Birth Outcomes for Planned Home and Licensed Freestanding Birth Center Births in Washington State.

OBJECTIVE: To describe rates of maternal and perinatal birth outcomes for community births and to compare outcomes by planned place of birth (home vs state-licensed, freestanding birth center) in a Washington State birth cohort, where midwifery practice and integration mirrors international settings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all births attended by members of a statewide midwifery professional association that were within professional association guidelines and met eligibility criteria for planned birth center birth (term gestation, singleton, vertex fetus with no known fluid abnormalities at term, no prior cesarean birth, no hypertensive disorders, no prepregnancy diabetes), from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020. Outcome rates were calculated for all planned community births in the cohort. Estimated relative risks were calculated comparing delivery and perinatal outcomes for planned births at home to state-licensed birth centers, adjusted for parity and other confounders. RESULTS: The study population included 10,609 births: 40.9% planned home and 59.1% planned birth center births. Intrapartum transfers to hospital were more frequent among nulliparous individuals (30.5%; 95% CI 29.2-31.9) than multiparous individuals (4.2%; 95% CI 3.6-4.6). The cesarean delivery rate was 11.4% (95% CI 10.2-12.3) in nulliparous individuals and 0.87% (95% CI 0.7-1.1) in multiparous individuals. The perinatal mortality rate after the onset of labor (intrapartum and neonatal deaths through 7 days) was 0.57 (95% CI 0.19-1.04) per 1,000 births. Rates for other adverse outcomes were also low. Compared with planned birth center births, planned home births had similar risks in crude and adjusted analyses. CONCLUSION: Rates of adverse outcomes for this cohort in a U.S. state with well-established and integrated community midwifery were low overall. Birth outcomes were similar for births planned at home or at a state-licensed, freestanding birth center.

Exploring Why Birth Center Clients Choose Hospitalization for Labor and Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with birth center clients electing hospitalization for labor and birth and to explore the timing and rationale for elective hospitalization via health records. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of multiyear data from a quality assurance project at a single birth center. We compared two subsamples-birth center preference group and hospital preference group-and described the apparent rationale for transfers among clients in the latter group. SETTING: A single freestanding birth center where all midwives have admitting privileges at a local hospital and can accompany labor transfers. PARTICIPANTS: All cases included in the analytic sample represent women with low-risk pregnancies who were eligible for birth center birth. The birth center preference group represents clients planning to give birth at the center, and the hospital preference group consists of clients who elected for hospitalization. MEASUREMENTS: Relevant demographic and clinical information was provided for the entire analytic sample and was matched with available data collected systematically by birth center staff via chart review. The data set also included anonymous responses to an e-mailed questionnaire from clients identified by birth center staff. RESULTS: Approximately 56.1% (N = 1,155) of the cases in the data set were eligible for comparative analysis. The birth center preference and hospital preference groups included 899 (77.8%) and 256 (22.2%) individuals, respectively. In the hospital preference group, Black clients (n = 23), those who were publicly insured (n = 49), and primiparas (n = 101) were significantly overrepresented. Chart review data and questionnaire responses highlighted insurance restrictions, family preferences, pain relief options, and postpartum care as influential factors among members of the hospital preference subsample. CONCLUSION: The present analysis shows associations between certain individual characteristics and elective hospitalization during labor for birth center clients. Health record data and questionnaire responses indicated a variety of reasons for electing hospitalization, illustrating the complexity of clients' decision-making during pregnancy and birth.

Two decades of Birth Centre and midwifery-led care in South Australia, 1998-2016.

BACKGROUND: Birth Centres (BC) are underpinned by a philosophy of woman- centred care and were pivotal in growing models of midwifery-led care in South Australia (SA). AIM: To describe BC utilisation and the growth of midwifery-led care in SA over the past two decades. METHODS: The SA Perinatal Statistics Collection was used to describe women birthing from 1998 to 2016. Number of births through midwifery-led services from 2004 to 2016 were obtained from unit managers. Analyses are descriptive. FINDINGS: Women who birthed in BC in SA from 1998 to 2016 comprised approximately 6% of all births per year, and numbers have remained static. Three BC models operate in SA, all with different capacity. Proportionally, women not born in Australia are as likely to birth in BC as labour wards. The proportion of women who received midwifery-led care (whether affiliated with a BC or not), increased from 8.3% in 1998 to 19.2% of all births in 2016. Of the women who received midwifery-led care in 2016, 15.3% went on to birth in a midwifery-led model of care. CONCLUSION: Whilst the overall number of BC births has not increased, women seeking midwifery-led care has more than doubled over the past two decades. BC encompass the midwifery philosophy, quality of care, and a physical home-like environment. The BC models in SA are managed through the three tertiary maternity units enabling women to access publicly funded midwifery care and should be more widely available.

Understanding how midwives employed by the National Health Service facilitate women's alternative birthing choices: Findings from a feminist pragmatist study.

UK legislation and government policy favour women's rights to bodily autonomy and active involvement in childbirth decision-making including the right to decline recommendations of care/treatment. However, evidence suggests that both women and maternity professionals can face challenges enacting decisions outside of sociocultural norms. This study explored how NHS midwives facilitated women's alternative physiological birthing choices-defined in this study as 'birth choices that go outside of local/national maternity guidelines or when women decline recommended treatment of care, in the pursuit of a physiological birth'. The study was underpinned by a feminist pragmatist theoretical framework and narrative methodology was used to collect professional stories of practice via self-written narratives and interviews. Through purposive and snowball sampling, a diverse sample in terms of age, years of experience, workplace settings and model of care they operated within, 45 NHS midwives from across the UK were recruited. Data were analysed using narrative thematic that generated four themes that described midwives' processes of facilitating women's alternative physiological births: 1. Relationship building, 2. Processes of support and facilitation, 3. Behind the scenes, 4. Birth facilitation. Collectively, the midwives were involved in a wide range of alternative birth choices across all birth settings. Fundamental to their practice was the development of mutually trusting relationships with the women which were strongly asserted a key component of safe care. The participants highlighted a wide range of personal and advanced clinical skills which was framed within an inherent desire to meet the women's needs. Capturing what has been successfully achieved within institutionalised settings, specifically how, maternity providers may benefit from the findings of this study.

Local guidelines for admission to UK midwifery units compared with national guidance: A national survey using the UK Midwifery Study System (UKMidSS).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the extent to which local guidelines for admission to UK midwifery units align with national guidance; to describe variation in individual admission criteria; and to describe the extent to which alongside midwifery units (AMUs) are the default option for eligible women. DESIGN: National cross-sectional survey. SETTING: All 122 UK maternity services with midwifery units, between October 2018 and February 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES: Alignment of local admission guidelines with national guidance (NICE CG190); frequency and nature of variation in individual admission criteria; percentage of services with AMU as default birth setting for eligible women. RESULTS: Admission guidelines were received from 87 maternity services (71%), representing 153 units, and we analysed 85 individual guideline documents. Overall, 92% of local admission guidelines varied from national guidance; 76% contained both some admission criteria that were 'more inclusive' and some that were 'more restrictive' than national guidance. The most common 'more inclusive' admission criteria, occurring in 40-80% of guidelines, were: explicit admission of women with parity ≥4; aged 35-40yrs; with a BMI 30-35kg/m2; selective admission of women with a BMI 35-40kg/m2; Group B Streptococcus carriers; and those undergoing induction of labour. The most common 'more restrictive' admission criteria, occurring in around 30% of guidelines, excluded women who: declined blood products; had experienced female genital cutting; were aged <16yrs; or had not attended for regular antenatal care. Over half of services (59%) reported the AMU as the default option for healthy women with straightforward pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: The variation in local midwifery unit admission criteria found in this study represents a potentially confusing and inequitable basis for women making choices about planned place of birth. A review of national guidance may be indicated and where a lack of relevant evidence underlies variation in admission criteria, further research by planned place of birth is required.

Evaluation of a health promotion intervention associated with birthing centres in rural Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Birthing centres (BC) in Nepal are mostly situated in rural areas and provide care for women without complications. However, they are often bypassed by women and their role in providing good quality maternity services is overlooked. This study evaluated an intervention to increase access and utilisation of perinatal care facilities in community settings. METHODS: This longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted over five years in four villages in Nepal and included two BCs. An intervention was conducted in 2014-2016 that involved supporting the BCs and conducting a health promotion programme with local women. Population-based multi-stage sampling of women of reproductive age with a child below 24 months of age was undertaken. Household surveys were conducted (2012 and 2017) employing trained enumerators and using a structured validated questionnaire. The collected data were entered into SPSS and analysed comparing pre- and post-intervention surveys. RESULTS: The intervention was associated with an increase in uptake in facility birth, with an increase in utilisation of perinatal services available from BCs. The post-intervention survey provided evidence that women were more likely to give birth at primary care facilities (OR 5.60, p-value <0.001) than prior to the intervention. Similarly, the likelihood of giving birth at a health facility increased if decision for birthplace was made jointly by women and family members for primary care facilities (OR 1.76, p-value 0.023) and hospitals/tertiary care facilities (OR 1.78, p-value 0.020. If women had less than four ANC visits, then they were less likely to give birth at primary care facilities (OR 0.39, p-value <0.001) or hospitals/tertiary care facilities (OR 0.63, p-value 0.014). Finally, women were less likely to give birth at primary care facilities if they had only primary level of education (OR 0.49, p-value 0.014). CONCLUSION: BCs have the potential to increase the births at health facilities and decrease home births if their services are promoted by the local health promoters. In addition, socio-economic factors including women's education, the level of women's autonomy and having four or more ANC visits affect the utilisation of perinatal services at the health facility.

The cost of vaginal birth at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital setting in New South Wales: A micro-costing study.

BACKGROUND: Women want greater choice of place of birth in New South Wales, Australia. It is perceived to be more costly to health services for women with a healthy pregnancy to give birth at home or in a birth centre. It is not known how much it costs the health service to provide care for women planning to give birth in these settings. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the direct cost of giving birth vaginally at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital for women at low risk of complications, in New South Wales. METHODS: A micro-costing design was used. Observational (time and motion) and resource use data collection was undertaken to identify the staff time and resources required to provide care in a public hospital, birth centre or at home for women with a healthy pregnancy. FINDINGS: The median cost of providing care for women who plan to give birth at home, in a birth centre and in a hospital were similar (AUD $2150.07, $2100.59 and $2097.30 respectively). Midwifery time was the largest contributor to the cost of birth at home, and overhead costs accounted for over half of the total cost of BC and hospital birth. The cost of consumables was low in all three settings. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have found there is little difference in the cost to the health service when a woman has an uncomplicated vaginal birth at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital setting.

The "Cocoon," first alongside midwifery-led unit within a Belgian hospital: Comparison of the maternal and neonatal outcomes with the standard obstetric unit over 2 years.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with a low-risk pregnancy attending the "Cocoon," an alongside midwifery-led birth center and care pathway, with women with a low-risk pregnancy attending the traditional care pathway in a tertiary care hospital in Belgium. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with a low-risk pregnancy who chose to adhere to the Cocoon pathway of care (n = 590) and women with a low-risk pregnancy who chose the traditional pathway of care (n = 394) from March 1, 2014, to February 29, 2016. We performed all analyses using an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS: In this setting, the cesarean birth rate was 10.3% compared with 16.0% in the traditional care pathway (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 0.42 [95% CI 0.25-0.69]), the induction rate was 16.3% compared with 30.5% (0.46 [0.30-0.69]), the epidural analgesia rate was 24.9% compared with 59.1% (0.15 [0.09-0.22]), and the episiotomy rate was 6.8% compared with 14.5% (0.31 [0.17-0.56]). There was no increase in adverse neonatal outcomes. Intrapartum and postpartum transfer rates to the traditional pathway of care were 21.1% and 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women planning their births in the midwifery-led unit, the Cocoon, experienced fewer interventions with no increase in adverse neonatal outcomes. Our study gives initial support for the introduction of similar midwifery-led care pathways in other hospitals in Belgium.

Barriers to women's access to alongside midwifery units in England.

BACKGROUND: Alongside midwifery units (AMUs) are managed by midwives and proximate to obstetric units (OUs), offering a home-like birth environment for women with straightforward pregnancies. They support physiological birth, with fast access to medical care if needed. AMUs have good perinatal outcomes and lower rates of interventions than OUs. In England, uptake remains lower than potential use, despite recent changes in policy to support their use. This article reports on experiences of access from a broader study that investigated AMU organisation and care. METHODS: Organisational case studies in four National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in England, selected for variation geographically and in features of their midwifery units. Fieldwork (December 2011 to October 2012) included observations (>100 h); semi-structured interviews with staff, managers and stakeholders (n = 89) and with postnatal women and partners (n = 47), on which this paper reports. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo10 software. RESULTS: Women, partners and families felt welcome and valued in the AMU. They were drawn to the AMUs' environment, philosophy and approach to technology, including pain management. Access for some was hindered by inconsistent information about the existence, environment and safety of AMUs, and barriers to admission in early labour. CONCLUSIONS: Key barriers to AMUs arise through inequitable information and challenges with admission in early labour. Most women still give birth in obstetric units and despite increases in the numbers of women birthing on AMUs since 2010, addressing these barriers will be essential to future scale-up.

Determinants of Health Facility Utilization at Birth in South Sudan.

South Sudan has a high maternal mortality ratio estimated at 800 deaths per 100,000 live births. Birth in health facilities with skilled attendants can lower this mortality. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the level and determinants of health facility utilization and skilled birth attendance in Jubek State, South Sudan. Mothers of children aged less than two years were interviewed in their homes. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with health facility births. Only a quarter of the mothers had given birth at health facilities, 209/810 (25.8%; 95% CI 18.2-35.3) and 207/810 had a skilled birth attendant (defined as either nurse, midwife, clinical officer, or doctor). Factors positively associated with health facility births were four or more antenatal visits (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 19; 95% CI 6.2, 61), secondary or higher education (AOR 7.9; 95% CI 3, 21), high socio-economic status (AOR 4.5; 95% CI 2.2, 9.4), and being primipara (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5, 5.4). These findings highlight the need for efforts to increase health facility births in South Sudan.

[Factors associated with the involuntary pilgrimage for childbirth care in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State), Brazil: a contribution from the BRISA cohort]. / Fatores associados à peregrinação para o parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo), Brasil: uma contribuição da coorte BRISA.

The objectives of this study were to estimate the involuntary pilgrimage by women in labor in search of childbirth care and to identify factors associated with this endeavor in two Brazilian cities. This was a cross-sectional study nested in the BRISA birth cohort, whose sample consisted of 10,475 women admitted to the selected maternity hospitals for delivery in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State). Interviews were held with questionnaires that contained sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Hierarchical modeling was used, and relative risk was calculated with Poisson regression. Involuntary pilgrimage during labor was more frequent in São Luís (35.8%) than in Ribeirão Preto (5.8%). In São Luís, factors associated with pilgrimage were: first pregnancy (RR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.31) and schooling less than 12 complete years. However, age 35 years or older (RR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.54-0.84) was associated with less pilgrimage. In Ribeirão Preto, such trekking for obstetric care was more frequent in women with high-risk pregnancies (RR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.81-3.32) and those with gestational age less than 37 weeks (RR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.50-2.50). Meanwhile, delivery with gestational age equal to or greater than 42 weeks was associated with less pilgrimage (RR = 0.57; 95%CI: 0.33-0.98). In both cities, poor women had to trek more in search of childbirth care and had no guarantee of care, even for those who had received prenatal care. The study revealed the lack of guarantee of universal and equitable access and highlighted the unequal access to childbirth care between Brazil's major geographic regions.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a peregrinação de gestantes no momento do parto e identificar os fatores associados a essa peregrinação em duas cidades brasileiras. Estudo seccional, aninhado à coorte de nascimento BRISA, cuja amostra foi composta por 10.475 gestantes admitidas nas maternidades selecionadas por ocasião do parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Entrevistas foram realizadas utilizando-se questionários que continham variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao parto. Utilizou-se modelagem hierarquizada, e calculou-se o risco relativo utilizando regressão de Poisson. A peregrinação foi mais frequente em São Luís (35,8%) que em Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). Em São Luís, foram fatores associados à maior peregrinação: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) e ter escolaridade menor que 12 ou mais anos de estudo. Entretanto, ter 35 anos ou mais (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) foi fator associado à menor peregrinação. Em Ribeirão Preto, peregrinaram com maior frequência as gestantes cujos partos foram de alto risco (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) e com idade gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). No entanto, partos com idade gestacional igual ou acima de 42 semanas foi um fator associado à menor peregrinação (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). Nas duas cidades, gestantes pobres peregrinaram com maior frequência, e sem garantia de que seriam atendidas, mesmo dentre as que realizaram o pré-natal. O estudo evidenciou ausência da garantia de acesso universal e equânime e reafirmou a desigualdade de acesso à assistência ao parto entre as regiões brasileiras.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar los desplazamientos largos de gestantes en el momento del parto e identificar los factores asociados a estos desplazamientos en dos ciudades brasileñas. Se trata de una investigación seccional, encajada en la cohorte de nacimiento BRISA, cuya muestra estuvo compuesta por 10.475 gestantes, admitidas en las maternidades seleccionadas para dar a luz en São Luís (Maranhão) y Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Las entrevistas se realizaron utilizando cuestionarios que contenían variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas con el parto. Se utilizó un modelado jerarquizado, y se calculó el riesgo relativo utilizando la regresión de Poisson. Los desplazamientos fueron más frecuentes en São Luís (35,8%) que en Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). En São Luís, los factores asociados a mayores desplazamientos fueron: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) y contar con una escolaridad menor a 12 o más años de estudio. Sin embargo, tener 35 años o más (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) fue un factor asociado a menores desplazamientos. En Ribeirão Preto, se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia las gestantes cuyos partos fueron de alto riesgo (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) y con una edad gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). Sin embargo, los partos con una edad gestacional igual o por encima de las 42 semanas fue un factor asociado a un menor desplazamiento (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). En las dos ciudades, las gestantes pobres se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia, y sin garantía de que serían atendidas, incluso entre quienes realizaron seguimiento prenatal. El estudio evidenció la inexistencia de garantías de acceso universal y ecuánime a la salud y reafirmó la desigualdad de acceso en la asistencia al parto entre regiones brasileñas.

Births in Norwegian midwife-led birth units 2008-10; a population-based study. / Fødestuefødsler i Norge 2008­10 ­ en populasjonsbasert studie.

BAKGRUNN: Fødestuene utgjør en del av en differensiert og desentralisert fødselsomsorg i Norge. Hensikten med studien var å undersøke forekomst og karakteristika ved planlagte og ikke-planlagte fødestuefødsler og årsaker til overflytting samt resultater for mor og barn. MATERIALE OG METODE: I perioden 2008-10 ble et tilleggsskjema til rutinemeldingen til Medisinsk fødselsregister fortløpende utfylt av jordmor for 2 514 av i alt 2 556 (98,4 %) fødestuefødsler og for 220 fødsler som var planlagt i fødestue, men der fødselen foregikk andre steder. Data fra tilleggsskjema ble så koblet med rutinedata i Medisinsk fødselsregister og resultater fra fødestuefødsler sammenlignet med resultater fra en lavrisikofødepopulasjon i sykehus. RESULTATER: Av de 2 514 fødestuefødslene var 2 320 (92,3 %) planlagt å foregå der, mens 194 (7,7 %) ikke var det. Ved planlagt fødestuefødsel ble totalt 6,9 % overflyttet til sykehus under fødsel, hvorav 19,5 % blant førstegangsfødende. Det var 0,4 % operative vaginale fødsler ved vanlige fødestuer, 3,5 % ved forsterkede fødestuer og 12,7 % ved fødsler overflyttet fra fødestue til sykehus. Blant barn født i fødestue hadde 0,6 % apgarskår < 7 ved 5 minutter, mot 1,0 % blant barn født i lavrisikosammenligningsgruppen i sykehus (p = 0,04). FORTOLKNING: Fødestuer bør rapportere resultater for alle som var selektert for å føde der, uansett om fødselen endte med å foregå i fødestuen eller andre steder.

The perceptions and experiences of women who achieved and did not achieve a waterbirth.

BACKGROUND: There is a gap in knowledge and understanding relating to the experiences of women exposed to the opportunity of waterbirth. Our aim was to explore the perceptions and experiences of women who achieved or did not achieve their planned waterbirth. METHODS: An exploratory design using critical incident techniques was conducted between December 2015 and July 2016, in the birth centre of the tertiary public maternity hospital in Western Australia. Women were telephoned 6 weeks post birth. Demographic data included: age; education; parity; and previous birth mode. Women were also asked the following: what made you choose to plan a waterbirth?; what do you think contributed to you having (or not having) a waterbirth?; and which three words would you use to describe your birth experience? Frequency distributions and univariate comparisons were employed for quantitative data. Thematic analysis was undertaken to extract common themes from the interviews. RESULTS: A total of 31% (93 of 296) of women achieved a waterbirth and 69% (203 of 296) did not. Multiparous women were more likely to achieve a waterbirth (57% vs 32%; p < 0.001). Women who achieved a waterbirth were less likely to have planned a waterbirth for pain relief (38% vs 52%; p = 0.24). The primary reasons women gave for planning a waterbirth were: pain relief; they liked the idea; it was associated with a natural birth; it provided a relaxing environment; and it was recommended. Two fifths (40%) of women who achieved a waterbirth suggested support was the primary reason they achieved their waterbirth, with the midwife named as the primary support person by 34 of 37 women. Most (66%) women who did not achieve a waterbirth perceived this was because they experienced an obstetric complication. The words women used to describe their birth were coded as: affirming; distressing; enduring; natural; quick; empowering; and long. CONCLUSIONS: Immersion in water for birth facilitates a shift of focus from high risk obstetric-led care to low risk midwifery-led care. It also facilitates evidence based, respectful midwifery care which in turn optimises the potential for women to view their birthing experience through a positive lens.

Expectativas de parto de las gestantes de La Ribera: una aproximación cualitativa / Childbirth expectations of La Ribera pregnant women: a qualitative approach

Objetivo: El cambio de modelo asistencial en la atención al parto normal, el interés por parte de las autoridades sanitarias en que se exploren las expectativas de parto de las gestantes, y su especificidad cultural y social, hacen que el estudio de tales expectativas sea pertinente en este momento. El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer cuáles son las expectativas de parto de una muestra de gestantes españolas y estudiar las diferencias entre las expectativas de las gestantes primíparas y multíparas. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo basado en una pregunta de respuesta libre sobre expectativas de parto. Se recogieron datos a gestantes de tercer trimestre del área de salud de La Ribera (Alzira, Valencia) durante 2014-2015. Se analizaron los datos mediante análisis del contenido. Resultados: Muestra de 213 gestantes cuyas principales expectativas de parto fueron tener un parto rápido, con buen resultado obstétrico, sin dolor y con apoyo de los profesionales. Las expectativas relacionadas con los protocolos de atención al parto normal supusieron un 5.2% del total de las respuestas. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre gestantes primíparas y multíparas. Conclusiones: El conocimiento de las expectativas resulta importante, ya que las gestantes miden su satisfacción con el parto en base al cumplimiento de tales expectativas. Ayudarlas a desarrollar expectativas realistas aumentará su satisfacción. Las matronas tienen un importante papel a través de la formación que imparten (educación maternal) y del apoyo en el momento del parto (fundamental para que las gestantes se sientan protagonistas del mismo) (AU)

Objective: Change of healthcare model in normal childbirth, health authorities interest in exploring childbirth expectations of pregnant women, and their cultural and social specificity make relevant the study of these expectations at this moment. The aim is to know what are the childbirth expectations from a sample of Spanish pregnant women and to study the differences between primiparous and multiparous pregnant women expectations. Methodology: Qualitative study based on an open-ended question about childbirth expectations. Data were collected during 2014-2015 to third trimester pregnant women in La Ribera health area (Alzira, Valencia). Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Sample of 213 pregnant women whose main expectations were to have a fast delivery, with good obstetric outcome, painlessly and with professional support. Expectations regarding normal childbirth protocols accounted for 5.2% of total responses. No statistically significant differences between primiparous and multiparous pregnant women were found. Conclusions: Knowledge about childbirth expectations is highly relevant because pregnant women measure their satisfaction with childbirth through the fulfillment of these expectations. Helping them to develop realistic expectations will increase their satisfaction. Midwives play an important role through the training they give (maternal education) and through the support during delivery (this is essential for the pregnant women in order to feel themselves protagonist of their delivery) (AU)

Mapping midwifery and obstetric units in England.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the configuration of midwifery units, both alongside&free-standing, and obstetric units in England. DESIGN: national survey amongst Heads of Midwifery in English Maternity Services SETTING: National Health Service (NHS) in England PARTICIPANTS: English Maternity Services Measurements descriptive statistics of Alongside Midwifery Units and Free-standing Midwifery Units and Obstetric Units and their annual births/year in English Maternity Services FINDINGS: alongside midwifery units have nearly doubled since 2010 (n = 53-97); free-standing midwifery units have increased slightly (n = 58-61). There has been a significant reduction in maternity services without either an alongside or free-standing midwifery unit (75-32). The percentage of all births in midwifery units has trebled, now representing 14% of all births in England. This masks significant differences in percentage of all births in midwifery units between different maternity services with a spread of 4% to 31%. KEY CONCLUSIONS: In some areas of England, women have no access to a local midwifery unit, despite the National Institute for Health&Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommending them as an important place of birth option for low risk women. The numbers of midwifery units have increased significantly in England since 2010 but this growth is almost exclusively in alongside midwifery units. The percentage of women giving birth in midwifery units varies significantly between maternity services suggesting that many midwifery units are underutilised. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Both the availability and utilisation of midwifery units in England could be improved.

Rural community birth: Maternal and neonatal outcomes for planned community births among rural women in the United States, 2004-2009.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 22% of women in the United States live in rural areas with limited access to obstetric care. Despite declines in hospital-based obstetric services in many rural communities, midwifery care at home and in free standing birth centers is available in many rural communities. This study examines maternal and neonatal outcomes among planned home and birth center births attended by midwives, comparing outcomes for rural and nonrural women. METHODS: Using the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project 2.0 dataset of 18 723 low-risk, planned home, and birth center births, rural women (n = 3737) were compared to nonrural women. Maternal outcomes included mode of delivery (cesarean and instrumental delivery), blood transfusions, severe events, perineal lacerations, or transfer to hospital and a composite (any of the above). The primary neonatal outcome was a composite of early neonatal intensive care unit or hospital admissions (longer than 1 day), and intrapartum or neonatal deaths. Analysis involved multivariable logistic regression, controlling for sociodemographics, antepartum, and intrapartum risk factors. RESULTS: Rural women had different risk profiles relative to nonrural women and reduced risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in bivariable analyses. However, after adjusting for risk factors and confounders, there were no significant differences for a composite of maternal (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.05 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.93-1.19]) or neonatal (aOR 1.13 [95% CI 0.87-1.46]) outcomes between rural and nonrural pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Among this sample of low-risk women who planned midwife-led community births, no increased risk was detected by rural vs nonrural status.

Fatores associados à peregrinação para o parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo), Brasil: uma contribuição da coorte BRISA / Factors associated with the involuntary pilgrimage for childbirth care in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State), Brazil: a contribution from the BRISA cohort / Factores asociados a largos desplazamientos para el parto en São Luís (Maranhão) y Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo), Brasil: la contribución de la cohorte BRISA

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a peregrinação de gestantes no momento do parto e identificar os fatores associados a essa peregrinação em duas cidades brasileiras. Estudo seccional, aninhado à coorte de nascimento BRISA, cuja amostra foi composta por 10.475 gestantes admitidas nas maternidades selecionadas por ocasião do parto em São Luís (Maranhão) e Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Entrevistas foram realizadas utilizando-se questionários que continham variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao parto. Utilizou-se modelagem hierarquizada, e calculou-se o risco relativo utilizando regressão de Poisson. A peregrinação foi mais frequente em São Luís (35,8%) que em Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). Em São Luís, foram fatores associados à maior peregrinação: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) e ter escolaridade menor que 12 ou mais anos de estudo. Entretanto, ter 35 anos ou mais (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) foi fator associado à menor peregrinação. Em Ribeirão Preto, peregrinaram com maior frequência as gestantes cujos partos foram de alto risco (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) e com idade gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). No entanto, partos com idade gestacional igual ou acima de 42 semanas foi um fator associado à menor peregrinação (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). Nas duas cidades, gestantes pobres peregrinaram com maior frequência, e sem garantia de que seriam atendidas, mesmo dentre as que realizaram o pré-natal. O estudo evidenciou ausência da garantia de acesso universal e equânime e reafirmou a desigualdade de acesso à assistência ao parto entre as regiões brasileiras.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to estimate the involuntary pilgrimage by women in labor in search of childbirth care and to identify factors associated with this endeavor in two Brazilian cities. This was a cross-sectional study nested in the BRISA birth cohort, whose sample consisted of 10,475 women admitted to the selected maternity hospitals for delivery in São Luís (Maranhão State) and Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo State). Interviews were held with questionnaires that contained sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Hierarchical modeling was used, and relative risk was calculated with Poisson regression. Involuntary pilgrimage during labor was more frequent in São Luís (35.8%) than in Ribeirão Preto (5.8%). In São Luís, factors associated with pilgrimage were: first pregnancy (RR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.08-1.31) and schooling less than 12 complete years. However, age 35 years or older (RR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.54-0.84) was associated with less pilgrimage. In Ribeirão Preto, such trekking for obstetric care was more frequent in women with high-risk pregnancies (RR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.81-3.32) and those with gestational age less than 37 weeks (RR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.50-2.50). Meanwhile, delivery with gestational age equal to or greater than 42 weeks was associated with less pilgrimage (RR = 0.57; 95%CI: 0.33-0.98). In both cities, poor women had to trek more in search of childbirth care and had no guarantee of care, even for those who had received prenatal care. The study revealed the lack of guarantee of universal and equitable access and highlighted the unequal access to childbirth care between Brazil's major geographic regions.

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar los desplazamientos largos de gestantes en el momento del parto e identificar los factores asociados a estos desplazamientos en dos ciudades brasileñas. Se trata de una investigación seccional, encajada en la cohorte de nacimiento BRISA, cuya muestra estuvo compuesta por 10.475 gestantes, admitidas en las maternidades seleccionadas para dar a luz en São Luís (Maranhão) y Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo). Las entrevistas se realizaron utilizando cuestionarios que contenían variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas con el parto. Se utilizó un modelado jerarquizado, y se calculó el riesgo relativo utilizando la regresión de Poisson. Los desplazamientos fueron más frecuentes en São Luís (35,8%) que en Ribeirão Preto (5,8%). En São Luís, los factores asociados a mayores desplazamientos fueron: ser primípara (RR = 1,19; IC95%: 1,08-1,31) y contar con una escolaridad menor a 12 o más años de estudio. Sin embargo, tener 35 años o más (RR = 0,65; IC95%: 0,54-0,84) fue un factor asociado a menores desplazamientos. En Ribeirão Preto, se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia las gestantes cuyos partos fueron de alto riesgo (RR = 2,45; IC95%: 1,81-3,32) y con una edad gestacional inferior a 37 semanas (RR = 1,93; IC95%: 1,50-2,50). Sin embargo, los partos con una edad gestacional igual o por encima de las 42 semanas fue un factor asociado a un menor desplazamiento (RR = 0,57; IC95%: 0,33-0,98). En las dos ciudades, las gestantes pobres se desplazaron con mayor frecuencia, y sin garantía de que serían atendidas, incluso entre quienes realizaron seguimiento prenatal. El estudio evidenció la inexistencia de garantías de acceso universal y ecuánime a la salud y reafirmó la desigualdad de acceso en la asistencia al parto entre regiones brasileñas.

Differences in optimality index between planned place of birth in a birth centre and alternative planned places of birth, a nationwide prospective cohort study in The Netherlands: results of the Dutch Birth Centre Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the Optimality Index of planned birth in a birth centre with planned birth in a hospital and planned home birth for low-risk term pregnant women who start labour under the responsibility of a community midwife. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Low-risk pregnant women under care of a community midwife and living in a region with one of the 21 participating Dutch birth centres or in a region with the possibility for midwife-led hospital birth. Home birth was commonly available in all regions included in the study. PARTICIPANTS: 3455 low-risk term pregnant women (1686 nulliparous and 1769 multiparous) who gave birth between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2013: 1668 planned birth centre births, 701 planned midwife-led hospital births and 1086 planned home births. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The Optimality IndexNL-2015, a tool to measure 'maximum outcome with minimal intervention', was assessed by planned place of birth being a birth centre, a hospital setting or at home. Also, a composite maternal and perinatal adverse outcome score was calculated for the different planned places of birth. RESULTS: There were no differences in Optimality Index NL-2015 for pregnant women who planned to give birth in a birth centre compared with women who planned to give birth in a hospital. Although effect sizes were small, women who planned to give birth at home had a higher Optimality Index NL-2015 than women who planned to give birth in a birth centre. The differences were larger for multiparous than for nulliparous women. CONCLUSION: The Optimality Index NL-2015 for women with planned birth centre births was comparable with planned midwife-led hospital births. Women with planned home births had a higher Optimality Index NL-2015, that is, a higher sum score of evidence-based items with an optimal value than women with planned birth centre births.