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Celetta E, Spineli LM, Avignon V, Gehling H, Gross MM. An exploratory review on the empirical evaluation of the quality of reporting and analyzing labor duration. Birth 2024. [PMID: 38804004 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This exploratory review aimed to provide empirical evidence on the definitions of labor, the statistical approaches and measures reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies measuring the duration of labor. METHODS A systematic electronic literature search was conducted using different databases. An extraction form was designed and used to extract relevant data. English, French, and German studies published between 1999 and 2019 have been included. Only RCTs and observational studies analyzing labor duration (or a phase of labor duration) as a primary outcome have been included. RESULTS Ninety-two RCTs and 126 observational studies were eligible. No definition of the onset of labor was provided in 21.7% (n = 20) of the RCTs and 23.8% (n = 30) of the observational studies. Mean was the most frequently applied measure of labor duration in the RCTs (89.1%, n = 82), and median in the observational studies (54.8%, n = 69). Most RCTs (83%, n = 76) and observational studies (70.6%, n = 89) analyzed labor duration using a bivariate method, with the t-test being the most frequently applied (45.7% and 27%, respectively). Only 10.8% (n = 10) of the RCTs and 52.4% (n = 66) of the observational studies conducted a multivariable regression: 3 (30%; out of 10) RCTs and 37 (56%; out of 66) observational studies used a time-to-event adapted model. CONCLUSION This survey reports a lack of agreement with respect to how the onset of labor and phases of labor duration are presented. Concerning the statistical approaches, few studies used survival analysis, which is the appropriate statistical framework to analyze time-to-event data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilienne Celetta
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Loukia M Spineli
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hanna Gehling
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Seijmonsbergen-Schermers AE, Rooswinkel ETC, Peters LL, Verhoeven CJ, Jans S, Bloemenkamp K, de Jonge A. Trends in postpartum hemorrhage and manual removal of the placenta and the association with childbirth interventions: A Dutch nationwide cohort study. Birth 2024; 51:98-111. [PMID: 37700500 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because the cause of increasing rates of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and manual placental removal (MROP) is still unknown, we described trends in PPH, MROP, and childbirth interventions and examined factors associated with changes in rates of PPH and MROP. METHODS This nationwide cohort study used national perinatal registry data from 2000 to 2014 (n = 2,332,005). We included births of women who gave birth to a term singleton child in obstetrician-led care or midwife-led care. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between characteristics and interventions, and PPH ≥ 1000 mL and MROP. RESULTS PPH rates increased from 4.3% to 6.6% in obstetrician-led care and from 2.5% to 4.8% in midwife-led care. MROP rates increased from 2.4% to 3.4% and from 1.0% to 1.4%, respectively. A rising trend was found for rates of induction and augmentation of labor, pain medication, and cesarean section, while rates of episiotomy and assisted vaginal birth declined. Adjustments for characteristics and childbirth interventions did not result in large changes in the trends of PPH and MROP. After adjustments for childbirth interventions, in obstetrician-led care, the odds ratio (OR) of PPH in 2014 compared with the reference year 2000 changed from 1.66 (95% CI 1.57-1.76) to 1.64 (1.55-1.73) among nulliparous women and from 1.56 (1.47-1.66) to 1.52 (1.44-1.62) among multiparous women. For MROP, the ORs changed from 1.51 (1.38-1.64) to 1.36 (1.25-1.49) and from 1.56 (1.42-1.71) to 1.45 (1.33-1.59), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Rising PPH trends were not associated with changes in population characteristics and rising childbirth intervention rates. The rising MROP was to some extent associated with rising intervention rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Seijmonsbergen-Schermers
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Long-term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen T C Rooswinkel
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Long-term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian L Peters
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Long-term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corine J Verhoeven
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Long-term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Division of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suze Jans
- Department of Child Health, TNO, Netherlands Institute of Applied Sciences, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kitty Bloemenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics, Birth Centre Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, Division Woman and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, InHolland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Long-term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Sutton E, Detering K, East C, Whittaker A. Women's expectations about birth, requests for pain relief in labor and the subsequent development of birth dissonance and trauma. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:777. [PMID: 37946106 PMCID: PMC10633977 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth is a significant event in women's lives. As Mansfield notes (2008) many women aim for a birth that avoids pharmacological pain relief because they are advised it is better for them and their baby. For women having their first baby, this may not be realistic as 3/4 of primiparous women in Australia will use pharmacological pain relief. This study examines the expectations that a group of women had regarding pain relief, how these expectations developed and what happened to requests for pain relief in labour. METHODS A longitudinal prospective study design was used to recruit 15 women who were having their first baby. Women having low risk pregnancies, hoping for a 'natural birth' (vaginal, no/minimal pharmacological pain relief) were eligible. A semi-structured interview tool was used across all three interviews that asked women about their expectations, then actual labour experience, pain management requests and how these were responded to by carers. Fifteen women were interviewed - at 36 weeks gestation; as soon after delivery of their baby as possible, then six months post-delivery (N = 43 interviews). Interviews were recorded and transcribed and coded by ES using NVivo software with hierarchical thematic analysis used. RESULTS The study found that women appear to experience a mismatch between expectations they had developed pre-birth, versus actual experience. This appears to cause a specific form of dissonance - which we have termed 'birth dissonance' leaving them feeling traumatised post birth. This is because what women expected to happen in birth was often not realised. In particular, some women requested pain relief in birth and felt that their request was not responded to as hoped, and also seemed to develop post-birth trauma. We proposed that this may have resulted from dissonance arising from their expectations about being able to birth without significant pain relief. Interventions and technology may also contribute to this sense of mismatch and post-birth trauma. CONCLUSIONS Low risk birthing women birthing in a hospital may have to engage with higher levels of technology, intervention and pain relief than that which they expected pre-birth. This could possibly be avoided with four simple changes. Firstly, better pre-birth education for women about how painful labor is likely to be. Secondly, pre-birth education which includes a detailed explanation of the utility of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief. Thirdly, more egalitarian decision-making during labour and finally delivering upon women's requests for pain relief in labor, at the time that they ask for it. Further research is required to determine the extent of birth dissonance and how women making the transition to motherhood can avoid it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sutton
- Monash Bioethics Centre - Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Karen Detering
- Monash Bioethics Centre - Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Health and Aged Care, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christine East
- Nursing and Midwifery - La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Whittaker
- Sociology and Anthropology - Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Gehling H, Edmonds JK, Zinsser LA, Gross MM. Describing the transition from late pregnancy into early labour - A prospective cohort study. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 37:100895. [PMID: 37597272 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The time between self-assessed first symptoms and clinical confirmation of labour onset is marked by uncertainty, particularly for primiparas. Accordingly, primiparas often seek professional care to confirm their perceptions of labour onset. This paper describes the transition into early labour among primiparas considering their level of certainty in labour onset and their perception of labour onset symptoms prior to birth. METHODS A prospective exploratory cohort study was conducted in Germany between July 2020 - March 2021 among a convenience sample of 69 primiparas. Respondents recorded in a non-validated questionnaire their perceptions of nine symptoms and degree of certainty about labour onset every day from 37 weeks gestation. Descriptive analysis included certainty in labour onset and dedicated symptoms in relation to days before birth. RESULTS The participants (n=69) reported a little certainty of labour onset up to 32 days before birth and most of them became certain up to four days before birth. Associated symptoms were regular and irregular pain, symptoms of vaginal loss and emotional symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms and nausea were not indicated by a majority. Uncertainty of labour onset, however, was indicated up until the day of birth. CONCLUSION Although interpretation is based on a small sample size, primiparas are able to self-diagnose labour onset and report connected symptoms up to four days before birth. We suggest calling this time between self-diagnosis of labour onset and confirmed labour onset based on clinical parameters the transition into early labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gehling
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Joyce K Edmonds
- Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Maloney Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
| | - Laura A Zinsser
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str.1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Dahan O, Odent M. Not Just Mechanical Birthing Bodies: Birthing Consciousness and Birth Reflexes. J Perinat Educ 2023; 32:149-161. [PMID: 37520790 PMCID: PMC10386783 DOI: 10.1891/jpe-2022-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There are two concepts of neuroendocrine reflexes associated with the expulsion of the fetus through the birth canal during the second stage of birth: the Ferguson reflex and the fetus ejection reflex. These concepts are often confused with one another and treated synonymously, thus interchangeable. However, the two not only refer to different phenomena, but they also represent the birthing woman differently. The Ferguson reflex treats the birthing woman as simply a biomechanical body. In contrast, the fetus ejection reflex does not ignore women's conscious states during birth and recognizes what is currently a well-known empirical fact: The event of birth is a complex biophysical process affected by many mental, social, and environmental factors. In that, it has a connection to the phenomenon of birthing consciousness, which is the positive altered state sometimes experienced during a physiological and undisturbed childbirth. We argue that birthing consciousness and the fetus ejection reflex, made possible by reduced cortical control, are extremely helpful in promoting physiological human childbirth. Therefore, treating a woman giving birth as a biomechanical body is not only erroneous but can also lead to medical mismanagement of the second stage of physiological childbirth with associated mental and physiological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orli Dahan
- Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to Orli Dahan, PhD. E-mail:
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Olsen O, Clausen JA. Planned hospital birth compared with planned home birth for pregnant women at low risk of complications. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 3:CD000352. [PMID: 36884026 PMCID: PMC9994459 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000352.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies of increasingly better quality and in different settings suggest that planned hospital birth in many places does not reduce mortality and morbidity but increases the frequency of interventions and complications. Euro-Peristat (part of the European Union's Health Monitoring Programme) has raised concerns about iatrogenic effects of obstetric interventions, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concern that the increasing medicalisation of childbirth tends to undermine women's own capability to give birth and negatively impacts their childbirth experience. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 1998, and previously updated in 2012. OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of planned hospital birth with planned home birth attended by a midwife or others with midwifery skills and backed up by a modern hospital system in case a transfer to hospital should turn out to be necessary. The primary focus is on women with an uncomplicated pregnancy and low risk of medical intervention during birth. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (which includes trials from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, WHO ICTRP, and conference proceedings), ClinicalTrials.gov (16 July 2021), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing planned hospital birth with planned home birth in low-risk women as described in the objectives. Cluster-randomised trials, quasi-randomised trials, and trials published only as an abstract were also eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data, and checked the data for accuracy. We contacted study authors for additional information. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included one trial involving 11 participants. This was a small feasibility study to show that well-informed women - contrary to common beliefs - were prepared to be randomised. This update did not identify any additional studies for inclusion, but excluded one study that had been awaiting assessment. The included study was at high risk of bias for three out of seven risk of bias domains. The trial did not report on five of the seven primary outcomes, and reported zero events for one primary outcome (caesarean section), and non-zero events for the remaining primary outcome (baby not breastfed). Maternal mortality, perinatal mortality (non-malformed), Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes, transfer to neonatal intensive care unit, and maternal satisfaction were not reported. The overall certainty of the evidence for the two reported primary outcomes was very low according to our GRADE assessment (downgraded two levels for high overall risk of bias (due to high risk of bias arising from lack of blinding, high risk of selective reporting and lack of ability to check for publication bias) and two levels for very serious imprecision (single study with few events)). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that for selected, low-risk pregnant women, the evidence from randomised trials to support that planned hospital birth reduces maternal or perinatal mortality, morbidity, or any other critical outcome is uncertain. As the quality of evidence in favour of home birth from observational studies seems to be steadily increasing, it might be just as important to prepare a regularly updated systematic review including observational studies as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions as to attempt to set up new RCTs. As women and healthcare practitioners may be aware of evidence from observational studies, and as the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the International Confederation of Midwives collaboratively conclude that there is strong evidence that out-of-hospital birth supported by a registered midwife is safe, equipoise may no longer exist, and randomised trials may now thus be considered unethical or hardly feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Olsen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
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We Do Not Know How People Have Babies: an Opportunity for Epidemiologists to Have Meaningful Impact on Population-Level Health and Wellbeing. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-023-00321-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Borrelli S, Downey J, Colciago E, Fumagalli S, Nespoli A, Spiby PH. Mothers' perspectives on the potential use of video-calling during early labour in the United Kingdom and Italy: A qualitative study. Women Birth 2023:S1871-5192(23)00017-3. [PMID: 36682951 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Women in early labour are typically encouraged to delay maternity unit admission, but they may find this challenging without appropriate professional support. BACKGROUND Despite pre-pandemic research which identified potential advantages of video-calling in early labour, implementation of such service has not been reported. AIM To explore mothers' perspectives on potential use of video-calls during early labour. METHODS A multi-centre descriptive qualitative study was undertaken in UK and Italy. Ethical approval was gained and ethical processes were followed. Six virtual focus groups were conducted with 37 participants, 24 mothers who gave birth in the UK and 13 who gave birth in Italy. Line-by-line thematic analysis was performed and themes agreed. FINDINGS Two themes emerged: 1) women's expectations of video-calls' content and features; 2) technological challenges and solutions. Mothers responded positively to the concept of video-calling in early labour. Receiving guidance, information on coping with pain and advice on timely access in early labour was perceived as key. Women highlighted the importance of accessible, reliable and user-friendly technology. Equitable access, technological literacy, acceptability and privacy were considered as challenges to implementation, with solutions proposed to overcome disparities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Guidance and training should be provided to midwives, with designated resources to build a service that is accessible, acceptable, safe, individualised and respectful for mothers and birth companions. Further research should explore feasibility, acceptability, clinical and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Borrelli
- University of Nottingham, School of Health Sciences, Queen's Medical School, B Floor, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
| | - Joshua Downey
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Rd, Nottingham NG5 1PB, United Kingdom.
| | - Elisabetta Colciago
- University of Milano Bicocca, School of Medicine and Surgery, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Simona Fumagalli
- University of Milano Bicocca, School of Medicine and Surgery, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Antonella Nespoli
- University of Milano Bicocca, School of Medicine and Surgery, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, MB, Italy.
| | - Prof Helen Spiby
- University of Nottingham, School of Health Sciences, Queen's Medical School, B Floor, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
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Schmitt N, Striebich S, Meyer G, Berg A, Ayerle GM. The partner's experiences of childbirth in countries with a highly developed clinical setting: a scoping review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:742. [PMID: 36192684 PMCID: PMC9528111 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Western countries, it is common practice for a woman to be supported by a trusted person during childbirth, usually the other parent. Numerous studies have shown that this has a positive effect both on the woman’s satisfaction with the birth process and on physical outcomes. However, there is little research on the birth experience of partners and their wellbeing. The aim of this review is to summarise the existing literature on partner experience, consider its quality and identify the underlying themes. Methods Both a systematic literature search in three databases and a manual search were conducted, for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies from Western countries examining the experiences of partners present at a birth. Results A total of 35 studies were included. Only one study included same-sex partners (the other studies addressed fathers’ experiences only) and only one validated questionnaire examining partners’ birth experiences was identified. Four major themes were found to influence partners’ birth experiences: (1) intense feelings, (2) role of support, (3) staff support, and (4) becoming a father. Conclusions Partners may feel very vulnerable and stressed in this unfamiliar situation. They need emotional and informal support from staff, want to be actively involved, and play an important role for the birthing woman. To promote good attachment for parents, systematic exploration of the needs of partners is essential for a positive birth experience. Because of the diversity of family constellations, all partners should be included in further studies, especially same-sex partners. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-05014-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schmitt
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Sabine Striebich
- Department of Nursing and Management, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Berliner Tor 5, 20099, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Meyer
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Almuth Berg
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gertrud M Ayerle
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
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10
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Labor Support for Intended Vaginal Birth. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:S1-S42. [PMID: 36117038 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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12
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Tallhage S, Årestedt K, Schildmeijer K, Oscarsson M. Prevalence of amniotomy in Sweden: a nationwide register study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:486. [PMID: 35701766 PMCID: PMC9195378 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04805-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amniotomy is a commonly used labor intervention with uncertain evidence, and there are complications connected to the intervention. Yet, the Swedish prevalence of amniotomy is unknown. The aim of the study was therefore to describe the prevalence of amniotomy in Sweden. METHODS This nationwide register-based study included 330,913 women giving birth in 2017-2020. Data were collected from the Swedish Pregnancy Register in which the majority of data is collected via direct transfer from medical records. Prevalence of amniotomy was described for all births, for nulliparous and multiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour, and at the hospital level. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used to analyse the data. RESULTS For all births, the prevalence of amniotomy was 40.6%. More amniotomies were performed in Robson group 1 compared to Robson group 3; 41.1% vs 32.3% (p < 0.001). The prevalence for all births remained the same during the study period; however, a decrease from 37.5 to 34.1%, was seen in Robson group 1 and Robson group 3 (p < 0.001). Variations in the prevalence between hospitals were reported. The hospitals with the fewest number of births annually had the highest prevalence of amniotomy (45.0%), and the lowest prevalence was reported at the University hospitals (40.4%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Amniotomy is a common labor intervention in Sweden, given that almost half of the laboring women underwent the intervention. Our results, regarding variations in the prevalence between hospitals, could imply a potential for fewer amniotomies in Swedish childbirth care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tallhage
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Kalmar County, 392 44, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden.,Department of Research, Region Kalmar County, 392 44, Kalmar, Sweden
| | | | - Marie Oscarsson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
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Fox H, Topp SM, Lindsay D, Callander E. Response to: The "Cascade of interventions": Does it really exist? Birth 2022; 49:173-174. [PMID: 34664316 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haylee Fox
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia
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Mbwali I, Mbalinda SN, Kaye DK, Ngabirano TD. Factors associated with low childbirth self-efficacy for normal birth among women attending an urban prenatal clinic in Eastern Uganda. Midwifery 2022; 111:103358. [PMID: 35594804 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While childbirth self-efficacy is a very important feature for normal birth, this concept has received limited scholarly attention, particularly in developing countries. This study explored childbirth self-efficacy and the associated factors amongst pregnant women. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study. We used the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory to assess childbirth self-efficacy for normal birth. and determined the associated factors. SETTING Jinja regional referral hospital, Uganda. PARTICIPANTS 425 pregnant women at ≥ 28 weeks of gestation were included. MEASUREMENTS Participants with summated self-efficacy scores ≥ median were considered to have high childbirth self-efficacy, and those with less than the median summated score were considered to have low childbirth self-efficacy. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were used to determine the factors associated with low childbirth self-efficacy. FINDINGS The Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory items consistently measured childbirth self-efficacy with a Cronbach's α 0.934. Childbirth self-efficacy scores ranged from 84 to 303 with a median score of 233 and a mean score of 228.7 (SD: 40.9). Dissatisfaction with prenatal care (aOR = 2.687; 95% CI: 1.124-6.427; P = 0.026), perception of community social support for women during childbirth as lacking (aOR = 2.274; 95% CI: 1.159-4.458; P = 0.017) and use and/or intention to use herbal medicines in the current pregnancy (aOR = 2.850; 95% CI: 1.553-5.232; P = 0.001) were associated with low childbirth self-efficacy for normal birth. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Low childbirth self-efficacy for normal birth was associated with dissatisfaction with prenatal care, lack of community social support for women during childbirth and use or intention to use herbal medicines in the current pregnancy. Identifying the associated characteristics and developing interventions for low childbirth self-efficacy is of clinical importance to promote normal birth.
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Batram-Zantvoort S, Razum O, Miani C. [Birth integrity through the lens of medicalization, risk, embodiment, and intersectionality]. SANTE PUBLIQUE (VANDOEUVRE-LES-NANCY, FRANCE) 2022; Vol. 33:645-654. [PMID: 35485121 DOI: 10.3917/spub.215.0645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent quantitative research in public health indicates that women across the globe report suboptimal treatment during institutional deliveries. The most common approaches used to comprehend this abuse, violence, or mistreatment have not fully achieved a balance between theoretical perspectives and empirical assessment. To contribute to a more accurate account of the cultural driving forces, institutional conditions, direct expressions, and individual perceptions that undermine or preserve what we define as “integrity at birth”, we develop a new theoretical approach and a multi-level model. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH We ground the terminology for integrity at birth upon theoretical foundations, referring to two theoretical discourses: medicalization and risk theory on the one hand, and embodiment and intersectionality theory on the other. We then contextualize this in a multi-level model in order to operationalize its potential for public health research. RESULTS The concept and model of “integrity at birth” recognize that women in labor suffer from a number of gender-specific violations, which can be expressed at all levels (macro to micro) as implicit, inherent, normalized and invisible, or explicit, intentional, visible and socially accepted. In distinguishing six separate domains, we propose a theoretical contribution for obstetric care practices. CONCLUSION Integrity at birth, as a multi-level and theoretically grounded approach, constitutes an important step towards raising awareness about this issue beyond the dimensions that have been studied to date in quantitative health research. Beyond available evidence of disrespectful and abusive practices constituting violations to integrity at birth, this study takes a step towards understanding gender-based violence and inequalities of health at childbirth.
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Obstetrics at odds with evolution: The consequences of interrupting adaptive birthing consciousness. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2021.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Iobst SE, Phillips AK, Wilson C. Shared Decision-Making During Labor and Birth Among Low-Risk, Active Duty Women in the U.S. Military. Mil Med 2021; 187:e747-e756. [PMID: 34850083 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cesarean birth rate of 24.7% in the Military Health System (MHS) is lower than the national rate of 31.7%. However, the MHS rate remains higher than the 15-19% threshold associated with optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes. For active duty servicewomen, increased morbidity associated with cesarean birth is likely to affect the ability to meet the demands of assigned missions. Several decision-points occur during pregnancy and after the onset of labor that can affect the likelihood of cesarean birth including choice of provider, choice of hospital, timing of admission, and type of fetal monitoring. Evidence suggests the overuse of labor interventions may be associated with cesarean birth. Shared decision-making (SDM) is a strategy that can be used to carefully consider the risks, benefits, and alternatives of each labor intervention and is shown to be associated with positive patient outcomes. Most existing evidence explores SDM as an interaction that occurs between women and their providers. Few studies have explored the role of stakeholders such as spouses, family members, friends, labor and delivery nurses, and doulas. Furthermore, little is known about the process of SDM during labor and childbirth in the hospital setting, particularly for active duty women in the U.S. military. The purpose of this study was to propose a framework that explains the process of SDM during labor and childbirth in the hospital setting for active duty women in the U.S. military. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitatively driven mixed-methods approach was conducted to propose a framework that explains the process of SDM during labor and childbirth in the hospital setting for active duty women in the U.S. military. Servicewomen were recruited from September 2019 to April 2020. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. Participants also completed the SDM Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9). RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 14 participants. The sample included servicewomen from the Air Force (n = 7), Army (n = 4), and Navy (n = 3). Two participants were enlisted and the remainder were officers. Ten births occurred at military treatment facilities (MTFs) and six births took place at civilian facilities. The mean score on the SDM Questionnaire was 86.7 (±11.6), indicating a high level of SDM. Various stakeholders (e.g., providers, labor and delivery nurses, doulas, spouses, family members, and friends) were involved in SDM at different points during labor and birth. The four stages of SDM included gathering information, identifying preferences, discussing options, and making decisions. Events that most often involved SDM were deciding when to travel to the hospital, deciding when to be admitted, and selecting a strategy for pain management. Military factors involved in SDM included sources of information, selecting and working with civilian providers, and delaying labor interventions to allow time for an active duty spouse to travel to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS SDM during labor and birth in the hospital setting is a multi-stage process that involves a variety of stakeholders, including the woman, members of her social and support network, and healthcare professionals. Future research is needed to explore perspectives of other stakeholders involved in SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey E Iobst
- Department of Nursing, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA
| | - Angela K Phillips
- Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.,Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762, USA
| | - Candy Wilson
- Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Baranowska B, Kajdy A, Kiersnowska I, Sys D, Tataj-Puzyna U, Daly D, Rabijewski M, Bączek G, Węgrzynowska M. Oxytocin administration for induction and augmentation of labour in polish maternity units - an observational study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:764. [PMID: 34763657 PMCID: PMC8582102 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04190-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is not enough data regarding practices and protocols on the dose of oxytocin administrated to women during labour. Empirical evidence indicates that compliance with the guidelines improves the quality of healthcare and reduces adverse effects. The study aimed to evaluate practices of oxytocin provision for labour induction and augmentation in two maternity units in Poland. METHODS The article presents a prospective observational study. Data from 545 (n = 545) labours was collected in two maternity units. First, the total dose (the total amount of oxytocin provided from the beginning in the labour ward until delivery including the III and IV stage of labour) and cumulative dose of oxytocin (the amount of oxytocin given until the birth of the neonate) administered to women during labour was calculated. Then, the relationship between the cumulative dose of oxytocin and short term perinatal outcomes (mode of delivery, use of epidural anaesthesia, Apgar scores, birth weight and postpartum blood loss) was analysed. Finally, the compliance of oxytocin supply during labour with national guidelines in the following five criteria: medium, start dose, escalation rate, interval, the continuation of infusion after established labour was examined. RESULTS The average cumulative dose of oxytocin administrated to women before birth was 4402 mU following labour induction and 2366 mU following labour augmentation. The actual administration of oxytocin deviated both from the unit and national guidelines in 93.6% of all observed labours (mainly because of continuation of infusion after established labour). We found no statistically significant correlation between the cumulative dose of oxytocin administered and mode of delivery, immediate postpartum blood loss or Apgar scores. There was no observed effect of cumulative dose oxytocin on short-term perinatal outcomes. The two units participating in the study had similar protocols and did not differ significantly in terms of total oxytocin dose, rates of induction and augmentation - the only observed difference was the mode of delivery. CONCLUSIONS The study showed no effect of the mean cumulative oxytocin dose on short-term perinatal outcomes and high rate of non-compliance of the practice of oxytocin administration for labour induction and augmentation with the national recommendations. Cooperation between different professional groups of maternity care providers should be considered in building national guidelines for maternity care.. Further studies investigating possible long-term effects of the meant cumulative dose of oxytocin and the reasons for non-compliance of practice with guidelines should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Baranowska
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kajdy
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 90 Żelazna St., 01-004, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Iwona Kiersnowska
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sys
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 90 Żelazna St., 01-004, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Tataj-Puzyna
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Déirdre Daly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michał Rabijewski
- Department of Reproductive Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 90 Żelazna St., 01-004, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Bączek
- Department of Gynecologic and Obstetrical Didactics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Węgrzynowska
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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Dahan O. The riddle of the extreme ends of the birth experience: Birthing consciousness and its fragility. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Ingvarsson S, Schildmeijer K, Oscarsson M. Swedish midwives' experiences and views of amniotomy: An interview study. Midwifery 2020; 91:102840. [PMID: 32980755 PMCID: PMC7500359 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore midwives' experiences and views of amniotomy. DESIGN A qualitative inductive design was used. Data were collected using interviews and analysed with content analysis carried out with NVivo 12. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Sixteen midwives working at delivery wards at three hospitals in the south of Sweden. FINDINGS Three categories emerged: "Promote, protect and support the physiological process of labour", "To make the decision -to do or not to do" and "Unpredictable response". The overall theme linking the three categories was "We become our decisions", portraying how midwives carry the responsibility in the decision-making and represent themselves in their handling of amniotomy. CONCLUSIONS Amniotomy was experienced and viewed as both simple and complex, safe and risky, and deciding on it sometimes implied balancing contradicting perspectives. By using midwifery skills in the decision-making for an amniotomy, the midwives tried to predict the response, purposing to support physiological labour and promote health for women and babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ingvarsson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Schildmeijer
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Marie Oscarsson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden.
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Martín-Arribas A, Vila-Candel R, O’Connell R, Dillon M, Vila-Bellido I, Beneyto MÁ, De Molina-Fernández I, Rodríguez-Conesa N, González-Blázquez C, Escuriet R. Transfers of Care between Healthcare Professionals in Obstetric Units of Different Sizes across Spain and in a Hospital in Ireland: The MidconBirth Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8394. [PMID: 33202745 PMCID: PMC7696735 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, the majority of healthy women give birth at conventional obstetric units with the assistance of registered midwives. This study examines the relationships between the intrapartum transfer of care (TOC) from midwife to obstetrician-led maternity care, obstetric unit size (OUS) with different degrees of midwifery autonomy, intrapartum interventions and birth outcomes. METHODS A prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study promoted by the COST Action IS1405 was carried out at eight public hospitals in Spain and Ireland between 2016-2019. The primary outcome was TOC. The secondary outcomes included type of onset of labour, oxytocin stimulation, epidural analgesia, type of birth, episiotomy/perineal injury, postpartum haemorrhage, early initiation of breastfeeding and early skin-to-skin contact. A logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of studied co-variables on the likelihood that participants had a TOC; Results: Out of a total of 2,126 low-risk women, those whose intrapartum care was initiated by a midwife (1772) were selected. There were statistically significant differences between TOC and OUS (S1 = 29.0%, S2 = 44.0%, S3 = 52.9%, S4 = 30.2%, p < 0.001). Statistically differences between OUS and onset of labour, oxytocin stimulation, type of birth and episiotomy or perineal injury were observed (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively); Conclusions: Findings suggest that the model of care and OUS have a significant effect on the prevalence of intrapartum TOC and the birth outcomes. Future research should examine how models of care differ as a function of the OUS in a hospital, as well as the cost-effectiveness for the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Martín-Arribas
- GHenderS Research Group, School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Carrer Padilla 326, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (A.M.-A.); (R.E.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Vila-Candel
- La Ribera Hospital Health Department, Carretera Corbera km 1, 46600 Valencia, Spain
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universitat de València, Jaume Roig, s/n, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rhona O’Connell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Martina Dillon
- Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, T12 YE02 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Inmaculada Vila-Bellido
- Verge dels Lliris Hospital, Poligon de Caramanxel s/n, 03804 Alcoi, Spain; (I.V.-B.); (M.Á.B.)
| | - M. Ángeles Beneyto
- Verge dels Lliris Hospital, Poligon de Caramanxel s/n, 03804 Alcoi, Spain; (I.V.-B.); (M.Á.B.)
| | | | | | | | - Ramón Escuriet
- GHenderS Research Group, School of Health Sciences Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Carrer Padilla 326, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (A.M.-A.); (R.E.)
- Catalan Health Service, Government of Barcelona, 08028 Catalonia, Spain
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Rydahl E, Juhl M, Declercq E, Maimburg RD. Disruption of physiological labour; - A population register-based study among nulliparous women at term. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2020; 27:100571. [PMID: 33157403 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2020.100571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current labour practices have seen an acceleration in interventions to either initiate, monitor, accelerate, or terminate the physiological process of pregnancy and childbirth. This study aimed to describe and analyse the use of interventions in childbirth in Denmark over almost two decades (2000-2017). We also examined the extent to which contemporary care adheres to current international recommendations towards restricted use of interventions. STUDY DESIGN A national retrospective Danish register-based cohort study including all nulliparous women with term births with singleton pregnancy and a foetus in cephalic between the years 2000 and 2017 (n = 380,326 births). Multivariate regression analyses with adjustment for change in population were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Induction of labour, epidural analgesia, and augmentation of labour. RESULTS Between 2000/2001 and 2016/2017, the prevalence increased for induction of labour from 5.1% to 22.8%, AOR 4.84, 95% CI [4.61-5.10], epidural analgesia from 10.5% to 34.3% (AOR 4.10, 95% CI [3.95-4.26]), and augmentation of labour decreased slightly from 40.1% to 39.3% (AOR 0.84, 95% CI [0.81-0.86]). Having more than one of the three mentioned interventions increased from 12.8% in to 30.9%. CONCLUSIONS The number of interventions increased during the study period as well as the number of interventions in each woman. As interventions may interfere in physiological labour and carry the risk of potential short- and long-term consequences, the findings call for a careful re-evaluation of contemporary maternity care with a "first, do no harm" perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rydahl
- Department of Midwifery, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Mette Juhl
- Department of Midwifery, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eugene Declercq
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rikke Damkjær Maimburg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Gu C, Wang X, Zhang Z, Schwank S, Zhu C, Zhang Z, Qian X. Pregnant women's clinical characteristics, intrapartum interventions, and duration of labour in urban China: a multi-center cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:386. [PMID: 32616073 PMCID: PMC7330978 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing global trend towards the widespread over-medicalisation of labour and childbirth. The present study aimed to investigate pregnant women's clinical characteristics, intrapartum interventions, duration of labour and its associated factors; and to compare the differences of these variables between nulliparas and multiparas in China. METHODS A multi-center cross-sectional study was carried out in three tertiary hospitals of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. A total of 1523 participants were approched and assessed for eligibility. Data on women's sociodemographic characteristics, intrapartum interventions, and duration of labour were measured and collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to present the curves of total duration of labour by parity. After z-transformation of labour duration, multivariable linear regression was used to control for confounding and to identify independent associations between potential associated factors and the primary outcome of labour duration. RESULTS Overall, 1209 eligible women agreed to participate and were investigated. Rates of different intrapartum interventions were 27.4% in use of amniotomy, 37.9% in use of oxytocin, 53.0% in continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and 52.9% in epidural use, respectively. The curve of total duration of labour was significantly different between nulliparas and multiparas (P < .001). Of the 1209 participants, 983 (81.3%) women eventually achieved successful vaginal birth while 226 (18.7%) women ended in intrapartum caesarean section. The median duration of total stage of labour was significantly longer in the nulliparous group [9.38 (6.33,14.10) hours] than that in the multiparous group [5.08 (3.00,7.83) hours] (P < .001). The following factors were independently associated with longer duration of total stage of labour: epidural analgesia (P < .001), primiparity (P < .001), continuous electronic fetal monitoring (P = .035), and increased birth weight (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Intrapartum medical interventions become common obstetric practices in urban China. Multifactorial variables independently associated with longer duration of labour were identified, including epidural analgesia, primiparity, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and increased birth weight. Further research is required to validate these variables and to determine the modifiable factors for labour management. And models of care with lower intervention rates such as midwife-led models of care should be developed and implemented in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyi Gu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojiao Wang
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Simone Schwank
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Reproductive Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chunxiang Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Global Health Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Iobst SE, Storr CL, Bingham D, Zhu S, Johantgen M. Variation of intrapartum care and cesarean rates among practitioners attending births of low-risk, nulliparous women. Birth 2020; 47:227-236. [PMID: 32052482 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variation in hospital cesarean birth rates across the United States is likely because of differences in practitioner practice patterns. Yet, few studies conducted in the last twenty years have examined the relationships between practitioner characteristics and the use of intrapartum interventions and cesarean birth. The objective of this study was to examine associations among practitioner characteristics and the use of amniotomy, epidural, oxytocin augmentation, and cesarean birth in low-risk women with spontaneous onset of labor. METHODS A secondary analysis was performed using data collected by the Consortium on Safe Labor. The sample included nulliparous term singleton vertex (NTSV) births with spontaneous onset of labor (n = 13 196) from 2002 to 2007 across eight hospitals. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to examine outcomes. RESULTS The cesarean birth rate ranged from 7.2% to 18.9% across hospitals and from 0% to 53.3% across physicians. Practice type (P < .05) and specialty type (P < .0001) were associated with physician cesarean birth rates. Compared with obstetrician/gynecologists, midwives were nearly twice as likely to use no intrapartum interventions (relative risk 1.80 [CI 95 1.45-2.24]) and 26% less likely to use amniotomy-epidural-oxytocin (0.74 [0.62-0.89]). Family practice physicians had a 21% lower likelihood of using amniotomy-epidural-oxytocin (0.79 [0.67-0.94]) and a 53% lower likelihood of performing cesarean births (0.47 [0.35-0.63]). CONCLUSIONS Wide variation in hospital and physician cesarean birth rates was observed in this sample of low-risk, nulliparous women. Practitioner practice type and specialty were significantly associated with the use of intrapartum interventions. Interprofessional practitioner education could be one strategy to reduce variation of intrapartum care and cesarean birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey E Iobst
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation at the Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carla L Storr
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Debra Bingham
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shijun Zhu
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Meg Johantgen
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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Schick C, Spineli LM, Raio L, Gross MM. First assessed cervical dilatation: is it associated with oxytocin augmentation during labour? A retrospective cohort study in a university hospital in Switzerland. Midwifery 2020; 85:102683. [PMID: 32200140 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between the first assessed cervical dilatation in a labourward and the use of oxytocin augmentation during labour. Further analysis was performed by examining the actual stage of labour at the point oxytocin was first administered to those women. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study with the data collected from the medical records of the hospital. SETTING University Hospital Bern, Switzerland PARTICIPANTS: 1933 term nulliparous and multiparous women with a singleton pregnancy giving birth during the period June 2013 and May 2017, representing Robson groups 1 and 3. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were performed. It was found that for the entire process of labour, nulliparous and multiparous women (n = 1933) with a first cervical dilatation of 5 or more cm were less likely to be augmented with oxytocin (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46; 0.88 and OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38; 0.82, respectively) compared to women with a first cervical dilatation of less than 5 cm. Out of these augmented women (n = 746) having a first cervical dilatation of 5 or more cm, they had a lower likelihood of being augmented during the first stage of labour compared to women with a first cervical dilatation of less than 5 cm (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29; 0.7 for nulliparae and OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16; 0.6 for multiparae). Additionally, it was observed that other factors contributed to the application of oxytocin. One such example was that epidural analgesia was associated with a high risk of oxytocin augmentation in nulliparae (OR 13.88, 95% CI 9.29; 20.74) and multiparae (OR 15.52, 95% CI 9.94; 24.22). The application of oxytocin was also found to affect the caesarean section rate in nulliparous and multiparous women as it was 20% and 13% respectively for those with oxytocin versus 13% and 4% respectively for those without oxytocin. KEY CONCLUSIONS Early admission to the labourward is associated with an increased use of oxytocin to augment labour, particularly, during the first stage of labour. Epidural analgesia is a main predictor for oxytocin augmentation in nulliparous and multiparous women. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Pregnant women warrant more appropriate support during early labour, avoiding early maternal exhaustion and excessive obstetrical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Schick
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Loukia M Spineli
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Luigi Raio
- Departement of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
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Seijmonsbergen-Schermers AE, Zondag DC, Nieuwenhuijze M, van den Akker T, Verhoeven CJ, Geerts CC, Schellevis FG, de Jonge A. Regional variations in childbirth interventions and their correlations with adverse outcomes, birthplace and care provider: A nationwide explorative study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229488. [PMID: 32134957 PMCID: PMC7058301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in childbirth interventions may indicate inappropriate use. Most variation studies are limited by the lack of adjustments for maternal characteristics and do not investigate variations in adverse outcomes. This study aims to explore regional variations in the Netherlands and their correlations with referral rates, birthplace, interventions, and adverse outcomes, adjusted for maternal characteristics. METHODS In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, using a national data register, intervention rates were analysed between twelve regions among single childbirths after 37 weeks' gestation in 2010-2013 (n = 614,730). These were adjusted for maternal characteristics using multivariable logistic regression. Primary outcomes were intrapartum referral, birthplace, and interventions used in midwife- and obstetrician-led care. Correlations both between primary outcomes and between adverse outcomes were calculated with Spearman's rank correlations. FINDINGS Intrapartum referral rates varied between 55-68% (nulliparous) and 20-32% (multiparous women), with a negative correlation with receiving midwife-led care at the onset of labour in two-thirds of the regions. Regions with higher referral rates had higher rates of severe postpartum haemorrhages. Rates of home birth varied between 6-16% (nulliparous) and 16-31% (multiparous), and was negatively correlated with episiotomy and postpartum oxytocin rates. Among midwife-led births, episiotomy rates varied between 14-42% (nulliparous) and 3-13% (multiparous) and in obstetrician-led births from 46-67% and 14-28% respectively. Rates of postpartum oxytocin varied between 59-88% (nulliparous) and 50-85% (multiparous) and artificial rupture of membranes between 43-52% and 54-61% respectively. A north-south gradient was visible with regard to birthplace, episiotomy, and oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that attitudes towards interventions vary, independent of maternal characteristics. Care providers and policy makers need to be aware of reducing unwarranted variation in birthplace, episiotomy and the postpartum use of oxytocin. Further research is needed to identify explanations and explore ways to reduce unwarranted intervention rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Seijmonsbergen-Schermers
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirkje C. Zondag
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas van den Akker
- Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Corine J. Verhoeven
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C. Geerts
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - François G. Schellevis
- NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Garcia-Lausin L, Perez-Botella M, Duran X, Mamblona-Vicente MF, Gutierrez-Martin MJ, Gómez de Enterria-Cuesta E, Escuriet R. Relation between Length of Exposure to Epidural Analgesia during Labour and Birth Mode. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16162928. [PMID: 31443209 PMCID: PMC6720813 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To appraise the relationship between the length of exposure to epidural analgesia and the risk of non-spontaneous birth, and to identify additional risk factors. This study is framed within the MidconBirth project. Study design: A multicentre prospective study was conducted between July 2016 and November 2017 in three maternity hospitals in different Spanish regions. The independent variable of the study was the length of exposure to epidural analgesia, and the dependent variable was the type of birth in women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The data was analyzed separately by parity. A multivariate logistic regression was performed. The odds ratios (OR), using 95% confidence intervals (CI) were constructed. Main outcome measures: During the study period, 807 eligible women gave birth. Non-spontaneous births occurred in 29.37% of the sample, and 75.59% received oxytocin for augmentation of labour. The mean exposure length to epidural analgesia when non-spontaneous birth happened was 8.05 for primiparous and 6.32 for multiparous women (5.98 and 3.37 in spontaneous birth, respectively). A logistic regression showed the length of exposure to epidural during labour was the major predictor for non-spontaneous births in primiparous and multiparous women followed by use of oxytocin (multiparous group). Conclusions: The length of exposure to epidural analgesia during labour is associated with non-spontaneous births in our study. It highlights the need for practice change through the development of clinical guidelines, training programs for professionals and the continuity of midwifery care in order to support women to cope with labour pain using less invasive forms of analgesia. Women also need to be provided with evidence-based information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Garcia-Lausin
- Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
- Parc de Salut Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Perez-Botella
- Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Research in Childbirth and Health Unit (ReaRH), University of Central Lancashire, 100, Picketlaw Road, G76 0BF Glasgow, UK
| | - Xavier Duran
- Methodology and Biostatistics Support Unit, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ramon Escuriet
- Centre for Research in Health and Economics, University Pompeu Fabra, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Health Service, Government of Catalonia, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Ramon Llull-Blanquerna, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
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Iobst SE, Bingham D, Storr CL, Zhu S, Johantgen M. Associations Among Intrapartum Interventions and Cesarean Birth in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women with Spontaneous Onset of Labor. J Midwifery Womens Health 2019; 65:142-148. [PMID: 31207071 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cesarean birth rates vary widely across hospitals in the United States, even among women who are considered low-risk for the procedure. This variation has been attributed to differences in health care provider practice, but few studies have explored patterns of labor management in relation to cesarean birth. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of 26,259 nulliparous, term, singleton gestation, vertex presentation births following spontaneous onset of labor. Births occurred from 2002 to 2007 in 11 hospitals in the Consortium on Safe Labor. Generalized linear mixed modeling was used to examine the relationship between intrapartum interventions (amniotomy, epidural analgesia, oxytocin augmentation) used individually and in combination and the outcome of cesarean birth. RESULTS More than 90% of the women in this low-risk sample received at least one intervention regardless of mode of birth. Epidural analgesia was the most frequently applied intervention, both when used as a single intervention (18.7%) and in combination with other interventions (79.9%). The strongest associations between these interventions and cesarean birth were observed when 2 or 3 interventions were applied during labor. Compared with women who received no interventions, the strongest association was observed among women who received amniotomy-oxytocin augmentation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.36-2.62). The use of all 3 interventions (amniotomy-epidural analgesia-oxytocin augmentation) showed a similar positive association with cesarean birth (aOR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.50-2.21). DISCUSSION Findings show that the combined use of amniotomy, epidural analgesia, and oxytocin augmentation is positively associated with cesarean birth. Additional research is needed to examine the timing and sequence of interventions as well as whether a causal relationship exists between combinations of interventions and cesarean birth in low-risk nulliparous women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debra Bingham
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carla L Storr
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shijun Zhu
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Meg Johantgen
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
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Iobst SE, Breman RB, Bingham D, Storr CL, Zhu S, Johantgen M. Associations among cervical dilatation at admission, intrapartum care, and birth mode in low-risk, nulliparous women. Birth 2019; 46:253-261. [PMID: 30689220 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Admission in early labor is associated with increased likelihood of cesarean birth, but the context in which this occurs is unclear. Previous research has explored the relationship between dilatation at admission and the use of single intrapartum interventions; however, the majority of women in the United States receive multiple intrapartum interventions. The objective of this study was to examine the associations among cervical dilatation at admission, intrapartum care, and birth mode in low-risk, nulliparous women with spontaneous onset of labor. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational study of 21 858 nulliparous, singleton, term vertex births that occurred from 2002 to 2007 across nine hospitals in the Consortium on Safe Labor. Outcome measures included the individual and combined use of intrapartum interventions (amniotomy, epidural anesthesia, oxytocin augmentation) and birth mode. RESULTS In this sample, 92.0% of women received at least one intrapartum intervention and 22.7% received all three interventions. After propensity score adjustment, women were more than twice as likely to receive the combination of amniotomy-epidural-oxytocin when admitted at 0-3 cm (RR 2.83 [95% CI 2.45-3.27]) and 4-5 cm (2.49 [2.15-2.89]) compared to 6-10 cm. Adjusted likelihood of cesarean birth was five times greater for women admitted at 0-3 cm (5.26 [4.36-6.34]) and two times greater for women admitted at 4-5 cm (2.27 [1.86-2.77]) compared to 6-10 cm. CONCLUSIONS To promote normal physiologic birth, low-risk, nulliparous women should be engaged in shared decision-making about timing of admission after spontaneous onset of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey E Iobst
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rachel B Breman
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Debra Bingham
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carla L Storr
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shijun Zhu
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Meg Johantgen
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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Grylka-Baeschlin S, Clarke M, Begley C, Daly D, Healy P, Nicoletti J, Devane D, Morano S, Krause G, Karch A, Savage G, Gross MM. Labour characteristics of women achieving successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in three European countries. Midwifery 2019; 74:36-43. [PMID: 30925415 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Knowledge about labour characteristics of women achieving successful vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) might be used to improve labour and birth management. This study examined sociodemographic and labour process-related factors regarding a) differences between countries, b) the comparison of successful VBAC with unplanned caesarean section, and c) predictors for the success of planned VBAC in three European countries. DESIGN We analysed observational data collected within the OptiBIRTH trial, a cluster-randomised controlled trial. SETTING Fifteen study sites in Ireland, Italy and Germany, five in each country. PARTICIPANTS 790 participants going into labour for planned VBAC. MEASUREMENTS Descriptive statistics and random-effects logistic regression models were applied. FINDINGS The pooled successful VBAC-rate was 74.6%. Italy had the highest proportion of women receiving none of the four intrapartum interventions amniotomy (ARM), oxytocin, epidural or opioids (42.5% vs Ireland: 26.8% and Germany: 25.3%, p < 0.001). Earlier performance of ARM was associated with successful VBAC (3.50 hrs vs 6.08 hrs, p = 0.004). A positive predictor for successful vaginal birth was a previous vaginal birth (OR=3.73, 95% CI [2.17, 6.44], p < 0.001). The effect of ARM increased with longer labour duration (OR for interaction term=1.06, 95% CI [1.004, 1.12], p = 0.035). Higher infant birthweight (OR per kg=0.34, 95% CI [0.23, 0.50], p < 0.001), ARM (reference spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM), OR=0.20, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37], p < 0.001) and a longer labour duration (OR per hour=0.93, 95% CI [0.90, 0.97], p < 0.001) decreased the odds of a vaginal birth. KEY CONCLUSION Women with a previous vaginal birth, an infant with a lower birth weight, SROM and a shorter labour duration were most likely to have a successful vaginal birth. If SROM did not occur, an earlier ARM increased the odds of a vaginal birth. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE Labour progress should be accelerated by fostering endogenous uterine contractions. With slow labour progress and intact membranes, ARM might increase the chance of a vaginal birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany; Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Technikumstr. 81, Winterthur CH-8401, Switzerland.
| | - Mike Clarke
- Northern Ireland Methodology Hub, Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Cecily Begley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin DO2 T283, Ireland; Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, 24 D'Olier Street, Dublin DO2 T283, Ireland
| | - Patricia Healy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jane Nicoletti
- Medical School and Midwifery School, Genoa University, Genoa, Italy
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sandra Morano
- Medical School and Midwifery School, Genoa University, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, Braunschweig D-38124, Germany; Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany; Institute for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, TWINCORE, Hannover D-30625, Germany
| | - André Karch
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, Braunschweig D-38124, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus-1, Gebäude D3, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Gerard Savage
- Northern Ireland Methodology Hub, Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT12 6BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover D-30625, Germany
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Steel A, Hall H, Diezel H, Wardle J, Adams J. Filling the gaps in contemporary maternity care: The perceptions of complementary medicine practitioners providing care to women during pregnancy. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2019; 34:174-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Sridhar S. Birth of Lasya: Emphasizing the Need for Support in Home Births. J Perinat Educ 2019; 28:6-9. [PMID: 31086470 PMCID: PMC6491154 DOI: 10.1891/1058-1243.28.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This article explores the support structures required for home births. Written by a first-time mother who is a physician, it details her journey toward having a home birth and how these support structures shaped her confidence in having a natural birth. She also elaborates on her preparations during pregnancy, her labor, and the insights she gained during this process.
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Interprofessional provider attitudes toward the initiation of epidural analgesia in the laboring patient: are we all on the same page? Int J Obstet Anesth 2018; 37:57-67. [PMID: 30245261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The timing of initiation of neuraxial labor analgesia should ultimately depend on patient preference although obstetricians, anesthesiologists and nurses may influence decision-making. We hypothesized that provider groups would have similar attitudes toward the timing of epidural placement, but some identifiable differences could be used to improve understanding and communication among providers. METHODS Anesthesiologists, nurses and obstetricians completed a survey assessing their knowledge and attitudes on the timing of epidural placement in specified clinical circumstances. RESULTS Anesthesiologists (100%) and nurses (86.2%) reported being more familiar with epidural management than obstetricians (43.3%, P <0.01). The willingness of providers to advocate epidural placement based on the magnitude of cervical dilation was similar, although at 10 cm dilatation obstetricians (73.3%) were significantly more likely to advocate neuraxial block compared to both nurses (27.6%, P <0.01) and anesthesiologists (36.7%, P <0.01). The impact of patient factors and clinical circumstances on the timing of neuraxial block placement showed significant differences among provider groups in five of 24 areas assessed, including patient desire for an epidural, primigravid patients without membrane rupture, oxytocin infusion initiated, labor epidural in a previous pregnancy, and a difficult airway. CONCLUSIONS There were differences between providers in factors that may impact the timing of epidural placement and in their self-perceived familiarity with epidural management. These present an opportunity for furthering interprofessional education and collaboration.
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Rota A, Antolini L, Colciago E, Nespoli A, Borrelli SE, Fumagalli S. Timing of hospital admission in labour: latent versus active phase, mode of birth and intrapartum interventions. A correlational study. Women Birth 2017; 31:313-318. [PMID: 29054342 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalization of women in latent labour often leads to a cascade of unnecessary intrapartum interventions, to avoid potential disadvantages the recommendation should be to stay at home to improve women's experience and perinatal outcomes. AIM The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between hospital admission diagnosis (latent vs active phase) and mode of birth. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between hospital admission diagnosis, intrapartum intervention rates and maternal/neonatal outcomes. METHODS A correlational study was conducted in a large Italian maternity hospital. Data from January 2013 to December 2014 were collected from the hospital electronic records. 1.446 records of low risk women were selected. These were dichotomized into two groups based on admission diagnosis: 'latent phase' or 'active phase' of labour. FINDINGS 52.7% of women were admitted in active labour and 47.3% in the latent phase. Women in the latent phase group were more likely to experience a caesarean section or an instrumental birth, artificial rupture of membranes, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia. Admission in the latent phase was associated with higher intrapartum interventions, which were statistically correlated to the mode of birth. CONCLUSIONS Women admitted in the latent phase were more likely to experience intrapartum interventions, which increase the probability of caesarean section. Maternity services should be organized around women and families needs, providing early labour support, to enable women to feel reassured facilitating their admission in labour to avoid the cascade of intrapartum interventions which increases the risk of caesarean section.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rota
- San Raffaele Hospital, Maternity Department, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - L Antolini
- Department of Health Science, Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Milan, Italy
| | - E Colciago
- Department of Health Science, Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Milan, Italy
| | - A Nespoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - S E Borrelli
- Division of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham UK
| | - S Fumagalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore, 48, 20900 Monza, Italy.
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Fischer C. Oxytocin administration during spontaneous labor: Guidelines for clinical practice. Chapter 7: Epidural analgesia and use of oxytocin during spontaneous labor. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2017; 46:531-538. [PMID: 28476692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Fischer
- Service anesthésie réanimation chirurgicale, hôpital Cochin Port Royal, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
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Paul JA, Yount SM, Breman RB, LeClair M, Keiran DM, Landry N, Dever K. Use of an Early Labor Lounge to Promote Admission in Active Labor. J Midwifery Womens Health 2017; 62:204-209. [DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zenzmaier C, Leitner H, Brezinka C, Oberaigner W, König-Bachmann M. Maternal and neonatal outcomes after induction of labor: a population-based study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 295:1175-1183. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Paterno MT, McElroy K, Regan M. Electronic Fetal Monitoring and Cesarean Birth: A Scoping Review. Birth 2016; 43:277-284. [PMID: 27565450 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many United States hospitals, electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) is used continuously during labor for all patients regardless of risk status. Application of EFM, particularly at labor admission, may trigger a chain of interventions resulting in increased risk for cesarean birth among low-risk women. The goal of this review was to summarize evidence on use of EFM during low-risk labors and identify gaps in research. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of studies published in English since 1996 that addressed the relationship between EFM use and cesarean among low-risk women. We screened 57 full-text articles for appropriateness. Seven articles were included in the final review. RESULTS The largest study demonstrated an 81 percent increased risk of primary cesarean birth when EFM was used in labor, but did not differentiate between high- and low-risk pregnancies. Four randomized controlled trials examined the association of admission EFM with obstetric outcomes; only one considered cesarean birth as a primary outcome and found a 23 percent increase in operative birth when EFM lasted more than 1 hour. A study examining application of continuous EFM before and after 4 centimeters dilatation found no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS In general, the research on this topic suggests an association between the use of EFM and cesarean birth; however, more well-designed studies are needed to examine benefits of EFM versus auscultation, determine if EFM is associated with use of other technologies that could cumulatively increase risk of cesarean birth, and understand provider motivation to use EFM over auscultation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary Regan
- University of Maryland's School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Routine interventions in childbirth before and after initiation of an Action Research project. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2016; 11:86-90. [PMID: 28159134 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unnecessary routine interventions in uncomplicated labour and birth, like cardiotocography (CTG), amniotomy, use of scalp electrode and oxytocin treatment, are associated with further interventions that could harm the woman and the infant. A four year Action Research (AR) project was done on a labour ward to enhance the capacity of local midwives in the promotion of physiological labour and birth. AIM To describe the use of interventions during labour and birth in healthy women at term with spontaneous onset of labour, before and after initiation of an Action Research project. METHODS A retrospective before and after comparative study of clinical records from 2009 (before) and 2012 (after), based on a random selection of records from primiparous and multiparous women. Outcome measures were duration of admission CTG, frequency of admission CTG over 30min, frequency of amniotomy, use of scalp electrode, and frequency of oxytocin augmentation in spontaneous labour. RESULTS 903 records were included. The duration of admission CTG (p=0.001), frequency of admission CTG duration over 30min (p=<0.001), the use of scalp electrodes (p=<0.001), and use of oxytocin augmentation of spontaneous labour (p=0.014) were reduced significantly after initiation of the AR project. There were no significant differences in frequency of amniotomy, duration of total CTG, postpartum bleeding, sphincter tears, Apgar score <5 at 5min, and mode of birth. CONCLUSION Following an AR project, several interventions were reduced during labour and birth. Controlled studies in other settings are needed to assess the impact of collaborative action on decreasing unnecessary interventions.
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Mikolajczyk RT, Zhang J, Grewal J, Chan LC, Petersen A, Gross MM. Early versus Late Admission to Labor Affects Labor Progression and Risk of Cesarean Section in Nulliparous Women. Front Med (Lausanne) 2016; 3:26. [PMID: 27446924 PMCID: PMC4921453 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2016.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rates of cesarean section increase worldwide, and the components of this increase are partially unknown. A strong role is prescribed to dystocia, and at the same time, the diagnosis of dystocia is highly subjective. Previous studies indicated that risk of cesarean is higher when women are admitted to the hospital early in the labor. Methods We examined data on 1,202 nulliparous women with singleton, vertex pregnancies and spontaneous labor onset. We selected three groups based on cervical dilatation at admission: early (0.5–1.5 cm, N = 178), intermediate (2.5–3.5 cm, N = 320), and late (4.5–5.5 cm, N = 175). The Kaplan–Meier estimator was used to analyze the risk of delivery by cesarean section at a given dilatation, and thin-plate spline regression with a binary outcome (R library gam) to assess the form of the associations between the cesarean section in either the first or second stage versus vaginal delivery and dilatation at admission. Results Women who were admitted to labor early had a higher risk of delivery by cesarean section (18 versus 4% in the late admission group), while the risk of instrumental delivery did not differ (24 versus 24%). Before 4 cm dilatation, the earlier a woman was admitted to labor, the higher was her risk of delivery by cesarean section. After 4 cm dilatation, however, the relationship disappeared. These patterns were true for both first and second stage cesarean deliveries. Oxytocin use was associated with a higher risk of cesarean section only in the middle group (2.5–3.5 cm dilatation at admission). Conclusion Early admission to labor was associated with a significantly higher risk of delivery by cesarean section during the first and second stages. Differential effects of oxytocin augmentation depending on dilation at admission may suggest that admission at the early stage of labor is an indicator rather than a risk factor itself, but admission at the intermediate stage (2.5–3.5 cm) becomes a risk factor itself. Further research is needed to study this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael T Mikolajczyk
- Department for Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Jagteshwar Grewal
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA
| | - Linda C Chan
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune , Camp Lejeune, NC , USA
| | - Antje Petersen
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
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Zondag DC, Gross MM, Grylka-Baeschlin S, Poat A, Petersen A. The dynamics of epidural and opioid analgesia during labour. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2016; 294:967-977. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-016-4110-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Midwives' attitudes towards supporting normal labour and birth - A cross-sectional study in South Germany. Midwifery 2016; 39:98-102. [PMID: 27321726 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE supporting healthy and normal physiological birth is part of the global maternity care agenda. Rising rates of interventions have been attributed to several factors, including characteristics, attitudes and preferences of childbearing women and their care providers. In this paper, the application of a scale that measures midwives' attitudes towards supporting normal labour and birth is described as well as factors that are associated with favourable attitudes, such as general self-efficacy, years in midwifery practice, and primary practice setting. DESIGN in this cross-sectional study an online questionnaire was sent out via e-mail to midwives in two regions of South Germany. The questionnaire contained a validated general self-efficacy scale, a 38-item instrument that measures attitudes towards supporting normal birth among German midwives and questions about midwives' practice experiences and educational preparation. FINDINGS on average, participants (n=188) were 39 years old (SD=10.3), and had 12 years of experience caring for women during labour and birth (SD=9.6). Multivariate modelling revealed that higher general self-efficacy, working primarily in out-of-hospital settings and having provided intrapartum care for fewer years were significantly associated with midwives' favourable attitudes towards supporting physiological birth (variance explained R(2)=29.0%, n=184). General self-efficacy (1.4%) and years of work experience (3.3%) contributed less of the variance in the outcome than work setting (24.5%). Sources of knowledge about normal birth were not significantly associated with the outcome and reduced the overall variance explained by 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS the study has shown that, compared to work setting, the general self-efficacy of German midwives, years providing intrapartum care and sources of knowledge about normal birth had comparatively little impact on their attitude towards supporting normal physiologic birth. Increasing exposure to out-of-hospital birth among German midwives throughout education and practice and fostering the skills and confidence necessary to support normal birth in hospital settings are important strategies to decrease unnecessary obstetric interventions.
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Grylka-Baeschlin S, Petersen A, Karch A, Gross MM. Labour duration and timing of interventions in women planning vaginal birth after caesarean section. Midwifery 2015; 34:221-229. [PMID: 26681573 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE understanding the labour characteristics of women attempting vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) may suggest how to improve intrapartum management and may enhance success rates. Promoting VBAC is a relevant factor in decreasing overall caesarean section (c-section) rates. However, the labour processes of women attempting VBAC are not well investigated. The aim of this paper is to compare multiparae planning a first VBAC (pVBAC) with primiparae and with multiparae planning a second vaginal birth, all starting to give birth vaginally, with regard to (a) perinatal characteristics, (b) the timing of intrapartal spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) and of interventions, and (c) labour duration, with respect to the first and second stages. SETTING cohort study of women planning vaginal birth in 47 obstetric units in Lower Saxony, Germany. PARTICIPANTS 1897 primiparae, 211 multiparae with one previous c-section and 1149 multiparae with one previous vaginal birth. MEASUREMENTS secondary analysis of data from an existing cohort study. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log rank test, Wilcoxon test and shared frailty Cox regression models including time-varying covariates were used to compare the timing of interventions and labour duration between the subsamples. Analyses were done with the statistics programme Stata 13. FINDINGS perinatal and labour characteristics of multiparae with pVBAC mainly resembled those of primiparae and differed from those of multiparae planning a second vaginal birth. However, compared to primiparae, multiparae with pVBAC received oxytocin less often (48.82 versus 56.95%, p=0.024) and gave birth vaginally significantly less often (69.19 versus 83.40%, p<0.001). The timing of intrapartal SROM (2.67 versus 3.42 hours, p=0.112) and of interventions (amniotomy: 5.50 versus 5.83 hours, p=0.198; oxytocin: 5.75 versus 6.00 hours, p=0.596; epidural: 4.00 versus 4.67 hours, p=0.416; opioids: 3.83 versus 3.78, p=0.851) was similar to that in primiparae although timings of all interventions but not of SROM differed significantly from that in multiparae with second vaginal birth (SROM: 2.67 versus 2.67 hours, p=0.481; amniotomy: 5.50 versus 3.93 hours, p<0.001; oxytocin: 5.75 versus 4.25 hours, p<0.001; epidural: 4.00 versus 3.50 hours, p=0.009; 3.83 versus. 2.75 hours, p=0.026). Overall and first-stage labour duration were comparable to primiparae (overall labour duration: 8.83 versus 8.57 hours, HR=0.998, 95% CI=0.830-1.201, p=0.987; first stage: 7.42 versus 7.00 hours, HR=0.916, 95% CI=0.774-1.083, p=0.303) but significantly longer than in other multiparae (overall labour duration: 8.83 versus 4.63 hours, HR=0.319, 95% CI=0.265-0.385, p<0.001; first stage: 7.42 versus 4.25 hours, HR=0.402, 95% CI=0.339-0.478, p<0.001). However, the second stage of labour was significantly shorter in multiparae with pVBAC than in primiparae (0.55 versus 0.77 hours, HR=1.341, 95% CI=1.049-1.714, p=0.019), but longer than in multiparae with second vaginal birth (0.55 versus 0.22 hours, HR=0.334, 95% CI=0.262-0.426, p<0.001). KEY CONCLUSION labour patterns of multiparous women planning a VBAC differ from those of primiparae and other multiparous women. Multiparae with pVBAC should be considered as a distinct group of parturients. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE expectations regarding labour progression for multiparae with first pVBAC should be similar to those for primiparae. However, the chance that the second stage of labour might be shorter than in primiparae is relevant and motivating information for pregnant women with a previous c-section in deciding the planned mode of birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Grylka-Baeschlin
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; PhD Programme 'Epidemiology', Braunschweig-Hannover, Germany.
| | - Antje Petersen
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - André Karch
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Mechthild M Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Offerhaus PM, Geerts C, de Jonge A, Hukkelhoven CWPM, Twisk JWR, Lagro-Janssen ALM. Variation in referrals to secondary obstetrician-led care among primary midwifery care practices in the Netherlands: a nationwide cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15:42. [PMID: 25885706 PMCID: PMC4342018 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0471-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary aim of this study was to describe the variation in intrapartum referral rates in midwifery practices in the Netherlands. Secondly, we wanted to explore the association between the practice referral rate and a woman's chance of an instrumental birth (caesarean section or vaginal instrumental birth). METHODS We performed an observational study, using the Dutch national perinatal database. Low risk births in all primary care midwifery practices over the period 2008-2010 were selected. Intrapartum referral rates were calculated. The referral rate among nulliparous women was used to divide the practices in three tertile groups. In a multilevel logistic regression analysis the association between the referral rate and the chance of an instrumental birth was examined. RESULTS The intrapartum referral rate varied from 9.7 to 63.7 percent (mean 37.8; SD 7.0), and for nulliparous women from 13.8 to 78.1 percent (mean 56.8; SD 8.4). The variation occurred predominantly in non-urgent referrals in the first stage of labour. In the practices in the lowest tertile group more nulliparous women had a spontaneous vaginal birth compared to the middle and highest tertile group (T1: 77.3%, T2:73.5%, T3: 72.0%). For multiparous women the spontaneous vaginal birth rate was 97%. Compared to the lowest tertile group the odds ratios for nulliparous women for an instrumental birth were 1.22 (CI 1.16-1.31) and 1.33 (CI 1.25-1.41) in the middle and high tertile groups. This association was no longer significant after controlling for obstetric interventions (pain relief or augmentation). CONCLUSIONS The wide variation between referral rates may not be explained by medical factors or client characteristics alone. A high intrapartum referral rate in a midwifery practice is associated with an increased chance of an instrumental birth for nulliparous women, which is mediated by the increased use of obstetric interventions. Midwives should critically evaluate their referral behaviour. A high referral rate may indicate that more interventions are applied than necessary. This may lead to a lower chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth and a higher risk on a PPH. However, a low referral rate should not be achieved at the cost of perinatal safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pien M Offerhaus
- KNOV (Royal Dutch Organisation for Midwives), P.O. Box 2001, 3500GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Caroline Geerts
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007MB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Antoine L M Lagro-Janssen
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Internal postal code 118, P.O. Box 9101, 6500HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Hofmeyr GJ, Mancotywa T, Silwana-Kwadjo N, Mgudlwa B, Lawrie TA, Gülmezoglu AM. Audit of a new model of birth care for women with low risk pregnancies in South Africa: the primary care onsite midwife-led birth unit (OMBU). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2014; 14:417. [PMID: 25528588 PMCID: PMC4296531 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-014-0417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa’s health system is based on the primary care model in which low-risk maternity care is provided at community health centres and clinics, and ‘high-risk’ care is provided at secondary/tertiary hospitals. This model has the disadvantage of delays in the management of unexpected intrapartum complications in otherwise low-risk pregnancies, therefore, there is a need to re-evaluate the models of birth care in South Africa. To date, two primary care onsite midwife-led birth units (OMBUs) have been established in the Eastern Cape. OMBUs are similar to alongside midwifery units but have been adapted to the South African health system in that they are staffed, administered and funded by the primary care service. They allow women considered to be at ‘low risk’ to choose between birth in a community health centre and birth in the OMBU. Methods The purpose of this audit was to evaluate the impact of establishing an OMBU at Frere Maternity Hospital in East London, South Africa, on maternity services. We conducted an audit of routinely collected data from Frere Maternity Hospital over two 12 month periods, before and after the OMBU opened. Retrospectively retrieved data included the number of births, maternal and perinatal deaths, and mode of delivery. Results After the OMBU opened at Frere Maternity Hospital, the total number of births on the hospital premises increased by 16%. The total number of births in the hospital obstetric unit (OU) dropped by 9.3%, with 1611 births out of 7375 (22%) occurring in the new OMBU. The number of maternal and perinatal deaths was lower in the post-OMBU period compared with the pre-OMBU period. These improvements cannot be assumed to be the result of the intervention as observational studies are prone to bias. Conclusions The mortality data should be interpreted with caution as other factors such as change in risk profile may have contributed to the death reductions. There are many additional advantages for women, hospital staff and primary care staff with this model, which may also be more cost-effective than the standard (freestanding) primary care model.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X9047, East London, South Africa. .,Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. .,Eastern Cape Department of Health, Frere Maternity Hospital, Private Bag X9047, East London, 5201, South Africa.
| | - Thozeka Mancotywa
- Eastern Cape Department of Health, Frere Maternity Hospital, Private Bag X9047, East London, 5201, South Africa.
| | - Nomvula Silwana-Kwadjo
- Eastern Cape Department of Health, Frere Maternity Hospital, Private Bag X9047, East London, 5201, South Africa.
| | - Batembu Mgudlwa
- Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. .,Eastern Cape Department of Health, Frere Maternity Hospital, Private Bag X9047, East London, 5201, South Africa.
| | - Theresa A Lawrie
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1201, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Ahmet Metin Gülmezoglu
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1201, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Kenkel WM, Yee JR, Carter CS. Is oxytocin a maternal-foetal signalling molecule at birth? Implications for development. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:739-49. [PMID: 25059673 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin was first noted for its capacity to promote uterine contractions and facilitate delivery in mammals. The study of oxytocin has grown to include awareness that this peptide is a neuromodulator with broad effects throughout the body. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxytocin is a powerful signal to the foetus, helping to prepare the offspring for the extrauterine environment. Concurrently, the use of exogenous oxytocin or other drugs to manipulate labour has become common practice. The use of oxytocin to expedite labour and minimise blood loss improves both infant and maternal survival under some conditions. However, further investigations are needed to assess the developmental consequences of changes in oxytocin, such as those associated with pre-eclampsia or obstetric manipulations associated with birth. This review focuses on the role of endogenous and exogenous oxytocin as a neurochemical signal to the foetal nervous system. We also examine the possible developmental consequences, including those associated with autism spectrum disorder, that arise from exogenous oxytocin supplementation during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Kenkel
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Women׳s experiences of labour pain and the role of the mind: An exploratory study. Midwifery 2014; 30:1029-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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González-Valenzuela MJ, García-Fortea P, Delgado-Ríos M, Cazorla-Granados O, Blasco-Alonso M, González-Mesa E. Effects of oxytocin used during delivery on development: A retrospective cohort study. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2014; 36:680-90. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2014.926864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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The timing of amniotomy, oxytocin and neuraxial analgesia and its association with labour duration and mode of birth. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 289:41-8. [PMID: 23775262 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective was to study the association of different timings of intrapartum interventions with labour duration and mode of birth. METHODS A longitudinal cohort study of 2,090 nulliparae and 1,873 multiparae with a singleton in cephalic presentation was conducted. We assessed the association between, on the one hand, the timing of augmentation with oxytocin, neuraxial analgesia and amniotomy, and, on the other hand, the time to complete dilatation, spontaneous or operative vaginal delivery or caesarean delivery, using a Cox regression model accounting for standard confounders. RESULTS From amniotomy onwards labour was accelerated. In multiparae, amniotomy was associated with an initial 6.6-fold acceleration, decreasing first stage duration until the hazard ratio reached around 3.5, where the intervention was performed 5 h after labour onset; thereafter, acceleration continued with a hazard ratio of around 3. In nulliparae, neuraxial analgesia was associated with a shorter first stage when administered between 7 and 11 h after labour onset; the later it was performed, the less likely was spontaneous birth and the more likely an operative vaginal birth in nulliparae or a caesarean section in multiparae. The start of oxytocin augmentation was associated with acceleration towards both full dilatation and caesarean section during first stage and an increased risk of operative vaginal birth during second stage. The later oxytocin augmentation started, the more likely it was that spontaneous birth would be retarded in multiparous women. CONCLUSIONS Applying amniotomy, oxytocin and neuraxial analgesia at their optimal timing may improve the progress and outcome of labour.
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