Search

Objective To predict birth weight at various potential gestational ages of delivery based on data routinely available at the first antenatal visit.Design Individual participant data meta-analysis.Data sources Individual participant data of four cohorts (237 228 pregnancies) from the International Prediction of Pregnancy Complications (IPPIC) network dataset.Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Studies in the IPPIC network were identified by searching major databases for studies reporting risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth, from database inception to August 2019. Data of four IPPIC cohorts (237 228 pregnancies) from the US (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2018; 233 483 pregnancies), UK (Allen et al, 2017; 1045 pregnancies), Norway (STORK Groruddalen research programme, 2010; 823 pregnancies), and Australia (Rumbold et al, 2006; 1877 pregnancies) were included in the development of the model.Results The IPPIC birth weight model was developed with random intercept regression models with backward elimination for variable selection. Internal-external cross validation was performed to assess the study specific and pooled performance of the model, reported as calibration slope, calibration-in-the-large, and observed versus expected average birth weight ratio. Meta-analysis showed that the apparent performance of the model had good calibration (calibration slope 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 1.10; calibration-in-the-large 44.5 g, −18.4 to 107.3) with an observed versus expected average birth weight ratio of 1.02 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.07). The proportion of variation in birth weight explained by the model (R2) was 46.9% (range 32.7-56.1% in each cohort). On internal-external cross validation, the model showed good calibration and predictive performance when validated in three cohorts with a calibration slope of 0.90 (Allen cohort), 1.04 (STORK Groruddalen cohort), and 1.07 (Rumbold cohort), calibration-in-the-large of −22.3 g (Allen cohort), −33.42 (Rumbold cohort), and 86.4 g (STORK Groruddalen cohort), and observed versus expected ratio of 0.99 (Rumbold cohort), 1.00 (Allen cohort), and 1.03 (STORK Groruddalen cohort); respective pooled estimates were 1.00 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.23; calibration slope), 9.7 g (−154.3 to 173.8; calibration-in-the-large), and 1.00 (0.94 to 1.07; observed v expected ratio). The model predictions were more accurate (smaller mean square error) in the lower end of predicted birth weight, which is important in informing clinical decision making.Conclusions The IPPIC birth weight model allowed birth weight predictions for a range of possible gestational ages. The model explained about 50% of individual variation in birth weights, was well calibrated (especially in babies at high risk of fetal growth restriction and its complications), and showed promising performance in four different populations included in the individual participant data meta-analysis. Further research to examine the generalisability of performance in other countries, settings, and subgroups is required.Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42019135045

Abstract To develop a new tool to assess the global quality of care for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH)—the leading preventable cause of maternal mortality worldwide—and to identify characteristics of maternity units associated with inadequate PPH management. This is a secondary analysis of the EPIMOMS population-based study conducted in 2012–2013 in 119 french maternity units (182,309 women who gave birth). We included women with severe PPH. We first developed a score to quantify the quality of care for PPH. Then, we identified characteristics of the maternity units associated with “inadequate care” defined by a score below the 25th percentile, with multi-level logistic regression adjusted for individual characteristics. The score combined 8 key components of care and took into account delivery mode and PPH cause. For PPH after vaginal delivery, the risk of inadequate care was increased in low versus high-volume maternity units (

Objective To determine whether birth outside a level-3 centre (outborn) is associated with a difference in the combined outcome of mortality or moderate-to-severe neurological impairment at 5.5 years of age compared with birth in a level-3 centre (inborn) when antenatal steroids and gestational age (GA) are accounted for.Design Individual matched study nested within a prospective cohort. Each outborn infant was matched using GA and antenatal steroids with a maximum of four inborns. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate ORs before being adjusted using maternal and birth characteristics. Analyses were carried out after multiple imputation for missing data.Setting EPIPAGE-2 French national prospective cohort including births up to 34 weeks GA inclusive.Patients Outborn and inborn control infants selected between 24 and 31 weeks GA were followed in the neonatal period and to 2 and 5.5 years. 3335 infants were eligible of whom all 498 outborns and 1235 inborn infants were included—equivalent to 2.5 inborns for each outborn.Main outcome measure Survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment at 5.5 years.Results Chorioamnionitis, pre-eclampsia, caesarian birth and small-for-dates were more frequent among inborns, and spontaneous labour and antepartum haemorrhage among outborns. There was no difference in the main outcome measure at 5.5 years of age (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.44); sensitivity analyses suggested improved outcomes at lower GAs for inborns.Conclusion In this GA and steroid matched cohort, there was no difference in survival without moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment to 5.5 years of age between inborn and outborn very preterm children. This suggests steroids might be important in determining outcomes.

Abstract Background Negative childbirth experience may affect mother wellbeing and health. However, it is rarely evaluated in studies comparing methods of induction of labor (IoL). Aim To compare women’s experience of IoL according to the method, considering the mediating role of interventions and complications of delivery. Methods We used data from the MEDIP prospective population-based cohort, including all women with IoL during one month in seven French perinatal networks. The experience of IoL, assessed at 2 months postpartum, was first compared between cervical ripening and oxytocin, and secondarily between different cervical ripening methods. Mediation analyses were used to measure the direct and indirect effects of cervical ripening on maternal experience, through delivery with interventions or complications. Findings The response rate was 47.8% (n = 1453/3042). Compared with oxytocin (n = 541), cervical ripening (n = 910) was associated less often with feelings that labor went ‘as expected’ (adjusted risk ratio for the direct effect 0.78, 95%CI [0.70–0.88]), length of labor was ‘acceptable’ (0.76[0.71–0.82]), ‘vaginal discomfort’ was absent (0.77[0.69–0.85]) and with lower global satisfaction (0.90[0.84–0.96]). Interventions and complications mediated between 6 and 35% of the total effect of cervical ripening on maternal experience. Compared to the dinoprostone insert, maternal experience was not significantly different with the other prostaglandins. The balloon catheter was associated with less pain. Discussion Cervical ripening was associated with a less positive experience of childbirth, whatever the method, only partly explained by interventions and complications of delivery. Conclusion Counselling and support of women requiring cervical ripening might be enhanced to improve the experience of IoL.

Summary: Background: The infant mortality rate (IMR) serves as a key indicator of population health. Methods: We used data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies on births and deaths during the first year of life from 2001 to 2019 to calculate IMR aggregated by month. We ran joinpoint regressions to identify inflection points and assess the linear trend of each segment. Exploratory analyses were performed for overall IMR, as well as by age at death subgroups (early neonatal [D0-D6], late neonatal [D7-27], and post-neonatal [D28-364]), and by sex. We performed sensitivity analyses by excluding deaths at D0 and using other time-series modeling strategies. Results: Over the 19-year study period, 53,077 infant deaths occurred, for an average IMR of 3·63/1000 (4·00 in male, 3·25 in female); 24·4% of these deaths occurred during the first day of life and 47·8% during the early neonatal period. Joinpoint analysis identified two inflection points in 2005 and 2012. The IMR decreased sharply from 2001 to 2005 (slope: -0·0167 deaths/1000 live births/month; 95%CI: -0·0219 to -0·0116) and then decreased slowly between 2005 and 2012 (slope: -0·0041; 95%CI: -0·0065 to -0·0016). From 2012 onwards, a significant increase in IMR was observed (slope: 0·0033; 95%CI: 0·0011 to 0·0056). Subgroup analyses indicated that these trends were driven notably by an increase in the early neonatal period. Sensitivity analyses provided consistent results. Interpretation: The recent historic increase in IMR since 2012 in France should prompt urgent in-depth investigation to understand the causes and prepare corrective actions. Funding: No financial relationships with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years, no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Abstract Background Oxytocin is effective in reducing labor duration, but can be associated with fetal and maternal complications such as neonatal acidosis and post-partum hemorrhage. When comparing discontinuing oxytocin in the active phase with continuing oxytocin infusion, previous studies were underpowered to show a reduction in neonatal morbidity. Thus, we aim at evaluating the impact of discontinuing oxytocin during the active phase of the first stage of labor on the neonatal morbidity rate. Methods STOPOXY is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled trial conducted in 20 maternity units in France. The first participant was recruited January 17th 2020. The trial includes women with a live term (≥37 weeks) singleton, in cephalic presentation, receiving oxytocin before 4 cm, after an induced or spontaneous labor. Women aged 10 mmol/L and/or umbilical arterial lactates> 7 mmol/L and/or a 5 min Apgar score

Abstract Background Perinatal decision-making affects outcomes for extremely preterm babies (22–26 weeks’ gestational age (GA)): more active units have improved survival without increased morbidity. We hypothesised such units may gain skills and expertise meaning babies at higher gestational ages have better outcomes than if they were born elsewhere. We examined mortality and morbidity outcomes at age two for babies born at 27–28 weeks’ GA in relation to the intensity of perinatal care provided to extremely preterm babies. Methods Fetuses from the 2011 French national prospective EPIPAGE-2 cohort, alive at maternal admission to a level 3 hospital and delivered at 27–28 weeks’ GA, were included. Morbidity-free survival (survival without sensorimotor (blindness, deafness or cerebral palsy) disability) and overall survival at age two were examined. Sensorimotor disability and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) result below threshold among survivors were secondary outcomes. Perinatal care intensity level was based on birth hospital, grouped using the ratio of 24–25 weeks’ GA babies admitted to neonatal intensive care to fetuses of the same gestation alive at maternal admission. Sensitivity analyses used ratios based upon antenatal steroids, Caesarean section, and newborn resuscitation. Multiple imputation was used for missing data; hierarchical logistic regression accounted for births nested within centres. Results 633 of 747 fetuses (84.7%) born at 27–28 weeks’ GA survived to age two. There were no differences in survival or morbidity-free survival: respectively, fully adjusted odds ratios were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.54 to 1.71) and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.59 to 2.01) in medium and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.63 to 2.00) and 1.16 (95% CI: 0.62 to 2.16) in high compared to low-intensity hospitals. Among survivors, there were no differences in sensorimotor disability or ASQ below threshold. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main results. Conclusions No difference was seen in survival or morbidity-free survival at two years of age among fetuses alive at maternal hospital admission born at 27–28 weeks’ GA, or in sensorimotor disability or presence of an ASQ below threshold among survivors. There is no evidence for an impact of intensity of perinatal care for extremely preterm babies on births at a higher gestational age.

Abstract Background Whereas no global severity score exists for congenital heart defects (CHD), risk (Risk Adjusted Cardiac Heart Surgery‐1: RACHS‐1) and/or complexity (Aristotle Basic Complexity: ABC) scores have been developed for those who undergo surgery. Population‐based studies for assessing the predictive ability of these scores are lacking. Objective To assess the predictive ability of RACHS‐1 and ABC scores for the risk of infant mortality using population‐based cohort (EPICARD) data for newborns with structural CHD. Methods The study population comprised 443 newborns who underwent curative surgery. We assessed the predictive ability of each score alone and in conjunction with an a priori selected set of predictors of infant mortality. Statistical analysis included logistic regression models for which we computed model calibration, discrimination (ROC), and a rarely used but clinically meaningful measure of variance explained (Tjur's coefficient of discrimination). Results The risk of mortality increased with increasing RACHS‐1 and the ABC scores and models based on both scores had adequate calibration. Model discrimination was higher for the RACHS‐1‐based model (ROC 0.68, 95% CI, 0.58‐0.79) than the ABC‐based one (ROC 0.59, 95% CI, 0.49‐0.69), P = 0.03. Neither score had the good predictive ability when this was assessed using Tjur's coefficient. Conclusions Even if the RACHS‐1 score had better predictive ability, both scores had low predictive ability using a variance‐explained measure. Because of this limitation and the fact that neither score can be used for newborns with CHD who do not undergo surgery, it is important to develop new predictive models that comprise all newborns with structural CHD.

Typically developing 3-day-old newborns take significantly more forward steps on a moving treadmill belt than on a static belt. The current experiment examined whether projecting optic flows that specified forward motion onto the moving treadmill surface (black dots moving on the white treadmill surface) would further enhance forward stepping. Twenty newborns were supported on a moving treadmill without optic flow (No OF), with optic flow matching the treadmill’s direction and speed (Congruent), with optic flow in the same direction but at a faster speed (Faster), and in a control condition with an incoherent optic flow moving at the same speed as in the Congruent condition but in random directions (Random). The results revealed no significant differences in the number or coordination of forward treadmill steps taken in each condition. However, the Faster condition generated significantly fewer leg pumping movements than the Random control condition. When highly aroused, newborns made significantly fewer single steps and significantly more parallel steps and pumping movements. We speculate the null findings may be a function of the high friction material that covered the treadmill surface.

Abstract Background Emerging evidence suggests intensity of perinatal care influences survival for extremely preterm babies. We evaluated the effect of differences in perinatal care intensity between centres on sensorimotor morbidity at 2 years of age. We hypothesised that hospitals with a higher intensity of perinatal care would have improved survival without increased disability. Methods Foetuses alive at maternal admission to a level 3 hospital in France in 2011, subsequently delivered between 22 and 26 weeks gestational age (GA) and included in the EPIPAGE-2 national prospective observational cohort study formed the baseline population. Level of intensity of perinatal care was assigned according to hospital of birth, categorised into three groups using ‘perinatal intensity’ ratios (ratio of 24–25 weeks GA babies admitted to neonatal intensive care to foetuses of the same GA alive at maternal admission to hospital). Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data; hierarchical logistic regression accounting for births nested within centres was then performed. Results One thousand one hundred twelve foetuses were included; 473 survived to 2 years of age (126 of 358 in low-intensity, 140 of 380 in medium-intensity and 207 of 374 in high-intensity hospitals). There were no differences in disability (adjusted odds ratios 0.93 (95% CI 0.28 to 3.04) and 1.04 (95% CI 0.34 to 3.14) in medium- and high- compared to low-intensity hospitals, respectively). Compared to low-intensity hospitals, survival without sensorimotor disability was increased in the population of foetuses alive at maternal admission to hospital and in live-born babies, but there were no differences when considering only babies admitted to NICU or survivors. Conclusions No difference in sensorimotor outcome for survivors of extremely preterm birth at 2 years of age was found according to the intensity of perinatal care provision. Active management of periviable births was associated with increased survival without sensorimotor disability.

IntroductionWhile use of augmentation of labor (AL) is appropriate for labor dystocia, it is frequently used inadequately and unnecessarily. The objective was to assess at a national level, the frequency and determinants of misuse of augmentation of labor (AL).Material and methodsWomen of the French perinatal survey of 2016 with a singleton cephalic fetus, delivering at term after a spontaneous labor were included. "Misuse of AL" was defined by artificial rupture of the membranes (ROM) and/or oxytocin within one hour of admission and/or duration between ROM and oxytocin of less than one hour. Women, labor and maternity unit's characteristics were compared between the "misuse of AL" and "no misuse of AL" groups by bivariate analysis. To identify the determinants of misuse of AL, a multivariable multilevel logistic regression was performed taking into account the data's hierarchical structure (first level: women, second level: maternity units).ResultsAmong the 7196 women included, 1524 (21.2%) had a misuse of AL. The determinants of misuse of AL were middle school educational level (reference high school), aOR = 1.21; 95%CI[1.01-1.45], gestational age at delivery ≥41weeks (reference 39-40 weeks), aOR = 1.19; 95%CI[1.00-1.42], cervical dilation ≥6cm at admission (reference ConclusionsIn France, one spontaneous laboring woman among five is subject to misuse of AL. The misuse is mostly explained by maternity unit's characteristics. The determinants identified in this study can be used to implement targeted actions in small and private maternity units.

ObjectiveTo assess obstetric factors associated with hysterotomy extension among women undergoing a second-stage cesarean.Study designThis 5-year retrospective cohort study (2013-2017) included all women with second-stage cesarean deliveries of live-born singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation at term. It took place at a tertiary center that practices delayed pushing. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the maternal, obstetric, and neonatal factors associated with hysterotomy extension mentioned in the surgical report. Operative time, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal complications were also studied.ResultsOf the 3350 intrapartum cesareans, 2637 were performed at term for singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation: 747 (28.3%) during the second stage of labor, 83 (11.1%) of which were complicated by a hysterotomy extension. The median duration of the passive phase of the second stage did not differ between women with and without an extension (164 min versus 160 min, P = 0.85). No other second-stage obstetric characteristics, i.e., duration of the active phase, fetal head station, or fetal malposition, were associated with the risk of extension. Factors significantly associated with extension were the surgeon's experience and forceps use during the cesarean. Women with an extension, compared to women without one, had a longer median operative time (49 min versus 32 min, PConclusionThe risk of a hysterotomy extension does not appear to be associated with second-stage obstetric characteristics, including the duration of the passive phase of this stage. In our center, which practices delayed pushing, prolonging this passive phase beyond 2 hours does not increase the risk of hysterotomy extension in second-stage cesareans.

OBJECTIVE:To determine risk factors of severe acute maternal morbidity in women with twin pregnancies and identify subgroups at high risk. METHODS:In a prospective, population-based study of twin deliveries, the JUMODA cohort, all women with twin pregnancies at or after 22 weeks of gestation were recruited in 176 French hospitals. Severe acute maternal morbidity was a composite criterion. We determined its risk factors by multilevel multivariate Poisson regression modeling and identified high-risk subgroups by classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, in two steps: first considering only characteristics known at the beginning of pregnancy and then adding factors arising during its course. RESULTS:Among the 8,823 women with twin pregnancies, 542 (6.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6-6.6) developed severe acute maternal morbidity. Risk factors for severe maternal morbidity identified at the beginning of pregnancy were maternal birth in sub-Saharan Africa (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3), preexisting insulin-treated diabetes (aRR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.4), nulliparity (aRR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-2.0), IVF with autologous oocytes (aRR, 1.3, 95% CI, 1.0-1.6), and oocyte donation (aRR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4-2.8); CART analysis identified nulliparous women with oocyte donation as the subgroup at highest risk (SAMM rate: 14.7%, 95% CI, 10.3-19.1). At the end of pregnancy, additional risk factors identified were placenta praevia (aRR 3.5, 95% CI 2.3-5.3), non-severe preeclampsia (aRR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9-3.2), and macrosomia for either twin (aRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.1); CART analysis identified women with both oocyte donation and non-severe preeclampsia (SAMM rate: 28.9%, 95% CI, 19.9-37.9) and sub-Saharan nulliparous women with non-severe preeclampsia (SAMM rate: 26.9%, 95% CI, 9.9-43.9) as the two subgroups at highest risk. CONCLUSION:In woman with twin pregnancy, rates of severe acute maternal morbidity vary between subgroups from 4.6% to 14.7% and from 3.8% to 28.9% at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy respectively, depending on the combined presence of risk factors.

Abstract Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth one year after vaginal delivery and to identify characteristics of women and deliveries associated with it. Questionnaires were mailed a year after delivery to 1103 women with prospectively collected delivery and postpartum data, including a question on day 2 assessing their experience of childbirth. PTSD was assessed a year later by the Impact of Event and Traumatic Event Scales; 22 women (4.2%, 95%CI 2.7–6.3%) met the PTSD diagnostic criteria and 30 (5.7%; 95%CI 3.9–8.0%) PTSD profile criteria. Factors associated with higher risk of PTSD profile were previous abortion (aOR 3.6, 95%CI 1.4–9.3), previous postpartum hemorrhage (Aor 5.3, 95%CI 1.3–21.4), and postpartum hemoglobin

Abstract Background Congenital heart defects (CHD) and preterm birth (PTB) are major causes of infant mortality. However, limited data exist on risk of mortality associated with PTB for newborns with CHD. Our objective was to assess impact of PTB on risk of infant mortality for newborns with CHD, while taking into account the role of associated anomalies and other potentially confounding factors. Methods We used data on 2172 live births from a prospective population-based cohort study of CHD (the EPICARD Study) and compared neonatal, post-neonatal and overall infant mortality for infants born at

ObjectiveTo compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions before and after pregnancy.DesignRetrospective study.SettingA single French university tertiary referral hospital.PatientsTwenty-one women without a prior history of surgery for endometriosis with a radiological diagnosis by MRI with two sets of examinations performed before and after pregnancy.InterventionsThe volumes of the lesions were compared using the same protocol before and after pregnancy based on MRI (1.5 T) examinations by a single experienced radiologist who is a referring practitioner for image-based diagnosis of endometriosis.Main outcome measure(s)The DIE lesion volume.Measurements and main resultsBetween October 2012 and December 2016, a total of 21 patients (67 lesions) were included and compared before and after pregnancy. The mean time interval between the MRI before pregnancy and delivery was 19.6 ± 8.5 months (median: 17.6, IQR 13.5-25.2 months). The mean time interval between delivery and the MRI after pregnancy was 11.0 ± 6.4 months (median: 8.3, IQR 6-15.2 months). The mean overall DIE lesion volume by MRI was significantly higher before pregnancy compared to after pregnancy (2,552 ± 3,315 mm3 vs. 1,708 ± 3,266 mm3, respectively, p < 0.01). The mean volume by MRI of the largest lesion of each patient was significantly higher before pregnancy compared to after pregnancy (4,728 ± 4,776 mm3 vs. 3165 ± 5299 mm3; p < 0.01).ConclusionOur data indicate a favorable impact of pregnancy on DIE lesion volumes as measured by MRI.

IntroductionAlthough vaccination against influenza is recommended for pregnant women in France because it exposes them to a risk of death and severe respiratory complications, their vaccination coverage in 2016 was estimated at 7%. This study's principal objective was to assess the association between the availability of influenza vaccination at prenatal care visits and vaccination coverage.Material and methodsThis multicenter survey took place in 3 Paris-area public hospital (AP-HP) maternity wards (A, B, and C). Only maternity ward A offered the vaccine and vaccination without charge at prenatal visits. Data were collected from parturients during 10 days in January 2017 by a self-administered anonymous questionnaire.ResultsData from 248 women showed overall vaccination coverage of 19.4% (48/248): 35.4% (46/130) in maternity unit A, 2.7% (2/75) in B, and 0% (0/43) in C (PConclusionOur results show that availability of influenza vaccination, free of charge, at prenatal consultations at the maternity ward increases vaccination coverage significantly.

ObjectivesDuring winter, after excluding obvious sites of infection, the most important diagnoses of isolated fever or influenza-like illness (ILI) to rule out are listeriosis and influenza, because of their severe potential outcomes and the straightforward management available for each. While awaiting laboratory results, the recommended management strategy is usually hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy against potential listeria. This study sought to assess the effect of the use of a rapid test on hospitalization and antibiotic therapy rates.MethodsThe study included all pregnant women who consulted for ILI or isolated fever after clinical and laboratory investigations and had a molecular diagnostic assay for influenza during two time periods, both during influenza epidemics: before introduction of the rapid molecular assay use (period 1) and after this (period 2).ResultsThe study included 38 women during period 1 and 124 during period 2. The influenza diagnosis was confirmed for 24 of 38 (63.2%) women during period 1 and 65 of 124 (52.4%) women during period 2 (P = 0.24). The hospitalization rate fell significantly from period 1 to period 2, both in the total population (71.0% versus 44.3%, P = 0.004) and among women with confirmed influenza (83.3% versus 38.5%, PConclusionThe use of a rapid molecular assay for the diagnosis of influenza improved the management of pregnant women with an isolated fever or ILI by reducing the rates of unnecessary hospitalization and antibiotic therapy.

ObjectivesMost indicators proposed for assessing quality of care in obstetrics are process indicators and do not directly measure health effects, and cannot always be identified from routinely available databases. Our objective was to propose a set of indicators to assess the quality of hospital obstetric care from maternal morbidity outcomes identifiable in permanent hospital discharge databases.MethodsVarious maternal morbidity outcomes potentially reflecting quality of obstetric care were first selected from a systematic literature review. Then a three-round Delphi consensus survey was conducted online from 11/2016 through 02/2017 among a French panel of 37 expert obstetricians, anesthetists-critical-care specialists, midwives, quality-of-care researchers, and user representatives. For a given maternal outcome, several definitions could be proposed and the indicator (i.e. corresponding rate) could be applied to all women or restricted to specific subgroup(s).ResultsOf the 49 experts invited to participate, 37 agreed. The response rate was 92% in the second round and 97% in the third. Finally, a set of 13 indicators was selected to assess the quality of hospital obstetric care: rates of uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion incident, severe perineal lacerations, episiotomy, cesarean, cesarean under general anesthesia, post-cesarean site infection, anesthesia-related complications, postpartum pulmonary embolism, maternal readmission and maternal mortality. Six were considered in specific subgroups, with, for example, the postpartum hemorrhage rate assessed among all women and also among women at low risk of PPH.ImplicationsThis Delphi process enabled us to define consensually a set of indicators to assess the quality of hospital obstetrics care from routine hospital data, based on maternal morbidity outcomes. Considering 6 of them in specific subgroups of women is especially interesting. These indicators, identifiable through codes used in international classifications, will be useful to monitor quality of care over time and across settings.

Syntax allows human beings to build an infinite number of sentences from a finite number of words. How this unique, productive power of human language unfolds over the course of language development is still hotly debated. When they listen to sentences comprising newly-learned words, do children generalize from their knowledge of the legal combinations of word categories or do they instead rely on strings of words stored in memory to detect syntactic errors? Using novel words taught in the lab, we recorded Evoked Response Potentials (ERPs) in two-year-olds and adults listening to grammatical and ungrammatical sentences containing syntactic contexts that had not been used during training. In toddlers, the ungrammatical use of words, even when they have been just learned, induced an early left anterior negativity (surfacing 100–400 ms after target word onset) followed by a late posterior positivity (surfacing 700–900 ms after target word onset) that was not observed in grammatical sentences. This late effect was remarkably similar to the P600 displayed by adults, suggesting that toddlers and adults perform similar syntactic computations. Our results thus show that toddlers build on-line expectations regarding the syntactic category of upcoming words in a sentence.

Abstract Background Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe influenza resulting in increased risks of hospitalisation and death in mothers and their new-borns. Our objective was to assess the representativeness and participation of French women to a new web-based collaborative tool for data collection and monitoring of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) during pregnancy. Methods During the 2014/2015 influenza season, pregnant women living in metropolitan France were enrolled through a web platform ( https://www.grippenet.fr/ ). Then throughout the season, participants were asked to report, on a weekly basis, if they had experienced symptoms of ILI. Representativeness was assessed by comparing the characteristics of participants to those of the French National Perinatal Survey. For each participant, the participation rate was the number of weekly questionnaires completed, divided by the length of follow-up (in weeks). Predictors of active participation (participation rate >15 %) were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 153 women were enrolled. Participants were older (mean age 34 years vs. 29 years) and more highly educated (high school level 89 % versus 52 %) than the general population of pregnant women in France, but the sample did not differ on pregnancy-related characteristics (parity, history of hospitalisation during a previous pregnancy). The median rate of participation was high (78 %, interquartile range: 34–96). Higher educational level and participation to a previous GrippeNet.fr season were associated with active participation. Conclusion Despite small sample size and lack of representativeness, the retention rate was high, suggesting that pregnant women are prone to adhere to a longitudinal follow-up of their health status via the Internet.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether staffing levels of maternity units affect prelabor urgent, elective, and intrapartum cesarean delivery rates.MethodsThis population-based retrospective cohort study covers the deliveries of the 11 hospitals of a French perinatal network in 2008-2014 (N = 102 236). The independent variables were women's demographic and medical characteristics as well as the type, organization, and staffing levels for obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and midwives of each maternity unit. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with multilevel logistic models.ResultsOverall, 23.9% of the women had cesarean deliveries (2.4% urgent before labor, 10% elective, and 11.5% intrapartum). Independently of individual- and hospital-level factors, the level of obstetricians, measured by the number of full-time equivalent persons (i.e., 35 working hours per week) per 100 deliveries, was negatively associated with intrapartum cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.55, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.36-0.83, P-value = 0.005), and the level of midwives negatively associated with elective cesarean delivery (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.90, P-value < 0.001). Accordingly, a 10% increase in obstetrician and midwife staff levels, respectively, would have been associated with a decrease in the likelihood of intrapartum cesarean delivery by 2.5 percentage points and that of elective cesarean delivery by 3.4 percentage points. These changes represent decreases in intrapartum and elective cesarean delivery rates of 19% (from 13.1% to 10.6%) and 33% (from 10.3% to 6.9%), respectively.ConclusionStaffing levels of maternity units affect the use of cesarean deliveries. High staffing levels for obstetricians and midwives are associated with lower cesarean rates.

We aimed to evaluate the incidence of undiagnosed abnormal postpartum blood loss (UPPBL) after vaginal delivery, identify the risk factors and compare them to those of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).The study population included women who participated in a randomized controlled trial of women with singleton low-risk pregnancy who delivered vaginally after 35 weeks' gestation (n = 3917). Clinical PPH was defined as postpartum blood loss ≥ 500 mL measured by using a collector bag and UPPBL was defined by a peripartum change in haemoglobin ≥ 2 g/dL in the absence of clinical PPH. Risk factors were assessed by multivariate multinomial logistic regression.The incidence of UPPBL and PPH was 11.2% and 11.0% of vaginal deliveries, respectively. The median peripartum change in Hb level was comparable between UPPBL and PPH groups (2.5 g/dL interquartile range [2.2-3.0] and 2.4 g/dL IQR [1.5-3.3]). Risk factors specifically associated with UPPBL were Asian geographical origin (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.2; p = 0.009), previous caesarean section (aOR 3.4, 2.1-5.5; p

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Small for gestational age and preeclampsia have both been described as risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates, but their respective role in the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia is debated. We evaluated the relation between small for gestational age and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia. We hypothesized that low birth weight is still associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in this homogeneous population. METHODS:Retrospective single-center cohort study including 141 neonates born between 24 and 30 weeks' gestation to mothers with preeclampsia. The main outcome measure was moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Neonates born small for gestational age (birthweight < 10th percentile on the AUDIPOG curves) were compared to those with appropriate birthweight for gestational age by bivariable analyses and logistic regression models, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS:Bronchopulmonary dysplasia rates were 61.5% (32/52) and 27.4% (20/73) for small for gestational age and appropriate birthweight for gestational age neonates (p < .001). On adjustment for gestational age and other confounding factors, the risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was greater for small for gestational age than appropriate birthweight for gestational age neonates (adjusted OR = 5.9, 95% CI [2.2-15.4]), as was the composite outcome death or moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (adjusted OR = 4.7, 95% CI [1.9-11.3]). CONCLUSIONS:Small for gestational age was associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia. REGISTRATION NUMBER:CNIL no. 1747084.

OBJECTIVE:To assess whether antibiotics used for treatment in asymptomatic second-trimester women positive for Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma spp. detected by amniotic-fluid PCR prevents preterm delivery. DESIGN:A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING:10 maternal fetal medicine centers in France. POPULATION:Women with a singleton pregnancy who underwent amniocentesis between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation (weeks) for Down syndrome screening. A sample of 238 women with PCR-positive findings per treatment group was needed to show a 50% reduction in the preterm delivery rate. METHODS:Amniotic fluid was tested. Women with positive findings on real-time PCR of amniotic fluid for Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum were randomized to receive josamycin or placebo. Amniotic fluid was also tested for 16S PCR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary outcome was delivery before 37 weeks. RESULTS:In total, 1043 women underwent amniotic-fluid screening with specific PCR detection between July 2008 and July 2011: PCR detection failed in 27 (2.6%), and 20 (1.9%) underwent termination of pregnancy. Among the 1016 women with PCR results, 980 had available data for the primary outcome (delivery before 37 weeks) and 29 (3.0%) were positive for Ureaplasma and/or Mycoplasma spp. Because of the low rate of women with PCR-positive findings, the trial was stopped prematurely. In total, 19 women were randomized to receive placebo (n = 8) or josamycin (n = 11) and their characteristics were comparable, as was the rate of preterm delivery and secondary outcomes. In comparing all PCR-positive and -negative women regardless of treatment, PCR positivity for Ureaplasma and/or Mycoplasma spp. was not associated with any adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcome. Amniotic-fluid screening by 16S PCR showed no other bacterial colonization associated with preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS:Because of a low amniotic fluid colonization rate, the trial was interrupted. Maternal amniotic-fluid colonization by Mycoplasma and/or Ureaplasma spp. at 16-20 weeks in asymptomatic women is rare and not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00718705.

BACKGROUND:Intra-abdominal packing is a possible option for persistent bleeding following hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage. However, to date, only very limited data about maternal outcome after intra-abdominal packing for surgically uncontrolled hemorrhage following hysterectomy are available. The objective of the current study was to estimate maternal outcome after intra-abdominal packing following unsuccessful peripartum hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage. METHODS:A questionnaire was mailed to all maternity units performing more than 850 deliveries per year. Inclusion criteria were: all cases of abdominal packing performed following unsuccessful peripartum hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage between 2003 and 2013. The primary outcome was success of intra-abdominal packing, defined as the arrest of hemorrhage with no need of additional procedure. RESULTS:The total number of deliveries during the study period that occurred in the 51 participating centers was 1,430,142. The centers reported a total of 718 (1 per 2000 deliveries) peripartum hysterectomies for PPH and 53 abdominal packings performed after unsuccessful peripartum hysterectomy (about 1 per 14 hysterectomies). A median of 5 [IQR 3-7] pads were used for packing. Abdominal packing was removed after a median of 39.5 hours [IQR 24-48]. The success rate of abdominal packing was 62% (33/53). Among the 20 (38%) women in whom bleeding did not stop following the use of abdominal packing, 6 required a second surgical intervention, 6 a pelvic artery embolization and the 8 other women had "only" further intensive resuscitation and pharmacological treatments. Finally, mortality rate was 24% (13/53). CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that abdominal packing, used for duration of 24 to 48 hours, seems to be an option as an ultimate procedure to control persistent life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage following peripartum hysterectomy.

Abstract Objective We report an uneventful conservative approach of an advanced abdominal pregnancy discovered at 22 weeks of gestation. Study Design This study is a case report. Results Attempting to extend gestation of an advanced abdominal pregnancy is not a common strategy and is widely questioned. According to the couple's request, the management consisted in continuous hospitalization, regular ultrasound scan, and antenatal corticosteroids. While the woman remained asymptomatic, surgery was planned at 32 weeks, leading to the birth of a preterm child without any long-term complications. Placenta was left in situ with a prophylactic embolization, and its resorption was monitored. Conclusion Depending on multidisciplinary cares and agreement of the parents, when late discovered, prolonging advanced abdominal pregnancy appears to be a reasonable option.

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether breech presentation is an independent risk factor for neonatal morbidity, mortality, or long-term neurologic morbidity in very preterm infants. DESIGN:Prospective population-based cohort. POPULATION:Singletons infants without congenital malformations born from 27 to 32 completed weeks of gestation enrolled in France in 1997 in the EPIPAGE cohort. METHODS:The neonatal and long-term follow-up outcomes of preterm infants were compared between those in breech presentation and those in vertex presentation. The relation of fetal presentation with neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes was assessed using multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS:Among the 1518 infants alive at onset of labor included in this analysis (351 in breech presentation), 1392 were alive at discharge. Among those eligible to follow up and alive at 8 years, follow-up data were available for 1188 children. Neonatal mortality was significantly higher among breech than vertex infants (10.8% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.05). However the differences were not significant after controlling for potential confounders. Neonatal morbidity did not differ significantly according to fetal presentation. Severe cerebral palsy was less frequent in the group born in breech compared to vertex presentation but there was no difference after adjustment. There was no difference according to fetal presentation in cognitive deficiencies/learning disabilities or overall deficiencies. CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that breech presentation is not an independent risk factor for neonatal mortality or long-term neurologic deficiencies among very preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the prognostic value of fetal Doppler in dichorionic twins and singletons by measuring the interval between diagnosis of an abnormal Doppler flow and birth in fetuses who are small for gestational age (SGA). DESIGN:Comparative retrospective study using a prospectively collected database. SETTING:A level 3 maternity unit in France. POPULATION:Fetuses from singleton and dichorionic pregnancies who are SGA (vascular or unexplained), defined by an abdominal circumference (AC) measurement below the 10th percentile and confirmed by a birth weight below the 10th percentile. METHODS:Fisher's exact and Chi-2 tests were used to compare frequencies, and the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test was used to compare medians in non-Gaussian distributions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Both neonatal outcomes and intervals between the first Doppler abnormality and birth were compared in the groups of dichorionic twins and singletons. RESULTS:Obstetric and neonatal outcome were similar in the 104 SGA dichorionic twins and 170 SGA singletons. Abnormalities of umbilical artery Doppler, regardless of type, appeared at the same frequency in both groups (52.9%) but were identified earlier in twins (25 versus 28 weeks, p = 0.02). Among fetuses with abnormal Doppler flow, the interval between the finding and birth was significantly longer in the twins than the singletons (44 vs 15 days, p

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for CMV seronegativity in a cohort of pregnant women in Paris, France.Pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort during the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic were tested for CMV IgG antibodies. Variables collected were age, geographic origin, lifestyle, work characteristics, socioeconomic status, gravidity, parity and number of children at home. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictive factors for CMV seropositivity.Among the 826 women enrolled, 389 (47.1%) were primiparous, and 552 (67.1%) had Metropolitan France as a geographic origin. Out of these, 355 (i.e. 57.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): [53.6%-60.4%]) were CMV seropositive: 43.7% (95% CI:[39.5%-47.9%]) in those whose geographic origin was Metropolitan France and 84.1% in those with other origins (95% CI:[79.2%-88.3%]). Determinants associated with CMV seropositivity in a multivariate logistic regression model were: (i) geographic origin (p

ObjectiveTo determine risk factors of superimposed preeclampsia in women with essential chronic hypertension receiving antihypertensive therapy prior to conception.MethodsA retrospective study of 211 patients that analyzed risk factors of superimposed preeclampsia at first prenatal visit. Variables with a pResultsSuperimposed preeclampsia occurred in 49 (23.2%) women. In logistic regression analysis, previous preeclampsia [OR: 4.05 (1.61-10.16)], and mean arterial blood pressure of 95 mmHg or higher [OR: 4.60 (1.94-10.93)] were associated with increased risk of superimposed preeclampsia. When both variables were present, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio for superimposed preeclampsia were 43%, 94%, 70%, 85%, and 7.71 (95% CI: 3.20-18.57), respectively.ConclusionIn essential chronic hypertensive women, previous preeclampsia and mean arterial blood pressure of 95 mmHg or higher are associated with increased risks of superimposed preeclampsia.

ObjectiveMeasuring the quality of inpatient obstetrical care using quality indicators is becoming increasingly important for both patients and healthcare providers. However, there is no consensus about which measures are optimal. We describe a modified Delphi method to identify a set of indicators for continuously monitoring the quality of maternity care by healthcare professionals.Methodology and main findingsAn international French-speaking multidisciplinary panel comprising 22 obstetricians-gynaecologists, 12 midwives, and 1 paediatrician assessed potential indicators extracted from a medical literature search, using a two-round Delphi procedure followed by a physical meeting. Each panellist rated each indicator based on validity and feasibility. In the first round, 35 panellists from 5 countries and 20 maternity units evaluated 26 indicators including 15 related to the management of the overall population of pregnant women, 3 to the management of women followed from the first trimester of pregnancy, 2 to the management of low-risk pregnant women, and 6 to the management of neonates. 25 quality indicators were kept for next step. In the second round, 27 (27/35: 77%) panellists selected 17 indicators; the remaining 8 indicators were discussed during a physical meeting. The final set comprised 18 indicators.ConclusionA multidisciplinary panel selected indicators that reflect the quality of obstetrical care. This set of indicators could be used to assess and monitor obstetrical care, with the goal of improving the quality of care in maternity units.

BackgroundClinical guidelines do not recommend maintenance tocolysis for the management of preterm labour. The French national survey EVAPRIMA revealed it was administered to more than 50% of women hospitalised for preterm labour. Our aim was to identify the individual and organisational determinants associated with maintenance tocolysis.MethodsThe study was a secondary analysis of the prospective population-based EVAPRIMA study database. Population study included every women hospitalised for preterm labour and at risk of receiving maintenance tocolysis, over a one month period, in 99 randomly selected French maternity units. Main outcome was the prescription of maintenance tocolysis. The association between maintenance tocolysis and individual (maternal or obstetrical) and organisational determinants were evaluated with multilevel analysis.ResultsOf the 531 women included, 68.9% (95% CI 0.65-0.73) received maintenance tocolysis. The only individual factor associated with maintenance tocolysis was gestational age at admission; the rate of maintenance tocolysis was higher among women hospitalised before 32 weeks of gestation. The significantly different rates between maternity units demonstrated the existence of a maternity unit effect. Maintenance tocolysis was also associated with organisational determinants and was more frequent in level 1 (ORa = 6.54[2.21-19.40]) and level 2 maternity units (ORa = 3.68[1.28-10.59]), in units with less than 1500 deliveries/year (ORa = 5.27[4.43-19.44]), and in specific areas of France.ConclusionA maternity unit effect, explained partly by the organisational characteristics of the units, plays a major role in the practice of maintenance tocolysis. Widespread dissemination of these results might improve adherence to clinical guidelines.

BackgroundIn 2009, pregnant women were specifically targeted by a national vaccination campaign against pandemic A/H1N1 influenza virus. The objectives of the COFLUPREG study, initially set up to assess the incidence of serious forms of A/H1N1 influenza, were to assess the consequences of maternal vaccination on pregnancy outcomes and maternal seroprotection at delivery.MethodsPregnant women, between 12 and 35 weeks of gestation, non vaccinated against A/H1N1 2009 influenza were randomly selected to be included in a prospective cohort study conducted in three maternity centers in Paris (France) during pandemic period. Blood samples were planned to assess hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody against A/H1N1 2009 influenza at inclusion and at delivery.ResultsAmong the 877 pregnant women included in the study, 678 (77.3%) had serum samples both at inclusion and delivery, and 320 (36.5%) received pandemic A/H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine with a median interval between vaccination and delivery of 92 days (95% CI 48-134). At delivery, the proportion of women with seroprotection (HI antibodies titers against A/H1N1 2009 influenza of 1∶40 or greater) was 69.9% in vaccinated women. Of the 422 non-vaccinated women with serological data, 11 (2.6%; 95%CI: 1.3-4.6) had laboratory documented A/H1N1 2009 influenza (1 with positive PCR and 10 with serological seroconversion). None of the 877 study's women was hospitalized for flu. No difference on pregnancy outcomes was evidenced between vaccinated women, non-vaccinated women without seroconversion and non-vaccinated women with flu.ConclusionDespite low vaccine coverage, incidence of pandemic flu was low in this cohort of pregnant women.No effect on pregnancy and delivery outcomes was evidenced after vaccination.

The circulating concentration of PlGF is reported to be lower in patients experiencing preeclampsia and patients delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate. To evaluate the predictive value of circulating PlGF for preeclampsia and adverse outcome in patients with suspected preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).A double blind prospective study. We enrolled 96 women for suspected preeclampsia or IUGR, and measured plasma levels of PlGF (Triage®) at enrolment. We defined adverse outcome as severe preeclampsia, SGA neonate (5(th) centile experienced a severe adverse outcome within 15 days (5%).Among women with suspected preeclampsia or IUGR, PlGF helps identify women who will experience an adverse outcome and those who will not within a time period of 15 days.

BackgroundIn October 2009, the French government organized a national-wide, free of charge vaccination campaign against pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, especially targeting pregnant women, a high risk group for severe illness. The study objective was to evaluate pandemic flu vaccine uptake and factors associated with non-vaccination in a population of pregnant women.Methodology/principal findingsIn a prospective cohort conducted in 3 maternity hospitals in Paris, 882 pregnant women were randomly included between October 12, 2009 and February 3, 2010, with the aim to study characteristics of pandemic influenza during pregnancy. At inclusion, socio-demographic, medical, obstetrical factors and those associated with a higher risk of flu exposition and disease-spreading were systematically collected. Pandemic flu vaccine uptake was checked until delivery. 555 (62.9%) women did not get vaccinated. Determinants associated with non-vaccination in a multivariate logistic regression were: geographic origin (Sub-Saharan African origin, adjusted Odd Ratio aOR = 5.4[2.3-12.7], North African origin, aOR = 2.5[1.3-4.7] and Asian origin, aOR = 2.1[1.7-2.6] compared to French and European origin) and socio-professional categories (farmers, craftsmen and tradesmen, aOR = 2.3[2.0-2.6], intermediate professionals, aOR = 1.3[1.0-1.6], employees and manual workers, aOR = 2.5[1.4-4.4] compared to managers and intellectual professionals). The probability of not receiving pandemic flu vaccine was lower among women vaccinated against seasonal flu in the previous 5 years (aOR = 0.6[0.4-0.8]) and among those who stopped smoking before or early during pregnancy (aOR = 0.6[0.4-0.8]). Number of children less than 18 years old living at home, work in contact with children or in healthcare area, or professional contact with the public, were not associated with a higher vaccine uptake.Conclusions/significanceIn this cohort of pregnant women, vaccine coverage against pandemic 2009 A/H1N1 flu was low, particularly in immigrant women and those having a low socio-economic status. To improve its effectiveness, future vaccination campaign for pregnant women should be more specifically tailored for these populations.

The first reports on the pandemic influenza 2009 A/H1N1v from the USA, Mexico, and Australia indicated that this disease was associated with a high mortality in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the characteristics of severe critically ill and non-severe pregnant women with 2009 A/H1N1v-related illness in France. A national registry was created to screen pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed 2009 A/H1N1v influenza. Three hundred and fifteen patients from 46 French hospitals were included: 40 patients were admitted to intensive care units (severe outcomes), 111 were hospitalized in obstetric or medical wards (moderate outcomes), and 164 were outpatients (mild outcomes). The 2009 A/H1N1v influenza illness occurred during all pregnancy trimesters, but most women (54%), notably the severe patients (70%), were in the third trimester. Among the severe patients, twenty (50%) underwent mechanical ventilation, and eleven (28%) were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Three women died from A/H1N1v influenza. We found a strong association between the development of a severe outcome and both co-existing illnesses (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-11.8) and a delay in oseltamivir treatment after the onset of symptoms (>3 or 5 days) (adjusted OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.9-12.1 and 61.2, 95% CI; 14.4-261.3, respectively). Among the 140 deliveries after 22 weeks of gestation known to date, 19 neonates (14%) were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, mainly for preterm delivery, and two neonates died. None of these neonates developed 2009 A/H1N1v infection. This series confirms the high incidence of complications in pregnant women infected with pandemic A/H1N1v observed in other countries but depicts a lower overall maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity than indicated in the USA or Australia. Moreover, our data demonstrate the benefit of early oseltamivir treatment in this specific population.