The association between pre-eclampsia and neonatal complications in relation to gestational age.

AIM: There has been limited research about the associations between pre-eclampsia and neonatal complications in relation to gestational age. This register-based study aimed to address that gap in our knowledge. METHODS: We used Swedish Medical Birth Register to carry out a population-based study on primiparas with singleton pregnancies from 1999 to 2017. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to study the associations between pre-eclampsia and neonatal complications in different gestational ages. The data is presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CI. RESULTS: The study comprised 805 591 primiparas: 2.9% had mild to moderate pre-eclampsia and 1.4% had severe pre-eclampsia. Neonates born to women with pre-eclampsia had increased risks of several complications compared to those born to mothers without pre-eclampsia. After adjustment for confounding variables, the risk of being small for gestational age (aOR 5.3, CI: 5.1-5.5) and needing resuscitation (aOR 2.6, CI: 2.4-2.7) were increased. The risk of a low Apgar score and convulsions/hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was increased at 32-41 weeks of gestation. Moreover, the overall risk of sepsis (aOR 1.9. CI: 1.8-2.1) and perinatal death (aOR 1.2, CI: 1.1-1.5) was also increased. CONCLUSION: Compared with infants of mothers without pre-eclampsia, those exposed to pre-eclampsia had higher risks of all the studied neonatal complications.

Economic Evaluation of Elective Cesarean Section on Maternal Request Compared With Planned Vaginal Birth-Application to Swedish Setting Using National Registry Data.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of consensus around the definition of delivery by cesarean section (CS) on maternal request, and clinical practice varies across and within countries. Previous economic evaluations have focused on specific populations and selected complications. Our aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of CS on maternal request compared with planned vaginal birth in a Swedish context, based on a systematic review of benefits and drawbacks and national registry data on costs. METHODS: We used the results from a systematic literature review of somatic risks for long- and short-term complications for mother and child, in which certainty was rated low, moderate, or high using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Swedish national registry data were used for healthcare costs of delivery and complications. Utilities for long-term complications were based on a focused literature review. We constructed a decision tree and conducted separate analyses for primi- and multiparous women. Costs and effects were discounted by 3% and the time horizon was varied between 1 and 20 years. RESULTS: Planned vaginal birth leads to lower healthcare costs and somatic health gains compared with elective CS without medical indication over up to 20 years. Although there is uncertainty around, for example, quality-of-life effects, results remain stable across sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: CS on maternal request leads to increased hospitalization costs in a Swedish setting, taking into account short- and long-term consequences for both mother and child. Future research needs to study the psychological consequences related to different delivery methods, costs in outpatient care, and productivity losses.

Long-term neurological morbidity among children delivered by vacuum extraction - a national cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: This is the first nationwide cohort study of vacuum extraction (VE) and long-term neurological morbidity. We hypothesized that VE per se, and not only complicated labor, can cause intracranial bleedings, which could further cause neurological long-term morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of neonatal mortality, cerebral palsy (CP), and epilepsy among children delivered by VE in a long-term perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population included 1 509 589 term singleton children planned for vaginal birth in Sweden (January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2017). We investigated the risk of neonatal death (ND), CP, and epilepsy among children delivered by VE (successful or failed) and compared their risks with those born by spontaneous vaginal birth and emergency cesarean section (ECS). We used logistic regression to study the adjusted associations with each outcome. The follow-up time was from birth until December 31, 2019. RESULTS: The percentage and total number of children with the outcomes were ND (0.04%, n = 616), CP (0.12%, n = 1822), and epilepsy (0.74%, n = 11 190). Compared with children delivered by ECS, those born by VE had no increased risk of ND, but there was an increased risk for those born after failed VE (adj OR 2.23 [1.33-3.72]). The risk of CP was similar among children born by VE and those born spontaneously vaginally. Further, the risk of CP was similar among children born after failed VE compared with ECS. The risk of epilepsy was not increased among children born by VE (successful/failed), compared with those who had spontaneous vaginal birth or ECS. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes ND, CP, and epilepsy are rare. In this nationwide cohort study, children born after successful VE had no increased risk of ND, CP or epilepsy compared with those delivered by ECS, but there was an increased risk of ND among those born by failed VE. Concerning the studied outcomes, VE appears to be a safe obstetric intervention; however, it requires a thorough risk assessment and awareness of when to convert to ECS.

Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes among women with spinal cord injury in Sweden 1997-2015: A population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to describe the rate of pregnancy in spinal cord injured women in Sweden as well as pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was based on data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and the National Patient Register. The study population included women with spinal cord injury who gave birth in Sweden during the period 1997 to 2015. The general population was used as reference and included all non-spinal cord injured patients who gave birth during the same period of time. RESULTS: In the spinal cord injury group, 109 births were identified. Eighty-nine (82%) of them were among paraplegic women and 20 (18%) were among tetraplegic women. Women with spinal cord injury in our study population had urinary tract infections during pregnancy in five cases (5%) and anemia during pregnancy in nine cases (8%), compared with 0.2% and 4%, respectively, in the general population. Compared with the general population more deliveries were induced in the study population, 18 (17%) in the spinal cord injury group and 12% in the general population. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 52 (48%) of the births with 42 of them (39%) being non-instrumental and 10 (9%) being instrumental vaginal deliveries. Elective cesarean section rate was 34% (n = 37). Sixteen infants (15%) were born preterm (gestational week <37). We found an overall low rate of pregnancy and delivery complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show predominantly favorable outcomes of pregnancy and delivery in women with spinal cord injury as well as their infants. These results are in concordance with previous research.

Paternal violent criminality and preterm birth: a Swedish national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Fathers may affect expectant mothers' daily living situations, which in turn might influence pregnancy outcomes. We investigated the association between paternal violent criminality and risk of preterm birth (≤36 weeks). METHODS: We conducted a register-based study with all live singleton births in the Swedish Medical Birth Register from 1992 to 2012, linked with records of paternal violent crime convictions from the National Crime Register from 1973 to 2012. RESULTS: Paternal violent criminality was associated with increased risk of preterm birth and lower gestational age. The association was especially pronounced among infants of reoffenders: men convicted of three or more violent crimes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.23 [95% CI 1.17, 1.29]). Maternal half sibling-comparisons, an analytic approach controlling for maternal factors stable across pregnancies, also suggested increased risk of preterm birth and lower gestational age when exposed to a violently reoffending father compared to a father without violent criminal convictions (aOR 1.30 [0.99, 1.72], adjusted mean difference - 1.07 [- 1.78, - 0.36]). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent paternal violent criminality was associated with increased risk of preterm birth, even after controlling for maternal characteristics that did not change between pregnancies.

Protracted vacuum extraction and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage among infants born at term: a nationwide case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The association between vacuum extraction and intracranial hemorrhage has been debated. We sought to investigate the impact of protracted vacuum extraction on the risk for neonatal intracranial hemorrhage in term infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This nationwide case-control study covered Swedish maternity wards from 1999 to 2013. All term, live-born infants diagnosed with neonatal intracranial hemorrhage after vacuum-assisted delivery were included as cases (n = 167). For each case, 3 vacuum-delivered controls, without a diagnosis for intracranial hemorrhage, were selected (n = 546 controls). Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between protracted extraction (defined as vacuum duration > 15 min, > 6 pulls or > 2 cup detachments), and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Extractions exceeded 15 min among 33% of the cases, vs 5% of the controls. More than six pulls were used in 25% of the cases and in 4% of the controls, and more than two cup detachments occurred in 3.6% of the cases and in 0.6% of the controls. Compared with extractions adhering to safety recommendations, the odds for intracranial hemorrhage were nine-fold (OR 8.91, 95%, CI 5.22-15.20) among infants exposed to a protracted extraction. After adjustments for potential confounders, the OR decreased to 8.04 (95% CI 4.49-14.38). CONCLUSIONS: The strong association between protracted extraction and intracranial hemorrhage suggests that adherence to safety recommendations may reduce the risk for intracranial hemorrhage in infants delivered by vacuum extraction. However, safe limits for vacuum duration and number of pulls are still unknown and intracranial hemorrhage may occur even when performed in accordance with safety recommendations.

Risk of labor dystocia increases with maternal age irrespective of parity: a population-based register study.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced maternal age is associated with labor dystocia (LD) in nulliparous women. This study investigates the age-related risk of LD in first, second and third births. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All live singleton cephalic births at term (≥ 37 gestational weeks) recorded in the Swedish Medical Birth Register from 1999 to 2011, except elective cesarean sections and fourth births and more, in total 998 675 pregnancies, were included in the study. LD was defined by International Classification of Diseases, version 10 codes (O620, O621, O622, O629, O630, O631 and O639). In each parity group risks of LD at age 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years and ≥ 40 years compared with age < 25 years were investigated by logistic regression analyses. Analyses were adjusted for year of delivery, education, country/region of birth, smoking in early pregnancy, maternal height, body mass index, week of gestation, fetal presentation and infant birthweight. RESULTS: Rates of LD were 22.5%, 6.1% and 4% in first, second and third births, respectively. Adjusted odd ratios (OR) for LD increased progressively from the youngest to the oldest age group, irrespective of parity. At age 35-39 years the adjusted OR (95% CI) was approximately doubled compared with age 25 and younger: 2.13 (2.06-2.20) in first birth; 2.05 (1.91-2.19) in second births; and 1.81 (1.49-2.21) in third births. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal age is an independent risk factor for LD in first, second and third births. Although age-related risks by parity are relatively similar, more nulliparous than parous women will be exposed to LD due to the higher rate.

Risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury increases with maternal age irrespective of parity: a population-based register study.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a rare but serious outcome of vaginal birth. Based on concerns about the increasing number of women who commence childbearing later than previous generation, this study aimed at investigating age-related risk of OASI in women of different parity. METHODS: A population-based register study including 959,559 live singleton vaginal births recorded in the Swedish Medical Birth Register 1999 to 2011. In each parity group risks of OASI at age 25-29 years, 30-34 years, and ≥35 years compared with age < 25 years were investigated by logistic regression analyses, adjusted for year of birth, education, region of birth, smoking, Body Mass Index, infant birthweight and fetal presentation; and in parous women, history of OASI and cesarean section. Additional analyses also adjusted for mediating factors, such as epidural analgesia, episiotomy, and instrumental delivery, and maternal age-related morbidity. RESULTS: Rates of OASI were 6.6%, 2.3% and 0.9% in first, second and third births respectively. Age-related risk increased from 25-29 years in first births (Adjusted OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.59-1.72) and second births (Adjusted OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.58-2.01), and from 30-34 years in third births (Adjusted OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.00-2.56). In all parity groups the risk was doubled at age ≥ 35 years, compared with the respective reference group of women under 25 years. Adding mediating factors and maternal age-related morbidity only marginally reduced these risk estimates. CONCLUSION: Maternal age is an independent risk factor for OASI in first, second and third births. Although age-related risks by parity are relatively similar, more nulliparous than parous women will be exposed to OASI due to the higher baseline rate.

Vacuum extraction in fetal macrosomia and risk of neonatal complications: a population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: High birthweight is associated with complicated childbirth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between birthweight, mode of delivery, and neonatal complications among infants born at term with a birthweight ≥3000 g. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This population-based cohort study used data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register from 1999 to 2012, including 1 030 775 births at >36 completed weeks. Exposure was mode of delivery, categorized into non-instrumental vaginal delivery (VD), emergency cesarean section (CS), vacuum extraction (VE) or cesarean section following attempted vacuum extraction (VE + CS), and birthweight was divided into five categories (3000-3999 g, 4000-4499 g, 4500-4999 g, and ≥5000 g). The following outcomes were assessed: 5-min Apgar score <7, neonatal convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage, and brachial plexus injury. Infants born after VD with a birthweight of 3000-3999 g were used as reference in the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The odds ratios for all complications increased at higher birthweights among infants born after VE/VE + CS and VD. The highest risks were seen after VE/VE + CS with an adjusted odds ratio for neonatal convulsions of 2.6 (95% CI 2.1-3.2) in the reference birthweight group and 6.3 (95% CI 4.3-9.2) among infants with a birthweight of ≥4500 g. The corresponding adjusted odds ratios for intracranial hemorrhage were 2.6 (95% CI 1.7-3.9) and 6.7 (95% CI 3.3-13.6) and for brachial plexus injury 4.0 (95% CI 3.3-4.9) and 88.4 (95% CI 71.9-108.4). CONCLUSION: Vacuum extraction is a risk factor for serious neonatal complications, in particular when used in macrosomic fetuses.

Induced Labor in Sweden, 1999-2012: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show contradictory results about the impact of induced labor on the cesarean delivery rate and few studies have investigated the risk of vacuum extraction subsequent to induced labor. The aims of the present study were to describe the rate of induced labor in Sweden from 1999 to 2012, and to assess the risk of unplanned cesarean delivery and vacuum extraction after induced labor in relation to medical complications and length of gestation. METHODS: A register-based cohort study was conducted, including 1,078,536 women with spontaneous or induced onset of labor who gave birth by noninstrumental vaginal delivery, unplanned cesarean delivery, or vacuum extraction in gestational week 37 + 0 to 41 + 6. Logistic regression was used to study the association between induced labor and instrumental delivery. RESULTS: The rate of induced labor increased from 7.7 to 12.9 percent among primiparous and from 7.5 to 11.8 percent among multiparous women. Induced labor was associated with 2-3 times greater risk of unplanned cesarean delivery among all women, except multiparas in gestational week 37-38, and with a 20-50 percent higher risk of vacuum extraction after the adjustment for confounding factors. Among women without a recognized medical complication, induced labor was associated with a threefold increased risk of cesarean delivery in gestational week 39-41 and a 40 percent increase in gestational week 37-38 compared with women with spontaneous onset of labor. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of induced labors increased substantially during the 14-year study period and was associated with an increased risk of both cesarean delivery and vacuum extraction, even in women without a documented medical complication. The increased risk of instrumental delivery should be taken into account when counseling about the risks and benefits of induced labor.

Birth by vacuum extraction delivery and school performance at 16 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate cognitive competence, as indicated by school performance, at 16 years of age, in children delivered by vacuum extraction. STUDY DESIGN: This was a register study of a national cohort of 126,032 16 year olds born as singletons, with a vertex presentation, at a gestational age of 34 weeks or older, with Swedish-born parents, delivered between 1990 and 1993 without major congenital malformations. Linear regression was used to analyze mode of delivery in relation to mean scores from national tests in mathematics (40.2; scale, 10-75; SD, 14.9) and mean average grades (223.8; scale, 10-320; SD, 52.3), with adjustment for perinatal and sociodemographic confounders. RESULTS: Children delivered by vacuum extraction (-0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.76 to 0.26) as well as by nonplanned cesarean section (-0.51; 95% CI, -0.82 to -0.20) had slightly lower mean mathematics test scores than children born vaginally without instruments, after adjustment for major confounders. Mean average grades in children delivered by vacuum extraction were -1.05 (95% CI, -1.87 to -0.23) and -1.20 (95% CI,-2.24 to -0.16) in children delivered by nonplanned cesarean section compared with children born vaginally. CONCLUSION: Children delivered by vacuum extraction had slightly lower grades at age 16 years compared with those born by noninstrumental vaginal delivery but very similar to those delivered by nonplanned cesarean. This suggests that vacuum extraction and nonplanned cesarean are equivalent alternatives for terminating deliveries with respect to cognitive outcomes.

Vacuum assisted birth and risk for cerebral complications in term newborn infants: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have focused on cerebral complications among newborn infants delivered by vacuum extraction (VE). The aim of this study was to determine the risk for intracranial haemorrhage and/or cerebral dysfunction in newborn infants delivered by VE and to compare this risk with that after cesarean section in labour (CS) and spontaneous vaginal delivery, respectively. METHODS: Data was obtained from Swedish national registers. In a population-based cohort from 1999 to 2010 including all singleton newborn infants delivered at term after onset of labour by VE (n = 87,150), CS (75,216) or spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 851,347), we compared the odds for neonatal intracranial haemorrhage, traumatic or non-traumatic, convulsions or encephalopathy. Logistic regressions were used to calculate adjusted (for major risk factors and indication) odds ratios (AOR), using spontaneous vaginal delivery as reference group. RESULTS: The rates of traumatic and non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhages were 0.8/10,000 and 3.8/1,000. VE deliveries provided 58% and 31.5% of the traumatic and non-traumatic cases, giving a ten-fold risk [AOR 10.05 (4.67-21.65)] and double risk [AOR 2.23 (1.57-3.16)], respectively. High birth weight and short mother were associated with the highest risks. Infants delivered by CS had no increased risk for intracranial hemorrhages. The risks for convulsions or encephalopathy were similar among infants delivered by VE and CS, exceeding the OR after non-assisted spontaneous vaginal delivery by two-to-three times. CONCLUSION: Vacuum assisted delivery is associated with increased risk for neonatal intracranial hemorrhages. Although causality could not be established in this observational study, it is important to be aware of the increased risk of intracranial hemorrhages in VE deliveries, particularly in short women and large infants. The results warrant further studies in decision making and conduct of assisted vaginal delivery.

Preterm birth by vacuum extraction and neonatal outcome: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have investigated the neonatal outcomes after vacuum extraction delivery (VE) in the preterm period and the results of these studies are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to describe the use of VE for preterm delivery in Sweden and to compare rates of neonatal complications after preterm delivery by VE to those found after cesarean section during labor (CS) or unassisted vaginal delivery (VD). METHODS: Data was obtained from Swedish national registers. In a population-based cohort from 1999 to 2010, all live-born, singleton preterm infants in a non-breech presentation at birth, born after onset of labor (either spontaneously, by induction, or by rupture of membranes) by VD, CS, or VE were included, leaving a study population of 40,764 infants. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR), using unassisted vaginal delivery as reference group. RESULTS: VE was used in 5.7% of the preterm deliveries, with lower rates in earlier gestations. Overall, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurred in 1.51%, extracranial hemorrhage (ECH) in 0.64%, and brachial plexus injury in 0.13% of infants. Infants delivered by VE had higher risks for ICH (AOR = 1.84 (95% CI: 1.09-3.12)), ECH (AOR = 4.48 (95% CI: 2.84-7.07)) and brachial plexus injury (AOR = 6.21 (95% CI: 2.22-17.4)), while infants delivered by CS during labor had no increased risk for these complications, as compared to VD. CONCLUSION: While rates of neonatal complications after VE are generally low, higher odds ratios for intra- and extracranial hemorrhages and brachial plexus injuries after VE, compared with other modes of delivery, support a continued cautious use of VE for preterm delivery.

Insufficient pain relief in vacuum extraction deliveries: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pain relief used in association with vacuum extraction assisted deliveries and to identify risk factors for not receiving pain relief during the procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective birth register study. SETTING: Nationwide study in Sweden. POPULATION: The study population consisted of all women (n = 62 568) with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth in gestational weeks 37(+0) to 41(+6) between 1999 and 2008 and were delivered by vacuum extraction. METHOD: Register study with data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Epidural blockade, spinal blockade, pudendal nerve blockade, infiltration of the perineum, no pain relief. RESULTS: In all, 32.4% primiparas and 51.4% multiparas who had a vacuum-assisted delivery had this without potent pain relief such as epidural blockade, spinal blockade or pudendal nerve block. When infiltration was added as a method for pain relief, 18% were still delivered without pain relief. Multiparas were more likely than primiparas to be delivered without potent pain relief, odds ratio (OR) 2.29 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.20-2.38). Compared with women delivered by vacuum extraction due to prolonged labor, those with signs of fetal distress were more likely to be delivered without potent pain relief (OR) 1.74, 95% (CI) (1.68-1.81). CONCLUSION: A considerable number of women are delivered by vacuum extraction without pain relief. The high proportion might reflect that clinical staff do not always consider pain relief to be of high priority in vacuum extraction deliveries or that they fear impaired pushing forces.

Reason for the increasing use of vacuum extraction in Sweden: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To explain the increasing rates of vacuum extraction in Sweden. DESIGN: Population-based register study. SETTING: Nationwide study in Sweden. POPULATION: A total of 589 108 primiparous women with singleton, term live births in 1992-2010. METHODS: Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated for potential risk factors for vacuum extraction and emergency cesarean. To explain the increase in vacuum extraction over time, we successively adjusted for maternal and infant characteristics in four different models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vacuum extraction. RESULTS: Rates of vacuum extraction increased from 11.5% in 1992 to 14.8% in 2010. The risk of vacuum extraction increased with maternal age and gestational length, but decreased with increasing maternal height. The increased use of vacuum extraction over time was partly explained by increasing maternal age and increased use of epidural anesthesia. Among women with and without epidural analgesia, the increase in vacuum extraction over time was confined to vacuum extraction due to signs of fetal distress. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on risk factors, the odds of being delivered by vacuum extraction can vary immensely from one woman to another. Increasing maternal age explains a substantial fraction of the increase in vacuum extraction use since 1992. Whether the increase in vacuum extractions due to fetal distress reflects a true increase in fetal distress during labor remains to be explained.

Infibulated women have an increased risk of anal sphincter tears at delivery: a population-based Swedish register study of 250 000 births.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk for anal sphincter tears (AST) in infibulated women. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Nationwide study in Sweden. POPULATION: The study population included 250 491 primiparous women with a vaginal singleton birth at 37-41 completed gestational weeks during 1999-2008. We only included women born in Sweden and in Africa. The African women were categorized into three groups; a Somalia group, n = 929, where over 95% are infibulated; the Eritrea-Ethiopia-Sudan group, n = 955, where the majority are infibulated, compared with other African countries, n = 1035, where few individuals are infibulated but had otherwise similar anthropometric characteristics. These women were compared with 247 572 Swedish-born women. METHODS: Register study with data from the National Medical Birth Registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AST in non-instrumental and instrumental vaginal delivery. RESULTS: Compared with Swedish-born women, women from Somalia had the highest odds ratio for AST in all vaginal deliveries: 2.72 (95%CI 2.08-3.54), followed by women from Eritrea-Ethiopia-Sudan 1.80 (1.41-2.32) and other African countries 1.23 (0.89-1.53) after adjustment for major risk factors. Mediolateral episiotomy was associated with a reduced risk of AST in instrumental deliveries. CONCLUSION: Delivering African women from countries where infibulation is common carries an increased risk of AST compared with Swedish-born women, despite delivering in a highly technical quality healthcare setting. AST can cause anal incontinence and it is important to investigate risk factors for this and try to improve clinical routines during delivery to reduce the incidence of this complication.

Neonatal outcomes of elective labor induction in low-risk term pregnancies.

The rate of labor induction has increased in recent years. The results of previously conducted studies examining associations between elective induction of labor (IOL) and neonatal outcomes have been contradictory. The aim of this study was to examine the intrinsic neonatal risks following IOL. We conducted a population-based cohort study, including all women with recorded low-risk singleton pregnancies at a gestational age between 37 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks in Sweden from 1999 to 2017. Data were collected from the Swedish Medical Birth register. Two study groups were compared-the elective induction group with the spontaneous labor onset group. The results showed that the rate of elective IOL increased from 7.2% in 1999 to 16.4% in 2017. Elective IOL was associated with a higher OR for chorioamnionitis, bacterial sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, assisted ventilation, hyperbilirubinemia, APGAR < 7 at 5 min, and neonatal seizures compared to deliveries with spontaneous labor onset. Regarding mortality outcomes, no significant differences were shown between the groups for either early term or full-term deliveries. We conclude that IOL is associated with neonatal complications, although causality could not be established in this observational study. It is important to be aware of the increased risk and perform IOL with caution.

Freebirth, the only option for women who do not fit into common practice- A Swedish national interview study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore women's experience of freebirth, as giving birth without the presence of a skilled healthcare professional such as a midwife. METHODS: Online semi-structured interviews with nine multiparous women in Sweden. A qualitative experiential approach, as described by Burnard, was followed for data analysis. RESULTS: The five main categories explored were: (i) previous negative experiences of hospital care as a reason for freebirth; (ii) receiving support for the decision of freebirth was crucial; (iii) longing for individual midwifery-assisted home-birthing support; (iv) to give birth in peace and in self-control, in the safe home environment; and (v) helpful support during labor and birth was appreciated. CONCLUSIONS: The women in the study had a powerful and positive experience of freebirth, but individual midwifery birthing support was also requested. Easily available and respectful midwifery support should be offered to all childbearing women.

The influence of fetal head circumference on labor outcome: a population-based register study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between postnatal head circumference and the occurrence of the three main indications for instrumental delivery, namely prolonged labor, signs of fetal distress and maternal distress. We also studied the association between postnatal fetal head circumference and the use of vacuum extraction and emergency cesarean section. DESIGN: Population-based register study. SETTING: Nationwide study in Sweden. POPULATION: A total of 265 456 singleton neonates born to nulliparous women at term between 1999 and 2008 in Sweden. METHODS: Register study with data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prolonged labor, signs of fetal distress, maternal distress, use of vacuum extraction and emergency cesarean section. RESULTS: The prevalence of each outcome increased gradually as the head circumference increased. Compared with women giving birth to a neonate with average size head circumference (35 cm), women giving birth to an infant with a very large head circumference (39-41 cm) had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with prolonged labor [odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-1.67], signs of fetal distress (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.49-2.03) and maternal distress (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.96-2.95). The odds ratios for vacuum extraction and cesarean section were thereby elevated to 3.47 (95% CI 3.10-3.88) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.04-1.42), respectively. The attributable risk proportion percentages associated with vacuum extraction and cesarean section were 46 and 39%, respectively among the cases exposed to a head circumference of 37-41 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Large fetal head circumference is associated with complicated labor and is etiological to a considerable proportion of assisted vaginal births and emergency cesarean sections.