Association between provider type and cesarean birth in healthy nulliparous laboring women: A retrospective cohort study

Staff Resources in Public and Private Hospitals and Their Implication for Medical Practice: A French Study of Caesareans

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hospital staffing resources on medical practice in public versus private hospitals. We used exhaustive delivery data from a French district of 11 hospitals over an 11-year period, from 2008 to 2018, including 168,120 observations. We performed multilevel logistic regression models with hospital fixed or random effects, while controlling for factors known to influence obstetric practice. We found that hospital staff ratios of obstetricians and that of midwives affected caesarean rates, but with different effects depending on the hospital sector. In public hospitals, the higher the ratio of obstetricians and that of midwives, the lower the probability of planned caesareans. In private hospitals, the higher the ratio of obstetricians, the greater the probability of planned caesareans. Indeed, in public hospitals, obstetricians and midwives, both salaried employees, do not have financial or organizational incentives to perform more caesareans. In private hospitals, obstetricians, who are independent doctors, may have such incentives. Our results underline the importance of having an adequate supply of health professionals in healthcare facilities to ensure appropriate care, with specific regard to the different characteristics of the public and private sectors.

"You and Me Do It for the Love of Teaching": Exploring the Expansion of Clinical Training Opportunities for Midwives

PURPOSE

To better understand the barriers and facilitators to precepting midwifery students from across the healthcare ecosystem in New Jersey.

BACKGROUND

Growing the midwifery workforce is a crucial step to alleviating disparately poor perinatal health outcomes and expanding access to care. Difficulty recruiting and retaining preceptors has been identified as a barrier to graduating more midwives.

METHODS

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 individuals involved in different stages of the clinical training process: midwives, physicians, and administrators. Transcripts were coded using the tenets of qualitative description and thematic analysis. Analysis was guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework.

RESULTS

The following themes were identified and organized within the domains identified by our conceptual framework. Evidence: (mis)understanding the benefits of midwifery care and impacts on patient care. Context: the time and energy it takes to precept and practice considerations. Facilitations: developing the next generation of healthcare providers and the quiet and ever-present role of money in healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study support the importance of approaching midwifery precepting as a multifaceted endeavor, one that necessitates the full support of individuals within many different roles in an organization.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

Getting buy-in from various levels of the healthcare ecosystem requires a flexible approach but must include a targeted effort toward showing the value of midwifery care in terms of patient outcomes, satisfaction, and cost.

Shared Decision Making in Perinatal Care

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Health outcomes and provider choice under full practice authority for certified nurse-midwives

Full practice authority grants non-physician providers the ability to manage patient care without physician oversight or direct collaboration. In this study, we consider whether full practice authority for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs/CMs) leads to changes in health outcomes or CNM/CM use. Using U.S. birth certificate and death certificate records over 2008-2019, we show that CNM/CM full practice authority led to little change in obstetric outcomes, maternal mortality, or neonatal mortality. Instead, full practice authority increases (reported) CNM/CM-attended deliveries by one percentage point while decreasing (reported) physician-attended births. We then explore the mechanisms behind the increase in CNM/CM-attended deliveries, demonstrating that the rise in CNM/CM-attended deliveries represents higher use of existing CNM/CMs and is not fully explainable by improved reporting of CNM/CM deliveries or changes in CNM/CM labor supply.

Acculturation, Acculturative Stress, Experience of Discrimination, and Cesarean Birth in Mexican American Women

Introduction: There is evidence that Mexican Americans are more likely to have cesarean birth than non-Hispanic White Americans. The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to acculturation along with psychological and sociodemographic factors associated with birth mode in a prospective cohort of Mexican American women in Texas. Methods: This secondary analysis included 244 Mexican American pregnant women. Women with a prior cesarean birth were excluded. Variable selection was guided by Berry's Theoretical Framework of Acculturation. Correlations and logistic regression were used to examine relationships and predict risk of cesarean birth. Mediators and moderators were also considered. Results: Eighty women birthed by cesarean. Analytic and parent samples were similar in all demographics. After controlling for parity in logistic regression, greater Spanish language-related acculturative stress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.01, 1.11], p = .028) and experience of discrimination (AOR, 1.18, 95% CI [1.00, 1.38], p = .044) increased the odds of cesarean birth. The relationship between acculturative stress and birth mode was moderated by birth facility. Conclusion: Acculturative stress and discrimination may play a role in birth mode for Mexican American women birthing in Texas. Birth facility and acculturative stress may be interacting in ways that have clinical significance but are yet unexplored.

Disparities by race/ethnicity in unplanned cesarean birth among healthy nulliparas: a secondary analysis of the nuMoM2b dataset

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities exist in maternal morbidity and mortality, with most of these events occurring in healthy pregnant people. A known driver of these outcomes is unplanned cesarean birth. Less understood is to what extent maternal presenting race/ethnicity is associated with unplanned cesarean birth in healthy laboring people, and if there are differences by race/ethnicity in intrapartum decision-making prior to cesarean birth.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b) dataset involved nulliparas with no significant health complications at pregnancy onset who had a trial of labor at ≥ 37 weeks with a singleton, non-anomalous fetus in cephalic presentation (N = 5,095). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between participant-identified presenting race/ethnicity and unplanned cesarean birth. Participant-identified presenting race/ethnicity was used to capture the influence of racism on participant's healthcare experiences.

RESULTS

Unplanned cesarean birth occurred in 19.6% of labors. Rates were significantly higher among Black- (24.1%) and Hispanic- (24.7%) compared to white-presenting participants (17.4%). In adjusted models, white participants had 0.57 (97.5% CI [0.45-0.73], p < 0.001) lower odds of unplanned cesarean birth compared to Black-presenting participants, while Hispanic-presenting had similar odds as Black-presenting people. The primary indication for cesarean birth among Black- and Hispanic- compared to white-presenting people was non-reassuring fetal heart rate in the setting of spontaneous labor onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Among healthy nulliparas with a trial of labor, white-presenting compared to Black or Hispanic-presenting race/ethnicity was associated with decreased odds of unplanned cesarean birth, even after adjustment for pertinent clinical factors. Future research and interventions should consider how healthcare providers' perception of maternal race/ethnicity may bias care decisions, leading to increased use of surgical birth in low-risk laboring people and racial disparities in birth outcomes.

Inequalities in cesarean births between American Indian & Alaska Native people and White people

OBJECTIVE

To explore population-level American Indian & Alaska Native-White inequalities in cesarean birth incidence after accounting for differences in cesarean indication, age, and other individual-level risk factors.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING

We used birth certificate data inclusive of all live births within the United States between January 1 and December 31, 2017.

STUDY DESIGN

We calculated propensity score weights that simultaneously incorporate age, cesarean indication, and clinical and obstetric risk factors to estimate the American Indian and Alaska Native-White inequality.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS

Births to individuals identified as American Indian, Alaska Native, or White, and residing in one of the 50 US states or the District of Columbia were included. Births were excluded if missing maternal race/ethnicity or any other covariate.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

After weighing the American Indian and Alaska Native obstetric population to be comparable to the distribution of cesarean indication, age, and clinical and obstetric risk factors of the White population, the cesarean incidence among American Indian and Alaska Natives increased to 33.4% (95% CI: 32.0-34.8), 3.2 percentage points (95% CI: 1.8-4.7) higher than the observed White incidence. After adjustment, cesarean birth incidence remained higher and increased in magnitude among American Indian and Alaska Natives in Robson groups 1 (low risk, primary), 6 (nulliparous, breech presentation), and 9 (transverse/oblique lie).

CONCLUSIONS

The unadjusted lower cesarean birth incidence observed among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals compared to White individuals may be related to their younger mean age at birth. After adjusting for this demographic difference, we demonstrate that American Indian and Alaska Native individuals undergo cesarean birth more frequently than White individuals with similar risk profiles, particularly within the low-risk Robson group 1 and those with non-cephalic presentations (Robson groups 6 and 9). Racism and bias in clinical decision making, structural racism, colonialism, or other unidentified factors may contribute to this inequality.

Birth equity on the front lines: Impact of a community-based doula program in Brooklyn, NY

BACKGROUND

We assessed whether participation in Healthy Start Brooklyn's By My Side Birth Support Program-a maternal-health program providing community-based doula support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early postpartum period-was associated with improved birth outcomes. By My Side takes a strength-based approach that aligns with the doula principles of respecting the client's autonomy, providing culturally appropriate care without judgment or conditions, and promoting informed decision making.

METHODS

Using a matched cohort design, birth certificate records for By My Side participants from 2010 through 2017 (n = 603) were each matched to three controls who also lived in the program area (n = 1809). Controls were matched on maternal age, race/ethnicity, education level, and trimester of prenatal-care initiation, using the simple random sampling method. The sample was restricted to singleton births. The odds of preterm birth, low birthweight, and cesarean birth were estimated, using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

By My Side participants had lower odds of having a preterm birth (5.6% vs 11.9%, P < .0001) or a low-birthweight baby (5.8% vs 9.7%, P = .0031) than controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of cesarean delivery.

CONCLUSION

Participation in the By My Side Birth Support Program was associated with lower odds of preterm birth and low birthweight for participants, who were predominantly Black and Hispanic. Investing in doula services is an important way to address birth inequities among higher risk populations such as birthing people of color and those living in poverty. It could also help shape a new vision of the maternal-health system, placing the needs and well-being of birthing people at the center.

The Pathophysiology of Labor Dystocia: Theme with Variations

Abnormally prolonged labor, or labor dystocia, is a common complication of parturition. It is the indication for about half of unplanned cesarean deliveries in low-risk nulliparous women. Reducing the rate of unplanned cesarean birth in the USA has been a public health priority over the last two decades with limited success. Labor dystocia is a complex disorder due to multiple causes with a common clinical outcome of slow cervical dilation and fetal descent. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of labor dystocia could lead to new clinical opportunities to increase the rate of normal vaginal delivery, reduce cesarean birth rates, and improve maternal and neonatal health. We conducted a literature review of the causes and pathophysiologic mechanisms of labor dystocia. We summarize known mechanisms supported by clinical and experimental data and newer hypotheses with less supporting evidence. We review recent data on uterine preparation for labor, uterine contractility, cervical preparation for labor, maternal obesity, cephalopelvic disproportion, fetal malposition, intrauterine infection, and maternal stress. We also describe current clinical approaches to preventing and managing labor dystocia. The variation in pathophysiologic causes of labor dystocia probably limits the utility of current general treatment options. However, treatments targeting specific underlying etiologies could be more effective. We found that the pathophysiologic basis of labor dystocia is under-researched, offering wide opportunities for translational investigation of individualized labor management, particularly regarding uterine metabolism and fetal position. More precise diagnostic tools and individualized therapies for labor dystocia might lead to better outcomes. We conclude that additional knowledge of parturition physiology coupled with rigorous clinical evaluation of novel biologically directed treatments could improve obstetric quality of care.

Cesarean Section and Child Development at 3 Years: A Prospective Cohort Study of First Births in Pennsylvania

OBJECTIVES

The rising cesarean birth rate globally has led to increasing concern about long-term unintended consequences, with particular focus on child neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study investigated the association between cesarean birth and early child neurodevelopment, measured at 3 years of age.

METHODS

This was a large multicenter longitudinal prospective cohort study of first-time mothers and their offspring in Pennsylvania. Mothers completed adapted versions of two measures of child development at 36- months postpartum: the modified Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (M-PEDS) and a shortened Ages and Stages Questionnaire (S-ASQ). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between mode of delivery and delayed child development, controlling for confounding variables.

RESULTS

There were 695 (29.3%) children born by cesarean delivery and 1676 (70.7) born vaginally. Children born by cesarean had increased odds of scoring as developmentally delayed on both measures of child development: the M-PEDS (8.9% cesarean and 5.1% vaginal, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-2.24)) and the S-ASQ (6.3% cesarean and 3.3% vaginal, aOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.09-2.54). Additional factors associated with developmental delay were male sex, and the maternal factors of high pre-pregnancy body mass index, thyroid disorder, and diabetes.

CONCLUSION

In this large prospective cohort study of first-time mothers and their offspring, cesarean delivery was found to be associated with an elevated risk of delayed child development at age 3 years. This analysis highlights the importance of continued research to understand the impact of cesarean delivery on child development.

How to Foster Effective Midwife-Obstetrician Collaboration on Labor and Birth Units: Qualitative Analysis of Experiences of Clinicians in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Effective collaboration between midwives and obstetricians on labor and birth units in hospitals has been shown to improve birth outcomes and quality of care. Guidelines for collaborative care in the United States exist; however, studies describing the actual lived experiences of midwives and obstetricians in collaborative practice are lacking. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of midwives and obstetricians working in collaborative practices on labor and birth units across the United States and to identify strategies that foster effective collaboration between them.

METHODS

We performed qualitative analyses of open-ended comments obtained in an instrument validation survey assessing collaboration between midwives and obstetricians on labor and birth in the United States. Certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, attending general obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine attending physicians, and fellows across the United States were included in this study, herein called midwives and obstetricians. The final sample in the original validation survey included 232 midwives and 471 obstetricians (n = 703). Of these, 79 midwives and 132 obstetricians (n = 211) provided narrative comments on their perspectives and experiences with collaborative practice on labor and birth units in the United States. The narrative comments were analyzed using inductive techniques derived from grounded theory.

RESULTS

Four themes around how to foster effective collaboration were identified: (1) developing trust and respect, (2) promoting effective communication, (3) individual variability and need for clear guidelines, and (4) balancing autonomy. The midwives and obstetricians shared lived experiences that they perceived affected their work satisfaction and clinical outcomes in collaborative practices.

DISCUSSION

These findings hold potential to inform clinicians and health care leaders on ways to foster effective collaboration between midwives and obstetricians on labor and birth units. This in turn can improve quality of care for birthing persons, perinatal outcomes and clinician job satisfaction.

Variation and racial/ethnic disparities in Caesarean delivery at New York City hospitals: The contribution of hospital-level factors

PURPOSE

We aimed to quantify general and specific contextual effects associated with Caesarean delivery at New York City (NYC) hospitals, overall and by maternal race/ethnicity.

METHODS

Among 127,449 singleton, nulliparous births at NYC hospitals from 2015 to 2017, we used multilevel logistic regression to examine the association of hospital characteristics (public/private ownership, teaching status and delivery caseloads) with Caesarean delivery, overall, and by maternal race/ethnicity. We estimated the intra-class correlation (ICC) to examine general contextual effects and 80% interval odds ratios (IOR) and percentage of opposed odds ratios (POOR) to examine specific contextual effects.

RESULTS

Overall, 27.8% of births were Caesareans. The general contextual (hospital) effect on Caesarean delivery was small (ICC: 1.8%). Hospital characteristics associated with Caesarean delivery differed by maternal race/ethnicity, with delivery in teaching hospitals reducing the odds of Caesarean delivery among White (IOR: 0.31, 0.86; POOR: 4.7%) and Asian women (IOR: 0.41, 0.95; POOR: 7.3%), but not among Black (IOR: 0.51, 1.34; POOR: 30.7%) or Hispanic women (IOR: 0.44, 1.24; POOR: 22.6%). Hospital ownership and caseloads were not associated with Caesarean delivery for any group.

CONCLUSION

There is little within-hospital clustering of Caesarean delivery, suggesting that Caesarean disparities may not be explained by hospital of delivery.

Elective Induction of Labor or Expectant Management: Outcomes Among Nulliparous Women with Uncomplicated Pregnancies

INTRODUCTION

Cesarean birth rates among women who are nulliparous with uncomplicated full-term pregnancies have been shown to decrease if labor is electively induced. The purpose of this study was to compare the cesarean birth rate for women with pregnancies at 39.0 weeks' gestation or later admitted for spontaneous labor or medically indicated induction of labor (IOL) with that of women receiving elective IOL at term.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by searching electronic health records of all nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies who gave birth between January 2018 through February 2020 at one academic medical center. Select maternal demographic data and approach to labor management were the primary variables analyzed in determining the odds of cesarean birth.

RESULTS

A total of 1528 women were included in this study. Among these, 158 received elective IOL, and 1370 did not. The cesarean birth rates (31.0% vs 23.9%, elective induction of labor vs expectant management, respectively, P = .048), neonatal intensive care admissions (9.5% vs 7.6%, P = .41), and Apgar scores were similar among women in both management groups, respectively (P = .08). Accounting for other potential risk factors, the odds of having cesarean birth were not statistically different between management groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.5-1.1; P = .09). There were 2 fetal deaths among women whose labor was not electively induced. In the total cohort, women who were older, who had higher body mass index (BMI), and who identified as non-Hispanic Black had an increased odds of experiencing a cesarean birth. The associations between women in management groups and cesarean birth were not modified by age, BMI, race, or ethnicity (P = .33, .67, and .87, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Elective IOL was not associated with lower cesarean rates in this study. Further research is needed before implementing clinical practice changes that encourage more use of IOL.

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

OBJECTIVES

To explore obstetricians', midwives' and trainees' perceptions of caesarean section (CS) determinants in the context of public obstetric care services provision in Argentina. Our hypothesis is that known determinants of CS use may differ in settings with limited access to essential obstetric services.

SETTING

We conducted a formative research study in 19 public maternity hospitals in Argentina. An institutional survey assessed the availability of essential obstetric services. Subsequently, we conducted online surveys and semistructured interviews to assess the opinions of providers on known CS determinants.

RESULTS

Obstetric services showed an adequate provision of emergency obstetric care but limited services to support women during birth. Midwives, with some exceptions, are not involved during labour. We received 680 surveys from obstetricians, residents and midwives (response rate of 63%) and interviewed 26 key informants. Six out of 10 providers (411, 61%) indicated that the use of CS is associated with the complexities of our caseload. Limited pain management access was deemed a potential contributing factor for CS in adolescents and first-time mothers. Providers have conflicting views on the adequacy of training to deal with complex or prolonged labour. Obstetricians with more than 10 years of clinical experience indicated that fear of litigation was also associated with CS. Overall, there is consensus on the need to implement interventions to reduce unnecessary CS.

CONCLUSIONS

Public maternity hospitals in Argentina have made significant improvements in the provision of emergency services. The environment of service provision does not seem to facilitate the physiological process of vaginal birth. Providers acknowledged some of these challenges.

Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Cesarean Birth and Maternal Morbidity in a Low-Risk, Nulliparous Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate race and ethnicity differences in cesarean birth and maternal morbidity in low-risk nulliparous people at term.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized trial of expectant management compared with induction of labor in low-risk nulliparous people at term. The primary outcome was cesarean birth. Secondary outcome was maternal morbidity, defined as: transfusion of 4 or more units of red blood cells, any transfusion of other products, postpartum infection, intensive care unit admission, hysterectomy, venous thromboembolism, or maternal death. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to evaluate associations between race and ethnicity, cesarean birth, and maternal morbidity. Indication for cesarean birth was assessed using multivariable multinomial logistic regression. A mediation model was used to estimate the portion of maternal morbidity attributable to cesarean birth by race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Of 5,759 included participants, 1,158 (20.1%) underwent cesarean birth; 1,404 (24.3%) identified as non-Hispanic Black, 1,670 (29.0%) as Hispanic, and 2,685 (46.6%) as non-Hispanic White. Adjusted models showed increased relative risk of cesarean birth among non-Hispanic Black (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.42) and Hispanic (aRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08-1.46) people compared with non-Hispanic White people. Maternal morbidity affected 132 (2.3%) individuals, and was increased among non-Hispanic Black (aRR 2.05, 95% CI 1.21-3.47) and Hispanic (aRR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.14) people compared with non-Hispanic White people. Cesarean birth accounted for an estimated 15.8% (95% CI 2.1-48.7%) and 16.5% (95% CI 4.0-44.0%) of excess maternal morbidity among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic nulliparous people who are low-risk at term undergo cesarean birth more frequently than low-risk non-Hispanic White nulliparous people. This difference accounts for a modest portion of excess maternal morbidity.

Challenges in the Triage Care of Low-Risk Laboring Patients: A Comparison of 2 Models of Practice

Triage and the timing of admission of low-risk pregnant women can affect the use of augmentation, epidural, and cesarean. The purpose of this analysis was to explore these outcomes in a community hospital by the type of provider staffing triage. This was a retrospective cohort study of low-risk nulliparous women with a term, vertex fetus laboring in a community hospital. Bivariate and multivariable statistics evaluated associations between triage provider type and labor and birth outcomes. Patients in this sample (N = 335) were predominantly White (89.5%), with private insurance (77.0%), and married (71.0%) with no significant differences in these characteristics by triage provider type. Patients admitted by midwives had lower odds of oxytocin augmentation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29-0.87), epidural (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12-0.69), and cesarean birth (aOR = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.14-0.67), compared with those triaged by physicians after controlling for patient characteristics and triage timing. This study provides additional context to midwives as labor triage providers for healthy, low-risk pregnant individuals; however, challenges persisted with measurement. More research is needed on the specific components of care during labor that support low-risk patients to avoid medical interventions and poor outcomes.

Comparison of Nurse-Midwife and Physician Birth Outcomes in the Military Health System

The purpose of this study is to identify the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of women cared for by Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) versus physicians in the Military Health System (MHS) and compare birth outcomes between provider types. The MHS is one of America's largest and most complex health care systems. Using the Military Health System Data Repository, this retrospective study examined TRICARE beneficiaries who gave birth during 2012-2014. Analysis included frequency of patients by perinatal services, descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis by provider type. To account for differences in patient and pregnancy risk, odds ratios were calculated for both high-risk and general risk population. There were 136,848 births from 2012 to 2014, and 30.8% were delivered by CNMs. Low-risk women whose births were attended by CNMs had lower odds of a cesarean birth, induction/augmentation of labor, complications of birth, postpartum hemorrhage, endometritis, and preterm birth and higher odds of a vaginal birth, vaginal birth after cesarean, and breastfeeding than women whose births were attended by physicians. These results have implications for the composition of the women's health workforce. In the MHS, where CNMs work to the fullest scope of their authority, CNMs attended almost 4 times more births than our national average. An example to other U.S. systems and high-income countries, this study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that when CNMs practice to the fullest extent of their education, they provide quality health outcomes to more women.

Effectiveness of Dinoprostone and Cook's Balloon for Labor Induction in Primipara Women at Term

Labor induction is commonly used for achieving successful vaginal delivery. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dinoprostone and Cook's balloon as labor-inducing agents in primipara women at term. A retrospective cohort study among primipara women was conducted in Hubei Maternity and Child Health Hospital. Basic clinical characteristics were collected. The main outcomes were vaginal delivery rate, cesarean section rate and forceps delivery rate. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were also compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were further performed to evaluate the predictors for vaginal delivery within 24 h. A total of 845 eligible primipara women undergoing labor induction were recruited. Of them, 141 women were induced with dinoprostone (dinoprostone group, DG), and 704 with Cook's balloon (Cook's balloon group, CG). Groups were homogeneous except more women with premature rupture of membranes in DG, with gestational hypertension in CG (P<0.05). The vaginal delivery rate within 12 h was 1.98% and 16.52% in CG and DG respectively (P=0.0001). Besides, the vaginal delivery rate within 24 h was 37.62% and 52.26% in CG and DG respectively (P=0.0079). DG showed the lower rate of oxytocin augmentation, artificial rupture of membrane and postpartum hemorrhage and the shorter interval from insertion to active labor than CG (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that abortion history, oxytocin augmentation, artificial rupture of membrane, and obstetric analgesia were independent predictors for vaginal delivery within 24 h. In conclusion, dinoprostone was more effective than Cook's balloon to induce labor and achieve vaginal birth in the sample of primipara women at term.

The Role of Oxytocin in Primary Cesarean Birth Among Low-Risk Women

INTRODUCTION

To examine whether there is a threshold of oxytocin exposure at which the risk for primary cesarean increases among women who are nulliparous with a term, singleton, vertex fetus (NTSV) and how oxytocin interacts with other risk factors to contribute to this outcome.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor data set that used a retrospective cohort study design. Women who met the criteria for NTSV who were not admitted for a prelabor cesarean and for whom oxytocin data were available, were included in the sample. Robust logistic regression was used to examine the association of oxytocin exposure with primary cesarean birth, while controlling for demographic and clinical risk factors and clustering by provider.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 17,331 women who were exposed to oxytocin during labor. The women were predominantly white non-Hispanic (59.2%) with an average (SD) gestational age of 39.4 (1.1) weeks and an 18.5% primary cesarean rate. Exposure to greater than 11,400-milliunits (mU) of oxytocin resulted in 1.6 times increased odds of primary cesarean birth compared with less than 11,400 mU (95% CI 1.01-2.6).

DISCUSSION

Exposure to greater than 11,400 mU of oxytocin in labor was associated with an increased odds of primary cesarean birth in NTSV women.

Factors Associated with Unplanned Primary Cesarean Birth: Secondary Analysis of the Listening to Mothers in California Survey

BACKGROUND

In many countries, cesarean section has become the most common major surgical procedure. Most nations have high cesarean birth rates, suggesting overuse. Due to the excess harm and expense associated with unneeded cesareans, many health systems are seeking approaches to safe reduction of cesarean rates. Surveys of childbearing women are a distinctive and underutilized source of data for examining factors that may contribute to cesarean reduction.

METHODS

To identify factors associated with unplanned primary cesarean birth, we carried out a secondary analysis of the Listening to Mothers in California Survey, limited to the subgroup who had not had a previous cesarean birth and did not have a planned primary cesarean (n = 1,964). Participants were identified through birth certificate sampling and contacted initially by mail and then by telephone, text message and email, as available. Sampled women could participate in English or Spanish, on any device or with a telephone interviewer. Following bivariate demographic, knowledge and attitude, and labor management analyses, we carried out multivariable analyses to adjust with covariates and identify factors associated with unplanned primary cesarean birth.

RESULTS

Whereas knowledge, attitudes, preferences and behaviors of the survey participants were not associated with having an unplanned primary cesarean birth, their experience of pressure from a health professional to have a cesarean and a series of labor management practices were strongly associated with how they gave birth. These practices included attempted induction of labor, early hospital admission, and labor augmentation. Women's reports of pressure from a health professional to have a primary cesarean were strongly related to the likelihood of cesarean birth.

CONCLUSIONS

While women largely wish to avoid unneeded childbirth interventions, their knowledge, preferences and care arrangement practices did not appear to impact their likelihood of an unplanned primary cesarean birth. By contrast, a series of labor management practices and perceived health professional pressure to have a cesarean were associated with unplanned primary cesarean birth. Improving ways to engage childbearing women and implementing changes in labor management and communication practices may be needed to reduce unwarranted cesarean birth.

Variation of intrapartum care and cesarean rates among practitioners attending births of low-risk, nulliparous women

BACKGROUND

Variation in hospital cesarean birth rates across the United States is likely because of differences in practitioner practice patterns. Yet, few studies conducted in the last twenty years have examined the relationships between practitioner characteristics and the use of intrapartum interventions and cesarean birth. The objective of this study was to examine associations among practitioner characteristics and the use of amniotomy, epidural, oxytocin augmentation, and cesarean birth in low-risk women with spontaneous onset of labor.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed using data collected by the Consortium on Safe Labor. The sample included nulliparous term singleton vertex (NTSV) births with spontaneous onset of labor (n = 13 196) from 2002 to 2007 across eight hospitals. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to examine outcomes.

RESULTS

The cesarean birth rate ranged from 7.2% to 18.9% across hospitals and from 0% to 53.3% across physicians. Practice type (P < .05) and specialty type (P < .0001) were associated with physician cesarean birth rates. Compared with obstetrician/gynecologists, midwives were nearly twice as likely to use no intrapartum interventions (relative risk 1.80 [CI 95 1.45-2.24]) and 26% less likely to use amniotomy-epidural-oxytocin (0.74 [0.62-0.89]). Family practice physicians had a 21% lower likelihood of using amniotomy-epidural-oxytocin (0.79 [0.67-0.94]) and a 53% lower likelihood of performing cesarean births (0.47 [0.35-0.63]).

CONCLUSIONS

Wide variation in hospital and physician cesarean birth rates was observed in this sample of low-risk, nulliparous women. Practitioner practice type and specialty were significantly associated with the use of intrapartum interventions. Interprofessional practitioner education could be one strategy to reduce variation of intrapartum care and cesarean birth.

Comparison of Midwifery and Obstetric Care in Low-Risk Hospital Births

OBJECTIVE

To compare midwife and obstetrician labor practices and birth outcomes in women with low-risk pregnancies delivered in the hospital.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton births of 37 0/7-42 6/7 weeks of gestation at 11 hospitals between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. Exclusions included intrapartum transfer from home-birth center, antepartum stillbirth, previous cesarean delivery, practitioner other than midwife or obstetrician, prelabor cesarean, prepregnancy maternal disease, and pregnancy complications or risk factors. Interventions (induction, artificial rupture of membranes, epidural, oxytocin, and episiotomy), mode of delivery, maternal outcomes (third- or fourth-degree laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, and severe maternal morbidity), and newborn outcomes (shoulder dystocia, 5-minute Apgar score less than 7, resuscitation at delivery, birth trauma, and neonatal intensive care unit admission) were examined by practitioner type. We used modified Poisson regression models adjusted for individual confounders to assess risk ratios, stratified by parity, for health care provider type and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 23,100 births (3,816 midwife and 19,284 obstetrician). Compared with obstetricians, midwifery patients had significantly lower intervention rates, an approximately 30% lower risk of cesarean delivery in nulliparous patients (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.68; 95th% CI 0.57-0.82), and an approximately 40% lower risk of cesarean in multiparous patients (aRR 0.57; 95th% CI 0.36-0.89). Operative vaginal birth was also less common in nulliparous patients (aRR 0.73; 95th% CI 0.57-0.93) and multiparous patients (aRR 0.30; 95th% CI 0.14-0.63). Shoulder dystocia was more common in multiparous patients receiving midwifery care (aRR 1.42; 95th% CI 1.04-1.92).

CONCLUSIONS

In low-risk pregnancies, midwifery care in labor was associated with decreased intervention, decreased cesarean and operative vaginal births, and, in multiparous women, an increased risk for shoulder dystocia. Greater integration of midwifery care into maternity services in the United States may reduce intervention in labor and potentially even cesarean delivery, in low-risk pregnancies. Larger research studies are needed to evaluate uncommon but important maternal and newborn outcomes.

Outcomes of trial of labor after cesarean birth by provider type in low-risk women

BACKGROUND

One approach to decreasing the cesarean birth rate in the United States is to increase the availability of birth attendants, including certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), who offer trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). We examined associations between provider type and mode of birth for women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study at a United States academic medical center using prospectively-collected data (2005-2012). We included healthy women with term singleton vertex pregnancies after one or two prior cesareans who were managed by obstetricians or CNMs. We assessed unplanned cesarean birth by provider type using univariate and logistic regression and examined labor interventions and predicted VBAC success.

RESULTS

Overall VBAC success was 88% for 502 included patients. Unplanned cesarean rates were similar by provider type. Black race, no prior VBAC, recurring clinical indication for cesarean, labor augmentation/induction, and any Pitocin use were associated with increased unplanned cesarean. Higher parity and early-term gestational age at delivery were associated with decreased unplanned cesarean. Postpartum hemorrhage and composite maternal morbidity were increased with unplanned cesarean, but there was no difference in neonatal outcome by mode of delivery or provider type. Obstetricians had slightly higher composite adverse maternal outcomes. Nomogram-predicted VBAC success but not provider type was associated with unplanned cesarean.

CONCLUSIONS

Unplanned cesarean was similar for patients attempting labor after cesarean managed by midwives or obstetricians. Increasing the number of CNMs who manage TOLAC may help decrease the high rate of cesareans.

Using the Robson 10-Group Classification System to Compare Cesarean Birth Utilization Between US Centers With and Without Midwives

INTRODUCTION

The Robson 10-group classification system stratifies cesarean birth rates using maternal characteristics. Our aim was to compare cesarean birth utilization in US centers with and without midwifery care using the Robson classification.

METHODS

We used National Institute of Child and Human Development Consortium on Safe Labor data from 2002 to 2008. Births to women in centers with interprofessional care that included midwives (n = 48,857) were compared with births in non-interprofessional centers (n = 47,935). To compare cesarean utilization, births were classified into the Robson categories. Cesarean birth rates within each category and the contribution to the overall rate were calculated. Maternal demographics, labor and birth outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were described. Logistic regression was used to adjust for maternal comorbidities.

RESULTS

Women were less likely to have a cesarean birth (26.1% vs 33.5%, P < .001) in centers with interprofessional care. Nulliparous women with singleton, cephalic, term fetuses (category 2) were less likely to have labor induced (11.1% vs 23.4%, P < .001), and women with a prior uterine scar (category 5) had lower cesarean birth rates (73.8% vs 85.1%, P < .001) in centers with midwives. In centers without midwives, nulliparous women with singleton, cephalic, term fetuses with induction of labor (category 2a) were less likely to have a cesarean birth compared with those in interprofessional care centers in unadjusted comparison (30.3% vs 35.8%, P < .001), but this was reversed after adjustment for maternal comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12-1.32; P < .001). Cesarean birth rates among women at risk for complications (eg, breech) were similar between groups.

DISCUSSION

Interprofessional care teams were associated with lower rates of labor induction and overall cesarean utilization as well as higher rates of vaginal birth after cesarean. There was consistency in cesarean rates among women with higher risk for complications.

Preventing Cesarean Birth in Women with Obesity: Influence of Unit-Level Midwifery Presence on Use of Cesarean among Women in the Consortium on Safe Labor Data Set

INTRODUCTION

Maternal obesity is associated with slow labor progression and unplanned cesarean birth. Midwives use fewer medical interventions during labor, and the women they care for have lower cesarean birth rates, compared with low-risk, matched groups of women cared for by physicians. The primary aim of this study was to examine associations between midwifery unit-level presence and unplanned cesarean birth in women with different body mass index (BMI) ranges. Unit-level presence of midwives was analyzed as a representation of a unique set of care practices that exist in settings where midwives work.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Consortium on Safe Labor data from low-risk, healthy women who labored and gave birth in medical centers with (n = 9795) or without (n = 13,398) the unit-level presence of midwives. Regression models were used to evaluate for associations between unit-level midwifery presence and 1) the incidence of unplanned cesarean birth and 2) in-hospital labor durations with stratification by maternal BMI and adjustment for maternal demographic and pregnancy factors.

RESULTS

The odds of unplanned cesarean birth among women who gave birth in centers with midwives were 16% lower than the odds of cesarean birth among similar women at who gave birth at centers without midwives (adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.93). However, women whose BMI was above 35.00 kg/m2 at labor admission had similar odds of cesarean birth, regardless of unit-level midwifery presence. In-hospital labor duration prior to unplanned cesarean was no different by unit-level midwifery presence in nulliparous women whose BMI was above 35.00 kg/m2 .

DISCUSSION

Although integration of midwives into the caregiving environment of medical centers in the United States was associated with overall decrease in the incidence of cesarean birth, increased maternal BMI nevertheless remained positively associated with these outcomes.

Promoting active labor admission: Early labor lounge implementation barriers and facilitators from the clinician perspective

BACKGROUND

The cesarean birth rate for low-risk pregnant individuals in the United States exceeds the recommended Healthy People 2020 rate. One recommended strategy to reduce cesarean in this population is delaying hospital admission until active labor commences. A quality improvement program was implemented at a community hospital using the early labor lounge (ELL) to promote admission in active labor. This study focuses on identifying the barriers and facilitators from the clinician perspective to implementing the ELL.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of clinicians. Interview transcripts were open coded and themes identified inductively. A framework analysis was then conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

RESULTS

Twenty-five staff members participated. Barriers and facilitators were identified in four of the CFIR domains. Facilitators included the strength of the evidence and the ELL itself, including the tools it contained for supporting women in latent labor. Barriers to implementation included clinician self-efficacy and perceived low usage of the ELL.

CONCLUSION

This analysis using, CFIR identified several barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the ELL. The context of the individual woman presenting in triage and the acceptability and self-efficacy of the individual clinicians represented important factors for implementation.

Midwifery presence in United States medical centers and labor care and birth outcomes among low-risk nulliparous women: A Consortium on Safe Labor study

BACKGROUND

The presence of midwives in a health system may affect perinatal outcomes but has been inadequately described in United States settings. Our objective was to compare labor processes and outcomes for low-risk nulliparous women birthing in United States medical centers with interprofessional care (midwives and physicians) versus noninterprofessional care (physicians only).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Consortium on Safe Labor data from low-risk nulliparous women who birthed in interprofessional (n = 7393) or noninterprofessional centers (n = 6982). Unadjusted, adjusted (age, race, health insurance type), propensity-adjusted, and propensity-matched logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

There was concordance across logistic regression models, the most restrictive and conservative of which were propensity-matched models. With this approach, women at interprofessional medical centers, compared with women at noninterprofessional centers, were 74% less likely to undergo labor induction (risk ratio [RR] 0.26; 95% CI 0.24-0.29) and 75% less likely to have oxytocin augmentation (RR 0.25; 95% CI 0.22-0.29). The cesarean birth rate was 12% lower at interprofessional centers (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79-0.98). Adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in only 0.3% of births and were thus too rare to be modeled.

CONCLUSIONS

The care processes and birth outcomes at interprofessional and noninterprofessional medical centers differed significantly. Nulliparous women receiving care at interprofessional centers were less likely to experience induction, oxytocin augmentation, and cesarean than women at noninterprofessional centers. Labor care and birth outcome differences between interprofessional and noninterprofessional centers may be the result of the presence of midwives and interprofessional collaboration, organizational culture, or both.

Influence of midwifery presence in United States centers on labor care and outcomes of low-risk parous women: A Consortium on Safe Labor study

BACKGROUND

Sixty percent of United States births are to multiparous women. Hospital-level policies and culture may influence intrapartum care and birth outcomes for this large population, yet have been poorly explored using a large, diverse sample. We sought to use national United States data to analyze the association between midwifery presence in maternity care teams and the birth processes and outcomes of low-risk parous women.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Consortium on Safe Labor data from low-risk parous women in either interprofessional care (n = 12 125) or noninterprofessional care centers (n = 8996). Unadjusted, adjusted (age, race, health insurance type), propensity-adjusted, and propensity-matched logistic regression models were used to assess processes and outcomes.

RESULTS

There was concordance in outcome differences across regression models. With propensity score matching, women at interprofessional centers, compared with women at noninterprofessional centers, were 85% less likely to have labor induced (risk ratio [RR] 0.15; 95% CI 0.14-0.17). The risk for primary cesarean birth among low-risk parous women was 36% lower at interprofessional centers (RR 0.64; 95% CI 00.52-0.79), whereas the likelihood of vaginal birth after cesarean for this population was 31% higher (RR 1.31; 95% CI 1.10-1.56). There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Parous women have significantly higher rates of vaginal birth, including vaginal birth after cesarean, and lower likelihood of labor induction when cared for in centers with midwives. Our findings are consistent with smaller analyses of midwifery practice and support integrated, team-based models of perinatal care to improve maternal outcomes.

Intrapartum Care and Experiences of Women with Midwives Versus Obstetricians in the Listening to Mothers in California Survey

Introduction

Many studies based on hospital records or vital statistics have found that childbearing women experience benefits of lower rates of intervention with midwifery care versus obstetric care during labor and birth. Surveys of women's views and experiences can provide a richer analysis when comparing intrapartum care of midwives and obstetricians.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of data from the population‐based Listening to Mothers in California survey. The sample, which was representative of 2016 California hospital births, was drawn from birth certificate files and oversampled midwife‐attended births. Women responded to the survey in English or Spanish on any device or with a telephone interviewer. The present analysis is based on 1421 of the 2539 participants who identified a midwife or obstetrician as their attendant at a vaginal birth. A bivariate analysis of demographic, attitudinal, and intrapartum variables was conducted. A multivariable model included sociodemographic and attitudinal variables as covariates.

Results

Bivariate analyses found significant socioeconomic differences by type of intrapartum care provider, with women in California attended by midwives more likely to be well educated and privately insured than women attended by obstetricians. Women with midwife birth attendants were less likely to report experiencing various intrapartum medical interventions, less likely to experience pressure to have epidural analgesia, and more likely to report that staff encouraged the woman's decision making. Adjusted odds ratios found that women with midwives were less likely to experience medical interventions, including attempted labor induction; labor augmentation; and use of pain medications, epidural analgesia, and intravenous fluids; and less likely to report pressure to have labor induction or epidural analgesia. Women cared for by midwives were more likely to experience any nonpharmacologic pain relief measures and nitrous oxide and to agree that hospital staff encouraged their decision making.

Discussion

Using women's own reports of their care experiences and adjusting for possible differences in women's attitudes and case mix, we found that midwifery care of women who had vaginal births was associated with reduced use of medical interventions and increased women's decisional latitude during labor and birth.

The influence of individual provider characteristics and attitudes on caesarean section decision-making: a global review

Caesarean section (CS) rates have risen worldwide in the past two decades, particularly in middle and high-income countries. In addition to changing maternal and health system factors, there is growing evidence that provider factors may contribute to rising unnecessary caesareans. The aim of this review was to assess the evidence for the association between individual provider characteristics, attitudes towards CS and decision-making for CS. A search was conducted in May 2018 in PubMed and Web of Science with 23 papers included in our final review. Our results show that higher anxiety scores and more favourable opinions of CS were associated with increased likelihood of performing CS. These findings highlight a need for appropriate interventions to target provider attitudes towards CS to reduce unnecessary procedures.

What do women in Medicaid say about enhanced prenatal care? Findings from the national Strong Start evaluation

BACKGROUND

Medicaid pays for approximately half of United States births, yet little research has explored Medicaid beneficiaries' perspectives on their maternity care. Typical maternity care in the United States has been criticized as too medically focused while insufficiently addressing psychosocial risks and patient education. Enhanced care strives for a more holistic approach.

METHODS

The perspectives of participants in the Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns II initiative, which provided enhanced prenatal care to women covered by Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during pregnancy through Birth Centers, Group Prenatal Care, and Maternity Care Homes, are evaluated. Strong Start intended to improve care quality and birth outcomes while lowering costs. We analyzed data from 133 focus groups with 951 pregnant or postpartum women who participated in Strong Start from 2013 to 2017.

RESULTS

The majority of focus group participants said that Strong Start's enhanced care offered numerous important benefits over typical maternity care, including considerably more focus on women's psychosocial risk factors and need for education. They praised increased support; nutrition, breastfeeding, and family planning education; community referrals; longer time with practitioners; and involvement of partners in their care. Maternity Care Home participants, however, occasionally voiced concerns over lack of practitioner continuity and short clinical appointments, whereas Group Prenatal Care participants sometimes said they could not attend visits because of lack of childcare.

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries reported positive experiences with Strong Start care. If more Medicaid practitioners could adopt aspects of the prenatal care approaches that women praised most, it is likely that women's risk factors could be more effectively addressed and their overall care experiences could be improved.