Effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention on primiparas and neonates during the second stage of vaginal delivery.

A prolonged second stage of vaginal delivery increases the risk of shoulder dystocia, unnecessary episiotomies and cesarean sections. However, no standardized method has been proposed to tackle this issue. The effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor in primiparas and its prognostic value in neonatal postpartum outcomes remain unknown. In the present study, a total of 60 primiparas who were expecting a vaginal delivery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College (Haikou, China) between October 2021 and January 2022 were selected. These women were randomly assigned to a control group (standard intrapartum care) or an experimental group (pelvic floor myofascial manipulation for 15-20 min during the second stage of labor along with standard intrapartum care) using a random number table, with 28 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gestational time or body mass index between the two groups before delivery, indicating that the baseline data were comparable. The second stage of labor duration, forced breath-holding time and postpartum hemorrhage volume in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The pain visual analog scale scores, fatigue scores and neonatal Apgar scores in the experimental group were also significantly lower than those in the control group. The rate of episiotomy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor for primiparas with vaginal delivery can reduce the duration of the second stage of labor, the amount of bleeding during labor and the pain during labor. Meanwhile, it has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes.

Mode of Delivery and Postpartum Depression: A Cohort Study.

Background: There are many established risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD). It is controversial whether the mode of delivery is associated with PPD. This prospective study assessed the prevalence of PPD among women who delivered normally versus cesarean section and the association between sociodemographic factors and clinical factors with PPD. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, JIPMER Hospital Puducherry, from July 2019 to June 2020. Women without high risk factors for PPD were included. The sample size was 121 in the normal delivery (ND) group and 121 in the cesarean section (CS) group. PPD screening was conducted within one week of delivery and again after six weeks of delivery using a validated Tamil or English version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A score of EPDS score ≥ 13 was considered positive for PPD. Univariate and multivariable analysis was done to find out the association. Results: The overall prevalence of PPD was 27.27%. The prevalence of PPD was higher in the CS (34.71%) than in the ND group (19.83%). PPD was found 2.1 times (OR-2.1, CI 1.2-3.8) in the CS group within one week and 2.5 times (RR-2.5, CI 1.5-3.9) at six weeks of delivery, respectively. Among the social factors, a history of domestic abuse or violence was found to be significantly associated with PPD by both univariate and multivariable analysis. Conclusion: PPD was twice higher among women in the CS than in the ND group. Domestic abuse or violence was very highly significantly associated with PPD.

Assessing socio-ecological factors on caesarean section and vaginal delivery: an extended perspective among women of South-Punjab, Pakistan.

Research was conducted employing the extended socio-ecological model (ESEM) to examine factors associated with cesarean sections (CSs) and vaginal deliveries (VDs) among the women in our study population. Using the ESEM to determine South-Punjab and Pakistani women's mode of delivery predictors. The cross-sectional study with a sample size of 908 patients was conducted through private and public obstetrics and gynecology departments in South Punjab, Pakistan, from 12 June 2022 to 29 May 2023. The Chi-square analysis compared baseline variables, delivery outcomes and delivery methods. Logistic regression analysis is used to determine predictive factors. The study revealed that 75.66% of women had CS, while 24.34% had VD. Education level, age, residential area and fetal presentation all had significant associations with mode of delivery. Logistic regression analysis suggested that gynecologist recommendation, belief in CS safety, abnormal fetal presentation, maternal anemia and meconium aspiration syndrome were all significant predictors of CS. The ESEM model concluded that age, fatigue and women's preference for CS due to its reliability for her and her fetus were predictive factors for mode of delivery choices among South-Punjab Pakistani women.

Cost Analysis of Intranatal Care Services at a Tertiary Care Public Sector Hospital in Rajasthan, India.

Introduction India is responsible for the second-highest maternal deaths and the greatest burden of stillbirths worldwide. The cost of intranatal services is an important determining factor, especially in developing countries like India. Most studies report the cost of delivery from the patient's perspective, but there is a lack of studies from the health system's perspective. This present study aimed to bridge this gap by estimating the overall and unit costs of various types of deliveries at a tertiary-level hospital in Rajasthan, India. Methods The cost estimation of intranatal services was conducted in a tertiary-level teaching hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This cost analysis undertook the health system's perspective, using bottom-up costing methodology. Data on all the resources (capital/recurrent) used for the delivery of intranatal care from April 2020 to March 2021 were collected. Sensitivity analysis was done to account for any variability in cost components on overall intranatal service cost. Results The annual cost of intranatal care services at the tertiary care hospital was INR 149,011,957 (USD 1,988,152). The unit cost per vaginal delivery was INR 8,244.4 (USD 109.9) and the unit cost per cesarean section was INR 10,696.2 (USD 142.7). Among various heads of expenditure, 'human resource' costs were predominant, accounting for 47.7% of the total costs, followed by 'building/space' and 'overhead' costs, accounting for 30.59% and 11.1%, respectively. Conclusion The results may help plan and manage intra-natal care services in Rajasthan. Apart from the judicious utilization of resources, the findings of the study may also serve as a basis for future health economic studies.

Evaluation of Episiotomy Characteristics of EPISCISSORS-60 Scissors Compared with Mayo Scissors: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: It seems that angled scissors may be able to minimize the occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) during vaginal delivery by correcting the angle of the episiotomy incision.For this purpose, this study aimed to evaluate the episiotomy characteristics of EPISCISSORS-60 scissors compared with Mayo scissors. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial study, 64 pregnant women candidates for natural childbirth were included; 32 women underwent episiotomy with Mayo scissors and 32 underwent episiotomy with the EPISCISSORS-60 instrument. Then, post-suturing angle, incision length, episiotomy, postpartum pain, bleeding volume, and the incidence of OASIS and dyspareunia were assessed. The collected data were analyzed by independent sample t test, chi-square test, and the Fisher exact test. Results: Episiotomy incision length in the EPISCISSORS-60 group with a mean of 4.75 ± 0.72 cm was significantly longer than the Mayo group with a mean of 3.91 ± 0.52cm (P < 0.001). In addition, the incidence of dyspareunia was not significantly different between the 2 groups (6.3% vs 15.6%; P = 0.426). Sphincter damage did not occur at all in the EPISCISSORS-60 group and only 2 cases of grade 3 sphincter rupture occurred in the Mayo group (P = 0.238). The mean of post suturing angle in the EPISCISSORS-60 group (59.09° ± 3.47°) was significantly higher than the Mayo group, with a mean of 31.06° ± 7.21° (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the use of EPISCISSORS-60 can be associated with a higher post-suture episiotomy angle compared with Mayo scissors. As a result, both the incidence of OASIS and its long-term side effects, like dyspareunia, were decreased. However, in our study, the incidence of these complications was very rare and not different between the 2 groups.

Fetal to Neonatal Heart Rate Transition during Normal Vaginal Deliveries: A Prospective Observational Study.

Documentation of fetal to neonatal heart rate (HR) transition is limited. The aim of the current study was to describe HR changes from one hour before to one hour after normal vaginal deliveries. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in Tanzania from 1 October 2020 to 30 August 2021, including normal vaginal deliveries with normal neonatal outcomes. HR was continuously recorded from one hour before to one hour after delivery, using the Moyo fetal HR meter, NeoBeat newborn HR meter, and the Liveborn Application for data storage. The median, 25th, and 75th HR percentiles were constructed. Overall, 305 deliveries were included. Median (interquartile range; IQR) gestational age was 39 (38-40) weeks and birthweight was 3200 (3000-3500) grams. HR decreased slightly during the last 60 min before delivery from 136 (123,145) to 132 (112,143) beats/minute. After delivery, HR increased within one minute to 168 (143,183) beats/min, before decreasing to around 136 (127,149) beats/min at 60 min after delivery. The drop in HR in the last hour of delivery reflects strong contractions and pushing. The rapid increase in initial neonatal HR reflects an effort to establish spontaneous breathing.

Mortalidad materna y atención del parto bajo el modelo centinela. Estudio de caso / Maternal mortality and delivery care under the sentinel model. Case study

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la cobertura de atención del parto eutócico en Unidad Centinela (UC), de primer nivel de atención. Verificar el cumplimento de lo establecido en el modelo e identificar los factores que impiden o favorecen su uso, desde la perspectiva de los prestadores de salud y de las usuarias. Materiales y métodos: Estudio con un componente cuantitativo y uno cualitativo, retrospectivo, con información de bases primarias y secundarias. Variable principal: Atención del parto eutócico, Análisis: Descriptivo, porcentajes para variables categóricas y promedios δ para variables continuas, diferencias estadísticas entre dos variables categóricas, Chi2 de Pearson. Multivariado: Regresión logística de factores asociados a la atención del parto. Se realizaron 12 entrevistas semiestructuradas a usuarias y 8 prestadores de servicios, el análisis se realizó con base en la Teoría Fundamentada a través de Ethnograph v.5. Resultados: Muestra: 218 usuarias, edad promedio fue 24.7 años. La UC proporcionó control prenatal, el 61% más de 5 consultas; sin embargo, la atención de partos eutócicos solamente fue de 17 partos (33.4%). Las barreras más importantes referidas por las usuarias y prestadores de salud fueron: falta de personal, capacitación, insumos, apoyo insuficiente y protección legal institucional en caso de complicaciones. Conclusiones: La UC es una estrategia para regresar la atención de partos al primer nivel de atención, pero es necesario implementar un plan de mejora y fortalecimiento de los proveedores.

Abstract: Objective: Evaluate the coverage of eutocic delivery care in the Sentinel Unit (UC), of the first level of care, verify compliance with what is established in the model and identify the factors that prevent or favor its use, from the perspective of the providers of health and users. Materials and methods: Qualitative and quantitative study, retrospective with information on the primary and secondary bases. Main variable: care of eutocic delivery. Analysis: Descriptive, percentages for categorical variables and δ means for continuous variables, statistical differences between two categorical variables, Pearson Chi2. Multivariate: logistic regression of factors associated with delivery care. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with users and 8 service providers, the analysis was carried out based on Grounded Theory through Ethnograph v.5. Results: Sample: 218 users, average age was 24.7 years. The UC provided prenatal control, 61% more than 5 consultations; however, the care of eutocic deliveries was only 17 deliveries (33.4%). The most important barriers referred to by the users and health providers were: lack of personnel, training, supplies and insufficient support and institutional legal protection in case of complications. Conclusions: UC is a strategy to return delivery care to the first level of care, but it is necessary to implement a plan to improve and strengthen providers.

Evolution of cesarean sections in Colombia and its association with the legal standing of the institutions where deliveries take place / Evolución de la cesárea en Colombia y su asociación con la naturaleza jurídica de la institución donde se atiende el parto

Objectives: To describe how the frequency of cesarean section has evolved in Colombia since 1998, both in overall terms as well as discriminated according to the legal standing of the healthcare providers (IPSs) where delivery takes place, and to estimate the size of the association between the legal standing of the institutions and the performance of cesarean sections between 2015 and 2017. Material and methods: A cross-sectional cohort study that describes the frequency of cesarean deliveries between 1998 and 2020, plus an analytical component to estimate the association between the legal nature and the route of delivery between 2015 and 2017, based on the birth records of the Colombian National Statistics Administrative Department (DANE). The prevalence ratio was used as an estimator of this association. Results: In 1998, the proportion of cesarean deliveries was 25.7 %; it increased to 46.4 % by 2015 and then dropped to 44.6 % by 2020. After 1998, the proportion of cesarean sections in public hospitals increased from 26.2 % to 42.9 % by 2014, while in private providers it increased from 45.0 % to 57.7 % by 2013. The prevalence ratio of cesarean sections in private versus public institutions was 1.57 (95 % CI: 1.56-1.57). Conclusions: After a long period of sustained growth, there is now a reduction in the proportion of cesarean sections in the country. In public health care institutions, these procedures increased in greater proportion during most of the study period, while in private healthcare providers they are carried out at a higher frequency in all subgroups of women. It will be necessary to evaluate in the future, using more robust methodologies, whether the decrease in the frequency of cesarean section is a real or secular trend.

Objetivos: describir la evolución de la frecuencia de la cesárea en Colombia a partir de 1998, tanto global como discriminada según la naturaleza jurídica de las instituciones prestadoras de salud (IPS) donde se atienden los partos, y calcular la magnitud de la asociación entre la naturaleza jurídica de la IPS y la realización de cesáreas entre 2015 y 2017. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal que describe la frecuencia de partos por cesárea entre los años 1998 y 2020, y un componente analítico para estimar la asociación entre la naturaleza jurídica y la vía del parto entre los años 2015 y 2017, a partir de las bases de registros de nacimientos del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) de Colombia. Se presentan las proporciones de cesárea por año y el incremento en la proporción de cesárea por tipo de institución; como estimador de esta asociación se utilizó la razón de prevalencia. Resultados: en 1998, la proporción de cesárea fue 25,7 %, incrementó hasta 46,4 % en 2015 y descendió a 44,6 % para 2020. A partir de 1998, la proporción de cesárea en las IPS públicas pasó de 26,2 a 42,9 % para el año 2014 y en las privadas de 45,0 a 57,7 % para el año 2013. La razón de prevalencia de la cesárea de las instituciones privadas con respecto a las públicas fue 1,57 (IC 95 %: 1,56-1,57). Conclusiones: después de un periodo largo de incremento sostenido, se está presentando una disminución en la proporción de cesáreas en el país; las IPS públicas incrementaron estos procedimientos en mayor proporción durante la mayor parte del tiempo estudiado y en las IPS privadas se realizan con mayor frecuencia a todos los subgrupos de mujeres. Se deberá evaluar en el futuro, mediante metodologías más robustas, si el descenso en la frecuencia de cesárea es una tendencia real o secular.

Evolución de la cesárea en Colombia y su asociación con la naturaleza jurídica de la institución donde se atiende el parto / Evolution of cesarean sections in Colombia and its association with the legal standing of the institutions where deliveries take place

RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir la evolución de la frecuencia de la cesárea en Colombia a partir de 1998, tanto global como discriminada según la naturaleza jurídica de las instituciones prestadoras de salud (IPS) donde se atienden los partos, y calcular la magnitud de la asociación entre la naturaleza jurídica de la IPS y la realización de cesáreas entre 2015 y 2017. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal que describe la frecuencia de partos por cesárea entre los años 1998 y 2020, y un componente analítico para estimar la asociación entre la naturaleza jurídica y la vía del parto entre los años 2015 y 2017, a partir de las bases de registros de nacimientos del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) de Colombia. Se presentan las proporciones de cesárea por año y el incremento en la proporción de cesárea por tipo de institución; como estimador de esta asociación se utilizó la razón de prevalencia. Resultados: En 1998, la proporción de cesárea fue 25,7 %, incrementó hasta 46,4 % en 2015 y descendió a 44,6 % para 2020. A partir de 1998, la proporción de cesárea en las IPS públicas pasó de 26,2 a 42,9 % para el año 2014 y en las privadas de 45,0 a 57,7 % para el año 2013. La razón de prevalencia de la cesárea de las instituciones privadas con respecto a las públicas fue 1,57 (IC 95 %: 1,56-1,57). Conclusiones: Después de un periodo largo de incremento sostenido, se está presentando una disminución en la proporción de cesáreas en el país; las IPS públicas incrementaron estos procedimientos en mayor proporción durante la mayor parte del tiempo estudiado y en las IPS privadas se realizan con mayor frecuencia a todos los subgrupos de mujeres. Se deberá evaluar en el futuro, mediante metodologías más robustas, si el descenso en la frecuencia de cesárea es una tendencia real o secular.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe how the frequency of cesarean section has evolved in Colombia since 1998, both in overall terms as well as discriminated according to the legal standing of the healthcare providers (IPSs) where delivery takes place, and to estimate the size of the association between the legal standing of the institutions and the performance of cesarean sections between 2015 and 2017. Material and methods: A cross-sectional cohort study that describes the frequency of cesarean deliveries between 1998 and 2020, plus an analytical component to estimate the association between the legal nature and the route of delivery between 2015 and 2017, based on the birth records of the Colombian National Statistics Administrative Department (DANE). Proportions of cesarean sections and their increase by institution type are presented. The prevalence ratio was used as an estimator of this association. Results: In 1998, the proportion of cesarean deliveries was 25.7 %; it increased to 46.4 % by 2015 and then dropped to 44.6 % by 2020. After 1998, the proportion of cesarean sections in public hospitals increased from 26.2 % to 42.9 % by 2014, while in private providers it increased from 45.0 % to 57.7 % by 2013. The prevalence ratio of cesarean sections in private versus public institutions was 1.57 (95 % CI: 1.56-1.57). Conclusions: After a long period of sustained growth, there is now a reduction in the proportion of cesarean sections in the country. In public health care institutions, these procedures increased in greater proportion during most of the study period, while in private healthcare providers they are carried out at a higher frequency in all subgroups of women. It will be necessary to evaluate in the future, using more robust methodologies, whether the decrease in the frequency of cesarean section is a real or secular trend.

Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Nulliparous, Parous and Postmenopausal Women and its Association with Various Factors.

Objective: To evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in nulliparous, parous and postmenopausal women using vaginal digital palpation and perineometer. Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VMMC & Safdarjung hospital. A total of 300 women were recruited from Gynaecology and Family welfare outpatient departments and divided into 3 equal groups-nulliparous women, premenopausal parous women and postmenopausal women. PFMS was measured by modified Oxford Scale with vaginal digital palpation and by perineometer. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate and compare mean PFMS and identify its associated factors. Results: Median age was 21 years in nulliparous, 27 years in parous and 58 years in postmenopausal group. The average body mass index was 27.45, 28.01 and 34.63 kg/m2 in nulliparous, parous and postmenopausal group. The mean MOS by digital vaginal palpation was 4.66 in nulliparous, 3.9 in parous and 2.54 in postmenopausal women. The difference was statistically significant. The mean PFMS by perineometer was 40.04 cm H2O, 37.69 cm H2O and 34.93 cm H2O in nulliparous, parous and postmenopausal group, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Majority (50%) of nulliparous women had PFMs between 41 and 50 cm H2O and parous (81%) had PFMS between 21 and 30 cm H2O. There was a statistical significance between the groups. Conclusions: The PFMS of nulliparous women was significantly higher than multiparous women, and difference was statically significant (p < 0.001). Age had an important influence on pelvic floor muscle before menopause, but after menopause, it is years of menopause which has significant negative impact on PFMS and not age.

Effects of tele-education given based on the health belief model on mode of delivery tendencies in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean sections, which have a high risk of maternal and neonatal complications and increase health expenditures, have become a global problem. Hence, it is extremely important to encourage women to have normal deliveries. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of tele-education given to nulliparous pregnant women based on the health belief model (HBM) on their normal delivery beliefs and tendencies. METHODS: This randomized-controlled study was conducted with 149 nulliparous pregnant women. Participants in the experimental group received a tele-education programme in 8 sessions prepared in line with the health belief model regarding normal delivery for 15 days. The data was collected by using the "Pregnancy Information Form" and "Belief Scale for Normal Delivery (BSND)". RESULTS: After the tele-education programme, the post-test BSND mean score was 89.90±14.10 in the experimental group and 78.80±12.65 in the control group, where the difference between them was significant (p < 0.01). Additionally, the post-test mean scores of participants in the experimental group in all BSND's subdimensions were significantly higher than those of the women in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The tele-education given in line with the HBM increased the belief and tendency levels of the nulliparous pregnant women towards normal delivery.

Impact of COVID-19 status on patients receiving neuraxial analgesia during labor: A national retrospective-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy affects a woman's susceptibility to and severity of certain infectious diseases. Central neuraxial block for analgesia during labor is superior to nonneuraxial methods in efficacy, safety, and maternal satisfaction. Although Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can be vertically transmitted from mother to fetus, little is known about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women or about anesthesia management and the risk of adverse effects related to neuraxial techniques in women with untreated COVID-19 during gestation. AIM: This investigation assesses the effects of neuraxial analgesia during labor of COVID-19-positive parturients on their hemodynamic stability. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 64 patients and involved 32 parturients positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a similar number of control "negative" patients. The affected group had an uneventful course during gestation. Seven were positive for ground-glass opacities on chest X-rays, and none underwent computed tomography (CT) scans. Two neonates were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2, and all 32 neonates were released from the hospital. No clinical differences were observed between the neonates in the COVID-19 and control groups. Although parturients in both groups were hemodynamically stable, hemodynamic stability was subnormal in the COVID-19 group regarding blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body temperature. None of the women in either group required a vasopressor or oxygen supplementation during delivery. No other clinical differences were observed between the COVID-19 and control groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first case-controlled study testing the anesthetic implications of neuraxial labor analgesia in pregnant, COVID-19-positive women. Although management of neuraxial labor analgesia did not differ in pregnant women positive and negative for COVID-19, their hemodynamic characteristics differed significantly. Therefore, care is required to prevent adverse outcomes in pregnant women positive for COVID-19.

Normal delivery: physiologic support and medical interventions. Guidelines of the French National Authority for Health (HAS) with the collaboration of the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the French College of Midwives (CNSF).

OBJECTIVE: To define for women at low obstetric risk methods of management that respect the rhythm and the spontaneous course of giving birth as well as each woman's preferences. METHODS: These clinical practice guidelines were developed through professional consensus based on an analysis of the literature and of the French and international guidelines available on this topic. RESULTS: Labor should be monitored with a partograph (professional consensus). Digital cervical examination should be offered every 4 h during the first stage of labor, hourly during the second. The choice between continuous (cardiotocography) or discontinuous (by cardiotocography or intermittent auscultation) monitoring should be left to the woman (professional consensus). In the active phase of the first stage of labor, dilation speed is considered abnormal if it is less than 1 cm/4 h between 5 and 7 cm or less than 1 cm/2 h after 7 cm. In those cases, an amniotomy is recommended if the membranes are intact, and the administration of oxytocin if the membranes are already broken and uterine contractions are judged insufficient (professional consensus). It is recommended that pushing not begin when full dilation has been reached; rather, the fetus should be allowed to descend (grade A). Umbilical cord clamping should be delayed beyond the first 30 s in newborns who do not require resuscitation (grade C). CONCLUSION: The establishment of these clinical practice guidelines should enable women at low obstetric risk to receive better care in conditions of optimal safety while supporting physiologic birth.

Impact of two intervention packages on the health and fitness of ante - and post-natal women attending in a teaching hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy brings about many changes in mothers' body which continue even after the baby is born. After a vaginal delivery, taking good care of the mother is an essential part of postpartum care and to maintain overall fitness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of a physiotherapeutic intervention to improve the maternity fitness of Indian women. METHODOLOGY: It was a three-group RCT (randomized controlled trial). The target population consisted of women in ante and postnatal stage, 50 participants (58 were included in the end) in each group, randomly selected from Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD of a tertiary care hospital in North India. The study was carried out in the department of PRM (Physiotherapy). A total of 174 participants was included in the study and was divided into three groups, two intervention groups, and one control group. The target population consisted of women in ante and postnatal stage, randomly selected from ANC (Antenatal clinic) and PNC (Post-natal clinic). The study was conducted over a period of 4 years (2014-2018). They were advised to do exercise, postural correction, regular walking, and electrotherapy modalities and six follow-ups throughout their pregnancy. Outcome measures like (Visual Analogue Scale = VAS): Low and upper back pain relief (n = 158), Leg cramps (n = 41), Coccyx pain (n = 36), Sacro-iliac joint pain (n = 26) was considered. RESULTS: The impact of the intervention package on both ante-natal and post-natal women with fitness-related health problems showed significant improvement. CONCLUSION: Pain, leg cramp and heaviness in the lower limb, coccyx pain, etc., during pregnancy are common complaints that start early in pregnancy and may persist throughout life if treatment does not start early in the pregnancy.

[Normal childbirth: physiologic labor support and medical procedures. Guidelines of the French National Authority for Health (HAS) with the collaboration of the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the French College of Midwives (CNSF) - Mother's wellbeing and regional or systemic analgesia for labor]. / Accouchement normal : accompagnement de la physiologie et interventions médicales. Recommandations de la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) avec la collaboration du Collège National des Gynécologues Obstétriciens Français (CNGOF) et du Collège National des Sages-Femmes de France (CNSF) ­ Bien être maternel et prise en charge médicamenteuse de la douleur.

INTRODUCTION: These guidelines deal with the parturient wellbeing in terms of hydration and regional and systemic pain management during labour. METHOD: Guidelines were established based on literature analysis and experts consensus. RESULTS: Clear liquids consumption is permitted all along labor and postpartum, without volume limitation, in patients at low risk of general anesthesia (grade B). The consumption of solid foods is not recommended during the active stage of labor (consensus agreement). It is recommended to promote on regional analgesia to prevent inhalation (grade A). Pain relief using regional analgesia is a part of normal childbirth. It is recommended to provide regional analgesia to parturient who wish these technics. Regional analgesia is the safest and most effective analgesic method for the mother (grade A) and the child (grade B). It is recommended to inform women on the analgesic technics, to respect their choice and consider the right for a parturient to change her strategy in obstetrical circumstances or in cases of untractable pain (consensus agreement). It is recommended to perform a "low-dose" regional analgesia that respects the experience of childbirth (grade A) and maintain it with a patient controlled epidural analgesia technics (grade A). There is no minimum cervical dilation to allow epidural analgesia (grade A). In cases of rapid labor or after delivery for revision, spinal or combined spinal epidural can be used (grade C). Epidural has not to be ended before birth (consensus agreement). Blood pressure and fetal heart rate must be monitored every 3minutes after induction and/or each 10mL bolus then hourly (consensus agreement). Systematic and preventive fluid loading is not needed if only due to regional analgesia (grade B). Deambulation or postures are allowed in the absence of motor block and must be traced and do not alter the distribution of the regional analgesia (grade C). The postures of childbirth do not alter regional analgesia spread (NP2). There is no effect low dose regional analgesia on the duration of obstetric labor, nor the rate of instrumental births or caesarean section (NP1). Systematic use of oxytocin due to epidural analgesia is neither useful nor recommended (AE). Regional analgesia has no side effect on the fetus or newborn (NP1). If regional analgesia is contraindicated or during the waiting time, alternatives analgesic drugs (entonox, nalbuphine and tramadol or pudendal block) can be used but their analgesic efficiency remains mediocre to moderate and they are associated with adverse maternal and especially neonatal side effects (NP2). Remifentanil, ketamine and volatile anesthetics are excluded from these recommendations. CONCLUSION: The present guidelines were established to update wellbeing of normal parturient during normal labor: hydration is recommended and low dose patient-controlled regional (epidural and spinal) analgesia is the most effective and safest analgesic method.

Profile on childbirth care at a public maternity hospital / Perfil da assistência ao parto em uma maternidade pública

Abstract Objectives: to describe the profile on childbirth care at a reference maternity hospital in the State of Piauí based on the 2018 World Health Organization Recommendations. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional quantitative study, descriptive documentary, population census, containing vaginal deliveries performed in 2017. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel for simple statistical analysis. Results: the percentages registered at the Centro Obstétrico Superior (Superior Obstetric Center) and Centro de Parto Normal (Normal Delivery Center) were, respectively, 85.5% and 98% with the presence of a companion, 34.2% and 94% used the partogram, 63.8% and 98% took non-pharmacological methods for pain relief, 74.8% and 98.7% received fluids during labor. Amniotomy at 15.2% and 17.2%, oxytocin was administered at 26.5% and 14.6% in the 1st and 2nd periods, non-lithotomic position at 39.7% and 93.4%, episiotomy 9.9% and 6.6%. After birth, 85.5% and 96% of newborns had skin-to-skin contact and, in 65.5% and 94% there were maternal breastfeeding promotion. Conclusions: this study comprehended the indicators on childbirth care service, which are, in general, better than the national and the northeast region ones. The importance of registering indicators to evaluate care is emphasized.

Resumo Objetivos: descrever o perfil da assistência ao parto em uma maternidade de referência do estado do Piauí, a partir das Recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde de 2018. Métodos: estudo quantitativo transversal retrospectivo, descritivo documental, população censitária, contendo os partos vaginais realizados em 2017. Os dados foram inseridos no Microsoft Excel para análise estatística simples. Resultados: os percentuais registrados no Centro Obstétrico e Centro de Parto Normal foram, respectivamente, 85,5% e 98% da presença de acompanhante, 34,2% e 94% utilizaram partograma, 63,8% e 98% métodos não-farmacológicos para alívio da dor, 74,8% e 98,7% receberam líquidos durante o trabalho de parto. Amniotomia em 15,2% e 17,2%, ocitocina foi administrada em 26,5% e 14,6% no 1° e 2a períodos, posição não-litotômica em 39,7% e 93, 4%, episiotomia 9,9% e 6,6%. Após o nascimento, 85, 5% e 96% dos recém-nascidos em contato pele a pele e, em 65,5% e 94% houve promoção do aleitamento materno. Conclusões: este estudo permitiu conhecer os indicadores de assistência ao parto do serviço, que de maneira geral estão melhores que os indicadores nacionais e da região nordeste. Ressalta-se a importância do registro de indicadores para a avaliação da assistência.

Satisfaction with maternal and birth services: a survey in public hospitals in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the satisfaction of women who underwent normal delivery and cesarean section (or C-section) with maternal care in five state-run hospitals in Northwestern Turkey. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 580 women who underwent normal delivery (ND) and 392 who had a C-section (CS). Data were collected using two maternal satisfaction questionnaires, which participants completed right before they were discharged. FINDINGS: More than half of ND (61.7%) and CS (56.9%) participants were satisfied with maternal care. ND participants who had received antenatal training were more satisfied with maternal care than CS participants who had not received antenatal training. Higher income was a significant predictor for reduced satisfaction with maternal care among CS participants (p = 0.031). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Hospital administrators and decision-makers should meet women's expectations, provide them with comfort, encourage them for skin-to-skin contact and respect their right to privacy in order to increase their satisfaction with maternal care. Pregnant women should also be encouraged to receive antenatal training offered by hospitals before delivery. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The evidence-based results of the study will help hospital administrators to improve healthcare quality and focus on increasing women's satisfaction with maternal care.

Functional human brain connectivity during labor and its alteration under epidural analgesia.

This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the neural networks of pain during labor and its relief. It was hypothesized that epidural analgesia would affect the neural activities and the underlying network connectivity. Analysis using dynamic causal modelling and functional connectivity was performed to investigate the spatial activity and network connection of labor pain with and without epidural analgesia. This Institutional Review Board approved study acquired Magnetic Resonance Imaging from 15 healthy women of spontaneous normal delivery (with/without epidural analgesia = 7/8, aged 29.6 ± 2.3 and 29.3 ± 4.8 years old respectively) using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Numerical rating score of pain was evaluated by a research nurse in the beginning of the first stage of labor and approximately 30 min after imaging examination. Six regions of interested from the activated clusters and literature were selected for dynamic causal modelling, which included primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, middle frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, insula and lentiform. Functional connectivity was calculated from selected sensory and affective regions. All analyses were performed by using software of statistical parametric mapping version 8 and CONN functional connectivity toolbox. The result showed that the experience of labor pain can lead to activations within a distributed brain network. The pain relief from epidural analgesia can be accompanied with altered functional connectivity, which was most evident in the cingulo-frontal system. The present study, therefore, provides an overview of a pain-related neural network that occur during labor and upon epidural analgesia.

Four Cases of Patients with Skin Disorders (Atopic Dermatitis, Prurigo Gestationis, Acne Vulgaris) During Pregnancy Responded well to Tokishakuyakusan / 日本東洋医学雑誌

When female patients with skin disorders become pregnant, the treatments with the previously used antiallergic oral drugs are preferred to be switched to the treatments with external medicines alone, which often make patients experience unbearable itching and exacerbation of rashes. The use of tokishakuyakusan is known to be safe and improve various symptoms in the pregnancy period. In this report, the treatment of 4 patients with skin disorders were successfully switched to tokishakuyakusan alone from previously used antiallergic internal medicines and other traditional Japanese herbal medicines after pregnancy. Case 1 and 2 were patients with atopic dermatitis who had been treated only with the external medicine during a previous pregnancy but without amelioration. Case 3 was a patient with prurigo gestations who had rashes on the upper body trunk and complained of a strong itching sensation. Case 4 was a patient with acne vulgaris. In all cases, the rashes and itching sensation improved promptly with oral administration of tokishakuyakusan, followed by successful delivery. No side effects of gastrointestinal disorders were observed in any cases. Their skin disorders were speculated to be caused by the blood deficiency and stasis. Qi deficiency and fluid disturbance developed in association with pregnancy, which led to Yin deficiency and abundance of moisture. The positive responses of these conditions indicated that tokishakuyakusan was effective in the cases reported herein.

Mídias sociais como fonte de conhecimento para o processo de parto normal / Los medios sociales como fuente de conocimientos para el proceso de parto normal / Social media as a source of knowledge for the process of normal delivery

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar o conhecimento adquirido pelas gestantes para o processo de parto normal através das mídias sociais e a influência sobre a experiência do parto. Metodologia: estudo qualitativo com 12 puérperas de um hospital filantrópico, na cidade de Recife-PE. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais, entre dezembro de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019, e foi utilizada a metodologia de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: após análise, emergiram duas categorias: Uso da mídia social como suporte de informações durante a gestação, e Expectativa para o parto vaginal através do conhecimento adquirido versus a realidade da experiência do parto vaginal. Conclusão: em resposta ao déficit de educação em saúde, as mídias sociais ganharam espaço como principal fonte de informações e esclarecimento de dúvidas a respeito do parto. Os profissionais da saúde, conhecendo as fontes de informação utilizadas pelas gestantes, podem contribuir com as orientações e indicação de fontes seguras e com conteúdo de qualidade.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: verificar los conocimientos adquiridos por las embarazadas para el proceso de parto normal a través de los medios sociales y la influencia sobre la experiencia del parto. Metodología: estudio cualitativo realizado con 12 puérperas de un hospital filantrópico en la ciudad de Recife-PE. Se realizaron entrevistas individuales entre diciembre de 2018 y febrero de 2019 y se utilizó la metodología del análisis de contenido. Resultados: luego del análisis surgieron dos categorías: Uso de los medios sociales como soporte de información durante el embarazo, y Expectativa con respecto al parto vaginal a través del conocimiento adquirido versus la realidad de la experiencia del parto vaginal. Conclusión: en respuesta al déficit de educación en salud, los medios sociales ganaron espacio como fuente principal de información y aclaración de dudas con respecto al parto. Al conocer qué fuentes de información emplearon las embarazadas, los profesionales de la salud pueden contribuir con pautas orientadoras y con la indicación de fuentes seguras y que aporten contenido de calidad.

ABSTRACT Objective: To check the knowledge acquired by pregnant women through social media about the normal delivery process and the influence on the delivery experience. Method: A qualitative study with 12 puerperal women from a philanthropic hospital, in the city of Recife-PE. Individual interviews were conducted between December 2018 and February 2019, and the methodology of content analysis was used. Results: Two categories emerged after analysis: The use of social media as information sources during pregnancy, and Expectation towards vaginal delivery with the acquired knowledge versus the reality of the vaginal delivery experience. Conclusion: In response to the health education deficit, social media gained ground as the main source of information and clarification of pieces of doubt about childbirth. Health professionals, knowing the sources of information used by pregnant women, can contribute with the guidance and indication of safe sources with quality content.