[Obstetrical and neonatal prognosis of patients with a history of female genital mutilation]. / Pronostic obstétrical et néonatal des patientes ayant un antécédent de mutilation génitale féminine.

OBJECTIVE: Female genital mutilation (FGM) covers all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external genitalia for non-therapeutic purposes. The period of pregnancy and childbirth is probably more at risk of complications for these women. The main aim of this study was to compare obstetrical, maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with a history of female genital mutilation with patients without such a history. METHODS: All deliveries taking place between January 2005 and June 2022 at Besançon University Hospital in patients with a history of FGM were included. This group was compared with a randomly selected group of deliveries of patients with no history of FGM. A total of 87 deliveries with a history of FGM were included and compared with 696 deliveries with no history of FGM. RESULTS: There were significantly more instrumental deliveries (27.6% vs. 17.5%, P=0.01), more caesarean sections (23% vs. 14.1%, P=0.01), more episiotomies (9.2% vs. 0.7%, P<0.01), more first-degree perineal tears (30.8% vs. 20.8%, P=0.02), second-degree (13.9% vs. 5.3%, P<0, 01), third-degree (3.1% vs. 0.2%, P=0.02), more anterior perineal tears (23.1% vs. 2.5%, P<0.01), increased duration of pushing efforts (13 min vs. 10 min, P=0.05) and greater blood loss (297 cc vs. 165 cc, P<0.01) in the group with a history of FGM. There was no statistically significant difference in neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION: The obstetrical prognosis of patients with a history of FGM is significantly poorer. Neonatal prognosis remains unchanged.

Maternal and neonatal complications following Kielland's rotational forceps delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence regarding the safety of Kielland's rotational forceps delivery (KRFD) in comparison with other modes of delivery for the management of persistent fetal malposition in the second stage of labour. OBJECTIVES: To derive estimates of risks of maternal and neonatal complications following KRFD, compared with rotational ventouse delivery (RVD), non-rotational forceps delivery (NRFD) or a second-stage caesarean section (CS), from a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. SEARCH STRATEGY: Standard search methodology, as recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. SELECTION CRITERIA: Case series, prospective or retrospective cohort studies and population-based studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to derive weighted pooled estimates of maternal and neonatal complications. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. For postpartum haemorrhage there was no significant difference between Kielland's and ventouse delivery; the rate was lower in Kielland's delivery compared with non-rotational forceps (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.95) and second-stage CS (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.36-0.58). There were no differences in the rates of anal sphincter injuries or admission to neonatal intensive care. Rates of shoulder dystocia were higher with Kielland's delivery compared with ventouse delivery (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.08-2.98), but rates of neonatal birth trauma were lower (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.91). There were no differences seen in the rates of 5-min APGAR score < 7 between Kielland's delivery and other instrumental births, but they were lower when compared with second-stage CS (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Kielland's rotational forceps delivery is a safe option for the management of fetal malposition in the second stage of labour.

Kielland's rotational forceps delivery: comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes with pregnancies delivering by non-rotational forceps.

We compared complications in pregnancies that had Kielland's rotational forceps delivery (KRFD) with non-rotational forceps delivery (NRFD). Maternal outcomes included post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS); neonatal outcomes included admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 5-minute Apgar scores <7, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), jaundice, shoulder dystocia and birth trauma. The study population included 491 (2.1%) requiring KRFD, 1,257 (5.3%) requiring NRFD and 22,111 (93.0%) that had SVD. In pregnancies with NRFD compared to KRFD, there was higher incidence of OASIS (8.5% vs. 4.7%; p = .006) and a non-significant increased trend for PPH (15.0% vs. 12.4%; p = .173). There was no significant difference in rates of admission to NICU (p = .628), 5-minute Apgar score <7 (p = .375), HIE (p = .532), jaundice (p = .809), severe shoulder dystocia (p = .507) or birth trauma (p = .514). Our study demonstrates that KRFD has lower rates of maternal complications compared to NRFD whilst the rates of neonatal complications are similar.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Kielland's rotational forceps is used for achieving vaginal delivery in pregnancies with failure to progress in second stage of labour secondary to fetal malposition. The use of Kielland's forceps has significantly declined in the last few decades due to concerns about an increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications, despite the absence of any major studies demonstrating this increased risk.What do the results of this study add? There are some studies which compare the risks in pregnancies delivering by Kiellands forceps with rotational ventouse deliveries but there is limited evidence comparing the risks of rotational with non-rotational forceps deliveries. Our study compares the major maternal and neonatal complications in a large cohort of pregnancies undergoing rotational vs. non-rotational forceps deliveries.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of our study demonstrate that maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies delivering by Kielland's rotational forceps undertaken by appropriately trained obstetricians are either lower or similar to those delivering by non-rotational forceps. Consideration should be given to ensure that there is appropriate training provided to obstetricians to acquire skills in using Kielland's forceps.

Determinants of birth asphyxia among newborns delivered in public hospitals of West Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia: A case-control study.

Birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of death in low and middle-income countries and the prominent cause of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia. Early detection and managing its determinants would change the burden of birth asphyxia. Thus, this study identified determinants of birth asphyxia among newborns delivered in public hospitals of West Shoa Zone, central Ethiopia. A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from May to July 2020. Cases were newborns with APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimaces, activity, and respiration) score of <7 at first and fifth minute of birth and controls were newborns with APGAR score of ≥ 7 at first and fifth minute of birth. All newborns with birth asphyxia during the study period were included in the study while; two comparable controls were selected consecutively after each birth asphyxia case. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect maternal socio-demographic and antepartum characteristics. The pre-tested checklist was used to retrieve intrapartum and fetal related factors from both cases and controls. The collected data were entered using Epi-Info and analyzed by SPSS. Bi-variable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the association between each independent variable with the outcome variable. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI and a p-value of <0.05 was used to identify determinants of birth asphyxia. In this study, prolonged labor (AOR = 4.15, 95% CI: 1.55, 11.06), breech presentation (AOR = 5.13, 95% CI: 1.99, 13.21), caesarean section delivery (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.31, 10.23), vaginal assisted delivery (AOR = 5.69, 95% CI: 2.17, 14.91), not use partograph (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.45, 7.84), and low birth weight (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI:1.49, 9.38) had higher odds of birth asphyxia. Prolonged labor, breech presentation, caesarean and vaginal assisted delivery, fails to use partograph and low birth weights were the determinants of birth asphyxia. Thus, health care providers should follow the progress of labor with partograph to early identify prolonged labor, breech presentation and determine the mode of delivery that would lower the burden of birth asphyxia.

Adding Insult to Injury: Levator Ani Avulsion in Women With Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: In women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries, we compared the rate of major levator ani avulsion after forceps-assisted delivery versus spontaneous vaginal delivery. METHODS: Prospective cohort of primiparous women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries. The primary outcome was the rate of major levator ani avulsion as measured by 3-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography performed between 1 and 2 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes included ultrasonographic anteroposterior hiatal diameter, levator hiatal area, and levator-urethra gap, and differences in validated pelvic disorder questionnaires scores at 1 to 2 and 13 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Sixty-two women (30 spontaneous deliveries, 32 forceps deliveries) were included in the final analysis. After controlling for delivery variables, women who underwent forceps-assisted delivery were more likely to experience a major avulsion as compared with those who underwent spontaneous delivery (21/32, [65.6%] vs 8/30 [26.7%]; odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-24.5; P = 0.014). They were also more likely to have larger levator-urethra gaps bilaterally (P = 0.012, 0.016). After controlling for potential confounders, levator ani avulsion was independently associated with persistent anal incontinence symptoms at 13 weeks postpartum (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries, the risk of levator ani avulsion is almost 6 times higher after forceps-assisted vaginal delivery as compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery. In those with avulsion, recovery of anal continence is compromised, suggesting that adding insult (avulsion) to injury (obstetric anal sphincter injury) may have negative functional consequences.

Differential effects of different delivery methods on progression to severe postpartum hemorrhage between Chinese nulliparous and multiparous women: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Delivery methods are associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) both in nulliparous and multiparous women. However, few studies have examined the difference in this association between nulliparous and multiparous women. This study aimed to explore the difference of maternal and neonatal characteristics and delivery methods between Chinese nulliparous and multiparous women, and then examine the differential effects of different delivery methods on PPH between these two-type women. METHODS: Totally 151,333 medical records of women who gave birth between April 2013 to May 2016 were obtained from the electronic health records (EHR) in a northern province, China. The severity of PPH was estimated and classified into blood loss at the level of < 900 ml, 900-1500 ml, 1500-2100 ml, and > 2100 ml. Neonatal and maternal characteristics related to PPH were derived from the same database. Multiple ordinal logistic regression was used to estimate associations. RESULTS: Medical comorbidities, placenta previa and accreta were higher in the nulliparous group and the episiotomy rate was higher in the multiparous group. Compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), the adjusted odds (aOR) for progression to severe PPH due to the forceps-assisted delivery was much higher in multiparous women (aOR: 9.32; 95% CI: 3.66-23.71) than in nulliparous women (aOR: 1.70; 95% CI: 0.91-3.18). The (aOR) for progression to severe PPH due to cesarean section (CS) compared to SVD was twice as high in the multiparous women (aOR: 4.32; 95% CI: 3.03-6.14) as in the nulliparous women (aOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.40-2.97). However, the (aOR) for progression to severe PPH due to episiotomy compared to SVD between multiparous (aOR: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.96-1.62) and nulliparous women (aOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 0.92-2.60) was not significantly different. The (aOR) for progression to severe PPH due to vacuum-assisted delivery compared to SVD in multiparous women (aOR: 2.41; 95% CI: 0.36-16.29) was not significantly different from the nulliparous women (aOR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.40-2.73). CONCLUSIONS: Forceps-assisted delivery and CS methods were found to increase the risk of severity of the PPH. The adverse effects were even greater for multiparous women. Episiotomy and the vacuum-assisted delivery, and SVD were similar to the risk of progression to severe PPH in either nulliparous or multiparous women. Our findings have implications for the obstetric decision on the choice of delivery methods, maternal and neonatal health care, and obstetric quality control.

Kielland's rotational forceps delivery: A comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes with rotational ventouse or second stage caesarean section deliveries.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to derive accurate estimates of risks of maternal and neonatal complications associated with Kielland's rotational forceps delivery (KRFD) compared to rotational ventouse delivery (RVD) or 2nd stage caesarean section (CS). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study undertaken at a large tertiary maternity and neonatal unit in the United Kingdom between January 2010 and June 2018. Pregnancies with fetal demise, major fetal defects, those lost to follow-up, those delivering by elective or emergency CS in the first stage of labour and non-rotational instrumental deliveries were excluded. The study population included singleton pregnancies delivering by Kielland's forceps, rotational ventouse, 2nd stage CS or spontaneous unassisted cephalic vaginal delivery; the latter forming the control group. The maternal outcomes examined included post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS). The neonatal outcomes included admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 5-minute Apgar scores <7, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), jaundice, shoulder dystocia and birth trauma. Absolute risks with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in the study groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95 % CI. RESULTS: The study population of 23,786 pregnancies included: 491 (2.1 %) requiring KRFD, 344 (1.4 %) requiring RVD, 840 (3.5 %) that had a 2nd stage CS and 22,111 (93.0 %) spontaneous cephalic vaginal deliveries. With regard to maternal adverse outcomes, in pregnancies that had a KRFD compared to RVD, there was no significant difference in the incidence of OASIS (p = 0.599) or PPH (p = 0.982). In contrast, the risk of PPH was significantly higher in those delivering by a 2nd stage CS compared to KRFD (27.5 % vs. 12.4 %; p < 0.0001). With regard to neonatal adverse outcomes, in those delivering by KRFD compared to RVD and 2nd stage CS, there was no significant difference in the incidence of admission to NICU (p = 0.912; p = 0.746, respectively), 5-minute Apgar score<7 (p = 0.335; p = 0.150, respectively), jaundice (p = 0.810; p = 0.332, respectively), mild shoulder dystocia (p = 0.077), severe shoulder dystocia (p = 0.603) or birth trauma (p = 0.265; p = 0.323, respectively). The risk of maternal composite adverse outcome was highest after 2nd stage CS (OR 7.68; 95 %CI: 6.52-9.04) and lowest after KRFD (OR 3.82; 95 %CI: 2.98-4.91). The risk of composite neonatal adverse outcome was higher in those delivering by RVD (OR 2.87; 95 %CI: 2.10-3.91), compared to KRFD (OR 2.23; 95 %CI: 1.67-2.97) or 2nd stage CS (OR 2.02; 95 %CI: 1.60-2.54). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that KRFD is a safer management option when compared to RVD or 2nd stage CS for the management of persistent fetal malposition in labour.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND: Vacuum and forceps assisted vaginal deliveries are reported to increase the incidence of postpartum infections and maternal readmission to hospital compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent these infections. However, the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal deliveries is still unclear. This is an update of a review last published in 2017. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing infectious puerperal morbidities in women undergoing operative vaginal deliveries including vacuum or forceps delivery, or both. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (5 July 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials comparing any prophylactic antibiotic regimens with placebo or no treatment in women undergoing vacuum or forceps deliveries were eligible. Participants were all pregnant women without evidence of infections or other indications for antibiotics of any gestational age. Interventions were any antibiotic prophylaxis (any dosage regimen, any route of administration or at any time during delivery or the puerperium). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias. Two review authors extracted the data independently using prepared data extraction forms. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion and a consensus reached through discussion with all review authors. We assessed methodological quality of the two included studies using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: Two studies, involving 3813 women undergoing either vacuum or forceps deliveries, were included. One study involving 393 women compared the antibiotic intravenous cefotetan after cord clamping compared with no treatment. The other study involving 3420 women compared a single dose of intravenous amoxicillin and clavulanic acid with placebo using 20 mL of intravenous sterile 0.9% saline. The evidence suggests that prophylactic antibiotics reduce superficial perineal wound infection (risk ratio (RR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.69; women = 3420; 1 study; high-certainty evidence), deep perineal wound infection (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.69; women = 3420; 1 study; high-certainty evidence) and probably reduce wound breakdown (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.63; women = 2593; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). We are unclear about the effect on organ or space perineal wound infection (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.05; women = 3420; 1 study) and endometritis (average RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.64; 15/1907 versus 30/1906; women = 3813; 2 studies) based on low-certainty evidence with wide CIs that include no effect. Prophylactic antibiotics probably lower serious infectious complications (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.89; women = 3420; 1 study; high-certainty evidence). They also have an important effect on reduction of confirmed or suspected maternal infection. The two included studies did not report on fever or urinary tract infection. It is unclear, based on low-certainty evidence, whether prophylactic antibiotics have any impact on maternal adverse reactions (RR 2.00, 95% CI 0.18 to 22.05; women = 2593; 1 study) and maternal length of stay (MD 0.09 days, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.41; women = 393; 1 study) as the CIs were wide and included no effect. Prophylactic antibiotics slightly improve perineal pain and health consequences of perineal pain and probably reduce costs. Prophylactic antibiotics did not have an important effect on dyspareunia (difficult or painful sexual intercourse) or breastfeeding at six weeks. Antibiotic prophylaxis may slightly improve maternal hospital re-admission and maternal health-related quality of life. Neonatal adverse reactions were not reported in any included trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics are effective in reducing infectious puerperal morbidities in terms of superficial and deep perineal wound infection or serious infectious complications in women undergoing operative vaginal deliveries without clinical indications for antibiotic administration after delivery. Prophylactic antibiotics slightly improve perineal pain and health consequences of perineal pain, probably reduce the costs, and may slightly reduce the maternal hospital re-admission and health-related quality of life. However, the effect on reduction of endometritis, organ or space perineal wound infection, maternal adverse reactions and maternal length of stay is unclear due to low-certainty evidence. As the evidence was mainly derived from a single multi-centre study conducted in a high-income setting, future well-designed randomised trials in other settings, particularly in low- and middle-income settings, are required to confirm the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis for operative vaginal delivery.

Risk factors for severe perineal trauma during childbirth: An updated meta-analysis.

Several studies have investigated the importance of maternal, fetal factors and intrapartum characteristics in predicting severe perineal lacerations. The purpose of the present systematic review is to accumulate current evidence and provide estimated effect sizes for the various risk factors described. We reviewed Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar for published studies in the field for observational studies as well as randomized controlled trials. Two researchers independently assessed the included studies and documented outcomes. Data extraction was performed using a modified data form that was based in Cochrane`s data collection form for intervention reviews for RCTs and non-RCTs. Forty-three articles were selected for inclusion in the present systematic review. The analyzed population reached 716,031 parturient of whom 22,280 (3,1%) sustained third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations. Several risk factors were identified. Instrumental delivery [RR 3.38 (2.21, 5.18)], midline episiotomy [RR 2.88 (1.79, 4.65)] and a persistent occiput posterior position [RR 2.73 (2.08, 3.58)] were associated with the higher risk of developing severe perineal lacerations. Mediolateral episiotomy did not increase, but was also not protective against perineal lacerations [RR 1.55 (0.95, 2.53)]. Several factors contribute to the development of severe perineal lacerations. The present meta-analysis presents accumulated data that may help physicians estimate risks and provide appropriate patient counseling.

Levator Morphology and Strength After Obstetric Avulsion of the Levator Ani Muscle.

OBJECTIVES: Obstetric levator avulsion may be an important risk factor for prolapse. This study compares the size of the levator hiatus, the width of the genital hiatus, and pelvic muscle strength between vaginally parous women with or without levator avulsion, 5 to 15 years after delivery. METHODS: Parous women were assessed for levator ani avulsion, using 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound. Women with and without levator ani avulsion were compared with respect to levator hiatus areas (measured on ultrasound), genital hiatus (measured on examination), and pelvic muscle strength (measured with perineometry). Further analysis also considered the association of forceps-assisted birth. RESULTS: At a median interval of 11 years from first delivery, levator avulsion was identified in 15% (66/453). A history of forceps-assisted delivery was strongly associated with levator avulsion (45% vs 8%; P < 0.001). Levator avulsion was also associated with a larger levator hiatus area (+7.3 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-10.4, with Valsalva), wider genital hiatus (+0.6 cm; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9, with Valsalva), and poorer muscle strength (-14.5 cm H2O; 95% CI, -20.4 to -8.7, peak pressure). Among those with levator avulsion, forceps-assisted birth was associated with a marginal increase in levator hiatus size but not genital hiatus size or muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: Obstetric levator avulsion is associated with a larger levator hiatus, wider genital hiatus, and poorer pelvic muscle strength. Forceps-assisted birth is an important marker for levator avulsion but may not be an independent risk factor for the development of pelvic muscle weakness or changes in hiatus size in the absence of levator avulsion.

Duration of Operative Vaginal Delivery and Adverse Obstetric Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether the number of vacuum pop-offs, the number of forceps pulls, or the duration of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational cohort of women who underwent an attempted OVD. Women were stratified by the duration of OVD and the number of pop-offs (vacuum) or pulls (forceps) attempted. Severe perineal lacerations, failed OVD, and a composite adverse neonatal outcome were compared by the duration of OVD and number of pop-offs or pulls. RESULTS: Of the 115,502 women in the primary cohort, 5,325 (4.6%) underwent an attempt at OVD: 3,594 (67.5%) with vacuum and 1,731 (32.5%) with forceps. After adjusting for potential confounders, an increasing number of pop-offs was associated with an increased odds of the composite adverse neonatal outcome. However, an increasing duration of vacuum exhibited a stronger association with the composite adverse neonatal outcome. Similarly, the number of forceps pulls was less strongly associated with the composite adverse neonatal outcome compared with the duration of forceps application. CONCLUSION: The duration of OVD may be more associated with adverse neonatal outcomes than the number of pop-offs or pulls.

Are there differences in the damage to the pelvic floor between malmstrom's and kiwi omnicup vacuums? A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate a multicenter study to establish if differences exist in the levator ani muscle avulsion (LAM) rates between deliveries performed with Malmstrom's vacuum and the Kiwi vacuum. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter observational study with 199 primiparous subjects was performed. All patients had undergone vaginal delivery by vacuum (Malmstrom's or Kiwi). Avulsion was defined as an abnormal insertion of LAM in the lower pubic branch in the multiplanar mode, as identified in the three central sections by transperineal 3/4D echography 6 months after delivery. The area of ​​the levator hiatus was measured in the plane of minimum dimensions at rest, during the Valsalva maneuver and during contraction. RESULTS: LAM avulsion occurred in 33.1% of cases in which Malmstrom's vacuum was used and in 29.4% of cases in which the Kiwi vacuum was used (the difference was not statistically significant), which resulted in a crude odds ratio (OR) of 0.977 (0.426, 2.241; P = .957) and an adjusted OR of 2.90 (0.691; 12.20; P = .146). Women in the Malmstrom's vacuum group had a larger LHA at rest 14.77 vs 12.64 cm2 ; P = .001) and at maximum contraction (13.41 vs 10.83 cm2 ; P < 0.001) in comparison with the Kiwi group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance under Valsalva maneuver (18.71 vs 17.21 cm2 ; P = .051).Differences between both groups were detected in the measurements of the hiatus area levator at rest (14.77 vs 12.64 cm2 ), during the Valsalva maneuver (18.71 vs 17.21 cm2 ) and during maximum contraction (13.41 vs 10.83 cm2 ). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, Malmstrom's vacuum was not associated with a higher risk of LAM in comparison with Kiwi's Omnicup.

A comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes with forceps delivery versus cesarean delivery.

Objective: To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes by forceps vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery during the second stage of labor.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large tertiary maternity center in Shanghai, China through 2007-2016. A total of 7046 women carrying a singleton term nonanomalous fetus with vertex presentation who underwent forceps vaginal delivery, or cesarean delivery from a low station in the second stage of labor were included.Results: Of the 7046 women, 6265 underwent forceps and 781 underwent second stage cesarean delivery. Forceps were associated with lower frequency of maternal infection (2.2 versus 4.7%), but higher incidence of mild postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (4.3 versus 0.6%). When the procedures were performed for fetal indication, forceps were associated with lower frequency of the composite of perinatal mortality and/or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (0.5 versus 1.9%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.75), and also shorter decision to delivery interval (12.3 ± 3.5 versus 19.1 ± 5.0 min). The neonatal infection rate was higher in the forceps group (3.9 versus 2.0%). There were no differences in other neonatal outcomes including birth trauma.Conclusions: In women who had a need for intervention during the second stage with a station of +2 or below, forceps were associated with a lower frequency of maternal infection but a higher rate of PPH. Deliveries performed for nonreassuring status were accomplished faster by forceps and were associated with a lower frequency of the composite of perinatal mortality and HIE.

Blood type association with bleeding outcomes at delivery in a large multi-center study.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death globally. Recent studies have associated Type-O group to increased risk of bleeding. We aimed to determine if women with Type-O blood are at higher risk of PPH. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of a multi-center database included women admitted to labor and delivery from January 2015 to June 2018. All deliveries resulting in live birth were included. Association between Type-O and non Type-O were examined using chi-square test and fishers exact test. Prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage, estimated blood loss, drop in hematocrit and red blood cell transfusion were compared. The matched sample included 40,964 Type-O and the same number of no Type-O. The overall prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage was 6.4%, and there was no difference in the prevalence of PPH among Type-O compared to non Type-O (6.38% vs. 6.37% respectively; p = 0.96). There was no difference in hematocrit drop and estimated blood loss between Type-O and non Type-O in all deliveries. However, in cesarean delivery there was a significant difference in blood loss among the two groups. Finally, Type-O had 1.09-fold increased risk for transfusion compared to non Type O (95% CI 0.9-1.34). There is an association between Type-O group and risk of bleeding in women undergoing cesarean delivery. More prospective studies, taking into account coagulation profile, platelet count and tissue factors, are needed to draw a conclusion on whether ABO system can be considered a heritable risk of postpartum hemorrhage.