Views Of Obstetricians Research Articles

Abortion Legislation and its Reform: A Cross Sectional Study on the Views of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Nepal

Aims: To assess the knowledge of obstetrician and gynaecologists in Nepal about abortion legislation and to know their perception on its reform.
 Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. An online questionnaire was sent to all members of the Nepal Society of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists and response was collected. Profile of the respondents, their knowledge on the 2002 abortion legislation and their attitude on its reform were noted.
 Results: The response rate was 10.1%. There was a fair knowledge of previous abortion legislation amongst the 43 respondents. The mean score for the knowledge on previous abortion law and its reform was 3.85±0.35 and 3.0±1.14 respectively. Twenty-seven (62.8%) respondents felt the need for reform was necessary. In regards to the reform, 44.25% (19) stood for it and 46.5% (20) were against it. More (55%) obstetrician and gynaecologists practicing in the Bagmati province were against the reform.
 Conclusions: Obstetrician and gynaecologists practitioners in Nepal have a good knowledge of abortion legislation and are aware of its reform. The need for reform is also perceived well but there is a divided opinion amongst practitioners, with half of them positive about the reform and half standing against it.

Caesarean birth in public maternities in Argentina: a formative research study on the views of obstetricians, midwives and trainees

ObjectivesTo explore obstetricians’, midwives’ and trainees’ perceptions of caesarean section (CS) determinants in the context of public obstetric care services provision in Argentina. Our hypothesis is that known determinants of...

Obstetric critical care requirements felt by the obstetricians: An experience-based study.

Background and Aims:Pregnancy is a state of physiological stress to a woman's health. Concomitant complications and infections during pregnancy may necessitate intensive monitoring and management of such patients in critical care settings. This study aims to determine the perceptions about the requirement of obstetric critical care based on the experience of obstetricians.Material and Methods:An observational, questionnaire-based study was conducted in 200 obstetricians working in various settings, who were approached during obstetric conferences. The questionnaire consisted of twenty items and was designed to determine the views of obstetricians, based on their clinical experience, regarding problems at the time of medical or surgical crisis in obstetric patients due to nonavailability of the intensive care services.Results:Seventeen percent of the participating obstetricians had a facility of dedicated obstetric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at their institution. In the opinion of 62% of the respondents, ICU bed was made available in cases of crisis. Forty-two percent of the obstetricians reported that it took <10 min for the intensivist to reach the critically ill parturient. According to 32% of respondents, the intensivist could not reach within 20 min. There was a delay of more than 30 min in providing critical care services according to almost half (49%) of the respondents. Postpartum hemorrhage (24%) was the leading cause of ICU admission, followed by pregnancy-induced hypertension (14%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (12%). A majority (87%) of the obstetricians were strongly in favor of a dedicated obstetric ICU.Conclusions:Need for a dedicated obstetric ICU is felt by most of the obstetricians to improve patient care.

L’épisiotomie en France en 2010 : variations des pratiques selon le contexte obstétrical et le lieu d’accouchement

To analyze episiotomy rates according to the characteristics of women and maternity units and to study the variability of rates between units and regions. Our study included all vaginal deliveries in the National Perinatal Survey2010 (n=11,322). We estimated the adjusted relative risk of episiotomy (aRR) according to women and maternity units characteristics, and we studied the variance between regions and hospitals using multilevel Poisson regressions, stratified on parity. In 2010, 44.7% of primiparous; 14.2% in multiparous had an episiotomy. The main associated factors were Asian origin (primiparae: aRR=1.32 [1.16-1.51]; multiparae: aRR=2.30 [1.67-3.16]), breech presentation (primiparae: aRR=2.14 [1.87-2.21]; multiparae: aRR=3.32 [2.52-4.38]) and operative vaginal delivery (primiparae: aRR=2.04 [1.89-2.11]; multiparae: aRR=3.19 [2.74-3.72]). Rates varied dramatically between regions (primiparae: 17 to 64%; multiparae: 3 to 21%). The variance was significant between regions and between maternity units after controlling for women and units characteristics. It would be useful to study the attitudes and views of obstetricians and midwives about the protection of the perineum to better understand these differences in practice.

Patient-provider communication about gestational weight gain among nulliparous women: a qualitative study of the views of obstetricians and first-time pregnant women

BackgroundIn 2009 the Institute of Medicine updated its guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy, in part because women of childbearing age now weigh more pre-pregnancy and tend to gain more weight during pregnancy than women did when the previous set of guidelines were released in 1990. Women who begin pregnancy overweight or obese and women who gain weight outside IOM recommendations are at risk for poor maternal and fetal health outcomes. With these concerns in mind, we examined what obstetricians communicate about gestational weight gain to their pregnant patients and how nulliparous patients perceive weight-related counseling from their obstetricians.MethodsWe conducted one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 19 nulliparous women and 7 obstetricians recruited from a single clinic at a large academic medical center in the United States. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified 4 major themes: 1) Discussions about the amount and pace of gestational weight gain: obstetricians reported variation in the frequency and timing of weight-related discussions with patients while most patients said that weight was not emphasized by their obstetricians; 2) The content of communication about nutrition and physical activity: obstetricians said they discuss nutrition and activity with all patients while most patients reported that their obstetrician either discussed these topics in general terms or not at all; 3) Communication about postpartum weight loss: obstetricians said that they do not typically address postpartum weight loss with patients during prenatal visits while patients had concerns about postpartum weight; and 4) Patient feelings about obstetrician advice: most patients said that their obstetrician does not tend to offer “unsolicited advice”, instead offering information in response to patient questions or concerns. Women were divided about whether they desired more advice from their obstetrician on weight gain, nutrition, and activity.ConclusionsOur analysis revealed discrepancies between obstetricians’ and patients’ perceptions of their weight-related clinical interactions. Our findings suggest that there is a missed opportunity to use prenatal visits as opportunities to discuss healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and beyond. Additional research on the design, implementation, and testing of interventions to address prenatal nutrition and physical activity is warranted.

Students’ experiences of using the partograph in Kenyan labour wards

Background: Previous research has demonstrated the likely benefits of partograph use in low-resourced settings. However, the challenges of completing a partograph are also reported. The objective of this study was to examine students’ views and experiences of partograph use to gain understanding of the realities of using this tool in the labour ward. Methods: In a qualitative study, 51 student nurses, undertaking their maternity placement at a university in Nairobi, Kenya, participated in five focus group discussions. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Four main themes emerged from the analyses: challenges to ‘doing the right thing’; theory-practice disconnectedness; negative role models; and retrospective recording. Conclusions: The results provide insight into the challenges faced by students when practising in the labour ward environment. A more effective approach to partograph training and implementation should be adopted to support students. However, student midwife training is unlikely to be implemented into practice unless the qualified team supports their learning. Given that the partograph had little status in the labour ward, change may only happen when senior health professionals (midwives and obstetricians) lead by example. Further research is required to explore the views of obstetricians and qualified midwives on partograph use. Appropriate implementation strategies also warrant further investigation.

Management of pre-labour rupture of membranes at term - A survey of current practice in Australia

Women with pre-labour rupture of membranes at term (Term-PROM) commonly choose to have early induction of labour with the use of oxytocin. Although there is evidence of efficacy and safety of induction by the use of prostaglandin, it is used infrequently in Australia. To identify current practice and views of obstetricians in Australia, on Term-PROM. A postal survey among all obstetricians in Australia in April 2009. Fellows no longer practising obstetrics or who were non-practising were asked to return the survey without completing it. Of the 1319 surveys posted, 720 (54.6%) were returned, 23.8% of whom were practising only gynaecology or non-practising, leaving 548 respondents practising obstetrics (41.5%). The most common management of Term-PROM is induction of labour (IOL) within 24 h at the next convenient opportunity (75%). More than 96% would use intravenous oxytocin at some stage as their method of induction. Prostaglandin gel (PGE₂) was utilised by 15% of respondents regularly, mainly for ripening of an unfavourable cervix in a primigravida, but nearly 40% would consider the use of PGE₂ indicating that it would produce a more 'natural' labour, that women could ambulate more and that there would be reduced impact on midwifery staff. For those who would not consider PGE₂, the most common reasons were concerns of hyperstimulation, increased infection rate and precautions of use based on product information. Oxytocin is the most widely used induction agent for women with term-PROM. PGE₂ is an important alternative method of induction and nearly 40% would consider using it. Clarification from RANZCOG and further studies on whether PGE₂ offers a safe and effective option are now required.

Care during the third stage of labour: obstetricians views and practice in an Albanian maternity hospital.

BackgroundRelatively little is known about current practice during the third stage of labour in low and middle income countries. We conducted a survey of attitudes and an audit of practice in a large maternity hospital in Albania.MethodsSurvey of 35 obstetricians and audit of practice during the third stage was conducted in July 2008 at a tertiary referral hospital in Tirana. The survey questionnaire was self completed. Responses were anonymous. For the audit, information collected included time of administration of the uterotonic drug, gestation at birth, position of the baby before cord clamping, cord traction, and need for resuscitation.Results77% (27/35) of obstetricians completed the questionnaire, of whom 78% (21/27) reported always or usually using active management, and 22% (6/27) always or usually using physiological care. When using active management: 56% (15/27) gave the uterotonic after cord clamping; intravenous oxytocin was almost always the drug used; and 71% (19/27) clamped the cord within one minute. For physiological care: 42% (8/19) clamped the cord within 20 seconds, and 96% (18/19) within one minute. 93% would randomise women to a trial of early versus late cord clamping.Practice was observed for 156 consecutive births, of which 26% (42/156) were by caesarean section. A prophylactic uterotonic was used for 87% (137/156): this was given after cord clamping for 55% (75/137), although timing of administration was not recorded for 21% (29/137). For 85% of births (132/156) cord clamping was within 20 seconds, and for all babies it was within 50 seconds. Controlled cord traction was used for 49% (76/156) of births.ConclusionsMost obstetricians reported always or usually using active management for the third stage of labour. For timing and choice of the uterotonic drug, reported practice was similar to actual practice. Although some obstetricians reported they waited longer than one minute before clamping the cord, this was not observed in practice. Controlled cord traction was used for half the births.

Detection and management of decreased fetal movements in Australia and New Zealand: A survey of obstetric practice

Decreased fetal movement (DFM) is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. However, there is limited research to inform practice in the detection and management of DFM. To identify current practices and views of obstetricians in Australia and New Zealand regarding DFM. A postal survey of Fellows and Members, and obstetric trainees of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Of the 1700 surveys distributed, 1066 (63%) were returned, of these, 805 (76% of responders) were currently practising and included in the analysis. The majority considered that asking women about fetal movement should be a part of routine care. Sixty per cent reported maternal perception of DFM for 12 h was sufficient evidence of DFM and 77% DFM for 24 h. KICK charts were used routinely by 39%, increasing to 66% following an episode of DFM. Alarm limits varied, the most commonly reported was < 10 movements in 12 h (74%). Only 6% agreed with the internationally recommended definition of < 10 movements in two hours. Interventions for DFM varied, while 81% would routinely undertake a cardiotocograph, 20% would routinely perform ultrasound and 20% more frequent antenatal visits. While monitoring fetal movement is an important part of antenatal care in Australia and New Zealand, variation in obstetric practice for DFM is evident. Large-scale randomised controlled trials are required to identify optimal screening and management options. In the interim, high quality clinical practice guidelines using the best available advice are needed to enhance consistency in practice including advice provided to women.

The views of obstetricians in the south-west of England on the use of prostaglandins and syntocinon in VBAC

SummaryThe aim of our study was to explore the views of consultant obstetricians in the south-west of England on the use of prostaglandin and oxytocin in women undergoing vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC), and assess how the perceived risk of uterine rupture in such a cohort of women affected their practice. A postal questionnaire was sent to randomly selected consultant obstetricians in the south-west of England. The response rate from the survey was 59.2%. The study showed that the willingness of consultants to use prostaglandin in VBAC was related to their length of practice. Some 89.7% of all respondents claim they would use syntocinon for augmentation in VBAC; 75% of all the responding consultants who have been in the post for longer than 10 years claim they would not use either of the agents in VBAC. We conclude that, despite concerns about the risks of increased uterine rupture in both induction and augmentation in labour of women undergoing VBAC, our study did not seem to support the fact that obstetricians' practices are influenced by this perceived risk.

Editor’s Choice

Editor’s Choice

Cerclage for the Short Cervix Demonstrated by Transvaginal Ultrasound: Current Practice and Opinion

Objectives: (1) To elucidate the views of obstetricians with respect to the use of transvaginal ultrasound in general, and, specifically, for determining cervical length, and the conditions under which obstetricians would employ cervical cerclage based on a sonographically revealed shortened cervix; and (2) to determine the possibility of a randomized controlled trial on the use of cervical cerclage in this situation.Methods: A 7-item questionnaire in French and English was designed and pretested. Questionnaires were mailed to 1421 physicians identified in the Canadian Medical Directory as practising obstetricians/gynaecologists in Canada. Returned questionnaires were scanned into an Access database for simple descriptive analyses.Results: Responses were received from 766 physicians. Of these 766 respondents, 604 physicians indicated they continued to practise obstetrics and supplied information that was usable in the analysis. The majority of the 604 respondents (85.6%) reported that they would recommend transvaginal ultrasound only in pregnant women with I or more risk factors for preterm birth. Respondents were most likely to recommend a cerclage, and least unsure of their decision to do so, if the gestational age was less than 23 weeks, the cervical length was less than 1 cm, and additional risk factors for preterm birth were present. As gestational age and cervical length increased, respondents were less likely to recommend cerclage and more unsure of their decision to do so. The pattern of responses was similar for singleton and multiple pregnancies. The McDonald technique was favoured over the Shirodkar technique by 70.4% of the respondents who performed cervical cerclage procedures. Adjunctive antibiotics were used with cerclage by 52.5% and adjunctive tocolytics were employed by 37.4%. The majority (68.8%) of the respondents who performed cervical cerclage procedures stated that they would participate in a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of cerclage for a sonographically revealed short cervix.Conclusion: In the case of a short cervix determined by ultrasound, there is significant uncertainty surrounding the decision whether to place a cerclage and considerable variation in the clinical practice on its placement. In the absence of good evidence to guide clinical practice, a randomized controlled trial is being planned.

Are Obstetricians And Gynaecologists In Singapore In Favor Of Stem Cell Research And Cloning?: A Survey Of Their Views

Aim: To study the views of obstetricians and gynaecologists in Singapore on stem cell research and cloning. Method: A postal survey of local practising obstetrics & gynaecology (O&G) specialists conducted in December 2001. Results: A total 62 (28.6%) of the 217 O&G specialists surveyed, responded within 3 weeks from the time of posting. The majority was in favour of animal cloning (71.0%), adult stem cell research (88.7%) and embryonal germ stem cell research (from aborted fetuses) (67.7%). Opinions were about equally divided with regards to embryonic stem cell research (early embryo <14 days) (46.8% in favour) and therapeutic cloning (50.0% in favour). Only a minority was in favour of reproductive cloning (8.1%). Specialists who had conscientious objection to participate in treatment to terminate pregnancy under Termination of Pregnancy Act of Singapore, were more conservative as were female O&G specialists. Though more liberal in their views on most aspects, senior specialists were inclined to be conservative on reproductive cloning. Regression analysis showed with statistical significance, that the specialists who were not conscientious objectors were more supportive on therapeutic cloning, and embryonic stem cell research. Conscientious objector status was more influential than sex or seniority status in determining the view on therapeutic cloning and embryonic stem cell research. Conclusion: There was a diversity of views among obstetricians and gynaecologists in Singapore. There was strong support for animal cloning and adult stem cell research but support for embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning was equivocal. The majority was against reproductive cloning.

A Survey of Consultant Obstetricians Views on In Utero Transfer in Northern Ireland

A Survey of Consultant Obstetricians Views on In Utero Transfer in Northern Ireland

Who can provide antenatal care? The views of obstetricians and midwives.

To describe the types of antenatal services in NSW maternity hospitals and examine the views of midwives and obstetricians about who can provide adequate routine antenatal care. A mail-out questionnaire to nursing unit managers (NUMs) explored the types of antenatal services available in their hospitals. The questionnaire for 196 midwives and 114 obstetricians asked whether they believed six provider/service types could provide adequate antenatal care either alone or in conjunction with an obstetrician. 80% of hospitals had GPs providing antenatal care, 53% had obstetricians and 3% had visiting midwives; 33% had a public antenatal clinic, 28% a shared care program with GPs and 26% midwives' antenatal clinics. Midwives were more likely than obstetricians to rate the following as able to provide adequate care alone: hospital antenatal clinic (4.7 times more likely); independent midwife (42.9x); and community midwives as an outreach hospital service (17x). Obstetricians were 8.2x more likely than midwives to rate private obstetricians as being able to provide adequate care. Midwives were more likely to perceive that independent midwives (24.7x more likely) and community midwives as an outreach hospital service (15.3x more likely) were able to provide adequate care either alone or in conjunction with an obstetrician. Most NSW hospitals have GPs providing care, but midwives' clinics and independent midwives are less available. While midwives and obstetricians hold similar beliefs about GPs providing care, substantial differences emerged about the midwife's role. Such disparity in opinion may be central in providing options and consistency in care for women.

Warning that reminders will be sent increased response rate

In 1993 a postal survey was undertaken of obstetricians views of prenatal screening and diagnosis. Every other letter despatched contained a postscript which stated “Because a good response rate is so important, we will be sending reminders to non-respondents. To avoid this irritant, why not fill it in now and get it over with?!”. The hypothesis was that this would increase the response rate and reduce the need for reminders. The hypothesis was supported. If we assume that the response rate for those who did not have the postscript is what we would have achieved for the whole sample otherwise, then the use of this stratagem resulted in a 19% reduction in the number of first reminders needed, with a consequent reduction in costs (in this case approximately £15).

Views of obstetricians and hysiotherapists on ante-natal preparation for childbirth

Obstetricians’ and physiotherapists' views of ante-natal childbirth preparation classes were examined by means of a postal questionnaire. Responses of 108 obstetricians and 57 physiotherapists revealed some marked differences in perceptions of childbirth classes offered by physiotherapists. In general physiotherapists' views were most favourable while obstetricians views were less so. Differences between physiotherapists’ and obstetricians’ views regarding the relevance of, and emphasis placed on, topics in childbirth preparation courses were also revealed. Data must, however, be viewed with caution due to the low response rate obtained.

Views of obstetricians and hysiotherapists on ante-natal preparation for childbirth

Obstetricians’ and physiotherapists' views of ante-natal childbirth preparation classes were examined by means of a postal questionnaire. Responses of 108 obstetricians and 57 physiotherapists revealed some marked differences in perceptions of childbirth classes offered by physiotherapists. In general physiotherapists' views were most favourable while obstetricians views were less so. Differences between physiotherapists’ and obstetricians’ views regarding the relevance of, and emphasis placed on, topics in childbirth preparation courses were also revealed. Data must, however, be viewed with caution due to the low response rate obtained.