Factors Affecting Mode of Birth in Women With Preexisting Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort at a Tertiary Referral Center.

Women with preexisting diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at higher risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, there is no consensus on a uniform approach regarding mode of birth (MOB) for all forms of diabetes. The aim of the study is to compare MOB in women with preexisting diabetes and GDM and possible factors influencing it. A retrospective cohort study of women with GDM and preexisting diabetes between 2015 and 2021 at a tertiary referral center was conducted. One thousand three hundred eighty-five singleton pregnancies were included. One thousand twenty-two (74.4%) women had a vaginal birth (VB) and 351 (25.6%) a caesarean section. Preexisting diabetes was significantly associated with caesarean section compared to GDM (OR 2.43). Five hundred fifty-one (40.1%) women underwent induction of labor, and 122 (22.1%) women had a secondary caesarean after IOL. Women induced due to spontaneous rupture of membrane (SROM) achieved the highest rate of VB at 93%. The lowest rates of VB occurred if indication for induction was for preeclampsia or hypertension. IOL was significantly less successful in preexisting diabetes with a VB achieved in 56.4% for type 1 diabetes and 52.6% of type 2 diabetes compared to GDM (78.2% in GDM; 81.2% in IGDM; OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.70-6.19, p < 0.001). The rate of VB was higher who were induced preterm compared to women with term IOL (n = 240 (81.9%) vs. n = 199 (73.2%); p < 0.05). Parity, previous VB and SROM favored VB after IOL, whereas preexisting diabetes, hypertension, and IOL after 40 + 0 weeks are independent risk factors for caesarean delivery.

Patterns of oxytocin use for induction and augmentation of labour among healthcare providers in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The practice of intrapartum use of oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labour is increasing worldwide with documented wide variations in clinical use, especially dose administrations. There is also evidence of intrapartum use by unauthorized cadre of staff. AIM: This study assessed the patterns - frequency of intrapartum use of oxytocin, the doses and routes of administration for induction and augmentation of labour, and identified the predictors of oxytocin use for induction and augmentation of labour by healthcare providers in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare providers - doctors, nurses/midwives and community health workers (CHWs) in public and private healthcare facilities across the country's six geopolitical zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 6,299 eligible healthcare providers who use oxytocin for pregnant women during labour and delivery. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant data and analysed using STATA 17 statistical software. Summary and inferential statistics were done and further analyses using multivariable regression models were performed to ascertain independent predictor variables of correct patterns of intrapartum oxytocin usage. The p-value was set at < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 6299 respondents who participated in the study, 1179 (18.7%), 3362 (53.4%), and 1758 (27.9%) were doctors, nurses/midwives and CHWs, respectively. Among the respondents, 4200 (66.7%) use oxytocin for augmentation of labour while 3314 (52.6%) use it for induction of labour. Of the 1758 CHWs, 37.8% and 49% use oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labour, respectively. About 10% of the respondents who use oxytocin for the induction or augmentation of labour incorrectly use the intramuscular route of administration and about 8% incorrectly use intravenous push. Being a doctor, and a healthcare provider from government health facilities were independent positive predictors of the administration of correct dose oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labour. The CHWs were most likely to use the wrong route and dose administration of oxytocin for the induction and augmentation of labour. CONCLUSION: Our study unveiled a concerning clinical practice of intrapartum oxytocin use by healthcare providers in Nigeria - prevalence of intrapartum use of oxytocin, inappropriate routes of administration for induction and augmentation of labour, varied and inappropriately high start dose of administration including unauthorized and high intrapartum use of oxytocin among CHWs.

External validation and updating of the Rossi nomogram for predicting cesarean delivery following induction: is the Bishop score valuable?

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to validate the Rossi nomogram in a Chinese population and then to include the Bishop score to see if it has an effect on the accuracy of the nomogram. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Rossi predictive model was applied and externally validated in a retrospective cohort from August 2017 and July 2023 in a Chinese tertiary-level medical center. For the revision and updating of the models, the regression coefficients of all the predictors (except race) were re-estimated and then the cervical Bishop score at the time of induction was added. Each model's performance was measured using the receiver-operating characteristic and calibration plots. Decision curve analysis determined the range of the probability threshold for each prediction model that would be of clinical value. RESULTS: A total of 721 women met the inclusion criteria, of whom 183 (25.4%) underwent a cesarean delivery. The calibration demonstrated the underestimation of the original model, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.789 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.753-0.825, p < 0.001). After recalibrating the original model, the discriminative performance was improved from 0.789 to 0.803. Moreover, the discriminatory power of the updated model was further improved when the Bishop score at the time of induction was added to the recalibrated multivariable model. Indeed, the updated model demonstrated good calibration and discriminatory power, with an AUC of 0.811. The decision curve analysis indicated that all the models (original, recalibrated, and updated) provided higher net benefits of between 0 and 60% of the probability threshold, which indicates the benefits of using the models to make decisions concerning patients who fall within the identified range of the probability threshold. The net benefits of the updated model were higher than those of the original model and the recalibrated model. CONCLUSION: The nomogram used to predict cesarean delivery following induction developed by Rossi et al. has been validated in a Chinese population in this study. More specifically, adaptation to a Chinese population by excluding ethnicity and including the Bishop score prior to induction gave rise to better performance. The three models (original, recalibrated, and updated) offer higher net benefits when the probability threshold is between 0 and 60%.

Outcome of induction of labour at 41 weeks with foley catheter in midwifery-led care.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the outcome of induction of labour (IOL) with a Foley catheter in pregnancies at 41 weeks in midwifery-led care setting compared to consultant-led care setting. DESIGN: Mixed-methods cohort study at a midwifery - hospital partnership in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospectively, women undergoing IOL in midwifery-led care were recruited at a secondary hospital. This group was compared to a retrospective cohort, in which IOL was exclusively performed under consultant-led care. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: We compared 320 women whose induction started in midwifery-led care to a historical cohort of 320 women induced for the same reason under consultant-led care. Both groups exhibited similar rates of spontaneous vaginal births (64.2 %vs62.5 %). Caesarean section and assisted vaginal birth rates did not significantly differ. Maternal adverse outcomes were comparable, while neonatal adverse outcomes were significantly higher in the midwifery-led care group (8.1 %vs3.8 %; OR 2.27, 95 % CI 1.12-4.58). The use of pain relief was significantly lower in midwife-led care (65.3 %vs75.3 %; OR 0.62, 95 % CI 0.44-0.87). 20.6 % of births occurred in midwife-led care. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In this single-centre study, spontaneous vaginal birth rates following IOL with a Foley catheter were similar between midwife- and consultant-led care. However, the midwife-led group showed a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, mainly early onset neonatal sepsis, with a minority eventually delivering under midwife-led care. Implications highlight the need for broader research, validation across diverse settings and exploration of patient and healthcare worker perspectives to refine the evolving midwifery-led care model.

The association between caesarean section delivery and obesity at age 17 years. Evidence from a longitudinal cohort study in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescent obesity are major, preventable public health concerns. Studies to date are inconclusive regarding an association between caesarean section (CS) delivery and offspring obesity, with fewer studies conducted in late adolescence. This study examined the association between CS delivery, with a specific focus on planned CS, and induction of labour and adolescent body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) at age 17 years. METHODS: Data on 8,880 mother-child pairs from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study were analysed. The exposures were mode of delivery (normal vaginal delivery (VD) (reference), assisted VD, planned CS and emergency CS) and mode of delivery by induction of labour status. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression and linear regression models were fitted examining BMI and BF% at age 17 years respectively, adjusting for several potential confounders. RESULTS: Adolescents born by CS did not have an elevated BMI or BF% compared to those born by normal VD. The fully adjusted results for overweight and obesity in children born by planned CS, compared to VD, were 1.05 (95% CI: 0.86-1.28) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.72-1.23), respectively. The results were similar for the associations between CS and BF%, and between induction of labour and BMI. CONCLUSION: Overall, this large longitudinal study did not support an association between CS or induction of labour and overweight, obesity or BF%. It is possible that previously reported associations are due to residual or unmeasured confounding and/or underlying indications for CS delivery.

Maternal and neonatal outcome in pregnant women undergone induction of labor at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention aimed at initiating labor when spontaneous onset is delayed or deemed necessary for maternal or fetal well-being. Despite its widespread use, the practice's impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. This study aims to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with labor induction in a tertiary hospital setting in Tanzania. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a seven-month period from January 2021 to July 2021 at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 120 pregnant women who underwent labor induction during this period were included in the analysis. Data on maternal demographics, obstetric characteristics, indications for induction, methods of induction, labor outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical records and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Among 4773 deliveries during the study period, 120 women underwent labor induction, accounting for 120 (2.5%) of all deliveries. The most common indications for induction were postdate pregnancy 60 (50%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 38 (31.7%), and premature rupture of membranes 22 (17.5%). The majority of induced women 74 (61.7%) delivered vaginally, with 46 (38.3%) undergoing cesarean section. Maternal complications were minimal, with the most common being failed induction of labor 17 (14.2%). Neonatal outcomes were generally positive, with 120 (100%) of neonates having Apgar scores of 7 or higher at five minutes, although 10 (8.3%) required admission to the neonatal ward for further care. CONCLUSION: Labor induction at Muhimbili National Hospital demonstrated favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes, with low rates of maternal complications and positive neonatal Apgar scores. Postdate pregnancy emerged as the most common indication for induction. While the study highlights the benefits of labor induction, its retrospective nature and single-center setting limit the generalizability of findings. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and inform evidence-based obstetric practices.

Swedish maternity care professionals' perception of labor induction.

BACKGROUND: Sweden recently adopted new labor induction guidelines lowering the threshold for post-term pregnancies to 41+ weeks. Despite evidence-based foundation, these guidelines stirred controversy among maternity care professionals, who voiced concerns about potential risks and unintended consequences, such as a rising Caesarean section rate. Midwives also highlighted potential impacts on their roles, workload, and working environment; implications that could affect obstetricians and gynecologists as well. Investigating Swedish maternity care professionals' views on labor induction could benefit policymakers, managers, and birthing women alike. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe and compare midwives to obstetricians/gynecologists, with regards to their views on labor induction, and how this relates to other work-related variables such as overall job satisfaction, clinical experience, gender, age, personality, and workload. METHODS: Swedish midwives (N = 207, 99 % women, M = 45.2 years), and obstetricians/gynecologists (N = 240, 83 % women, M = 44.3 years) responded to an online questionnaire reflecting aspects of maternity care work. The data was analyzed using Welch's t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: A large difference was observed in labor induction views between midwives and obstetricians/gynecologists (d = 1.39), as well as lower job satisfaction with midwives (d = -0.26). Overall job satisfaction further correlated negatively with views on labor induction (r = -0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Labor inductions might pose challenges to midwives and could bring to light underlying tensions between obstetricians/gynecologists and midwives. Given the modest response rate of the study, we cautiously suggest that while the development of new maternity care guidelines should be grounded in evidence, they should also embrace concerns and insights from a diversity of professional perspectives.

Pelvic Floor Symptoms 4 Years After Elective Labor Induction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Pelvic floor disorders are common and burdensome. Data on the effect of induction of labor on pelvic floor disorders are sparse and results are mixed. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate whether elective labor induction in nulliparous women increases the risks of symptomatic urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence (AI), or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) 4 years after delivery. STUDY DESIGN: In this single-site follow-up study of "A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management" (ARRIVE) that randomized low-risk nulliparous women with a singleton fetus to elective induction of labor versus expectant management, we compared pelvic floor symptoms between groups at a median of 4 years (interquartile range, 3.5-5.3) after first delivery using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Seventy hundred sixty-six of 1,042 (74%) original participants responded, and 647 participants (62%) were included in the analysis after exclusions. The overall prevalence rates of symptomatic moderate to severe UI, AI, and POP were 21%, 14%, and 8%, respectively. There were no significant differences in any of the outcomes between women randomized to induction of labor and those to expectant management, either in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. There were also no differences in secondary outcomes, including subtypes of UI or flatal versus stool incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-site study, we found no significant differences in any UI, AI, and POP symptoms between nulliparous women randomized to elective induction of labor and to expectant management; however, for the least frequent outcome (POP), meaningful differences cannot be ruled out.

Implementation of sonopartogram: multicenter feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Well-established clinical practice for assessing progress in labor involves routine abdominal palpation and vaginal examination (VE). However, VE is subjective, poorly reproducible and painful for most women. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of systematically integrating transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound assessment of fetal position, parasagittal angle of progression (psAOP), head-perineum distance (HPD) and sonographic cervical dilatation (SCD) to monitor the progress of labor in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL). We also aimed to determine if ultrasound can reduce women's pain during such examinations. METHODS: Women were recruited as they presented for IOL in three maternity units. Ultrasound assessments were performed in 100 women between 37 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks' gestation. A baseline combined transabdominal and transperineal scan was performed, including assessment of fetal biometry, umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler, amniotic fluid index, fetal spine and occiput positions, psAOP, HPD, SCD and cervical length. Intrapartum scans were performed instead of VE, unless there was a clinical indication to perform a VE, according to protocol. Participants were asked to indicate their level of pain by verbally giving a pain score between 0 and 10 (with 0 representing no pain) during assessment. Repeated measures data were analyzed using mixed-effect models to identify significant factors that affected the relationship between psAOP, HPD, SCD and mode of delivery. RESULTS: A total of 100 women were included in the study. Of these, 20% delivered by Cesarean section, 65% vaginally and 15% by instrumental delivery. There were no adverse fetal or maternal outcomes. A total of 223 intrapartum ultrasound scans were performed in 87 participants (13 women delivered before intrapartum ultrasound was performed), with a median of two scans per participant (interquartile range (IQR), 1-3). Of these, 76 women underwent a total of 151 VEs with a median of one VE per participant (IQR, 0-2), with no significant difference between vaginal- or Cesarean-delivery groups. After excluding those with epidural anesthesia during examination, the median pain score for intrapartum scans was 0 (IQR, 0-1) and for VE it was 3 (IQR, 0-6). Cesarean delivery was significantly associated with a slower rate of change in psAOP, HPD and SCD. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound assessment can be used to assess progress in labor and can reduce the level of pain experienced during examination. Ultrasound assessment may be able to replace some transabdominal and vaginal examinations during labor. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pregnancy-related cardiac outcomes among patients with congenital heart disease after formalization of a cardio-obstetrics program.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pregnant patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasing, and these patients are at high risk for cardiac morbidity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the pregnancy outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease before and after the establishment of formal cardio-obstetrics collaboration between adult congenital heart disease and maternal-fetal medicine programs. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients with congenital heart disease from 2002 to 2020 at a single urban academic institution in the United States. This study included patients with a singleton pregnancy who continued a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was a composite adverse maternal cardiac outcome, compared before (2002-2010) and after (2011-2020) the program. The secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, rate of labor induction, use of diuresis after delivery, and a composite maternal morbidity outcome. RESULTS: The number of pregnant patients with congenital heart disease increased after formalization of the cardio-obstetrics program (200 [postprogram group] vs 84 [preprogram group]; 0.48% of all deliveries in the postprogram group vs 0.25% of all deliveries in the preprogram group; P<.001). The postprogram group was more likely to undergo labor induction than the preprogram group (126 [63%] vs 34 [41%], respectively; P<.001). There were fewer patients in the postprogram group than in the preprogram group who were New York Heart Association class II to IV (23 [12%] vs 17 [22%], respectively; P=.04) or with systemic ventricular dysfunction (8 [4%] vs 12 [16%], respectively; P=.001). There was no difference in the primary outcome (38 [19%] in the postprogram group vs 14 [17%] in the preprogram group; P=.64), even after adjusting for confounders, including New York Heart Association class >I and systemic ventricular dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-5.4). Patients in the postprogram group were more likely to receive diuresis after delivery than patients in the preprogram group, even in the absence of heart failure or pulmonary edema (9 [4.5%] vs 0 [0.0%], respectively; P=.04). CONCLUSION: In the period after the establishment of a formal cardio-obstetrics program between adult congenital heart disease and maternal-fetal medicine, the number of patients with congenital heart disease delivering at our institution increased significantly. Overall, fewer patients entered pregnancy with advanced-stage heart failure or systemic ventricular dysfunction, possibly suggesting improved prepregnancy cardiac care or improved preconception counseling. Composite maternal cardiac outcomes were similar, but the rates of postpartum diuresis increased significantly, suggesting increased attention to volume status in the postpartum period. Formalized collaboration between congenital heart disease and maternal-fetal medicine may help better optimize patients' care before conception, during pregnancy, and after delivery.

Peripartum interventions for people with class III obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify evidence-based peripartum interventions for people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 2022 without date, publication type, or language restrictions. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Cohort and randomized controlled trials that implemented an intervention and evaluated peripartum outcomes of people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 were included. The primary outcome depended on the intervention but was commonly related to wound morbidity after cesarean delivery (ie, infection, separation, hematoma). METHODS: Meta-analysis was completed for interventions with at least 2 studies. Pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and heterogeneity (I2 statistics) were reported. RESULTS: Of 20,301 studies screened, 30 studies (17 cohort and 13 randomized controlled trials) encompassing 10 types of interventions were included. The interventions included delivery planning (induction of labor, planned cesarean delivery), antibiotics during labor induction or for surgical prophylaxis, 6 types of cesarean delivery techniques, and anticoagulation dosing after a cesarean delivery. Planned cesarean delivery compared with planned vaginal delivery did not improve outcomes according to 3 cohort studies. One cohort study compared 3 g with 2 g of cephazolin prophylaxis for cesarean delivery and found no differences in surgical site infections. According to 3 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials, there was no improvement in outcomes with a non-low transverse skin incision. Ten studies (4 cohort and 6 randomized controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Two randomized controlled trials compared subcuticular closure with suture vs staples after cesarean delivery and found no differences in wound morbidity within 6 weeks of cesarean delivery (n=422; risk ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.59; I2=9%). Prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy was compared with standard dressing in 4 cohort and 4 randomized controlled trials, which found no differences in wound morbidity (cohort n=2200; risk ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.63; I2=66.1%) or surgical site infections (randomized controlled trial n=1262; risk ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.29; I2=0). CONCLUSION: Few studies address interventions in people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2, and most studies did not demonstrate a benefit. Either staples or suture are recommended for subcuticular closure, but available data do not support prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy after cesarean delivery for people with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2.

Induction of labor and cesarean birth in lower-risk nulliparous women at term: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether induction of labor (IOL) is associated with cesarean birth (CB) and perinatal mortality in uncomplicated first births at term compared with expectant management outside the confines of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Population-based retrospective cohort study of all births in Victoria, Australia, from 2010 to 2018 (n = 640,191). Preliminary analysis compared IOL at 37 weeks with expectant management at that gestational age and beyond for uncomplicated pregnancies. Similar comparisons were made for IOL at 38, 39, 40, and 41 weeks of gestation and expectant management. The primary analysis repeated these comparisons, limiting the population to nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies and excluding those with a medical indication for IOL. We compared perinatal mortality between groups using Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression for all other comparisons. Adjusted odds ratios and 99% confidence intervals were reported. p < 0.01 denoted statistical significance. RESULTS: Among nulliparous, uncomplicated pregnancies at ≥37 weeks of gestation in Victoria, IOL increased from 24.6% in 2010 to 30.0% in 2018 (p < 0.001). In contrast to the preliminary analysis, the primary analysis showed that IOL in lower-risk nulliparous women was associated with increased odds of CB when performed at 38 (aOR 1.23(1.13-1.32)), 39 (aOR 1.31(1.23-1.40)), 40 (aOR 1.42(1.35-1.50)), and 41 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.43(1.35-1.51)). Perinatal mortality was rare in both groups and non-significantly lower in the induced group at most gestations. DISCUSSION: For lower-risk nulliparous women, the odds of CB increased with IOL from 38 weeks of gestation, along with decreased odds of perinatal mortality at 41 weeks only.

The use of adjunctive mechanical dilation at the time of induction termination and adverse health outcomes: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess if the use of mechanical dilation at the time of induction termination is associated with changes in the time from initiation of labor to expulsion of the fetus (induction-to-expulsion interval) and with the frequency of health complications when compared with medication management alone. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHAL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January 2000 to May 2023. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials of individuals who were assigned to undergo mechanical dilation (ie, laminaria, Dilapan-S, and intracervical Foley balloon catheter) in combination with the use of medication and compared it with the outcomes of medication use (eg, prostaglandins, antiprogestins, oxytocin) alone. METHODS: The primary outcome was the induction-to-expulsion interval. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of clinical chorioamnionitis, sepsis, hemorrhage, the need for blood transfusion and uterotonics, cervical laceration, the need for adjunctive procedures (eg, dilation and curettage), failed induction termination, uterine rupture, intensive care unit admission, or death. Assessment of bias was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A subgroup analysis was performed among studies deemed to be at low risk of bias. RESULTS: Of 864 abstracts identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies demonstrated a shorter induction-to-expulsion interval among those randomized to mechanical dilation, whereas 6 studies demonstrated a similar or longer induction-to-expulsion interval. There were no significant differences reported in the frequency of any adverse outcomes between the trial arms. In addition, most studies (8/11) exhibited moderate to high levels of bias. In an analysis of the 3 studies deemed to have a low risk of bias, 1 (n=60) demonstrated a longer induction-to-expulsion interval with adjunctive laminaria, 1 (n=60) demonstrated a shorter induction-to-expulsion interval with adjunctive intracervical Foley balloon catheter use, and 1 demonstrated no difference in the induction-to-expulsion interval with adjunctive Dilapan-S use (n=180). CONCLUSION: Only a small number of studies, most of which were of low quality, assessed mechanical dilation for induction termination. The results of these studies were inconsistent in terms of the induction-to-expulsion interval of adjunctive mechanical methods in comparison with medication management alone. Studies did not reveal significant differences between the groups in adverse outcomes. Further research should investigate the use of mechanical dilation at the time of induction termination using high-quality methods.

The role of acupuncture in the present approach to labor induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the bibliographic references available on the contribution of acupuncture as a strategy to avoid labor induction and the methodology used; and explore the characteristics of the population and the results of the intervention in order to direct the design of future studies. DATA SOURCE: A systematic search for publications between January 2000 and September 2023 of the CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EUDRACT databases was performed. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included randomized clinical trials of pregnant women who underwent acupuncture before labor induction with a filiform needle or acupressure, including at least 1 of the following outcomes: spontaneous labor rate, time from procedure to delivery, and cesarean delivery rate. Articles published in English or German language were included. METHODS: Whenever possible, a meta-analysis using RevMan software was performed using a random effects model with the I2 statistic because important heterogeneity in the different acupuncture treatments was expected. When enough data were available, the effect of the participants' characteristics on the results of the interventions were explored using the following subgroups: 1-Age (≥35 vs <35 years), and 2- body mass index (≥30 vs <30 kg/m2). When a meta-analysis was not possible, a narrative synthesis of the results was performed. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Seventeen studies including 3262 women fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between groups for outcomes (relative risk, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.10; I2, 11%) comparing acupuncture vs sham acupuncture. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the spontaneous onset of labor rate favoring acupuncture vs no acupuncture (relative risk, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.23; I2, 25%). Regarding the age analysis, no differences between groups were observed in the spontaneous labor rate and cesarean delivery rate for acupuncture vs sham and acupuncture vs no acupuncture comparisons (difference between groups, P>.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial in reducing the rate of induction of labor; however, well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary. Maternal age ≥35 years and a high body mass index were underrepresented, and the findings may not be representative of the current population in our context.

Determinants of successful labor induction in a teaching hospital in Nigeria: a 10-year review / Determinantes da indução do trabalho de parto bem sucedida em hospital-escola na Nigéria: uma revisão de 10 anos

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the success rate of labor induction and determinants of successful outcome. Methods: retrospective cohort study of parturients that undergone labor induction between 2006 and 2015. Data was retrieved from the medical records and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the determinants of successful labor induction. Results: the rate of labor induction was 10.9%. Out of the 940 women analysed, six hundred and fifty-six women (69.8%) had successful vaginal delivery. Labor induction at 39-40 weeks (OR=2.70; CI95%=1.17-6.36), 41 weeks (OR=2.44; CI95%=1.14-5.28), estimated fetal weight between 2.5 and 3.4kg (OR=4.27, CI95%=1.96-5.59) and estimated fetal weight of 3.5-3.9kg (OR=5.45; CI95%=2.81-10.60) increased the odds of achieving vaginal delivery. Conclusions: our findings suggest that 39, 40 and 41 weeks are optimal gestational ages for labor induction with respect to successful vaginal delivery. Also, estimated fetal weight between 2.5kg and 3.9kg favours successful vaginal delivery.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a taxa de sucesso da indução do trabalho de parto e determinantes de um resultado bem sucedido. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectivo de parturientes que submeteram a indução de trabalho de parto entre 2006 e 2015. Os dados foram recuperados dos registros médicos e a regressão logística multivariada foi utilizada para avaliar os determinantes da indução de trabalho de parto bem sucedida. Resultados: a taxa de indução de trabalho de parto foi de 10,9%. Das 940 mulheres analisadas, seiscentas e cinquenta e seis mulheres (69,8%) tiveram um parto vaginal bem sucedido. A indução de trabalho de parto nas 39-40 semanas (OR=2,70; IC95%=1,17-6,36), 41 semanas (OR=2,44; IC95%=1,14-5,28), peso fetal estimado entre 2,5 e 3,4kg OR=4,27; IC95%=1,96-5,59) e peso fetal estimado entre 3,5-3,9kg (OR=5,45; IC95%=2,81-10,60) aumentou as probabilidades de conseguir um parto vaginal. Conclusões: as nossas conclusões sugerem que as 39, 40 e 41 semanas são idades gestacionais ideais para a indução do trabalho de parto no que diz respeito ao sucesso do parto vaginal. Além disso, o peso fetal estimado entre 2,5kg e 3,9kg favorece o parto vaginal bem sucedido.

Planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery outcomes in pregnancies complicated with pregestational type 1 diabetes - A three-year academic tertiary hospital cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Finland has the world's highest incidence of 62.5/100000 of diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) with approximately 400 (1%) DM1 pregnancies annually. Pregnancies complicated by DM1 are accompanied with increased risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality. Timing and mode of delivery are based on the risk of complications, yet the data on labor induction is limited. The aim of this study was to compare delivery outcomes in planned vaginal (VD) and planned cesarean deliveries (CD) in late preterm and term DM1 pregnancies, and to evaluate the feasibility of labor induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women with DM1, live singleton fetus in cephalic presentation ≥34 gestational weeks delivering in Helsinki University Hospital between January 1st 2017 and December 31st 2019 were included. The primary outcome were the rates of adverse maternal and perinatal outcome. The study population was classified according to the 1980-revised White's classification. Statistical analyses were performed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. RESULTS: Two hundred four women were included, 59.8% (n = 122) had planned VD. The rate of adverse maternal outcome was 27.5% (n = 56), similar between the planned modes of delivery and White classes. The rate of perinatal adverse outcome was 38.7% (n = 79), higher in planned CD (52.4% vs. 29.5%;p = 0.001). The most common adverse perinatal event was respiratory distress (48.8% vs. 23.0%;p <  0.001). The rate of adverse perinatal outcome was higher in White class D + Vascular compared to B + C (45.0% vs. 25.0%, OR after adjustment by gestational age 2.34 [95% CI 1.20-4.50];p = 0.01). The total rate of CD was 63.7% (n = 130), and 39.3% (n = 48) in planned VD. Women with White class D + Vascular more often had emergency CD compared to White Class B + C (48.6% vs. 25.0%;p = 0.009). The rate of labor induction was 51%, being 85.2% in planned VD. The rate of VD in induced labor was 58.7% (n = 61) and the rate of failed induction was 14.1% (n = 15). CONCLUSION: Planned VD was associated with lower rate of adverse perinatal outcome compared to planned CS, with no difference in the rates of adverse maternal outcome. Induction of labor may be feasible option but should be carefully considered in this high-risk population.

Failed induction of labor and associated factors among women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor is a process of artificially initiating labor to attain vaginal birth. Despite its vital role in the reduction of maternal mortality, the failure rate of induction and its contributing factors were not well studied in Ethiopia; particularly there was a limited study in the study area. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with failed induction of labor among women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 743 women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling method was used to draw a sample and the data were retrieved from the maternity registration books and medical records. Data were cleaned and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 used for analysis. Frequencies, proportions, and summary statistics were used to describe the study population and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors contributing to failed induction of labor. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval computed and level of significance declared at P-value< 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of failed induction of labor was 24.4% (95% CI: 21.4, 27.9). Age ≤ 30 years (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.2,6.2), rural residence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.4,5.8), being nulliparous (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2,3.7), 5 or less Bishop Score (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.2,5.4), premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5,4.6), having pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.3,7.1), and artificial rupture of membrane with oxytocin (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.4) were associated with failed induction of labor. CONCLUSIONS: One-fourth of women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital had failed induction of labor. Age, residence, parity, bishop score, premature-rupture of the membrane, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and method of induction were independent predictors for failed induction of labor. The combination method of ARM with oxytocin, early detection and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension and premature rupture of the membrane are highly recommended for reducing failed induction of labor.