Interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections in healthy women and babies

Cardiotocography use for fetal assessment during labor in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The use of cardiotocography (CTG) to improve neonatal outcomes is controversial. The medical settings, subjects, utilizations, and interpretation guidelines of CTG are unclear for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

OBJECTIVES

To assess and review CTG use for studies identified in LMICs and provide insights on the potential for effective use of CTG to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The databases Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for published and unpublished literature through September 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Publications were identified which were conducted in LMICs, based on the World Bank list of economies for 2019; targeting pregnant women in childbirth; and focusing on the utilization of CTG and neonatal outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Publications were screened, and duplicates were removed. A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

RESULTS

The searches generated 1157 hits, of which 67 studies were included in the review. In the studies there was considerable variation and ambiguity regarding the study settings, target populations, utilizations, timing, frequency, and duration of CTG. While cesarean section rates were extensively investigated as an outcome of studies of CTG itself and the effect of additional techniques on CTG, other clinically significant outcomes, including neonatal mortality, were not well reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations and ambiguities were found in the use of CTG in LMICs. Due to the limited amount of evidence, studies are needed to examine CTG availability in the context of LMICs.

Cesarean sections and sociodemographic disparities in Ecuador: A nationwide study from hospital registries between 2015 and 2022

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic factors associated with cesarean sections (c-sections) in Ecuador.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Ecuadorian National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). Multivariate binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to assess sociodemographic factors associated with c-sections overall and with each type of c-section (elective or emergency c-section).

RESULTS

This study included 1 118 842 in-hospital deliveries during 2015-2022 in Ecuador, of which 41.3% were c-sections. This exceeds the recommended levels of medical justified c-sections. Those who were older than 20-29 years showed a higher probability for c-sections overall. Regarding ethnicity, Montubios had 57% higher probability for c-sectioned with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.57 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.45-1.71; while indigenous, black, and white individuals exhibited 73%, 29%, and 21% lower probabilities, respectively. However, this varied according to specific type of c-sections: black individuals had 11% higher probability of elective c-section but 44% lower probability of emergency c-section. Deliveries in private healthcare facilities exhibited significantly higher probabilities of c-sections overall (aOR 15.38, 95% CI 15.20-15.56). Higher probability of emergency c-section was also observed during 2020-2022.

CONCLUSION

Cesarean sections in Ecuador still exceed the recommended levels of medically justified c-sections, highlighting the importance of adopting an approach to childbirth that reduces unnecessary interventions. These results suggest an important role of sociodemographic factors, which aligns with the reported need for multicomponent and locally tailored strategies for addressing c-section overuse. The increase in c-sections during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) might suggest the influence of external health crises on maternal healthcare.

Ensemble learning for fetal ultrasound and maternal-fetal data to predict mode of delivery after labor induction

Providing adequate counseling on mode of delivery after induction of labor (IOL) is of utmost importance. Various AI algorithms have been developed for this purpose, but rely on maternal-fetal data, not including ultrasound (US) imaging. We used retrospectively collected clinical data from 808 subjects submitted to IOL, totaling 2024 US images, to train AI models to predict vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS) outcomes after IOL. The best overall model used only clinical data (F1-score: 0.736; positive predictive value (PPV): 0.734). The imaging models employed fetal head, abdomen and femur US images, showing limited discriminative results. The best model used femur images (F1-score: 0.594; PPV: 0.580). Consequently, we constructed ensemble models to test whether US imaging could enhance the clinical data model. The best ensemble model included clinical data and US femur images (F1-score: 0.689; PPV: 0.693), presenting a false positive and false negative interesting trade-off. The model accurately predicted CS on 4 additional cases, despite misclassifying 20 additional VD, resulting in a 6.0% decrease in average accuracy compared to the clinical data model. Hence, integrating US imaging into the latter model can be a new development in assisting mode of delivery counseling.

Prevalence and determinants of fear of childbirth among pregnant women in Egypt: A cross-sectional study

PROBLEM

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a significant public health concern, and understanding its determinants is crucial for developing effective interventions to support women during pregnancy and childbirth.

BACKGROUND

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is increasingly recognized as an essential psychological health concern among pregnant women globally. However, research elucidating the prevalence and multifaceted determinants of FOC in the Egyptian context remains scarce. This knowledge is pivotal to informing maternal health practices.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate FOC prevalence and its determinants among pregnant women in Egypt.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 low-risk pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, from February 2023 to July 2023. Data were collected using structured questionnaires on sociodemographic and obstetric profiles, the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire, the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

RESULTS

The prevalence of FOC ranged from mild to severe, with 70.4% of women displaying some degree of fear and 11.3% exhibiting severe FOC. Key determinants associated with greater FOC were younger age, nulliparity, unplanned pregnancy, negative previous birth experiences, and preference for cesarean delivery. An inverse relationship was found between FOC and childbirth self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a high FOC prevalence among Egyptian pregnant women, necessitating the need for systematic screening and tailored interventions to mitigate this concern, especially among high-risk groups like young, nulliparous mothers. Fostering childbirth self-efficacy may aid in reducing FOC. These findings can inform the enhancement of holistic maternal health practices in Egypt.

Improving management of first and second stages of labour in low- and middle-income countries

Labour care must balance aspirations of parents with vigilance for unanticipated calamities. The 'on-site midwife-led primary care birth unit' facilitates this. The World Health Organization have replaced the traditional partograph with the 'Labour Care Guide'. An implementation project in Botswana included the mnemonic COPE: Companion, Oral fluids, Pain relief and Eliminate the supine position. The Parto-Ma project in Tanzania used guidelines, training and support to improve childbirth outcomes. We list labour practices supported by recent evidence, and highlight new developments. Foetal macrosomia increases risk but mistaken diagnosis increases caesarean births. Obstructed labour is a complex clinical diagnosis, and is difficult to predict. For shoulder dystocia prioritise delivery of the posterior shoulder, facilitated if needed by posterior axilla sling traction. 'Extended balloon labour induction' with two or three Foley catheters side by side, may reduce risks associated with uterine stimulants. Bedside ultrasound may facilitate the diagnosis of cephalic malpositions and malpresentations.

Factors influencing midwives' intentions to facilitate normal physiological birth: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Whilst most women desire to birth vaginally, research highlights reducing rates of normal physiological birth worldwide. Previous studies have focussed largely on clinical practices associated with vaginal birth however health care professionals' intentions are also known to effect behaviour; a factor not well understood within the context of midwifery and normal physiological birth.

QUESTION/AIM

To explore factors influencing midwives' intentions to facilitate normal physiological birth.

METHODS

A qualitative study using individual interviews was conducted. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to develop a semi-structured interview guide to gather perceptions, thoughts, knowledge, and experience of normal physiological birth from participants. Data were analysed thematically within the theoretical constructs: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.

FINDINGS

Fourteen midwives from various practice settings, models, and locations in Australia were interviewed. Major factors influencing midwives' intentions to facilitate normal physiological birth were influenced by workplace culture, values and influence of leaders, the need to prioritise collaborative interdisciplinary relationships and support autonomy in midwifery.

DISCUSSION

Factors influencing the midwives' intentions of facilitating normal physiological birth were multifaceted. Some influences are more obvious and observable through practice, while others were rooted in underlying beliefs and attitudes that were hidden in the subconscious of those involved. However, all contributing influences ultimately shape midwives' intentions and the way in which they facilitate normal physiological birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Midwives intend to support normal physiological birth; however multiple factors influence their intentions over time. Prioritising collaborative interdisciplinary relationships and supporting autonomy in midwifery could address known barriers.

Rising caesarean section rates and factors affecting women's decision-making about mode of birth in Indonesia: a longitudinal qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Caesarean section (CS) rates in Indonesia are increasing rapidly. Understanding women's preferences about mode of birth is important to help contextualise these rising rates and can help develop interventions to optimise CS. This study aimed to explore Indonesian women's preferences and decision-making about mode of birth, and how their preferences may change throughout pregnancy and birth.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 28 women accessing private and public health facilities in Jakarta, the region with the highest CS rates. Interviews were conducted two times: during the woman's third trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period, between October 2022 and March 2023. We used a reflexive thematic approach for analysis.

RESULTS

We generated three themes: (1) preferences about the mode of birth, (2) decision-making about the mode of birth and (3) regrets about the actual mode of birth. Most women preferred vaginal birth. However, they were influenced by advertisements promoting enhanced recovery after CS (ERACS) as an 'advanced technique' of CS, promising a comfortable, painless and faster recovery birth. This messaging influenced women to perceive CS as equivalent or even superior to vaginal birth. Where women's preferences for mode of birth shifted around the time of birth, this was primarily due to the obstetricians' discretion. Women felt they did not receive adequate information from obstetricians on the benefits and risks of CS and vaginal birth and felt disappointed when their actual mode of birth was not aligned with their preferences.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that despite rising CS rates, Indonesian women prefer vaginal birth. This highlights the need for better communication strategies and evidence-based information from healthcare providers. Given the rising popularity of ERACS, more work is urgently needed to standardise and regulate its use.

Facilitating positive birth experience when preferences are not met: A qualitative analysis

INTRODUCTION

High-quality health systems rely on care that centers on patient preferences. Realization of patient preferences can improve the birth experience. However, in the dynamic setting of birth, birth preferences can diverge from what is medically indicated. Through studying women and birthing peoples' experiences of unplanned labor procedures, we aimed to identify ways in which practitioners can support women and birthing people through unexpected or unwanted aspects of their delivery. Specifically, we focused on labor induction.

METHODS

In one large US academic center, women and birthing people participated in prenatal and postpartum surveys regarding their desires, expectations, and experiences of labor induction. From April to November 2021, participants were eligible if they showed discordance between having labor induction and whether it was initially wanted or expected. Interviews focused on attitudes toward birth preferences and outcomes, with attention to discordances. We analyzed interviews through a modified grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Of 22 participants, our sample was predominantly white (91%). Participants in this sample reported discordance between wanting and experiencing (73%) and/or expecting and experiencing (54%) an induction. We identified two themes: "Discordance without mitigation is perceived as a negative experience" and "Practitioner interaction can buffer against negative experience" which includes three ways in which participants prefer support in instances of discordance: preparation, communication, and care and comfort. These methods of support foster patient autonomy and can lead to positive patient experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

While medical systems should work to support patient preferences, our results suggest that patients can still have positive birth experiences, even when preferences are not fulfilled. Early practitioner preparation, positive communication, and responsive care and comfort may help to improve patient birth experience when challenges arise.

Variations over time in mode of birth and perinatal outcomes in women with one previous cesarean in the Netherlands: A 20-year population-based study

BACKGROUND

Globally, cesarean birth rates are rising, and while it can be a lifesaving procedure, cesarean birth is also associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks. This study aims to describe changes over time about the mode of birth and perinatal outcomes in second-pregnancy women with one previous cesarean birth in the Netherlands over the past 20 years.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based study using the Dutch perinatal registry. The mode of birth (intended vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) compared with planned cesarean birth) was assessed in all women with one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth who gave birth to a term singleton in cephalic presentation between 2000 and 2019 in the Netherlands (n = 143,146). The reported outcomes include the trend of intended VBAC, VBAC success rate, and adverse perinatal outcomes (perinatal mortality up to 7 days, low Apgar score at 5 min, asphyxia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission ≥24 h).

RESULTS

Intended VBAC decreased by 21.5% in women with one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth, from 77.2% in 2000 to 55.7% in 2019, with a marked deceleration from 2009 onwards. The VBAC success rate dropped gradually, from 71.0% to 65.3%, across the same time period. Overall, the cesarean birth rate (planned and unplanned) increased from 45.2% to 63.6%. Adverse perinatal outcomes were higher in women intending VBAC compared with those planning a cesarean birth. Perinatal mortality initially decreased but remained stable from 2009 onwards, with only minimal differences between both modes of birth.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Netherlands, the proportion of women intending VBAC after one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth has decreased markedly. Particularly from 2009 onwards, this decrease was not accompanied by a synchronous reduction in perinatal mortality.

Women's health and rights in the twenty-first century

In the twenty-first century, the complex relationship between women's health and rights has been influenced by a range of interconnected challenges, including gender inequity, reproductive health disparities, maternal mortality and morbidity, and women's inability to access life-saving, high-quality healthcare services including family planning. Going forward, the world needs to find ways to implement the unfinished agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 1994 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thus prioritizing health and rights for women and girls as essential not only to their survival but also to their progress, agency and empowerment. It is also important to consider the interconnection between women's health and rights and climate change, with its disproportionate impact on the well-being of girls and women, and to address the impact and opportunities afforded by digital technologies. By embracing a holistic approach, societies might be able to advance the cause of women's health and rights in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.

Caesarean section and risk of type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Delivery by Caesarean section continues to rise globally and has been associated with the risk of developing type 1 diabetes and the rate of progression from pre-symptomatic stage 1 or 2 type 1 diabetes to symptomatic stage 3 disease. The aim of this study was to examine the association between Caesarean delivery and progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes in children with pre-symptomatic early-stage type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Caesarean section was examined in 8135 children from the TEDDY study who had an increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes and were followed from birth for the development of islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

The likelihood of delivery by Caesarean section was higher in children born to mothers with type 1 diabetes (adjusted OR 4.61, 95% CI 3.60, 5.90, p<0.0001), in non-singleton births (adjusted OR 4.35, 95% CI 3.21, 5.88, p<0.0001), in premature births (adjusted OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.53, 2.39, p<0.0001), in children born in the USA (adjusted OR 2.71, 95% CI 2.43, 3.02, p<0.0001) and in children born to older mothers (age group >28-33 years: adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04, 1.35, p=0.01; age group >33 years: adjusted OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.58, 2.06, p<0.0001). Caesarean section was not associated with an increased risk of developing pre-symptomatic early-stage type 1 diabetes (risk by age 10 years 5.7% [95% CI 4.6%, 6.7%] for Caesarean delivery vs 6.6% [95% CI 6.0%, 7.3%] for vaginal delivery, p=0.07). Delivery by Caesarean section was associated with a modestly increased rate of progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes in children who had developed multiple islet autoantibody-positive pre-symptomatic early-stage type 1 diabetes (adjusted HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03, 1.79, p=0.02). No interaction was observed between Caesarean section and non-HLA SNPs conferring susceptibility for type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Caesarean section increased the rate of progression to stage 3 type 1 diabetes in children with pre-symptomatic early-stage type 1 diabetes.

DATA AVAILABILITY

Data from the TEDDY study ( https://doi.org/10.58020/y3jk-x087 ) reported here will be made available for request at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Central Repository (NIDDK-CR) Resources for Research (R4R) ( https://repository.niddk.nih.gov/ ).

Digital health's influence on the association between birth preference and vaginal birth

BACKGROUND

Women's preferred mode of birth during pregnancy is predictive of their actual mode of birth. Digital prenatal care services are a promising method for educating women on mode of birth to reduce elective cesareans. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of digital health on the association between birth preference and mode of birth.

METHODS

Data come from 5409 pregnant women enrolled in a digital platform for women's and family health. Multi-trajectory modeling identified trajectories of digital health usage throughout pregnancy. Adjusted logistic regression models tested associations between birth preferences and mode of birth. The modifying effect of digital health usage on the association between birth preference and mode of birth was assessed on the multiplicative scale.

RESULTS

Four distinct trajectories of digital service usage were identified and labeled as: (1) baseline users (52%): the reference group; (2) just-in timers (16%): high usage during the third trimester; (3) learners (26%): high educational resource usage (e.g., articles and classes) throughout pregnancy; and (4) super users (6%): high usage of both education and care resources throughout pregnancy. Overall, preferred mode of birth at enrollment was predictive of actual mode of birth; however, digital health usage moderated this association, whereby super users and learners who preferred a cesarean at enrollment were more likely to deliver vaginally, compared to baseline users who preferred a cesarean.

CONCLUSION

For the increasing proportion of women considering an elective cesarean, education through a prenatal digital health platform may help to encourage vaginal birth and reduce cesarean births.

The duration of spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section in Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions: a randomized clinical trial

Objective

One of the common methods of anaesthesia for caesarean sections (CSs) involves the use of spinal anaesthesia in mothers. Various positions are utilized in this method. This study aims to compare the evaluation of two positions, Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg, in candidates for CS to assess the duration of anaesthesia and changes in vital signs in women.

Methods

This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 60 pregnant mothers who met the inclusion criteria entered the study. These mothers were randomly allocated into two equal groups using block randomization. One group of patients received spinal anaesthesia in the Trendelenburg position, while the other group received it in the Reverse Trendelenburg position. Vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, Apgar score, and SPO2) of participants from both groups were evaluated for 1 h after the induction of anaesthesia. Additionally, sensory level and duration of anaesthesia were measured. Finally, the data from both groups were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 26 software.

Results

The mean (SD) age of participating mothers in the Reverse Trendelenburg and Trendelenburg groups was 28.93 (5.82) and 30.97 (4.94), respectively. The two study groups did not significantly differ in baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, which could potentially impact vital sign outcomes or anaesthesia duration, and education (P>0.05). The mean (SD) duration of anaesthesia in the Trendelenburg position was significantly higher than in the Reverse Trendelenburg position [221.57(min) vs. 159.00(min)] (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference between the two positions, Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg, in terms of sensory level and its extent (P=0.08). The two study groups did not significantly differ in hemodynamic changes measured 13 times, including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Apgar score (P>0.05).

Conclusion

In spinal anaesthesia with the Trendelenburg position compared to the Reverse Trendelenburg position, there is a longer duration of anaesthesia. This is while the two positions did not differ in terms of hemodynamic changes and sensory level.

Status of the midwifery workforce and childbirth services and the impact of midwife staffing on birth outcomes in China: a multicentre cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the status of the midwifery workforce and childbirth services in China and to identify the association between midwife staffing and childbirth outcomes.

DESIGN

A descriptive, multicentre cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Maternity hospitals from the eastern, central and western regions of China.

PARTICIPANTS

Stratified sampling of maternity hospitals between 1 July and 31 December 2021.The sample hospitals received a package of questionnaires, and the head midwives from the participating hospitals were invited to fill in the questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 180 hospitals were selected and investigated, staffed with 4159 midwives, 412 obstetric nurses and 1007 obstetricians at the labour and delivery units. The average efficiency index of annual midwifery services was 272 deliveries per midwife. In the sample hospitals, 44.9% of women had a caesarean delivery and 21.4% had an episiotomy. Improved midwife staffing was associated with reduced rates of instrumental vaginal delivery (adjusted β -0.032, 95% CI -0.115 to -0.012, p<0.05) and episiotomy (adjusted β -0.171, 95% CI -0.190 to -0.056, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The rates of childbirth interventions including the overall caesarean section in China and the episiotomy rate, especially in the central region, remain relatively high. Improved midwife staffing was associated with reduced rates of instrumental vaginal delivery and episiotomy, indicating that further investments in the midwifery workforce could produce better childbirth outcomes.

Women's caesarean section preferences: A multicountry cross-sectional survey in low- and middle-income countries

OBJECTIVE

To measure the proportion of women's preferences for CS in hospitals with high caesarean section rates and to identify related factors.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional hospital-based postpartum survey was conducted. We used multilevel multivariate logistic regression and probit models to analyse the association between women's caesarean section preferences and maternal characteristics. Probit models take into account selection bias while excluding women who had no preference.

SETTING

Thirty-two hospitals in Argentina, Thailand, Vietnam and Burkina Faso were selected.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1,979 post-partum women with no potential medical need for caesarean section were included among a representative sample of women who delivered at each of the participating facilities during the data collection period.

FINDINGS

The overall caesarean section rate was 23.3 %. Among women who declared a preference in late pregnancy, 9 % preferred caesarean section, ranging from 1.8 % in Burkina Faso to 17.8 % in Thailand. Primiparous women were more likely to prefer a caesarean section than multiparous women (β=+0.16 [+0.01; +0.31]; p = 0.04). Among women who preferred caesarean section, doctors were frequently cited as the main influencers, and "avoid pain in labour" was the most common perceived benefit of caesarean section.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a high proportion of women prefer vaginal birth and highlight that the preference for caesarean section is linked to women's fear of pain and the influence of doctors. These results can inform the development of interventions aimed at supporting women and their preferences, providing them with evidence-based information and changing doctors' behaviour in order to reduce the number of unnecessary caesarean sections.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

The QUALI-DEC trial is registered on the Current Controlled Trials website (https://www.isrctn.com/) under the number ISRCTN67214403.

Relationships Among Individual and Hospital Characteristics and Self-Efficacy in Labor Support Among Intrapartum Nurses in Texas

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationships among individual and workplace characteristics and self-efficacy in labor support among intrapartum nurses.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Online distribution from April to August 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

Members of the Texas section of the Association for Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (N = 106).

METHODS

I conducted descriptive analysis on individual and workplace characteristics, including scores on the Self-Efficacy Labor Support Scale. I conducted backward stepwise multivariate linear regression to assess the factors associated with self-efficacy in providing labor support.

RESULTS

Years as an intrapartum nurse had a positive association with self-efficacy in labor support. Experience with open-glottis pushing, the overall cesarean birth rate, and the use of upright positioning during labor and birth were also positively associated with self-efficacy in labor support. Conversely, lack of recognition by providers was negatively associated with self-efficacy in labor support.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that modifiable factors at the individual and hospital levels are associated with nurses' self-efficacy in labor support. Hospitals must work to engage in obstetric practices that are congruent with providing labor support, including the use of experienced nurses to mentor new nurses and the creation of a unit culture to reinforce the intent of individual nurses to provide labor support.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Two Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices to Manage Cesarean Section Incisions

This paper aims to evaluate whether there is a device-dependent effect on the reduction of surgical site complications in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) undergoing cesarean section (C-section). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for the period, January 2011 to September 2021. English language articles describing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared either a -80 or -125 mm Hg single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) device to standard dressings in obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) patients undergoing C-section were included. Conference abstracts and "terminated" RCTs with published results were deemed eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest was surgical site infection (SSI), classified as composite, superficial, or deep. Secondary outcomes assessed included seroma, dehiscence, hematoma, bleeding, reoperation, readmission, blistering, and (composite) wound complications. A total of 223 titles were identified, of which 129 were screened by full-text review. Eleven RCTs encompassing 5,847 patients met the inclusion criteria and were considered eligible for further analysis (-80 mm Hg: six studies; -125 mm Hg: five studies). A statistically significant improvement in the composite SSI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.89) and superficial SSI (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.50-0.86) outcomes was observed with the -80 mm Hg device, compared with standard dressings. The same effect on SSI outcomes was not observed with the -125 mm Hg device (composite SSI-OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.64-1.28; superficial SSI-OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.70-1.78). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the other assessed outcomes. sNPWT devices may differ in their ability to reduce composite or superficial SSI after C-section. KEY POINTS: · Negative pressure benefits obese patients undergoing C-section.. · Negative pressure devices may differ in performance.. · A head-to-head clinical trial is needed..

Fetal Heart Rate Auscultation, 4th Edition

Intermittent auscultation (IA) is an evidence-based method of fetal surveillance during labor for birthing people with low-risk pregnancies. It is a central component of efforts to reduce the primary cesarean rate and promote vaginal birth (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2019; Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 2022a). The use of intermittent IA decreased with the introduction of electronic fetal monitoring, while the increased use of electronic fetal monitoring has been associated with an increase of cesarean births. This practice monograph includes information on IA techniques; interpretation and documentation; clinical decision-making and interventions; communication; education, staffing, legal issues; and strategies to implement IA.

An implementation analysis of a quality improvement project to reduce cesarean section in Brazilian private hospitals

BACKGROUND

Brazil has one of the highest prevalence of cesarean sections in the world. The private health system is responsible for carrying out most of these surgical procedures. A quality improvement project called Adequate Childbirth Project ("Projeto Parto Adequado"- PPA) was developed to identify models of care for labor and childbirth, which place value on vaginal birth and reduce the frequency of cesarean sections without a clinical indication. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of PPA in private hospitals in Brazil.

METHOD

Evaluative hospital-based survey, carried out in 2017, in 12 private hospitals, including 4,322 women. We used a Bayesian network strategy to develop a theoretical model for implementation analysis. We estimated and compared the degree of implementation of two major driving components of PPA-"Participation of women" and "Reorganization of care" - among the 12 hospitals and according to type of hospital (belonging to a health insurance company or not). To assess whether the degree of implementation was correlated with the rate of vaginal birth data we used the Bayesian Network and compared the difference between the group "Exposed to the PPA model of care" and the group "Standard of care model".

RESULTS

PPA had a low degree of implementation in both components "Reorganization of Care" (0.17 - 0.32) and "Participation of Women" (0.21 - 0.34). The combined implementation score was 0.39-0.64 and was higher in hospitals that belonged to a health insurance company. The vaginal birth rate was higher in hospitals with a higher degree of implementation of PPA.

CONCLUSION

The degree of implementation of PPA was low, which reflects the difficulties in changing childbirth care practices. Nevertheless, PPA increased vaginal birth rates in private hospitals with higher implementation scores. PPA is an ongoing quality improvement project and these results demonstrate the need for changes in the involvement of women and the care offered by the provider.

[Chances of vaginal delivery with induction in severe preterm SGA fetus: An observational study]

OBJECTIVE

If a small for gestational age (SGA) foetus needs to be delivered because of severity (<3rd centile) attempting induction of labor theoretically increases the risk of caesarean section and neonatal acidosis, but these risks are poorly understood. This article aims to assess the risk of caesarean section and neonatal acidosis in attempted vaginal birth of a moderately preterm foetus in the setting of severe SGA.

METHOD

A single-centre hospital-based observational study conducted over a period of 17 consecutive years in mothers with a single foetus in cephalic presentation with severe SGA (<3rd centile) needing foetal extraction. Neonatal acidosis was considered moderate if pH<7.10 and severe if pH<7.0. The degree of severity of SGA was estimated according to the birth weight ratio.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-four foetuses with severe SGA were included during the period, 140 of whom were born after induction (32.3%). In this group, 66.4% of women achieved a vaginal birth (66.4%; 95% CI [58.0-74.2]) and the risk of moderate or severe acidosis was doubled compared with the group of foetuses who had undergone a planned caesarean section (7.9% vs. 3.1%, OR=2.7 [1.1-6.7]). Neither gestational age nor the degree of growth restriction was significantly related to the risk of caesarean section or to the risk of moderate or severe neonatal acidosis.

CONCLUSION

In cases of severe SGA before 37weeks' gestation, induction of labour allows vaginal delivery in two-thirds of cases. It is accompanied by a doubling of the risk of moderate or severe neonatal acidosis.

A morphological study of symptomatic uterine niche using three-dimensional models from thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is there a correlation between various morphological parameters of the uterine niche and post-menstrual spotting using three-dimensional models from thin-slice (1 mm) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?

DESIGN

This study retrospectively identified women diagnosed with a symptomatic niche by thin-slice MRI between December 2019 and December 2021. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models assessed the correlations between morphological parameters and the duration post-menstrual spotting. Morphological differences of the niche formed by one versus two Caesarean sections were analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 205 women diagnosed with symptomatic niche were included in the study. The niche among most women with post-menstrual spotting was ellipsoidal, with width greater than length greater than depth, from which niche volume was estimated based on manual measurements (volume = 0.520 × length × width × depth). Manually calculated niche length (β = 0.257, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.040-0.473, P = 0.020) and radiomically assessed minor axis length (β = 0.329, 95% CI 0.009-0.795, P = 0.045) both positively correlated with the duration of post-menstrual spotting, whereas the distance between the niche and external os (β = -0.120, 95% CI -0.202 to -0.038, P = 0.004) was inversely correlated. Women with two Cesarean sections reported more days of post-menstrual spotting (8.76 ± 3.54 versus 6.68 ± 3.90 days, P < 0.001) and had increased niche length diameter (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.304, 95% CI 1.190-1.429) and a smaller surface-area-to-volume ratio (aOR 0.296, 95% CI 0.129-0.680).

CONCLUSIONS

Niche-associated post-menstrual spotting correlates with the length diameter of the niche and the distance between the niche and external os. Niches in women after two Caesarean sections tend to be longer in length diameter and more spherical.

Fetal Heart Rate Auscultation, 4th Edition

Intermittent auscultation (IA) is an evidence-based method of fetal surveillance during labor for birthing people with low-risk pregnancies. It is a central component of efforts to reduce the primary cesarean rate and promote vaginal birth (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2019; Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 2022a). The use of intermittent IA decreased with the introduction of electronic fetal monitoring, while the increased use of electronic fetal monitoring has been associated with an increase of cesarean births. This practice monograph includes information on IA techniques; interpretation and documentation; clinical decision-making and interventions; communication; education, staffing, legal issues; and strategies to implement IA.

Impact of cesarean scar defect on reproductive outcomes after assisted reproductive technology

In last twenty years, the cesarean section rate has been rising in China, leading to an increased prevalence of cesarean scar defect (CSD) and secondary infertility. CSD decreases receptivity of endometrium, induces adenomyosis and endometriosis, disrupts uterine micro-environment, causes difficulty of embryo transplant operation and further pregnancy complications. For women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), CSD significantly reduces embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. CSD can be effectively treated by hysteroscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and transvaginal surgery to increase the pregnancy rate. This article reviews the research progress on the impact of CSD on the reproductive outcomes of ART, the potential factors and related treatment, to provide reference for CSD management in ART patients.

Women's preference for a vaginal birth in Brazilian private hospitals: effects of a quality improvement project

BACKGROUND

In 2015, a quality improvement project called "Adequate Childbirth Project" (PPA) was implemented in Brazilian private hospitals in order to reduce cesarean sections without clinical indication. The PPA is structured in four components, one of which is directed at women and families. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of PPA on women's preference for vaginal birth (VB) at the end of pregnancy.

METHODS

Evaluative research conducted in 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA. Interviews were carried out in the immediate postpartum period and medical record data were collected at hospital discharge. The implementation of PPA activities and women's preference for type of birth at the beginning and end of pregnancy were compared in women assisted in the PPA model of care and in the standard of care model, using a chi-square statistical test. To estimate the effect of PPA on women's preference for VB at the end of pregnancy, multiple logistic regression was performed with selection of variables using a causal diagram.

RESULTS

Four thousand seven hundred ninety-eight women were interviewed. The implementation of the planned activities of PPA was less than 50%, but were significantly more frequent among women assisted in the PPA model of care. Women in this group also showed a greater preference for VB at the beginning and end of pregnancy. The PPA showed an association with greater preference for VB at the end of pregnancy in primiparous (OR 2.54 95% CI 1.99-3.24) and multiparous women (OR 1.44 95% CI 0.97-2.12), although in multiparous this association was not significant. The main factor associated with the preference for VB at the end of pregnancy was the preference for this type of birth at the beginning of pregnancy, both in primiparous (OR 18.67 95% CI 14.22-24.50) and in multiparous women (OR 53.11 95% CI 37.31-75.60).

CONCLUSIONS

The PPA had a positive effect on women's preference for VB at the end of pregnancy. It is plausible that more intense effects are observed with the expansion of the implementation of the planned activities. Special attention should be given to information on the benefits of VB in early pregnancy.

Changes in attitudes to childbirth in modern times illustrated over three generations in Iraq

OBJECTIVE

To describe changes in attitudes and expectations of labor over the previous six decades, comparing the Iraqi generation who labored at home without medical assistance with their descendants.

STUDY DESIGN

We used semi-structured telephone interviews with 22 women across three generations of one extended family living and giving birth in Iraq between the 1950s and the 2010s. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using open, axial, and selective coding.

RESULTS

Each generation experienced a paradigm shift in childbirth, from exclusive home births to hospital-directed maternity care, to a trend that favors planned cesarean birth, driven by generation-specific changes in outlook. Emerging themes included social influences, changing technology, and medical professionals' recommendations; all of these affected attitudes toward childbirth and pregnancy. There were generational disconnects in perceptions concerning the reasons childbirth has changed over the past 60 years, with the youngest generation citing wider pressures regarding body image and marital relationships as two of the factors affecting preferences in childbirth options.

CONCLUSIONS

Societal changes and availability of healthcare services affect women's choices and experiences of childbirth. To be successful, efforts to improve women's experiences in labor, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes, must consider these wider sociocultural issues.

Labor unit culture and attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth-The Swedish version of the labor culture survey (S-LCS)-Psychometric properties

BACKGROUND

In order to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing cesarean births, care practitioners' attitudes are important to measure. The Labor Culture Survey (LCS) is a scale that measures individual and unit attitudes towards supporting vaginal birth. As no equivalent scale exists in Sweden, the aim was to translate, adapt, and validate the LCS and to investigate whether there were differences in attitudes toward supporting vaginal birth between maternity care practitioners.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including midwives, physicians, and nurse assistants working with intrapartum care in five labor wards in Sweden. The original LCS was translated into Swedish, and six context-specific items were developed for the Swedish setting (SLCS). The translation was tested for face validity. Psychometric analysis was conducted using exploratory factor analysis with principal component analysis, parallel analysis, and principal axis factoring. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD were calculated to analyze differences in attitudes between professions on the subscales of the S-LCS.

RESULTS

A total of 539 midwives, physicians, and nurse assistants participated. The final S-LCS showed a five-factor solution with the following subscales: Best Practices to reduce cesarean overuse, Unpredictability of vaginal birth, Unit Microculture, Maternal Agency, and Organizational Oversight. Chronbach alpha values varied from 0.60 to 0.83. Midwives were more supportive towards vaginal birth and less fearful of potential consequences of vaginal birth compared with physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The S-LCS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties for use in Swedish maternity care. Further work to improve the scale should include additional items reflecting the subscale Maternal Agency.

The association between musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

To systematically investigate the association between musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy and birth outcomes including caesarean section, newborn birthweight, newborn birth length, and gestational age at birth.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cinahl and Scopus were systematically searched to identify eligible studies. Odds ratios, mean differences, and confidence intervals were used to describe results. Risk of Bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. GRADE (The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) was used to assess the quality of each outcome.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included with a total population of 85,991 participants. There is low- quality evidence that pregnant women with musculoskeletal pain had 1.59 greater odds to experience delivery by caesarean section compared to those without musculoskeletal pain ([OR] 1.59, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.09 to 2.31). Both newborn birth weight (Mean Difference [MD] 77.79 g, 95 % [CI] -23.09 to 178.67) and newborn birth length ([MD] 0.55 cm, 95 % [CI] -0.47 to 1.56) were not affected by musculoskeletal pain, with very low-quality and low-quality evidence, respectively. There was moderate evidence that pregnant women with musculoskeletal pain had shorter gestational age (weeks), although the effect was small and possibly not clinically relevant ([MD] -0.41, 95 % [CI] -0.41 to -0.07).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women experiencing musculoskeletal pain are at greater odds of delivering their babies via caesarean than those without musculoskeletal pain, however, musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy does not appear to affect newborn birth weight, length, or gestational age at birth.

Intrapartum use of sildenafil citrate to prevent fetal compromise and emergency operative birth in term pregnancies in the United Kingdom and Australia: A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare cost-effectiveness of oral sildenafil citrate, administered after onset of labor, with standard care to health system funders in the UK and Australia.

METHODS

We conducted a modeled cost-effectiveness analysis, measuring costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs), using a decision-analytic model covering onset of labor to 1 month post-birth. The relative risk of emergency cesarean section and operative vaginal birth was taken from a Phase 2 placebo controlled double blinded randomized control trial.

RESULTS

Both options of care resulted in the same QALYs gained over the model time period (0.08). Sildenafil citrate was cost-saving compared with standard care, saving £92 per birth in the UK (AU$303 per birth in Australia). Sensitivity analyses did not identify any areas of uncertainty that stopped sildenafil citrate being cost saving compared with standard care. Threshold analysis revealed that sildenafil citrate would be cost saving up to a per birth drug or administration cost of £152.32 in the UK (AU$333.61 in Australia).

CONCLUSION

Oral sildenafil citrate may be cost saving compared with standard care; however, the effects on neonatal outcomes still need to be demonstrated in large randomized trials.

Effect of ropivacaine, mepivacaine or the combination of ropivacaine and mepivacaine for epidural anaesthesia on the postoperative recovery in patients undergoing caesarean section: a randomized, prospective, double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Anaesthetic methods and drugs with rapid onset, rapid recovery and better postoperative analgesia are more suitable for rapid recovery in obstetric anaesthesia. We formulated the following hypothesis: a combination of mepivacaine and ropivacaine could provide a longer analgesic effect and have more advantages in terms of rapid-recovery indicators.

METHODS

A total of 180 pregnant women scheduled to undergo elective caesarean sections were randomly assigned to three surgical groups, which received 2% mepivacaine (Group M), 2% mepivacaine + 0.75% ropivacaine (Group MR) (Volume 1:1) or 0.75% ropivacaine (Group R) through an epidural catheter. The situation of postoperative analgesia and other indicators of rapid recovery were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty patients were included in the final analysis. Their demographic data were similar. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of Group MR and Group R were lower than Group M at 1 and 2 h after surgery both at rest and with movement (P < 0.05), and the time to first ambulation in Group MR (17.38 ± 2.06 h) and Group M (17.20 ± 2.09 h) was shorter than that in Group R (22.18 ± 1.74 h) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Application of 2% mepivacaine combined with 0.75% ropivacaine for epidural anaesthesia can provide longer postoperative analgesia and earlier ambulation, these effect may be more suitable than that of 2% mepivacaine or 0.75% ropivacaine alone for caesarean section.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR 2300078288; date of registration: 04/12/2023).

Mode of birth in subsequent pregnancy when first birth was vacuum extraction or second stage cesarean section at a tertiary referral hospital in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

The trends of increasing use of cesarean section (CS) with a decrease in assisted vaginal birth (vacuum extraction or forceps) is a major concern in health care systems all over the world, particularly in low-resource settings. Studies show that a first birth by CS is associated with an increased risk of repeat CS in subsequent births. In addition, CS compared to assisted vaginal birth (AVB), attracts higher health service costs. Resource-constrained countries have low rates of AVB compared to high-income countries. The aim of this study was to compare mode of birth in the subsequent pregnancy among women who previously gave birth by vacuum extraction or second stage CS in their first pregnancy at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study that involved interviews of 81 mothers who had a vacuum extraction or second stage CS in their first pregnancy at Mulago hospital between November 2014 to July 2015. Mode of birth in the subsequent pregnancy was compared using Chi-2 square test and a Fisher's exact test with a 0.05 level of statistical significance.

RESULTS

Higher rates of vaginal birth were achieved among women who had a vacuum extraction (78.4%) compared to those who had a second stage CS in their first pregnancy (38.6%), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Vacuum extraction increases a woman's chance of having a subsequent spontaneous vaginal birth compared to second stage CS. Health professionals need to continue to offer choice of vacuum extraction in the second stage of labor among laboring women that fulfill its indication. This will help curb the up-surging rates of CS.

The impact of a previous cesarean section on the risk of perioperative and postoperative complications during vaginal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether a previous cesarean section increases the risk of perioperative and postoperative complications during vaginal hysterectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of women who had undergone a vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications between 2014 and 2019 was conducted, comparing patients with or without a previous cesarean section. Perioperative and postoperative complications during vaginal hysterectomy were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system within 30 days of surgery. Duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization days were also recorded. A two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 185 women were included, 25 (13.5%) patients had undergone a previous cesarean section (study group) and 160 (86.5%) had no history of cesarean section (comparison group). We found no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics as well as postoperative complications and interventions, duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization days (P > 0.05). However, patients who underwent two or more cesarean sections had a significantly (P = 0.01) higher rate and grade of complications during vaginal hysterectomy, compared with women with only one previous cesarean section. All women who underwent two or more cesarean sections had mild complications during vaginal hysterectomy (40% grade I and 60% grade II, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Vaginal hysterectomy is a safe procedure with few severe complications, regardless of a previous cesarean section. More than one previous cesarean section may increase the risk of minor complications during a vaginal hysterectomy. Patients who underwent a previous cesarean section could be reassured that they do not face an increased risk of complications during a vaginal hysterectomy.

Factors associated with spontaneous vaginal birth in nulliparous women: A descriptive systematic review

PROBLEM

Spontaneous vaginal birth (SVB) rates for nulliparous women are declining internationally.

BACKGROUND

There is inadequate understanding of factors affecting this trend overall and limited large-scale responses to improve women's opportunity to birth spontaneously.

AIM

To undertake a descriptive systematic review identifying factors associated with spontaneous vaginal birth at term, in nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy.

METHODS

Quantitative studies of all designs, of nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation, who experienced a SVB at term were included. Nine databases were searched (inception to October 2022). Two reviewers undertook quality appraisal; Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) with high risk of bias (ROB 2.0) and other designs with (QATSDD) scoring ≤ 50% were excluded.

FINDINGS

Data were abstracted from 90 studies (32 RCTs, 39 cohort, 9 cross-sectional, 4 prevalence, 5 case control, 1 quasi-experimental). SVB rates varied (13%-99%). Modifiable factors associated with SVB included addressing fear of childbirth, low impact antenatal exercise, maternal positioning during second-stage labour and midwifery led care. Complexities arising during pregnancy and regional analgesia were shown to decrease SVB and other interventions, such as routine induction of labour were equivocal.

DISCUSSION

Antenatal preparation (low impact exercise, childbirth education, addressing fear of childbirth) may increase SVB, as does midwifery continuity-of-care. Intrapartum strategies to optimise labour progression emerged as promising areas for further research.

CONCLUSION

Declining SVB rates may be improved through multi-factorial approaches inclusive of maternal, fetal and clinical care domains. However, the variability of SVB rates testifies to the complexity of the issue.

How does hospital organisation influence the use of caesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries? A cross-sectional survey in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Vietnam for the QUALI-DEC project

BACKGROUND

Improving the understanding of non-clinical factors that lead to the increasing caesarean section (CS) rates in many low- and middle-income countries is currently necessary to meet the challenge of implementing effective interventions in hospitals to reverse the trend. The objective of this study was to study the influence of organizational factors on the CS use in Argentina, Vietnam, Thailand and Burkina Faso.

METHODS

A cross-sectional hospital-based postpartum survey was conducted in 32 hospitals (8 per country). We selected women with no potential medical need for CS among a random sample of women who delivered at each of the participating facilities during the data collection period. We used multilevel multivariable logistic regression to analyse the association between CS use and organizational factors, adjusted on women's characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 2,092 low-risk women who had given birth in the participating hospitals were included. The overall CS rate was 24.1%, including 4.9% of pre-labour CS and 19.3% of intra-partum CS. Pre-labour CS was significantly associated with a 24-hour anaesthetist dedicated to the delivery ward (ORa = 3.70 [1.41; 9.72]) and with the possibility to have an individual room during labour and delivery (ORa = 0.28 [0.09; 0.87]). Intra-partum CS was significantly associated with a higher bed occupancy level (ORa = 1.45 [1.09; 1.93]): intrapartum CS rate would increase of 6.3% points if the average number of births per delivery bed per day increased by 10%.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that organisational norms and convenience associated with inadequate use of favourable resources, as well as the lack of privacy favouring women's preference for CS, and the excessive workload of healthcare providers drive the CS overuse in these hospitals. It is also crucial to enhance human and physical resources in delivery rooms and the organisation of intrapartum care to improve the birth experience and the working environment for those providing care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The QUALI-DEC trial is registered on the Current Controlled Trials website ( https://www.isrctn.com/ ) under the number ISRCTN67214403.

Evaluating the effect of maternal non-communicable disease on adverse pregnancy outcomes and birthweight in Pakistan, a facility based retrospective cohort study

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claim 74% of global lives, disproportionately affecting lower and middle-income countries like Pakistan. NCDs may increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), caesarean section (CS), and low birthweight. This study aims to determine whether the high prevalence of NCDs in Pakistan play a role in the high rates of preterm births, and CS. This retrospective cohort study from Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, investigated effects of pre-existing NCDs on pregnancy outcomes of 817 pregnant women. Medical records were used to generate odds ratios for the risk of PTB, labour outcome and birthweight in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma and thyroid disorders. Multinomial logistic regression and general linear models were used to adjust for confounding variables using IBM SPSS Statistics (v27). Type 2 diabetes significantly increased the risk of PTB and elective CS (both P < 0.05). Elective CS was significantly increased by hypertension and asthma (both, P < 0.05). Surprisingly, asthma halved the risk of PTB (P < 0.05), while type 1 diabetes significantly increased birthweight from 2832 to 3253g (P < 0.001). In conclusion, pre-existing NCDs increase the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes, including PTB, elective CS and birthweight. Asthma, however reduced PTB and justifies further investigation.

Implementing the QUALI-DEC project in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand and Viet Nam: a process delineation and theory-driven process evaluation protocol

The project 'Quality Decision-making by women and providers' (QUALI-DEC) combines four non-clinical interventions to promote informed decision-making surrounding mode of birth, improve women's birth experiences, and reduce caesarean sections among low-risk women. QUALI-DEC is currently being implemented in 32 healthcare facilities across Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand, and Viet Nam. In this paper, we detail implementation processes and the planned process evaluation, which aims to assess how and for whom QUALI-DEC worked, the mechanisms of change and their interactions with context and setting; adaptations to intervention and implementation strategies, feasibility of scaling-up, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. We developed a project theory of change illustrating how QUALI-DEC might lead to impact. The theory of change, together with on the ground observations of implementation processes, guided the process evaluation strategy including what research questions and perspectives to prioritise. Main data sources will include: 1) regular monitoring visits in healthcare facilities, 2) quantitative process and output indicators, 3) a before and after cross-sectional survey among post-partum women, 4) qualitative interviews with all opinion leaders, and 5) qualitative interviews with postpartum women and health workers in two healthcare facilities per country, as part of a case study approach. We foresee that the QUALI-DEC process evaluation will generate valuable information that will improve interpretation of the effectiveness evaluation. At the policy level, we anticipate that important lessons and methodological insights will be drawn, with application to other settings and stakeholders looking to implement complex interventions aiming to improve maternal and newborn health and wellbeing.Trial registration: ISRCTN67214403.

Maternal health outcomes in the context of fragility: a retrospective study from Lebanon

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Lebanese healthcare system faces multiple challenges including limited capacities, shortage of skilled professionals, and inadequate supplies, in addition to hosting a significant number of refugees. While subsidized services are available for pregnant women, representing the majority of the refugee population in Lebanon, suboptimal access to antenatal care (ANC) and increased maternal mortality rates are still observed, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. This study aimed to review the maternal health outcomes of disadvantaged Lebanese and refugee pregnant women seeking ANC services at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Lebanon.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted at twenty PHCs in Lebanon, including Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) facilities. Data was collected from medical charts of pregnant women who visited the centers between August 2018 and August 2020. Statistical analysis was performed to explore outcomes such as the number of ANC visits, delivery type, and onset of delivery, using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In the study, 3977 medical charts were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis, revealed that suboptimal ANC visits were more common in the Beqaa region and among women with current abortion or C-section. Syrians had reduced odds of C-sections, and Beqaa, Mount Lebanon, and South Lebanon regions had reduced odds of abortion. Suboptimal ANC visits and history of C-section increased the odds of C-section and abortion in the current pregnancy. As for preterm onset, the study showed an increased likelihood for it to occur when being Palestinian, having current C-section delivery, experiencing previous preterm onset, and enduring complications at the time of delivery.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests the need for low-cost interventions aiming at enhancing access to ANC services, especially among pregnant women in fragile settings.

Cesarean birth rates among migrants in Europe: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cesarean birth (CB) rates have increased over recent years with concerns over differences between these rates in migrant communities compared with the rates among women in their receiving country. This review aimed at summarizing the available literature regarding the incidence of CB among migrants in Europe.

METHODS

A systematic search of four electronic databases was carried out, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Maternity and Infant Care. Identified studies were screened and their quality assessed. Meta-analysis was undertaken using Rev Man 5.4 where sufficient data were available. Otherwise, data were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

From the 435 records identified in searches, 21 papers were included. Analysis shows that overall CB rates were significantly lower for Syrian refugee women compared with women in their receiving country (Turkey) and higher for Iranian migrants than women in their host country. Emergency CB rates were significantly higher for migrant women from "Sub Saharan Africa" and the "South East Asia, Asia and Pacific" region than rates in the receiving country. Statistical significance was not found between other populations.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights differences between CB rates in certain migrant groups in comparison with women native to their host country, which merits further investigation for potential explanations. We also identified a need to standardize definitions and population groupings to enable more meaningful analysis. This review also highlights a substantial lack of data on CB rates between different population groups that could negatively impact the provision of care.

Health system decarbonization on obstetric and newborn units

The healthcare industry makes up 4.6 % of greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions worldwide. Although it is not known what proportion of GHGs come from obstetric and newborn units, newborns and pregnant individuals are likely to face some of the largest consequences from climate change. We review the literature in the areas of decarbonization on labor and delivery (L&D) and neonatal units and describe innovations from the fields of surgery and anesthesia. Best practices for L&D include refining disposable equipment packs, decreasing the use of single-use medical devices, adequately triaging waste, and decreasing the use of potent anesthetic gases such as nitrous oxide and desflurane. In neonatal settings, similarly triaging waste and decreasing the use of plastics containing endocrine disrupting chemicals can lower the carbon and environmental footprint and improve neonatal health. Additionally, avoiding unnecessary cesarean deliveries and increasing breastfeeding practices are also likely to improve the carbon footprint of L&D and neonatal units.

Incidence of Preeclampsia and Cesarean Section Rate According to the Robson Classification

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of preeclampsia and associated cesarean section (CS) rate according to the Robson classification. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 670 women who delivered at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand during January to March 2023. All women were classified into 10 groups according to the Robson classification, and preeclampsia was identified. Overall and group-specific incidence of preeclampsia and CS rate were estimated. Comparison of CS rate was made between those with and without preeclampsia using the Chi-squared test. Relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results The majority of women were in group 1 (34%) and group 3 (30.7%). Overall CS rate was 40.6% with highest contribution from group 1, 5, and 10. Incidence of preeclampsia was 9.1%, and the majority were in groups 10 (29.5%) and 1 (23%). Preeclampsia significantly increased the rate of overall CS (RR 1.8, p<0.001). The risk of CS significantly increased in group 1 (RR 1.8, p=0.043), group 3 (RR 3.5, p=0.025), and group 10 (RR 1.9, p=0.006). Preeclampsia accounted for 15.4% of all CS, with the highest contribution in group 2 (37.5%), group 10 (31.1%), group 3 (16.7%), and group 1 (10.8%). Without preeclampsia, the overall CS rate was relatively reduced by 6.9%, with the largest relative reduction in group 10 (14.3%), group 3 (11.5%), group 2 (6.3%), and group 1 (5.2%). Conclusion The incidence of preeclampsia was 9.1%, and preeclampsia significantly increased the rate of overall CS. Without preeclampsia, overall CS rate relatively reduced by 6.9% but did not significantly change the relative contribution of CS according to the Robson classification.

Iatrogenic bladder injury following gynecologic and obstetric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic bladder injury is a rare complication following obstetric and gynecologic surgery and only sparse information is available regarding length of transurethral catheterization following injuries, suturing techniques including choice of suture, and complications. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate length of transurethral catheterization in relation to complications following iatrogenic bladder injury. Second, we aimed to evaluate the number of complications following repair of iatrogenic bladder injuries and to describe suture technique and best choice of suture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Medline electronic databases were searched, and followed by screening from two independent reviewers. Studies published between January 2000 and March 2023 describing methods of bladder injury repair following obstetric or gynecologic benign surgery were included. Data extraction was done using Covidence. We performed a meta-analysis on complications after repair and explored this with a meta-regression analysis (Metafor package R) on length of catheterization to determine if length of catheterization influenced the risk of complication. A risk of bias tool from Cochrane was used to assess risk of bias and the study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021290586).

RESULTS

Out of 2175 articles, we included 21 retrospective studies, four prospective studies, and one case-control study. In total, 595 bladder injuries were included. Cesarean section was the most prominent surgery type, followed by laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. We found no statistically significant association between length of transurethral catheterization and numbers of complications following repair of iatrogenic bladder injuries. More than 90% of injuries were recognized intraoperatively. Approximately 1% had complications following iatrogenic bladder injury repair (0.010, 95% confidence interval 0.0015-0.0189, 26 studies, 595 participants, I2  = 4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review did not identify conclusive evidence on the length of postoperative catheterization following bladder injury warranting further research. However, the rate of complications was low following iatrogenic bladder injury with a wide range of repair approaches.

Stillbirths: Contribution of preterm birth and size-for-gestational age for 125.4 million total births from nationwide records in 13 countries, 2000-2020

OBJECTIVE

To examine the contribution of preterm birth and size-for-gestational age in stillbirths using six 'newborn types'.

DESIGN

Population-based multi-country analyses.

SETTING

Births collected through routine data systems in 13 countries.

SAMPLE

125 419 255 total births from 22+0 to 44+6 weeks' gestation identified from 2000 to 2020.

METHODS

We included 635 107 stillbirths from 22+0  weeks' gestation from 13 countries. We classified all births, including stillbirths, into six 'newborn types' based on gestational age information (preterm, PT, <37+0  weeks versus term, T, ≥37+0  weeks) and size-for-gestational age defined as small (SGA, <10th centile), appropriate (AGA, 10th-90th centiles) or large (LGA, >90th centile) for gestational age, according to the international newborn size for gestational age and sex INTERGROWTH-21st standards.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Distribution of stillbirths, stillbirth rates and rate ratios according to six newborn types.

RESULTS

635 107 (0.5%) of the 125 419 255 total births resulted in stillbirth after 22+0  weeks. Most stillbirths (74.3%) were preterm. Around 21.2% were SGA types (PT + SGA [16.2%], PT + AGA [48.3%], T + SGA [5.0%]) and 14.1% were LGA types (PT + LGA [9.9%], T + LGA [4.2%]). The median rate ratio (RR) for stillbirth was highest in PT + SGA babies (RR 81.1, interquartile range [IQR], 68.8-118.8) followed by PT + AGA (RR 25.0, IQR, 20.0-34.3), PT + LGA (RR 25.9, IQR, 13.8-28.7) and T + SGA (RR 5.6, IQR, 5.1-6.0) compared with T + AGA. Stillbirth rate ratios were similar for T + LGA versus T + AGA (RR 0.7, IQR, 0.7-1.1). At the population level, 25% of stillbirths were attributable to small-for-gestational-age.

CONCLUSIONS

In these high-quality data from high/middle income countries, almost three-quarters of stillbirths were born preterm and a fifth small-for-gestational age, with the highest stillbirth rates associated with the coexistence of preterm and SGA. Further analyses are needed to better understand patterns of gestation-specific risk in these populations, as well as patterns in lower-income contexts, especially those with higher rates of intrapartum stillbirth and SGA.

Harnessing the power of clinical decision support systems: challenges and opportunities

Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are increasingly integrated into healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes, reduce medical errors and enhance clinical efficiency by providing clinicians with evidence-based recommendations at the point of care. However, the adoption and optimisation of these systems remain a challenge. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of CDSS, discussing their development, implementation, benefits, limitations and future directions. We also explore the potential for enhancing their effectiveness and provide an outlook for future developments in this field. There are several challenges in CDSS implementation, including data privacy concerns, system integration and clinician acceptance. While CDSS have demonstrated significant potential, their adoption and optimisation remain a challenge.

Association between white blood cell count and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study from a tertiary hospital in China

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between white blood cell (WBC) and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN

A total of 25 270 pregnant women underwent peripheral blood white blood cell count tests in the first, second and third trimesters. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, low birth weight, caesarean delivery, macrosomia and fetal distress. Due to acute infectious disease or other diseases, 1127 were excluded.

SETTING

Minhang Hospital, China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 24 143 pregnant women were included in this study.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

For the 24 143 participants, we calculated adjusted ORs for adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with an increased WBC count. For gestational hypertension, the ORs were 1.18 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.24) in the first trimester and 1.10 (1.06 to 1.13) in the second trimester; for pre-eclampsia, ORs were 1.14 (95% CI, 1.47 to 1.64) in the first trimester and 1.10 (1.05 to 1.16) in the second trimester; for gestational diabetes mellitus, ORs were 1.06 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.13) in the first trimester and 1.10 (1.04 to 1.16) in the second trimester; for preterm birth, ORs were 1.12 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.18) in the first trimester, 1.10 (1.06 to 1.13) in the second trimester and 1.12 (1.09 to 1.15) in the third trimester; for low birth weight, ORs were 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.17) in the first trimester, 1.03 (0.99 to 1.08) in the second trimester and 1.12 (1.08 to 1.16) in the third trimester. Significant associations were not observed obviously for caesarean delivery, macrosomia and fetal distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate strong, continuous associations of maternal WBC count with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Making the cut on caesarean section: a logistic regression analysis on factors favouring caesarean sections without medical indication in comparison to spontaneous vaginal birth

BACKGROUND

In the absence of medical necessity, opting for caesarean sections exposes mothers and neonates to increased risks of enduring long-term health problems and mortality. This ultimately results in greater economic burden when compared to the outcomes of spontaneous vaginal births. In Switzerland around 33% of all births are by caesarean section. However, the rate of caesarean sections without medical indication is still unknown. Therefore, we devise an identification strategy to differentiate caesarean sections without medical indication using routine data. In addition, we aim to categorize the influencing factors for women who undergo spontaneous vaginal births as opposed to those with caesarean sections without medical indication.

METHOD

We use Swiss Federal Statistics data including 98.3% of all women giving birth from 2014 to 2018. To determine non-medically indicated caesarean sections in our dataset, we base our identification strategy on diagnosis-related groups, diagnosis codes, and procedure classifications. Subsequently, we compare characteristics of women who give birth by non-medically CS and external factors such as the density of practicing midwives to women with spontaneous vaginal birth. Logistic regression analysis measures the effect of factors, such as age, insurance class, income, or density of practicing midwives on non-medically indicated caesarean sections.

RESULTS

Around 8% of all Swiss caesarean sections have no medical indication. The regression analysis shows that higher age, supplemental insurance, higher income, and living in urban areas are associated with non-medically indicated caesarean sections, whereas a higher density of midwives decreases the likelihood of caesarean sections without medical indication.

CONCLUSIONS

By identifying non-medically indicated caesarean sections using routine data, it becomes feasible to gain insights into the characteristics of impacted mothers as well as the external factors involved. Illustrating these results, our recommendation is to revise the incentive policies directed towards healthcare professionals. Among others, future research may investigate the potential of midwife-assisted pregnancy programs on strengthening spontaneous vaginal births in absence of medical complications.

Midwife-led birthing centres in four countries: a case study

BACKGROUND

Midwives are essential providers of primary health care and can play a major role in the provision of health care that can save lives and improve sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health outcomes. One way for midwives to deliver care is through midwife-led birth centres (MLBCs). Most of the evidence on MLBCs is from high-income countries but the opportunity for impact of MLBCs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) could be significant as this is where most maternal and newborn deaths occur. The aim of this study is to explore MLBCs in four low-to-middle income countries, specifically to understand what is needed for a successful MLBC.

METHODS

A descriptive case study design was employed in 4 sites in each of four countries: Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa and Uganda. We used an Appreciative Inquiry approach, informed by a network of care framework. Key informant interviews were conducted with 77 MLBC clients and 33 health service leaders and senior policymakers. Fifteen focus group discussions were used to collect data from 100 midwives and other MLBC staff.

RESULTS

Key enablers to a successful MLBC were: (i) having an effective financing model (ii) providing quality midwifery care that is recognised by the community (iii) having interdisciplinary and interfacility collaboration, coordination and functional referral systems, and (iv) ensuring supportive and enabling leadership and governance at all levels.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study have significant implications for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting the role of midwives in LMICs. Understanding factors for success can contribute to inform policies and decision making as well as design tailored maternal and newborn health programmes that can more effectively support midwives and respond to population needs. At an international level, it can contribute to shape guidelines and strengthen the midwifery profession in different settings.

Perioperative Analgesia and Patients' Satisfaction in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: Fentanyl Versus Morphine

Perioperative analgesia for cesarean section aims to ensure the mother's comfort, facilitate a smooth surgical experience, and promote a successful recovery. One-hundred-ninety patients were enrolled in a randomized double-blind study designed to assess the quality of perioperative analgesia, level of satisfaction, and incidence of adverse reactions in elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia when fentanyl or morphine was added to bupivacaine. Two treatment groups comprising 173 subjects were compared in the per-protocol analysis: F (fentanyl, standard dose 25 μg) and M (morphine, standard dose 100 μg). Numerical pain scores were recorded perioperatively for 72 h (both at rest and on mobilization), with overall postoperative satisfaction and analgesic-related side effects. The patients in the morphine group had significantly better pain management (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001) and higher level of satisfaction (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). The latter was related to the greater need for rescue medication in the fentanyl group (OR = 4.396; p = 0.019). On the other hand, fentanyl had significantly fewer non-life-threatening side effects, such as high-intensity pruritus (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001), nausea (OR = 0.324; p = 0.019), vomiting and dizziness upon first mobilization (OR = 0.256; p < 0.001). It remains for future clinical trials to help establish doses that will tilt the scale to one side or the other.

FIGO opinion paper: Drivers and solutions to the cesarean delivery epidemic with emphasis on the increasing rates in Africa and Southeastern Europe

Cesarean delivery rates are rapidly increasing in Southeastern Europe (to more than 60%), North Africa (with a rate as high as 72% in Egypt), and in urban areas in Southern Africa (a rate of over 50% in Lagos, Nigeria). Data on the background to these increases are scarce, but likely to include poor birthing facilities in general hospitals, convenience for the doctor, private medicine, fear of litigation, socioeconomic status, shortage of midwives and nurses, and disappearance of vaginal instrumental deliveries. Options to reverse cesarean delivery trends are discussed. In this context there is a need to be better informed about how women are being counseled regarding vaginal or cesarean delivery. The long-term consequences in subsequent pregnancies for mothers and children may well be largely ignored, while these risks are highest in LMICs where higher birth numbers are desired. FIGO has begun discussions with obstetric and gynecologic societies, healthcare bodies, and governments in several countries discussed in this article, to find ways to lower the cesarean delivery rate. The requests came from the countries themselves, which may prove beneficial in helping advance progress.

Being a Mother under the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: Evaluation of Perinatal Anxiety, Prenatal Attachment, and Maternal-Infant Attachment

OBJECTIVES

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused both physical and emotional stress throughout the population due to its worldwide impact. The unknowns about the disease, social isolation, pregnant women's concerns regarding exposure to the COVID-19, inaccessibility to necessary care, and the possibility of harm to their fetus may cause increased psychological distress during the perinatal period. We aimed to evaluate the association between perinatal anxiety, prenatal attachment, and maternal-infant attachment status among women with those who delivered their child in a tertiary-care center with rigid hospital restrictions.

STUDY DESIGN

Term pregnant women who experienced the last trimester of their pregnancy during COVID-19 curfews between December 2020 and May 2021 were asked specifically about their concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic and they filled out the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). Those who continued the follow-up within a month of period following the delivery were invited to fill out the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI).

RESULTS

A total of 600 women completed the survey. While the evaluation of the relationship between participants' mean PAI and MAI scores showed a statistically significant positive correlation between scales (r = 0.124, p = 0.002), mean PAI and PASS scores showed a statistically significant negative correlation between scale scores (r = - 0.137, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Examining the factors, affecting the attachment process of pregnant and puerperal women, will guide the improvement of the quality of health services in the COVID-19 pandemic.

KEY POINTS

· COVID-19 caused psychological distress, with increased anxiety among perinatal women.. · Elevated levels of anxiety about COVID-19 during pregnancy may lead to insecure attachment.. · Insecure attachment in the prenatal period will negatively contribute to mother - infant attachment..