Umbilical cord prolapse in primary midwifery care in the Netherlands; a case series. Part 2.

We aimed to gain insight into eight cases of umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) reported by primary care midwives in the Netherlands. Diagnosis-to-delivery interval (DDI) and risk factors were identified. Six cases occurred at home. Risk factors were found in four cases, but only two (unengaged fetal head) were known to the midwife prior to birth. One infant died of severe birth asphyxia; the other infants recovered and were discharged in good condition. The DDI varied from 13 to 72 minutes (median 41 minutes). The shortest DDI was found in the two cases of UCP occurring in hospital and birthing centre. In the six cases of UCP at home, DDI ranged from 31-72 minutes. The DDI is increased when UCP occurs at home, but no association with a less favourable perinatal outcome was found. Continuing multidisciplinary training is encouraged and guidelines should be developed and implemented.

Umbilical cord prolapse in primary midwifery care in the Netherlands; a case series.

We aimed to gain insight into umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) reported by primary care midwives in the Netherlands. Cases of UCP were reported by midwives who participated in a postgraduate training programme developed for community-based midwives. Cases were analysed using midwifery charts, ambulance report forms and discharge letters. Procedures to alleviate cord pressure, ambulance timing, mode of birth and neonatal outcomes were inventoried. Diagnosis to delivery interval (DDI) and risk factors were identified. Eight cases of UCP in primary midwifery care were reported of which six occurred at home. Risk factors such as malpresentation (breech) and/or unengaged presenting part were found in four cases, two (unengaged fetal head) were known to the midwife prior to birth. Retrograde bladder filling (2/8), manual elevation of the fetal head (7/8) and Trendelenburg position (1/8) were applied. One infant died of severe birth asphyxia; the other infants recovered and were discharged in good condition.

Haemorrhage after home birth: audit of decision making and referral.

In the Netherlands, 20 per cent of women give birth at home. In 0.7 per cent, referral to secondary care because of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is indicated. Midwives are regularly trained in managing obstetric emergencies. A postgraduate training programme developed for Dutch community-based midwives called 'CAVE' (pre-hospital obstetric emergency course) focuses on the identification and management of obstetric emergencies, including timely and adequate referral to hospital. This descriptive study aims to identify substandard care (SSC) in PPH after home birth in the Netherlands. Sixty seven cases of PPH reported by community-based midwives were collected. After applying selection criteria, seven cases were submitted to audit. The audit panel consisted of 12 midwives (of which seven contributed a case), 10 obstetricians, an educational expert and an ambulance paramedic. First, an individual assessment was performed by all members. Subsequently, at a plenary audit meeting, SSC factors were determined and assigned incidental, minor and major substandard care.

Haemorrhage after home birth: audit of decision making and referral. Part 2: Results and discussion.

This descriptive study aims to identify substandard care (SSC) in PPH after home birth in the Netherlands. Sixty seven cases of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) reported by community-based midwives were collected. After applying selection criteria, seven cases were submitted to audit. The audit panel consisted of 12 midwives (of whom seven contributed a case), 10 obstetricians, an educational expert and an ambulance paramedic. First, an individual assessment was performed by all members. Subsequently, at a plenary audit meeting, SSC factors were determined and assigned incidental, minor or major status. Major SSC was identified in two out of seven cases. We conclude that communication between different healthcare providers should be optimised and a proactive attitude taken to select women who plan to give birth at home, taking into account the possibility of timely referral in case of PPH or retained placenta. National multidisciplinary guidelines on managing obstetric haemorrhage in home birth are urgently needed.