Endometriosis and cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a benign, estrogen-dependent, chronic inflammatory disease and is the commonest cause of chronic pelvic pain in younger women. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide. Because the relationship between endometriosis and CV disease is not well established, we performed a systematic review of longitudinal studies that assessed the occurrence of cardiovascular events in women with endometriosis compared to those without endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of longitudinal cohort/nested case-control studies with endometriosis patients and controls. A search was conducted of the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase databases from inception to November 2022. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cardiovascular outcomes such as ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: Six cohort studies were included, with a total of 254,929 participants. Meta-analysis showed that endometriosis was associated with a significantly increased risk of ischemic heart disease (HR 1.50, 95%CI 1.37-1.65; I2 = 0 %) and cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.17, 95%CI 1.07-1.29; I2 = 0 %). The one study that examined the relationship between cardiovascular mortality and endometriosis found a decreased risk in women with endometriosis relative to women without endometriosis (HR 0.55 (95%CI 0.47-0.65)). CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, namely ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Further studies are required to determine if endometriosis and/or its treatments are risk factors (particularly for cardiovascular mortality), and whether preventive measures could reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in women with endometriosis. Study protocol registered at PROSPERO: CRD42022298830.

Routine Ultrasound at 30th-33rd weeks versus 30th-33rd and 35th-37th weeks in Low-Risk Pregnancies: A Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 35-37 weeks' ultrasound for fetal growth restriction (FGR) detection and the impact of 30th-33rd weeks versus 30th-33rd and 35th-37th weeks' ultrasound on perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1,061 low-risk pregnant women: 513 in the control group (routine ultrasound performed at 30th-33rd weeks) and 548 in the study group (with an additional ultrasound at 35th-37th weeks). FGR was defined as a fetus with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile. p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The ultrasound at 35-37 weeks had an overall accuracy of FGR screening of 94%. Spearman's correlation coefficient between EFW and birthweight centile was higher for at 35-37 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.75) compared with 30-33 weeks' ultrasound (ρ = 0.44). The study group had a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (24.4% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.005) and cesarean deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status (16.8% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A later ultrasound (35-37 weeks) had a high accuracy for detection of FGR and had a higher correlation between EFW and birthweight centiles. Furthermore, it was also associated with lower adverse perinatal outcomes compared to an earlier ultrasound.

Impact of ABVD chemotherapy on ovarian reserve after fertility preservation in reproductive-aged women with Hodgkin lymphoma.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How is ovarian reserve affected by chemotherapy in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who undergo fertility preservation (FP)? METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 105 HL patients referred to the FP unit before starting adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy. Ovarian reserve was evaluated before chemotherapy and at the last follow-up using anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) measurements. The decrease in AMH was compared with that expected from normograms. AMH was compared between patients who underwent cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and those who underwent cryopreservation of mature oocytes. RESULTS: After ABVD, 15% of patients required hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. At a median follow-up of 33 months, the median decrease in AMH was 0.88 ng/mL, which was significantly greater than that of the general population of this age group (p < 0.001). Of the 82 women who only had ABVD, 38 underwent FP by cryopreservation of mature oocytes and 44 underwent cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex. There was no significant difference in AMH or AFC at the last follow-up between FP techniques. CONCLUSION: Although ABVD is considered to be of low gonadotoxic risk, the decrease in AMH was greater than expected for patients' age, and 15% of patients needed more aggressive therapy during follow-up. Type of FP was not associated with decline in ovarian reserve. Reproductive-aged women with HL should have the opportunity for FP counseling before starting treatment.

National-survey for evaluation of the best screening method of late fetal growth restriction in low risk pregnancy: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare knowledge and practices surrounding third trimester screening of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in low risk pregnancies among Portuguese Gynecologists/Obstetricians (GOs) and General Practitioners (GPs). Primary outcome was to compare the proportion of GOs that consider the need of a third trimester ultrasound (estimation of fetal weight) for screening of FGR in low risk pregnancies and the best time to perform it with the corresponding proportion of GPs. STUDY DESIGN: We have conducted a prospective, observational cohort study based on application of surveys to GOs and GPs. Questionnaires were sent by e-mail to physicians and they filled them online. A second reminder e-mail was sent 7 days later. Recruitment was also done personally at scientific meetings. A total of 573 surveys were available for analysis, 298 corresponded to GOs and 275 to GPs. We used χ2 test to compare dichotomous variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for the comparison of ordinal variables. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The vast majority of GOs and GPs (93%) considered that third trimester ultrasound is useful and needed for surveillance of low risk pregnancy. A higher proportion of GOs (38%) selected 35th-37th weeks as the best time to perform the ultrasound compared to GPs (10%) (p < 0.001). GOs (51%) consider that symphysis-fundus distance is a measurement with moderate accuracy for screening of FGR while GPs (61%) attribute a low accuracy (p < 0.001). Fifty percent (50%) of GOs consider that performing a third trimester ultrasound will have no impact on cesarean delivery rate for fetal distress, while 41% of GPs consider that routine ultrasound will contribute to increase this rate (p < 0.001). The majority of GPs (52%) consider that routine ultrasound will contribute to diminish the admission rate to neonatal intensive care unit while GOs revealed a dichotomy with 43% of respondents reporting that it will diminish the rate and 40% that it will have no impact. CONCLUSION: Varied opinions among the clinicians included in our sample reflect the controversy that remains on the best screening of FGR in low risk pregnancies.

Altered cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly assessed by neurosonography.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a comprehensive assessment of cortical development in fetuses with isolated nonsevere ventriculomegaly (INSVM) by neurosonography. METHODS: We prospectively included 40 fetuses with INSVM and 40 controls. INSVM was defined as atrial width between 10.0 and 14.9 mm without associated malformation, infection, or chromosomal abnormality. Cortical development was assessed by neurosonography at 26 and 30 weeks of gestation measuring depth of selected sulci and applying a maturation scale from 0 (no appearance) to 5 (maximally developed) of main sulci and areas. RESULTS: INSVM showed underdeveloped calcarine and parieto-occipital sulci. In addition, significant delayed maturation pattern was also observed in regions distant to ventricular system including Insula depth (controls 30.8 mm [SD 1.7] vs INSVM 31.7 mm [1.8]; P = .04), Sylvian fissure grading (>2 at 26 weeks: controls 87.5% vs INSVM 50%, P = .01), mesial area grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 95% vs INSVM 62.5%; P = .03), and cingulate sulcus grading (>2 at 30 weeks: controls 100% vs INSVM 80.5%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses with INSVM showed underdeveloped cortical maturation including also regions, where effect of ventricular dilatation is unlikely. These results suggest that in a proportion of fetuses with INSVM, ventricular dilation might be related with altered cortical architecture.

Small-for-gestational-age babies of low-risk term pregnancies: does antenatal detection matter?

OBJECTIVES: To compare delivery route and admission rate to neonatal intensive care unit between small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age babies among low-risk term pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using the database of deliveries in 2014 at a tertiary hospital. Babies delivered at ≥37 weeks with birthweight <10th centile were considered small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and >90th centile were considered large-for-gestational-age. Fetal weight estimation at 30-33 weeks ultrasound <10th centile was considered antenatal detection of SGA. RESULTS: Among 1429 low-risk term pregnancies, 11% (151/1429) had SGA babies and 5% (75/1429) had large-for-gestational-age. SGA babies were associated with higher rate of cesarean sections for nonreassuring fetal status (18/151 versus 8/1202, p < .001) and higher rate of admissions to neonatal intensive care unit (16/151 versus 18/1202, p < .001) compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age. Within SGA group, antepartum detected fetuses were associated with lower rate of operative deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status than undetected group (3/31 versus 39/120, p = .01) Conclusions: In our series, women with SGA term babies were associated with more adverse obstetric and neonatal outcome than appropriate-for-gestational age, especially among those undetected prenatally.

Impact of maternal weight on the intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility of fetal ultrasonography measurements in the third trimester.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of maternal weight on the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of third-trimester ultrasonography fetal measurements. METHODS: The present prospective study, performed at a tertiary hospital, enrolled patients at between 35+0  weeks and 36+6  weeks of singleton pregnancies between January 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016. Fetal ultrasonography measurements were evaluated twice by a first observer and a third time by a second observer. Intra- and inter-observer consistency were analyzed using the Cronbach α reliability coefficient, and measurement reproducibility was compared with patients stratified by a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of below 25 or at least 25. RESULTS: The study included 197 patients (133 with BMI <25 and 64 with BMI ≥25). Among patients with a BMI below 25, the reliability coefficients for bi-parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length measurements were 0.97, 0.95, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively, for intra-observer consistency, and were 0.97, 0.93, 0.98, and 0.95, respectively, for inter-observer consistency. Among patients with a BMI of at least 25, these values were 0.97, 0.96, 0.98, and 0.97, respectively, for intra-observed consistency, and 0.97, 0.94, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively, for inter-observer consistency. CONCLUSION: High intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was observed for third-trimester fetal ultrasonography measurements, including for patients who were overweight.

Efficacy and Safety of Foley Catheter Balloon for Cervix Priming in Term Pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Foley catheter promotes cervix priming by a direct mechanical effect of distension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital, including all cases of induction of labor with Foley catheter between September 1, 2013 and November 30, 2015. Women were eligible if they had a singleton pregnancy with a Bishop score < 6 and a gestational age ≥ 41 weeks or a medical indication for induction of labor. The primary outcome was the Bishop score variation (difference between Bishop score before and after insertion of Foley catheter). Mode of delivery, induction-to-delivery time, uterine tachysystole with fetal decelerations, peripartum fever ≥ 38º C, maternal pain and mortality were also analyzed. RESULTS: Within 201 inductions with Foley catheter, average increase in Bishop score after catheter placement was three (1 - 7), with only 5% (11/201) of unmodified cervix after catheter removal/extrusion. Vaginal delivery rate was 71% (142/201) and in women with a previous cesarean section (n = 40) was 37% (15/40). Average induction-to-delivery time was 38 hours (4 - 120). Uterine infection rate was 3% (6/201). There was only one case of significant vaginal bleeding which required immediate catheter removal. There has been no significative maternal or neonatal morbidity. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Foley catheter is a safe and effective method of cervical priming for women with an unfavorable cervix, even in the case of a previous cesarean delivery.

Introdução: O cateter de Foley promove maturação cervical devido ao efeito mecânico directo de distensão. Material e Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional realizado num hospital terciário, incluindo todas as induções do trabalho de parto com cateter de Foley entre 01 de setembro de 2013 e 30 de novembro de 2015. Incluíram-se grávidas de feto único, com um índice de Bishop < 6 e idade gestacional ≥ 41 semanas, ou indicação médica para indução. O desfecho primário foi a variação do índice de Bishop (diferença entre índice de Bishop antes e após inserção do cateter de Foley). Os desfechos secundários foram: tipo de parto, intervalo de tempo indução-parto, taquissistolia com desacelerações da frequência cardíaca fetal, febre periparto ≥ 38º C, dor materna e mortalidade. Resultados: Incluíram-se 201 induções do trabalho de parto com cateter de Foley. Verificou-se um aumento médio do índice de Bishop após a colocação do cateter de três (1 - 7), com apenas 5% dos casos (11/201) sem qualquer modificação do colo após a remoção/ extrusão do cateter. A taxa de parto vaginal foi 71% (142/201) e nas grávidas com uma cesariana anterior (n = 40) foi 37% (15/40). A média do intervalo de tempo indução-parto foi 38 horas (4 - 120). A taxa de infecção uterina foi 3% (6/201). Um caso de hemorragia vaginal significativa exigiu a remoção do cateter. Não se registou morbilidade materna ou neonatal significativa. Discussão/Conclusão: O cateter de Foley é um método seguro e eficaz para maturação cervical em grávidas com colo desfavorável, mesmo com cesariana anterior.

Outpatient versus inpatient cervix priming with Foley catheter: A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy between outpatient and inpatient cervix priming with Foley catheter. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized trial including term pregnancies with a single fetus in cephalic presentation, Bishop score<6, gestational age>41 weeks or medical indication for induction of labor. Patients were randomized to outpatient (n=65) or inpatient (n=65) priming with Foley catheter. Primary outcome was Bishop score change between outpatient and inpatient groups. Secondary comparisons included: delivery route and catheter application-to-delivery time. Statistical analysis was performed using Student́s t-test and χ2 test. We assessed the contribution of each demographic variable and setting of Foley priming to the variation in induction-to-delivery-time and inpatient time by using multivariate linear regression and the contribution of each demographic variable and setting of Foley to cesarean delivery rate for failed induction by using multivariate logistic regression. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Average Bishop score change was not statistically different between the inpatient and outpatient groups (3.4 vs 2.9, p=0.37). Outpatient group had a shorter average catheter application-to-delivery time than the inpatient (38.2 vs 44.9. hrs, p=0.01) and an average of less 10h of hospital stay than inpatient group. Vaginal birth rate(72% outpatient vs 62% inpatient) was similar between groups. Outpatient group had a statistically significant lower rate of cesarean deliveries for failed induction of labor [2/65 (3%) vs 11/65 (17%), p=0.02]. There were three cases of chorioamnionitis for each group with no significant maternal or neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient priming with Foley catheter is as safe and effective as in the inpatient setting with shorter hospital stay and less cesarean deliveries for failed induction. ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT02842879.

[Career Satisfaction of Medical Residents in Portugal]. / Satisfação com a Especialidade entre os Internos da Formação Específica em Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The satisfaction with the medical profession has been identified as an essential factor for the quality of care, the wellbeing of patients and the healthcare systems' stability. Recent studies have emphasized a growing discontent of physicians, mainly as a result of changes in labor relations. OBJECTIVES: To assess the perception of Portuguese medical residents about: correspondence of residency with previous expectations; degree of satisfaction with the specialty, profession and place of training; reasons for dissatisfaction; opinion regarding clinical practice in Portugal and emigration intents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Data collection was conducted through the "Satisfaction with Specialization Survey", created in an online platform, designed for this purpose, between May and August 2014. RESULTS: From a total population of 5788 medical residents, 804 (12.25 %) responses were obtained. From this sample, 77% of the responses were from residents in the first three years. Results showed that 90% of the residents are satisfied with their specialty, 85% with the medical profession and 86% with their place of training. Nevertheless, results showed a decrease in satisfaction over the final years of residency. The overall assessment of the clinical practice scenario in Portugal was negative and 65% of residents have plans to emigrate after completing their residency. CONCLUSION: Portuguese residents revealed high satisfaction levels regarding their profession. However, their views on Portuguese clinical practice and the results concerning the intent to emigrate highlight the need to take steps to reverse this scenario.

Introdução: A satisfação com a profissão médica tem sido apontada como um fator essencial para a qualidade assistencial, o bemestar dos doentes e a estabilidade dos sistemas de saúde. Estudos recentes têm vindo a enfatizar um crescente descontentamento dos médicos, principalmente como consequência das alterações das relações laborais.Objetivos: Avaliar a perceção dos médicos de formação específica em Portugal, sobre as expectativas e grau de satisfação com a profissão, especialidade e local de formação; razões da insatisfação e intenção de emigrar.Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal. A colheita de dados foi efetuada entre Maio e Agosto de 2014 através de um Inquérito online sobre a âÄúSatisfação com a EspecialidadeâÄù.Resultados: De uma população total de 5788 médicos, foram obtidas 804 respostas (12,25% do total de médicos internos). Desta amostra, 77% das respostas correspondem a internos dos três primeiros anos de formação. Verificou-se que 90% dos médicos se encontram satisfeitos com a especialidade, tendo-se encontrado também níveis elevados de satisfação com a profissão (85%) e local de formação (86%). Por outro lado, constatou-se que estes diminuíam com a progressão ao longo dos anos de internato. A avaliação global sobre o panorama da prática médica foi negativa e 65% dos médicos responderam que consideram emigrar após conclusão do internato.Conclusão: Os médicos internos em Portugal apresentam níveis positivos de satisfação com a sua profissão. No entanto, a sua opinião sobre o panorama da Medicina e os resultados relativos à intenção de emigrar alertam para a necessidade de tomada de medidas para inverter este cenário.

Ultrasound antenatal detection of urinary tract anomalies in the last decade: outcome and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study has been undertaken to determine the frequency and pattern of urinary tract anomalies diagnosed by ultrasound, to correlate the prenatal with postnatal diagnoses and to identify prognostic factors. METHODS: The Ultrasound Unit's database was reviewed for fetal urinary tract anomalies detected between January 2002 and June 2012. Prenatal diagnoses made by ultrasound were confirmed by postnatal ultrasound, as well as with surgical reports. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. p values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 838 fetal malformations were prenatally diagnosed by ultrasound with a frequency of 21% of urinary tract anomalies (177/838). Renal pelvis dilatation and hydronephrosis accounted for more than half of the cases (52%). The most frequent postnatal diagnoses were also urinary tract dilatations. The prenatal diagnoses corresponded to the postnatal ones in 88.8% of cases. There was a highly significant association between anterior-posterior renal pelvis diameter above 10 mm in the last ultrasound performed before the birth and the need for surgery (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We emphasize the high degree of reliability of prenatal ultrasound in the establishment of diagnosis of urinary tract malformations and the prediction of postnatal outcomes.

Route of delivery following successful external cephalic version.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the delivery route and the indications for cesarean delivery after successful external cephalic version (ECV). METHODS: A retrospective matched case-control study was conducted at a hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, between 2002 and 2012. Each woman who underwent successful ECV (n = 44) was compared with the previous and next women who presented for labor management and who had the same parity and a singleton vertex pregnancy at term (n = 88). The outcome measures were route of delivery, indications for cesarean delivery, and incidence of nonreassuring fetal status. RESULTS: Attempts at ECV were successful in 62 (46%) of 134 women, and 44 women whose fetuses remained in a cephalic presentation until delivery were included in the study. The rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery and operative vaginal delivery did not differ significantly between cases and controls (intrapartum cesarean delivery, 9 [20%] vs 16 [18%], P = 0.75; operative vaginal delivery, 14 [32%] vs 19 [22%], P = 0.20). The indications for cesarean delivery after successful ECV did not differ; in both groups, cesarean delivery was mainly performed for labor arrest disorders (cases, 6 [67%] vs controls, 13 [81%]; P = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Successful ECV was not associated with increased rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery or operative vaginal delivery.

Acute fetal asphyxia after gastric rupture in a pregnant patient with a gastric band.

We report a 37-year-old primigravida with a gastric band who developed the clinical picture of abdominal pain, vomiting and regurgitation coexistent with a cardiotocogram with severe variable decelerations with absent variability at 33 weeks' gestation. After partial improvement with gastric band enlargement, new aggravation of symptoms and recurrence of a pathological cardiotocogram led to an emergency cesarean section. Intraoperatively, hemoperitoneum from gastric rupture was verified and partial gastrectomy was performed. After bariatric surgery, pregnant women are at increased risk of gastrointestinal complications, which may need prompt and multidisciplinary diagnosis and management in order to avoid maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality.

Indications for cesarean deliveries during a 7-year period in a tertiary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the cesarean section rate evolution in a tertiary hospital and the main indications for cesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a major academic hospital and included 5 751 women who had a cesarean section from 2005 to 2011. The rates of overall, primary and repeat cesarean sections were analyzed. A linear regression and adjusted R-square were used to access the relative contribution of each indication to the variation in primary cesarean section. RESULTS: During the 7-year period of the study the cesarean section rate decreased from 30.9% to 27.6%. This was due to a decrease in primary cesarean section (21.9% to 18.2%), although an increase in repeat cesarean section was observed (9.0% to 9.4%). Among the indications for primary cesarean section, maternal-fetal indications and malpresentation were the ones that decreased the most with adjusted R-square of 0.70 and 0.55, respectively. DISCUSSION: The collected data identified that the decrease in the cesarean section rate at the hospital resulted from a decrease in primary cesarean section deliveries, especially the ones performed for maternal-fetal indications and malpresentation. CONCLUSION: The decrease in primary cesarean section rate may be attributed to several changes in medical policies in the Department, such as the implementation of an external fetal version program, the induction of labor only after the 41st week of gestation in low-risk pregnancies and the trial for vaginal birth in maternal-fetal disease. Nevertheless subjective indications such as labor arrest disorders and nonreassuring fetal heart rate are still major contributors for primary cesarean section rate.

Introdução: Analisar a evolução da taxa de cesarianas e as principais indicações para cesariana num centro terciário.Material e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo conduzido num hospital universitário que incluiu 5751 grávidas submetidas a cesariana entre 2005 e 2011. Analisaram-se as taxas de cesarianas, incluindo a taxa de primeiras cesarianas e de cesarianas repetidas. Para avaliar a contribuição relativa de cada uma das indicações na variação da taxa de primeiras cesarianas recorreu-se à regressão linear e determinou-se o valor do r2 ajustado.Resultados: Durante o período do estudo a taxa de cesarianas diminuiu de 30,9% para 27,6%. Esta descida deveu-se à diminuição da taxa de primeiras cesarianas (21,9% para 18,2%), apesar de se ter constatado um ligeiro aumento da taxa de cesarianas repetidas (9,0 para 9,4%). Entre as indicações para primeiras cesarianas, as causas materno-fetais e de apresentação anómala foram as que diminuiram mais, com valores de r2 ajustado de 0,70 e 0,55, respectivamente.Discussão: Os dados coligidos permitiram identificar a hipótese de que a diminuição da taxa de cesarianas se deveria a uma retração detectada sobretudo a nível das primeiras cesarianas, em particular as decorrentes de causas materno-fetais e apresentação anómala.Conclusão: A diminuição da taxa de primeiras cesarianas pode ser atribuída a várias modificações na prática clínica do Departamento, como a implementação da versão cefálica externa, a indução do trabalho de parto a partir das 41 semanas de gestação, em gravidezes de baixo risco e da realização de provas de trabalho de parto em casos de patologia materno-fetal. No entanto, indicações subjectivas, como a paragem de progressão do trabalho de parto e a suspeita de sofrimento fetal são ainda causas major de primeiras cesarianas.