Guideline No. 432a: Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labour - General Information.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. EVIDENCE: Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction of labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: All providers of obstetrical care.

Directive clinique no 432a : Maturation cervicale et déclenchement artificiel du travail - Information générale.

OBJECTIF: Présenter des données probantes et des recommandations sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. Fournir de l'information aux professionnels accoucheurs et aux personnes enceintes sur les soins périnataux optimaux et la prévention des interventions obstétricales inutiles. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application interprofessionnelle et cohérente de la présente directive, l'équipement adéquat et le personnel compétent améliorent la sécurité des soins per partum. Les personnes enceintes et leurs personnes de soutien doivent être informées des risques et bénéfices du déclenchement artificiel du travail. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée jusqu'en mars 2022 a été passée en revue. Une recherche a été effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Library pour répertorier des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été obtenue à l'aide de recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux.

Guideline No. 432b: Cervical Ripening.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. EVIDENCE: Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction of labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: All providers of obstetrical care.

Directive clinique no 432b : Maturation cervicale.

OBJECTIF: Présenter des données probantes et des recommandations sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. Fournir de l'information aux professionnels accoucheurs et aux personnes enceintes sur les soins périnataux optimaux et la prévention des interventions obstétricales inutiles. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application interprofessionnelle et cohérente de la présente directive, l'équipement adéquat et le personnel compétent améliorent la sécurité des soins per partum. Les personnes enceintes et leurs personnes de soutien doivent être informées des risques et bénéfices du déclenchement artificiel du travail. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée jusqu'en mars 2022 a été passée en revue. Une recherche a été effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Library pour répertorier des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été obtenue à l'aide de recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux.

Guideline No. 432c: Induction of Labour.

OBJECTIVES: This guideline presents evidence and recommendations for cervical ripening and induction of labour. It aims to provide information to birth attendants and pregnant individuals on optimal perinatal care while avoiding unnecessary obstetrical intervention. TARGET POPULATION: All pregnant patients. BENEFITS, RISKS, AND COSTS: Consistent interprofessional use of the guideline, appropriate equipment, and trained professional staff enhance safe intrapartum care. Pregnant individuals and their support person(s) should be informed of the benefits and risks of induction of labour. EVIDENCE: Literature published to March 2022 was reviewed. PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for systematic reviews, randomized control trials, and observational studies on cervical ripening and induction labour. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: All providers of obstetrical care. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: Misoprostol OXYTOCIN: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Directive clinique no 432c : Déclenchement artificiel du travail.

OBJECTIFS: Présenter des données probantes et des recommandations sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. Fournir de l'information aux professionnels accoucheurs et aux personnes enceintes sur les soins périnataux optimaux et la prévention des interventions obstétricales inutiles. POPULATION CIBLE: Toutes les patientes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application interprofessionnelle et cohérente de la présente directive, l'équipement adéquat et le personnel compétent améliorent la sécurité des soins per partum. Les personnes enceintes et leurs personnes de soutien doivent être informées des risques et bénéfices du déclenchement artificiel du travail. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée jusqu'en mars 2022 a été passée en revue. Une recherche a été effectuée dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Library pour répertorier des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques randomisés et des études observationnelles sur la maturation cervicale et le déclenchement artificiel du travail. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été obtenue à l'aide de recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Tous les fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRESMISOPROSTOL: OCYTOCINE: RECOMMANDATIONS.

No 376 - Recours au sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale.

OBJECTIF: Fournir des directives sur l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium visant à offrir une neuroprotection aux enfants prématurés. OPTIONS: L'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale devrait être envisagée chez les femmes enceintes de 33+6 semaines ou moins étant sur le point d'accoucher prématurément; l'accouchement prématuré imminent est défini par une forte probabilité d'accouchement en raison d'un travail actif accompagné d'une dilatation du col d'au moins 4 cm, avec ou sans rupture prématurée des membranes avant le travail, ou comme un accouchement prématuré planifié pour des indications maternelles ou fœtales. Outre le sulfate de magnésium, aucun autre agent offrant une neuroprotection fœtale n'est connu. RéSULTATS: Les issues évaluées sont l'incidence de la paralysie cérébrale (PC) et du décès néonatal. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été récupérée au moyen de recherches menées dans PubMed ou Medline, CINAHL et la Bibliothèque Cochrane en décembre 2017 à l'aide d'une terminologie et de mots-clés contrôlés (« magnesium sulphate ¼, « cerebral palsy ¼, « preterm birth ¼). Les résultats retenus provenaient de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés et d'autres études observationnelles pertinentes. Aucune restriction de date ou de langue n'a été employée. Les recherches ont été refaites régulièrement, et les résultats ont été incorporés à la directive clinique jusqu'en décembre 2017. Nous avons également tenu compte de la littérature grise (non publiée) trouvée sur les sites Web d'organismes d'évaluation des technologies de la santé et d'autres organismes liés aux technologies de la santé, dans des collections de directives cliniques et dans des registres d'essais cliniques, et obtenue auprès d'associations nationales et internationales de médecins spécialistes. VALEURS: La qualité des données probantes a été évaluée au moyen des critères énoncés dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (tableau 1). AVANTAGES, DéSAVANTAGES ET COûTS: L'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale réduit le risque de « décès ou PC ¼ (risque relatif [RR] : 0,85; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 0,74-0,98; 4 essais; 4 446 enfants), de « décès ou PC modérée ou grave ¼ (RR : 0,85; IC à 95 % : 0,73-0,99; 3 essais; 4 250 enfants), de « PC de quelque gravité que ce soit ¼ (RR : 0,71; IC à 95 % : 0,55-0,91; 4 essais; 4 446 enfants), de « PC modérée ou grave ¼ (RR : 0,60; IC à 95 % : 0,43-0,84; 3 essais; 4 250 enfants) et de « dysfonctionnement important de la motricité globale ¼ (incapacité à marcher sans aide) à l'âge de deux ans [RR : 0,60; IC à 95 % : 0,43-0,83; 3 essais; 4 387 femmes). Les conclusions allaient dans le même sens d'une étude et d'une méta-analyse à l'autre. Aucune augmentation significative des coûts liés aux soins de santé n'est attendue, puisque les femmes admissibles à l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium seront celles dont l'accouchement prématuré est imminent. VALIDATION: Une directive clinique australienne sur l'administration prénatale de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale a été publiée en mars 2010 par l'Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate for Neuroprotection Guideline Development Panel. On y recommande la même posologie que dans la présente directive, mais seulement chez les femmes enceintes de moins de 30 semaines, pour deux raisons : premièrement, aucun sous-groupe d'âge gestationnel n'a semblé bénéficier d'un avantage clair; et deuxièmement, en raison de cette incertitude, le comité a été d'avis qu'il valait mieux limiter les répercussions que pouvait avoir leur directive clinique sur la répartition des ressources. En mars 2010, l'American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists a publié une opinion de comité sur l'administration de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale, dans laquelle on peut lire : « Les données probantes disponibles semblent indiquer que l'administration de sulfate de magnésium avant un accouchement prématuré anticipé réduit le risque de paralysie cérébrale chez les enfants survivants. ¼ On n'y mentionne aucun seuil d'âge gestationnel, mais on recommande aux médecins de rédiger des lignes directrices sur les critères d'inclusions, la posologie, la tocolyse concomitante et la surveillance à exercer, selon les résultats d'un essai de grande envergure. De même, en 2015, l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé a également indiqué que l'administration de sulfate de magnésium aux fins de neuroprotection fœtale faisait partie des interventions recommandées pour améliorer les issues des grossesses prenant fin prématurément, mais a précisé que d'autres études portant sur la posologie et les traitements répétés étaient nécessaires. COMMANDITAIRE: Les Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (IRSC). DéCLARATION SOMMAIRE: RECOMMANDATIONS.

No. 376-Magnesium Sulphate for Fetal Neuroprotection.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to provide guidelines for the use of antenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection of the preterm infant. OPTIONS: Antenatal magnesium sulphate administration should be considered for fetal neuroprotection when women present at ≤33 + 6 weeks with imminent preterm birth, defined as a high likelihood of birth because of active labour with cervical dilatation ≥4 cm, with or without preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes, and/or planned preterm birth for fetal or maternal indications. There are no other known fetal neuroprotective agents. OUTCOMES: The outcomes measured are the incidence of cerebral palsy (CP) and neonatal death. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in December 2017, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (magnesium sulphate, cerebral palsy, preterm birth). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and relevant observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to December 2017. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Antenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection reduces the risk of "death or CP" (relative risk [RR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.98; 4 trials, 4446 infants), "death or moderate-severe CP" (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.99; 3 trials, 4250 infants), "any CP" (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.55-0.91; 4, trials, 4446 infants), "moderate-to-severe CP" (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43-0.84; 3 trials, 4250 infants), and "substantial gross motor dysfunction" (inability to walk without assistance) (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43-0.83; 3 trials, 4287 women) at 2 years of age. Results were consistent between trials and across the meta-analyses. There is no anticipated significant increase in health care-related costs because women eligible to receive antenatal magnesium sulphate will be judged to have imminent preterm birth. VALIDATION: Australian National Clinical Practice Guidelines were published in March 2010 by the Antenatal Magnesium Sulphate for Neuroprotection Guideline Development Panel. Antenatal magnesium sulphate was recommended for fetal neuroprotection in the same dosage as recommended in these guidelines. However, magnesium sulphate was recommended only at <30 weeks gestation, based on 2 considerations. First, no single gestational age subgroup was considered to show a clear benefit. Second, in the face of uncertainty, the committee felt it was prudent to limit the impact of their clinical practice guidelines on resource allocation. In March 2010, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a Committee Opinion on magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection. It stated that "the available evidence suggests that magnesium sulfate given before anticipated early preterm birth reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in surviving infants." No official opinion was given on a gestational age cut-off, but it was recommended that physicians develop specific guidelines around the issues of inclusion criteria, dosage, concurrent tocolysis, and monitoring in accordance with 1 of the larger trials. Similarly, the World Health Organization also strongly recommends use of magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection in its 2015 recommendations on interventions to improve preterm birth outcomes but cites further researching on dosing regimen and re-treatment. SPONSORS: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). SUMMARY STATEMENT: RECOMMENDATIONS.

No. 197b-Fetal Health Surveillance: Intrapartum Consensus Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline provides new recommendations pertaining to the application and documentation of fetal surveillance in the intrapartum period that will decrease the incidence of birth asphyxia while maintaining the lowest possible rate of obstetrical intervention. Pregnancies with and without risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes are considered. This guideline presents an alternative classification system for antenatal fetal non-stress testing and intrapartum electronic fetal surveillance to what has been used previously. This guideline is intended for use by all health professionals who provide intrapartum care in Canada. OPTIONS: Consideration has been given to all methods of fetal surveillance currently available in Canada. OUTCOMES: Short- and long-term outcomes that may indicate the presence of birth asphyxia were considered. The associated rates of operative and other labour interventions were also considered. EVIDENCE: A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials published between January 1996 and March 2007 was undertaken, and MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database were used to search the literature for all new studies on fetal surveillance antepartum. The level of evidence has been determined using the criteria and classifications of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). SPONSOR: This consensus guideline was jointly developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program (formerly the British Columbia Reproductive Care Program or BCRCP) and was partly supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program. RECOMMENDATION 1: LABOUR SUPPORT DURING ACTIVE LABOUR: RECOMMENDATION 2: PROFESSIONAL ONE-TO ONE CARE AND INTRAPARTUM FETAL SURVEILLANCE: RECOMMENDATION 3: INTERMITTENT AUSCULTATION IN LABOUR: RECOMMENDATION 4: ADMISSION FETAL HEART TEST: RECOMMENDATION 5: INTRAPARTUM FETAL SURVEILLANCE FOR WOMEN WITH RISK FACTORS FOR ADVERSE PERINATAL OUTCOME: When a normal tracing is identified, it may be appropriate to interrupt the electronic fetal monitoring tracing for up to 30 minutes to facilitate periods of ambulation, bathing, or position change, providing that (1) the maternal-fetal condition is stable and (2) if oxytocin is being administered, the infusion rate is not increased (III-B). RECOMMENDATION 6: DIGITAL FETAL SCALP STIMULATION: RECOMMENDATION 7: FETAL SCALP BLOOD SAMPLING: RECOMMENDATION 8: UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD GASES: RECOMMENDATION 9: FETAL PULSE OXIMETRY: RECOMMENDATION 10: ST WAVEFORM ANALYSIS: RECOMMENDATION 11: INTRAPARTUM FETAL SCALP LACTATE TESTING.

No. 197a-Fetal Health Surveillance: Antepartum Consensus Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline provides new recommendations pertaining to the application and documentation of fetal surveillance in the antepartum period that will decrease the incidence of birth asphyxia while maintaining the lowest possible rate of obstetrical intervention. Pregnancies with and without risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes are considered. This guideline presents an alternative classification system for antenatal fetal non-stress testing to what has been used previously. This guideline is intended for use by all health professionals who provide antepartum care in Canada. OPTIONS: Consideration has been given to all methods of fetal surveillance currently available in Canada. OUTCOMES: Short- and long-term outcomes that may indicate the presence of birth asphyxia were considered. The associated rates of operative and other labour interventions were also considered. EVIDENCE: A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials published between January 1996 and March 2007 was undertaken, and MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database were used to search the literature for all new studies on fetal surveillance antepartum. The level of evidence has been determined using the criteria and classifications of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). SPONSOR: This consensus guideline was jointly developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program (formerly the British Columbia Reproductive Care Program or BCRCP) and was partly supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the British Columbia Perinatal Health Program. RECOMMENDATION 1: FETAL MOVEMENT COUNTING: RECOMMENDATION 2: NON-STRESS TEST: RECOMMENDATION 3: CONTRACTION STRESS TEST: RECOMMENDATION 4: BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE: RECOMMENDATION 5: UTERINE ARTERY DOPPLER: RECOMMENDATION 6: UMBILICAL ARTERY DOPPLER.

Availability and use of magnesium sulphate at health care facilities in two selected districts of North Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Magnesium sulphate is accepted as the anticonvulsant of choice in these conditions and is present on the WHO essential medicines list and the Indian National List of Essential Medicines, 2015. Despite this, magnesium sulphate is not widely used in India for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. In addition to other factors, lack of availability may be a reason for sub-optimal usage. This study was undertaken to assess the availability and use of magnesium sulphate at public and private health care facilities in two districts of North Karnataka, India. METHODS: A facility assessment survey was undertaken as part of the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Feasibility Study which was undertaken prior to the CLIP Trials (NCT01911494). This study was undertaken in 12 areas of Belagavi and Bagalkote districts of North Karnataka, India and included a survey of 88 facilities. Data were collected in all facilities by interviewing the health care providers and analysed using Excel. RESULTS: Of the 88 facilities, 28 were public, and 60 were private. In the public facilities, magnesium sulphate was available in six out of 10 Primary Health Centres (60%), in all eight taluka (sub-district) hospitals (100%), five of eight community health centres (63%) and both district hospitals (100%). Fifty-five of 60 private facilities (92%) reported availability of magnesium sulphate. Stock outs were reported in six facilities in the preceding six months - five public and one private. Twenty-five percent weight/volume and 50% weight/volume concentration formulations were available variably across the public and private facilities. Sixty-eight facilities (77%) used the drug for severe pre-eclampsia and 12 facilities (13.6%) did not use the drug even for eclampsia. Varied dosing schedules were reported from facility to facility. CONCLUSIONS: Poor availability of magnesium sulphate was identified in many facilities, and stock outs in some. Individual differences in usage were identified. Ensuring a reliable supply of magnesium sulphate, standard formulations and recommendations of dosage schedules and training may help improve use; and decrease morbidity and mortality due to pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The CLIP trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01911494 ).

The feasibility of task-sharing the identification, emergency treatment, and referral for women with pre-eclampsia by community health workers in India.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders are the second highest direct obstetric cause of maternal death after haemorrhage, accounting for 14% of maternal deaths globally. Pregnancy hypertension contributes to maternal deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to a scarcity of doctors providing evidence-based emergency obstetric care. Task-sharing some obstetric responsibilities may help to reduce the mortality rates. This study was conducted to assess acceptability by the community and other healthcare providers, for task-sharing by community health workers (CHW) in the identification and initial care in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. METHODS: This study was conducted in two districts of Karnataka state in south India. A total of 14 focus group discussions were convened with various community representatives: women of reproductive age (N = 6), male decision-makers (N = 2), female decision-makers (N = 3), and community leaders (N = 3). One-to-one interviews were held with medical officers (N = 2), private healthcare OBGYN specialists (N = 2), senior health administrators (N = 2), Taluka (county) health officers (N = 2), and obstetricians (N = 4). All data collection was facilitated by local researchers familiar with the setting and language. Data were subsequently transcribed, translated and analysed thematically using NVivo 10 software. RESULTS: There was strong community support for home visits by CHW to measure the blood pressure of pregnant women; however, respondents were concerned about their knowledge, training and effectiveness. The treatment with oral antihypertensive agents and magnesium sulphate in emergencies was accepted by community representatives but medical practitioners and health administrators had reservations, and insisted on emergency transport to a higher facility. The most important barriers for task-sharing were concerns regarding insufficient training, limited availability of medications, the questionable validity of blood pressure devices, and the ability of CHW to correctly diagnose and intervene in cases of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Task-sharing to community-based health workers has potential to facilitate early diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and assist in the provision of emergency care. We identified some facilitators and barriers for successful task-sharing of emergency obstetric care aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Community's perceptions of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Sindh Pakistan: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is of global public health concern and >99 % of maternal deaths occur in less developed countries. The common causes of direct maternal death are hemorrhage, sepsis and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. In Pakistan, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia deaths represents one-third of maternal deaths reported at the tertiary care hospital settings. This study explored community perceptions, and traditional management practices about pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in Sindh Province of Pakistan from February to July 2012. Twenty-six focus groups were conducted, 19 with women of reproductive age/mothers-in-law (N = 173); and 7 with husbands/fathers-in-law (N = 65). The data were transcribed verbatim in Sindhi and Urdu, then analyzed for emerging themes and sub-themes using NVivo version 10 software. RESULTS: Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy was not recognized as a disease and there was no name in the local languages to describe this. Women however, knew about high blood pressure and were aware they can develop it during pregnancy. It was widely believed that stress and weakness caused high blood pressure in pregnancy and it caused symptoms of headache. The perception of high blood pressure was not based on measurement but on symptoms. Self-medication was often used for headaches associated with high blood pressure. They were also awareness that severely high blood pressure could result in death. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based participatory health education strategies are recommended to dispel myths and misperceptions regarding pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The educational initiatives should include information on the presentation, progression of illness, danger signs associated with pregnancy, and appropriate treatment.

Community perceptions of pre-eclampsia in rural Karnataka State, India: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal deaths have been attributed in large part to delays in recognition of illness, timely transport to facility, and timely treatment once there. As community perceptions of pregnancy and their complications are critical to averting maternal morbidity and mortality, this study sought to contribute to the literature and explore community-based understandings of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. METHODS: The study was conducted in rural Karnataka State, India, in 2012-2013. Fourteen focus groups were held with the following community stakeholders: three with community leaders (n = 27), two with male decision-makers (n = 19), three with female decision-makers (n = 41), and six with reproductive age women (n = 132). Focus groups were facilitated by local researchers with clinical and research expertise. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English for thematic analysis using NVivo 10. RESULTS: Terminology exists in the local language (Kannada) to describe convulsions and hypertension, but there were no terms that are specific to pregnancy. Community participants perceived stress, tension and poor diet to be precipitants of hypertension in pregnancy. Seizures in pregnancy were thought to be brought on by anaemia, poor medical adherence, lack of tetanus toxoid immunization, and exposure in pregnancy to fire or water. Sweating, fatigue, dizziness-unsteadiness, swelling, and irritability were perceived to be signs of hypertension, which was recognized to have the potential to lead to eclampsia or death. Home remedies, such as providing the smell of onion, placing an iron object in the hands, or squeezing the fingers and toes, were all used regularly to treat seizures prior to accessing facility-based care although transport is not delayed. CONCLUSIONS: It is evident that 'pre-eclampsia' and 'eclampsia' are not well-known; instead hypertension and seizures are perceived as conditions that may occur during or outside pregnancy. Improving community knowledge about, and modifying attitudes towards, hypertension in pregnancy and its complications (including eclampsia) has the potential to address community-based delays in disease recognition and delays in treatment that contribute to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Advocacy and educational initiatives should be designed to target knowledge gaps and potentially harmful practices, and respond to cultural understandings of disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01911494.

Determinants of health care seeking behaviour during pregnancy in Ogun State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, women too often suffer the consequences of serious obstetric complications that may lead to death. Delay in seeking care (phase I delay) is a recognized contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to describe the health care seeking practices in pregnancy, as well as the socio-cultural factors that influence these actions. METHODS: The study was conducted in Ogun State, in south-western Nigeria. Data were collected through focus group discussions with pregnant women, recently pregnant mothers, male decision-makers, opinion leaders, traditional birth attendants, health workers, and health administrators. A thematic analysis approach was used with QSR NVivo version 10. RESULTS: Findings show that women utilized multiple care givers during pregnancy, with a preference for traditional providers. There was a strong sense of trust in traditional medicine, particularly that provided by traditional birth attendants who are long-term residents in the community. The patriarchal c influenced health-seeking behaviour in pregnancy. Economic factors contributed to the delay in access to appropriate services. There was a consistent concern regarding the cost barrier in accessing health services. The challenges of accessing services were well recognised and these were greater when referral was to a higher level of care which in most cases attracted unaffordable costs. CONCLUSION: While the high cost of care is a deterrent to health seeking behaviour, the cost of death of a woman or a child to the family and community is immeasurable. The use of innovative mechanisms for health care financing may be beneficial for women in these communities to reduce the barrier of high cost services. To reduce maternal deaths all stakeholders must be engaged in the process including policy makers, opinion leaders, health care consumers and providers. Underlying socio-cultural factors, such as structure of patriarchy, must also be addressed to sustainably improve maternal health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01911494.

Health care seeking behaviours in pregnancy in rural Sindh, Pakistan: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Pakistan has alarmingly high numbers of maternal mortality along with suboptimal care-seeking behaviour. It is essential to identify the barriers and facilitators that women and families encounter, when deciding to seek maternal care services. This study aimed to understand health-seeking patterns of pregnant women in rural Sindh, Pakistan. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken in rural Sindh, Pakistan as part of a large multi-country study in 2012. Thirty three focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers [n = 173], male decision-makers [n = 64], Lady Health Workers [n = 64], Lady Health Supervisors [n = 10], Women Medical Officers [n = 9] and Traditional Birth Attendants [n = 7] in the study communities. A set of a priori themes regarding care-seeking during pregnancy and its complications as well as additional themes as they emerged from the data were used for analysis. Qualitative analysis was done using NVivo version 10. RESULTS: Women stated they usually visited health facilities if they experienced pregnancy complications or danger signs, such as heavy bleeding or headache. Findings revealed the importance of husbands and mothers-in-law as decision makers regarding health care utilization. Participants expressed that poor availability of transport, financial constraints and the unavailability of chaperones were important barriers to seeking care. In addition, private facilities were often preferred due to the perceived superior quality of services. CONCLUSION: Maternal care utilization was influenced by social, economic and cultural factors in rural Pakistani communities. The perceived poor quality care at public hospitals was a significant barrier for many women in accessing health services. If maternal lives are to be saved, policy makers need to develop processes to overcome these barriers and ensure easily accessible high-quality care for women in rural communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01911494.

Barriers and facilitators to health care seeking behaviours in pregnancy in rural communities of southern Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: In countries, such as Mozambique, where maternal mortality remains high, the greatest contribution of mortality comes from the poor and vulnerable communities, who frequently reside in remote and rural areas with limited access to health care services. This study aimed to understand women's health care seeking practices during pregnancy, taking into account the underlying social, cultural and structural barriers to accessing timely appropriate care in Maputo and Gaza Provinces, southern Mozambique. METHODS: This ethnographic study collected data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, including pregnant women, as well as household-level decision makers (partners, mothers and mothers-in-law), traditional healers, matrons, and primary health care providers. Data was analysed thematically using NVivo 10. RESULTS: Antenatal care was sought at the heath facility for the purpose of opening the antenatal record. Women without antenatal cards feared mistreatment during labour. Antenatal care was also sought to resolve discomforts, such as headaches, flu-like symptoms, body pain and backache. However, partners and husbands considered lower abdominal pain as the only symptom requiring care and discouraged women from revealing their pregnancy early in gestation. Health care providers for pregnant women often included those at the health facility, matrons, elders, traditional birth attendants, and community health workers. Although seeking care from traditional healers was discouraged during the antenatal period, they did provide services during pregnancy and after delivery. Besides household-level decision-makers, matrons, community health workers, and neighbours were key actors in the referral of pregnant women. The decision-making process may be delayed and particularly complex if an emergency occurs in their absence. Limited access to transport and money makes the decision-making process to seek care at the health facility even more complex. CONCLUSIONS: Women do seek antenatal care at health facilities, despite the presence of other health care providers in the community. There are important factors that prevent timely care-seeking for obstetric emergencies and delivery. Unfamiliarity with warning signs, especially among partners, discouragement from revealing pregnancy early in gestation, complex and untimely decision-making processes, fear of mistreatment by health-care providers, lack of transport and financial constraints were the most commonly cited barriers. Women of reproductive age would benefit from community saving schemes for transport and medication, which in turn would improve their birth preparedness and emergency readiness; in addition, pregnancy follow-up should include key family members, and community-based health care providers should encourage prompt referrals to health facilities, when appropriate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01911494.

Community perceptions of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Ogun State, Nigeria: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. When undetected or poorly managed, it may progress to eclampsia which further worsens the prognosis. While most studies examining pre-eclampsia have used a bio-medical model, this study recognizes the role of the socio-cultural environment, in order to understand perceptions of pre-eclampsia within the community. METHODS: The study was conducted in Ogun State, Nigeria in 2011-2012. Data were obtained through twenty-eight focus group discussions; seven with pregnant women (N = 80), eight with new mothers (N = 95), three with male decision-makers (N = 35), six with community leaders (N = 68), and three with traditional birth attendants (N = 36). Interviews were also conducted with the heads of the local traditional birth attendants (N = 4) and with community leaders (N = 5). Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVivo 10 software. RESULTS: There was no terminology reportedly used for pre-eclampsia in the native language - Yoruba; however, hypertension has several terms independent of pregnancy status. Generally, 'gìrì âlábôyún' describes seizures specific to pregnancy. The cause of hypertension in pregnancy was thought to be due to depressive thoughts as a result of marital conflict and financial worries, while seizures in pregnancy were perceived to result from prolonged exposure to cold. There seemed to be no traditional treatment for hypertension. However for seizures the use of herbs, concoctions, incisions, and topical application of black soap were widespread. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates that knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are limited amongst communities of Ogun State, Nigeria. Findings reveal that pre-eclampsia was perceived as a stress-induced condition, while eclampsia was perceived as a product of prolonged exposure to cold. Thus, heat-related local medicines and herbal concoctions were the treatment options. Perceptions anchored on cultural values and lack of adequate and focused public health awareness is a major constraint to knowledge of the aetiology and treatment of the conditions. A holistic approach is recommended for sensitization at the community level and the need to change the community perceptions of pre-eclampsia remains a challenge. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01911494 .