Dating Ultrasounds are Fundamental to Modern Obstetric Care.

Aims Dating ultrasounds for all women remains a goal of the National Maternity Strategy. We sought to examine the utility of guideline based first trimester scanning when performed in a tertiary maternity unit. Methods A retrospective review of all public dating ultrasound scans was preformed over a one year period. Results 6,077 scans were reviewed. Viability was confirmed in 97.9% (n=5953), 1.5% (n=94) were deemed non-viable, and 0.48% (n=29) required follow up for uncertain viability. There were 97.9% (n=5,951) singleton pregnancies, 1.8% (n=112) multiple pregnancies, and 0.2% (n=14) with an absent fetal pole. Of those attending for a first dating ultrasound, 81.7% (n=4,966) were between 10 and 13+6 weeks. 16% (n=977) of women relied on dating scans rather than last menstrual period (LMP) to estimate gestational age. Overall, the mean difference between ultrasound scan and recalled menstrual dates was 3.9 gestational days. Other findings of significance included 0.4% (n=25) pregnancies with fetal anomalies diagnosed and 1.2% (n=78) of women were reported as having uterine anomalies. Conclusion Dating ultrasound confirms viability, pregnancy number and due date. These factors are the basis of antenatal care. This study reinforces the need for routine scanning of all pregnancies in the first trimester.

A demonstration of using formal consensus methods within guideline development; a case study.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations within guidelines are developed by synthesising the best available evidence; when limited evidence is identified recommendations are generally based on informal consensus. However, there are potential biases in group decision making, and formal consensus methods may help reduce these. METHODS: We conducted a case study using formal consensus, to develop one set of recommendations within the Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition guideline being produced for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Statements were generated through identification of published guidelines on several topics relating to neonatal parenteral nutrition. Ten high quality guidelines were included, and 28 statements were generated; these statements were rated by the committee via two rounds of voting. The statements which resulted in agreement were then used to develop the recommendations. RESULTS: The approach was systematic and provided transparency. Additionally, a number of lessons were learnt; including the value of selecting the appropriate topic, giving adequate time to the process, and ensuring methodologies are understood by the committee for their value and relevance. CONCLUSION: Formal consensus is a valuable option for use within guideline development when specific criteria are met. The approach provides transparent methodology, ensuring clarity on how recommendations are developed.

Fetal medicine specialist experiences of providing a new service of termination of pregnancy for fatal fetal anomaly: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore fetal medicine specialists' experiences of caring for parents following a diagnosis of fatal fetal anomaly (FFA) during the implementation of termination of pregnancy (TOP) for FFA for the first time. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Fetal medicine units in the Republic of Ireland. POPULATION: Ten fetal medicine specialists from five of the six fetal medicine units. METHODS: nvivo 12 assisted in the thematic analysis of semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fetal medicine specialists' experiences of prenatal diagnosis and holistic management of pregnancies complicated by FFA. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: 'not fatal enough', 'interactions with colleagues', 'supporting pregnant women' and 'internal conflict and emotional challenges'. Fetal medicine specialists feared getting an FFA diagnosis incorrect because of media scrutiny and criminal liability associated with the TOP for FFA legislation. Challenges with the ambiguous and 'restrictive' legislation were identified that 'ostracised' severe anomalies. Teamwork was essential to facilitate opportunities for learning and peer support; however, conflict with colleagues was experienced regarding the diagnosis of FFA, the provision of feticide and palliative care to infants born alive following TOP for FFA. Participants reported challenges implementing TOP for FFA, including the absence of institutional support and 'stretched' resources. Fetal medicine specialists experienced internal conflict and a psychological burden providing TOP for FFA, but did so to 'provide full care for women'. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified challenges regarding the suitability of the Irish legislation for TOP for FFA and its rapid introduction into clinical practice. It illustrates the importance of institutional and peer support, as well as the need for supportive management, in the provision of a new service. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The implementation of termination services for fatal fetal anomaly is complex and requires institutional support.

A prospective study of placental growth factor in twin pregnancy and development of a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range for placental growth factor (PlGF), and to compare gestation-specific placental growth factor levels in twin pregnancies later complicated by pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or fetal growth restriction with control pregnancies. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single large tertiary maternity unit in Ireland. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: Women with a twin pregnancy. METHODS: Consenting pregnant women, across a variety of gestations, had a single blood sample taken at one time-point only during their pregnancy. The plasma was initially biobanked and PlGF was measured later in batches using the point of care Triage® PlGF test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or fetal growth restriction. RESULTS: Placental growth factor levels in uncomplicated dichorionic twin pregnancies were significantly lower in the women who later developed pre-eclampsia than in the controls at all gestational intervals. In those that later developed any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, median PlGF was lower only in those recruited before 24 weeks of gestation, whereas in infants with a customised birthweight below the third centile, PlGF was lower only in those sampled after 24 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Placental growth factor levels in twin pregnancy differ significantly between those women with a pregnancy that will later be complicated by pre-eclampsia and those that will not. This difference is present many weeks before clinical signs or symptoms of disease are present. Using cross-sectional values from uncomplicated twin pregnancies, we have developed a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range for PlGF. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Placental growth factor levels in twin pregnancy differ significantly between women that will later develop pre-eclampsia and those that will not.

Maternity Healthcare Chaplains and Perinatal Post-Mortem Support and Understanding in the United Kingdom and Ireland: An Exploratory Study.

Perinatal autopsy rates have declined significantly in recent decades. There is a lack of consensus concerning the potential religious influences for bereaved parents in their decision making process for post-mortem. This online study of British and Irish maternity healthcare chaplains explored their understanding of general and local perinatal post-mortem procedures and their experiences in the support of parents. Participants included Christian, Muslim and non-faith chaplains. No chaplain identified any religious prohibition to perinatal post-mortem. A majority of chaplains reported that they had been asked about post-mortem by parents; only a minority felt adequately prepared. A key recommendation is that following appropriate training chaplains may be well placed to support colleagues and parents during the decision making process.

Maternal transmission of SARS-COV-2 to the neonate, and possible routes for such transmission: a systematic review and critical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Early reports of COVID-19 in pregnancy described management by caesarean, strict isolation of the neonate and formula feeding. Is this practice justified? OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of the neonate becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 by mode of delivery, type of infant feeding and mother-infant interaction. SEARCH STRATEGY: Two biomedical databases were searched between September 2019 and June 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: Case reports or case series of pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19, where neonatal outcomes were reported. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted on mode of delivery, infant infection status, infant feeding and mother-infant interaction. For reported infant infection, a critical analysis was performed to evaluate the likelihood of vertical transmission. MAIN RESULTS: Forty nine studies included information on mode of delivery and infant infection status for 655 women and 666 neonates. In all, 28/666 (4%) tested positive postnatally. Of babies born vaginally, 8/292 (2.7%) tested positivecompared with 20/374 (5.3%) born by Caesarean. Information on feeding and baby separation were often missing, but of reported breastfed babies 7/148 (4.7%) tested positive compared with 3/56 (5.3%) for reported formula fed ones. Of babies reported as nursed with their mother 4/107 (3.7%) tested positive, compared with 6/46 (13%) for those who were reported as isolated. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal COVID-19 infection is uncommon, rarely symptomatic, and the rate of infection is no greater when the baby is born vaginally, breastfed or remains with the mother. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Risk of neonatal infection with COVID-19 by delivery route, infant feeding and mother-baby interaction.

Irish Inquiry Reports Relating to Perinatal Deaths and Pregnancy Loss Services.

Aims External inquiries are carried out following specific adverse events in healthcare, many in maternity care; to identify issues and make recommendations to improve standards of care. Methods Ten publically-available national inquiry reports published between 2005-2018 relating to pregnancy loss services, were reviewed by 2 clinicians, separately, examining the content and recommendations from each report. Results A total of 258 recommendations were made in 9 reports (90%). Five inquiries (50%) clearly stated that affected families were involved and four (40%) involved affected clinical staff. In 9 reports (90%) recommendations included: increase workforce staffing and/or training, strengthen clinical governance, enhance adverse incident management and comprehensive data collection e.g. maternity outcomes. Only two inquiry reports (20%) stated that feedback was sought from key stakeholders prior to publication. Conclusion A collaborative and standardised inquiry process involving and supporting all persons affected as well as key stakeholders would ensure that all relevant issues are identified, recommendations are implemented and essential lessons are learned.

The public awareness of stillbirth: an Irish population study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the general population's awareness of stillbirth. DESIGN: A cross-sectional telephone population survey. SETTING: A nationally representative sample of the Irish adult population. SAMPLE: In all, 999 members of the Irish population were selected by random digit dialling. METHODS: Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the odds of identifying risk factors for stillbirth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Public knowledge of incidence, risk factors, causes and social awareness about stillbirth. RESULTS: Only a minority, 17%, of respondents correctly identified the incidence of stillbirth. Men and those aged over 45 years were more likely to say they did not know when a stillbirth occurs. Over half, 56% of respondents were unable to identify any stillbirth risk factors. Half of respondents, 53%, believed that the cause of stillbirth was due to a problem with the baby, 39% a problem with the mother, while 31% believed stillbirth occurred as a result of the care provided to the mother. The majority, 79%, believed that all stillbirths should be medically investigated, although women were more likely to suggest this (82% versus 76.4%; P = 0.043). Stillbirth had been represented in traditional and online media for 75% of respondents and 54% said they personally knew someone who had a stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of public knowledge concerning the incidence, risk factors and causes of stillbirth. Improved public health initiatives and antenatal education are warranted to increase awareness of stillbirth risk factors and to improve care and monitoring during pregnancy. FUNDING: No funding was granted for this study. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Irish population study shows low public awareness of stillbirth incidence, risk factors and causes. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study aimed to find out what the general public know about the risk factors associated with stillbirth and whether stillbirth can be prevented. Many stillbirth risk factors can be identified and when they are, healthcare professionals can monitor pregnancy and hopefully reduce the possibility of a baby dying before birth. A sample of 999 people from the Irish population was surveyed by a professional telephone polling company for this study. The results of this study found that most people did not know how common stillbirth was and also believed that only a minority could be prevented. Most people were not able to identify any risk factors that can lead to stillbirth. Most people knew someone who had had a stillbirth and likewise most people believed that all stillbirths should be investigated to find a cause. It is possible that some people do not know the difference between stillbirth and miscarriage and this question was not asked in this study. Six people did not complete the interview as the topic of stillbirth was too sensitive. It is possible that these people had experienced a stillbirth themselves and so their results are not included. This study highlights the importance of increasing public awareness about stillbirth by providing clear information to women and their partners that there are risk factors associated with stillbirth that can be identified and monitored. The results of this study suggest that these risk factors could be highlighted in antenatal preparation classes and public health campaigns.

Intrapartum fetal deaths and unexpected neonatal deaths in the Republic of Ireland: 2011 - 2014; a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Intrapartum fetal death, the death of a fetus during labour, is a tragic outcome of pregnancy. The intrapartum death rate of a country is reflective of the care received by mothers and babies in labour and it is through analysing these cases that good aspects of care, as well as areas for improvement can be identified. Investigating unexpected neonatal deaths that may be associated with an intrapartum event is also helpful to fully appraise intrapartum care. This is a descriptive study of intrapartum fetal deaths and unexpected neonatal deaths in Ireland from 2011 to 2014. METHODS: Anonymised data pertaining to all intrapartum fetal deaths and unexpected neonatal deaths for the study time period was obtained from the national perinatal epidemiology centre. All statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: There were 81 intrapartum fetal deaths from 2011 to 2014, and 36 unexpected neonatal deaths from 2012 to 2014. The overall intrapartum death rate was 0.29 per 1000 births and the corrected intrapartum fetal death rate was 0.16 per 1000 births. The overall unexpected neonatal death rate was 0.17 per 1000 live births. Major Congenital Malformation accounted for 36/81 intrapartum deaths, chorioamnionitis for 18/81, and placental abruption accounted for eight babies' deaths. Intrapartum asphyxia accounted for eight of the intrapartum deaths. With respect to the neonatal deaths over half (21/36, 58.3%) of the babies died as a result of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Information is also reported on both maternal and individual baby demographics. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first detailed descriptive analysis of intrapartum deaths and unexpected intrapartum event related neonatal deaths in Ireland. The corrected intrapartum fetal death rate was 0.16 per 1000 births. Despite our results being based on the best available national data on intrapartum deaths and unexpected neonatal deaths, we were unable to identify if any of these deaths could have been prevented. A more formal confidential inquiry based system is necessary to fully appraise these cases.

Healthcare professionals' response to intrapartum death: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to adverse perinatal events can impact on the way healthcare professionals (HCPs) provide patient care. The aim of this study was to document the experiences of HCPs following exposure to intrapartum death (IPD), to identify opinions surrounding education and suitable support strategies, and to ascertain if involvement with an IPD had any impact on clinical practice. METHODS: A questionnaire study, with open and closed questions, was developed and set in a tertiary maternity hospital. Consultant obstetricians, trainee obstetricians and midwives were invited to participate. Respondents were questioned about the impact that an intrapartum death had on them, the support they received in the immediate aftermath and their opinions regarding ongoing education and training in the areas of intrapartum death and self-care. RESULTS: Eighty percent of HCPs in our study had a direct involvement with an IPD. Most (82%) HCPs received no training in dealing with IPD while 94% had no education on self-care strategies. Despite it being desired by most (80%), debriefing was offered to just 11% of HCPs who were involved in an IPD. Three main qualitative themes emerged from the data; the personal impact of IPDs on HCPs, implications for professional practice and future patient care, and the importance on non-judgemental support. CONCLUSION: Maternity hospitals need to improve their support structures for HCPs following an IPD. It is hoped that this study will inform future educational practice and identify potential support strategies.

Oocyte Donation Pregnancies- Non-Disclosure of Oocyte Recipient Status to Obstetric Care Providers and Perinatal Outcomes.

Background: Oocyte donation pregnancies- non-disclosure of oocyte recipient (OR) status to obstetric care providers and perinatal outcomes.Many studies report a higher rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and severe pre-eclampsia (PET) in OR pregnancies. The objective is to determine the rates of non-disclosure of OR pregnancy to obstetric care providers and also the rates of perinatal complications. Method: This was a retrospective review of all oocyte recipient (OR) pregnancies, who subsequently delivered at Cork University Maternity Hospital, between 2007- 2012 inclusive. Obstetric case notes were reviewed to investigate perinatal outcomes and whether OR status had been documented (unambiguously, in code or not at all). Results: Less than one-third (30.2%; n=32/106) had unambiguous documentation, one-third (33%; n=35/106) had no documentation and the remainder (36.8%; n=39/106) had a code familiar only to their obstetrician. There was a high rate of gestational hypertensive disorders (28.3%; n= 30), most frequently occurring with multiple gestation. Discussion: There was a low rate of clear documentation of OR status. Gestational hypertensive disorders occurred with increased frequency.

Maternity Ultrasound in the Republic of Ireland 2016; A Review.

Antenatal ultrasound, comprising of a dating ultrasound in the late first trimester followed by a fetal anomaly scan, is a recognised and necessary component of good antenatal care. We conducted a telephone survey of all 19 obstetric units to ascertain the status of maternity ultrasound provision in Ireland. Fetal anomaly ultrasound is offered universally to all women in 7/19 (37%) units, selectively to some women in 7/19 (37%) units and not offered at all in the remaining 5/19 (26%) units. Overall ? 41,700 (64%) women receive a fetal anomaly ultrasound nationally. Universal first trimester ultrasound, performed in a dedicated ultrasound department by a suitably qualified sonographer, is offered to 47% of women nationally. This study highlights the lack of development in Irish maternity ultrasound services over the last decade. Substantial investment by health care policy makers is urgently needed.

Perinatal outcomes of reduced fetal movements: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The perception of reduced fetal movement (RFM) is an important marker of fetal wellbeing and is associated with poor perinatal outcome (such as intra-uterine death). METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of women presenting with RFM over 28 weeks' gestation to a tertiary-level maternity hospital. We examined pregnancy outcomes and compared them to a retrospectively collected control group delivering contemporaneously. RESULTS: In total, 275 presentations were analysed in the RFM group, with 264 in the control group. Women with RFM were more likely to be nulliparous (p = 0.002) and have an induction of labour (p = 0.0011). 26.5 % (n = 73) of cases were admitted following presentation with RFM, and 79.4 % (n = 58) delivered on primary presentation. Overall, 15.2 % (n = 42) women were induced for RFM specifically. CONCLUSION: This prospective study shows the increased burden of care required by those with RFM, including increased neonatal unit admission rates, increased induction rates and higher surveillance demands, demonstrating the need for increased attention to this area of practice.

Women's experience of maternal morbidity: a qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity refers to pregnancy-related complications, ranging in severity from acute to chronic. In Ireland one in 210 maternities will experience a severe morbidity. Yet, how women internalize their experience of morbidity has gone largely unexplored. This study aimed to explore women's experiences of maternal morbidity. METHODS: A qualitative semi-structured interview format was utilized. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 14 women with a maternal morbidity before, during or after birth; nine women were diagnosed with one morbidity including hypertensive disorders, haemorrhage, placenta praevia and gestational diabetes whereas five women were diagnosed with two or more morbidities. Thematic analysis was employed as the analytic strategy. RESULTS: Four superordinate themes were identified: powerlessness, morbidity management, morbidity treatment and socio-behavioural responses to morbidities. Women were accepting of the uncontrollable nature of the adverse outcome experienced. While being treated for trauma, women were satisfied to relinquish their autonomy to ensure the safety of themselves and their babies. However, these events were debilitating. Women's inability to control their own bodies, as a result of the morbidity, contributed to high levels of frustration and anxiety. Morbidities impacted greatly on women's quality of life and sometimes these effects persisted for a prolonged period after delivery. Women felt that they were provided very little information on the practicalities of living with their condition; many were uncertain how to manage their morbidities in the home setting. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers should ensure that women who experience a maternal morbidity are fully debriefed and have sufficient information on the morbidity including ongoing care and expectations prior to discharge.

Gestation-specific D-dimer reference ranges: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a gestation-specific reference range for D-dimer in healthy pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy using the Auto-Dimer assay. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study SETTING: Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland. POPULATION: Healthy pregnant women attending for routine antenatal care. METHODS: Simultaneous-quantile regression was performed to construct a median, 5th percentile, and 95th percentile, model of normal pregnancy D-dimer concentration versus gestational week, ranging from week 6 to 42. Additionally, pair-wise Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed to compare distributions of D-dimer concentrations for each of the four discrete gestational sampling windows with the distribution of D-dimer concentrations 48 hours postpartum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: D-dimer concentrations (ng/ml) during normal gestation (approximately week 6 to week 42). RESULTS: Seven hundred and sixty healthy pregnant women were investigated between gestational age week 5 and 48 hours postpartum. There was a clear steady increase in median D-dimer concentrations over the complete gestational period. Additionally, the 95th centile estimates for all gestational time-points were above the accepted non-pregnancy normal cut-off concentration (224 ng/ml). The results of the Mann-Whitney U-tests suggested that the long-term postnatal return to normal D-dimer concentrations begins in the immediate postpartum period. CONCLUSIONS: We found that there is a continuous increase in D-dimer concentrations across all gestations. This research is potentially beneficial to future diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy using the new recommended 95th centile potential cut-offs. Possible further investigation involves an observational study comparing D-dimer concentrations in women with proven DVT with those that don't, generating likelihood ratios.

Previous pregnancy loss has an adverse impact on distress and behaviour in subsequent pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether women with previous miscarriages or terminations have higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and altered behaviours in a subsequent pregnancy. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 5575 women recruited into the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study, a prospective cohort study. SETTING: Auckland, New Zealand, Adelaide, Australia, Cork, Ireland, and Manchester, Leeds, and London, UK. POPULATION: Healthy nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies. METHODS: Outcomes were recorded at 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short-form State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score, Perceived Stress Scale score, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score, and pregnancy-related behaviour measured using behavioural responses to pregnancy score. RESULTS: Of the 5465 women included in the final analysis, 559 (10%) had one and 94 (2%) had two previous miscarriages, and 415 (8%) had one and 66 (1%) had two previous terminations of pregnancy. Women with one previous miscarriage had increased anxiety (adjusted mean difference 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.61-3.09), perceived stress (adjusted mean difference 0.76; 95% CI 0.48-1.03), depression (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08-1.45), and limiting/resting behaviour in pregnancy (adjusted mean difference 0.80; 95% CI 0.62-0.97). In women with two miscarriages, depression was more common (aOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.01-2.70) and they had higher scores for limiting/resting behaviour in pregnancy (adjusted mean difference 1.70; 95% CI 0.90-2.53) at 15 weeks of gestation. Women with one previous termination displayed elevated perceived stress (adjusted mean difference 0.65; 95% CI 0.08-1.23) and depression (aOR 1.25; 95% 1.08-1.45) at 15 weeks of gestation. Women with two previous terminations displayed increased perceived stress (adjusted mean difference 1.43; 95% CI 0.00-2.87) and depression (aOR 1.67; 95% 1.28-2.18). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the psychological implications of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy.

The impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the personal and professional impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists. DESIGN: Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews. SETTING: A tertiary university maternity hospital in Ireland with a birth rate of c. 9000 per annum and a stillbirth rate of 4.6/1000. SAMPLE: Purposive sample of eight consultant obstetrician gynaecologists (50% of consultant obstetrician gynaecologists in the hospital). METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews analysed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. (IPA) IPA is a methodology for exploring human experience and its meaning for the individual. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The lived experiences, personal feelings and professional impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists. RESULTS: Stillbirth was identified as amongst the most difficult experiences for consultants. Two superordinate themes emerged: the human response to stillbirth and the weight of responsibility. The human response to stillbirth was characterised by the personal impact of stillbirth for consultants and, in turn, how that shapes the care they provide. The weight of professional responsibility was characterised by the sense of professional burden and the possibility of a medico-legal challenge-mostly for those who are primarily gynaecologists resulting in the question 'what have I missed?'. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the impact of stillbirth, no consultant has received formal training in perinatal bereavement care. This study highlights a gap in training and the significant impact of stillbirth on obstetricians, professionally and personally. The provision of support, ongoing education, bereavement training and self-care is recommended. Medico-legal concerns following stillbirth potentially impact on care, warranting further research.

Conjoined twins: experience in an Irish tertiary centre.

Conjoined twins are rare, with a reported incidence of 0.19 per 10,000 pregnancies in Europe. We discuss four spontaneous conjoined twin pregnancies presenting to a tertiary referral centre from 2005 to 2011, diagnosed on antenatal dating ultrasound. The cases were monitored closely throughout pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team, with serial surveillance, including ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, amniocentesis and further referral to cardiology and paediatric surgery specialists, where indicated. Three female sets were determined antenatally to be not surgically separable; these infants were managed palliatively following a live birth. The male set of conjoined twins was accepted for surgical separation at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, which was successfully performed electively at 4 months. Of interest, all four parents reside within 20 km of each other, representing a possible cluster of cases. The incidence of conjoined twins in our local population is approximately 0.63 per 10,000 over an 8-year period from 2005 to 2012. This case series highlights a cluster of conjoined twins, managed to viability and delivered in a tertiary referral centre.