Serum Vitamins A and E at Mid-Pregnancy and Their Relationships with Both Maternal and Cord Blood Antioxidant Status and Perinatal Conditions: The NELA Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Most of the pregnant women do not achieve the recommended dietary intake of vitamins A and E. These vitamins may counteract oxidative stress involved in some adverse perinatal outcomes. We aimed to assess the associations between maternal vitamin A and E at mid-pregnancy with both maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify possible early biomarkers during pregnancy to predict and prevent oxidative stress in the offspring. METHODS: Data on dietary and serum levels of vitamins A and E were collected from 544 pregnant women from the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) study, a prospective mother-child cohort set up in Spain. RESULTS: There were large discrepancies between low dietary vitamin E intake (78% of the mothers) and low serum vitamin E levels (3%) at 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal serum vitamins A and E at mid-pregnancy were associated with higher antioxidant status not only in the mother at this time point (lower hydroperoxides and higher total antioxidant activity [TAA]) but also with the newborn at birth (higher TAA). Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was negatively associated with maternal serum vitamin A (OR: 0.95 CI: 0.91-0.99, p = 0.009) at mid-pregnancy. Nevertheless, we could not detect any association between GDM and oxidative stress parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, maternal vitamin A and E serum levels may be used as an early potential biomarker of antioxidant status of the neonate at birth. Control of these vitamins during pregnancy could help avoid morbid conditions in the newborn caused by oxidative stress in GDM pregnancies.

Influence of Laboring People's Mobility and Positional Changes on Birth Outcomes in Low-Dose Epidural Analgesia Labor: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Freedom of movement has been identified as a key issue for pregnant individuals during the birthing process, even if they opt for epidural analgesia, which has relegated people to more static positions during birth for many years. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the influence of mobility and positional changes on perinatal and neonatal outcomes in people in labor with epidural analgesia, describe the range of movement interventions used during the first and second stage of labor, and describe the level of motor blockade among people with low-dose epidural analgesia. METHODS: Bibliographic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL) were consulted from December 2020 to January 2021. The articles selected were clinical trials and observational or analytical studies, the subject of which was mobilization during labor in people with epidural analgesia. The outcome measures were mode of birth, duration of labor, and extrauterine adaptation after birth. A narrative synthesis was used to describe the types of movements interventions employed during the stages of labor and the level of motor blockade among people with low-dose epidural analgesia. RESULTS: Ten articles were selected (8 clinical trials, one cross-sectional study, and one quasiexperimental study), with a total sample of 6086 individuals. A meta-analysis showed nonsignificant results between groups for mode of birth (relative risk [RR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.87-1.14), duration of labor (RR, 1.64; 95% CI, -34.57 to 37.86), and extrauterine adaptation after birth (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.39-1.93). There was heterogeneity among studies in the type of movement interventions used during the first and second stage of labor. DISCUSSION: Although no clear benefit was observed for mobilization in epidural labor, no detrimental effects were found either, so perinatal care providers should encourage mobilization if the laboring person so desires, throughout the entire childbirth process.

Dietary Patterns in Pregnancy and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Mothers and Offspring: The NELA Birth Cohort.

Background: Although adherence to the Mediterranean and antioxidant-rich diets during pregnancy is suggested to improve maternal-fetal health by reducing oxidative stress, yet there is no study available. Objective: We examined whether maternal dietary patterns in pregnancy impact the biomarkers of oxidative stress in mothers and their offspring. Methods: Study population included 642 mothers and 335 newborns of the "Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma" (NELA) birth cohort. Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire and a priori-defined dietary indices (relative Mediterranean Diet [rMED], alternative Mediterranean Diet [aMED], Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension [DASH], Alternate Healthy Index [AHEI], and AHEI-2010) were calculated. Biomarkers measured were: hydroperoxides, carbonyl groups, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) determined in maternal blood and newborn cord blood, and urinary maternal and offspring 15-F2t-isoprostane. Multivariate linear regression models were performed. Results: Maternal rMED score was inversely associated with the maternal levels of 8OHdG at mid-pregnancy (beta per 1-point increase = -1.61; 95% CI -2.82, -0.39) and the newborn levels of hydroperoxides (beta per 1-point increase = -4.54; 95% CI -9.32, 0.25). High vs. low maternal rMED score was marginally associated with the decreased levels of 8OHdG in newborns (beta = -9.17; 95% CI -19.9, 1.63; p for trend 0.079). Maternal DASH score tended to be inversely associated with maternal urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane (beta per 1-point increase = -0.69; 95% CI, -1.44, 0.06). High vs. low maternal AHEI score was associated with reduced offspring urinary levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane (beta = -20.2; 95% CI -38.0, -2.46; p for trend 0.026). Conclusion: These results suggest that maternal adherence to healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy may reduce DNA damage and lipid oxidation in mothers and offspring.

Self-Reported DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy and Its Association with Obesity or Gestational Diabetes in Relation to DHA Concentration in Cord and Maternal Plasma: Results from NELA, a Prospective Mother-Offspring Cohort.

Maternal supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy has been recommended due to its role in infant development, but its effect on materno-fetal DHA status is not well established. We evaluated the associations between DHA supplementation in pregnant women with obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal and neonatal DHA status. Serum fatty acids (FA) were analyzed in 641 pregnant women (24 weeks of gestation) and in 345 venous and 166 arterial cord blood samples of participants of the NELA cohort. Obese women (n = 47) presented lower DHA in serum than those lean (n = 397) or overweight (n = 116) before pregnancy. Linoleic acid in arterial cord was elevated in obese women, which indicates lower fetal retention. Maternal DHA supplementation (200 mg/d) during pregnancy was associated with enhanced maternal and fetal DHA levels regardless of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), although higher arterial DHA in overweight women indicated an attenuated response. Maternal DHA supplementation was not associated with cord venous DHA in neonates of mothers with GDM. The cord arteriovenous difference was similar for DHA between GDM and controls. In conclusion, maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy enhanced fetal DHA status regardless of the pre-pregnancy BMI while GDM may reduce the effect of DHA supplementation in newborns.

Air pollution from traffic during pregnancy impairs newborn's cord blood immune cells: The NELA cohort.

BACKGROUND: Hazards of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on the developing immune system are poorly understood. We sought to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to TRAP on cord blood immune cell distributions; and to identify gestational windows of susceptibility. METHODS: In-depth immunophenotyping of cord blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets was performed by flow cytometry in 190 newborns embedded in the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) birth cohort (2015-2018). Long-term (whole pregnancy and trimesters) and short-term (15-days before delivery) residential exposures to traffic-related nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and ozone (O3) were estimated using dispersion/chemical transport modelling. Associations between TRAP concentrations and cord blood immune cell counts were assessed using multivariate Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Mean number of natural killer (NK) cells decreased 15% in relation to higher NO2 concentrations (≥36.4 µg/m3) during whole pregnancy (incidence relative risk (IRR), 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72, 0.99), with stronger associations in the first trimester. Higher PM2.5 concentrations (≥13.3 µg/m3) during whole pregnancy associated with a reduced mean number of cytotoxic T cells (IRR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78, 0.99). Newborns exposed to higher PM10 (≥23.6 µg/m3) and PM2.5 concentrations during the first and third trimester showed greater mean number of helper T type 1 (Th1) cells (P < 0.05). Decreased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells was associated with greater short-term NO2 (IRR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80, 1.01) and PM10 (IRR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77, 0.99) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to TRAP, particularly in early and late gestation, impairs fetal immune system development through disturbances in cord blood leukocyte and lymphocyte distributions.

[Rate of episiotomy in the University Clinical Hospital of Arrixaca and factors that influence in its practice.] / Tasa de episiotomía en el Hospital Clínico Universitario de La Arrixaca y factores que influyen en su práctica.

OBJECTIVE: The conduction of episiotomy is a questioned practice given the strong scientific evidence on its adverse effects. The study objectives were to know the episiotomy rate and its adaptation to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare and assess the associated factors. METHODS: It has been made a Observational, descriptive and transversal quantitative study, it was carried out in the university clinical hospital arrixaca. Data were collected from deliveries attended between January 1, 2016 and October 30, 2017, obtaining a sample of 10,630 women, registered in the SELENE computer program which is the clinical database of said hospital. To perform the data analysis, were used the SPSS statistical program and an Excel database. At the first level, it was carried out a descriptive analysis of the obstetric variables and, at a second level, the data were compared with the Ministry of Health indicators by means of a comparison of two proportions and the chi-square test. In order to estimate the Effect Size, the Cramer V was used for qualitative variables and the relative risk was calculated for each pair of qualitative variablesas a relative measure of the effect, to determine the strength of association between the variables. RESULTS: The episiotomy rate was 36.5%. When the birth started spontaneously, the percentage was 35.5%, when it was induced 47.2% and stimulated rate was 42.3%. The rate in eutocic deliveries was 20.6% and in instrumented was 95.25%. In primiparas, the episiotomy was 49.64% and in multiparas the conduction was 15.55%. Was observed a tendency of second-degree tears (43.40%), followed by first-degree (35.61%) and third-degree (19.81%) with episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The episiotomy rate in our study exceeds current recommendations. The variables associated with the performance of the episiotomy are induced or stimulated delivery, instrumentation and primiparity. There is a significant relationship between the practice of episiotomy and the greater degree of tear.

OBJETIVO: La realización de episiotomías es una práctica cuestionada dada la fuerte evidencia científica existente sobre sus efectos adversos. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron conocer la tasa de episiotomías y su adecuación a las recomendaciones del Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social y valorar los factores asociados. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo observacional, descriptivo y transversal, que fue llevado a cabo en el Hospital Clinico Universitario Arrixaca. Se recogieron datos De los partos atendidos entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 30 de octubre de 2017, obteniendo una muestra de 10.630 mujeres, a través del programa informático SELENE, que es la base de datos clínicos de dicho hospital. Para realizar el análisis de datos se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS y una base de datos Excel. En un primer nivel, se efectuó un análisis descriptivo de las variables obstétricas y, en un segundo nivel, se contrastaron los datos con los indicadores del Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social mediante una comparación de dos proporciones y el test de la ji al cuadrado. Para poder estimar el Tamaño del Efecto se utilizó la V de Cramer para variables cualitativas, y se calculó el riesgo relativo para cada par de variables cualitativas como medida relativa del efecto, para determinar así la fuerza de asociación entre las variables. RESULTADOS: La tasa de episiotomías fue del 36,5%. Cuando el parto comenzó espontáneamente el porcentaje fue del 35,5%; cuando fue inducido, la tasa fue del 47,2% y cuando fue estimulado, el porcentaje fue del 42,3%. La tasa en partos eutócicos fue del 20,6% y en instrumentados fue del 95,25%. En primíparas, la realización de episiotomía fue del 49,64% y en multíparas la realización fue del 15,55%. Se observó una tendencia a desgarros de segundo grado (43,40%), seguidos de primer grado (35,61%) y de tercer grado (19,81%) con episiotomía. CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de episiotomía de nuestro estudio supera las actuales recomendaciones. Las variables asociadas a la realización de la episiotomía son el parto inducido o estimulado, la instrumentación y la primiparidad. Se evidencia una relación significativa entre la práctica de episiotomia y el mayor grado de desgarro.

Tasa de episiotomía en el Hospital Clínico Universitario de La Arrixaca y factores que influyen en su práctica / Rate of episiotomy in the University Clinical Hospital of Arrixaca and factors that influence in its practice

OBJETIVO: La realización de episiotomías es una práctica cuestionada dada la fuerte evidencia científica existente sobre sus efectos adversos. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron conocer la tasa de episiotomías y su adecuación a las recomendaciones del Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social y valorar los factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo observacional, descriptivo y transversal, que fue llevado a cabo en el Hospital Clinico Universitario Arrixaca. Se recogieron datos De los partos atendidos entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 30 de octubre de 2017, obteniendo una muestra de 10.630 mujeres, a través del programa informático SELENE, que es la base de datos clínicos de dicho hospital. Para realizar el análisis de datos se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS y una base de datos Excel. En un primer nivel, se efectuó un análisis descriptivo de las variables obstétricas y, en un segundo nivel, se contrastaron los datos con los indicadores del Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social mediante una comparación de dos proporciones y el test de la ji al cuadrado. Para poder estimar el Tamaño del Efecto se utilizó la V de Cramer para variables cualitativas, y se calculó el riesgo relativo para cada par de variables cualitativas como medida relativa del efecto, para determinar así la fuerza de asociación entre las variables. RESULTADOS: La tasa de episiotomías fue del 36,5%. Cuando el parto comenzó espontáneamente el porcentaje fue del 35,5%; cuando fue inducido, la tasa fue del 47,2% y cuando fue estimulado, el porcentaje fue del 42,3%. La tasa en partos eutócicos fue del 20,6% y en instrumentados fue del 95,25%. En primíparas, la realización de episiotomía fue del 49,64% y en multíparas la realización fue del 15,55%. Se observó una tendencia a desgarros de segundo grado (43,40%), seguidos de primer grado (35,61%) y de tercer grado (19,81%) con episiotomía. CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de episiotomía de nuestro estudio supera las actuales recomendaciones. Las variables asociadas a la realización de la episiotomía son el parto inducido o estimulado, la instrumentación y la primiparidad. Se evidencia una relación significativa entre la práctica de episiotomia y el mayor grado de desgarro

OBJECTIVE: The conduction of episiotomy is a questioned practice given the strong scientific evidence on its adverse effects. The study objectives were to know the episiotomy rate and its adaptation to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare and assess the associated factors. METHODS: It has been made a Observational, descriptive and transversal quantitative study, it was carried out in the university clinical hospital arrixaca. Data were collected from deliveries attended between January 1, 2016 and October 30, 2017, obtaining a sample of 10,630 women, registered in the SELENE computer program which is the clinical database of said hospital. To perform the data analysis, were used the SPSS statistical program and an Excel database. At the first level, it was carried out a descriptive analysis of the obstetric variables and, at a second level, the data were compared with the Ministry of Health indicators by means of a comparison of two proportions and the chi-square test. In order to estimate the Effect Size, the Cramer V was used for qualitative variables and the relative risk was calculated for each pair of qualitative variablesas a relative measure of the effect, to determine the strength of association between the variables. RESULTS: The episiotomy rate was 36.5%. When the birth started spontaneously, the percentage was 35.5%, when it was induced 47.2% and stimulated rate was 42.3%. The rate in eutocic deliveries was 20.6% and in instrumented was 95.25%. In primiparas, the episiotomy was 49.64% and in multiparas the conduction was 15.55%. Was observed a tendency of second-degree tears (43.40%), followed by first-degree (35.61%) and third-degree (19.81%) with episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The episiotomy rate in our study exceeds current recommendations. The variables associated with the performance of the episiotomy are induced or stimulated delivery, instrumentation and primiparity. There is a significant relationship between the practice of episiotomy and the greater degree of tear

Comparative study analysing women's childbirth satisfaction and obstetric outcomes across two different models of maternity care.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the differences in obstetrical results and women's childbirth satisfaction across 2 different models of maternity care (biomedical model and humanised birth). SETTING: 2 university hospitals in south-eastern Spain from April to October 2013. DESIGN: A correlational descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 406 women participated in the study, 204 of the biomedical model and 202 of the humanised model. RESULTS: The differences in obstetrical results were (biomedical model/humanised model): onset of labour (spontaneous 66/137, augmentation 70/1, p=0.0005), pain relief (epidural 172/132, no pain relief 9/40, p=0.0005), mode of delivery (normal vaginal 140/165, instrumental 48/23, p=0.004), length of labour (0-4 hours 69/93, >4 hours 133/108, p=0.011), condition of perineum (intact perineum or tear 94/178, episiotomy 100/24, p=0.0005). The total questionnaire score (100) gave a mean (M) of 78.33 and SD of 8.46 in the biomedical model of care and an M of 82.01 and SD of 7.97 in the humanised model of care (p=0.0005). In the analysis of the results per items, statistical differences were found in 8 of the 9 subscales. The highest scores were reached in the humanised model of maternity care. CONCLUSIONS: The humanised model of maternity care offers better obstetrical outcomes and women's satisfaction scores during the labour, birth and immediate postnatal period than does the biomedical model.

Episiotomy and its relationship to various clinical variables that influence its performance.

OBJECTIVE: to understand the episiotomy rate and its relationship with various clinical variables. METHOD: a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytic study of 12,093 births in a tertiary hospital. VARIABLES: Parity, gestational age, start of labor, use of epidural analgesia, oxytocin usage, position during fetal explusion, weight of neonate, and completion of birth. The analysis was performed with SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: the global percentage of episiotomies was 50%. The clinical variables that presented a significant association were primiparity (RR=2.98), gestational age >41 weeks (RR=1.2), augmented or induced labor (RR=1.33), epidural analgesia use (RR=1,95), oxytocin use (RR=1.58), lithotomy position during fetal expulsion (RR=6.4), and instrumentation (RR=1.84). Furthermore, maternal age ≥35 years (RR=0.85) and neonatal weight <2500 g (RR=0.8) were associated with a lower incidence of episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: episiotomy is dependent on obstetric interventions performed during labor. If we wish to reduce the episiotomy rate, it will be necessary to bear in mind these risk factors when establishing policies for reducing this procedure.

Episiotomy and its relationship to various clinical variables that influence its performance / Episiotomia e sua relação com diferentes variáveis cínicas que influenciam sua realização / La episiotomía y su relación con distintas variables clínicas que influyen en su realización

Objective: to understand the episiotomy rate and its relationship with various clinical variables. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytic study of 12,093 births in a tertiary hospital. Variables: Parity, gestational age, start of labor, use of epidural analgesia, oxytocin usage, position during fetal explusion, weight of neonate, and completion of birth. The analysis was performed with SPSS 19.0. Results: the global percentage of episiotomies was 50%. The clinical variables that presented a significant association were primiparity (RR=2.98), gestational age >41 weeks (RR=1.2), augmented or induced labor (RR=1.33), epidural analgesia use (RR=1,95), oxytocin use (RR=1.58), lithotomy position during fetal expulsion (RR=6.4), and instrumentation (RR=1.84). Furthermore, maternal age ≥35 years (RR=0.85) and neonatal weight <2500 g (RR=0.8) were associated with a lower incidence of episiotomy. Conclusions: episiotomy is dependent on obstetric interventions performed during labor. If we wish to reduce the episiotomy rate, it will be necessary to bear in mind these risk factors when establishing policies for reducing this procedure.

Objetivo: conhecer a taxa de episiotomia e sua relação com diferentes variáveis clínica. Método: e Estudo descritivo, transversal e analítico de 12.093 partos em um hospital terciário. Variáveis: paridade, idade gestacional, início do parto, uso de analgesia epidural, uso de oxitocina, posição durante expulsão do feto, peso do neonato e finalização do parto. A análise foi feita com o SPSS 19.0. Resultados: a porcentagem global de episiotomias foi de 50%. As variáveis clínicas que apresentaram uma associação significativa foram: primiparidade (RR=2,98), idade gestacional > 41 semanas (RR=1,2), início do parto estimulado ou induzido (RR=1,33), uso de analgesia epidural (RR=1,95), uso de ocitocina (RR=1,58), posição de litotomia durante a expulsão fetal (RR=6,4) e instrumentação (RR=1,84). Por outro lado, idade materna ≥ 35 anos (RR=0.85) e peso do neonato < 2500 g (RR=0,8) estão associados a uma menor incidência de episiotomia. Conclusões: a episiotomia depende de intervenções obstétricas feitas durante o parto. Se desejarmos reduzir a taxa de episiotomia, será necessário manter em mente esses fatores de risco para estabelecer políticas para reduzir esse procedimento.

Objetivo: conocer la tasa de episiotomía y su relación con distintas variables clínicas. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal y analítico, de 12.093 partos en un hospital de tercer nivel. Las variables fueron: paridad, edad gestacional, inicio del parto, uso de analgesia epidural, uso de oxitocina, posición durante la expulsión fetal, peso del recién nacido y finalización del parto. El análisis se realizó con el programa estadístico SPSS 19.0. Resultados: el porcentaje global de episiotomías fue de 50%. Las variables clínicas que presentaron una asociación significativa fueron: primiparidad (RR=2,98), edad gestacional > 41 semanas (RR=1,2), inicio del parto estimulado o inducido (RR= 1,33), uso de analgesia epidural (RR=1,95), uso de oxitocina (RR=1,58), posición de litotomía durante la expulsión fetal (RR=6,4) e instrumentación (RR=1,84). Por otra parte, la edad materna fue ≥35 años (RR=0,85) y el peso del recién nacido < 2500g. (RR=0,8), se asociaron con una menor incidencia de episiotomía. Conclusiones: la episiotomía estuvo condicionada por las intervenciones obstétricas que se realizaron durante el desarrollo del parto. Si deseamos reducir la tasa de episiotomía será necesario tener en cuenta los factores de riesgo para establecer políticas de reducción de este procedimiento.

Adecuación entre la práctica clínica obstétrica en el Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia) y las recomendaciones de la Estrategia de Atención al Parto Normal / Adaptation between the obstetric clinical practise at the University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia) and the recommendations of the Strategy Normal Birth Care

OBJETIVO: Comprobar el grado de adecuación de la práctica clínica obstétrica a las recomendaciones de la Estrategia de Atención al Parto Normal. Personas, material y método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, de la actividad obstétrica de 12.093 mujeres durante el proceso de parto (en los años 2011 y 2012) en el Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia). Las variables estudiadas fueron: paridad, edad gestacional, inicio del parto, utilización de analgesia epidural, uso de oxitocina, posición durante la etapa de expulsión fetal, peso del recién nacido y finalización del parto. RESULTADOS: Se observa una adecuación de la práctica clínica a las recomendaciones de la Estrategia de Atención al Parto Normal en la tendencia a disminuir las siguientes practicas: el rasurado perineal (13%), el uso de enemas (7%) y el número de cesáreas urgentes (11,38%). Asimismo, se constata una tendencia a aumentar el acompañamiento al parto (88,7%), la monitorización continua (99%), la ingesta de líquidos intraparto (34,8%), el número de partos vaginales tras cesárea previa (93,1%) y el porcentaje de epidural (77%). El resto de variables estudiadas (realización de amniotomia y partos instrumentados) se mantienen sin cambios. CONCLUSIONES: Las recomendaciones de la Estrategia no se siguen en su totalidad. Se han identificado puntos de mejora. Es necesario desarrollar políticas que permitan reducir los procedimientos desaconsejados por el Ministerio de Sanidad, así como reforzar la formación del equipo interdisciplinar

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to check the adaption of the obstetric clinical practise and the recommendations of the Strategy Normal Birth Care. Persons, material and methods: This has been a descriptive, transversal and analytical study of the obstetrical activity of 12,093 childbirths which took place between 2011 and 2012 in the Clinical University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia). The studied variables were: parity, gestational age, onset of labor, use of epidural analgesia, use of oxytocin, stage position during fetal expulsion, new-born weight and type of delivery (eutocic, implemented or cesarean). RESULTS: The clinical appropriateness of the recommendations of the Strategy Normal Birth Care presents a tendency to decrease in the following practises: perineal saving (13%), the use of enemas (7%) and the number of emergency caesareans (11.38%). Likewise, some practices have also had a tendency to increase: accompaniment of childbirth (88.7%), continuous monitoring (99%), intrapartum fluid intake (34.8%), the number of vaginal births after cesarean (93.1%) and the number of women with epidural (77%). There has not been any variation in the remaining studied variables (amniotomy and performing instrumental births). CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of the Strategy are not followed entirely. Some points of improvement have been identified. It will be necessary to develop some reduction policies of procedure advised against by the Ministry, and to reinforce the interdisciplinary team training

La voz de las mujeres sometidas a mutilación genital femenina en la Región de Murcia / The voice of women subjected to female genital mutilation in the Region of Murcia (Spain)

Objetivo: Explorar las percepciones de un grupo de mujeres sometidas a mutilación genital femenina sobre el impacto de esta práctica en su salud sexual y reproductiva. Material y método: Estudio cualitativo de tipo fenomenológico. La muestra está formada por nueve mujeres, cuya media de edad es de 30 años, residen en España entre 1 y 14 años, y proceden de África subsahariana, que fueron sometidas a mutilación genital en sus países de origen. Para la recopilación de datos se ha aplicado un cuestionario sociodemográfico y una entrevista personal estructurada, en profundidad. Posteriormente se ha realizado un análisis temático del discurso. Resultados: Los discursos se han agrupado en cuatro categorías relativas a la percepción sobre la mutilación genital femenina, las relaciones de pareja, el embarazo y el parto, y la repercusión social. Conclusiones: La mutilación genital femenina es una práctica que las mujeres mantienen debido a la presión sociofamiliar, que se transmite de generación en generación y que es silenciada por las propias mujeres. Esta práctica afecta a su salud sexual y reproductiva, debido a la anorgasmia y la dispareunia que comporta. Se sienten satisfechas con la asistencia sanitaria recibida durante el embarazo y el parto, pero se identifica una planificación familiar insatisfecha en la mayoría de ellas (AU)

Objective: To explore the perceptions of a group of women who underwent female genital mutilation on the impact of this practice on their sexual and reproductive health. Methods: We performed a phenomenological qualitative study in a sample of 9 sub-Saharan Africa women, whose mean age was 30 years old and who had lived in Spain for 1 to 14 years. These women underwent genital mutilation in their countries of origin. Data was collected using a socio-demographic survey and an in-depth, structured personal interview. Subsequently, we performed a thematic discourse analysis. Results: The discourses were grouped into four categories related to participants' perceptions of female genital mutilation. These categories were intimate relationships, pregnancy, childbirth, and social impact. Conclusions: The practice of female genital mutilation is maintained due to social and family pressure, transmitted from generation to generation and silenced by women themselves. This practice affects their sexual and reproductive health, as demonstrated by anorgasmia and dyspareunia. The women were satisfied with the healthcare received during pregnancy and childbirth. Nevertheless, most of them were not satisfied with family planning (AU)

[The voice of women subjected to female genital mutilation in the Region of Murcia (Spain)]. / La voz de las mujeres sometidas a mutilación genital femenina en la Región de Murcia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of a group of women who underwent female genital mutilation on the impact of this practice on their sexual and reproductive health. METHODS: We performed a phenomenological qualitative study in a sample of 9 sub-Saharan Africa women, whose mean age was 30 years old and who had lived in Spain for 1 to 14 years. These women underwent genital mutilation in their countries of origin. Data was collected using a socio-demographic survey and an in-depth, structured personal interview. Subsequently, we performed a thematic discourse analysis. RESULTS: The discourses were grouped into four categories related to participants' perceptions of female genital mutilation. These categories were intimate relationships, pregnancy, childbirth, and social impact. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of female genital mutilation is maintained due to social and family pressure, transmitted from generation to generation and silenced by women themselves. This practice affects their sexual and reproductive health, as demonstrated by anorgasmia and dyspareunia. The women were satisfied with the healthcare received during pregnancy and childbirth. Nevertheless, most of them were not satisfied with family planning.