Health after assisted vaginal delivery: Follow up of a random controlled study

Instruments for assisted vaginal birth

BACKGROUND

Assisted vaginal births are carried out to expedite birth for the benefit of mothers and babies but are sometimes associated with significant morbidity for both. Various instruments are available, broadly divided into forceps and vacuum cups, and choice may be influenced by clinical circumstances, operator preference, experience and availability.  OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the different instruments in terms of success in achieving a vaginal birth, and the risk of morbidity for mother and baby.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (14 May 2021), and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected randomised controlled trials of assisted vaginal birth using different instruments. The review did not include quasi-randomised trials, cluster-randomised trials or cross-over designs. The review included trials for which abstracts alone were available as long as there was sufficient information to assess eligibility.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.  The main outcomes assessed included failed delivery with allocated instrument, any maternal trauma, third- and fourth-degree tears, postpartum haemorrhage, any neonatal trauma, low Apgar and low umbilical artery pH.  MAIN RESULTS: We included 31 studies involving a total of 5754 women.  Risk of bias criteria were largely assessed as 'unclear', due to a lack of detail in trial reports. Blinding would have been challenging for all trials due to their inability to conceal the type of instrument used from either the woman or the operator, which is reflected in the risk of bias assessment. Any type of forceps versus any type of vacuum cup (12 studies, 3129 women) Forceps may be less likely to fail in achieving vaginal birth: risk ratio (RR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 0.88; 11 studies, 3080 women; low certainty. 'Any maternal trauma' may be slightly more likely with forceps: odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.40; 5 studies, 1356 women; low certainty; and third- or fourth-degree tears may also be more likely with forceps: RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.55; 9 studies, 2493 women; low certainty. There is no evidence of a difference in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) between the two groups: RR 1.71, 95% CI 0.59 to 4.95; 2 studies, 523 women; low certainty, because the evidence is very imprecise due to a very wide CI.  More women in the forceps group reported requiring pain relief. There is probably no evidence of difference in rates of low Apgar: RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.51; 7 studies, 1644 women; moderate certainty; or low umbilical artery pH in the forceps group compared to any vacuum: RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.93; 2 studies, 789 women; low certainty; both of these outcomes are imprecise and have wide CIs that include both benefit and harm. There were also lower rates of fetal trauma with 'any forceps' (cephalhematoma, retinal haemorrhage and jaundice). The composite outcome of 'any neonatal trauma' was not reported. Low-cavity forceps versus any vacuum cup (2 studies, 218 women) We included two small studies with 218 participants in this comparison, but we judged most of the evidence as very low certainty, hence it was not feasible to make judgements on the difference in the rates of failed delivery, any maternal trauma or third- and fourth- degree tears. PPH and low umbilical artery pH were not reported. Soft vacuum cup versus any rigid cup (9 studies, 1148 women) Failed delivery may be more likely in the soft vacuum cup group: RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.17; 9 studies, 1148 women; low certainty. There may be no difference in the rates of 'any maternal trauma': OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.67; 2 studies, 348 women; low certainty, but the confidence interval is wide, indicating possible benefit or harm. There may be no difference in the rates of third- or fourth-degree tears: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.44; 4 studies, 619 women; low certainty. There is probably no difference in the rates of PPH: RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.61; 5 studies, 737 women; moderate certainty between the soft and rigid cup groups.   There may be little or no difference in the incidence of low Apgar scores: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.37; 9 studies, 1148; low certainty; or low umbilical artery pH: RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.36; 1 study, 100 women; low certainty. Handheld vacuum versus any vacuum cup (4 studies, 968 women) There may be no difference in the rates of failures with allocated instrument: RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.25; 4 studies, 962 women; low certainty, any maternal trauma: OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.88; 2 studies; 394 women; low certainty, PPH: RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.92; 1 study, 164 women; low certainty, low umbilical artery pH: RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.59; 1 study, 164 women; low certainty, or low Apgar scores: RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.34 to 4.61; 3 studies, 784 women; low certainty) between the two groups. There is probably no difference in the rates of third- or fourth-degree tears between the 'handheld vacuum' and 'any vacuum cup' groups: RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.12; 4 studies, 962 women; moderate certainty.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review provides low-certainty evidence that forceps may be more likely to achieve vaginal birth and have lower rates of fetal trauma, but at a greater risk of perineal trauma and higher pain relief requirements compared with vacuum cups. There was low-certainty evidence that rigid vacuum cups may be more likely to achieve a vaginal birth than soft cups but with more fetal trauma, whilst handheld vacuum cups had similar success rates compared to other cups. There was no evidence of a difference in the rates of third- or fourth-degree tears or postpartum haemorrhages between types of cups, but wide confidence intervals around the estimates indicate further research is needed in this area.

WITHDRAWN: Vacuum extraction versus forceps for assisted vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Proponents of vacuum delivery argue that it should be chosen first for assisted vaginal delivery, because it is less likely to injure the mother.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of vacuum extraction compared to forceps, on failure to achieve delivery and maternal and neonatal morbidity.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Date of last search: February 1999.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Acceptably controlled comparisons of vacuum extraction and forceps delivery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten trials were included. The trials were of reasonable quality. Use of the vacuum extractor for assisted vaginal delivery when compared to forceps delivery was associated with significantly less maternal trauma (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.50) and with less general and regional anaesthesia. There were more deliveries with vacuum extraction (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 2.19). Fewer caesarean sections were carried out in the vacuum extractor group. However the vacuum extractor was associated with an increase in neonatal cephalhaematomata and retinal haemorrhages. Serious neonatal injury was uncommon with either instrument.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Use of the vacuum extractor rather than forceps for assisted delivery appears to reduce maternal morbidity. The reduction in cephalhaematoma and retinal haemorrhages seen with forceps may be a compensatory benefit.

Choice of instruments for assisted vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Instrumental or assisted vaginal birth is commonly used to expedite birth for the benefit of either mother or baby or both. It is sometimes associated with significant complications for both mother and baby. The choice of instrument may be influenced by clinical circumstances, operator choice and availability of specific instruments.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate different instruments in terms of achieving a vaginal birth and avoiding significant morbidity for mother and baby.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 May 2010).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of assisted vaginal delivery using different instruments.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality, extracted the data, and checked them for accuracy.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 32 studies (6597 women) in this review. Forceps were less likely than the ventouse to fail to achieve a vaginal birth with the allocated instrument (risk ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 0.94). However, with forceps there was a trend to more caesarean sections, and significantly more third- or fourth-degree tears (with or without episiotomy), vaginal trauma, use of general anaesthesia, and flatus incontinence or altered continence. Facial injury was more likely with forceps (RR 5.10, 95% CI 1.12 to 23.25). Using a random-effects model because of heterogeneity between studies, there was a trend towards fewer cases of cephalhaematoma with forceps (average RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.11).Among different types of ventouse, the metal cup was more likely to result in a successful vaginal birth than the soft cup, with more cases of scalp injury and cephalhaematoma. The hand-held ventouse was associated with more failures than the metal ventouse, and a trend to fewer than the soft ventouse.Overall forceps or the metal cup appear to be most effective at achieving a vaginal birth, but with increased risk of maternal trauma with forceps and neonatal trauma with the metal cup.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is a recognised place for forceps and all types of ventouse in clinical practice. The role of operator training with any choice of instrument must be emphasised. The increasing risks of failed delivery with the chosen instrument from forceps to metal cup to hand-held to soft cup vacuum, and trade-offs between risks of maternal and neonatal trauma identified in this review need to be considered when choosing an instrument.

Prevalence and persistence of health problems after childbirth: associations with parity and method of birth

BACKGROUND

Awareness about the extent of maternal physical and emotional health problems after childbirth is increasing, but few longitudinal studies examining their duration have been published. The aim of this study was to describe changes in the prevalence of maternal health problems in the 6 months after birth and their association with parity and method of birth.

METHODS

A population-based, cohort study was conducted in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia. The study population, comprising women who gave birth to a live baby from March to October 1997, completed 4 questionnaires on the fourth postpartum day, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks postpartum. Outcome measures were self-reported health problems during each of the three 8-week postpartum periods up to 24 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 1295 women participated, and 1193 (92) completed the study. Health problems showing resolution between 8 and 24 weeks postpartum were exhaustion/extreme tiredness (60-49), backache (53-45), bowel problems (37-17), lack of sleep/baby crying (30-15), hemorrhoids (30-13), perineal pain (22-4), excessive/prolonged bleeding (20-2), urinary incontinence (19-11), mastitis (15-3), and other urinary problems (5-3). No significant changes occurred in the prevalence of frequent headaches or migraines, sexual problems, or depression over the 6 months. Adjusting for method of birth, primiparas were more likely than multiparas to report perineal pain and sexual problems. Compared with unassisted vaginal births, women who had cesarean sections reported more exhaustion, lack of sleep, and bowel problems; reported less perineal pain and urinary incontinence in the first 8 weeks; and were more likely to be readmitted to hospital within 8 weeks of the birth. Women with forceps or vacuum extraction reported more perineal pain and sexual problems than those with unassisted vaginal births after adjusting for parity, perineal trauma, and length of labor.

CONCLUSIONS

Health problems commonly occurred after childbirth with some resolution over the 6 months postpartum. Some important differences in prevalence of health problems were evident when parity and method of birth were considered.

Achieving sustainable quality in maternity services - using audit of incontinence and dyspareunia to identify shortfalls in meeting standards

BACKGROUND: Some complications of childbirth (for example, faecal incontinence) are a source of social embarrassment for women, and are often under reported. Therefore, it was felt important to determine levels of complications (against established standards) and to consider obstetric measures aimed at reducing them. METHODS: Clinical information was collected on 1036 primiparous women delivering at North and South Staffordshire Acute and Community Trusts over a 5-month period in 1997. A questionnaire was sent to 970 women which included self-assessment of levels of incontinence and dyspareunia prior to pregnancy, at 6 weeks post delivery and 9 to 14 months post delivery. RESULTS: The response rate was 48%(470/970). Relatively high levels of obstetric interventions were found. In addition, the rates of instrumental deliveries differed between the two hospitals. The highest rates of postnatal symptoms had occurred at 6 weeks, but for many women problems were still present at the time of the survey. At 9-14 months high rates of dyspareunia (29%(102/347)) and urinary incontinence (35%(133/382)) were reported. Seventeen women (4%) complained of faecal incontinence at this time. Similar rates of urinary incontinence and dyspareunia were seen regardless of mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: Further work should be undertaken to reduce the obstetric interventions, especially instrumental deliveries. Improvements in a number of areas of care should be undertaken, including improved patient information, improved professional communication and improved professional recognition and management of third degree tears. It is likely that these measures would lead to a reduction in incontinence and dyspareunia after childbirth.

Trends in operative vaginal delivery rates and associated maternal complication rates in an inner-city hospital

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to determine trends in operative vaginal delivery rates in a large inner-city hospital and to assess associated risks.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study (1980-1996) of women with singleton term pregnancies who underwent operative vaginal delivery at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta. Maternal complication rates were compared between forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted methods.

RESULTS

There was a decline in forceps-assisted deliveries during the 1980s and an increase during the 1990s. The vacuum-assisted delivery rate was exceedingly low during the 1980s and increased during the 1990s. Women who underwent forceps-assisted delivery were more likely to be <24 years old, to be nulliparous, and to have had regional anesthesia, midline episiotomies, and infant presentations other than occipitoanterior (P <.001). Women who underwent forceps-assisted deliveries had increased risks of postpartum infection, cervical laceration, prolonged hospital stay, perineal laceration, and postpartum complications.

CONCLUSION

There were upward trends in the rates of operative vaginal delivery at this inner-city hospital. Women who underwent forceps-assisted delivery had greater rates of maternal complications than did those who underwent vacuum-assisted delivery.

Minimizing postpartum pain: a review of research pertaining to perineal care in childbearing women

This paper provides a review of literature that relates to perineal pain and care. Articles evaluated include systematic reviews and research papers from the disciplines of midwifery, physiotherapy and obstetrics. The major themes to emerge from the literature and be reviewed are the need for episiotomy, suturing methods and materials, assessment of perineal trauma, treatment of perineum in the postpartum period, and postpartum recovery. Research has highlighted that many practices relating to perineal care remain un-researched and therefore the need for evaluation is urgent. Further postpartum morbidity has been seen to affect many women, but is often unrecognized by practitioners. It is also a topic that requires further evaluation through well-designed and implemented research.

Vacuum extraction versus forceps for assisted vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND

Proponents of vacuum delivery argue that it should be chosen first for assisted vaginal delivery, because it is less likely to injure the mother.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of vacuum extraction compared to forceps, on failure to achieve delivery and maternal and neonatal morbidity.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Date of last search: February 1999.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Acceptably controlled comparisons of vacuum extraction and forceps delivery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten trials were included. The trials were of reasonable quality. Use of the vacuum extractor for assisted vaginal delivery when compared to forceps delivery was associated with significantly less maternal trauma (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.50) and with less general and regional anaesthesia. There were more deliveries with vacuum extraction (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 2.19). Fewer caesarean sections were carried out in the vacuum extractor group. However the vacuum extractor was associated with an increase in neonatal cephalhaematomata and retinal haemorrhages. Serious neonatal injury was uncommon with either instrument.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Use of the vacuum extractor rather than forceps for assisted delivery appears to reduce maternal morbidity. The reduction in cephalhaematoma and retinal haemorrhages seen with forceps may be a compensatory benefit.

Maternal and child health after assisted vaginal delivery: five-year follow up of a randomised controlled study comparing forceps and ventouse

OBJECTIVE

To undertake a five year follow up of a cohort of women and children delivered by forceps or vacuum extractor in a randomised controlled study.

DESIGN

Follow up of a randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

District general hospital in the West Midlands.

POPULATION

Follow up questionnaires were sent to 306 of the 313 women originally recruited at the North Staffordshire Hospital to a randomised controlled study comparing forceps and vacuum extractor for assisted delivery. Two hundred and twenty-eight women responded (74.5%) and all were included in the study; forceps (n = 115) and vacuum extractor (n = 113).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Bowel and urinary dysfunction, child vision assessment, and child development.

RESULTS

Maternal adverse symptoms at long term follow up were relatively common. Urinary incontinence of various severity was reported by 47%, bowel habit urgency was reported by 44% (98/225), and loss of bowel control 'sometimes' or 'frequently' by 20% of women (46/226). No significant differences between instruments were found in terms of either bowel or urinary dysfunction. Overall, 13% (20/158) of children were noted to have visual problems. There was no significant difference in visual function between the two groups: ventouse 11/86 (12.8%), compared with forceps 9/72 (12.5%); odds ratio 0.97, 95% CI 0.38-2.50. Of the 20 children with visual problems, a family history was known in 18, and 17/18 (94%) had a positive family history for visual problems. No significant differences in child development were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to suggest that at five years after delivery use of the ventouse or forceps has specific maternal or child benefits or side effects.

Maternal health after childbirth: results of an Australian population based survey

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of maternal physical and emotional health problems six to seven months after birth.

DESIGN

Statewide postal survey, incorporating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, distributed to women six to seven months after childbirth.

PARTICIPANTS

All women who gave birth in a two-week period in Victoria, Australia in September 1993 except those who had a stillbirth or known neonatal death.

RESULTS

The response rate was 62.5% (n = 1336). Respondents were representative of the total sample in terms of mode of delivery, parity and infant birthweight; young women, single women and women of nonEnglish speaking background were under-represented. One or more health problems in the first six postnatal months were reported by 94% of the women; a quarter had not talked to a health professional about their own health since the birth. Of women reporting health problems, 49% would have liked more help or advice. The most common health problems were tiredness (69%), backache (43.5%), sexual problems (26.3%), haemorrhoids (24.6%) and perineal pain (21%); 16.9% of women scored as depressed. Compared with spontaneous vaginal births, women having forceps or ventouse extraction had increased odds for perineal pain (OR 4.69 [95% CI 3.2-6.8]), sexual problems (OR 2.06 [95% CI 1.4-3.0]), and urinary incontinence (OR 1.81 [95% CI 1.1-2.9]). These differences remained significant after adjusting for infant birthweight, length of labour and degree of perineal trauma.

CONCLUSION

Physical and emotional health problems are common after childbirth, and are frequently not reported to health professionals despite the fact that many women would like more advice and assistance in dealing with them.

Health after childbirth: a comparison of normal and assisted vaginal delivery

413 women were included in the study: 100 who had had a normal delivery and 313 who had participated in a randomised controlled comparison of forceps or ventouse delivery. The study comprised a questionnaire and assessment at 24-48 hours after delivery and a questionnaire in the second year after delivery. There was significantly more morbidity in the women in the instrumental delivery group compared to women in the normal delivery group at both the early assessment and long-term follow-up.