Pregnancy outcomes of overweight and obese women aged 35 years or older – A registry-based study in Finland

Care of late intrauterine fetal death and stillbirth: Green-top Guideline No. 55

A combination of mifepristone and a prostaglandin preparation should usually be recommended as the first-line intervention for induction of labour (Grade B). A single 200 milligram dose of mifepristone is appropriate for this indication, followed by: 24+0-24+6 weeks of gestation - 400 micrograms buccal/sublingual/vaginal/oral of misoprostol every 3 hours; 25+0-27+6 weeks of gestation - 200 micrograms buccal/sublingual/vaginal/oral of misoprostol every 4 hours; from 28+0 weeks of gestation - 25-50 micrograms vaginal every 4 hours, or 50-100 micrograms oral every 2 hours [Grade C]. There is insufficient evidence available to recommend a specific regimen of misoprostol for use at more than 28+0 weeks of gestation in women who have had a previous caesarean birth or transmural uterine scar [Grade D]. Women with more than two lower segment caesarean births or atypical scars should be advised that the safety of induction of labour is unknown [Grade D]. Staff should be educated in discussing mode of birth with bereaved parents. Vaginal birth is recommended for most women, but caesarean birth will need to be considered for some [Grade D]. A detailed informed discussion should be undertaken with parents of both physical and psychological aspects of a vaginal birth versus a caesarean birth [Grade C]. Parents should be cared for in an environment that provides adequate safety according to individual clinical circumstance, while meeting their needs to grieve and feel supported in doing so (GPP). Clinical and laboratory tests should be recommended to assess maternal wellbeing (including coagulopathy) and to determine the cause of fetal death, the chance of recurrence and possible means of avoiding future pregnancy complications [Grade D]. Parents should be advised that with full investigation (including postmortem and placental histology) a possible or probable cause can be found in up to three-quarters of late intrauterine fetal deaths [Grade B]. All parents should be offered cytogenetic testing of their baby, which should be performed after written consent is given (GPP). Parents should be advised that postmortem examination can provide information that can sometimes be crucial to the management of future pregnancy [Grade B].

Obstetric claims in Finland 2012-2022-A nationwide patient insurance registry study

INTRODUCTION

Maternal and infant mortality rates in Finland are among the lowest in the world, yet preventable obstetric injuries occur every year. The aim of this study was to describe obstetric claims, their compensation rates, and temporal trends of claims reported to the Patient Insurance center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A nationwide, register-based study was conducted. Data consisted of obstetric claims reported to the Patient Insurance Center between 2012 and 2022. Data analyzed included the year of injury, compensation criteria, maternal age, birth hospital, delivery method, reported causes of injury, and maternal or neonatal injury. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of n = 849 obstetric claims were filed during the study period, of which n = 224 (26.4%) received compensation. The rate of claims was 0.15%, and the rate of compensation was 0.04% in relation to the total volume of births during the period. Substandard care was the most common (97.3%) criterion for compensation. There was a curvilinear increase in the claims rate and a linear increase in compensation rates from 2013 to 2019. More claims were filed and compensated for cesarean and vacuum-assisted deliveries than for unassisted vaginal deliveries. Delayed delivery (18.7%) and surgical technique failure (10.9%) were the most reported causes of injuries. Retained surgical bodies were the induced cause of injury with the highest rate of compensated claims (86.7%). The most common maternal injury was infection (17.9%) and pain (11.7%). Among neonatal injuries, severe (19.2%) and mild asphyxia (16.6%) were the most frequent. Burn injuries (93.3%) and fetal or neonatal death (60.5%) had the highest rate of compensated claims.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provided new information on substandard care and injuries in obstetric care in Finland. An increasing trend in claims and compensation rates was found. Identifying contributors to substandard care that lead to fetal asphyxia is important for improving obstetric safety. Further analysis of the association of claims and compensation rates with operative deliveries is needed to determine their causality. Frequent review of obstetric claims would be useful in providing more recent data on substandard care and preventable injuries.

Does Delayed Fertility Explain the Rise in Comorbidities Among the Birthing Population?

Background: The increasing prevalence of preexisting health conditions among pregnant people is often attributed to the concurrent rise in maternal age. However, the link between advanced maternal age (AMA) and increases in chronic conditions among the birthing population has not been systematically documented at the population level. Materials and Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study was based on linked hospitalization discharge and birth certificate data for live birth deliveries in California from 1991 to 2012. Decomposition techniques evaluated whether changes in the prevalence of selected preexisting health conditions during delivery (autoimmune conditions, chronic hypertension, cardiac disease, diabetes, and renal disease) were explained by population-level increases in maternal age. Analyses further adjusted for maternal education, plurality, insurance status, and availability of paternal information on the birth certificate. Results: Between 1991 and 2012, there were more than 11.5 million live birth deliveries in California. AMA (≥35 years) increased nearly 70% over this period. The prevalence of autoimmune conditions, chronic hypertension, diabetes, and renal disease rose among the birthing population, while cardiac disease declined. The prevalence of all conditions was higher for AMA, but changes in maternal age accounted for only 5.3%, 8.4%, 13.9%, and 0.4%, of the increase in autoimmune conditions, chronic hypertension, diabetes, and renal disease, respectively. Conclusion: While AMA was associated with higher rates of preexisting health conditions, it contributed little to the increase in autoimmune conditions, chronic hypertension, and diabetes and nothing to the rise in renal disease during childbirth.

Age-specific effects on adverse pregnancy outcomes vary by maternal characteristics: a population-based retrospective study in Xiamen, China

BACKGROUND

Advanced maternal age (AMA; ≥35 years) is considered to be a major risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Along with the global trend of delayed childbearing, and in particular, the implementation of China's second and third-child policy leading to a dramatic increase of AMA in recent years, the association between maternal age and pregnancy outcomes requires more investigation.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective study was performed. Data were derived from the Medical Birth Registry of Xiamen from 2011 to 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of maternal age on pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 63,137 women categorized into different age groups (< 25 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, and ≥ 35 years) were included in this study. Compared with the mothers aged 25-29 years, the univariate regression analysis showed that mothers aged < 25 years had lower risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and cesarean. AMA was associated with higher risks of GDM, hypertension, cesarean, preterm birth, low-birth weight (LBW), large-for-gestational-age (LGA), macrosomia, and stillbirth (all P < 0.01). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, increased risks of GDM, hypertension, cesarean, preterm birth, and LBW remained significantly associated with AMA (all P < 0.05), whereas AMA mothers showed a lower risk of macrosomia than their younger counterparts. Additionally, no significant differences were detected in terms of Apgar score < 7.

CONCLUSION

AMA was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including increased risks of GDM, hypertension, cesarean, preterm birth, and LBW. This study confirmed the relationship between AMA and certain adverse maternal and fetal outcomes and emphasizes the necessity for women to be cautious about the age at which they become pregnant.

The outcome of pregnancies after bariatric surgery: an observational study of pregnancies during 2004-2016 in Finland

PURPOSE

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for perinatal morbidity and mortality, and the need for bariatric surgery (BS) among fertile-aged women is increasing. This study evaluates the outcome of post-BS pregnancies and deliveries.

METHODS

All 20-45-year-old patients delivering between 2004 and 2016 in Finland were included. Patients with previous BS were identified from the hospital discharge register, and the medical birth register was queried for data on pregnancies, deliveries, and perinatal outcomes. The data were matched using personal identification codes, and the outcomes of women with previous BS were compared with those of other pregnancies.

RESULTS

Women with previous BS (n = 314) constituted the bariatric group. When compared with the non-bariatric group (n = 750,019), they were older (p < 0.001), heavier (p < 0.001) and had more previous pregnancies (p < 0.001). The overall incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (p = 0.002), gestational diabetes (GDM) (p = 0.018), pre-term contractions (p = 0.023), pre-term delivery (p = 0.003), labour induction (p < 0.001), planned (p = 0.001) and unplanned (p = 0.036) caesarean sections and low birthweight infants (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the bariatric group. When compared with body mass index-specific categories, the main outcomes were increased incidence of GDM and small for gestational age (SGA) newborns in the bariatric group.

CONCLUSION

BS can be considered a safe and advisable treatment for obesity among fertile-aged women. The pregnancy outcome is associated with post-BS weight, but the risk for GDM and small for gestational-age newborns is increased.

Incidence of obese parturients and the outcomes of their pregnancies: A nationwide register study in Finland

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed the incidence of obese and severely obese parturients and the impact of maternal obesity on mode of delivery, perinatal and neonatal mortality, and neonatal health.

STUDY DESIGN

We included all singleton births from the medical birth register of Finland from 2004 to 2018 (n = 792 437). Maternal body mass index (BMI) was categorized into three classes: non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m²), obese (BMI 30 - 39.9 kg/m²), and morbidly obese (BMI 40 kg/m² or more). The yearly incidence of obese and severely obese parturients per 10000 births was calculated. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2018, the incidence of obese and morbidly obese parturients increased by 44% and 103%, respectively. Cesarean section rates were 23.6% and 30%, respectively (aOR 1.63 CI 1.61 - 1.66 and 2.33 CI: 2.23 - 2.44). Neonates born to morbidly obese parturients had an increased need for intensive care unit treatment (aOR 2.21 CI: 2.10 - 2.32), higher perinatal mortality (aOR 1.65 CI: 1.28 - 2.14), and higher neonatal mortality (aOR 1.68 CI: 1.04 - 2.72). The need for neonatal intensive care (aOR 1.50 CI: 1.47 - 1.53), perinatal mortality (aOR 1.25 CI: 1.13 - 1.39), and neonatal mortality (aOR 1.33 CI: 1.09 - 1.62) increased also among obese parturients.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a worrying increase in obese and morbidly obese parturients. Neonates born to these parturients were more likely delivered by cesarean sections and had higher rates of perinatal and neonatal mortality, and intensive care unit treatment. This highlights the importance of preventing obesity among fertile-aged females.

Early life programming of health and disease: the long-term consequences of obesity in pregnancy: a narrative review

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising in all parts of the world and among young women it presents a very clear danger during pregnancy. Women who are overweight or who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are at greater risk of complications in pregnancy and labour, and are more likely to lose their child to stillbirth, or themselves die during pregnancy. This narrative review considers the evidence that in addition to increasing risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, obesity has the capacity to programme fetuses to be at greater risk of cardiometabolic disorders later in life. An extensive body of evidence from prospective and retrospective cohorts, and record linkage studies demonstrates associations of maternal obesity and/or gestational diabetes with cardiovascular disease, type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Studies in animals suggest that these associations are underpinned by adaptations that occur in fetal life, which remodel the structures of major organs including the brain, kidney and pancreas. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Overweight, obesity and excessive weight gain in pregnancy as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes: a narrative review

The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnancy is rising and this represents a significant challenge for the management of pregnancy and delivery. Women who have a pre‐pregnancy body mass index greater than 25 kg m^–2 are more likely than those with a body mass index in the ideal range (20–24.99 kg m^–2) to have problems conceiving a child and are at greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. All pregnancy complications are more likely with overweight, obesity and excessive gestational weight gain, including those that pose a significant threat to the lives of mothers and babies. Labour complications arise more often when pregnancies are complicated by overweight and obesity. Pregnancy is a stage of life when women have greater openness to messages about their lifestyle and health. It is also a time when they come into greater contact with health professionals. Currently management of pregnancy weight gain and the impact of overweight tends to be poor, although a number of research studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions based around dietary change can be effective in controlling weight gain and reducing the risk of pregnancy complications. The development of individualised and flexible plans for avoiding adverse outcomes of obesity in pregnancy will require investment in training of health professionals and better integration into normal antenatal care.

Overweight and obesity before pregnancy and excessive gestational weight gain are major determinants of risk for pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes, hypertensive conditions, labour complications and maternal death.

Pregnancy is regarded as a teachable moment when women are at their most receptive to messages about their health. However, unclear guidance on diet and physical activity, weight stigma from health professionals, inexperience and reluctance among professionals about raising issues about weight, and stretched resources put the health of women and babies at risk.

Excessive weight gain in pregnancy and post‐partum weight retention compromise future fertility and increase risk for future pregnancies.

Large randomised controlled trials have had little success in addressing excessive gestational weight gain or antenatal complications. Individualised, culturally sensitive and responsive interventions appear to have greater success.

Predictors of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women Living with Obesity: A Systematic Review

Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for pregnancy complications. Most studies to date are in large cohorts, with results presented in a way that assumes all women living with obesity are at equal risk. This study investigates which women living with obesity are at higher risk of specific pregnancy complications. A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase identified 7894 prospective or retrospective cohort studies exploring predictors of adverse outcomes among pregnant women living with obesity. Following screening, 61 studies were deemed eligible. Studies were selected if the effects of exposure to any predictor amongst pregnant women living with obesity could be collected. Maternal characteristics assessed for association with adverse outcomes included maternal age, race/ethnicity, maternal height, mode of conception, complement activation factors, and history of various comorbidities/procedures. Gestational diabetes mellitus was the most studied outcome (n = 32), followed by preterm birth (n = 29), preeclampsia (n = 27), low birthweight infants (n = 20), small for gestational age newborns (n = 12), and stillbirth (n = 7). This review identified important characteristics that should be considered during the screening and follow-up sessions of pregnant women living with obesity, including pre-existing type 1 diabetes, maternal age < 20 years or ≥35 years, non-White ethnicity, abdominal adiposity obesity, and history of bariatric surgery.

Obesity in pregnant women: a 20-year analysis of the German experience

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

To investigate the longitudinal development of maternal body weight and analyze the influence of obesity on obstetrics during more than two decades in Germany.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Data collected from the Federal state of Schleswig-Holstein (German Perinatal Survey) were analyzed with regard to the dynamics of maternal anthropometric variables (body weight, BMI) between 1995-7 and 2004-17. In total 335,511 mothers substantiated the presented study-collective. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY.

RESULTS

Maternal BMI advanced significantly over the study period. Among a rise in mean periconceptional body weight (67.6-72.0 kg), the segment of obese women increased disproportionately (in average 9.4-19.2%). Despite the observed trend to late giving birth (mean maternal age 1995: 29.3 vs. 30.7 years in 2017), it was not advanced maternal age but parity that influenced the continuous increase in maternal weight (mean maternal body weight 1995-7: primi- bi-, multiparae 67.4, 68.3 and 69.0 kg vs. 2004-17: primi- bi-, multiparae 70.0, 71.5 and 73.2 kg respectively).

CONCLUSION

Obesity is a major problem on health issues in obstetrics. Advancing maternal BMI, increasing mother's age and derived prenatal risks considerably complicate pregnancy and delivery. It has to be emphasized that its consequences do not end with delivery or childbed, but represent a livelong burden to the mother and their offspring. Hence, multimodal strategies to reduce/control periconceptional body weight are mandatory.

Sex Disparities in Sudden Cardiac Death

The overall incidence of sudden cardiac death is considerably lower among women than men, reflecting significant and often under-recognized sex differences. Women are older at time of sudden cardiac death, less likely to have a prior cardiac diagnosis, and less likely to have coronary artery disease identified on postmortem examination. They are more likely to experience their death at home, during sleep, and less likely witnessed. Women are also more likely to present in pulseless electrical activity or systole rather than ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Conversely, women are less likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation or receive cardiac intervention post-arrest. Underpinning sex disparities in sudden cardiac death is a paucity of women recruited to clinical trials, coupled with an overall lack of prespecified sex-disaggregated evidence. Thus, predominantly male-derived data form the basis of clinical guidelines. This review outlines the critical sex differences concerning epidemiology, cause, risk factors, prevention, and outcomes. We propose 4 broad areas of importance to consider: physiological, personal, community, and professional factors.

The effect of a lifestyle training package on physical activity and nutritional status in obese and overweight pregnant women: A randomized controlled clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a lifestyle training package that consisted of a 60- to 90-min session of group training, educational booklet and text messages on physical activity and nutritional status in obese and overweight pregnant women.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 140 obese or overweight women (gestational age: 16-20 weeks) covered by health centres in Tehran, Iran, were equally randomized into two parallel groups using block randomization and stratified by the body mass index. Participants completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and fourth and eighth weeks after intervention. Participants were 38 obese and 102 overweight women who were later followed-up.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the mean weekly intake of the vegetable and fruit subgroups was significantly higher; and intake of fats and oils and the confections subgroups were significantly lower in the intervention compared with the control group (p  < 0.05). Although physical activity was higher in the intervention group, 8 weeks after the intervention, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The training package appears to offer a suitable strategy for adjusting the intake of the recommended food subgroups in obese and overweight pregnant women.

Adverse perinatal outcomes among practical nurses: The Finnish Medical Birth Register Study

INTRODUCTION

Work as a practical nurse (nurse assistant) may have an effect on pregnancy outcomes. Exposure to chemical, physical and biological hazards are common among hospital personnel. Stressful work conditions such as shift work, prolonged standing and long working hours have been reported among practical nurses. The aim of this study was to examine whether working as a practical nurse is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Finnish Medical Birth Register of 1997–2014. We included 58512 singleton newborns of practical nurses as cases, and 8765 and 39485 newborns of secretaries and housewives, respectively, as controls. Outcomes included preterm birth (<37 weeks), low birthweight (<2500 g), perinatal death (stillbirth or neonatal death within the first seven days), SGA (<2.5th percentile), and breech presentation, among others. Logistic regression analysis was performed and adjusted for confounders such as maternal age, parity, smoking, and diabetes.

RESULTS

Being a practical nurse had lower likelihood of low birthweight (OR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.81–0.96), perinatal death (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.62–0.96), SGA (OR=0.79; 95% CI: 0.72–0.86) and episiotomy (OR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.86–0.94). Practical nursing was significantly related to higher odds of instrumental delivery (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.17), but not with preterm birth, breech presentation, shoulder presentation, or caesarean section.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for confounding variables, working as a practical nurse was associated with higher likelihood of instrumental delivery, particularly vacuum delivery. The risk for shoulder presentation was nearly two-fold compared to controls. Further studies to determine when mothers started their maternity leave and the consequent effect on pregnancy outcome is highly recommended.

Could Subtle Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy Be Related to Unilateral B Glenoid Osteoarthritis?

Background: Several factors associated with B glenoid are also linked with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). The purpose of this observational study was to determine the incidence of OBPP risk factors in type B patients. Methods: A cohort of 154 patients (68% men, 187 shoulders) aged 63 ± 17 years with type B glenoids completed a questionnaire comprising history of perinatal characteristics related to OBPP. A literature review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to estimate the incidence of OBPP risk factors in the general population. Results: Twenty-seven patients (18%) reported one or more perinatal OBPP risk factors, including shoulder dystocia (n = 4, 2.6%), macrosomia >4 kg (n = 5, 3.2%), breech delivery (n = 6, 3.9%), fetal distress (n = 8, 5.2%), maternal diabetes (n = 2, 1.3%), clavicular fracture (n = 2, 1.3%), and forceps delivery (n = 4, 2.6%). The comparison with the recent literature suggested that most perinatal OBPP risk factors were within the normal range, although the incidence of shoulder dystocia, forceps and vaginal breech deliveries exceeded the average rates. Conclusion: Perinatal factors related to OBPP did not occur in a higher frequency in patients with Walch type B OA compared to the general population, although some of them were in the high normal range.

The Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study (KPOS): Study Design and Participants

BACKGROUND

The Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study (KPOS) was established to investigate the determinants of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Korean women.

METHODS

We recruited 4,537 pregnant women between 2013 and 2017 from two tertiary centers located in Seoul, Korea, and a total of 4,195 Korean women met inclusion criteria in the baseline analysis. A range of data on socio-demographics, past medical histories, reproductive information, health-related behaviors, psychological health and clinical information were obtained using interviewer-based questionnaires and clinical assessment at 12, 24, and 36 gestational weeks (GW), delivery and 6-8 weeks postpartum. Blood samplings were performed at 12, 24 and 36 GW, and placental tissues were obtained after delivery. The main outcome of this study was pregnancy-related complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, and screening positive for peripartum depression. Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a score of ≥10 indicated a positive screen for depression.

RESULTS

Among 4,195 eligible pregnant women with a median age of 33.0 years, 3,565 (85.0%) pregnancy outcomes were available in this study, including 30 miscarriages, 16 stillbirths, and 3,519 deliveries. Mean gestational age was 38.8 GW, and mean birth weight was 3,236 gram. The prevalence of pregnancy complications of GDM, hypertensive disorders, and screening positive of depression during pregnancy and postpartum was 7.0%, 1.4%, 27.8%, and 16.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We designed KPOS to identify the determinants of pregnancy-related outcomes, and it may provide effective strategies for the prevention of pregnancy complications in Korean pregnant women.

Comparative risks and predictors of preeclamptic pregnancy in the Eastern, Western and developing world

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension (HTN-Preg), and often proteinuria. If not managed promptly, PE could lead to eclampsia and seizures. PE could also lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prematurity at birth. Although PE is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Also, there is a wide variability in the incidence of PE, ranging between 2 and 8% of pregnancies in the Eastern, Western and Developing world, suggesting regional differences in the risk factors and predictors of the pregnancy-related disorder. Several demographic, genetic, dietary and environmental factors, as well as maternal circulating biomarkers have been associated with PE. Demographic factors such as maternal race and ethnicity could play a role in PE. Specific genetic polymorphisms have been identified in PE. Maternal age, parity, education and socioeconomic status could be involved in PE. Dietary fat, protein, calcium and vitamins, body weight, and environmental factors including climate changes and air pollutants could also play a role in PE. Several circulating cytoactive factors including anti-angiogenic factors and cytokines have also been associated with PE. Traditional midwifery care is a common practice in local maternity care units, while advanced perinatal care and new diagnostic tools such as uterine artery Doppler velocimetry have been useful in predicting early PE in major medical centers. These PE risk factors, early predictors and diagnostic tools vary vastly in different regions of the Eastern, Western and Developing world. Further understanding of the differences in the demographic, genetic, dietary and environmental factors among pregnant women in different world regions should help in designing a region-specific cluster of risk factors and predictors of PE, and in turn provide better guidance for region-specific tools for early detection and management of PE.

Midwifery-led care can lower caesarean section rates according to the Robson ten group classification system

INTRODUCTION

Midwifery-led care is recognised as the best choice of maternity care for low-risk women. Robson’s Ten Group Classification System (TGCS) is an internationally recognised audit tool, however there is no midwifery-led service presenting their statistics in this way. The objective of this study was to analyse caesarean section rates for the women attending midwifery-led care at the National Maternity Hospital Dublin, Ireland, using the Robson TGCS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of electronic records for a total of 1097 women who were booked to attend the community midwife team in the National Maternity Hospital, during 2016 and 2017.

RESULTS

The rate of caesarean section in low-risk nulliparous women (Robson Group 1) was under 6%, without affecting the perinatal outcome. The induction rate in nulliparous women (Group 2) was 36%, less than the national average the cesarean rates were quadruple in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-risk women who attend midwifery-led services, have a low caesarean section rate in this study. This was achieved with continuity of care, good antenatal preparation, and support throughout labour and birth by a dedicated team of midwives. Outcomes can only be truly compared if we use the same criteria to measure them. The TGCS demonstrates the effectiveness of midwifery-led care.

Manual handling of burdens as a predictor of birth outcome-a Finnish Birth Register Study

Background

Negative effects of manual handling of burdens on pregnancy outcomes are not elucidated in Finland. This study examines the association between perinatal outcomes and occupational exposure to manual handling of burdens.

Methods

The study cohort was identified from the Finnish Medical Birth Register (MBR, 1997-2014) and information on exposure from the Finnish job-exposure matrix (FINJEM) 1997-2009. The cohort included all singleton births of mothers who were classified as 'service and care workers' representing the exposure group (n=74 286) and 'clerks' as the reference (n=13 873). Study outcomes were preterm birth (PTB) (<37 weeks), low birthweight (LBW) (<2500 g), small for gestational age (<2.5th percentile), perinatal death (stillbirth or early neonatal death within first seven days) and eclampsia. We used logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratio (OR) and adjusted for maternal age, marital status, BMI, parity and smoking during pregnancy.

Results

The risks of PTB [OR 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.27], LBW (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.25) and perinatal death (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09-2.09) were significantly higher among the high exposure group than in the reference group. All adverse outcomes were statistically insignificant among primiparous women except perinatal death (OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.13-3.39).

Conclusions

The study indicates that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes might be more common among women that are highly exposed to occupational manual handling of burdens. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the use of occupational level exposure. Further studies with information on individual level exposure and start of maternity leave are recommended.

A systematic review of dietary interventions for gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes in overweight and obese pregnant women

PURPOSE

The number of overweight and obese women is increasing in the obstetric population. The aim of this study was to review studies that reported results related to the efficacy of dietary interventions on gestational weight gain (GWG) or the prevention of gestational diabetes (GDM) in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

The search was performed using the CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Medic electronic databases and limited to the years between 2000 and March 2016. This systematic review includes 15 research articles of which 12 were randomized controlled trials, and three were controlled trials. Three main categories emerged as follows: (1) the types of interventions, (2) the contents of the interventions and (3) the efficacy of the intervention on GWG and the prevention of GDM. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the AHRQ Methods Reference Guide for Effectiveness and Comparative Effectiveness Reviews.

RESULTS

Of the selected 15 studies, eight included a specified diet with limited amounts of nutrients or energy, and the others included a dietary component along with other components. Ten studies reported significant differences in the measured outcomes regarding GWG or the prevention of GDM between the intervention and the control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This review confirms the variability in the strategies used to deliver dietary interventions in studies aiming to limit GWG and prevent GDM in overweight and obese women. Inconsistency in the provider as well as the content of the dietary interventions leaves the difficulty of summarizing the components of effective dietary interventions.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes after bariatric surgery; a systematic review and meta-analysis: do the benefits outweigh the risks?

OBJECTIVE DATA

Obesity during pregnancy is associated with a number of adverse obstetric outcomes that include gestational diabetes mellitus, macrosomia, and preeclampsia. Increasing evidence shows that bariatric surgery may decrease the risk of these outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in obese women according to obstetric outcomes.

STUDY

We performed a systematic literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PubMed from inception up to December 12, 2016. Studies were included if they evaluated patients who underwent bariatric surgery, reported subsequent pregnancy outcomes, and compared these outcomes with a control group.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Two reviewers extracted study outcomes independently, and risk of bias was assessed with the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Pooled odds ratios for each outcome were estimated with the Dersimonian and Laird random effects model.

RESULTS

After a review of 2616 abstracts, 20 cohort studies and approximately 2.8 million subjects (8364 of whom had bariatric surgery) were included in the metaanalysis. In our primary analysis, patients who underwent bariatric surgery showed reduced rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.37, number needed to benefit, 5), large-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.59; number needed to benefit, 6), gestational hypertension (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.76; number needed to benefit, 11), all hypertensive disorders (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.53; number needed to benefit, 8), postpartum hemorrhage (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-1.37; number needed to benefit, 21), and caesarean delivery rates (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.67; number needed to benefit, 9); however, group of patients showed an increase in small-for-gestational-age infants (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-3.48; number needed to harm, 21), intrauterine growth restriction (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-3.48; number needed to harm, 66), and preterm deliveries (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.79; number needed to harm, 35) when compared with control subjects who were matched for presurgery body mass index. There were no differences in rates of preeclampsia, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, stillbirths, malformations, and neonatal death. Malabsorptive surgeries resulted in a greater increase in small-for-gestational-age infants (P=.0466) and a greater decrease in large-for-gestational-age infants (P=<.0001) compared with restrictive surgeries. There were no differences in outcomes when we used administrative databases vs clinical charts.

CONCLUSION

Although bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in the risk of several adverse obstetric outcomes, there is a potential for an increased risk of other important outcomes that should be considered when bariatric surgery is discussed with reproductive-age women.

The effect of advanced maternal age on maternal and neonatal outcomes of placenta previa: A register-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Advanced maternal age (AMA) at the time of delivery generally worsens obstetric outcomes, but its effects on specific pregnancy problems, such as placenta previa, have not been adequately assessed. Therefore, the objective of the study was to explore the effect of AMA on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnancies complicated by placenta previa.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was a register-based cohort study using data of three Finnish health registries, including information of 283 324 women and their newborns. Separate multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed for women under age 35 and women aged 35 or older to assess the association between placenta previa and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, interactions between maternal age and placenta previa were tested.

RESULTS

A total of 283 324 deliveries of which 714 (0.3%) were complicated by placenta previa. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes increased in women with placenta previa, with different patterns across age groups. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for AMA and young women with previa were 7.3 (5.0-10.6) and 6.8 (5.2-8.9) in blood transfusion, 11.3 (5.4-23.3) and 10.9 (6.1-19.6) in placental abruption. In neonatal outcomes the adjusted odds ratios for AMA and young women with placenta previa were 8.8 (6.6-11.6) and 11.7 (9.7-14.1) in preterm birth <37 weeks, 4.0 (3.0-5.3) and 4.9 (4.1-5.9) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, 4.0 (2.8-5.7) and 5.9 (4.7-7.4) low birth weight <2500 g, 2.7 (1.5-4.9) and 3.3 (2.2-5.0) in low Apgar score at 5 min. The joint effects of maternal age and placenta previa on the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with placenta previa was not substantially affected by maternal age if their different risk profiles were taken into account.

Advanced maternal age and its association with placenta praevia and placental abruption: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the existence and magnitude of the association between advanced maternal age (AMA) and occurrence of placenta praevia (PP) and placental abruption (PA) among nulliparous and multiparous women, by a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched articles published between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015, in any language, in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. Women were grouped into two age categories: up to 34 years old and 35 years or older. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. A meta-analysis was conducted for the PP and PA outcomes, using a meta-regression model to find possible covariates associated with heterogeneity among the studies and Egger's test to assess publication bias. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) system (CRD42016045594). Twenty-three studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. For both outcomes, an increase in age increased the magnitude of association strength, and PP (OR = 3.16, 95%CI: 2.79-3.57) was more strongly associated with AMA than PA (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.35-1.54). For parity, there was no difference between nulliparous and multiparous women considered older for the PP and PA outcomes. Our review provided very low-quality evidence for both outcomes, since it encompasses observational studies with high statistical heterogeneity, diversity of populations, no control of confounding factors in several cases, and publication bias. However, the confidence intervals were small and there is a dose-response gradient, as well as a large magnitude of effect for PP.

Maternal body mass index and spontaneous contractility of human myometrium in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

There is controversy as to whether maternal body mass index (BMI) influences the contractility of human myometrium in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine spontaneous contractile activity of human pregnant myometrium in vitro, with respect to maternal BMI.

STUDY DESIGN

Myometrial tissue specimens were obtained at cesarean delivery from 74 women with BMI values ranging from 19 to 50.1 kg m^-2. By recording in vitro from eight strips per donor (590 strips in total), several parameters of spontaneous contractile activity were monitored. The relationship between BMI and contractility was evaluated using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between maximum amplitude (P=0.007) and mean contractile force (P=0.001) with increasing BMI. However, the time to onset of contractions (P=0.009), and time taken to reach maximal amplitude (P=0.020) also increased with increasing BMI. No significant correlation was observed with BMI for other parameters studied. The mean maximum amplitude value for spontaneous contractions was 37±1 mN, the mean contractile force for spontaneous contractions was 4.1±0.1 mN, the average time to the first spontaneous contraction was 11.3±0.6 min and the average frequency of contractions was 6.5±0.2 per hour.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the time to onset of contractions is increased with increasing maternal BMI, but that the force developed is greater. In all other respects, human uterine contractility is unaffected by increasing BMI. These findings underline the complexity of regulation of uterine contractility in labor with elevated maternal BMI.

Factors associated with recovery from 1 minute Apgar score <4 in live, singleton, term births: an analysis of Malaysian National Obstetrics Registry data 2010-2012

BACKGROUND

The neonatal Apgar score at 5 min has been found to be a better predictor of outcomes than the Apgar score at 1 min. A baby, however, must pass through the first minute of life to reach the fifth. There has been no research looking at predictors of recovery (Apgar scores ≥7) by 5 min in neonates with 1 min Apgar scores <4.

METHODS

An analysis of observational data was conducted using live, singleton, term births recorded in the Malaysian National Obstetrics Registry between 2010 and 2012. A total of 272,472 live, singleton, term births without congential anomalies were recorded, of which 1,580 (0.59%) had 1 min Apgar scores <4. Descriptive methods and bi- and multi-variable logistic regression were used to identify risk factors associated with recovery (5 min Apgar score ≥7) from 1 min Apgar scores <4.

RESULTS

Less than 1% of births have a 1 min Apgar scores <4. Only 29.4% of neonates with 1 min Apgar scores <4 recover to a 5 min Apgar score ≥7. Among uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, after controlling for other factors, deliveries by a doctor of neonates with a 1 min Apgar score <4 had odds of recovery 2.4 times greater than deliveries of neonates with a 1 min Apgar score <4 by a nurse-midwife. Among deliveries of neonates with a 1 min Apgar score <4 by doctors, after controlling for other factors, planned and unplanned CS was associated with better odds of recovery than uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. Recovery was also associated with maternal obesity, and there was some ethnic variation - in the adjusted analysis indigenous (Orang Asal) Malaysians had lower odds of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

A 1 min Apgar score <4 is relatively rare, and less than a third recover by five minutes. In those newborns the qualification of the person performing the delivery and the type of delivery are independent predictors of recovery as is maternal BMI and ethnicity. These are associations only, not necessarily causes, and they point to potential areas of research into health systems factors in the labour room, as well as possible biological and cultural factors.

Incident Coronary Heart Disease After Preeclampsia: Role of Reduced Fetal Growth, Preterm Delivery, and Parity

Background

Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy disorder often complicated by reduced fetal growth or preterm delivery and is associated with long‐term maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess the association between preeclampsia phenotypes and risk of subsequent coronary heart disease and maternal cardiovascular mortality.

Methods and Results

Women aged 16 to 49 years who gave birth during 1980–2002 and registered in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway were followed prospectively (1–29 years) for an incident major coronary event and mortality through linkage with the Cardiovascular Disease in Norway 1994–2009 (CVDNOR) project and the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Preeclampsia was subdivided based on the presence of a child born small for gestational age or preterm delivery. Among 506 350 women with 1 to 5 singleton births, there were 1275 (0.3%) occurrences of major coronary event, 468 (0.1%) cardiovascular deaths, and 5411 (1.1%) deaths overall. Compared with women without preeclampsia, the hazard ratio (95% CI) for major coronary event was 2.1 (1.73–2.65) after preeclampsia alone, 3.3 (2.37–4.57) after preeclampsia in combination with small for gestational age, and 5.4 (3.74–7.74) after preeclampsia in combination with preterm delivery. Analyses distinguishing women with 1 (n=61 352) or >1 (n=281 069) lifetime pregnancy and analyses with cardiovascular mortality as outcome followed the same pattern.

Conclusions

The occurrence of major coronary events was increased among women with preeclampsia and highest for preeclampsia combined with a child born small for gestational age and/or preterm delivery.

Patterns and Associated Factors of Caesarean Delivery Intention among Expectant Mothers in China: Implications from the Implementation of China's New National Two-Child Policy

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the basic demographic characteristics of expectant mothers in the context of their intentions regarding mode of delivery, in particular, the preference for caesarean delivery, and analyzes the social and psychological factors that influence delivery preference.

METHOD

A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women was conducted during June to August in 2015. This study adopted a stratified sampling method, and 16 representative hospitals in five provinces of China were included.

RESULTS

1755 and 590 of expectant mothers in their first and second pregnancies, respectively, were enrolled in this study. 354 (15.10%) intended to deliver by caesarean section and 585 (24.95%) participants were uncertain prior to delivery. 156 (8.89%) of expectant mothers in their first pregnancy and 198 (33.56%) expectant mothers in their second pregnancy intended to deliver by caesarean section. Ordinal logistic regression analysis found that nationality, parity, trimester of pregnancy, and advanced maternal age were factors associated with intention to deliver by caesarean (ordered logistic regression/three-level caesarean delivery intention criterion; odds ratios p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

8.89% of first pregnancy expectant mothers and 33.56% of second pregnancy expectant mothers intended to deliver by caesarean section. Any intervention program to reduce the rate of Caesarean delivery should focus on the Han population, older pregnant women, and expectant mothers in their second pregnancy, at an early gestation.

Placental membrane-type metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs): Key players in pregnancy

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) are a sub-family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. Although MT-MMPs have been mainly characterized in tumor biology, they also play a relevant role during pregnancy. Placental MT-MMPs are required for cytotrophoblast migration and invasion of the uterine wall and in the remodeling of the spiral arteries. They are involved in the fusion of cytotrophoblasts to form the syncytiotrophoblast as well as in angiogenesis. All these processes are crucial for establishing and maintaining a successful pregnancy and, thus, MT-MMP activity has to be tightly regulated in time and space. Indeed, a de-regulation of MT-MMP expression has been linked with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and was also found in maternal obesity. Here we review what is currently known about MT-MMPs in the placenta, with a focus on their general features, their localization and their involvement in pregnancy disorders.