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Background Perinatal cannabis use is increasing, and clinician counselling is an important aspect of reducing the potential harm of cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation. To understand current counselling practices, we conducted a systematic review and integrative mixed-methods synthesis to determine “how do perinatal clinicians respond to pregnant and lactating patients who use cannabis?” Methods We searched 6 databases up until 2021-05-31. Eligible studies described the attitudes, perceptions, or beliefs of perinatal clinician about cannabis use during pregnancy or lactation. Eligible clinicians were those whose practice particularly focusses on pregnant and postpartum patients. The search was not limited by study design, geography, or year. We used a convergent integrative analysis method to extract relevant findings for inductive analysis. Results Thirteen studies were included; describing perspectives of 1,366 clinicians in 4 countries. We found no unified approach to screening and counselling. Clinicians often cited insufficient evidence around the effects of perinatal cannabis use and lacked confidence in counselling about use. At times, this meant clinicians did not address cannabis use with patients. Most counselled for cessation and there was little recognition of the varied reasons that patients might use cannabis, and an over-reliance on counselling focussed on the legal implications of use. Conclusion Current approaches to responding to cannabis use might result in inadequate counselling. Counselling may be improved through increased education and training, which would facilitate conversations to mitigate the potential harm of perinatal cannabis use while recognizing the benefits patients perceive.

Home birth is experienced by people very differently worldwide. These experiences likely differ by the type of stakeholder involved (women, their support persons, birth attendants, policy-makers), the experience itself (low-risk birth, transfer to hospital, previous deliveries), and by the health system within which home birth occurs (e.g., high-resource versus low- and middle-resource countries). Research evidence of stakeholders’ perspectives of home birth could usefully inform personal and policy decisions about choosing and providing home birth, but the current literature is fragmented and its breadth is not fully understood.We conducted a systematic scoping review to understand how the research literature on stakeholders’ perspectives of home birth is characterized in terms of populations, settings and identified issues, and what potential gaps exist in the research evidence. A range of electronic, web-based and key informant sources of evidence were searched. Located references were assessed, data extracted, and descriptively analyzed using robust methods.Our analysis included 460 full reports. Findings from 210 reports of studies in high-resource countries suggested that research with fathers and same-sex partners, midwives, and vulnerable populations and perspectives of freebirth and transfer to hospital could be synthesized. Gaps in primary research exist with respect to family members, policy makers, and those living in rural and remote locations. A further 250 reports of studies in low- and middle-resource countries suggested evidence for syntheses related to fathers and other family members, policy makers, and other health care providers and examination of issues related to emergency transfer to hospital, rural and remote home birth, and those who birth out of hospital, often at home, despite receiving antenatal care intended to increase healthcare-seeking behavior. Gaps in primary research suggest an examination is needed of perspectives in countries with higher maternal mortality and among first-time mothers and young mothers.Our scoping review identified a considerable body of research evidence on stakeholder perspectives of home birth. These could inform the complex factors influencing personal decisions and health system planning around home birth in both high- and low- and middle-resource countries. Future primary research is warranted on specific stakeholders worldwide and with vulnerable populations in areas of high maternal mortality.

Objective To evaluate whether pregnancy outcomes associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twin pregnancies differ relatively from those in singleton pregnancy. Methods We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study of all women with a liveborn singleton or twin hospital birth in Ontario, Canada, between 2012 and 2019. Data were obtained from the Better Outcomes Registry & Network Ontario. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twin gestations, and separately in singleton gestations. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) and 95% CIs were generated using modified Poisson regression and were compared between twins and singletons using relative risk ratios. Results Overall, 932,218 women met the study criteria, of whom 917,542 (98.4%) and 14,676 (1.6%) had singleton and twin gestations, respectively. The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was higher in women with twin compared with singleton gestations (14.4% vs 6.4%, aRR 1.85 [1.76-1.94]). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with certain adverse outcomes in singleton gestations only and with other adverse outcomes in both the singleton and twin gestations, but the aRR was lower in twins. For example, preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation (singletons: 15.2% [hypertensive disorders of pregnancy] vs 5.4% [no hypertensive disorders of pregnancy], aRR 2.42; twins: 67.5% [hypertensive disorders of pregnancy] vs 50.4% [no hypertensive disorders of pregnancy], aRR 1.30) and neonatal respiratory morbidity (singletons: 16.3% [hypertensive disorders of pregnancy] vs 8.7% [no hypertensive disorders of pregnancy], aRR 1.50; twins: 39.8% [hypertensive disorders of pregnancy] vs 32.7% [no hypertensive disorders of pregnancy], aRR 1.13). These findings persisted in the subgroups of women with preeclampsia and early-onset preeclampsia. Conclusions Although the absolute risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes is higher in twin compared with singleton pregnancies, the incremental risk of adverse outcomes associated with hypertensive disorders in twin pregnancies is lower than the incremental risk in singleton pregnancies. These findings may be attributed in part to the higher baseline risk of preterm birth and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin compared with singleton pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION Since 2013, various guidelines for hypertension in pregnancy have been refined, no longer requiring proteinuria as a requisite criterion for preeclampsia. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the new definition on preterm birth (PTB) and adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Women delivering in Ontario between April 2012 and November 2016 were included. Delivery

OBJECTIVE To develop twin-specific outcome-based oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) diagnostic thresholds for GDM based on the risk of future maternal type-2 diabetes. DESIGN A population-based retrospective cohort study (2007-2017). SETTING Ontario, Canada. METHODS Nulliparous women with a live singleton (n = 55 361) or twin (n = 1308) birth who underwent testing for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using a 75-g OGTT in Ontario, Canada (2007-2017). We identified the 75-g OGTT thresholds in twin pregnancies that were associated with similar incidence rates of future type-2 diabetes to those associated with the standard OGTT thresholds in singleton pregnancies. RESULTS For any given 75-g OGTT value, the incidence rate of future maternal type-2 diabetes was lower for women with a twin than women with a singleton pregnancy. Using women with a negative OGTT as reference, the risk of future maternal type-2 diabetes in twin pregnancies with a positive OGTT based on the standard OGTT thresholds (9.86 per 1000 person years, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 4.79, 95% CI 2.69-8.51) was lower than for singleton pregnancies with a positive OGTT (18.74 per 1000 person years, aHR 8.22, 95% CI 7.38-9.16). The twin-specific OGTT fasting, 1-hour and 2-hour thresholds identified in the current study based on correlation with future maternal type-2 diabetes were 5.8 mmol/l (104 mg/dl), 11.8 mmol/l (213 mg/dl) and 10.4 mmol/l (187 mg/dl), respectively. CONCLUSIONS We identified potential twin-specific OGTT thresholds for GDM that are associated with a similar risk of future type-2 diabetes to that observed in women diagnosed with GDM in singleton pregnancies based on standard OGTT thresholds. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Potential twin-specific OGTT thresholds for GDM were identified.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to quantify the risk of future maternal type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on the type and number of abnormal 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values and the diagnostic criteria used for the diagnosis of GDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all nulliparous women with a live singleton birth who underwent testing for GDM using a 75-g OGTT in Ontario, Canada (2007–2017). We estimated the incidence rate (per 1,000 person-years), overall risk (expressed as adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]), and risk at 5 years after the index pregnancy of future maternal T2DM. Estimates were stratified by the type and number of abnormal OGTT values, as well as by the diagnostic criteria for GDM (Diabetes Canada [DC] vs. International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups [IADPSG] criteria). RESULTS A total of 55,361 women met the study criteria. The median duration of follow-up was 4.4 (interquartile range 2.8–6.3; maximum 10.3) years. Using women without GDM as reference (incidence rate 2.18 per 1,000 person-years), women with GDM were at an increased risk of future T2DM; this risk was greater when using the DC compared with the IADPSG criteria (incidence rate 18.74 [95% CI 17.58–19.90] vs. 14.07 [95% CI 13.24–14.91] per 1,000 person-years, respectively). The risk of future maternal T2DM increased with the number of abnormal OGTT values and was highest for women with three abnormal values (incidence rate 49.93 per 1,000 person-years; aHR 24.57 [95% CI 21.26–28.39]). The risk of future T2DM was also affected by the type of OGTT abnormality: women with an abnormal fasting value had the greatest risk, whereas women with an abnormal 2-h value had the lowest risk (aHR 14.09 [95% CI 12.46–15.93] vs. 9.22 [95% CI 8.19–10.37], respectively). Similar findings to those described above were observed when the risk of T2DM at a fixed time point of 5 years after the index pregnancy was considered as the outcome of interest. CONCLUSIONS In women with GDM, individualized information regarding the future risk of T2DM can be provided based on the type and number of abnormal OGTT values, as well as the diagnostic criteria used for the diagnosis of GDM.

Background: People whose singleton pregnancy is affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at risk of future cardiovascular disease. It is unclear, however, whether this association can be extrapolated to twin pregnancies. We aimed to compare the association between HDP and future cardiovascular disease after twin and singleton pregnancies. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study that included nulliparous people in Ontario, Canada, 1992–2017. We compared the future risk of cardiovascular disease among pregnant people from the following 4 groups: those who delivered a singleton without HDP (referent) and with HDP, and those who delivered twins either with or without HDP. Results: The populations of the 4 groups were as follows: 1 431 651 pregnant people in the singleton birth without HDP group; 98 631 singleton birth with HDP; 21 046 twin birth without HDP; and 4283 twin birth with HDP. The median duration of follow-up was 13 (interquartile range 7–20) years. The incidence rate of cardiovascular disease was lowest among those with a singleton or twin birth without HDP (0.72 and 0.74 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Compared with people with a singleton birth without HDP, the risk of cardiovascular disease was highest among those with a singleton birth and HDP (1.47 per 1000 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.81 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72–1.90]), followed by people with a twin pregnancy and HDP (1.07 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR 1.36 [95% CI 1.04–1.77]). The risk of the primary outcome after a twin pregnancy with HDP was lower than that after a singleton pregnancy with HDP (adjusted HR 0.74 [95% CI 0.57–0.97]), when compared directly. Interpretation: In a twin pregnancy, HDP are weaker risk factors for postpartum cardiovascular disease than in a singleton pregnancy.

Background In July 2018, Canada's first midwife-led alongside midwifery unit (AMU) opened at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) in Markham, Ontario. Our objectives were to examine how the conditions at MSH made it possible for the hospital to create the first AMU in Canada and to identify lessons to inform spread by examining how characteristics of the intervention, the inner and outer settings, the individuals involved, and the processes used influenced the MSH-AMU implementation process. Methods We conducted key informant interviews and document analysis using Yin's research methods. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to conceptualize the study and develop semi-structured interview guides. We recruited key informants, including midwives and other health professionals, hospital leaders, leaders of midwifery organizations, and consumers, by email using both purposive and respondent driven sampling. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed. We identified documents through key informants and searches of Nexis Uni, Hansard, and Google databases. We analyzed the data using a coding framework based on Greenhalgh et al.’s evidence-informed theory of the diffusion of innovations. Results Between November 2018 and February 2019, we conducted fifteen key informant interviews. We identified thirteen relevant documentary sources of evidence, including news media coverage, website content, Ontario parliamentary records, and hospital documents. Conditions that influenced implementation of the AMU fell within the following domains from Greenhalgh's diffusion of innovations theory: the innovation, the outer context, the inner context – system antecedents for innovation and system readiness for innovation, communication and influence, linkage – design phase and implementation stage, and the implementation process. While several unique features of MSH supported innovation, factors that could be adopted elsewhere include organizational investment in the development of midwifery leadership skills, intentional use of change management theory, broad stakeholder involvement in the design and implementation processes, and frequent, open communication. Conclusions The example of the MSH-AMU illustrates the value of utilizing best practices with respect to change management and system transformation and demonstrates the potential value of using implementation theory to drive the successful implementation of AMUs. Lessons learned from the MSH-AMU can inform successful spread of this innovative service model.

Data on the optimal gestational weight gain in twin pregnancies are limited. As a result, the Institute of Medicine currently provides only provisional recommendations on gestational weight gain in this population.This study aimed to identify the optimal range of gestational weight gain in twin pregnancies and to estimate the association between inappropriate gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes.This was a retrospective cohort study of all women with twin pregnancies that were followed up in a single, tertiary center between 2000 and 2014. We used 2 approaches to identify the optimal range of gestational weight gain: a statistical approach (the interquartile range of gestational weight gain in low-risk pregnancies with normal outcomes) and an outcome-based approach (by identifying thresholds of gestational weight gain below or above which the rate of adverse outcomes increases). The primary outcome was preterm birth. Associations of gestational weight gain below or above the normal range with the study outcomes were estimated using logistic regression analysis and were expressed as adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. These associations were stratified by prepregnancy body mass index group.A total of 1274 women with twin pregnancies met the study criteria: 43 were classified as underweight, 777 were normal weight, 278 were overweight, and 176 were obese. Our estimates of the optimal gestational weight gain range were similar to those recommended by the Institute of Medicine except for the obese category, in which our optimal gestational weight gain range at 37 weeks (9.3-16.3 kg) was lower than in the provisional Institute of Medicine recommendations (11.3-19.1 kg). Nearly half of our cohort experienced inappropriate gestational weight gain: 30% (n=381) gained weight below and 17% (n=216) gained weight above current Institute of Medicine recommendations. In the normal weight group, gestational weight gain below recommendations was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and birthweight at the10th centile and with a reduction in the risk of hypertensive disorders, whereas gestational weight gain above recommendations was associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders and a reduction in the risk of birthweight at the10th centile. Associations were less consistent in the overweight and obese groups.These findings identify gestational weight gain as a potentially modifiable risk factor for preterm birth and other pregnancy complications in twin gestations. Further prospective studies are needed to determine whether interventions aimed at optimizing gestational weight gain can improve the outcomes of these high-risk pregnancies.

Background The primary aim of this study was to examine weight gain during pregnancy and associated adverse outcomes across different types of antenatal health care providers. Our research question examined whether type of antenatal health care provider (family physician, obstetrician, midwife, or family physician plus obstetrician) was associated with differing rates of excess or inadequate weight gain and associated adverse outcomes including being large for gestational age, being small for gestational age, cesarean delivery and preterm birth. Methods This retrospective cohort study used data from the Better Outcomes Registry & Network Information System, 2014-2016, for singleton hospital births at 20-42 weeks' gestation in Ontario. We calculated descriptive statistics to summarize patient characteristics and outcomes by antenatal health care provider. We calculated crude and adjusted relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the exposure (weight gain during pregnancy) relative to each secondary outcome by health care provider. We calculated population attributable fractions with 95% CIs to assess the proportion of secondary outcomes that could be prevented if inadequate or excess weight gain (according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines) were removed by health care provider. Results The final cohort consisted of 231 697 pregnancies, of which 26 043 (11.2%), 136 994 (59.1%), 32 262 (13.9%) and 36 298 (15.7%) were managed by a family physician, obstetrician, midwife, and family physician plus obstetrician, respectively. Rates of weight gain below, within or above recommended levels were 31 742 (13.7%), 71 826 (31.0%) and 128 128 (55.3%), respectively, and did not differ across health care provider groups. No difference was observed in rates of secondary outcomes according to weight gain across health care providers. Excess weight gain was associated with a significant risk of being large for gestational age and cesarean delivery, and inadequate weight gain was associated with an increased risk of being small for gestational age and preterm birth. The population attributable fractions indicated a pronounced contribution of excess weight gain to being large for gestational age across all health care provider groups. Interpretation Weight gain during pregnancy and rates of associated secondary outcomes did not differ according to antenatal health care provider. This suggests a need for further research exploring counselling techniques and strategies for all types of antenatal health care providers to use in order to promote optimal weight gain during pregnancy.

Background Inappropriate gestational weight gain in pregnancy may negatively impact health outcomes for mothers and babies. While optimal gestational weight gain is often not acheived, effective counselling by antenatal health care providers is recommended. It is not known if gestational weight gain counselling practices differ by type of antenatal health care provider, namely, family physicians, midwives and obstetricians, and what barriers impede the delivery of such counselling. The objective of this study was to understand the counselling of family physicians, midwives and obstetricians in Ontario and what factors act as barriers and enablers to the provision of counselling about GWG. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven family physicians, six midwives and five obstetricians in Ontario, Canada, where pregnancy care is universally covered. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were employed. A grounded theory approach was used for data analysis. Codes, categories and themes were generated using NVIVO software. Results Providers reported that they offered gestational weight gain counselling to all patients early in pregnancy. Counselling topics included gestational weight gain targets, nutrition & exercise, gestational diabetes prevention, while dispelling misconceptions about gestational weight gain. Most do not routinely address the adverse outcomes linked to gestational weight gain, or daily caloric intake goals for pregnancy. The health care providers all faced similar barriers to counselling including patient attitudes, social and cultural issues, and accessibility of resources. Patient enthusiasm and access to a dietician motivated health care providers to provide more in-depth gestational weight gain counselling. Conclusion Reported gestational weight gain counselling practices were similar between midwives, obstetricians and family physicians. Antenatal knowledge translation tools for patients and health care providers are needed, and would seem to be suitable for use across all three types of health care provider specialties.

To assess whether routine induction of labor at 38 or 39 weeks in women with chronic hypertension is associated with the risk of superimposed preeclampsia or cesarean delivery.We conducted a retrospective population-based study of women with chronic hypertension who had a singleton hospital birth at 38 0/7 weeks of gestation of gestation in Ontario, Canada, between 2012 and 2016. Women who underwent induction of labor at 38 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks of gestation for chronic hypertension (n=281) were compared with those who were managed expectantly during that week and remained undelivered at 39 0/7 weeks of gestation (n=1,606). Separately, women who underwent induction of labor at 39 0/7 to 39 6/7 weeks of gestation for chronic hypertension (n=259) were compared with women who remained undelivered at 40 0/7 weeks of gestation (n=801).Of 534,529 women gave birth during the study period, 6,054 (1.1%) had chronic hypertension and 2,420 met the inclusion criteria. Women managed expectantly at 38 or 39 weeks of gestation were at risk of new-onset superimposed preeclampsia (19.2% [308/1,606] and 19.0% [152/801], respectively) and eclampsia (0.6% [10/1,606] and 0.7% [6/801], respectively), and more than half underwent induction of labor later in gestation (56.8% and 57.8%, respectively). The risk of cesarean delivery in the induction groups was lower (38 weeks of gestation) or similar (39 weeks of gestation) to that observed in women managed expectantly at the corresponding weeks (38 weeks of gestation: 17.1% vs 24.0%, adjusted relative risk 0.74 [95% CI 0.57-0.95]; 39 weeks of gestation: 20.1% vs 26.0%, adjusted relative risk 0.90 [95% CI 0.69-1.17]).Our findings suggest that in women with isolated chronic hypertension, induction of labor at 38 or 39 weeks of gestation may prevent severe hypertensive complications without increasing the risk of cesarean delivery.

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of infant death globally. The rising rates of pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus (D), obesity (O) and chronic hypertension (H) will place a significant burden on maternal-fetal health but their combined influence on PTB is unknown. Methods: Population-based cohort study, Ontario, Canada, April 1, 2012 to March 31 2016. Participants were 506,483 women with a singleton livebirth or stillbirth at > 20 weeks' gestation. The exposures of interest were D, O and H, individually, and in various combinations. The primary outcome was PTB at 241/7 to 366/7 weeks. PTB was further analyzed by spontaneous or provider-initiated, early (< 34 weeks) or late (34-37 weeks), and the co-presence of preeclampsia, large for gestational age (LGA), and small for gestational age (SGA) birthweight. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to generate relative risks (RR), further adjusted for maternal age and parity (aRR). Population attributable fractions were then calculated for each of the outcomes by exposure state. Findings: Relative to women without D or O or H, the aRR for PTB were (3.09, 95% CI 2.80-3.40) with D + O, 6.34 (95% CI 5.15-7.81) with D + H, 2.96 (95% CI 2.70-3.24) with O + H, and 5.55 (95% CI 4.76-6.47) with D + O + H. In women with D + H, aRR was more pronounced for provider-initiated PTB (10.99, 95% CI 8.40-14.38) than for spontaneous PTB (3.05, 95% CI 1.92-4.85). Those with D + O + H had an aRR of 9.21 (95% CI 4.97-17.04) for PTB with an SGA newborn relative to those without D or O or H. Interpretation: Combinations of D, O and H significantly magnify the risk of PTB, especially provider-initiated PTB, and PTB with altered fetal growth or preeclampsia. These data may inform health policy and clinical decision-making both at the population and patient level. Funding: CIHR. Declaration of Interest: All authors report no conflict of interest Ethical Approval: Ethics approval was obtained from the St. Michael’s Hospital Research Ethics Board (REB # 16-345).

Women with twins have an a priori increased risk for many of the complications associated with maternal obesity. Thus, the impact of maternal obesity in twins may differ from that reported in singletons. In addition, given the increased metabolic demands in twin pregnancies, the impact of maternal underweight may be greater in twin compared with singleton gestations. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes differ between twin and singleton gestations. This was a retrospective population-based study of all women who had a singleton or twin hospital birth in Ontario, Canada, between April 2012 and March 2016. Data were obtained from the Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario. The relationship between maternal BMI category and pregnancy complications was assessed separately in twin and singleton gestations. The primary outcome was a composite variable that included any of the following complications: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm birth before 320/7 weeks. Relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for adverse outcomes for each BMI category as defined by WHO (using normal weight category as reference) were generated using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for maternal age, nulliparity, smoking, previous preterm birth, and fetal sex. A total of 487,870 women with singleton (n = 480,010) and twin (n = 7860) pregnancies met the inclusion criteria. The risk of the composite primary outcome, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery increased with high maternal BMI in both singleton and twin gestations, but these associations were weaker in twin compared with singleton gestations (association of BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m2 with primary outcome: aRR = 3.10, 95%-CI 2.96–3.24 in singletons compared with aRR = 1.74, 95%-CI 1.37–2.20 in twins). In singleton pregnancies the risk of preterm birth at

Objective Pre-existing diabetes mellitus (D), obesity (O), and chronic hypertension (H) can each alter the natural course of pregnancy, especially when they cluster together. Because the prevalence of various combinations of D, O, and H is unknown, the current study was undertaken. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study included 506 483 singleton and twin live birth and stillbirth deliveries in Ontario, occurring at ≥20 weeks gestation. All hospital births from 2012 to 2016 were identified in the Better Outcomes Registry and Network information system. The prevalence per 1000 births (95% confidence interval [CI]) of D, O, and H and their combinations were calculated. Prevalence estimates were stratified by twin and singleton gestations, maternal age, parity, and ethnicity (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). Results During the study period, 5493 women (10.8 per 1000 births; 95% CI 10.6–11.1) had D, 90,177 (178.2; 95% CI 177.0–179.3) had O, and 5667 (11.2; 95% CI 10.9–11.5) had H. The prevalence per 1000 of DO was 4.8, DH 1.0, and OH 5.5, whereas 359 women (0.71 per 1000) had all three. D and H each linearly increased with rising maternal age, along with their combinations, and to some degree with higher parity. The combination of O and H was highest among women of Black ancestry (14.5 per 1000) and lowest among those of Asian ancestry (3.0 per 1000). Conclusion D, O, and H are common conditions in pregnancy, both alone and in various combinations. These data can be used to assess the impact of each state on perinatal health.

Background Among singleton pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with adverse outcomes. In twin pregnancies, this association may be attenuated, given the higher rate of prematurity and the a priori increased risk of some of these complications. Objective Our aim was to test the hypothesis that gestational diabetes mellitus is less likely to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin compared with singleton gestations. Methods This retrospective cohort study comprised all twin and singleton live births in Ontario, Canada, 2012–2016. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between women with vs without gestational diabetes mellitus, analyzed separately for twin and singleton births. Adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for maternal age, nulliparity, smoking, race, body mass index, preexisting hypertension, and assisted reproductive technology. Results A total of 270,843 women with singleton (n = 266,942) and twin (n = 3901) pregnancies met the inclusion criteria. In both the twin and singleton groups, gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with (adjusted risk ratio, [95% confidence interval]) cesarean delivery (1.11 [1.02–1.21] and 1.20 [1.17–1.23], respectively) and preterm birth at Conclusion In contrast to singleton pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus in twins was not associated with hypertensive complications and certain neonatal morbidities. Still, the current study highlights that gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with some adverse pregnancy outcomes including accelerated fetal growth also in twin pregnancies.

ObjectivesControversy exists about the timing of delivery of women with pre-pregnancy type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (PDM). This study aims to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes after induction of labor (IOL) at 38 weeks’ gestation versus expectant management from 39 weeks onward.Research design and methodsThis was a retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Better Outcomes Registry and Network in Ontario Canada. Included were all women with PDM, who had a singleton hospital birth at ≥380/7 weeks’ gestation from 2012 to 2017. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between 937 pregnancies that underwent IOL at 380/7–386/7 weeks (‘38-IOL group’) versus 1276 pregnancies expectantly managed resulting in a birth at ≥390/7 weeks (‘39-Exp group’). The primary outcome was all-cause cesarean delivery. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was performed to generate adjusted relative risks (aRR) and 95% CIs, adjusted for parity, maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index and PDM type. Other outcomes included instrumental delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and newborn metabolic disturbances.ResultsCesarean delivery occurred in 269 women (28.7%) in the 38-IOL group versus 333 women (26.1%) in the 39-Exp group—aRR 1.07 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.22). The respective rates of instrumental delivery were 11.2% and 10.2% (aRR 1.25, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.61). NICU admission was more common in the 38-IOL group (27.6%) than in the 39-Exp group (16.8%) (aRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.90), as were jaundice requiring phototherapy (12.4% vs 6.2%) (aRR 1.93, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.57) and newborn hypoglycemia (27.3% vs 14.7%) (aRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.07).ConclusionIn pregnant women with PDM, IOL at 380/7–386/7 weeks was not associated with a higher risk of cesarean delivery, compared with expectant management, but was associated with a higher risk of certain adverse neonatal outcomes.

Objective The Twin Birth Study, an international, multi-center randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the risks of planned cesarean with planned vaginal delivery for twin pregnancies. The aim of this component of the trial was to understand participants' perspectives of study participation and preferences for the mode of delivery. Methods A mixed-methods questionnaire was distributed to study participants 3 months after giving birth. The questionnaire contained Likert scales and open-ended questions about the experience of being enrolled in a clinical trial and of childbirth, including the mode of delivery. Quantitative data were analyzed using SAS to generate descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify categories and themes. Results Ninety-one percent of trial participants completed the questionnaire. Across all groups, the majority of women would participate in a study like this one again if given the opportunity. Main benefits of participating were as follows: benefits to one and one's babies, altruism, and receiving quality care. Randomization for the mode of delivery was challenging for women because of the desire to be involved in decision-making. Findings related to childbirth experience and the mode of delivery demonstrated a preference for vaginal birth across all groups. Those who had a vaginal birth were more satisfied with their birth experience. Conclusions This study provides evidence to inform practitioners about what women who have twin pregnancies like or dislike about birth and their desire for involvement in decision-making. Vaginal birth was preferred across all study groups and was associated with greater satisfaction with childbirth experience.

Background contemporary knowledge related to the experiences of new midwifery practitioners is limited to countries that run hospital-based transition to practice programmes within an employment contract arrangement, such as the United Kingdom, and Australia. Less is known of the experiences of New Midwifery Practitioners (NMPs) who transition into autonomous private practice in New Zealand, Canada and the Netherlands. Purpose the purpose of this paper is to report on a scoping review of the way NMPs are transitioned to practice in the first year of registered practice across the selected countries. Methods this review accessed literature and government and professional sites to make comparisons between the transition to practice processes within five countries, and discusses the benefits and issues, associated with public hospital employment programs versus community based government funded midwifery group practices. Findings comparison of the way in which NMPs are transitioned to practice in the first year of registered practice between the selected countries shows important differences based on occupational organisation. Funding of maternity services influences how NMPs in each country are orientated and supported in their transition to registered practice. Direct comparisons between countries were difficult. More research is recommended to investigate NMPs' experiences of transition to practice in private practice.

Background: The international, multicenter External Cephalic Version 2 (ECV2) Trial compared early external cephalic version at 340/7 to 356/7 weeks with that at greater than 37 weeks. A total of 1,543 women were randomized from 68 centers in 21 countries. The goal of this component of the trial was to understand women’s views about participation in a research trial and timing of external cephalic version. Methods: A postpartum questionnaire was completed containing a 5-point Likert scale examining contact and availability of staff, choice of timing of external cephalic version, preference of randomization, convenience of participating, and overall satisfaction. Participants also completed two open-ended questions related to timing of external cephalic version and satisfaction with the trial. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze data. Results: A total of 1,458 women completed the questionnaire, of whom 86 percent said “yes”—they would participate in the trial again. Themes influencing decisions about participating were perceptions of the external cephalic version experience, preferred mode of delivery, preferred timing of external cephalic version, and perceptions of the effectiveness of external cephalic version and of the trial environment. Many participants preferred the early timing of the procedure offered through the trial because of perceived advantages of a smaller baby being easier to turn and the opportunity for repeat procedures. Conclusions: Women were positive about their participation in the trial. Early external cephalic version was preferred over the traditional timing as it was perceived to afford both physiologic and practical advantages. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)

In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, it is not clear whether routine induction of labor at40 weeks of gestation is beneficial to mother and newborn infant.The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus who had induction of labor at either 38 or 39 weeks with those whose pregnancy was managed expectantly.We included all women in Ontario, Canada, with diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus who had a singleton hospital birth at ≥38 + 0 weeks of gestation between April 2012 and March 2014. Data were obtained from the Better Outcomes RegistryNetwork Ontario, which is a province-wide registry of all births in Ontario, Canada. Women who underwent induction of labor at 38 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks of gestation (38-IOL; n = 1188) were compared with those who remained undelivered until 39 + 0 weeks of gestation (38-Expectant; n = 5229). Separately, those women who underwent induction of labor at 39 + 0 to 39 + 6 weeks of gestation (39-IOL; n = 1036) were compared with women who remained undelivered until 40 + 0 weeks of gestation (39-Expectant; n = 2162). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were adjusted for maternal age, parity, insulin treatment, and prepregnancy body mass index.Of 281,480 women who gave birth during the study period, 14,600 women (5.2%) had gestational diabetes mellitus; of these, 8392 women (57.5%) met all inclusion criteria. Compared with the 38-Expectant group, those women in the 38-IOL group had lower odds for cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.90), higher odds for neonatal intensive care unit admission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.69), and no difference in other maternal-newborn infant outcomes. Compared with the 39-Expectant group, women in the 39-IOL group likewise had lower odds for cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.93) but no difference in neonatal intensive care unit admission (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.11).In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, the routine induction of labor at 38 or 39 weeks is associated with a lower risk of cesarean delivery compared with expectant management but may increase the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission when done at39 weeks of gestation.

Much has been written about the status of midwifery in developing countries, yet there is limited knowledge and analysis of the role of midwifery in the provision of maternity care in the developed world. The purpose of this study was to better understand how midwifery in Canada compares with midwifery in other developed countries with particular attention to educational preparation, scope of practice, and the contribution of midwives to the overall provision of maternity care.Eight countries were selected on the basis of comparably low maternal mortality rates (defined as10/100,000 live births). Document analysis and a survey of key informants were used to develop an understanding of the role of midwifery in the various jurisdictions. We then undertook an analysis of similarities and differences among models.Variations in models of midwifery exist within and among the countries studied. Midwifery in Canada is most similar to midwifery in the Netherlands and New Zealand with regard to the model of practice, continuity of care, choice of birth place and degree of autonomy.Midwifery in Canada is growing, but offers a relatively small contribution to the national provision of maternity services in comparison with other countries. The growth of midwifery in Canada may play a key role in lowering intervention rates and strengthening maternity care as is evidenced in other industrialized nations where midwifery care is an integral part of maternity services.

The use of simulation is suggested to be an innovative and appropriate tool in educating health professionals. However, the evidence regarding the use of simulation, especially the childbirth manikin, within midwifery education is limited. This article describes a pilot project evaluating midwifery student and midwifery educator experiences with the use of simulation. The benefits, issues related to reality setting and theory–practice gap, as well as challenges will be discussed.