Reliability of last menstrual period recall, an early ultrasound and a Smartphone App in predicting date of delivery and classification of preterm and post-term births.

BACKGROUND: A reliable expected date of delivery (EDD) is important for pregnant women in planning for a safe delivery and critical for management of obstetric emergencies. We compared the accuracy of LMP recall, an early ultrasound (EUS) and a Smartphone App in predicting the EDD in South African pregnant women. We further evaluated the rates of preterm and post-term births based on using the different measures. METHODS: This is a retrospective sub-study of pregnant women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial between October 2017-December 2019. EDD and gestational age (GA) at delivery were calculated from EUS, LMP and Smartphone App. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. A Bland-Altman plot was constructed to determine the limits of agreement between LMP and EUS. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-five pregnant women who delivered at term (≥ 37 weeks by EUS) and without pregnancy complications were included in this analysis. Women had an EUS at a mean GA of 16 weeks and 3 days). The mean difference between LMP dating and EUS is 0.8 days with the limits of agreement 31.4-30.3 days (Concordance Correlation Co-efficient 0.835; 95%CI 0.802, 0.867). The mean(SD) of the marginal time distribution of the two methods differ significantly (p = 0.00187). EDDs were < 14 days of the actual date of delivery (ADD) for 287 (88.3%;95%CI 84.4-91.4), 279 (85.9%;95%CI 81.6-89.2) and 215 (66.2%;95%CI 60.9-71.1) women for EUS, Smartphone App and LMP respectively but overall agreement between EUS and LMP was only 46.5% using a five category scale for EDD-ADD with a kappa of .22. EUS 14-24 weeks and EUS < 14 weeks predicted EDDs < 14 days of ADD in 88.1% and 79.3% of women respectively. The proportion of births classified as preterm (< 37 weeks) was 9.9% (95%CI 7.1-13.6) by LMP and 0.3% (95%CI 0.1-1.7) by Smartphone App. The proportion of post-term (> 42 weeks gestation) births was 11.4% (95%CI 8.4-15.3), 1.9% (95%CI 0.9-3.9) and 3.4% (95%CI 1.9-5.9) by LMP, EUS and Smartphone respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EUS and Smartphone App were the most accurate to estimate the EDD in pregnant women. LMP-based dating resulted in misclassification of a significantly greater number of preterm and post-term deliveries compared to EUS and the Smartphone App.

Fetal cerebral and cardiac hemodynamics in postdate pregnancy.

Objective: We aimed to determine the fetal cerebro-placental Doppler indices and modified myocardial performance index (Mod-myocardial performance index (MPI)) in this homogenous group of postdated pregnancies. Methods: A total of 92 singleton pregnant women were included in this prospective study. The study involved three groups; full term control (Group 1, n = 42, 39 0/7 to 40 6/7 week' gestation), late term (Group 2, n = 34, 41 0/7 to 41 6/7 week' gestation) and post term (Group 3, n = 16, ≥ 42 0/7 weeks' gestation). Each participant underwent a Doppler assessment of the fetal umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), Mod-MPI. We determined the correlation of the Doppler indices and mod-MPI in patients with unfavorable outcome. Results: MCA pulcatility indices (PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) values were significantly higher in the control group than those in the late-term and post-term groups (Group 1: 1.63 ± 0.3, Group 2: 1.27 ± 0.51, Group 3: 1.13 ± 0.22, respectively, p < .001). The Mod-MPI was significantly higher in the late-term and post-term groups than in the control group (Group 1:0.38 ± 0.1, Group 2: 0.59 ± 0.09, Group 3: 0.60 ± 0.08, respectively, p < .001. MCA PI and CPR were only significantly lower in patients with unfavorable outcome). The threshold value for CPR levels for predicting unfavorable outcome in postdate pregnancies was calculated as 1.11 (area under curve [AUC] 0.762, confidence interval [CI] 0.575-0.95) with 72.7% sensitivity and 71.8% specificity. Conclusions: Fetal Mod-MPI does not differ in postdate pregnancies with favorable and unfavorable outcome. The monitorization of fetal well-being with CPR may help to clinicians to select patient for expectant management in postdate pregnancies.

A pilot study to understand feasibility and acceptability of stool and cord blood sample collection for a large-scale longitudinal birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available to guide biological sample collection around the time of birth for large-scale birth cohorts. We are designing a large UK birth cohort to investigate the role of infection and the developing immune system in determining future health and disease. We undertook a pilot to develop methodology for the main study, gain practical experience of collecting samples, and understand the acceptability of sample collection to women in late pregnancy. METHODS: Between February-July 2014, we piloted the feasibility and acceptability of collecting maternal stool, baby stool and cord blood samples from participants recruited at prolonged pregnancy and planned pre-labour caesarean section clinics at University College London Hospital. Participating women were asked to complete acceptability questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall, 265 women were approached and 171 (65%) participated, with ≥1 sample collected from 113 women or their baby (66%). Women had a mean age of 34 years, were primarily of white ethnicity (130/166, 78%), and half were nulliparous (86/169, 51%). Women undergoing planned pre-labour caesarean section were more likely than those who delivered vaginally to provide ≥1 sample (98% vs 54%), but less likely to provide maternal stool (10% vs 43%). Pre-sample questionnaires were completed by 110/171 women (64%). Most women reported feeling comfortable with samples being collected from their baby (<10% uncomfortable), but were less comfortable about their own stool (19% uncomfortable) or a vaginal swab (24% uncomfortable). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to collect a range of biological samples from women around the time of delivery, and this was acceptable for most women. These data inform study design and protocol development for large-scale birth cohorts.

[Posterm pregnancy]. / Potermínové tehotenství.

UNLABELLED: This review presents the up-to-date information from published resources on the issue of Posterm pregnancy (Medline, Cochrane Database, ACOG, RCOG, SOGC) and complements the presented guidelines. The most of resources are using the term "postterm pregnancy" for pregnancy reaching or exceeding 42+0 weeks and days of gestation, while late pregnancy is defined as a period in between 41+0 and 41+6.The exact determination of gestational age is necessary for exact diagnosis and appropriate management of late and postterm pregnancy, because these pregnancies have increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: Review.

Diagnosis, antenatal surveillance and management of prolonged pregnancy: current perspectives.

Prolonged pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks of gestation (294 days) from the first day of the last normal menstrual period. An accurate estimation of the 'natural' incidence of prolonged pregnancy would require meticulous early pregnancy dating. The use of ultrasound to establish gestational age reduces the number of pregnancies that are classified as prolonged. Prolonged pregnancy is associated with an increased perinatal mortality and morbidity in pregnancies which appear to be otherwise low risk. Postterm births are easily preventable by intervening to deliver with the use of induction of labor. Thus, this potentially problematic condition deserves further attention and careful consideration. The focus of this article is to review and challenge some current concepts surrounding the diagnosis and management of prolonged pregnancy. We outline how to identify those women with prolonged pregnancy and which is the appropriate moment to start monitoring the fetal wellbeing. Finally we address the question of benefits and hazards of induction of labor strategies.

Percepción de síntomas en primigestas con embarazo en vías de prolongación / Perception of simptoms in primigravid with post-term pregnancy

Durante el embarazo acontecen importantes cambios psicológicos, fisiológicos y socio-culturales que influyen en la gestante, la manera en la que ella vive esos cambios repercute de forma directa en su vivencia sobre la maternidad. Con el objetivo de conocer la percepción de síntomas presentes en la fase final del embarazo se llevó a cabo una investigación con metodología cualitativa de tipo fenomenológico, fundamentada en entrevistas individuales a siete gestantes en vías de prolongación que tuvieran como hospital de referencia el Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén. Resultados: los síntomas percibidos por las embarazadas en vías de prolongación han sido escasos, el dolor en la parte baja del abdomen y el aumento de la micción nocturna son los más repetidos. Conclusiones: conocer la percepción de síntomas de las gestantes en esta fase final del embarazo nos ayuda a prestar una atención integral hacia la promoción de la salud física en las mujeres embarazadas

Many biological, somatic, psychological and social factors take place in pregnancy. Some of them influence in pregnant women: the way they affront those changes, it will have repercussions on motherhood. We therefore conducted a qualitative research methodology, descriptive phenomenological. It is based on depth individual interviews to pregnant women who are in process of extension. They had the Jaén hospital as a reference with the aim to know the perception of symptoms. The results obtained indicate that preceived sympthoms by the pregnant women have been scare, pain and the increase of the night micturition are the most repeated. Conclusions: To know the perception of symptoms of pregnancy-way extension can help us to provide comprehensive care to promote physical health in pregnant women

[Factors predicting unsuccessful labor induction with dinoprostone in post-term pregnancy with unfavorable cervix]. / Facteurs prédictifs d'échec d'entrée en travail par dinoprostone en cas de grossesse prolongée et de conditions locales défavorables.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive factors for unsuccessful induction of labor within 24hours after dinoprostone insertion in post-term pregnancy with unfavorable cervix. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 325 singleton pregnancies with a diagnosis of post-term pregnancy and unfavorable cervix (Bishop score<6) during the period January 2012-Decembre 2012. Patients were classified into 2 groups: successful labor, defined as cervical ripening, within 24hours after dinoprostone insertion (Group R; n=248; 76.3 %) or failure group (Group E; n=77; 23.7 %). Antepartum and perpartum characteristics of women were compared. RESULTS: Nulliparity (74.0 versus 56.0 %; OR=2.23; 95 % CI: 1.27-4.00; P=0.005), gestational age ≤41 SA+4 (53.2 versus 33.9 %; OR=2.22; 95 % CI: 1.32-3.74; P=0.003) and history of dilatation and curettage (27.3 versus 10.5 %; OR=3.19; 95 % CI: 1.66-6.11; P=0.0005) were significantly associated with unsuccessful induction of labor. Bishop score was significantly higher in Group R (3.6 versus 1.9; P=0.001). Also, consistency (74.0 versus 44.4 %; OR=3.57; 95 % CI: 2.04-6.40; P<10(-5)) and absence of dilatation of the cervix (59.7 versus 23.0 %; OR=4.97; 95 % CI: 2.89-8.56; P<10(-6)) were identified as significant predictive factors for unsuccessful induction of labor. CONCLUSION: Nulliparity, gestational age ≤41 SA+4, history of dilatation and curettage and Bishop score, in particular consistency and dilatation, are correlated with failure of cervical ripening in post-term pregnancy with unfavorable cervix.

Determinants of number-specific recall error of last menstrual period: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the digit preference for last menstrual period (LMP) dates, associated determinants and impact on obstetric outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University medical centre (the Netherlands). POPULATION: Cohort of 24 665 LMP records and a subgroup of 4630 cases with known crown-rump length (CRL) measurement, and obstetric outcome. METHODS: Digit preference was determined by comparing the observed to expected counts of each day. Associated determinants were identified by multivariate regression analysis. Differences in obstetric outcome between LMP and CRL dating were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (Non)deprived neighbourhood, cycle irregularity, certainty of LMP date, maternal age, smoking, body mass index, parity and ultrasound investigator. Preterm and post-term delivery. RESULTS: LMP digit preference for the first [odds ratio (OR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.20-1.36], fifth (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.17), 10th (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09-1.25), 15th (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.23-1.40), 20th (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.30) and 25th (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15) days of the month occurred more often than expected. Digit preference occurred more frequently in women living in a deprived neighbourhood (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06-1.39), with uncertain LMP (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.63-2.52) or irregular cycle (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.44). More post-term (≥42 weeks) deliveries (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.54) were observed in LMP dating. This effect was larger in women with a digit preference (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03-2.37). CONCLUSIONS: LMP digit preference occurs more often in women living in deprived neighbourhoods, with uncertain LMP or an irregular cycle. LMP-dated pregnancies are associated with more post-term pregnancies.

Practice bulletin no. 146: Management of late-term and postterm pregnancies.

Postterm pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that has reached or extended beyond 42 0/7 weeks of gestation from the last menstrual period (LMP), whereas a late-term pregnancy is defined as one that has reached between 41 0/7 weeks and 41 6/7 weeks of gestation (). In 2011, the overall incidence of postterm pregnancy in the United States was 5.5% (). The incidence of postterm pregnancies may vary by population, in part as a result of differences in regional management practices for pregnancies that go beyond the estimated date of delivery. Accurate determination of gestational age is essential to accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of late-term and postterm pregnancies. Antepartum fetal surveillance and induction of labor have been evaluated as strategies to decrease the risks of perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with late-term and postterm pregnancies. The purpose of this document is to review the current understanding of late-term and postterm pregnancies and provide guidelines for management that have been validated by appropriately conducted outcome-based research when available. Additional guidelines on the basis of consensus and expert opinion also are presented.

Resultados perinatales en los casos de embarazos prolongados en el Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión entre Enero a Diciembre del 2012 / Perinatal results in the cases of prolonged pregnancy in the Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion from January to December 2012

Objetivo: Caracterizar los resultados perinatales asociados al diagnóstico de embarazo prolongado (que en nuestro estudio se considera como superior a las 41 semanas) en el Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión entre Enero a Diciembre del 2012. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se revisaron todas las historias clínicas de pacientes mujeres atendidas en el Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión durante los meses de enero a diciembre del año 2012. Resultados: Se encontró un total de 96 pacientes, con una media de edad de 26,1±7,4 años. Dentro de los datos demográficos resaltan mujeres convivientes 53,7 por ciento que solo culminaron la educación secundaria 54,2 por ciento, además el 83,2 por ciento son desempleadas. Los diagnósticos clínicos previos con mayor frecuencia son obesidad, primigesta y sobrepeso 53,1 por ciento, 37,5 por ciento y 34,4 por ciento respectivamente. La principal indicación de cesárea fue la macrosomía fetal seguida de la inducción fallida. Referente a las características de los neonatos se encontró 53.3 por ciento de sexo femenino con una media para el peso de 3712,3±423,6 gramos. En dos neonatos se encontró Apgar menor de 7 al primer minuto. En el análisis bivariado se encontró una relación para el embarazo prolongado y macrosomia (OR: 1,09; IC: 0,39-3,02). Finalmente se encontró una relación entre multiparidad y embarazo prolongado (OR: 1,22; IC: 0,51-2,91), además se encontró una relación con obesidad (OR: 1,45; IC: 0,62-3,41). Conclusiones: Existen diferentes resultados perinatales desfavorables asociados a los casos de embarazos prolongados.

Objective: To characterize the perinatal outcomes associated with the diagnosis of prolonged pregnancy (In our study, It is considered greater than 41 weeks) in Daniel Alcides Carrion Hospital between January to December 2012. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross sectional study. All medical history of female patients that were attending at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Daniel Alcides Carrion Hospital between January to December 2012 was reviewed. Results: The study sample was 92 patients; the mean age was of 26.1±7.4 years. Within the demographic data highlight cohabiting women 53.7 per cent, only 54.2 per cent of them finish high school and 83.2 per cent are unemployed. The Previous clinical diagnoses most frequently were: obesity 53.1 per cent, first gestation in 37.5 per cent and 34.4 per cent overweight. The main indication for cesarean section was fetal macrosomia followed by a failed induction. Regarding the characteristics of the infants, the 53.3 per cent were female with an average weight of 3712.3±423.6 grams. In two infants, the Apgar was less than 7 at one minute. In bivariate analysis, we found a relationship between prolonged pregnancy and macrosomia (OR: 1.09; CI: 0.39-3.02), prolonged pregnancy and multiparity (OR 1.22, CI: 0.51-2.91), and prolonged pregnancy with obesity (OR: 1.45, CI: 0.62-3.41). Conclusions: There are several adverse perinatal outcomes associated with cases of prolonged pregnancies.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A levels and neonatal complications in post-date pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (free ß-hCG) in the first trimester and perinatal complications in post-date pregnancies. METHODS: A total of 4948 women, who delivered after 40 gestational weeks, were included. Labour was not induced routinely until 42 weeks. Serum levels of PAPP-A and free ß-hCG were determined at the first-trimester screening for Down syndrome. Neonatal complications were obtained from specific registration forms filled out by senior neonatologists. RESULTS: In post-date pregnancies, PAPP-A < 0.4 multiples of the median was associated with Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 min (ORadj 5.4, 95% CI 2.0-14.3), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (ORadj 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.3) and newborn hypoglycaemia (ORadj 3.4, 95% CI 1.8-6.4). In small for gestation (SGA) neonates, the risk of hypoglycaemia was further increased (OR 14.6, 95% CI 3.4-58.0). Similar analyses were made with free ß-hCG, but no statistically significant associations were found. CONCLUSIONS: Low first-trimester serum PAPP-A was associated with increased neonatal morbidity in post-date pregnancies, particularly in newborns with SGA. Thus, PAPP-A may qualify the timing of induction of labour in these pregnancies.

Weight gain regardless of pre-pregnancy BMI and influence of fetal gender in response to labor induction in postdate pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether maternal weight and body mass index (BMI) and their increase throughout pregnancy are associated with the response to labor induction in postdate pregnancies. METHODS: A total of 376 nulliparous women carrying singleton postdate pregnancies with unfavorable cervix were enrolled. We considered as primary outcome vaginal delivery within 24 h after induction, and outcomes were divided into responders (n = 258) and non-responders (n = 107) to the induction of labor to perform the statistical analyses. RESULTS: In the total population of study, women who successfully delivered within 24 h differed significantly from the remaining patients in terms of maternal weight gain (p = 0.009) and BMI increase (p = 0.02) during pregnancy. In addition, males were significantly more (p = 0.005) than females among newborns of women not responding to induction of labor. In the multivariate analysis, maternal weight gain and fetal sex significantly influenced the induction response. The occurrence of a failed induction of labor was more likely in patients presenting a greater maternal weight gain (cut-off 12 kg) and male fetus. CONCLUSION: Weight gain over 12 kg regardless of pre-pregnancy weight and male fetal gender are two novel potential risk factors for the prediction of failure to induction of labor in postdate pregnancy.