Advantages of vaginal delivery

Prevalence and associated factors of caesarean section among mothers who gave birth across Eastern Africa countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis study

Background

Caesarean section (CS) rate increased dramatically worldwide, exceeding the World Health Organization's benchmark (10-15 %) in many countries. This rate varies in different regions of the continent. Using various study designs, researchers from across East African countries investigated the prevalence of caesarean section and the factor associated with it but no study shows a pooled prevalence of caesarean section in the Eastern African region. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically summarize and estimate the pooled prevalence of caesarean section and its associated factors in Eastern Africa, 2023.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus and CINAHL were rigorously searched to find relevant studies. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence of CS and its associated factors in East Africa published till August 2023 were considered. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Finally, a random effect meta-analysis model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CS and qualitative analysis was employed for associated factors. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

Results

This review was assessed using twenty-six eligible studies from a total of 2223 articles with a total of 600,431 participants. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of caesarean section in Eastern Africa was 24.0 % (95%CI: 22-27 %). The highest pooled prevalence of caesarean section was in Ethiopia, 28.30 % (95%CI; 21.3-35.2 %), and the lowest was seen in Uganda, 11.9 % (95%CI; 7.9-15.9 %). Urban residency, having high level of wealth asset, education level college and above, advanced maternal age, big birth weight, history of previous caesarean section, private institution delivery, multiple pregnancies, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage and fetal malpresentation were linked with a greater likelihood of having CS.

Conclusions

and recommendation: The overall pooled prevalence of CS in Eastern Africa was high compared to the WHO proposed recommended range. Therefore, the finding implies that each East African countries Ministry of Health and health care professionals shall be given particular emphasis made on strengthening antenatal care services and ensure more women have access to skilled healthcare professionals during childbirth. This can help in providing appropriate interventions, support to women and reducing the need for emergency and unnecessary CSs. The result of this research are a baseline data for future researchers to conduct further studies to better understand the reasons behind the high rates and identify potential interventions and solutions specific to the African context.PROSPERO protocol number: CRD42023440131.

Do all patients with history of pelvic ring injuries need a cesarean section? - A survey of orthopaedic and obstetric providers

OBJECTIVE(S)

The recommended mode of delivery following pelvic ring fractures with surgical fixation is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess expert opinions from orthopaedic surgeons and obstetrician gynecologists on their recommended delivery recommendations for pregnant individuals with a history of pelvic ring injury, and to see if there was any difference in recommendations between the two specialties, and what factors influenced recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN

An electronic, web-based survey was administered to a convenience sample of orthopaedic surgeons and obstetrician gynecologists, via advertisement to members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and querying obstetrician gynecologists practicing within the Military Health System. The survey was administered from November 2021 to December 2022. A two-proportion z-test, Chi-square or Fisher's Exact Test, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Survey respondents included 44 orthopaedic surgeons and 37 obstetricians. A total of 74 % obstetricians would recommend a trial of labor with hardware in place, while orthopaedic surgeon's recommendations varied based on the type of fixation. Forty four, 100 % of orthopaedic surgeons, recommended trial of labor if non-operative pelvic injury or unilateral posterior fixation only, 88 % recommended trial of labor if bilateral posterior fixation only, and 47.7 % for anterior trans-symphyseal plating only, 50 % for unilateral posterior and trans-symphyseal plating, and 43.2 % for bilateral posterior fixation with trans-symphyseal plating.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of these surveys demonstrate the lack of consensus as to the most appropriate birth plan for patients with a history of pelvic ring injuries. Vaginal delivery following pelvic ring fracture and fixation is possible, yet these patients are significantly more likely to undergo cesarean section than the general population. As such, we recommend that women who become pregnant after operative treatment of a pelvic ring injury develop an in-depth birthing plan with their obstetrician to determine the best course.

Socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in delivery by cesarean section among women in Bangladesh, 2004-2017

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of evidence on the trends and inequalities in utilizing cesarean section (CS) among women in Bangladesh. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in delivery by CS among Bangladeshi women from 2004 to 2017.

METHODS

Data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017 were analyzed using the WHO's Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software. Inequalities were measured using four summary measures: Difference (D), Population Attributable Risk (PAR), Population Attributable Fraction (PAF), and Ratio (R). Socioeconomic inequalities were assessed using two equity dimensions: household wealth status, and level of education, while geographical disparities were measured using two equity dimensions: place of residence, and sub-national regions. For each measure, point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were reported.

RESULTS

An increasing trend in the prevalence (weighted) of CS in Bangladesh use was found from 4.50% in 2004 to 32.73% in 2017 We found significant socioeconomic inequalities in CS in every survey point, with a higher concentration of CS among the rich (in 2017, PAR = 28.57; 95% CI: 26.69-30.46) indicating a pro-rich inequality, and higher educated (in 2017, PAF = 23.97; 95% CI: 12.26-35.68) sub-groups. We also identified significant geographical disparities in CS with a higher concentration of CS among people from urban areas (in 2017, PAR = 10.99; 95% CI: 10.19-11.79), and a coastal region (Khulna division) (in 2017, PAF: 30.48 (95% CI: 18.66-42.30).

CONCLUSION

We observed both socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in CS exist in Bangladesh, though the trends of these inequalities were curved over time. Thus, it is important to comprehend these pro-rich and geographical inequalities better and implement appropriate interventions and policies to alleviate them.

Preferences for childbirth delivery and pain relief methods among pregnant women in Vietnam

Background

Understanding childbirth delivery and pain relief method preferences is important as a part of the shared decision-making process between pregnant women and health professionals. This study aimed to examine the preferences for childbirth delivery modes and pain relief methods and factors related to these preferences among pregnant women in Vietnam.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey on pregnant women was conducted in two obstetrics hospitals in Vietnam. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were performed to collect information about sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy characteristics, preferences for different childbirth delivery modes, and pain relief methods. Multivariate logistic regression was employed for determining associated factors with the preferences.

Results

Of 576 pregnant women, 34% of participants preferred cesarean section. Most of the sample did not have any preferences for specific pharmacological pain relief methods (70.1%), while support from partner/relatives was the most preferable non-pharmacological method (61.3%), following by water birth (11.1%) and acupuncture (9.9%). Desire to have another baby, relatives' experience, selection date of birth, and instrumental social support were major drivers of the cesarean section selection. This preference was an important factor in the preference for pharmacological pain relief. Meanwhile, high levels of informational and emotional support were associated with non-pharmacological method preference.

Conclusion

This study highlighted a high preference rate for cesarean section in urban pregnant women in Vietnam. Holistic approaches from family, health facility, and policy should be performed to diminish the cesarean rate preference and promote the use of non-pharmacological pain relief methods during birth.

Doula support among brazilian women who attended the senses of birth health education intervention - a cross sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

While maternal health is a priority in international goals, maternal health outcomes remain poor in many regions of the world. In Brazil, maternal mortality has decreased over the past decades, but the country's maternal mortality ratio is higher than over half of all countries at 59 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Brazilian maternal health care model facilitates high rates of medical interventions during labor and childbirth; 56% of births are by cesarean birth. Doula support is considered a potential strategy to reduce medically unnecessary interventions during childbirth that contribute to maternal mortality.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study analyses associations with use of doula support and normal birth among Brazilian women who participated in a health education intervention named the Senses of Birth (SoB). The SoB intervention, implemented in five cities from 2015 to 2017, was developed to educate about normal birth and to evidence-based practices (EBP) reduce medically in childbirth. Chi-Square tests were performed to identify the relationship between doula support during childbirth and sociodemographic characteristics, childbirth information, perceived knowledge, and use of EBPs during labor. Logistic regression was performed to identify associations in adjusted analysis.

RESULTS

Controlling for covariates, doula support was associated with vaginal delivery (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.37-4.45.) Findings also suggest that women who had doula support were more likely to use non-pharmacological pain relief methods during labor (OR 9.68, 95% CI: 2.67-34.61), deliver in a public hospital (OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09-3.72), and be low and mid-level income compared to women with high income.

CONCLUSION

This study's findings suggest that doula support is significantly associated with vaginal birth. The results may be useful for advocating for changes to the childbirth care model in Brazil. Incorporating EBPs, such as doula support, for all women who desire may improve maternal and child outcomes.

Multilevel analysis to identify the factors associated with caesarean section in Bangladesh: evidence from a nationally representative survey

BACKGROUND

Caesarean delivery has a significant role in reducing maternal and child death. However, unnecessary utilization has adverse health effects. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of caesarean delivery in Bangladesh.

METHODS

Data from the latest Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS, 2019) was used in this study. Since MICS data are hierarchical in nature, multilevel modelling was used.

RESULTS

The prevalence of caesarean section (CS) was 67.4% among Bangladeshi women. Multilevel analysis suggests the age of the women, household wealth status, utilization of antenatal care (ANC) , delivery at a health facility and division were significantly associated with CS. Women who delivered in a private health facility had the highest odds for CS (odds ratio [OR] 10.35 [95% confidence interval {CI} 8.55 to 12.54]). Women 30-34 y of age had a 36% higher likelihood of CS compared with women 15-19 y of age (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.79]). The odds of CS positively increased with household wealth status. Women who had at least one ANC visit had a 1.7 times higher possibility of CS (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.26 to 2.30]).

CONCLUSIONS

Policy guidelines on caesarean deliveries are urgently needed in Bangladesh to avoid unnecessary caesarean deliveries and protect mothers from the consequences.

Are we preventing the primary cesarean delivery at the second stage of labor following ACOG-SMFM new guidelines? Retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

In 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) published an Obstetric Care Consensus for safe prevention of primary cesarean delivery. We aimed to assess whether these guidelines decreased the primary CD rate during the second stage of labor, in our department.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND POPULATION

A retrospective cohort study of all women reaching the second stage of labor, at term, in a single university-affiliated medical center between2010 and 2017.

METHODS

We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes over three year's periods:-pre-guidelines (2010-2013) vs. 2nd period - post-guidelines (2014-2017).

THE MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CD rate at 2ndstage of labor.

RESULTS

The study included 11,464 women. The CD rate in the 2nd stage of labor has increased significantly from 4% to 5.9% in the post-guidelines period (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16-1.89, p = .001). After a sub-analysis of specific subgroups, and adjustment for confounders, the increase was solely observed in nulliparous women (aOR 1.418, 95% CI 1.067-1.885, p = .016). Furthermore, increased odds for vaginal operative delivery were observed in the multiparous women in the post-guidelines period (2.7% vs. 4.1%, p = .046).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the new ACOG and SMFM guidelines was not associated with a change in the CD rate performed at the 2nd stage of labor in the whole study population. However, there was a rise in the CD rate performed at the 2nd stage in nulliparous women. Furthermore, there was an increase in operative deliveries in the whole study population, especially in multiparous women, without an apparent increase in other immediate adverse neonatal or maternal outcomes.

Reducing unnecessary caesarean sections: scoping review of financial and regulatory interventions

Background

Caesarean sections (CS) are increasing worldwide. Financial incentives and related regulatory and legislative factors are important determinants of CS rates. This scoping review examines the evidence base of financial, regulatory and legislative interventions intended to reduce CS rates.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and two trials registers in June 2019. Both experimental and observational intervention studies were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcome measures were: CS, spontaneous vaginal and instrumental birth rates. We assessed quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method.

Results

We identified 9057 articles and assessed 65 full-texts. We included 16 observational studies. Most of the studies were conducted in high-income countries.

Three studies assessed payment methods for health workers: equalising physician fees for vaginal and caesarean delivery reduced CS rates in one study; however, little or no difference in CS rates was found in the remaining two studies.

Nine studies assessed payment methods for health organisations:

There was no difference in CS rates between diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system compared to fee-for-service system in one study. However, DRG system was associated with lower odds for CS in another study.

There was little or no difference in CS rates following implementation of global budget payment (GBP) system in two studies.

Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) increased after implementation of a case-based payment system in one study. Caesarean section increased while VBAC rates decreased following implementation of a cap-based payment system in another study.

Financial incentive for providers to promote vaginal delivery combined with free vaginal delivery policy was found to reduce CS rates in one study.

Studied regulatory and legislative interventions (comprising legislatively imposed practice guidelines for physicians in one study and multi-faceted strategy which included policies to control CS on maternal request in another study) were found to reduce CS rates.

The GRADE quality of evidence varied from very low to low.

Conclusions

Available evidence on the effects of financial and regulatory strategies intended to reduce unnecessary CS is inconclusive given inconsistency in effects and low quality of the available evidence. More rigorous studies are needed.

Maternal Preference, Mode of Delivery and Associated Factors among Women Who Gave Birth at Public and Private Hospitals in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia

Introduction:

Despite the advances in modern obstetrics care, maternal morbidity and mortality remains a big problem. Proper choice in the mode of delivery is necessary to tackle this problem. The aim of this study was to assess maternal preference, mode of delivery and associated factors among women who gave birth at public and private hospitals in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia, 2017.

Methods:

A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out from January 01–30/2017. A systematic sampling procedure was utilized, and 300 mothers who gave births were included in the study. Data entered to EPI data 3.5.1 and exported to version 20.0 software packages for social science analysis. The presence of association between independent and dependent variables was determined using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval by applying logistic regression model.

Results:

The prevalence of caesarean section was 49.3% (95% CI: 43.7–55.3). Mothers that have a monthly income above poverty line, having previous pregnancy complications, and current pregnancy problems have higher odds of using the caesarean section mode of delivery. Whereas utilization of partograph lower the odds of caesarean section mode of delivery. Having previous pregnancy complications had higher odds of maternal preference for caesarean section delivery whereas the utilization of partograph lowered the odds of maternal preference for Caesarean section delivery.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of caesarean section mode of delivery in Hawassa city was high compared with world health organization threshold. Monthly income above poverty line, previous pregnancy complications, Current obstetrics problems are increasing caesarean section delivery, whereas utilization of partograph is decreasing caesarean section delivery. Therefore, utilization of partograph could be lessening unnecessary caesarean section delivery.

Prevention of the first cesarean delivery

Education of providers and patients on the importance of vaginal delivery, for the current pregnancy as well as future pregnancies, is essential to reverse the current trend of primary cesareans. When discussing cesarean with patients, counseling should include the effect on subsequent pregnancy risks including the possibility of uterine rupture and placentation abnormalities. In addition, counseling must include the concept that normal labor takes time. Re-education on the natural process of labor, the importance of allowing the time needed, and patience with the duration of pregnancy and process of labor is essential.

Where are the Sunday babies? III. Caesarean sections, decreased weekend births, and midwife involvement in Germany

A previous study has shown a marked and continuing decline in weekend births in Germany between 1988 and 2003 (Lerchl, Naturwissenschaften 92:592-594, 2005). The present study was performed to investigate the possible influence of caesarean sections (CS) on weekend birth number and on the involvement of midwives in births for all 16 German states for the year 2003. In total, data from 706,721 births were sorted according to weekday of births and state, respectively, and the weekend births avoidance rates were calculated. Weekend births were consistently less frequent than births during the week, with an average of -15.3% for all states and due to fewer births on Saturdays (-13.6%) and Sundays (-16.7%). Between the states, weekend births avoidance rates ranged from -11.6% (Bremen) to -24.2% (Saarland). The proportion of CS was 25.5% for all states, ranging from 19.2% (Sachsen and Sachsen-Anhalt) to 30.5% (Saarland). CS and weekend births avoidance rates were significantly correlated, consistent with the hypothesis that primary (planned) CS are regularly scheduled on weekdays. The number of births per midwife (BPM) was calculated according to the number of active members in the states' professional midwives' organizations. The mean number of BPM was 59.5, ranging from 45.2 (Bremen) to 82.4 (Sachsen-Anhalt). CS and BPM were significantly correlated, consistent with the hypothesis that higher CS ratios are associated with lower midwife involvement in births. It is concluded that the decline in weekend births and lower involvement of midwives are caused, at least in part, by an increased number of caesarean sections.

Where are the Sunday babies? II. Declining weekend birth rates in Switzerland

Birth dates from almost 3 million babies born between 1969 and 2005 in Switzerland were analyzed for the weekday of birth. As in other countries but with unprecedented amplitude, a very marked non-random distribution was discovered with decreasing numbers of births on weekends, reaching -17.9% in 2005. While most of this weekend births avoidance rate is due to fewer births on Sundays (up to -21.7%), the downward trend is primarily a consequence of decreasing births on Saturdays (up to -14.5%). For 2005, these percentages mean that 3,728 fewer babies are born during weekends than could be expected from equal distribution. Most interestingly and surprisingly, weekend birth-avoiding rates are significantly correlated with birth numbers (r = 0.86), i.e. the lower the birth number per year, the lower the number of weekend births. The increasing avoidance of births during weekends is discussed as being a consequence of increasing numbers of caesarean sections and elective labor induction, which in Switzerland reach 29.2 and 20.5%, respectively, in 2004. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that both primary and secondary caesarean sections are significantly correlated with weekend birth avoidance rates. It is therefore likely that financial aspects of hospitals are a factor determining the avoidance of weekend births by increasing the numbers of caesarean sections.