Search

Objective: To estimate preeclampsia occurrence and recurrence risk in the 2nd pregnancy and analyze associated risk factors such as 1st pregnancy maximum diastolic blood pressure (maxDBP) and gestational age at delivery (GA)., Study Design: Linked cohort of 1st and 2nd pregnancies of 272,551 women from the Dutch Perinatal Registry collected between 2000 and 2007. We defined preeclampsia as hypertension (maxDBP ≥90 mmHg or documented hypertension) plus proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 h) and analyzed its 2nd pregnancy occurrence with logistic regression. Early and late onset preeclampsia were defined by delivery before and after the 34th week, respectively., Results: Preeclampsia prevalences in the 1st and 2nd pregnancies were 2.5% and 0.9%, respectively. Women with prior preeclampsia had a 10.5% risk of recurrence. For women with term 1st pregnancies and maxDBP <80 mmHg, the 2nd pregnancy preeclampsia rate was 0.2% (95% CI 0.17%-0.23%), while for those whom presented maxDBP ≥110 mmHg it was 4.2% (95% CI 3.6%-4.8%). First pregnancy late onset preeclampsia was associated with increased preeclampsia recurrence risk proportional to 1st pregnancy maxDBP: in women with a maxDBP between 100 and 109 mmHg the recurrence risk was 8.3%, while for women with a maxDBP ≥110 mmHg this risk was 11% (difference 2.7%; 95% CI 1.0%-4.4%). In 1st pregnancy early onset preeclampsia corresponding rates were 14.8% and 19.3% (difference 4.5%; 95% CI -1.3%-9.7%)., Conclusion: Preeclampsia recurrence risk is 10%. Preeclampsia risk in the 2nd pregnancy increases proportionally to 1st pregnancy maxDBP. Earlier onsets of 1st pregnancy preeclampsia further increase recurrence risk., (Copyright © 2018 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To estimate costs of preterm birth in singleton and multiple pregnancies., Study Design: Cost analysis based on data from a prospective cohort study and three multicentre randomised controlled trials (2006-2012) in a Dutch nationwide consortium for women's health research. Women with preterm birth before 37 completed weeks were included for analysis. Direct costs were estimated from a health care perspective, from delivery until discharge or decease of the neonates. Costs and adverse perinatal outcome per pregnancy were measured. Adverse perinatal outcome comprised both perinatal mortality and a composite of neonatal morbidity defined as chronic lung disease, intraventricular haemorrhage≥grade 2, periventricular leukomalacia≥grade 1, proven sepsis or necrotising enterocolitis. Using a moving average technique covering three weeks per measurement, costs and adverse perinatal outcome per woman delivering for every week between 24 and 37 weeks are reported., Results: Data of 2802 women were available of whom 1503 (53.6%) had a preterm birth; 501 in 1090 singleton (46%) and 1002 in 1712 multiple pregnancies (58.5%). The most frequent perinatal outcomes were perinatal mortality, chronic lung disease and sepsis. For singleton pregnancies the peak of total costs was at 25 weeks (€88,052 per delivery), compared to 27 weeks for multiple pregnancies (€169,571 per delivery). The total costs declined rapidly with increasing duration of pregnancy. Major cost drivers were length of stay on the NICU and airway treatments. The peaks seen in costs paralleled with the prevalence of adverse perinatal outcome., Conclusions: These data can be used to elaborate on the impact of preterm birth in case only data are available on duration of pregnancy., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Observational studies have shown an increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women who experienced a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. This risk is related to the severity of the pregnancy-related hypertensive disease and gestational age at onset. However, it has not been investigated whether these differences in CVD risk factors are already present at postpartum cardiovascular screening. We evaluated postpartum differences in CVD risk factors in 3 subgroups of patients with a history of hypertensive pregnancy. We compared the prevalence of common CVD risk factors postpartum among 448 women with previous early-onset preeclampsia, 76 women with previous late-onset preeclampsia, and 224 women with previous pregnancy-induced hypertension. Women with previous early-onset preeclampsia were compared with women with late-onset preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension and had significantly higher fasting blood glucose (5.29 versus 4.80 and 4.83 mmol/L), insulin (9.12 versus 6.31 and 6.7 uIU/L), triglycerides (1.32 versus 1.02 and 0.97 mmol/L), and total cholesterol (5.14 versus 4.73 and 4.73 mmol/L). Almost half of the early-onset preeclampsia women had developed hypertension, as opposed to 39% and 25% of women in the pregnancy-induced hypertension and late-onset preeclampsia groups, respectively. Our data show differences in the prevalence of common modifiable CVD risk factors postpartum and suggest that prevention strategies should be stratified according to severity and gestational age of onset for the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy., (© 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Objective: To analyse if from 2000-2010 the rate of elective caesarean sections (CS) before 39 0/7 weeks of gestation declined when compared with all elective CS, and to evaluate the possible associated factors., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Method: Using data from The Netherlands Perinatal Registry, all term elective CS (n = 59,653) from 2000-2010 were selected. Trends in patient characteristics and in performing an elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks were analysed using regression analysis, and differences between hospitals using the χ2 test. Using multiple logistic regression analysis it was analysed which factors were associated with performing an elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks., Results: The percentage of elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks decreased from 56% in 2000 to 43% in 2010 (p < 0.0001). In peripheral hospitals an elective SC was performed more often before 39+0 weeks than in academic hospitals; 53% in peripheral teaching hospitals, 57% in peripheral non-teaching hospitals, and 46% in academic hospitals. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.38 (1.30-1.47) in peripheral teaching hospitals, and 1.55 (1.46-1.65) in peripheral non-teaching hospitals. In hospitals where the number of deliveries per year was situated in the lower quartile, elective CS before 39 0/7 weeks was carried out more often than in hospitals where deliveries per year were in the upper quartile, 60% versus 52% (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: In the period 2000-2009 the timing of elective CS improved marginally. In 2010 the trend began to decline, even though 43% of elective caesarean sections were still carried out before 39 0/7 weeks. This results in a higher risk of neonatal morbidity and health problems in long-term.

Objective: To evaluate whether progression to a high-risk situation is predictable in women with gestational hypertension (GH) or mild pre-eclampsia (PE) at term., Methods: Women with a singleton pregnancy, a fetus in cephalic position, between 36 and 41 weeks of gestation, complicated by GH or mild PE that were managed expectantly, were selected from the HYPITAT trial. We evaluated the predictability of progression to a high-risk situation. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictive value of clinical characteristics or laboratory findings and to generate a prediction model for progression to a high-risk situation. The predictive value of this model was assessed with receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calibration and internal validation., Results: We included 703 women, of whom 244 (34.7%) had progression to a high-risk situation. After multivariable analysis, nulliparity (OR 1.87), maternal age (OR 1.05 per year), gestational age (OR 0.88 per week), previous abortion (OR 1.26), ethnicity (OR 2.05 for non-Caucasian ethnicity), diastolic (OR 1.04 per mmHg), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.02 per mmHg) and the laboratory parameters proteinuria, haemoglobin, platelets, uric acid and alanine aminotransferase were included in the final model. The area under the ROC curve of this model was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.67-0.74). Even though the goodness of fit was moderate (P=0.40), internal validation showed the model could hold in the overall population., Conclusion: In the prediction of progression to a high-risk situation, in women with GH or mild PE at term, a distinction can be made between women with a low risk and women with high risk., (© 2011 The Authors. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology © 2011 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Objective: Small for gestational age (SGA) is associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. At present, evidence on whether these pregnancies should be managed expectantly or by induction is lacking. To get insight in current policy we analysed data of the National Dutch Perinatal Registry (PRN)., Methods: We used data of all nulliparae between 2000 and 2005 with a singleton in cephalic presentation beyond 36+0 weeks, with a birth weight below the 10th percentile. We analysed two groups of pregnancies: (I) with isolated SGA and (II) with both SGA and hypertensive disorders. Onset of labour was related to route of delivery and neonatal outcome., Results: Induction was associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section (CS), without improvement in neonatal outcome. For women with isolated SGA the relative risk of emergency CS after induction was 2.3 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.1 to 2.5) and for women with both SGA and hypertensive disorders the relative risk was 2.7 (95% CI 2.3 to 3.1)., Conclusion: Induction in pregnancies complicated by SGA at term is associated with a higher risk of instrumental deliveries without improvement of neonatal outcome. Prospective studies are needed to determine the best strategy in suspected IUGR at term.

Aim: This study aims to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and mode of delivery, progression of labour, and intrapartum interventions. Methods: This was a retrospective matched cohort study including Class III obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) and normal BMI (BMI <25 kg/m2) women planning a vaginal birth who had a live, singleton delivery from January 2015 to December 2018. Patients were matched (1:1) based on age, gestational age, parity, onset of labour and birth weight. The primary outcome was caesarean delivery (CD). Secondary outcomes were delivery outcomes, intrapartum management and interventions. Rates of each outcome were compared with matched analysis, and duration of labour with time‐to‐event analysis. Results: We studied two groups of 300 pregnant women. The CD rate was significantly higher for obese women than the normal BMI cohort (19.3% vs 13.3%; risk ratio (RR) 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–1.98, P = 0.035). Cervical dilation prior to CD for failure to progress was slower in obese than normal BMI (0.04 vs 0.16 cm/h). The obese cohort had a longer duration of labour in those who underwent induction (13.70 vs 11.48 h, P = 0.024). Intrapartum intervention rates were higher for obese women, with significant differences in rates of fetal scalp electrodes (72.7% vs 22.7%, RR 3.20, 95% CI 2.58–3.99, P < 0.001), intrauterine pressure catheters (18.3% vs 0%, P < 0.001), epidural analgesia (44.0% vs 37.0%, RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.44, P = 0.040) and fetal scalp lactate sampling (8.0% vs 3.0%, RR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.33–5.33, P = 0.004). Conclusion: Class III obesity is associated with an increased risk of CD and intrapartum interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational age is positively associated with cognitive development, but socio‐demographic factors also influence school performance. Previous studies suggested possible interaction, putting children with low socio‐economic status (SES) at increased risk of the negative effects of prematurity. Objectives: To investigate the association between gestational age in weeks, socio‐demographic characteristics, and school performance at the age of 12 years among children in regular primary education. Methods: Population‐based cohort study among liveborn singletons (N = 860,332) born in the Netherlands in 1999–2006 at 25–42 weeks' gestation, with school performance from 2011 to 2019. Regression analyses were conducted investigating the association of gestational age and sociodemographic factors with school performance and possible interaction. Results: School performance increased with gestational age up to 40 weeks. This pattern was evident across socio‐demographic strata. Children born at 25 weeks had −0.57 SD (95% confidence interval −0.79, −0.35) lower school performance z‐scores and lower secondary school level compared to 40 weeks. Low maternal education, low maternal age, and non‐European origin were strongly associated with lower school performance. Being born third or later and low socioeconomic status (SES) were also associated with lower school performance, but differences were smaller than among other factors. When born preterm, children from mothers with low education level, low or high age, low SES or children born third or later were at higher risk for lower school performance compared to children of mothers with intermediate education level, aged 25–29 years, with intermediate SES or first borns (evidence of interaction). Conclusions: Higher gestational age is associated with better school performance at the age of 12 years along the entire spectrum of gestational age, beyond the cut‐off of preterm birth and across socio‐demographic differences. Children in socially or economically disadvantaged situations might be more vulnerable to the negative impact of preterm birth. Other important factors in school performance are maternal education, maternal age, ethnicity, birth order and SES. Results should be interpreted with caution due to differential loss to follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. A shortened cervix is a recognised risk factor for PTB, and amniotic fluid sludge (AFS) diagnosed on ultrasound may be suggestive of underlying inflammation or infection. Aims: The aim is to determine if azithromycin, administered in cases of a shortened cervix, results in prolongation of gestation with improvements in neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study at three tertiary maternity services in Melbourne, Australia, between 2015 and 2020. Women with a singleton pregnancy were included if they had a cervical length of 15 mm or less at 13–24 weeks' gestation, with or without AFS. Exclusion criteria comprised multiple pregnancy, major fetal congenital anomaly, placenta praevia, prelabour premature rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding and/or clinical signs suggestive of chorioamnionitis at the time of diagnosis of the short cervix. The results of antibiotic treatment with azithromycin were compared to those of no antibiotic treatment. The outcomes of interest were PTB, prelabour premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), chorioamnionitis and neonatal morbidity. Results: A total of 374 women were included in the study, of whom 129 received azithromycin and 245 received no antibiotics. When adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted risk of PTB overall was higher in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.77) P = 0.023) with no differences found for PPROM, chorioamnionitis or neonatal morbidity. Conclusion: These data do not support the routine use of azithromycin in women with a short cervix, including those with AFS detected on ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of induction of labor, for both medical reasons and as an elective procedure, has been rising and a further increase in induction of labor following the ARRIVE trial may be expected. The effects of induction of labor at term on childhood neurodevelopment, however, are not well studied. We aimed to study the influence of elective induction of labor for each week of gestation separately from 37 to 42 weeks on offspring school performance at 12 years of age after uncomplicated pregnancies. Material and methods: We performed a population‐based study among 226 684 liveborn children from uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, born from 37+0 to 42+0 weeks of gestation in cephalic presentation in 2003–2008 (no hypertensive disorders, diabetes or birthweight ≤p5) in the Netherlands. Children with congenital anomalies, of non‐white mothers and born after planned cesarean section were excluded. Birth records were linked with national data on school achievement. We compared, using a fetus‐at‐risk approach and per week of gestation, school performance score and secondary school level at age 12 in those born after induction of labor to those born after non‐intervention, ie spontaneous onset of labor in the same week plus all those born at later gestations. Education scores were standardized to a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1 and adjusted in the regression analyses. Results: For each gestational age up to 41 weeks, induction of labor was associated with decreased school performance scores compared with non‐intervention (at 37 weeks −0.05 SD, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.10 to −0.01 SD; adjusted for confounding factors). After induction of labor, fewer children reached higher secondary school level (at 38 weeks 48% vs 54%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.94). Conclusions: In women with uncomplicated pregnancies at term, consistently, at every week of gestation from 37 to 41 weeks, induction of labor is associated with lower offspring school performance at age 12 and lower secondary school level compared with non‐intervention, although residual confounding may remain. These long‐term effects of induction of labor should be incorporated in counseling and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and Melbourne's multiple community lockdowns (between 2020–21) on total live birth rates and preterm births in a large health network. Analysis revealed a decrease in total live birth rates following easing of initial lockdowns, and a sharp increase in births at one stage in between lockdowns. The proportion and number of preterm births (<37 weeks gestation) decreased at the start of initial lockdowns with the strongest decrease after the end of the second lockdown period. Births <34 weeks gestation also decreased during lockdowns, but no significant change was identified for births <28 weeks gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Midtrimester prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) between 16 and 24 weeks of gestational age is a major obstetric complication with high rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Amnioinfusion has been proposed in women with midtrimester PROM to target oligohydramnios and subsequently enhance pulmonary development and perinatal outcomes. Material and Methods: The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis including all randomized clinical trials investigating amnioinfusion versus no intervention in women with PROM between 16+0 and 24+0 weeks of gestational age. Databases Central, Embase, Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and references of identified articles were searched from inception of database to December 2021. The primary outcome was perinatal mortality. Secondary outcomes included neonatal, maternal, and long-term developmental outcomes as defined in the core outcome set for preterm birth studies. Summary measures were reported as pooled relative risk (RR) or mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Two studies (112 patients, 56 in the amnioinfusion group and 56 in the no intervention group) were included in this review. Pooled perinatal mortality was 66.1% (37/56) in the amnioinfusion group compared with 71.4% (40/56) in no intervention group (RR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.72–1.19). Other neonatal and maternal core outcomes were similar in both groups, although due to the relatively small number of events and wide CIs, there is a possibility that amnioinfusion can be associated with clinically important benefits and harms. Long-term healthy survival was seen in 35.7% (10/28) of children assessed for follow-up and treated with amnioinfusion versus 28.6% (8/28) after no intervention (RR 1.30, 95% CI: 0.47–3.60, "best case scenario"). Conclusions: Based on these findings, the benefits of amnioinfusion for midtrimester PROM <24 weeks of gestational age are unproven, and the potential harms remain undetermined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate how medical comorbidities - chronic hypertension, pre-gestational or gestational diabetes and obesity - influence maternal and neonatal complications from preeclampsia.Study Design: We undertook a retrospective cohort study of women delivering in Victoria, Australia, between 2009 and 2017. We compared the likelihood of having a maternal complication before delivery or neonatal complication after birth between women with and without comorbidities. We used causal mediation analysis for neonatal outcomes to separate the effects of comorbidities and of prematurity on morbidity.Main Outcome Measures: Pregnancy complications (eclampsia; haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome; placental abruption; stillbirth) and neonatal complications (respiratory distress syndrome; neonatal sepsis; a 5-minute APGAR < 5; neonatal intensive care unit admission).Results: Women with comorbidities delivered at a median (interquartile range) of 37.0 (36.0-39.0) weeks gestation, earlier than women without comorbidities (38.0 (36.0-39.0) weeks, p < 0.001). Women with comorbidities were less likely than those without to suffer any pregnancy complication prior to delivery (adjusted relative risk 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.72-0.86); however, their neonates suffered more respiratory distress syndrome (aRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.57), neonatal sepsis (aRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.17-1.72) and NICU admission (aRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.23-1.53). Earlier delivery was a major contributor to worse neonatal outcomes.Conclusions: Medical comorbidities are associated with earlier delivery among women with preeclampsia. This is associated with fewer maternal complications, but worse neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Community lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may influence preterm birth rates, but mechanisms are unclear. Methods We compared neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born to mothers exposed to community lockdowns in 2020 (exposed group) to those born in 2019 (control group). Main outcome studied was composite of significant neonatal morbidity or death. Results Median gestational age was 35 + 4 weeks (295 infants, exposed group) vs. 35 + 0 weeks (347 infants, control group) (p = 0.108). The main outcome occurred in 36/295 (12.2%) infants in exposed group vs. 46/347 (13.3%) in control group (p = 0.69). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use, jaundice requiring phototherapy, hypoglycaemia requiring treatment, early neonatal white cell and neutrophil counts were significantly reduced in the exposed group. Conclusions COVID-19 community lockdowns did not alter composite neonatal outcomes in preterm infants, but reduced rates of some common outcomes as well as early neonatal inflammatory markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To develop a core outcome set for trials investigating interventions to prevent stillbirth. Materials & Methods: Outcomes identified from a systematic literature review and semi‐structured interviews with parents in Australia and the UK were entered into a two‐round online Delphi survey and focus group/consensus meetings. Results: A core outcome set containing 11 outcomes in two categories. Five outcomes were related to the mother; fetal loss, onset of and mode of delivery, maternal mortality or near miss, psychological and social impact on the women, women's knowledge. Six outcomes were related to the baby; timing of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, gestational age at delivery, birthweight, congenital anomaly, NICU/SCBU or other higher‐level neonatal care length of stay. Conclusions: Implementation and dissemination of this core outcome set in future trials will contribute towards coordinated outcome reporting and advancing usefulness of research to guide clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is little evidence to guide the timing of delivery of women with early-onset severe preeclampsia. We hypothesize that immediate delivery is not inferior for neonatal outcome but reduces maternal complications compared with temporizing management.Material and Methods: This Dutch multicenter open-label randomized clinical trial investigated non-inferiority for neonatal outcome of temporizing management as compared with immediate delivery (TOTEM NTR 2986) in women between 27+5 and 33+5 weeks of gestation admitted for early-onset severe preeclampsia with or without HELLP syndrome. In participants allocated to receive immediate delivery, either induction of labor or cesarean section was initiated at least 48 hours after admission. Primary outcomes were adverse perinatal outcome, defined as a composite of severe respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, culture proven sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 or worse, periventricular leukomalacia grade 2 or worse, necrotizing enterocolitis stage 2 or worse, and perinatal death. Major maternal complications were secondary outcomes. It was estimated 1130 women needed to be enrolled. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.Results: The trial was halted after 35 months because of slow recruitment. Between February 2011 and December 2013, a total of 56 women were randomized to immediate delivery (n = 26) or temporizing management (n = 30). Median gestational age at randomization was 30 weeks. Median prolongation of pregnancy was 2 days (interquartile range 1-3 days) in the temporizing management group. Mean birthweight was 1435 g after immediate delivery vs 1294 g after temporizing management (P = .14). The adverse perinatal outcome rate was 55% in the immediate delivery group vs 52% in the temporizing management group (relative risk 1.06; 95% confidence interval 0.67-1.70). In both groups there was one neonatal death and no maternal deaths. In the temporizing treatment group, one woman experienced pulmonary edema and one placental abruption. Analyses of only the singleton pregnancies did not result in other outcomes.Conclusions: Early termination of the trial precluded any conclusions for the main outcomes. We observed that temporizing management resulted in a modest prolongation of pregnancy without changes in perinatal and maternal outcome. Conducting a randomized study for this important research question did not prove feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is an increase in women delivering ≥35 years of age. We analyzed the association between advanced maternal age and pregnancy outcomes in late- and postterm pregnancies.Material and Methods: A national cohort study was performed on obstetrical low-risk women using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry from 1999 to 2010. We included women ≥18 years of age with a singleton pregnancy at term. Women with a pregnancy complicated by congenital anomalies, hypertensive disorders or diabetes mellitus were excluded. Composite adverse perinatal outcome was defined as stillbirth, neonatal death, meconium aspiration syndrome, 5-minute Apgar score <7, neonatal intensive care unit admittance and sepsis. Composite adverse maternal outcome was defined as maternal death, placental abruption and postpartum hemorrhage of >1000 mL.Results: We stratified the women into three age groups: 18-34 (n = 1 321 366 [reference]); 35-39 (n = 286 717) and ≥40 (n = 40 909). Composite adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 1.6% in women aged 18-34, 1.7% in women aged 35-39 (relative risk [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03-1.08) and 2.2% in women aged ≥40 (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.29-1.47), with 5-minute Apgar score <7 as the factor contributing most to the outcome. Composite adverse maternal outcome occurred in 4.6% in women aged 18-34, 5.0% in women aged 35-39 (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.10) and 5.2% in women aged ≥40 (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.19), with postpartum hemorrhage >1000 mL as the factor contributing most to the outcome. In all age categories, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher for nulliparous than for multiparous women. The risk of adverse outcomes increased in both nulliparous and parous women with advancing gestational age. When adjusted for parity, onset of labor and gestational age, advanced maternal age is associated with an increase in both composite adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes.Conclusions: The risk of adverse pregnancy outcome increases with advancing maternal age. Women aged ≥40 have an increased risk of adverse perinatal and maternal outcome when pregnancy goes beyond 41 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity worldwide. Many factors have been associated with preterm birth, including parity. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between parity and risk of spontaneous preterm birth.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including live singleton births (≥22 weeks) of women with a first, second, third, fourth or fifth pregnancy in The Netherlands from 2010 through 2014. Our primary outcome was risk of spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks. Secondary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth < 32 and < 28 weeks.Results: We studied 802,119 pregnancies, including 30,237 pregnancies that ended spontaneously < 37 weeks. We identified an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks in nulliparous women (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.89-2.00) and women in their fifth pregnancy (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.41) compared to women in their second pregnancy. Similar results were seen for spontaneous preterm birth < 32 and < 28 weeks.Conclusion: Our data show an independent association between nulliparity and spontaneous preterm birth < 37, < 32 and < 28 weeks. Furthermore, we observed an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth in women in their fifth pregnancy, with highest risk for preterm birth at early gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pre-eclampsia shares pathophysiology with intrauterine growth restriction. Objective: To investigate whether delivery of a small for gestational age (SGA) infant in the 1st pregnancy increases the risk of early and late onset pre-eclampsia in the 2nd pregnancy. Conversely, we investigated whether pre-eclampsia in the 1st pregnancy impacts SGA risk in the 2nd pregnancy. Study design: We studied a cohort from the Dutch Perinatal Registry of 265,031 women with 1st and 2nd singleton pregnancies who delivered between 2000 and 2007. We analyzed 2nd pregnancy risks of early and late onset pre-eclampsia—defined by delivery before or after 34 gestational weeks—as well as SGA below the 5th and between the 5th and 10th percentiles risks with multivariable logistic regressions. Interaction terms between 1st pregnancy hypertension, pre-eclampsia, SGA, and delivery before or after 34 gestational weeks were included in the regressions. Results: First pregnancy early onset pre-eclampsia increased risk of SGA <5th percentile (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.7) in the 2nd pregnancy. Late onset pre-eclampsia increased the SGA <5th percentile marginally (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.3). In the absence of 1st pregnancy hypertensive disorder, women who delivered an SGA infant in their 1st pregnancy were at increased risk of 2nd pregnancy late onset pre-eclampsia (SGA <5th: OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.58–2.66; SGA 5–10th: OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.93). Early onset 2nd pregnancy pre-eclampsia risk was also increased, but this was only statistically significant for women who delivered an SGA infant below the 5th percentile in the 1st pregnancy (SGA <5th: OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.19–5.00; SGA 5–10th: OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.68–4.24;). Conclusion: Women with 1st pregnancy early onset pre-eclampsia have increased risk of SGA <5th percentile in the 2nd pregnancy. SGA in the 1st pregnancy increases pre-eclampsia risk in the 2nd pregnancy even in the absence of hypertensive disorders in the 1st pregnancy, although absolute risks remain low. These findings strengthen the evidence base associating intrauterine growth restriction with early onset pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since caesarean sections (CSs) before 39+0 weeks gestation are associated with higher rates of neonatal respiratory morbidity, it is recommended to delay elective CSs until 39+0 weeks. However, this bears the risk of earlier spontaneous labour resulting in unplanned CSs, which has workforce and resource implications, specifically in smaller obstetric units. Aim: To assess, in a policy of elective CSs from 39+0 weeks onward, the number of unplanned CSs to prevent one neonate with respiratory complications, as compared to early elective CS. Materials and Methods: We performed a decision analysis comparing early term elective CS at 37+0–6 or 38+0–6 weeks to elective prelabour CS, without strict medical indication, at 39+0–6 weeks, with earlier unplanned CS, in women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. We used literature data to calculate the number of unplanned CSs necessary to prevent one neonate with respiratory morbidity. Results: Planning all elective CSs at 39+0–6 weeks required 10.9 unplanned CSs to prevent one neonate with respiratory morbidity, compared to planning all elective CSs at 38+0–6 weeks. Compared to planning all elective CSs at 37+0–6 weeks we needed to perform 3.3 unplanned CSs to prevent one neonate with respiratory morbidity. Conclusion: In a policy of planning all elective pre‐labour CSs from 39+0 weeks of gestation onward, between three and 11 unplanned CSs have to be performed to prevent one neonate with respiratory morbidity. Therefore, in our opinion, fear of early term labour and workforce disutility is no argument for scheduling elective CSs <39+0 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In January 2016, a universal two-child policy was introduced in China. The association of interpregnancy interval (IPI) with perinatal outcomes has not previously been assessed among Chinese population. We investigated the effect of IPI after live birth on the risks of preterm delivery, and small, and large for gestational age births in China.Methods: We conducted a cohort study among 227 352 Chinese women with their first and second delivery during 2000 to 2015. IPI was calculated as months from first live delivery to conception of the second pregnancy. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit to evaluate associations of IPI with risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, adjusted for potential confounders.Results: Compared to IPI of 24- <30 months, IPI <18 months was associated with higher risks of preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA). For IPI <6 months, the adjusted relative risks (RR) for PTB and SGA were 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83, 2.27) and 1.43 (95% CI 1.31, 1.57), respectively. Women with IPI ≥60 months had higher risks of PTB and large for gestational age (LGA). For IPI ≥120 months, the adjusted RRs for PTB and LGA were 1.67 (95% CI 1.43, 1.94) and 1.10 (95% CI 0.97, 1.26).Conclusions: Women with IPI <18 months after live birth had higher risk of PTB and SGA, and IPI ≥60 months was associated with higher risk of PTB and LGA. These findings may provide information to Chinese couples about the appropriate interpregnancy interval for a second pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate trends in receipt and timing of antenatal corticosteroid ( ACS) administration over a ten-year interval. Methods Retrospective cohort study of all live births from 2006 to 2015 occurring at a tertiary level teaching hospital in Adelaide, Australia. We analysed temporal trends in the receipt of single courses and repeat doses of ACSs, according to administration timing prior to birth. The main outcome measures were receipt of a single course of ACS and whether administration was 'Optimal' (≥24 h to

Background: Preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks of gestation) is a major problem in obstetrics and affects an estimated 15 million pregnancies worldwide annually. A history of previous preterm birth is the strongest risk factor for preterm birth, and recurrent spontaneous preterm birth affects more than 2.5 million pregnancies each year. A recent meta-analysis showed possible benefits of the use of low dose aspirin in the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth. We will assess the (cost-)effectiveness of low dose aspirin in comparison with placebo in the prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth in a randomized clinical trial.Methods/design: Women with a singleton pregnancy and a history of spontaneous preterm birth in a singleton pregnancy (22-37 weeks of gestation) will be asked to participate in a multicenter, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. Women will be randomized to low dose aspirin (80 mg once daily) or placebo, initiated from 8 to 16 weeks up to maximal 36 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome measure will be preterm birth, defined as birth at a gestational age (GA) < 37 weeks. Secondary outcomes will be a composite of adverse neonatal outcome and maternal outcomes, including subgroups of prematurity, as well as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and costs from a healthcare perspective. Preterm birth will be analyzed as a group, as well as separately for spontaneous or indicated onset. Analysis will be performed by intention to treat. In total, 406 pregnant women have to be randomized to show a reduction of 35% in preterm birth from 36 to 23%. If aspirin is effective in preventing preterm birth, we expect that there will be cost savings, because of the low costs of aspirin. To evaluate this, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed comparing preventive treatment with aspirin with placebo.Discussion: This trial will provide evidence as to whether or not low dose aspirin is (cost-) effective in reducing recurrence of spontaneous preterm birth.Trial Registration: Clinical trial registration number of the Dutch Trial Register: NTR 5675 . EudraCT-registration number: 2015-003220-31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unexpected clinical deterioration before 34 weeks gestation is an undesired course in early-onset pre-eclampsia. To safely prolong preterm gestation, accurate and timely prediction of complications is required.Method: Women with confirmed early onset pre-eclampsia were recruited from 53 maternity units in the UK to a large prospective cohort study (PREP-946) for development of prognostic models for the overall risk of experiencing a complication using logistic regression (PREP-L), and for predicting the time to adverse maternal outcome using a survival model (PREP-S). External validation of the models were carried out in a multinational cohort (PIERS-634) and another cohort from the Netherlands (PETRA-216). Main outcome measures were C-statistics to summarise discrimination of the models and calibration plots and calibration slopes.Results: A total of 169 mothers (18%) in the PREP dataset had adverse outcomes by 48 hours, and 633 (67%) by discharge. The C-statistics of the models for predicting complications by 48 hours and by discharge were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.81-0.87; PREP-S) and 0.82 (0.80-0.84; PREP-L), respectively. The PREP-S model included maternal age, gestation, medical history, systolic blood pressure, deep tendon reflexes, urine protein creatinine ratio, platelets, serum alanine amino transaminase, urea, creatinine, oxygen saturation and treatment with antihypertensives or magnesium sulfate. The PREP-L model included the above except deep tendon reflexes, serum alanine amino transaminase and creatinine. On validation in the external PIERS dataset, the reduced PREP-S model showed reasonable calibration (slope 0.80) and discrimination (C-statistic 0.75) for predicting adverse outcome by 48 hours. Reduced PREP-L model showed excellent calibration (slope: 0.93 PIERS, 0.90 PETRA) and discrimination (0.81 PIERS, 0.75 PETRA) for predicting risk by discharge in the two external datasets.Conclusions: PREP models can be used to obtain predictions of adverse maternal outcome risk, including early preterm delivery, by 48 hours (PREP-S) and by discharge (PREP-L), in women with early onset pre-eclampsia in the context of current care. They have a potential role in triaging high-risk mothers who may need transfer to tertiary units for intensive maternal and neonatal care.Trial Registration: ISRCTN40384046 , retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We assessed experience and preferences among term women undergoing induction of labor with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter. Study Design In 18 of the 29 participating hospitals in the PROBAAT-II trial, women were asked to complete a questionnaire within 24 hours after delivery. We adapted a validated questionnaire about expectancy and experience of labor and asked women whether they would prefer the same method again in a future pregnancy. Results The questionnaire was completed by 502 (72%) of 695 eligible women; 273 (54%) had been randomly allocated to oral misoprostol and 229 (46%) to Foley catheter. Experience of the duration of labor, pain during labor, general satisfaction with labor, and feelings of control and fear related to their expectation were comparable between both the groups. In the oral misoprostol group, 6% of the women would prefer the other method if induction is necessary in future pregnancy, versus 12% in the Foley catheter group (risk ratio: 0.70; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.90; p = 0.02). Conclusion Women's experiences of labor after induction with oral misoprostol or Foley catheter are comparable. However, women in the Foley catheter group prefer more often to choose a different method for future inductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), or intractable vomiting during pregnancy, is the single most frequent cause of hospital admission in early pregnancy. HG has a major impact on maternal quality of life and has repeatedly been associated with poor pregnancy outcome such as low birth weight. Currently, women with HG are admitted to hospital for intravenous fluid replacement, without receiving specific nutritional attention. Nasogastric tube feeding is sometimes used as last resort treatment. At present no randomised trials on dietary or rehydration interventions have been performed. Small observational studies indicate that enteral tube feeding may have the ability to effectively treat dehydration and malnutrition and alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of early enteral tube feeding in addition to standard care on nausea and vomiting symptoms and pregnancy outcomes in HG patients.Methods/design: The MOTHER trial is a multicentre open label randomised controlled trial ( www.studies-obsgyn.nl/mother ). Women ≥ 18 years hospitalised for HG between 5 + 0 and 19 + 6 weeks gestation are eligible for participation. After informed consent participants are randomly allocated to standard care with intravenous rehydration or early enteral tube feeding in addition to standard care. All women keep a weekly diary to record symptoms and dietary intake until 20 weeks gestation. The primary outcome will be neonatal birth weight. Secondary outcomes will be the 24-h Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and nausea score (PUQE-24), maternal weight gain, dietary intake, duration of hospital stay, number of readmissions, quality of life and side-effects. Also gestational age at birth, placental weight, umbilical cord plasma lipid concentration and neonatal morbidity will be evaluated. Analysis will be according to the intention to treat principle.Discussion: With this trial we aim to clarify whether early enteral tube feeding is more effective in treating HG than intravenous rehydration alone and improves pregnancy outcome.Trial Registration: Trial Registration Number: NTR4197 . Date of registration: October 2(nd) 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To assess whether planned early delivery might prevent some of these adverse outcomes, we studied maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy in women with chronic hypertension, including gestational-age-specific outcomes.Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective, population-based cohort study, using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Register. We included women with chronic hypertension and normotensive controls who delivered a singleton without congenital anomalies in 2002-2007. We calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI, compared delivery and ongoing pregnancy using moving averages, and used multiple Cox regression to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and to examine adverse neonatal outcomes across subgroups of hypertensive disorder. Main outcome measures were composite adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results: We included 3457 (0.3%) women with chronic hypertension and 984 932 normotensive controls. Women with chronic hypertension had adverse maternal outcomes more often (28.7% vs. 6.6%, adjusted OR 5.7, 95% CI 5.3-6.2). Their offspring had an increased rate of neonatal morbidity (17.4% vs. 13.2%, adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4) but not of severe adverse neonatal outcomes (2.5% vs. 2.2%, adjusted OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.0). The increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes for ongoing pregnancy remained stable around 17% at term. The risk of severe adverse neonatal outcomes for birth was at its lowest between 38 and 40 weeks, mainly in women with iatrogenic onset of delivery.Conclusions: Women with chronic hypertension are at increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with controls throughout pregnancy, including at term. Our results suggest that the optimal timing of delivery might be between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation, but prospective randomized studies should confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pregnancy hypertension is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks gestation, it is uncertain whether planned delivery could reduce maternal complications without serious neonatal consequences. In this individual participant data meta-analysis, we aimed to compare planned delivery to expectant management, focusing specifically on women with preeclampsia.Data Sources: We performed an electronic database search using a prespecified search strategy, including trials published between January 1, 2000 and December 18, 2021. We sought individual participant-level data from all eligible trials.Study Eligibility Criteria: We included women with singleton or multifetal pregnancies with preeclampsia from 34 weeks gestation onward.Methods: The primary maternal outcome was a composite of maternal mortality or morbidity. The primary perinatal outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or morbidity. We analyzed all the available data for each prespecified outcome on an intention-to-treat basis. For primary individual patient data analyses, we used a 1-stage fixed effects model.Results: We included 1790 participants from 6 trials in our analysis. Planned delivery from 34 weeks gestation onward significantly reduced the risk of maternal morbidity (2.6% vs 4.4%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.98) compared with expectant management. The primary composite perinatal outcome was increased by planned delivery (20.9% vs 17.1%; adjusted risk ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.47), driven by short-term neonatal respiratory morbidity. However, infants in the expectant management group were more likely to be born small for gestational age (7.8% vs 10.6%; risk ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.99).Conclusion: Planned early delivery in women with late preterm preeclampsia provides clear maternal benefits and may reduce the risk of the infant being born small for gestational age, with a possible increase in short-term neonatal respiratory morbidity. The potential benefits and risks of prolonging a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia should be discussed with women as part of a shared decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Being born very preterm is associated with elevated risk for neonatal mortality. The aim of this review is to give an overview of prediction models for mortality in very premature infants, assess their quality, identify important predictor variables, and provide recommendations for development of future models. Methods: Studies were included which reported the predictive performance of a model for mortality in a very preterm or very low birth weight population, and classified as development, validation, or impact studies. For each development study, we recorded the population, variables, aim, predictive performance of the model, and the number of times each model had been validated. Reporting quality criteria and minimum methodological criteria were established and assessed for development studies. Results: We identified 41 development studies and 18 validation studies. In addition to gestational age and birth weight, eight variables frequently predicted survival: being of average size for gestational age, female gender, non-white ethnicity, absence of serious congenitalmalformations, use of antenatal steroids, higher 5-minute Apgar score, normal temperature on admission, and better respiratory status. Twelve studies met our methodological criteria, three of which have been externally validated. Low reporting scores were seen in reporting of performance measures, internal and external validation, and handling of missing data. Conclusions: Multivariate models can predict mortality better than birth weight or gestational age alone in very preterm infants. There are validated prediction models for classification and case-mix adjustment. Additional research is needed in validation and impact studies of existing models, and in prediction of mortality in the clinically important subgroup of infants where age and weight alone give only an equivocal prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reliable antenatal identification of pre-eclampsia and small for gestational age is crucial to judicious allocation of monitoring resources and use of preventative treatment with the prospect of improving maternal/perinatal outcome. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the accuracy of five serum analytes used in Down's serum screening for prediction of pre-eclampsia and/or small for gestational age. Methods: The data sources included Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Medion (inception to February 2007), hand searching of relevant journals, reference list checking of included articles, contact with experts. Two reviewers independently selected the articles in which the accuracy of an analyte used in Downs's serum screening before the 25th gestational week was associated with the occurrence of pre-eclampsia and/or small for gestational age without language restrictions. Two authors independently extracted data on study characteristics, quality and results. Results: Five serum screening markers were evaluated. 44 studies, testing 169,637 pregnant women (4376 pre-eclampsia cases) and 86 studies, testing 382,005 women (20,339 fetal growth restriction cases) met the selection criteria. The results showed low predictive accuracy overall. For pre-eclampsia the best predictor was inhibin A>2.79MoM positive likelihood ratio 19.52 (8.33,45.79) and negative likelihood ratio 0.30 (0.13,0.68) (single study). For small for gestational age it was AFP>2.0MoM to predict birth weight < 10th centile with birth < 37 weeks positive likelihood ratio 27.96 (8.02,97.48) and negative likelihood ratio 0.78 (0.55,1.11) (single study). A potential clinical application using aspirin as a treatment is given as an example. There were methodological and reporting limitations in the included studies thus studies were heterogeneous giving pooled results with wide confidence intervals. Conclusion: Down's serum screening analytes have low predictive accuracy for pre-eclampsia and small for gestational age. They may be a useful means of risk assessment or of use in prediction when combined with other tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 15% of multiple pregnancies ends in a preterm delivery, which can lead to mortality and severe long term neonatal morbidity. At present, no generally accepted strategy for the prevention of preterm birth in multiple pregnancies exists. Prophylactic administration of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPC) has proven to be effective in the prevention of preterm birth in women with singleton pregnancies with a previous preterm delivery. At present, there are no data on the effectiveness of progesterone in the prevention of preterm birth in multiple pregnancies. Methods/Design: We aim to investigate the hypothesis that 17OHPC will reduce the incidence of the composite neonatal morbidity of neonates by reducing the early preterm birth rate in multiple pregnancies. Women with a multiple pregnancy at a gestational age between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation will be entered in a placebo-controlled, double blinded randomised study comparing weekly 250 mg 17OHPC intramuscular injections from 16-20 weeks up to 36 weeks of gestation versus placebo. At study entry, cervical length will be measured. The primary outcome is composite bad neonatal condition (perinatal death or severe morbidity). Secondary outcome measures are time to delivery, preterm birth rate before 32 and 37 weeks, days of admission in neonatal intensive care unit, maternal morbidity, maternal admission days for preterm labour and costs. We need to include 660 women to indicate a reduction in bad neonatal outcome from 15% to 8%. Analysis will be by intention to treat. We will also analyse whether the treatment effect is dependent on cervical length. Discussion: This trial will provide evidence as to whether or not 17OHPC-treatment is an effective means of preventing bad neonatal outcome due to preterm birth in multiple pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors conveys their response to a feedback about their report on delaying elective caesarean section to 39 weeks gestation in the absence of a medical indication. Topics covered include the risk of neonates born early term for respiratory morbidity, their risk for various other poor neonatal outcome measures, and the importance of considering long-term outcomes when planning an elective delivery.

Low-positioned placentas which are located in the lower uterine segment (LUS), either a low-lying placenta or a placenta previa, are associated with increased obstetric risks. However, most second trimester low-positioned placentas resolve during pregnancy and have a higher position in the third trimester, without posing any risks. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the proportion of second trimester low-positioned placentas that have a position towards the fundus in the third trimester. Our aim was to find a cut-off value that included all women in whom the placenta will remain low in the third trimester, thus who are at increased risk of obstetric complications. Subsequently, we assessed whether an anterior or posterior placental location influenced this proportion. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE and clinicaltrials.gov up to April 2019 for studies on the sonographic follow-up of second trimester low-positioned placentas, with a distance between the placenta and the internal os of the cervix of 20 mm or less at a gestational age of above 15 week and a follow up after 28 weeks. Studies were scored on methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottowa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the proportion of second trimester low-positioned placentas with a position towards the fundus in the third trimester. We calculated the proportion at different cut-off values of the distance from the placental edge to the internal os of the cervix (0 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm). Also, anteriorly and posteriorly located placentas and women with and without a prior cesarean delivery were compared. We included 11 eligible studies which reported on 3586 women with a low-positioned placenta in the second trimester. Proportions of placentas with a position towards the fundus in the third trimester ranged between 0.63 and 1.0. Pooled proportions were 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.93) for IOD <10 mm and 0.80 (95% CI 0.74-0.85) for IOD < 0 mm. Due to heterogeneity between studies, the subgroup of <20 mm could not be pooled. Overall, anteriorly located placentas more often had a position towards the fundus in the third trimester, but studies did report conflicting results. Prior cesarean section had no influence except for an IOD of <0 mm, in which women without a prior cesarean delivery more often had a placenta towards the fundus. The majority of second trimester low-positioned placentas will be located towards the fundus at the time of follow-up. However, we could not determine a cut-off value for anterior and posterior placentas that included all women at high risk. The cut-off value, placental side and prior cesarean section should be assessed in a large prospective observational study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cervical pessary to vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth in women with twin pregnancies and short cervix.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at My Duc Hospital, Vietnam. Asymptomatic women with twin pregnancies and cervical length less than 38 mm were randomized to Arabin pessary or vaginal progesterone (400 mg once a day) group. The primary outcome was preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes were adverse maternal and perinatal complications. We planned a subgroup analysis according to quartile of cervical length. Analysis was conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. We estimated that the primary outcome would occur in 28.4% of women treated with progesterone. Thus a total sample size of 290 women divided equally into two groups was required to detect a 14% absolute risk difference in the primary outcome between the two groups (power 80%, alpha-error 5%, 10% loss to follow-up).Results: Between March 2016 and June 2017, we randomized 300 women, 150 women in each group. Preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestation occurred in 24 (16%) women in the pessary group and 33 (22%) women in the progesterone group (relative risk [RR] 0.73, 95% CI 0.46-1.18). The use of pessary significantly reduced the composite of poor perinatal outcomes (19% vs 27%; RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.43-0.93). In women with cervical length of 28 mm or less (25th percentile), pessary significantly reduced the preterm birth rate at less than 34 weeks of gestation from 46% (16/35) to 21% (10/47) (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.90) and significantly improved the composite of poor perinatal outcomes.Conclusion: Cervical pessary and 400 mg vaginal progesterone resulted in similar rates of preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestation in women with twin pregnancies and cervical length less than 38 mm.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02623881. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare, in women with twin pregnancy with the first twin in cephalic position, neonatal morbidity and mortality rates after planned caesarean delivery (CD) versus planned vaginal delivery (VD).Study Design: A nationwide cohort study on women pregnant with twins and the first child in cephalic position, who delivered between 32 + 0-41 + 0 weeks between 2000 and 2012 in the Netherlands, using multivariate logistic regression analysis to compare neonatal morbidity and mortality according to planned delivery mode, and looking at subgroups 32 + 0-36 + 6 and 37 + 0-41 + 0 weeks.Results: We included 21,107 women, of whom 1384 (6.6%) had a planned CD. Of the 19,723 women (93.4%) who had a planned VD, 19.7% delivered by intrapartum CD. We found no significant differences in 'any mortality' (aOR planned CD vs. planned VD 1.34 (95% CI 0.63-2.60)), the outcome 'Apgar score (AS) < 4 or death within 28 days' (aOR 1.28 (95% CI 0.77-2.11) or asphyxia-related morbidity (aOR 0.57 (95% CI 0.32-1.03)). After planned CD more prematurity-related morbidity (aOR 1.55 (95% CI 1.21-1.98)), other morbidity (aOR 1.50 (95% CI 1.26-1.78)) and 'any morbidity or mortality' (aOR 1.41 (95% CI 1.20-1.66) was noted. Trauma-associated morbidity was absent after planned CD and occurred 45 times (0.2%) after planned VD. Before 36 + 6 weeks, planned CD resulted in more perinatal mortality (aOR 2.10 (95% CI 0.92-4.76)), while asphyxia-related morbidity did not differ (aOR 0.80 (95% CI 0.41-1.54). Planned CD resulted in more 'any morbidity or mortality' (aOR 1.52 (95% CI 1.25-1.84)), 'AS < 4 or death within 28 days' (aOR 1.77 (95% CI 1.02-3.09)), prematurity-related morbidity (aOR 1.73 (95% CI 1.34-2.23)), and 'other morbidity' (aOR 1.56 (95% CI 1.28-1.90)). After 37 weeks, no significance differences in mortality, 'any morbidity or mortality <28 days' (aOR 0.96 (95% CI 1 (0.67-1.38)), or 'AS < 4 or death within 28 days' (aOR 0.41 (95% CI (0.10-1.70)) were found. There was less asphyxia-related morbidity after planned CD (aOR 0.24 (95% CI 0.06-1.002)).Conclusion: Planned VD results in comparable neonatal outcomes as planned CD for twin pregnancy with the first twin in cephalic position, even with a low intrapartum CD rate of 19.7%. At term, a planned CD may result in less asphyxia- and trauma-related outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe long-term trends in the prevalence of preterm birth and rates of preterm birth in singleton pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, small for gestational age (SGA), and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) in South Australia.Methods: We conducted a retrospective population study including all singleton live births in the state of South Australia from 1986 to 2014. Long-term trends for preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, SGA, preterm PROM as well as stillbirth were assessed using joinpoint regression analyses. Trends in maternal age, body mass index (BMI), ethnic diversity, parity, and smoking over time were also assessed.Results: From 1986 to 2014, with a total of 539,234 singleton births, the overall preterm birth rates increased from 5.1% to 7.1% (P<.001) and for iatrogenic preterm birth increased from 1.6% to 3.2% (P<.001). The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy decreased from 8.7% to 7.2%. Among pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the proportion of preterm birth increased (10.4-17.5%, P<.001). The incidence of SGA decreased from 11.1% to 8.0%. Among pregnancies complicated by SGA, the proportion of preterm birth increased (2.9-5.4%, P<.001). The incidence of preterm PROM increased from 1.4% to 2.2%. Among pregnancies complicated by preterm PROM, the proportion of preterm birth remained stable. Preterm stillbirth rates declined (4.23-2.32%, P<.001). Maternal age, BMI, and ethnic diversity have all increased since 1986, whereas maternal smoking has decreased.Conclusion: In South Australia, the preterm birth rate among singletons increased from 1986 to 2014 by 40%, with iatrogenic preterm birth being responsible for 80% of this increase. Incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and SGA declined. Among pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and SGA, the proportions of preterm birth increased, indicating earlier interventions in these women. The diagnosis of preterm PROM increased from 1% to 2%, and greater than 80% of preterm PROM was associated with preterm birth after 1990. Increasing iatrogenic delivery may be attributable, in part, to changing maternal phenotype and to altered clinicians' behavior. However, improvements in fetal surveillance, particularly ultrasonography, and advanced neonatal care may underpin perinatal clinical decision-making and the likelihood of iatrogenic birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]