Determinants of successful labor induction in a teaching hospital in Nigeria: a 10-year review / Determinantes da indução do trabalho de parto bem sucedida em hospital-escola na Nigéria: uma revisão de 10 anos

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the success rate of labor induction and determinants of successful outcome. Methods: retrospective cohort study of parturients that undergone labor induction between 2006 and 2015. Data was retrieved from the medical records and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the determinants of successful labor induction. Results: the rate of labor induction was 10.9%. Out of the 940 women analysed, six hundred and fifty-six women (69.8%) had successful vaginal delivery. Labor induction at 39-40 weeks (OR=2.70; CI95%=1.17-6.36), 41 weeks (OR=2.44; CI95%=1.14-5.28), estimated fetal weight between 2.5 and 3.4kg (OR=4.27, CI95%=1.96-5.59) and estimated fetal weight of 3.5-3.9kg (OR=5.45; CI95%=2.81-10.60) increased the odds of achieving vaginal delivery. Conclusions: our findings suggest that 39, 40 and 41 weeks are optimal gestational ages for labor induction with respect to successful vaginal delivery. Also, estimated fetal weight between 2.5kg and 3.9kg favours successful vaginal delivery.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a taxa de sucesso da indução do trabalho de parto e determinantes de um resultado bem sucedido. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectivo de parturientes que submeteram a indução de trabalho de parto entre 2006 e 2015. Os dados foram recuperados dos registros médicos e a regressão logística multivariada foi utilizada para avaliar os determinantes da indução de trabalho de parto bem sucedida. Resultados: a taxa de indução de trabalho de parto foi de 10,9%. Das 940 mulheres analisadas, seiscentas e cinquenta e seis mulheres (69,8%) tiveram um parto vaginal bem sucedido. A indução de trabalho de parto nas 39-40 semanas (OR=2,70; IC95%=1,17-6,36), 41 semanas (OR=2,44; IC95%=1,14-5,28), peso fetal estimado entre 2,5 e 3,4kg OR=4,27; IC95%=1,96-5,59) e peso fetal estimado entre 3,5-3,9kg (OR=5,45; IC95%=2,81-10,60) aumentou as probabilidades de conseguir um parto vaginal. Conclusões: as nossas conclusões sugerem que as 39, 40 e 41 semanas são idades gestacionais ideais para a indução do trabalho de parto no que diz respeito ao sucesso do parto vaginal. Além disso, o peso fetal estimado entre 2,5kg e 3,9kg favorece o parto vaginal bem sucedido.

Planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery outcomes in pregnancies complicated with pregestational type 1 diabetes - A three-year academic tertiary hospital cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Finland has the world's highest incidence of 62.5/100000 of diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) with approximately 400 (1%) DM1 pregnancies annually. Pregnancies complicated by DM1 are accompanied with increased risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality. Timing and mode of delivery are based on the risk of complications, yet the data on labor induction is limited. The aim of this study was to compare delivery outcomes in planned vaginal (VD) and planned cesarean deliveries (CD) in late preterm and term DM1 pregnancies, and to evaluate the feasibility of labor induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women with DM1, live singleton fetus in cephalic presentation ≥34 gestational weeks delivering in Helsinki University Hospital between January 1st 2017 and December 31st 2019 were included. The primary outcome were the rates of adverse maternal and perinatal outcome. The study population was classified according to the 1980-revised White's classification. Statistical analyses were performed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. RESULTS: Two hundred four women were included, 59.8% (n = 122) had planned VD. The rate of adverse maternal outcome was 27.5% (n = 56), similar between the planned modes of delivery and White classes. The rate of perinatal adverse outcome was 38.7% (n = 79), higher in planned CD (52.4% vs. 29.5%;p = 0.001). The most common adverse perinatal event was respiratory distress (48.8% vs. 23.0%;p <  0.001). The rate of adverse perinatal outcome was higher in White class D + Vascular compared to B + C (45.0% vs. 25.0%, OR after adjustment by gestational age 2.34 [95% CI 1.20-4.50];p = 0.01). The total rate of CD was 63.7% (n = 130), and 39.3% (n = 48) in planned VD. Women with White class D + Vascular more often had emergency CD compared to White Class B + C (48.6% vs. 25.0%;p = 0.009). The rate of labor induction was 51%, being 85.2% in planned VD. The rate of VD in induced labor was 58.7% (n = 61) and the rate of failed induction was 14.1% (n = 15). CONCLUSION: Planned VD was associated with lower rate of adverse perinatal outcome compared to planned CS, with no difference in the rates of adverse maternal outcome. Induction of labor may be feasible option but should be carefully considered in this high-risk population.

Failed induction of labor and associated factors among women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor is a process of artificially initiating labor to attain vaginal birth. Despite its vital role in the reduction of maternal mortality, the failure rate of induction and its contributing factors were not well studied in Ethiopia; particularly there was a limited study in the study area. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with failed induction of labor among women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 743 women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling method was used to draw a sample and the data were retrieved from the maternity registration books and medical records. Data were cleaned and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 used for analysis. Frequencies, proportions, and summary statistics were used to describe the study population and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors contributing to failed induction of labor. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval computed and level of significance declared at P-value< 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of failed induction of labor was 24.4% (95% CI: 21.4, 27.9). Age ≤ 30 years (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.2,6.2), rural residence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.4,5.8), being nulliparous (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2,3.7), 5 or less Bishop Score (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.2,5.4), premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5,4.6), having pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.3,7.1), and artificial rupture of membrane with oxytocin (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.4) were associated with failed induction of labor. CONCLUSIONS: One-fourth of women undergoing induction at University of Gondar Specialized Hospital had failed induction of labor. Age, residence, parity, bishop score, premature-rupture of the membrane, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and method of induction were independent predictors for failed induction of labor. The combination method of ARM with oxytocin, early detection and treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension and premature rupture of the membrane are highly recommended for reducing failed induction of labor.

Outpatient Cervical Ripening with Balloon Catheters: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether outpatient cervical ripening with a balloon catheter results in a shorter amount of time in the labor and delivery unit when compared with use in the inpatient setting. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from their inception until December 2020. No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Using a predefined protocol and search strategy, 1,152 titles were identified and screened. Randomized controlled trials that compared outpatient and inpatient cervical ripening with balloon catheters were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed to produce mean difference for continuous data and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data, both with a 95% CI. The primary outcome was the amount of time from admission to the labor ward until delivery. Additional secondary maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Eight trials (740 patients) were included; six studies (571 patients) reported on our primary outcome. Compared with the inpatient group, outpatient balloon cervical ripening was associated with significantly less time in the labor and delivery unit (outpatient 16.3±9.7 hours vs inpatient 23.8±14.0 hours; mean difference -7.24 hours, 95% CI -11.03 to -3.34). There were no differences in total induction time or total hospital admission. The outpatient group was significantly less likely than the inpatient group to undergo cesarean delivery (21% vs 27%), RR 0.76 (95% CI 0.59-0.98). There were no differences in other maternal or neonatal outcomes. There were no deliveries outside of the hospital and no stillbirths. CONCLUSION: Outpatient balloon cervical ripening in low-risk patients is associated with a decreased amount of time from admission to labor and delivery until delivery. Outpatient balloon cervical ripening is a safe alternative for low-risk patients and has the potential for significant benefits to patients, and labor and delivery units. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42019140503.

The magnitude of failed induction and associated factors among women admitted to Adama hospital medical college: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labor is a medical iatrogenic stimulation of uterine contraction before the spontaneous onset of labor to achieve vaginal delivery. It is an increasingly being done obstetric procedure throughout the world and associated with poorer outcomes when compared with spontaneous labor. The published evidence is limited in Ethiopia including the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the magnitude of failed induction and associated factors among pregnant women who were admitted to the labor ward of Adama hospital medical college. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 women who were eligible for induction using systematic random sampling. The data were collected from 1st January to 30th April 2020 by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire and extraction from a maternal chart. Then data was entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution version 23. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the study population. Logistic regression (bivariate and multivariable) analysis was conducted to identify associated factors. The association was expressed in odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value <0.05 was used as cut-off points to declare significance in the final model. RESULTS: This study showed that the prevalence of failed induction was 20.5% (95% CI: (15.7-25.3%)). The odds of failed induction in unfavorable bishop score were 4.05 higher than the odds in favorable bishop [AOR = 4.05 95%CI (1.19-13.77)]. The odds of failed induction in an intact membrane were 2.05 higher than the ruptured membrane. [AOR = 2.05, 95%CI (1.06-3.98)]. The odds of failed induction in primigravida were 2.33 higher than the odds in the multiparous women [AOR = 2.33, 95%CI (1.26-4.29)]. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the magnitude of failed induction was higher when compared to other similar findings. Bishop scores, membrane status, and parity were significantly associated factors with failed induction. Preparation of the cervix before commencing induction is recommended to improve induction success.

Term prelabor rupture of the membranes with unfavorable cervix: Frequency and factors associated with spontaneous onset of labor after two days of expectant management.

INTRODUCTION: In case of term prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), expectant management is a reasonable option. We aimed at assessing the frequency of spontaneous onset of labor after two days of term PROM and its associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women delivering at a tertiary center of a singleton in cephalic presentation, after a term PROM with an unfavorable cervix and with an expectant management period of at least two days were included during a 2-year period. Women were excluded in case of induction of labor before or at day 2(D2) or of spontaneous labor before D2. The frequency of spontaneous labor was assessed, then maternal characteristics at admission and at D2 were compared between women with a spontaneous onset of labor before D3, and women with an induced labor at D3. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. The factors associated with spontaneous labor in univariate analysis were tested in multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Among the 11 608 women delivering at term, 933(8.4%) had a term PROM. Among them, 191 had an unfavorable cervix after D2 including 86(45%) women with a spontaneous labor onset between D2 and D3 and 105(55%) induced at D3. Maternal age below 35 years (reference ≥35years) and Bishop score of 3,4 and 5,6 at D2 (reference score 0-2) were significantly associated with spontaneous onset of labor, respectively aOR 2.62; 95%CI[1.26-5.45], aOR 2.38; 95%CI[1.18-4.78] and aOR 10.16; 95%CI[3.67-28.15]. DISCUSSION: In women with a term PROM and an unfavorable cervix, spontaneous labor still occurs in nearly half of women undelivered after two days of expectant management.

Maternal and fetal characteristics for predicting risk of Cesarean section following induction of labor: pooled analysis of PROBAAT trials.

OBJECTIVE: Induction of labor (IOL) is one of the most widely used obstetric interventions. However, one-fifth of IOLs result in Cesarean section (CS). We aimed to assess maternal and fetal characteristics that influence the likelihood of CS following IOL, according to the indication for CS. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of pooled data from four randomized controlled trials, including women undergoing IOL at term who had a singleton pregnancy and an unfavorable cervix, intact membranes and the fetus in cephalic presentation. The main outcomes of this analysis were CS for failure to progress (FTP) and CS for suspected fetal compromise (SFC). Restricted cubic splines were used to determine whether continuous maternal and fetal characteristics had a non-linear relationship with outcome. Optimal cut-offs for those characteristics with a non-linear pattern were determined based on the maximum area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were computed, using multivariable logistic regression analysis, for the associations between optimally categorized characteristics and outcome. RESULTS: Of a total of 2990 women undergoing IOL, 313 (10.5%) had CS for FTP and 227 (7.6%) had CS for SFC. The risk of CS for FTP was increased in women aged 31-35 years compared with younger women (aOR, 1.51 (95% CI, 1.15-1.99)), in nulliparous compared with parous women (aOR, 8.07 (95% CI, 5.34-12.18)) and in Sub-Saharan African compared with Caucasian women (aOR, 2.09 (95% CI, 1.33-3.28)). Higher body mass index (BMI) increased incrementally the risk of CS for FTP (aOR, 1.06 (95% CI, 1.04-1.08)). High birth-weight percentile was also associated with an increased risk of CS due to FTP (aOR, 2.66 (95% CI, 1.74-4.07) for birth weight between the 80.0th and 89.9th percentiles and aOR, 4.08 (95% CI, 2.75-6.05) for birth weight ≥ 90th percentile, as compared with birth weight between the 20.0th and 49.9th percentiles). For CS due to SFC, higher maternal age (aOR, 1.09 (95% CI, 1.05-1.12)) and BMI (aOR, 1.05 (95% CI, 1.03-1.08)) were associated with an incremental increase in risk. The risk of CS for SFC was increased in nulliparous compared with parous women (aOR, 5.91 (95% CI, 3.76-9.28)) and in South Asian compared with Caucasian women (aOR, 2.50 (95% CI, 1.23-5.10)). Birth weight < 10.0th percentile increased significantly the risk of CS due to SFC (aOR, 1.93 (95% CI, 1.22-3.05)), as compared with birth weight between the 20.0th and 49.9th percentiles. Bishop score did not demonstrate a significant association with the risk of CS for FTP or for SFC. CONCLUSIONS: In women undergoing IOL, maternal age, BMI, parity, ethnicity and birth-weight percentile are predictors of CS due to FTP and of CS due to SFC, but the direction and magnitude of the associations differ according to the indication for CS. These characteristics should be considered in combination with the Bishop score to stratify the risk of CS for different indications in women undergoing IOL. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Delivery outcomes of patients with pre-eclampsia at 27 - 34 weeks' gestation at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Obstetricians are cognisant of the serious nature of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Despite a 17% overall reduction in maternal deaths in South Africa between 2011 and 2016, there was a 14% increase in deaths due to hypertension. Delivery is the only known cure for pre-eclampsia, but the question regarding the safest route of delivery remains difficult to answer. OBJECTIVES: To determine the success rate of induction of labour (IoL) in patients with early-onset pre-eclampsia with severe features (EOPES) before 34 weeks' gestation. Furthermore, the data from the induction group were compared with those of the caesarean delivery (CD) groups where patients were not eligible for IoL. Additional objectives were to identify variables that could influence the success rate, to determine whether any delivery method was associated with increased morbidity, to assess the short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes, and to make recommendations for future decision-making regarding delivery for women with EOPES. METHODS: In this single-institution retrospective observational study, all cases in which a decision for delivery was made before 34 weeks 0 days of gestation (or the infant's birthweight was ≤2 000 g with uncertain gestation) at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, between 1 January and 30 June 2017 were identified from the electronic birth register. The cohort fitting the inclusion criteria was subdivided into IoL and CD groups. RESULTS: From a total of 3 938 deliveries, 168 patients met the inclusion criteria. IoL was indicated in 55 cases, resulting in 20 vaginal deliveries (VDs) (36%) and 35 CDs (64%). The remaining 113 patients were not candidates for IoL; of these, 89 required emergency CDs and 24 had semi-elective CDs. In the IoL group with abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers (UADs) there was 1 VD, and 4 CDs were performed for fetal compromise. Of cases with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) ≤3rd centile, emergency CD was required in 24 (65%), and 8 (22%) were considered for IoL, in 6 of which CD was required. CONCLUSIONS: Of the EOPES population, 36% had successful IoL that culminated in VD. VD was more likely to occur with fetal growth appropriate for gestational age. The likelihood of CD increased if the UAD was abnormal, if the EFW was ≤3rd centile or if eclampsia was present. The decision to induce should be considered carefully in these circumstances.

Quantifying the Impacts of Pre- and Post-Conception TSH Levels on Birth Outcomes: An Examination of Different Machine Learning Models.

Background: While previous studies identified risk factors for diverse pregnancy outcomes, traditional statistical methods had limited ability to quantify their impacts on birth outcomes precisely. We aimed to use a novel approach that applied different machine learning models to not only predict birth outcomes but systematically quantify the impacts of pre- and post-conception serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and other predictive characteristics on birth outcomes. Methods: We used data from women who gave birth in Shanghai First Maternal and Infant Hospital from 2014 to 2015. We included 14,110 women with the measurement of preconception TSH in the first analysis and 3,428 out of 14,110 women with both pre- and post-conception TSH measurement in the second analysis. Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) was applied to adjust the imbalance of outcomes. We randomly split (7:3) the data into a training set and a test set in both analyses. We compared Area Under Curve (AUC) for dichotomous outcomes and macro F1 score for categorical outcomes among four machine learning models, including logistic model, random forest model, XGBoost model, and multilayer neural network models to assess model performance. The model with the highest AUC or macro F1 score was used to quantify the importance of predictive features for adverse birth outcomes with the loss function algorithm. Results: The XGBoost model provided prominent advantages in terms of improved performance and prediction of polytomous variables. Predictive models with abnormal preconception TSH or not-well-controlled TSH, a novel indicator with pre- and post-conception TSH levels combined, provided the similar robust prediction for birth outcomes. The highest AUC of 98.7% happened in XGBoost model for predicting low Apgar score with not-well-controlled TSH adjusted. By loss function algorithm, we found that not-well-controlled TSH ranked 4th, 6th, and 7th among 14 features, respectively, in predicting birthweight, induction, and preterm birth, and 3rd among 19 features in predicting low Apgar score. Conclusions: Our four machine learning models offered valid predictions of birth outcomes in women during pre- and post-conception. The predictive features panel suggested the combined TSH indicator (not-well-controlled TSH) could be a potentially competitive biomarker to predict adverse birth outcomes.

Factors influencing perinatal outcomes in women with preterm preeclampsia: A secondary analysis of the PHOENIX trial.

This secondary analysis of the PHOENIX trial (evaluating planned delivery against expectant management in late preterm preeclampsia) demonstrates that in women who started induction of labour, 63% of women delivered vaginally (56% at 34 weeks' gestation). Compared to expectant management, planned delivery was associated with higher rates of neonatal unit admission for prematurity (but lower proportions of small-for-gestational age infants); length of neonatal unit stay and neonatal morbidity (including respiratory support) were similar across both intervention groups at all gestational windows. Neonatal unit admission was increased by earlier gestation at delivery, development of severe preeclampsia, and being small-for-gestational age.

Effect of maternal age on maternal and perinatal outcomes including cesarean delivery following induction of labor in uncomplicated elderly primigravidae.

ABSTRACT: Age above 35 years at the time of birth is generally referred to as advanced maternal age (AMA), and it could be a risk factor for various complications besides genetic changes in the fetus. The primary outcome of this study was to determine if AMA is associated with emergent cesarean delivery (CD) following induction of labor (IOL). The secondary outcomes were a composite of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes following IOL.This retrospective observational study included women with singleton, live-born, cephalic, non-anomalous pregnancies undergoing IOL from 38 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks of gestation. Mode of delivery and other maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women aged ≥35 (AMA) and <35 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.A total of 307 nulliparous women underwent IOL (≥35 years n = 73, 23.8%; <35 years n = 234, 76.2%) and among them, 252 (82.1%) delivered vaginally. The rate of CD was significantly higher in women of AMA (31.5% vs 13.7%, P = .001). Multivariable analysis showed that AMA was independently associated with CD (odds ratio 3.04, 95% confidence interval 1.55-5.96, P = .001). The rate of instrumental deliveries was higher in the AMA group (19.6% vs 8.2%, P = .043) and hemoglobin decrease during delivery was similar between the 2 groups (1.90 ±â€Š1.25 vs 2.02 ±â€Š1.27 mg/dL, all P > .05). Regarding neonatal outcomes, there was no difference between the 2 groups in the neonatal intensive care unit admission rate and Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes (30.3% vs 30.1% and 6.0% vs 8.2%, respectively, all P > .05). Neonatal intubation rate and severe respiratory problems were non-significantly higher in AMA (3.8% vs 2.7% and 3.4% vs 1.4%, respectively, all P > .05).AMA was associated with an approximately three-fold increased likelihood of birth by CD and operative vaginal delivery in uncomplicated nulliparous women following IOL. However, we found no evidence that IOL in primigravid women of AMA increases adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes as compared with women aged <35 years except the high prevalence of CD and operative vaginal delivery.

Investigating Decreased Rates of Nulliparous Cesarean Deliveries during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Preventing the first cesarean delivery (CD) is important as CD rates continue to rise. During the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quality improvement metrics at our hospital identified lower rates of CD. We sought to investigate this change and identify factors that may have contributed to the decrease. STUDY DESIGN: We compared nulliparous singleton deliveries at a large academic hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic (April through July 2020 during a statewide "stay-at-home" order) to those in the same months 1 year prior to the pandemic (April through July 2019). The primary outcome, mode of delivery, was obtained from the electronic medical record system, along with indication for CD. RESULTS: The cohort included 1,913 deliveries: 892 in 2019 and 1,021 in 2020. Patient characteristics (age, body mass index, race, ethnicity, and insurance type) did not differ between the groups. Median gestational age at delivery was the same in both groups. The CD rate decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with prior (28.9 vs. 33.6%; p = 0.03). There was a significant increase in the rate of labor induction (45.7 vs. 40.6%; p = 0.02), but no difference in the proportion of inductions that were elective (19.5 vs. 20.7%; p = 0.66). The rate of CD in labor was unchanged (15.9 vs. 16.3%; p = 0.82); however, more women attempted a trial of labor (87.0 vs. 82.6%; p = 0.01). Thus, the proportion of CD without a trial of labor decreased (25.1 vs. 33.0%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant decrease in CD during the COVID-19 pandemic at our hospital, driven by a decrease in CD without a trial of labor. The increased rate of attempted trial of labor suggests the presence of patient-level factors that warrant further investigation as potential targets for decreasing CD rates. Additionally, in a diverse and medically complex population, increased rates of labor induction were not associated with increased rates of CD. KEY POINTS: · Primary CD rate fell during COVID-19 pandemic.. · Decrease was driven by more women attempting labor.. · Higher rate of induction without rise in CD rate was found..

Changes in obstetric interventions and preterm birth during COVID-19: A nationwide study from Iceland.

INTRODUCTION: Previous evidence has been conflicting regarding the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdowns on obstetric intervention and preterm birth rates. The literature to date suggests potentially differential underlying mechanisms based on country economic setting. We aimed to study these outcomes in an Icelandic population where uniform lockdown measures were implemented across the country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included all singleton births (n = 20 680) during 2016-2020 identified from the population-based Icelandic Medical Birth Register. We defined two lockdown periods during March-May and October-December in 2020 according to government implemented nationwide lockdown. We compared monthly rates of cesarean section, induction of labor and preterm birth during lockdown with the same time periods in the 4 previous years (2016-2019) using logit binomial regression adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Our results indicated a reduction in the overall cesarean section rate, which was mainly evident for elective cesarean section, both during the first (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.99) and second (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52-0.99) lockdown periods, and not for emergency cesarean section. No change during lockdown was observed in induction of labor. Our results also suggested a reduction in the overall preterm birth rate during the first lockdown (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.97) and in the months immediately following the lockdown (June-September) (aOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.89). The reduction during the first lockdown was mainly evident for medically indicated preterm birth (although not statistically significant) and the reduction during June-September was mainly evident for spontaneous preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested a reduction in elective cesarean section during COVID-19 lockdown, possibly reflecting changes in prioritization of non-urgent health care during lockdown. We also found a reduction in overall preterm birth during the first lockdown and spontaneous preterm birth following the first lockdown, but further research is needed to shed light on the underlying mechanisms for these findings.

Contribution of ultrasonography to the prediction of the induction-delivery interval: The ECOLDIA prospective multicenter cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the ability of preinduction ultrasonographic cervical length to predict the interval between induction and delivery in women at term with a Bishop score of 4 to 6 at induction. STUDY DESIGN: This multicenter prospective observational cohort recruited 334 women from April 2010 to March 2014. Inclusion criteria were women with singleton pregnancies at a gestational age ≥37 weeks, with no previous caesarean, a medical indication for induction of labor, and a Bishop score of 4, 5, or 6. All women underwent cervical assessment by both transvaginal ultrasound and digital examination (Bishop score). The induction protocol was standardized. The primary outcome measure was the induction-delivery interval. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to assess potential predictors. RESULTS: Mean gestational age at induction was 40.1 weeks, 60.8% of the women were nulliparous, and the cesarean rate was 13.4%. The mean induction-delivery interval was 20.8 h (± 10.6). Delivery occurred within 24 h for 56.9% (n=190) of the women. An ultrasonographic cervical length measurement less than 25 mm (HR=1.50, 95% CI 1.18-1.91, P<0.01) and parity (HR=1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.65, P<0.01) appeared to predict induction-delivery interval. The cervical length cutoff to reduce the induction-delivery interval was 25 mm. CONCLUSION: A cervical length cutoff of 25 mm was associated with shorter induction-delivery interval in women at term with a Bishop score of 4 to 6.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with eclampsia by mode of delivery at Riley mother baby hospital: a longitudinal case-series study.

BACKGROUND: Eclampsia, considered as serious complication of preeclampsia, remains a life-threatening condition among pregnant women. It accounts for 12% of maternal deaths and 16-31% of perinatal deaths worldwide. Most deaths from eclampsia occurred in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was performed to determine the optimum mode of delivery, as well as factors associated with the mode of delivery, in women admitted with eclampsia at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital. METHODS: This was a hospital-based longitudinal case-series study conducted at the largest and busiest obstetric unit of the tertiary hospital of western Kenya. Maternal and perinatal variables, such as age, parity, medications, initiation of labour, mode of delivery, admission to the intensive care unit, admission to the newborn care unit, organ injuries, and mortality, were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0. Quantitative data were described using frequencies and percentages. The significance of the obtained results was judged at the 5% level. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and Fisher's exact test or the Monte Carlo correction was used for correction of the chi-square test when more than 20% of the cells had an expected count of less than 5. RESULTS: During the study period, 53 patients diagnosed with eclampsia were treated and followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. There was zero maternal mortality; however, perinatal mortality was reported in 9.4%. Parity was statistically associated with an increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.004, OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.0-40.8) and caesarean delivery (p = 0.020, OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.3-17.1). In addition, the induction of labour decreased the risk of adverse outcomes (p = 0.232, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-2.0). CONCLUSION: There is no benefit of emergency caesarean section for women with eclampsia. This study showed that induction of labour and vaginal delivery can be successfully achieved in pregnant women with eclampsia. Maternal and perinatal mortality from eclampsia can be prevented through prompt and effective care.

Chorioamnionitis after premature rupture of membranes in nulliparas undergoing labor induction: prostaglandin E2 vs. oxytocin.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of chorioamnionitis in nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) pregnancies with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and an unfavorable cervix undergoing labor induction with either prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or oxytocin only. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of NTSV pregnancies presenting with PROM who underwent labor induction with either PGE2 (n=94) or oxytocin (n=181) between October 2015 and March 2019. The primary outcome of chorioamnionitis was compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis included Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, as well as logistic regression. For time to delivery, a Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) and adjusted HR (aHR). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Cervical ripening with PGE2 was associated with an increased rate of chorioamnionitis (18.1 vs. 6.1%; aOR 4.14, p=0.001), increased neonatal intensive care unit admissions (20.2 vs. 9.9%; aOR 2.4, p=0.02), longer time interval from PROM to delivery (24.4 vs. 17.9 h; aHR 0.56, p=<0.0001), and lower incidence of meconium (7.4 vs. 14.4%; aOR 0.26, p=0.01), compared to the oxytocin group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, the use of oxytocin appears both superior and safer compared to PGE2 in NTSV pregnancies with PROM undergoing labor induction.

Can we improve our ability to interpret category II fetal heart rate tracings using additional clinical parameters?

OBJECTIVES: This study examined predictive factors, in addition to Category II Fetal Herat Rate (FHR) monitoring that might imply fetal acidosis and risk of asphyxia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared three groups of patients with Category II FHR monitoring indicating need for imminent delivery. Groups were divided based on fetal cord blood pH: pH≤7.0, 7.0

Is Exposure to Intrapartum Prostaglandins for Labor Induction Associated with a Lower Incidence of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is implicated in 30% of neonatal deaths. Since prostaglandins promote surfactant secretion and labor is associated with a lower risk of RDS in term neonates, it is plausible that synthetic prostaglandin (sPG) exposure is associated with a lower risk of RDS. Thus, we evaluated the association between sPG exposure and RDS in neonates born after the induction of labor (IOL). STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of women with singleton pregnancies undergoing IOL at 340/7 to 420/7 weeks in the nuMoM2b study, a multicenter prospective cohort of nulliparous women. RDS rates and secondary neonatal outcomes in neonates with intrapartum sPG exposure were compared with those who had IOL with non-sPG methods (e.g., balloon catheter, amniotomy, oxytocin, and laminaria). Logistic regression models estimated the association of sPG with RDS and with secondary outcomes after adjustment for clinical and demographic factors (including gestational age). A sensitivity analysis was performed in which analysis was restricted to those with an admission cervical dilation ≤2 cm. RESULTS: Of 10,038 women in the total cohort, 3,071 met inclusion criteria; 1,444 were exposed and 1,627 were unexposed to sPGs. Antenatal corticosteroid exposure rates were low (3.0%) and similar between groups. In univariable analysis, neonates with sPG exposure had higher rates of RDS (3.2 vs. 2.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.50). This relationship was similar by gestational age at delivery (term vs. preterm, interaction p = 0.14). After adjustment, the association between sPG and RDS was no longer significant (adjusted odds ratio: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.9-2.3). When analysis was restricted to subjects with admission cervical dilation of ≤2 cm, there was also no association between sPG exposure and RDS. CONCLUSION: In pregnancies between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation, exposure to sPG for cervical ripening or labor induction was not associated with newborn RDS. KEY POINTS: · RDS is implicated in 30% of neonatal deaths.. · sPG exposure was not associated with RDS.. · Avoiding preterm birth remains crucial in RDS prevention..

The degree of cervical length shortening as a predictor of successful or failed labor induction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the degree of cervical length change was associated with successful cervical dilatation during labor induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of term singleton pregnant women who underwent labor inductions. Cases of Cesarean section due to fetal distress or maternal request during the first stage of labor were excluded. The enrolled women were categorized into two groups according to achievement of full cervical dilatation. The cervical length near induction and cervical length shortening over the last four weeks of pregnancy were compared between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the screening performance for failed cervical dilatation during labor induction. RESULTS: A total of 165 women were enrolled for the final analysis; of these, 145 (87.9%) women reached the second stage of labor and 20 (12.1%) women failed to achieve full cervical dilatation. Women who failed to achieve full cervical dilatation had a significantly longer cervical length near induction and less cervical length change over previous four weeks compared with women who achieved full cervical dilatation (P = 0.018 and 0.005, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that cervical length >29 mm (odds ratios [OR], 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.290-13.374, P = 0.017) and cervical length shortening â‰¦ 6 mm (OR, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.552-22.271, P = 0.009) were significantly associated with failed cervical dilatation after adjusting for birthweight and previous history of vaginal delivery. Cervical length shortening alone provided a better prediction of failed cervical dilatation than the combination of cervical length and shortening (sensitivity, 76.9%; specificity, 63.8%). CONCLUSION: The probability of failed cervical dilatation during labor induction was significantly increased in cases when the cervical length was greater than 29 mm near induction or when the cervical length shortening was less than 6 mm over the last four weeks.

The effect of yoga on the delivery and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous pregnant women in Iran: a clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Yoga can reduce the risk of preterm delivery, cesarean section (CS), and fetal death. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Yoga on pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a clinical trial study and using the random sampling without replacement 70 pregnant women entered Hatha Yoga and control groups according to the color of the ball they took from a bag containing two balls (blue or red). The data collection tool was a questionnaire pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes. The intervention in this study included pregnancy Hatha Yoga exercises that first session of pregnancy Yoga started from the 26th week and samples attended the last session in the 37th week. They exercised Yoga twice a week (each session lasting 75 min) in a Yoga specialized sports club. The control group received the routine prenatal care that all pregnant women receive. RESULTS: The results showed that yoga reduced the induction of labor, the episiotomy rupture, duration of labor, also had a significant effect on normal birth weight and delivery at the appropriate gestational age. There were significant differences between the first and second Apgar scores of the infants. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that Yoga can improve the outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth. They can be used as part of the care protocol along with childbirth preparation classes to reduce the complications of pregnancy and childbirth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20180623040197N2 (2019-02-11).