ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Poor outcomes from operative vaginal birth have been associated with failure to recognize malposition, breakdown in interdisciplinary communication, and deviation from accepted guidelines. We recently implemented a safety bundle including routine intrapartum ultrasound and a structured time-out and procedural checklist aiming to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity from operative vaginal birth. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare births where intrapartum ultrasound was used and those where it was not used during a safety bundle implementation period at Monash Health. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study at Monash Health during the transitional phase of implementing an operative vaginal birth safety bundle. We studied all women with operative vaginal birth and fully dilated cesarean delivery with a singleton cephalic term fetus. We compared births for which intrapartum ultrasound was used and those for which it was not. The primary outcome was neonates delivered in an unexpected position. Neonatal and maternal morbidity were also assessed, including a neonatal composite of Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, cord lactate >8 mmol/L, need for resuscitation, significant birth trauma, or neonatal intensive care unit admission. To control for confounding by indication, we estimated propensity scores for the probability of using intrapartum ultrasound for each case based on maternal and labor characteristics, and adjusted the effect estimates for the propensity scores using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: From August 2022 to July 2023, there were 1205 operative vaginal births or fully dilated cesarean deliveries at Monash Health, including 743 (61.7%) forceps, 346 (28.7%) vacuum, and 116 (9.6%) fully dilated cesarean deliveries. Over this time, we observed increased uptake of intrapartum ultrasound from 26% in August 2022 to 60% (P<.001) in July 2023, of the time-out from 21% to 58% (P<.001), and the checklist from 33% to 80% (P<.001) of operative second-stage births. Among the births where intrapartum ultrasound was used (n=509), compared with those where it was not (n=696), there were significantly more forceps births (67% vs 58%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.74; P=.021) and a reduction in vacuum births (24% vs 32%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.01; P=.059). There were no significant differences in fully dilated cesarean delivery or maternal morbidity. Intrapartum ultrasound use was associated with significantly fewer infants being delivered in an unexpected position (0.2% vs 2.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.44; P=.019) and a significant reduction in composite neonatal morbidity (22% vs 25%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.97; P=.031). CONCLUSION: During the implementation of a safety bundle, the use of ultrasound before operative vaginal birth was associated with fewer infants delivered in an unexpected position and reduced neonatal morbidity.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section , Humans , Female , Retrospective Studies , Pregnancy , Adult , Infant, Newborn , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Cesarean Section/methods , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/statistics & numerical data , Apgar Score , Extraction, Obstetrical/methods , Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Propensity Score , Checklist/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effectsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vacuum extraction (VE) or caesarean section (CS), compared with expectant management, on pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) 1-2 years postpartum in primiparous women with a prolonged second stage of labour. DESIGN: A population-based questionnaire and cohort study. SETTING: Stockholm, Sweden. POPULATION: A cohort of 1302 primiparous women with a second stage duration of ≥3 h, delivering from December 2017 to November 2018. METHODS: The 1-year follow-up questionnaire from the Swedish National Perineal Laceration Register was distributed 12-24 months postpartum. Exposure was VE or CS at 3-4 h or 4-5 h, compared with expectant management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pelvic floor dysfunction was defined as at least weekly symptoms of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or a Wexner score of ≥4. The risk of PFD was calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, presented as crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs and aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The implication of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) on pelvic floor disorders was investigated through mediation analysis. RESULTS: In total, 35.1% of women reported PFD. Compared with expectant management, the risk of PFD was increased after VE at 3-4 h (aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.65) and 4-5 h (aRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.70), but remained unchanged after CS. The increased risk after VE was not mediated by OASI. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor dysfunction was common in primiparous women after a prolonged second stage, and the risk of PFD increased after VE but was unaffected by CS, compared with expectant management. If a spontaneous vaginal delivery eventually occurred, allowing an extended duration of labour did not increase the risk of PFD.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section , Labor Stage, Second , Pelvic Floor Disorders , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical , Watchful Waiting , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Adult , Pelvic Floor Disorders/etiology , Pelvic Floor Disorders/epidemiology , Pelvic Floor Disorders/therapy , Sweden/epidemiology , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Cesarean Section/adverse effects , Cohort Studies , Obstetric Labor Complications/epidemiology , Obstetric Labor Complications/etiology , Pelvic Organ Prolapse/epidemiology , Pelvic Organ Prolapse/therapy , Pelvic Organ Prolapse/etiology , Urinary Incontinence/etiology , Urinary Incontinence/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of the introduction of a maneuverable vacuum extractor cup on the length of hospital stay after assisted vaginal birth in nulliparous women in a hospital where no vacuum devices were used. Methods: This single center retrospective analytical study included two groups of nulliparous women who had undergone an assisted vaginal birth. The 2 groups differ according to the availability or not of a maneuverable vacuum extractor cup. The first group includes the last 54 instrumental births until May 2017, when only obstetric forceps and Thierry's spatulas were available in our center; the second group includes the first 54 instrumental births since May 2018 in our center, when obstetric forceps, Thierry's spatulas and maneuverable vacuum extractor cup were available. Maneuverable vacuum extractor cups had been available for 12 months in the second group. Results: In the no vacuum cup group, Kjelland forceps and Thierry's spatulas were used in 29 (53.7%) and 25 (46.3%) of the 54 assisted vaginal births, respectively. In the vacuum available group, a vacuum cup was chosen in 30 (55.6%), Kjelland forceps were used in 18 (33.3%) and Thierry's spatulas in 6 (11.1%) of the assisted vaginal births. 22 women (40.7%) had a postpartum hospital stay longer than 3 days in the group with no maneuverable vacuum extractor cup availability, versus 3 women (5.6%) in the group with availability of a maneuverable vacuum extractor cup, p<0.001. Average postpartum hospital stay length was 3.17±0.803 days versus 2.81±0.585, p<0.001. There was also a significant reduction in the number of episiotomies. Conclusion: The introduction of a maneuverable vacuum extractor cup in a center where only forceps and Thierry's spatulas had been used resulted in a decrease in postpartum hospital stay in nulliparous women.(AU)
Objetivos: El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar el impacto de la introducción de una ventosa obstétrica con cazoleta maniobrable en la duración de la estancia hospitalaria tras parto instrumental en mujeres nulíparas en un hospital donde no se utilizaban ventosas obstétricas. Métodos: Este estudio de cohortes retrospectivo unicéntrico incluyó 2 grupos de mujeres nulíparas sometidas a parto instrumental. Los 2 grupos se diferencian según la disponibilidad o no de ventosa obstétrica en el centro. El primer grupo se compone de las últimas 54 mujeres a las que se les asistió un parto instrumental hasta mayo del 2017, cuando solo había disponibilidad de fórceps obstétricos y espátulas de Thierry en nuestro centro; el segundo grupo se compone de las primeras 54 mujeres a las que se les asistió un parto instrumental desde mayo del 2018 en nuestro centro, cuando había disponibilidad de fórceps obstétricos, de espátulas de Thierry y de ventosa obstétrica con cazoleta maniobrable (esta última desde hacía 12 meses). Resultados: En el grupo sin disponibilidad de ventosa obstétrica, se utilizaron fórceps de Kjelland y espátulas de Thierry en 29 (53,7%) y 25 (46,3%) de los 54 partos instrumentales, respectivamente. En el grupo con disponibilidad de ventosa, se usó la ventosa en 30 (55,6%), fórceps de Kjelland en 18 (33,3%) y espátulas de Thierry en 6 (11,1%) de los partos instrumentales; 22 mujeres (40,7%) tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria tras el parto mayor de 3 días en el grupo sin disponibilidad de ventosa, frente a 3 mujeres (5,6%) en el grupo con disponibilidad de ventosa, p<0,001. La duración media de la estancia hospitalaria tras el parto fue de 3,17±0,803 días frente a 2,81±0,585, p<0,001. También hubo una reducción significativa en el número de episiotomías.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Postpartum Period , Obstetrical Forceps , Hospitalization , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Gynecology , Obstetrics , Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital , Pregnancy Complications , Cohort Studies , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is variation in the reported incidence rates of levator avulsion (LA) and paucity of research into its risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence rate of LA by mode of birth, imaging modality, timing of diagnosis and laterality of avulsion. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and MIDIRS with no language restriction from inception to April 2019. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A study was included if LA was assessed by an imaging modality after the first vaginal birth or caesarean section. Case series and reports were not included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: RevMan v5.3 was used for the meta-analyses and SW SAS and STATISTICA packages were used for type and timing of imaging analyses. RESULTS: We included 37 primary non-randomised studies from 17 countries and involving 5594 women. Incidence rates of LA were 1, 15, 21, 38.5 and 52% following caesarean, spontaneous, vacuum, spatula and forceps births, respectively, with no differences by imaging modality. Odds ratio of LA following spontaneous birth versus caesarean section was 10.69. The odds ratios for LA following vacuum and forceps compared with spontaneous birth were 1.66 and 6.32, respectively. LA was more likely to occur unilaterally than bilaterally following spontaneous (P < 0.0001) and vacuum-assisted (P = 0.0103) births but not forceps. Incidence was higher if assessment was performed in the first 4 weeks postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: LA incidence rates following caesarean, spontaneous, vacuum and forceps deliveries were 1, 15, 21 and 52%, respectively. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were comparable tools for LA diagnosis. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Levator avulsion incidence rates after caesarean, spontaneous, vacuum and forceps deliveries were 1, 15, 21 and 52%, respectively.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section/adverse effects , Pelvic Floor Disorders/epidemiology , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Incidence , Pelvic Floor Disorders/etiology , Pregnancy , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Midpelvic vacuum extractions are controversial due to reports of increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and high failure rates. Prospective studies of attempted midpelvic vacuum outcomes are scarce. Our main aims were to assess frequency, failure rates, labor characteristics, maternal and neonatal complications of attempted midpelvic vacuum deliveries, and to compare labor characteristics and complications between successful and failed midpelvic vacuum deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical data were obtained prospectively from all attempted vacuum deliveries (n = 891) over a one-year period with a total of 6903 births (overall cesarean section rate 18.2% (n = 1258). Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test or Chi-square test for group differences were used as appropriate. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are given as indicated. The uni- and multivariable analysis were conducted both as a complete case analysis and with a multiple imputation approach. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Attempted vacuum extractions from midpelvic station constituted 36.7% (n = 319) of all attempted vacuum extractions (12.9% (n = 891) of all births). Of these 319 midpelvic vacuum extractions, 11.3% (n = 36) failed and final delivery mode was cesarean section in 86.1% (n = 31) and forceps in the remaining 13.9% (n = 5). Successful completion of midpelvic vacuum by 3 pulls or fewer was achieved in 67.1%. There were 3.9% third-degree and no fourth-degree perineal tears. Cup detachments were associated with a significantly increased failure rate (adjusted OR 6.13, 95% CI 2.41-15.56, p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, attempted midpelvic vacuum deliveries had relatively low failure rate, the majority was successfully completed within three pulls and they proved safe to perform as reflected by a low rate of third-degree perineal tears. We provide data for nuanced counseling of women on vacuum extraction as a second stage delivery option in comparable obstetric management settings with relatively high vacuum delivery rates and low cesarean section rates.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Obstetric Labor Complications/epidemiology , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , Hospitals, University , Humans , Labor Onset , Maternal Age , Obstetric Labor Complications/etiology , Obstetrical Forceps , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Tertiary Care Centers , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Background: Pregnancy and parturition reflect the complex interaction between physiological conditions of the mother and her offspring, and fetal health characteristics may affect maternal health throughout pregnancy and delivery. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of the mother-infant dyad of term infants detected as having congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 108,717 term infants delivered liveborn at Lis Maternity and Women's Hospital between 2010 and 2017. Infants were detected by the National Newborn Screening Program as having CH (131, 0.12%). Three years of surveillance in the Pediatric Endocrine Clinic revealed that 65 infants had transient CH and 66 had permanent CH. Data on maternal, pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal characteristics of the mother-infant dyads were retrieved from the hospital's electronic database. Results: Mode of delivery differed: a higher proportion of deliveries of CH infants required vacuum assistance, and more infants with CH were born through a cesarean section compared with the general population (p < 0.001). Medication during labor also differed, with higher rates of oxytocin (p < 0.001) and antibiotics (p = 0.008) administered to mothers of CH infants. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed an increased demand for oxytocin administration during the labor of a CH infant in a hypothyroidism severity-dependent manner, expressed as a threefold risk associated with permanent but not transient CH. Conclusions: Our findings of increased utilization of medical interventions during the labor and delivery of CH infants suggest that the prenatal fetal thyroid function may affect the development and progress of labor and delivery, in response to oxytocin.
Subject(s)
Congenital Hypothyroidism/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Israel/epidemiology , Labor, Obstetric , Middle Aged , Oxytocics/administration & dosage , Oxytocin/administration & dosage , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The consultation of women aspiring a vaginal birth after caesarean may be improved by integrating the individual evaluation of factors that predict their chance of success. Retrospective analysis of correlating factors for all trials of labor after caesarean that were conducted at the Department of Obstetrics of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Clinic from 2014 to October 2017. METHODS: Of 2,151 pregnant women with previous caesarean, 408 (19%) attempted a vaginal birth after cesarean. A total of 348 women could be included in the evaluation of factors, 60 pregnant women were excluded because they had obstetric factors (for example preterm birth, intrauterine fetal death) that required a different management. RESULTS: Spontaneous delivery occurred in 180 (51.7%) women and 64 (18.4%) had a vacuum extraction. 104 (29.9%) of the women had a repeated caesarean delivery. The three groups showed significant differences in body mass index, the number of prior vaginal deliveries and the child's birth weight at cesarean section. The indication for the previous cesarean section also represents a significant influencing factor. Other factors such as maternal age, gestational age, sex, birth weight and the head circumference of the child at trial of labor after caesarean showed no significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: The clear majority (70.1%) of trials of labor after caesarean resulted in vaginal delivery. High body mass index, no previous spontaneous delivery, and fetal distress as a cesarean indication correlated negatively with a successful vaginal birth after cesarean. These factors should be used for the consultation of pregnant women.
Subject(s)
Trial of Labor , Vaginal Birth after Cesarean/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Female , Germany , Humans , Logistic Models , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Vaginal Birth after Cesarean/adverse effects , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is treated as a homogenous disease but emerging evidence suggests that the diagnosis of GDM possibly comprises different metabolic entities. In this study, we aimed to assess early pregnancy characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus entities classified according to the presence of fasting and/or post-load hyperglycaemia in the diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test performed at mid-gestation. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 1087 pregnant women received a broad risk evaluation and laboratory examination at early gestation and were later classified as normal glucose tolerant (NGT), as having isolated fasting hyperglycaemia (GDM-IFH), isolated post-load hyperglycaemia (GDM-IPH) or combined hyperglycaemia (GDM-CH) according to oral glucose tolerance test results. Participants were followed up until delivery to assess data on pharmacotherapy and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Women affected by elevated fasting and post-load glucose concentrations (GDM-CH) showed adverse metabolic profiles already at beginning of pregnancy including a higher degree of insulin resistance as compared to women with normal glucose tolerance and those with isolated defects (especially GDM-IPH). The GDM-IPH subgroup had lower body mass index at early gestation and required glucose-lowering medications less often (28.9%) as compared to GDM-IFH (47.8%, P = .019) and GDM-CH (54.5%, P = .005). No differences were observed in pregnancy outcome data. CONCLUSIONS: Women with fasting hyperglycaemia, especially those with combined hyperglycaemia, showed an unfavourable metabolic phenotype already at early gestation. Therefore, categorization based on abnormal oral glucose tolerance test values provides a practicable basis for clinical risk stratification.
Subject(s)
Blood Glucose/metabolism , Diabetes, Gestational/diagnosis , Fetal Macrosomia/epidemiology , Insulin Resistance , Obesity, Maternal/metabolism , Premature Birth/epidemiology , Adult , Austria/epidemiology , Body Mass Index , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Diabetes, Gestational/classification , Diabetes, Gestational/drug therapy , Diabetes, Gestational/metabolism , Fasting/metabolism , Female , Glucose Tolerance Test , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine maternal and neonatal outcomes among women undergoing second stage emergent cesarean delivery (ECD) versus vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) of low birthweight neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study from two tertiary medical centers. We included women who underwent either ECD or VAD during the second stage of labor, and delivered neonates with a birthweight of <2500 g during 2011-2019. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the rate of a composite adverse neonatal outcome, defined as the presence of ≥1 of the following: Apgar 5 min < 7, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation and intrapartum fetal death. RESULTS: The study cohort included 611 patients, of whom 46 had ECD and 565 had VAD. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups. The rate of Apgar score < 7 at 1 min was higher among the ECD group]10 (22%) vs. 29 (5%), OR (95% CI) 5.1 (2.3-11.3), p < 0.001[. Other neonatal and maternal outcomes were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal and maternal outcomes do not differ substantially between ECD and VAD of neonates weighing <2500 g. This information may be useful when contemplating the preferred mode of delivery in this setting.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section/standards , Infant, Low Birth Weight , Time Factors , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/standards , Adult , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Labor Stage, Second/physiology , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vacuum-assisted birth is not widely practiced in Tanzania but efforts to re-introduce the procedure suggest some success. Few studies have targeted childbirth attendants to learn how their perceptions of and training experiences with the procedure affect practice. This study explores a largely rural cohort of health providers to determine associations between recent practice of the procedure and training, individual and contextual factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes and practice survey of 297 providers was conducted in 2019 at 3 hospitals and 12 health centers that provided comprehensive emergency obstetric care. We used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to model the probability of having performed a vacuum extraction in the last 3 months. RESULTS: Providers were roughly split between working in maternity units in hospitals and health centers. They included: medical doctors, assistant medical officers (14%); clinical officers (10%); nurse officers, assistant nurse officers, registered nurses (32%); and enrolled nurses (44%). Eighty percent reported either pre-service, in-service vacuum extraction training or both, but only 31% reported conducting a vacuum-assisted birth in the last 3 months. Based on 11 training and enabling factors, a positive association with recent practice was observed; the single most promising factor was hands-on solo practice during in-service training (66% of providers with this experience had conducted vacuum extraction in the last 3 months). The logistic regression model showed that providers exposed to 7-9 training modalities were 7.8 times more likely to have performed vacuum extraction than those exposed to fewer training opportunities (AOR = 7.78, 95% CI: 4.169-14.524). Providers who worked in administrative councils other than Kigoma Municipality were 2.7 times more likely to have conducted vacuum extraction than their colleagues in Kigoma Municipality (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.023-6.976). Similarly, providers posted in a health center compared to those in a hospital were twice as likely to have conducted a recent vacuum extraction (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.153-3.850), and finally, male providers were twice as likely as their female colleagues to have performed this procedure recently (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.072-3.55). CONCLUSIONS: Training and location of posting were associated with recent practice of vacuum extraction. Multiple training modalities appear to predict recent practice but hands-on experience during training may be the most critical component. We recommend a low-dose high frequency strategy to skills building with simulation and e-learning. A gender integrated approach to training may help ensure female trainees are exposed to critical training components.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/statistics & numerical data , Midwifery/statistics & numerical data , Physicians/statistics & numerical data , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Computer-Assisted Instruction , Cross-Sectional Studies , Education, Medical, Continuing , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Midwifery/education , Pregnancy , Simulation Training , Tanzania , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/education , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between the number of pulls during vacuum-assisted deliver and neonatal and maternal complications. METHODS: This was a single-center observational study using a cohort of pregnancies who underwent vacuum-assisted delivery from 2013 to 2020. We excluded pregnancies transitioning to cesarean section after a failed attempt at vacuum-assisted delivery. The number of pulls to deliver the neonate was categorized into 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 pulls. We used logistic regression models to investigate the association between the number of pulls and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and maternal composite outcome (severe perineal laceration, cervical laceration, transfusion, and postpartum hemorrhage ≥500 mL). RESULTS: We extracted 480 vacuum-assisted deliveries among 7,321 vaginal deliveries. The proportion of pregnancies receiving 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 pulls were 51.9, 28.3, 10.8, and 9.0%, respectively. The crude prevalence of NICU admission with 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 pulls were 10.8, 16.2, 15.4, and 27.9%, respectively. The prevalence of NICU admission, amount of postpartum hemorrhage, and postpartum hemorrhage ≥500 mL were significantly different between the four groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found the prevalence of NICU admission in the ≥4 pulls group was significantly higher compared with the 1 pull group (adjusted odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-7.8). In contrast, maternal complications were not significantly associated with the number of pulls. CONCLUSIONS: Vacuum-assisted delivery with four or more pulls was significantly associated with an increased risk of NICU admission. However, the number of pulls was not associated with maternal complications.
Subject(s)
Birth Injuries , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal/statistics & numerical data , Postpartum Hemorrhage , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical , Birth Injuries/epidemiology , Birth Injuries/etiology , Birth Injuries/therapy , Blood Transfusion/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Japan/epidemiology , Postpartum Hemorrhage/epidemiology , Postpartum Hemorrhage/therapy , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Retrospective Studies , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/instrumentation , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Women with a history of previous cesarean delivery must weigh the numerous potential risks and benefits of elective repeat cesarean delivery or trial of labor after cesarean delivery. Notably, 1 important risk of vaginal delivery is obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. Furthermore, the rate of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries is high among women undergoing vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. However, the risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries is not routinely included in the trial of labor after cesarean delivery counseling, and there is no tool available to risk stratify obstetrical anal sphincter injuries among women undergoing vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model to estimate the risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the setting of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery population to improve antenatal counseling of patients regarding risks of trial of labor after cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a secondary subgroup analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery prospective cohort (1999-2002). We identified women within the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network cohort with 1 previous cesarean delivery followed by a term vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. This Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery cohort was stratified into 2 groups based on the presence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, and baseline characteristics were compared with bivariate analysis. Significant covariates in bivariate testing were included in a backward stepwise logistic regression model to identify independent risk factors for obstetrical anal sphincter injuries and generate a predictive model for obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the setting of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapped bias-corrected estimates of model concordance indices, Brier scores, Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-squared values, and calibration plots. External validation was performed using data from a single-site retrospective cohort of women with a singleton vaginal birth after cesarean delivery from January 2011 to December 2016. RESULTS: In this study, 10,697 women in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery cohort met the inclusion criteria, and 669 women (6.3%) experienced obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. In the model, factors independently associated with obstetrical anal sphincter injuries included use of forceps (adjusted odds ratio, 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 4.10-6.31) and vacuum assistance (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 2.02-3.44), along with increasing maternal age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.07 per year), body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.00 per unit kg/m2), previous vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.23), and tobacco use during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.82). Internal validation demonstrated appropriate discrimination (concordance index, 0.790; 95% confidence interval, 0.771-0.808) and calibration (Brier score, 0.047). External validation used data from 1266 women who delivered at a tertiary healthcare system, with appropriate model discrimination (concordance index, 0.791; 95% confidence interval, 0.735-0.846) and calibration (Brier score, 0.046). The model can be accessed at oasisriskscore.xyz. CONCLUSION: Our model provided a robust, validated estimate of the probability of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries during vaginal birth after cesarean delivery using known antenatal risk factors and 1 modifiable intrapartum risk factor and can be used to counsel patients regarding risks of trial of labor after cesarean delivery compared with risks of elective repeat cesarean delivery.
Subject(s)
Anal Canal/injuries , Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Lacerations/epidemiology , Obesity, Maternal/epidemiology , Obstetric Labor Complications/epidemiology , Tobacco Use/epidemiology , Vaginal Birth after Cesarean , Adult , Anesthesia, Epidural/statistics & numerical data , Decision Making, Shared , Female , Humans , Maternal Age , Obstetrical Forceps , Pregnancy , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Assessment , Trial of Labor , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Although shoulder dystocia (ShD) is associated with fetal macrosomia and vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD), the independent role of the latter in the occurrence of ShD is yet to be completely elucidated, as it is difficult to study its true independent contribution to ShD formation in the presence of many confounding factors. Therefore, we aimed to study whether VAD is independently associated with an increased risk for ShD among macrosomic newborns. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study from a single tertiary medical center including all women who delivered vaginally a macrosomic infant during 2011-2020. We allocated the study cohort into two groups: (1) VAD (2) spontaneous vaginal deliverys, and analyzed risk factors for ShD. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify determinants independently associated with ShD occurrence. RESULTS: Of 2,664 deliveries who met the study inclusion criteria, 118 (4.4%) were VAD. The rate of ShD in the entire cohort was 108/2664 (4.1%). The following factors were more frequent among the VAD group: no previous vaginal delivery [odds ratio (OR) 2.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-4.0, p < 0.001)], prolonged second stage (OR 11.9; 95% CI 8.1-17.6, p < 0.01), induction of labor (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5-3.8, p < 0.01) and ShD (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.0-4.1, p = 0.04). ShD was associated with higher rates of maternal height < 160 cm (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.3-3.1, p < 0.01), pregestational diabetes (OR 7.2; 95% CI 2.0-26.8, p = 0.01), hypertensive disorder (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1-6.2, p = 0.02) and higher birthweight (mean 4,124 vs. 4,167 g, p < 0.01). On multivariate regression analysis, the following factors remained independently associated with ShD occurrence: increased birthweight (aOR 1.0; 95% CI 1.0-1.0, p < 0.01), pregestational diabetes (aOR 5.3; 95% CI 1.1-25.0, p = 0.03), while maternal height was negatively associated with ShD (aOR 0.9; 95% CI 0.9-0.9, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In deliveries of neonates above 4000 g, VAD did not independently increase the risk of ShD occurrence. Therefore, when expeditious delivery of a macrosomic infant is required, VAD is a viable option.
Subject(s)
Fetal Macrosomia/complications , Shoulder Dystocia/etiology , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Birth Weight , Delivery, Obstetric/adverse effects , Female , Fetal Macrosomia/epidemiology , Humans , Israel/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Shoulder Dystocia/epidemiology , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: An international diagnostic criterion for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) diagnosis has recently been published. Data regarding subsequent pregnancies is scarce. We sought to implement recent diagnostic criteria and detail subsequent pregnancies in survivors. METHODS: A case series of all suspected AFE cases at a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2018 is presented. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for AFE were included. Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes described. Pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies in AFE survivors detailed. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2018 14 women were clinically suspected with AFE and 12 of them (85.71%) met the diagnostic criteria for AFE. Three cases occurred during midtrimester dilation and evacuation procedures, and the remaining occurred in the antepartum period. Of the antepartum cases, mode of delivery was cesarean delivery or vacuum extraction for expedited delivery due to presentation of AFE in 8/9 cases (88.88%). Clinical presentation included cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Heart failure of varying severity was diagnosed in 75% (9/12) cases. Composite maternal morbidity was 5/12 (41.66%), without cases of maternal mortality. 11 subsequent pregnancies occurred in four AFE survivors. Pregnant women were followed by a high-risk pregnancy specialist and multidisciplinary team if pregnancy continued beyond the early second trimester. Six pregnancies resulted in a term delivery. No recurrences of AFE were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a diagnostic criterion for diagnosis of AFE results in a more precise diagnosis of AFE. Nevertheless, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is still high. Subsequent pregnancies were not associated with AFE recurrence.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section , Embolism, Amniotic Fluid , Obstetric Labor Complications , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical , Adult , Cesarean Section/methods , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/diagnosis , Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/etiology , Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/prevention & control , Early Diagnosis , Embolism, Amniotic Fluid/diagnosis , Embolism, Amniotic Fluid/epidemiology , Embolism, Amniotic Fluid/physiopathology , Embolism, Amniotic Fluid/therapy , Female , Heart Failure/diagnosis , Heart Failure/etiology , Heart Failure/prevention & control , Humans , Israel/epidemiology , Obstetric Labor Complications/diagnosis , Obstetric Labor Complications/physiopathology , Obstetric Labor Complications/surgery , Patient Selection , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , Pregnancy Trimesters , Pregnancy, High-Risk , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/diagnosis , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/etiology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Nulliparity and operative vaginal delivery are established risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). However, risk factors for OASIS occurrence among parous women delivering vaginally are not well-established. We aimed to study the risk factors for OASI occurrence among parous women. METHODS: A retrospective study including all parous women who delivered vaginally at term during 2011-2019 at a university hospital. Deliveries of parous women with OASI were compared to deliveries without OASI. The risk factors associated with OASI were investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 35,397 women were included in the study with an OASI rate of 0.4% (n = 144). A higher rate of only one previous vaginal delivery was noted in the OASI group (78.5% vs. 46.4%, OR [95% CI] 4.20, 2.82-6.25, p < 0.001). The rate of vacuum-assisted deliveries was comparable between the study groups. The median birth weight was higher among the OASI group (3566 vs. 3300 g, p < 0.001), as was the rate of macrosomic neonates (19.4% vs. 5.5%, OR [95% CI] 4.15, 2.74-6.29, p < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only two factors were independently positively associated with the occurrence of OASI: a history of only one previous vaginal delivery (adjusted OR [95% CI] 4.34, 2.90-6.49, p = 0.001), and neonatal birth-weight (for each 500 g increment) (adjusted OR [95% CI] 2.51, 1.84-3.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among parous women, the only factors found to be independently positively associated with OASI were the order of parity and neonatal birth-weight. Vacuum-assisted delivery was not associated with an increased risk of OASI among parous women.
Subject(s)
Anal Canal/injuries , Birth Weight , Delivery, Obstetric/adverse effects , Parity , Perineum/injuries , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Adult , Cohort Studies , Episiotomy/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Lacerations/epidemiology , Obstetric Labor Complications/epidemiology , Obstetrical Forceps/adverse effects , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound measurements offer objective and reproducible methods to measure the fetal head station. Before these methods can be applied to assess labor progression, the fetal head descent needs to be evaluated longitudinally in well-defined populations and compared with the existing data derived from clinical examinations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use ultrasound measurements to describe the fetal head descent longitudinally as labor progressed through the active phase in nulliparous women with spontaneous onset of labor. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single center, prospective cohort study at the Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland, from January 2016 to April 2018. Nulliparous women with a single fetus in cephalic presentation and spontaneous labor onset at a gestational age of ≥37 weeks, were eligible. Participant inclusion occurred during admission for women with an established active phase of labor or at the start of the active phase for women admitted during the latent phase. The active phase was defined as an effaced cervix dilated to at least 4 cm in women with regular contractions. According to the clinical protocol, vaginal examinations were done at entry and subsequently throughout labor, paired each time with a transperineal ultrasound examination by a separate examiner, with both examiners being blinded to the other's results. The measurements used to assess the fetal head station were the head-perineum distance and angle of progression. Cervical dilatation was examined clinically. RESULTS: The study population comprised 99 women. The labor patterns for the head-perineum distance, angle of progression, and cervical dilatation differentiated the participants into 75 with spontaneous deliveries, 16 with instrumental vaginal deliveries, and 8 cesarean deliveries. At the inclusion stage, the cervix was dilated 4 cm in 26 of the women, 5 cm in 30 of the women, and ≥6 cm in 43 women. One cesarean and 1 ventouse delivery were performed for fetal distress, whereas the remaining cesarean deliveries were conducted because of a failure to progress. The total number of examinations conducted throughout the study was 345, with an average of 3.6 per woman. The ultrasound-measured fetal head station both at the first and last examination were associated with the delivery mode and remaining time of labor. In spontaneous deliveries, rapid head descent started around 4 hours before birth, the descent being more gradual in instrumental deliveries and absent in cesarean deliveries. A head-perineum distance of 30 mm and angle of progression of 125° separately predicted delivery within 3.0 hours (95% confidence interval, 2.5-3.8 hours and 2.4-3.7 hours, respectively) in women delivering vaginally. Although the head-perineum distance and angle of progression are independent methods, both methods gave similar mirror image patterns. The fetal head station at the first examination was highest for the fetuses in occiput posterior position, but the pattern of rapid descent was similar for all initial positions in spontaneously delivering women. Oxytocin augmentation was used in 41% of women; in these labors a slower descent was noted. Descent was only slightly slower in the 62% of women who received epidural analgesia. A nonlinear relationship was observed between the fetal head station and dilatation. CONCLUSION: We have established the ultrasound-measured descent patterns for nulliparous women in spontaneous labor. The patterns resemble previously published patterns based on clinical vaginal examinations. The ultrasound-measured fetal head station was associated with the delivery mode and remaining time of labor.
Subject(s)
Head/diagnostic imaging , Labor Presentation , Parity , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Adult , Analgesia, Epidural , Analgesia, Obstetrical , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Cohort Studies , Delivery, Obstetric/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Labor Onset , Labor Stage, First , Longitudinal Studies , Obstetrical Forceps/statistics & numerical data , Oxytocics/administration & dosage , Oxytocin/administration & dosage , Pregnancy , Time Factors , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To establish the frequency of vacuum extraction among parturients with twin pregnancies, identify the risk factors and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort database study was conducted between 2005-2018. Twin fetuses with vertex presentation >34 weeks gestation who achieved vaginal delivery were included. Outcomes were compared between neonates who were delivered by vacuum extraction and neonates delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (aORs; [95% CI]). RESULTS: A total of 1751 neonates of 905 parturients with twin pregnancies met inclusion criteria, of which 163 (18%) parturients had vacuum extraction and 225 (12.8%) neonates were delivered by vacuum extraction. The most significant risk factors for vacuum extraction were primiparity (6.79 [4.77-9.66]), previous cesarean delivery (5.59 [3.13-9.97]), and epidural analgesia (4.34 [1.83-10.31]). Vacuum extractions were associated with a spectrum of adverse maternal outcomes (2.60 [1.61-4.19]), particularly postpartum hemorrhage and its associated morbidities. From the neonatal aspect, vacuum extraction deliveries were associated with a composite of birth trauma injuries (21.81 [6.43-73.91]). CONCLUSION: Vacuum extractions among twin pregnancies were found to be associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, and perinatal birth trauma. These findings should be presented to women when counseling on mode of delivery and considered individually against cesarean delivery disadvantages.
Subject(s)
Birth Injuries/etiology , Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/etiology , Pregnancy, Twin , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Birth Injuries/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Female , Germany/epidemiology , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Newborn, Diseases/epidemiology , Parity , Postpartum Hemorrhage/etiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Traction force is a possible risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome in vacuum extraction delivery, but the knowledge is scarce and further investigation is needed. Our hypothesis was that high-level traction force increases the risk of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a hospital-based prospective cohort study on low- and mid-vacuum extractions at the labor and delivery ward, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. Traction forces were measured in 331 women. An electronical handle was used to measure and register traction force. The main exposure variable was high-level traction force (≥75th percentile) during the first three pulls and the primary outcome was admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted risk. RESULTS: Among the exposed, 14/84 (16.7%) were admitted to neonatal intensive care, and among the unexposed 10/247 (4%). The crude odds ratio (OR) of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit when exposed to high-level traction force was 4.7, and the adjusted (birthweight, gestational length, cup detachment, number of pulls, duration, duration >15 minutes, mid-cavity fetal head station, failed extraction, indication and parity) OR was 2.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-7.48). No significant effect was seen in Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes or pH <7.1. CONCLUSIONS: High-level traction force may be a risk factor for neonatal complications. Although these results do not mandate any alterations in clinical guidelines, perioperative feedback on traction force may be useful to alert the obstetrician to a timely conversion to cesarean section. To study plausible traction force specific outcomes such as head traumas, a larger sample size is required.
Subject(s)
Birth Injuries , Obstetric Labor Complications , Traction/adverse effects , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical , Adult , Birth Injuries/diagnosis , Birth Injuries/epidemiology , Birth Injuries/etiology , Birth Injuries/prevention & control , Cesarean Section/methods , Clinical Decision-Making , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal/statistics & numerical data , Obstetric Labor Complications/epidemiology , Obstetric Labor Complications/etiology , Obstetric Labor Complications/prevention & control , Pregnancy , Risk Adjustment/methods , Risk Factors , Sweden/epidemiology , Time-to-Treatment , Traction/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/methods , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Operative vaginal delivery (OVD), either vacuum or forceps, can be used to expedite vaginal delivery. While rates of OVD have been reducing worldwide, rates in Ireland remain high. The Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS) was originally created to compare rates of caesarean delivery between healthcare units, although no similar system exists for the analysis of OVD. AIMS: We sought to examine rates of OVD using the TGCS in an effort to understand which patient groups make significant contributions to the overall rate of OVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all women delivering in a tertiary-level university institution in Dublin, Ireland, from 2007 to 2016. Mode of delivery for all patients was extracted from contemporaneously recorded hospital records. Rates of OVD were analysed according to the TGCS, and the contribution of each group to the overall hospital population was calculated. RESULTS: There were 86 191 deliveries of women in our institution, of which 19.3% (16 673/86 191) had an OVD. Women in Group 1 (singleton, cephalic, nulliparous women at term in spontaneous labour) contributed the most to the overall rate of OVD, accounting for almost half of all OVDs (46.1% (7679/16 673)). Nulliparous women with a singleton, cephalic fetus at term who were induced (Group 2) were more likely to have an OVD than similar patients who laboured spontaneously (Group 1). CONCLUSION: OVD accounts for almost one in five deliveries in our population and is predominately performed in nulliparous women. These groups may be the subject of interventions to lower rates of OVD. The Robson TGCS is a freely available tool to hospitals and birthing centres to facilitate comparison of rates of OVD on local and national levels.
Subject(s)
Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Delivery, Obstetric/classification , Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Obstetrical Forceps/statistics & numerical data , Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , Humans , Ireland/epidemiology , Labor, Obstetric , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Vaginal Birth after CesareanABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the perinatal status of neonates delivered by assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) versus second-stage caesarean birth (CS). METHODS: A 5-year retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS® version 25.0 statistical software using descriptive/inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 559 births met the inclusion criteria; AVD (211; 37.7%) and second-stage CS (348; 62.3%). Over 80% of the women were aged 20-34 years: 185 (87.7%) for the AVD group, and 301 (86.5%) for the second-stage CS group. More than half of the women were parous: 106 (50.2%) for the AVD group, and 184 (52.9%) for the second-stage CS group. The commonest indication for intervention in both groups is delayed second stage: 178 (84.4%) in the AVD group, and 239 (68.9%) in the second-stage CS group. There was a statistically significant difference in decision to delivery interval (DDI) between both groups: 197 (93.4%) women in the AVD group had DDI of less than 30 min and 21 women (6.0%) in the CS group had a DDI of less than 30 min (p < 0.001). During the DDI, there were 3 (1.4%) intra-uterine foetal deaths (IUFD) in the AVD and 19 (5.5%) in the CS group (p = 0.023). After adjusting for co-variates, there were statistically significant differences between the AVD and CS groups in the foetal death during DDI (p = 0.029) and perinatal deaths (p = 0.040); but no statistically significant differences in severe perinatal outcomes (p = 0.811), APGAR scores at 5th minutes (p = 0.355), and admission into the NICU (p = 0.946). After adjusting for co-variates, use of AVD was significantly associated with the level of experience of the care provider, with resident (junior) doctors less likely to opt for AVD than CS (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.29-0.70). CONCLUSION: Second-stage CS when compared with AVD was not associated with improved perinatal outcomes. AVD is a practical option for reducing the rising Caesarean delivery rates without compromising the clinical status of the newborn.