Incidence and risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse in labor when amniotomy is used and with spontaneous rupture of membranes: A Swedish nationwide register study.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) is a rare but severe obstetric complication in the presence of a rupture of the membranes. Although it is not possible to prevent a spontaneous rupture of the membranes (SROM), it is possible to prevent an amniotomy, which is a commonly used intervention in labor. This study aimed to explore the incidence and risk factors that are associated with UCP in labor when amniotomy is used vs SROM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective nationwide register study was conducted of all births in Sweden from January 2014 to June 2020 that were included in the Swedish Pregnancy Register (n = 717 336). The main outcome, UCP, was identified in the data by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnosis code O69.0. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors. RESULTS: Amniotomy was performed in 230 699 (43.6%) of all pregnancies. A UCP occurred in 293 (0.13%) of these cases. SROM occurred in 298 192 (56.4%) of all cases, of which 352 (0.12%) were complicated by UCP. Risk factors that increased the odds of UCP for both amniotomy and SROM were: higher parity, non-cephalic presentation and an induction of labor. Greater gestational age reduced the odds of UCP. Risk factors associated with only amniotomy were previous cesarean section and the presence of polyhydramnios. Identified risk factors for UCP in labor with SROM were a higher maternal age and maternal origin outside of the EU. CONCLUSIONS: UCP is a rare complication in Sweden. Beyond confirming the previously recognized risk factors, this study found induction of labor and previous cesarean section to be risk factors in labor when amniotomy is used.

The implications of the Fetal Medicine Foundation 35- to 36-week preeclampsia prediction competing-risk model on timing of birth.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is associated with increased risks of life-threatening, -altering, and -ending complications. Assessment of risk for preeclampsia at 35 to 36 weeks' gestation by the Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week competing-risk model identifies approximately 75% of women who will develop term preeclampsia, at a 10% screen-positive rate. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether the Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week model can provide personalized guidance to women about the probable timing of their delivery, whether or not they develop pregnancy hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective nonintervention screening study at 2 maternity hospitals in England, women who did not have preeclampsia (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists definition) and were attending a routine hospital visit at 35 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks' gestation underwent assessment of risk for preeclampsia, including maternal demographic characteristics, medical history, mean arterial pressure, and serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week model risk categories for subsequent preeclampsia were defined as: A, ≥0.500; B, 0.20 to 0.499; C, 0.05 to 0.199; D, 0.020 to 0.049; and E, <0.020. Obstetrical records were examined for all women to identify their gestational age at delivery, and whether they experienced a spontaneous onset of labor (irrespective of mode of delivery) or had a medically indicated birth (either induction of labor or unlabored cesarean delivery). The cumulative incidence of delivery and risk ratios, for all deliveries and for spontaneous deliveries, was assessed. RESULTS: Among 29,035 women with singleton pregnancies, 1.0%, 2.9%, 3.3%, 5.0%, 9.9%, and 77.9% were in A, B, C, D, and E risk strata, respectively. In the A (vs E) stratum, 71.95% (vs 33.52%) of births were medically indicated. Compared with women in stratum E, women in higher risk strata were more likely to deliver, and to deliver following spontaneous labor, before their due date. For example, of the women in stratum A (vs E), 14.2% (vs 1.1%; risk ratio, 12.5 [95% confidence interval, 9.45-15.35]), 48.5% (vs 5.1%; risk ratio, 8.47 [7.48-9.35]), 69.6% (vs 15.5%; risk ratio, 3.86 [3.59-4.08]), and 90.1% (vs 44.8%; risk ratio, 6.72 [4.53-9.95]) gave birth before 37 0/7, 38 0/7, 39 0/7, and 40 0/7 weeks, respectively. For women in stratum A (vs E), when censored for medically indicated births, spontaneous labor occurred more commonly before 37 0/7 (risk ratio, 4.31 [1.99-6.57]), 38 0/7 (risk ratio, 3.71 [2.48-4.88]), 39 0/7 (risk ratio, 2.87 [2.22-3.46]), and 40 0/7 (risk ratio, 1.42 [1.14-1.77]) weeks. CONCLUSION: Women in higher-risk strata gave birth earlier, and more frequently following medically indicated delivery, compared with those in lower-risk strata. Importantly, the proportion of women who gave birth following spontaneous onset of labor before their due date was also greater in higher-risk than in lower-risk women. The Fetal Medicine Foundation 36-week competing-risk model incorporates biomarkers of placental aging, including angiogenic imbalance; these results imply that a fetoplacental response to placental aging may be an important trigger for the onset of labor at term.

The REDUCED trial: a cluster randomized trial for REDucing the utilization of CEsarean delivery for dystocia.

BACKGROUND: To reduce cesarean delivery rates in nulliparous women, guidelines for diagnosing nonprogressive labor have been developed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. These are mainly based on data from the Consortium for Safe Labor study. The guidelines have not been tested in a clinical trial, so the efficacy and safety of this new approach is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether adoption of new guidelines for diagnosing nonprogressing labor would reduce cesarean delivery rates. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial of a knowledge translation program of the guidelines in 26 Canadian hospitals (13 control sites and 13 intervention sites). The sites included all intrapartum care sites in Alberta that perform cesarean delivery and deliver at least 70 nulliparous women annually. The baseline period started on January 1, 2015. The intervention was initiated at the first intervention site in January 2017. The follow-up period began at the first intervention site in February 2017 and lasted till February 2020. The primary outcome was the rate of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women with vertex presentation in labor at term. The secondary outcomes included spontaneous vaginal birth and maternal and neonatal safety. The main data source for the primary and secondary outcomes was the Alberta Perinatal Health Program database. The cesarean delivery rates were assessed using repeated measures mixed effects logistic regression applied to individual births. RESULTS: The analysis was based on 45,193 deliveries at intervention sites and 43,725 deliveries at control sites. There was no evidence of a decrease in the rate of cesarean delivery in association with the intervention (baseline-adjusted odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [0.85-1.05]; P=.259). The rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery increased slightly (baseline-adjusted odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, [1.01-1.18]; P=.024). We did not observe any differences in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Cesarean delivery rates in nulliparous women were not reduced by the application of recent guidelines for the diagnosis of nonprogressive labor. Spontaneous vaginal delivery-a secondary outcome-was increased in the intervention group. The intervention appears to be safe.

Adverse neonatal outcomes and associated factors among mothers who gave birth through induced and spontaneous labor in public hospitals of Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adverse neonatal outcomes are one of the most common causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Empirical evidence across the world shows that induction of labor potentiates adverse neonatal outcomes. In Ethiopia, there has been limited data that compares the frequency of adverse neonatal outcomes between induced and spontaneous labor. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of adverse neonatal outcomes between induced and spontaneous labor and to determine associated factors among women who gave birth in public hospitals of Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Awi Zone public hospitals from May 1 to June 30, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 788 (260 induced and 528 spontaneous) women. The collected data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 26. The Chi-square test and an independent t-test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. In the bivariate analysis, a p-value ≤ 0.2 at a 95% confidence interval was used to consider the variables in the multivariate analysis. Finally, statistical significance was stated at a p-value of less than 0.05. RESULT: The adverse neonatal outcomes among women who gave birth through induced labor were 41.1%, whereas spontaneous labor was 10.3%. The odds of adverse neonatal outcomes in induced labor were nearly two times higher than in spontaneous labor (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11-3.22). No education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.56, 6.44), chronic disease (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI: 1.87, 8.52), male involvement (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.06), preterm birth (AOR = 9.83, 95% CI: 8.74, 76.37), operative delivery (AOR = 8.60, 95% CI: 4.63, 15.90), cesarean section (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.94, 8.95), and labor complications (AOR = 5.16, 95% CI: 2.90, 9.18) were significantly associated factors with adverse neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Adverse neonatal outcomes in the study area were higher. Composite adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly higher in induced labor compared to spontaneous labor. Therefore, it is important to anticipate the possible adverse neonatal outcomes and plan management strategies while conducting every labor induction.

Neonatal morbidity and mortality for preterm in breech presentation regarding the onset mode of labor.

PURPOSE: To assess severe neonatal morbidity and mortality in induced labor in preterm breech deliveries, compared to spontaneous labor. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary university center in France. Women with single live breech pregnancy between 28 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks gestation were included. We excluded situations with medical contraindication to vaginal delivery and fetal malformations. We compared women with an unfavorable cervix, who had an indication for deliver and could receive cervical ripening to induce labor, to women in spontaneous labor. The primary outcome was a composite criterion of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality including perinatal death, traumatic event during delivery, Apgar score at 5-min < 4, moderate or severe encephalopathy, seizures within the first 24 h, Intra-Ventricular Hemorrhage grade 3 or 4, necrotizing enterocolitis grade 2 or 3. RESULTS: We included 212 patients: 64 in the induced labor group and 136 in the spontaneous labor group. In the induced labor group, 45.3% of patients delivered vaginally, and 86% in spontaneous labor group. The neonatal morbidity and mortality rate were similar in both groups: 4.7% in the induced labor group, and 5.2% in the spontaneous labor group, p = 0.889, aOR = 1.5 (0.28-8.28). CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the patient who received induction of labor delivered vaginally. The onset mode of labor does not appear to have an effect on severe neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm breech fetuses. Induction of labor could be an option for patients in this setting.

Meal patterning and the onset of spontaneous labor.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus in the literature about the association between meal patterning during pregnancy and birth outcomes. This study examined whether maternal meal patterning in the week before birth was associated with an increased likelihood of imminent spontaneous labor. METHODS: Data came from 607 participants in the third phase of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study (PIN3). Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire after birth, before hospital discharge. Questions included the typical number of meals and snacks consumed daily, during both the week before labor onset and the 24-hour period before labor onset. A self-matched, case-crossover study design examined the association between skipping one or more meals and the likelihood of spontaneous labor onset within the subsequent 24 hours. RESULTS: Among women who experienced spontaneous labor, 87.0% reported routinely eating three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the week before their labor began, but only 71.2% reported eating three meals during the 24-hour period before their labor began. Compared with the week before their labor, the odds of imminent spontaneous labor were 5.43 times as high (95% CI: 3.41-8.65) within 24 hours of skipping 1 or more meals. The association between skipping 1 or more meals and the onset of spontaneous labor remained elevated for both pregnant individuals who birthed early (37-<39 weeks) and full-term (≥39 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Skipping meals later in pregnancy was associated with an increased likelihood of imminent spontaneous labor, though we are unable to rule out reverse causality.

Spontaneous and induced labor: association with maternal well-being three months after childbirth.

A woman's first childbirth represents a moment of elevated maternal emotional vulnerability. Indeed, there is a prevalence of anxiety and depression symptomatology in primiparas during the postpartum period that negatively influences the well-being of the woman, of her newborn, and of the quality of their attachment bond. Much attention has been paid to the possible risk factors involved in the onset of mood disturbance in the postpartum. However, knowledge is still limited regarding the role played by the specific clinical aspects linked to labor. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore whether spontaneous or elective induction labor is linked to the level of postnatal depression and anxiety three months after birth. One hundred and sixty-one women (Mage = 31.63; SD = 4.88) were recruited, using the following inclusion criteria: native Italian women; age > 18 years; physically and psychologically healthy nulliparous with singleton no-risk pregnancy; no previous abortion or interruption of pregnancy; no previous psychopathological diagnoses. Exclusion criteria: twin pregnancy, fetal pathologies, and planned elective cesarean. Data was collected at two different times: T1 (day of childbirth) clinical data of labor (spontaneous or induced) from hospital records; T2 (three months after birth) level of mother's depression and anxiety. In order to explore if the level of depression and anxiety three months after childbirth differ in women according to the type of labor, spontaneous or induced, two univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. Results showed that women who had a spontaneous labor reported lower levels of anxiety and depression than women who had an induced labor. Our results highlight the significant implications that the mode of labor has on the emotional well-being of mothers, underlining the need to support women throughout all their transition to motherhood, including the childbirth experience.

Slowing of fetal growth and elevated maternal serum sFLT1:PlGF are associated with early term spontaneous labor.

BACKGROUND: The physiological control of human parturition at term is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that slowing of fetal growth or elevated maternal serum levels of markers of placental hypoxia in late gestation will be associated with earlier term labor. STUDY DESIGN: We observed 2208 women having first births and performed serial blinded ultrasonography and immunoassay of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placenta growth factor. We estimated the probability of spontaneous delivery from 37 weeks of gestational age concerning (1) fetal growth between 20 and 36 weeks of gestational age and (2) the maternal serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placenta growth factor ratio measured at approximately 36 weeks of gestational age. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox regression. RESULTS: Fetal size at 36 weeks of gestational age was not independently associated with the timing of delivery at term. However, there was an inverse relationship between fetal growth between 20 weeks of gestational age and 36 weeks of gestational age and the probability of spontaneous labor at 37 to 38 weeks' gestation (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for a 50 percentile increase in abdominal circumference growth velocity, 0.60 [0.47-0.78]; P=.0001). This association was weaker at 39 to 40 weeks' gestation (0.83 [0.74-0.93]; P=.0013), and there was no association at ≥41 weeks' gestation. Very similar associations were observed for estimated fetal weight growth velocity. There was a positive relationship between soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placenta growth factor ratio and the probability of spontaneous labor at 37 to 38 weeks' gestation (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for a 50 percentile increase in soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placenta growth factor ratio, 3.05 [2.32-4.02]; P<.0001). This association was weaker at 39 to 40 weeks' gestation (1.46 [1.30-1.63]; P<.0001), and there was no association at ≥41 weeks' gestation. Adjustment for maternal characteristics was without material effect on any of these associations. CONCLUSION: Slowing of fetal growth and biomarkers of placental insufficiency were associated with an increased probability of early onset of spontaneous term labor. We speculated that progressive placental insufficiency may be a physiological phenomenon that occurs with advancing gestational age near and at term and promotes the initiation of labor.

Contemporary duration of spontaneous labor and association with maternal characteristics: A French national population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe labor duration of women managed with current obstetric practices in a French national population-based cohort and to assess the association of age and BMI on this duration. METHODS: All women in the French perinatal survey of 2016 with a singleton cephalic fetus, delivering at term after a spontaneous labor were included. Duration of labor was defined as time between admission to the labor ward and birth. Duration of total labor and first and second stage of labor were described. Then, duration of labor was estimated according to maternal age and BMI, using Kaplan-Meier's method and compared with the log-rank test after stratification on parity. Intrapartum cesarean birth was considered as a censoring event. Multivariable modeling was performed using Cox's proportional hazard's method. RESULTS: Data of 3120 nulliparous and 4385 multiparous women were analyzed. Median labor duration was 6.1 hours ([5th; 95th percentile]) [1.4; 12.6] and 3.1 hours [0.3; 8.5] in nulliparous and multiparous women. Multivariable Cox analysis showed no independent association of maternal age and duration of labor. Nulliparous obese women had significantly lower odds of having a shorter labor than women with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 , HR: 0.75; 95% CI [0.64-0.88], but BMI was not associated with labor duration in multiparous women. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides important information for both women and care practitioners on what to expect when entering the labor ward. There appears to be little association between maternal characteristics and labor duration, with the exception of BMI in nulliparous women.

Spontaneous labor curve based on a retrospective multi-center study in Japan.

AIM: In Japan, the criteria of the latent and active phases of the first stage of labor have not been decided. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) Perinatal Committee conducted a study to construct a spontaneous labor curve in order to determine the point of onset of the active phase. METHODS: The participants were women who had spontaneous deliveries at four health facilities in Japan between September 1, 2011, and September 31, 2019. Spontaneous delivery was defined as the spontaneous onset of labor at term (37 weeks, 0 days to 41 weeks, 6 days) with vaginal delivery of a mature fetus in a cephalic position without uterotonic agents or epidural analgesia. The time points for each "cm" of dilation were collected starting from the time of full dilation retrogradely. The relationship between time since labor onset and cervical dilation was expressed as a curve using a smoothing B-spline. RESULTS: A total of 4215 primiparous and 5266 multiparous women were included in this study. The spontaneous labor curve showed that in both primiparous and multiparous women, labor progress was slow until 5 cm cervical dilation, accelerating between 5 and 6 cm dilation, and steadily progressed after 6 cm dilation. CONCLUSION: We propose that the active phase of the first stage of labor be defined as starting at 5 cm dilation of the cervix, and that it be divided into an acceleration phase (5-6 cm dilation) and a maximal phase (>6 cm dilation).

Planned cesarean or vaginal delivery for women in spontaneous labor with a twin pregnancy: A secondary analysis of the Twin Birth Study.

BACKGROUND: The Twin Birth Study, a multicenter randomized controlled trial, found no differences in neonatal outcomes in women with twins randomized to planned cesarean or vaginal delivery. Nevertheless, women who present in spontaneous labor might expect a better outcome following a trial of vaginal delivery than undergoing cesarean delivery. In this secondary analysis, we aimed to compare neonatal outcomes of women who presented in spontaneous labor in the two arms of the Twin Birth Study. METHODS: Women in whom the first twin was in the cephalic presentation were randomized between 32 + 0 and 38 + 6 weeks to planned vaginal delivery or cesarean. The primary outcome was a composite of fetal or neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: Of the 2804 women included in the Twin Birth Study, 823 women in the planned vaginal delivery arm and 612 in the planned cesarean arm presented in spontaneous labor. Although the odds ratio favored planned vaginal delivery, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of primary outcome between the vaginal delivery and cesarean arms (1.8% vs 2.7%, respectively; P = 0.16; OR 1.49; 95% CI, 0.87-2.55). Similarly, the rates of the individual components of the primary outcome and of maternal adverse outcome were similar between the two arms. CONCLUSION: In women with twins who present in spontaneous labor between 32 + 0 and 38 + 6 weeks' gestation, where the first twin is cephalic, a policy of planned vaginal delivery or cesarean is not associated with significant differences in neonatal or maternal outcomes.

Association between provider type and cesarean birth in healthy nulliparous laboring women: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Term nulliparous women have the greatest variation across hospitals and providers in cesarean rates and therefore present an opportunity to improve quality through optimal care. We evaluated associations between provider type and mode of birth, including examination of intrapartum management in healthy, laboring nulliparous women. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected perinatal data from a United States academic medical center (2005-2012). The sample included healthy nulliparous women with spontaneous labor onset and term, singleton, vertex fetus managed by either obstetricians or certified nurse-midwives. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare labor interventions and mode of birth by provider type. RESULTS: A total of 1339 women received care by an obstetrician (n = 749) or nurse-midwife (n = 590). The cesarean rate was 13.4% (179/1339). Adjusting for maternal and pregnancy characteristics, care by obstetricians was associated with an increased risk of unplanned cesarean birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.48 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.04-2.12]) compared with care by midwives. Obstetricians more frequently used oxytocin augmentation (aOR 1.41 [95% CI 1.10-1.80]), neuraxial anesthesia (aOR 1.69 [95% CI 1.29-2.23]), and operative vaginal delivery with forceps or vacuum (aOR 2.79 [95% CI 1.75-4.44]). Adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes were not different by provider type across all modes of birth, but were more frequent in women with cesarean than vaginal births. DISCUSSION: In low-risk nulliparous laboring women, care by obstetricians compared with nurse-midwives was associated with increased risk of labor interventions and operative birth. Changes in labor management or increased use of nurse-midwives could decrease the rate of a first cesarean in low-risk laboring women.

Nonmedically indicated induction in morbidly obese women is not associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) in women aged 20-39 years was 7.5% in 2009 through 2010. Morbid obesity is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth compared with normal body mass index, especially >39 weeks' gestation. The data regarding increased risk of cesarean delivery associated with nonmedically indicated induction of labor compared to expectant management in morbidly obese women are limited. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the cesarean delivery rate of nonmedically indicated induction of labor with expectant management in morbidly obese women without other comorbidity. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study from the Consortium on Safe Labor of morbidly obese women with singleton, cephalic gestations without previous cesarean, chronic hypertension, or gestational or pregestational diabetes between 37 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks' gestation. We examined maternal outcomes including cesarean delivery, operative delivery, third- or fourth-degree laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, and composite maternal outcome (any of: transfusion, intensive care unit admission, venous thromboembolism). We also examined neonatal outcomes including shoulder dystocia, macrosomia (>4000 g), neonatal intensive care unit admission, and composite neonatal outcome (5-min Apgar score <5, stillbirth, neonatal death, or asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy). Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, controlling for maternal characteristics, hospital type, and simplified Bishop score. Analyses were conducted at early and full term (37 0/7 to 38 6/7 and 39 0/7 to 40 6/7 weeks' gestation, respectively). Women who delivered between 41 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks' gestation were included as expectant management group. RESULTS: Of 1894 nulliparous and 2455 multiparous morbidly obese women, 429 (22.7%) and 791 (32.2%) had nonmedically indicated induction, respectively. In nulliparas, nonmedically indicated induction was not associated with increased risks of cesarean delivery and was associated with decreased risks of macrosomia (2.2% vs 11.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.70) at early term and decreased neonatal intensive care unit admission (5.1% vs 8.9%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.98) at full term compared with expectant management. In multiparas, nonmedically indicated induction compared with expectant management was associated with a decreased risk of macrosomia at early term (4.2% vs 14.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.60), cesarean delivery at full term (5.4% vs 7.9%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.98), and composite neonatal outcome (0% vs 0.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, <.01-0.89) at full term. CONCLUSION: In morbidly obese women without other comorbidity, nonmedically indicated induction was not associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery.

Lactate produced during labor modulates uterine inflammation via GPR81 (HCA1).

BACKGROUND: Uterine inflammatory processes trigger prolabor pathways and orchestrate on-time labor onset. Although essential for successful labor, inflammation needs to be regulated to avoid uncontrolled amplification and resolve postpartum. During labor, myometrial smooth muscle cells generate ATP mainly via anaerobic glycolysis, resulting in accumulation of lactate. Aside from its metabolic function, lactate has been shown to activate a G protein-coupled receptor, GPR81, reported to regulate inflammation. We therefore hypothesize that lactate produced during labor may act via GPR81 in the uterus to exert in a feedback manner antiinflammatory effects, to resolve or mitigate inflammation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the role of lactate produced during labor and its receptor, GPR81, in regulating inflammation in the uterus. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the expression of GPR81 in the uterus and the pharmacological role of lactate acting via GPR81 during labor, using shRNA-GPR81 and GPR81-/- mice. RESULTS: (1) Uterine lactate levels increased substantially from 2 to 9 mmol/L during labor. (2) Immunohistological analysis revealed expression of GPR81 in the uterus with high expression in myometrium. (3) GPR81 expression increased during gestation, and peaked near labor. (4) In primary myometrial smooth muscle cell and ex vivo uteri from wild-type mice, lactate decreased interleukin-1ß-induced transcription of key proinflammatory Il1b, Il6, Ccl2, and Pghs2; suppressive effects of lactate were not observed in cells and tissues from GPR81-/- mice. (5) Conversely, proinflammatory gene expression was augmented in the uterus at term in GPR81-/- mice and wild-type mice treated intrauterine with lentiviral-encoded shRNA-GPR81; GPR81 silencing also induced proinflammatory gene transcription in the uterus when labor was induced by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide). (6) Importantly, administration to pregnant mice of a metabolically stable specific GPR81 agonist, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, decreased endotoxin-induced uterine inflammation, preterm birth, and associated neonatal mortality. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data uncover a novel link between the anaerobic glycolysis and the control of uterine inflammation wherein the high levels of lactate produced during labor act on uterine GPR81 to down-regulate key proinflammatory genes. This discovery may represent a novel feedback mechanism to regulate inflammation during labor, and conveys a potential rationale for the use of GPR81 agonists to attenuate inflammation and resulting preterm birth.

On predicting time to completion for the first stage of spontaneous labor at term in multiparous women.

BACKGROUND: Labor that progresses faster than anticipated may lead to unplanned out-of-hospital births. With the aim to improve planning of transportation to birthing institutions, this study investigated predictors of time to completion for the first stage of labor conditional on cervical opening (conditional time) in multiparous women at term. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of partograms for women in Robson's group 3 who delivered at one hospital from 2003 to 2013. A generalized additive mixed model was fitted, accounting for possible non-linear relationships between the predictor variables and outcome, e.g. the time from each cervical measurement to full dilation, using multiple measurements for each woman. The following predictors were included: cervical dilation (cm), parity (1, 2, or ≥3 previous vaginal births), oxytocin infusion (no/yes), epidural (no/yes), maternal age (years), maternal height (cm), body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), birthweight (kg), spontaneous rupture of membranes (no/yes). A modified regression model with gestational age (days) instead of birthweight was used to predict conditional time to full cervical dilation for combinations of the most relevant predictors. RESULTS: A total of 1753 partograms were included in the analysis. The strongest predictors were birthweight, epidural and oxytocin use, and spontaneous rupture of membranes, along with cervical measurements. For birthweight, there was an almost 40% increase in time to full cervical dilation for each 1-kg increment. Conditional time was on average 23% longer in cases with epidural use and 53% longer in cases requiring oxytocin augmentation. Spontaneous rupture of the membranes shortened conditional time by 31%. Maternal age was not associated with the outcome, while increasing BMI and parity modestly reduced conditional time. CONCLUSIONS: Higher parity, lower fetal weight (gestational age), and spontaneous rupture of the membranes are associated with more rapid labor.

Evolution of cesarean categories in a modified Robson classification in a single center from 2002 to 2012 due to high rate of maternal pathology.

AIM: To study the evolution in cesarean section (CS) categories in a single center from 2002 to 2012. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on all live births from 2002, 2007, and 2012 using a modified Robson classification accounting for cervical ripening in the induction groups, post-term pregnancies, and the number of uterine scars. RESULTS: We recorded 2162, 2105 and 2380 deliveries with caesarean delivery rates of 23.2%, 24.9%, and 30.4% in 2002, 2007, and 2012 respectively. Nulliparous women in spontaneous labor (group 1) decreased from 36.3% to 27.4% of the total population, but CS rates in this group increased from 14.1% to 19.5% (P < 0.05). Labor induction and CS before labor in nulliparous women category (group 2) increased from 6.7% to 14.2% but with stable CS rates. Induction of labor and cervical ripening in this group increased from 91 and nine in 2002 to 119 and 240 in 2012, respectively. In the same period, maternal pathology increased from 11% to 33%. Scarred uterus remained the major source of CS (almost 30% of all CS in 2012). CONCLUSION: CS rates increased throughout the studied period, associated with an increase in rates of maternal pathology, induction by cervical ripening, and scarred uterus.

Evaluation of labor management practices during spontaneous labor.

INTRODUCTION: In 2017, the French national authority for health issued national guidelines to support physiologic labor and reduce medical interventions. This study's primary aim was to evaluate the association between the publication of these guidelines and the vaginal delivery rate in a type IIb perinatal center. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the implementation of these guidelines, their association with the duration of labor, and the rates of postpartum hemorrhage and adverse neonatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A before-and-after, retrospective, single-center study comparing a "before" group (2016) and an "after" group (2018), one year after the recommendations were published. Women were eligible if they had no prior cesarean delivery and gave birth after 37 weeks of gestation to a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation after spontaneous labor. The analysis was stratified by parity. RESULTS: Oxytocin administration decreased between the two periods (48% vs 35 %, P < 0.0001), as did the frequency of amniotomies (artificial rupture of membranes) (39.5 % vs 27.7 %, P < 0.0001). The duration of labor was significantly prolonged (360 vs 390 min, P < 0.0001), especially in nulliparous women (465 min vs 562 min, P<0.0001). The frequency of vaginal delivery rose between the two periods (94.6 % vs 96 %, P = 0.05), and the postpartum hemorrhage rate fell (6 % vs 4.5 %, P = 0.04). The numbers of neonates with an umbilical artery pH< 7.10 and of neonatal transfers also decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of active interventions during labor is associated with a longer duration of labor and a decrease in the rates of cesarean births, postpartum hemorrhages, and neonatal transfers.

Membrane sweeping at term to promote spontaneous labor and reduce the likelihood of formal labor induction for prolonged pregnancy, in South Asia and the world: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Membrane sweeping promotes the spontaneous onset of labor, reducing the need for formal labor induction. In addition to the safety profile, membrane sweep is a cost-effective measure in a low-resource setting like South Asia. OBJECTIVES: To the best of our knowledge, previous reviews and meta-analyses have not explored the timing and frequency of membrane sweeping or its association with the period of gestation (POG) and parity. Additionally, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the inclusion of older studies and the analyses conducted regardless of ethnicity in previous literature. We addressed these gray areas in the current study to fill the research gap. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Reviews. Study selection was performed using the semi-automated tool Rayyan. SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection criteria for this study encompassed the inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between January 2010 and May 2023, with accessible full-text articles. The focus was on low-risk pregnant women carrying a single fetus in a cephalic presentation at term (37-42 weeks) gestation, confirmed by reliable methods. Essential data for relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) calculation must be present. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB2) tool and funnel plots were used to assess bias. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 version was used for analysis. The Mantel-Haenszel statistics and random effects were used to calculate the overall effect of risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Study heterogeneity was calculated using the I2 statistic. Two subgroups were used in the analysis: South Asia and the rest of the world. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 13 RCTs with 2599 participants were analyzed. Overall, membrane sweep effectively reduced formal IOL with an effect size of 2.43 (95% CI: 1.51-3.91). It also promoted spontaneous labor with an effect size of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.15-2.55). In the South Asian subgroup, membrane sweeping significantly promoted the spontaneous onset of labor with an overall effect of 1.85 (95% CI: 1.37-2.51), and in the rest of the world subgroup, membrane sweeping significantly reduced formal labor induction with an overall effect of 1.93 (95% CI: 1.33-2.82). The pooled effects were significant in mulipara with a POG ≥40 W in the South Asian subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Membrane sweeping effectively reduces the need for formal labor induction and promotes spontaneous labor. This may be particularly relevant in South Asian populations where a disproportionate ethnic contribution to stillbirth rates is noted. Due to the limited number of RCTs addressing the factors and study methodology heterogeneity, we had limited data in some subgroup analyses. Therefore, we encourage more RCTs and meta-analyses on POG, parity, timing and frequency of membrane sweeping, and ethnic differences.

FIGO good practice recommendations for induced or spontaneous labor at term: Prep-for-Labor triage to minimize risks and maximize favorable outcomes.

The goal of induced or spontaneous labor is childbirth by vaginal delivery. Delivery after 37 weeks is desirable and associated with favorable maternal and newborn outcomes. Delivery facilities should have suitable staff and resources on site for antenatal services and delivery care. FIGO's Prep-for-Labor triage method provides rapid diagnostic tools that help define patients as high or low risk to determine whether transfer to a higher-level center is needed. There is often a disconnect between a facility's designation and its ability to achieve safe deliveries. For preplanned labor induction, the designated clinical facility must have the right set-up and prenatal records available to achieve a successful outcome. However, this is often not the case if a patient arrives in labor or needs an induction and the facility has limited patient information and resources, thus requiring rapid management decisions. The practical guidance checklist in this article defines maternal and/or fetal risk factors and delineates approaches and safe practices for labor induction and management, including when antenatal information is limited to maximize safe delivery practices. Guidelines on using the Bishop score (>6 or <6) to manage labor are presented. Evidence supporting successful safe labor induction at 41-42 weeks of gestation in low-risk cases is described. This practice will increase the rate of spontaneous labor and delivery, minimizing intervention and thereby diverting limited clinical resources to those patients in need. In the right setting, this could lead to around 80% of women delivering spontaneously, which remains a desired goal.

Delivery Progress, Labor Interventions and Perinatal Outcome in Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery of Singleton Pregnancies between Nulliparous and Primiparous Women with One Previous Elective Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is an alternative to repeated cesarean for women with singleton pregnancy and one previous transverse lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), resulting in most cases being a successful vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). The primary objective of this study was to examine if the progress and the duration of the active first stage and the second stage of labor in nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy, spontaneous start of labor and vaginal birth differ from primiparous women succeeding VBAC after one previous elective LSCS in a country with a low cesarean section and high VBAC rate. Secondary objectives were to compare labor interventions and maternal-neonatal outcomes between the two groups. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative study. Data were collected in a four-year period at the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kristianstad and Ystad hospitals in Sweden. Out of 14,925 deliveries, 106 primipara women with one previous elective LSCS and a spontaneous labor onset in the subsequent singleton pregnancy were identified. Of these women, 94 (88.7%) delivered vaginally and were included in the study (VBAC group). The comparison group included 212 randomly selected nulliparous women that had a normal singleton pregnancy, spontaneous labor onset and delivered vaginally. RESULTS: The rate of cervical dilation during the active first stage of labor as well as the duration of the second stage did not differ between the two groups. When adjusting for cervical dilation at admission, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor. No significant differences were found in maternal-neonatal outcomes between the two groups except for higher birth weight in the VBAC group. The use of epidural analgesia was associated with slower dilation rhythm over the duration of the active phase and second stage of labor, need for labor augmentation, postpartum bleeding and need for transfusion at higher rates, irrespective of parity when epidural was used. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that in women with one previous elective LSCS undergoing TOLAC in the subsequent pregnancy resulting in vaginal birth, the progress and duration of labor are not different from those in nulliparous women when labor is spontaneous and the it is a singleton pregnancy. The use of epidural was associated with prolonged labor, need for labor augmentation and higher postpartum bleeding, irrespective of parity. This information may be useful in patient counseling and labor management in TOLAC.