oxytocin augmentation, epidural analgesia and maternal age on the risk of cesarean section. In all, 416 386 nulliparous women with spontaneous onset of labor, ≥37 weeks of gestation and singleton infants with a cephalic presentation during 2000-2011 from Norway and Denmark were included [Ten-group classification system (Robson) group 1]. In this case-control study the main exposure was maternal age; epidural analgesia, oxytocin augmentation, birthweight and time period were explanatory variables. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to estimate associations and interactions. The cesarean section rate increased consistently with advancing maternal age, both overall and in strata of epidural analgesia and oxytocin augmentation. We observed strong interactions between maternal age, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia for the risk of cesarean section. Women with epidural analgesia generally had a reduced adjusted odds ratio when oxytocin was used compared with when it was not used. In Norway, this applied to all maternal age groups but in Denmark only for women ≥30 years. Among women without epidural, oxytocin augmentation was associated with an increased odds ratio for cesarean section in Denmark, whereas no difference was observed in Norway. Oxytocin augmentation in nulliparous women with epidural analgesia is associated with a reduced risk of cesarean section in labor with spontaneous onset.

Risk factors for cesarean delivery and adverse neonatal outcome in twin pregnancies attempting vaginal delivery.

Twin vaginal delivery presents a unique clinical challenge for obstetricians. The Twin Birth Study demonstrated the safety of planned vaginal delivery regarding neonatal outcomes. However, that study lacked a description of the risk factors associated with and the outcome of unplanned cesarean section. The aim of this study is to identify potential risk factors for cesarean section and delivery related neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with twin pregnancy attempting vaginal delivery. A retrospective cohort study including 1070 women with twin pregnancy that underwent a trial of labor between 2003 and 2015. The study population was divided according to the mode of delivery: vaginal delivery, combined vaginal-cesarean and intrapartum cesarean delivery of both twins. Several risk factors and neonatal outcomes were examined by both univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis. The rate of vaginal delivery of both twins was 88.3%, whereas the rates of combined vaginal cesarean and unplanned cesarean delivery were 4.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Nulliparity and nonvertex presentation of twin B were found to be independently associated with cesarean delivery for both twins. Additionally, nonvertex presentation of twin B was independently associated with combined vaginal-cesarean delivery. The proportion of neonates with Apgar score <7 at 5 min was increased for both twins in the combined vaginal-cesarean group compared with those delivered by the vaginal route alone. Nulliparity and nonvertex presentation of twin B were found to be associated with intrapartum cesarean delivery in twin pregnancies.

Mid-pregnancy cervical length as a risk factor for cesarean section in women with twin pregnancies.

Abstract Objective: It is well known that a short cervix at mid-pregnancy is a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth in both singleton and twin gestations. Recent evidence also suggests that a long cervix at mid-pregnancy is a predictor of the risk of cesarean section (C/S) in singleton gestation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a long cervix at mid-pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of C/S in women with twin pregnancies. Methods: We enrolled 746 women pregnant with twins whose cervical length was measured by trans-vaginal ultrasonography at a mean of 22 weeks of gestation and who delivered in our institution. Cases with a short cervix [cervical length (CL) &lt;15 mm] were excluded. Cases were divided into four groups according to the quartile of CL. Results: The rate of C/S increased according to the quartile of CL (47% in the 1st quartile, 51% in the 2nd quartile, 56% in the 3rd quartile and 62% in the 4th quartile, P&lt;0.005, χ2 for trend). CL was an independent risk factor for C/S even after adjustment for confounding variables. When confining analysis to women who delivered after a trial of labor (n=418), to nulliparous women (n=633) or to those who delivered at late preterm or full term (n=666), the rate of C/S also increased according to the quartile of CL, and the relationship between CL and the risk of C/S remained significant after adjustment in each group. Conclusion: In women pregnant with twins, long CL at mid-pregnancy was a risk factor for C/S.

Is pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) a marker for adverse perinatal outcomes in preterm isolated oligohydramnios cases?

ObjectiveIsolated oligohydramnios is defined as an amniotic fluid index below five centimeter with no other coexisting condition. There are still controversies about the management and pregnancy outcomes. A marker predicting these is crucial. Low pregnancy associated plasma protein-A levels were reported to be related with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to determine the role of first trimester pregnancy associated plasma protein-A for poor outcomes in preterm isolated oligohydramnios cases. Material and MethodsFifty-one patients with singleton pregnancies diagnosed as isolated oligohydramnios at 28/0–36/6 weeks of gestation and 110 gestational age matched healthy controls between January and December 2015 were included. Maternal age, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, indication for cesarean section, Apgar scores at first and fifth minutes, birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission and mortality were recorded. Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A levels were compared between groups and its role in adverse perinatal outcomes was evaluated. ResultsPregnancy associated plasma protein-A levels and pregnancy outcomes were similar in two groups (p > 0.050) except birth weight, gestational age at delivery and presence of fetal distress. Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A levels did not differ in terms of delivery mode, presence of fetal distress, first and fifth minutes Apgar scores and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 0.323,0.650,0.990,0.112,0.853). Also, it was not determined as a risk factor for cesarean section, presence of fetal distress, low Apgar scores and neonatal intensive care unit admission. ConclusionPregnancy associated plasma protein-A, a well-known prognostic factor for some of high risk pregnancy conditions, may not be used as a marker in preterm isolated oligohydramnios cases.

Induction of labour: clinical predictive factors for success and failure

Induction of labour (IOL) is a widely-used practice in obstetrics. Our aim was to evaluate predictors of vaginal delivery in postdate pregnancies induced with prostaglandins. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study with analytic component. A total of 145 women, admitted for IOL after the 41st week of gestation, were induced with a vaginal pessary releasing prostaglandins. Type of delivery, whether vaginal or caesarean, was the outcome. Several maternal and foetal variables were investigated. The Kaplan–Maier curves, monovariate and a multivariate logistic regression were carried out. In our population, 80.7% of women had vaginal delivery after the induction. Multiparity and a high Bishop score at the beginning of the IOL were protective factors for a vaginal delivery (respectively OR 0.16, p = .028 and OR 0.62, p = .034) while age >35 years, and the foetal birth weight >3500 g at the birth, resulted in being risk factors for caesarean section (respectively OR 4.20, p = .006 and OR 3.63, p = .013).IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject: Induction of labour (IOL) is a widely used practice in obstetrics. Scientific literature shows several predictors of successful induction, although there is no unanimity except for ‘multiparity’ and ‘favourable Bishop score’ which are associated with positive outcome of the induction. The main difficulty in finding other predictive factors is the heterogeneity of this field (different local protocols in each hospital, type of induction, populations and outcomes chosen in each study). In addition to that, populations are not always comparable due to the different gestation. For this reason, we decided to select a specific population of women, such as low risk postterm pregnancies induced with prostaglandins, in order to detect possible predictive factors for the success of the IOL for women with uncomplicated pregnancies.What the results of this study add: Our study agrees with existing literature that ‘multiparity’ and ‘Bishop score’ are linked with the success of IOL and adds that ‘maternal age’ and ‘foetal birth weight’ are significant risk factors for the population of uncomplicated post term pregnancies induced with prostaglandins.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Our results agreed with the existing literature regarding parity and Bishop score but not for maternal age and birth weight. This adds new precious data to the literature which could be used for systematic reviews and for implementing IOL guidelines and protocols, nationally and internationally. Our findings could be also used for guiding future research in this field. It will be interesting to investigate the existence of not just specific factors but also any combination of variables which could predict the success of the procedure. At the moment these information cannot be used in terms of decision making for healthcare professionals as no variable is 100% predictive but once further research will be added, we may be able to know when is best time to start the IOL, how to facilitate the success of the procedure and how to best support the woman throughout the whole experience.

Maternal age is a risk factor for caesarean section following induction of labour.

In Australia, more than 20% of women giving birth are 35years or older. Advanced maternal age (AMA) is a risk factor for stillbirth, and many clinicians now recommend induction of labour (IOL) at around term gestation. The aim of this study is to determine if AMA is associated with emergency caesarean section (CS) following IOL. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using routinely collected de-identified data. Live-born, singleton, cephalic, non-anomalous pregnancies undergoing IOL between 37+0 and 42+0weeks were included. Previous CS and privately insured admission status were excluded. Mode of delivery was compared for women ≥38years (AMA) and women <38years. The primary outcome was birth by CS. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses wereundertaken. A total of 7459 women were included (≥38years n=718, 9.6%; <38years n=6741, 90.4%). AMA women had similar rates of unassisted vaginal births (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.98-1.35, P=0.080) and CS (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.90-1.30, P=0.407) but fewer instrumental deliveries (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.87, P=0.002) compared to women <38years. When controlled for confounders, AMA was independently associated with a two-fold increase in birth by CS following IOL (adjusted OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.64-3.20; P<0.001). There were no differences in neonataloutcomes. Following IOL, AMA was associated with a two-fold increased likelihood of birth by CS in both nulliparous and multiparous women. However, the majority of AMA women birthed vaginally. Clinicians may find this information useful when counselling older women who are undergoing term IOL.

Delivery outcomes of term pregnancy complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios

ObjectivePolyhydramnios is associated with an increased risk of cesarean section. The aetiology of polyhydramnios and the characteristics of the labour may be confounding factors. The objective was to study the characteristics and mode of delivery in case of pregnancy complicated with idiopathic polyhydramnios. MethodsThis retrospective matched and controlled study included all pregnant women with idiopathic polyhydramnios (amniotic index>25cm or single deepest pocket>8cm) diagnosed at the 2nd or 3rd trimester and persistent at term delivery (>37weeks of pregnancy) in our institution. We excluded pregnancies in which the polyhydramnios could be explained by infection, gestational diabetes, congenital malformation, abnormal karyotype, placental anomalies, alloimmunization as well as pregnancies in which an amniocentesis for the purpose of diagnosis had not been performed. Data were gathered from a tertiary care university hospital register from 1998–2015. Cases of polyhydramnios were matched with the following two women who presented for labour management with spontaneous cephalic presentation, matching for delivery date, maternal age, parity, body mass index. The main outcome measure was the risk of cesarean section. Univariate and multivariate adjusted analysis were performed. ResultsWe identified 108 women with idiopathic polyhydramnios and compared them with 216 matched women. Among them, 94 and 188 attempted a trial of labour. Maternal age, mean term delivery and birthweight were 31 years, 39+5weeks gestation and 3550 g. We did not observe differences in maternal characteristics, epidural analgesia and rate of abnormal fetal heart tracing. Induced labour and non-vertex presentations (forehead, bregma, face) were more frequent in the polyhydramnios group (respectively 57.9% versus 27.8%, P<0.05 and 7.8% versus 1%, P<0.05). Cesarean section rate was higher in the case of polyhydramnios in the overall population (45.4% versus 8%, P<0.05) and remained higher after exclusion of cases of induced labour and non-vertex presentation (38.4% versus 3.8%, P<0.05). Amniotomy was more frequent in pregnancies with polyhydramnios (55.8% versus 39.1%, P<0.05). After adjustment for matching and confounding variables, polyhydramnios was found to be a risk factor for cesarean section (OR 21.02; CI 95% 8.004–55.215, P<0.01). ConclusionIdiopathic polyhydramnios increased the risk of prolonged first stage of labour, non-vertex presentation and cesarean section.

Blood pressure patterns in women with gestational hypertension or mild preeclampsia at term

ObjectiveGestational hypertension (GH) and mild preeclampsia (PE) represent the most common medical complications of pregnancy, with the majority of cases developing at or near term. There is little knowledge of the course of blood pressure over time in these women. We explored the pattern of systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time in women with GH or mild PE at term participating in the HYPITAT trial, and we attempted to identify clinical factors influencing these blood pressure patterns and the impact of severe hypertension on clinical management. Study designWe used data from the HYPITAT trial, that included women with a singleton pregnancy with a fetus in cephalic position between 36 and 41 weeks of gestation with the diagnosis of GH or mild PE. Blood pressure measurements were performed from randomization or admission until delivery or discharge from the hospital. We included the highest blood pressure of each day.We evaluated systolic and diastolic blood pressure change over time, as well as the influence of clinical characteristics and laboratory findings on the course of blood pressure. We used univariate and multivariate regression analysis with a backward stepwise algorithm for the selection of variables. The model with the best fit (lowest AIC) was selected as the final model. We also compared mode of delivery for women with and without severe hypertension. ResultsWe studied 1076 women who had 4188 blood pressure measurements done. The systolic blood pressure showed a significant non-linear increase over time and for the diastolic blood pressure the pattern was also non-linear. In the multivariable model of systolic blood pressure change over time, nulliparity, ethnicity, systolic blood pressure (at baseline), BMI and LDH at randomization influenced the course of blood pressure. In the diastolic blood pressure model ALT and the baseline diastolic blood pressure had a significant influence. When we explored the association between blood pressure and mode of delivery, it appeared that development of severe hypertension was a risk factor for Caesarean section. ConclusionThe blood pressure in patients with GH or PE at term showed a non-linear increase with time, which was aggravated by clinical characteristics. Development of severe hypertension was a risk factor for Caesarean section, which may explain the elevated Caesarean section rates in the expectant monitoring group in the HYPITAT trial.

Labor Induction with Orally Administrated Misoprostol: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction One great challenge in obstetric care is labor inductions. Misoprostol has advantages in being cheap and stable at room temperature and available in resource-poor settings. Material and Methods Retrospective cohort study of 4002 singleton pregnancies with a gestational age ≥34 w at Sodersjukhuset, Stockholm, during 2009-2010 and 2012-2013. Previously used methods of labor induction were compared with misoprostol given as a solution to drink, every second hour. Main outcome is as follows: Cesarean Section (CS) rate, acid-base status in cord blood, Apgar score < 7,5′, active time of labor, and blood loss > 1500 ml (PPH). Results The proportion of CS decreased from 26% to 17% when orally given solution of misoprostol was introduced at the clinic (p < 0.001). No significant difference in the frequency of low Apgar score (p = 0.3), low aPh in cord blood (p = 0.1), or PPH (p = 0.4) between the different methods of induction was studied. After adjustment for different risk factor for CS the only method of induction which was associated with CS was dinoproston⁎⁎ (Propess®) (aor = 2.9 (1.6–5.2)). Conclusion Induction of labor with misoprostol, given as an oral solution to drink every second hour, gives a low rate of CS, without affecting maternal or fetal outcome.

Association of pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain with cesarean section in term deliveries of China.

China has one of the highest rates of cesarean sections in the world. However, limited epidemiological studies have evaluated the risk factors for cesarean section among Chinese women. Thus, the aim of this cohort study was to investigate the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain (GWG) and the risk of cesarean section in China. A total of 57,891 women with singleton, live-born, term pregnancies were included in this analysis. We found that women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy had an elevated risk of cesarean section. Women with a total GWG above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations had an adjusted OR for cesarean section of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.40–1.51) compared with women who had GWG within the IOM recommendations. Women with excessive BMI gain during pregnancy also had an increased risk of cesarean section. When stratified by maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, there was a significant association between excessive GWG and increased odds of cesarean section across all pre-pregnancy BMI categories. These results suggest that weight control efforts before and during pregnancy may help to reduce the rate of cesarean sections.

The SaTH risk-assessment tool for the prediction of emergency cesarean section in women having induction of labor for all indications: a large-cohort based study.

To develop a risk-assessment model for the prediction of emergency cesarean section (CS) in women having induction of labor (IOL). This was an observational cohort study of women with IOL for any indication between 2007 and 2013. Women induced for stillbirths and with multiple pregnancies were excluded. The primary objective was to identify risk factors associated with CS delivery and to construct a risk-prediction tool. 6169 women were identified with mean age of 28.9years. Primiparity involved 47.1%, CS rate was 13.3% and post-date pregnancies were 32.4%. Risk factors for CS were: age >30years, BMI >25kg/m2, primiparity, black-ethnicity, non post-date pregnancy, meconium-stained liquor, epidural analgesia, and male fetal gender. Each factor was assigned a score and with increasing scores the CS rate increased. The CS rate was 5.4% for a score <11, while for a score ≥11 it increased to 25.0%. The model had a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 75.8, 65.1, 93.8 and 25.0%, respectively. We have constructed a risk-prediction tool for CS delivery in women with IOL. The risk-assessment tool for the prediction of emergency CS in induced labor has a high negative-predictive value and can provide reassurance to presumed low-risk women.