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Yuelian Sun,1– 4 Jesper Padkær Petersen,5 Chunsen Wu,6,7 Julie Werenberg Dreier,3,8 Rikke Damkjær Maimburg,9– 11 Tine Brink Henriksen,5 Jakob Christensen1,2 1Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 2Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 3National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 4Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 5Department of Paediatrics, Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 6Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; 7Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; 8Centre for Integrated Register-Based Research (CIRRAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 9Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Occupational Health, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; 10Department of Midwifery, University College of Northern Denmark, Hjørring, Denmark; 11School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW, AustraliaCorrespondence: Yuelian Sun, Department of Neurology, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark, Email ys@clin.au.dkPurpose: Phototherapy is the standard treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It is important to collect data on phototherapy to support research related to the efficacy and safety of phototherapy. We explored the registration of phototherapy in the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) and the clinical characteristics of neonates treated with phototherapy.Methods: We identified children born alive in Denmark from 1 January 2000 through 30 November 2016 from the DNPR (N=1,044,502). We calculated the proportion of children registered that received phototherapy during the neonatal period and examined temporal trends, both nationwide and at the level of individual hospitals. In a sub-cohort of children born at Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) in 2002– 2016 (N=71,781), we analyzed the proportions of children registered that received phototherapy, according to sex, gestational age, birth weight, and neonatal characteristics, like Apgar score, birth asphyxia, and infections.Results: We identified 11,295 (1.1%) registered that received phototherapy. The proportions of children registered that received phototherapy differed among hospitals (range: 0 to 4.1%). Nationwide registration was low during the study period, but it increased to 1.8% in 2016. For the AUH sub-cohort the proportion of children registered with phototherapy averaged 4.4% (N=3182, range:3.9– 5.1%). The proportion of children registered with phototherapy was inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight, and positively correlated with neonatal characteristics, including low Apgar score, birth asphyxia, and infections.Conclusion: Phototherapy was under-reported in the DNPR and the proportions of children registered that received phototherapy differed among hospitals. The non-compulsory policy for reporting treatment and care in hospitals to the DNPR might explain the variation. The most consistent reporting was observed among children born in an university hospital, where 4.4% of children registered that received phototherapy, and phototherapy was inversely associated with gestational age, birth weight, and positively associated with clinical characteristics like birth asphyxia, and infections.Keywords: Danish National Patient Registry, health administrative data, neonates, hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal jaundice, phototherapy

Background Abdominal examination is a routine procedure performed by midwives several times during pregnancy to monitor the growth and well-being of the baby. Literature and instructions regarding abdominal examination focus on the technical performance, with limited attention paid to the women’s experience of the examination or the bonding-related aspects between the mother and baby. The aim of the study was to explore how pregnant women experience the abdominal examination and how the examination affects maternal–fetal attachment. Methods Participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 10 pregnant women. We used thematic analysis to identify themes across the empirical material. Results We identified the following four central themes: an essential examination, the baby becomes real, the importance of being involved and different senses provide different experiences. These themes describe how the women regarded the abdominal examination as an essential part of the midwifery consultation and considered it the occasion when the baby became real and tangible. Being prepared and involved before and during the examination were pivotal for how the examination was experienced by the women. The abdominal examination was crucial to the pregnant women because it provided them with important sensory aspects that were not obtained from ultrasound examination. Conclusion The abdominal examination is regarded as essential in midwifery consultations and has the potential for supporting a woman’s bodily sensation of her baby, which is reinforced by the midwife’s manual palpation. Touch can be a way for a pregnant woman to become acquainted with her unborn child, which provides midwives a profound potential to facilitate the process of maternal–fetal attachment.

OBJECTIVE: Even in maternity care systems with free midwifery care, some women intentionally choose to birth unattended by any health professional (freebirth). Women who choose freebirth represent an enigma for many, and a provocation to some. However, people who do not conform to dominant medical practices are a source of valuable insights that can reveal shortcomings in the mainstream health care system. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore and understand women's motivations and preparations for freebirth.METHODS: The study was informed by the theoretical lens of the 'undisciplined patient'. Qualitative, in-depth interviews were performed with ten Danish women, who for their most recent birth had planned to freebirth. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.RESULTS: Four themes were identified. "The standard system is not for me" describes negative experiences during previous births and the desire for more individualised support. "Re-establishing trust in myself" describes the women's quest for recognizing their own needs and re-building autonomy and inner strength. "I do my research" describes how the women sought new ways of knowing and prioritised experiential knowledge. And finally, "I create my safe space" describes the women's efforts to create the best possible physical and emotional space for themselves and their babies in order to have a safe and autonomous birth experience.CONCLUSION: Freebirth is not undertaken lightly or without preparation by women. Improved continuity of care as well as greater flexibility in hospital guidelines could accommodate some of these women's demand for autonomy in birth.

Background Obesity in pregnant women is increasing worldwide, affecting the health of both mother and baby. Obesity may be associated with inadequate health literacy, a central competence when navigating antenatal health information and services. This study explores women’s health literacy by examining their knowledge, motivation and skills to access, understand and evaluate health information and the related behaviour among a sample of pregnant women with a prepregnant body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2. Methods An inductive, qualitative study using an interpretive description methodology. Data was collected through ten semi-structured interviews with pregnant women with a prepregnancy BMI > 25 kg/m2 attending antenatal care at the midwifery clinic at Aarhus University Hospital in the Central Denmark Region. Results Pregnant women with obesity understand general health information provided by health professionals, but translating this knowledge into specific healthy behaviours presents a challenge. Although difficulties navigating booking systems and available digital services contribute to this problem, apps can help facilitate navigation. However, successful navigation may depend on adequate e-health literacy. Conflicting information from health professionals, social media and families also present a challenge for pregnant women, requiring a broad skillset for critical evaluation and resolution. Conclusions Adequate health literacy is necessary for pregnant women receiving antenatal care to (i) translate general health information into personalised healthy behaviour, (ii) access and navigate complex and digitalised systems, and (iii) critically evaluate conflicting information. Person-centred differentiation in the organisation of antenatal care may benefit vulnerable pregnant women with inadequate health literacy. Trial registration The study was registered cf. General Data Protection Regulation, Aarhus University Journal number 2016–051-000001, serial number 1934.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how women's perception of the childbirth experience developed during the postpartum period. The secondary aim was to explore how selected birth interventions were subjectively perceived as part of the birth experience.DESIGN: A prospective cohort study comparing childbirth experience, assessed at one and six weeks postpartum, using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ).SETTING: A regional hospital in the northern part of Denmark, with 1,400 childbirths annually.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 201 women with low-risk births who gave birth at North Denmark Regional Hospital were included in this study. We included both nulliparous and multiparous women.MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: More than 50% of the women changed their perceptions about their childbirth experience after six weeks. After six weeks the overall CEQ score and the domains 'Participation' and 'Professional support' had a lower CEQ score compared to scores obtained one week postpartum, although differences were small. Induction of labor, augmentation of labor, emergency caesarean section, epidural analgesia, and use of nitrous oxide were associated with a lower CEQ score.KEY CONCLUSIONS: Women assessed their overall birth experience more negatively at six weeks postpartum compared to one week postpartum. Some interventions in the labor process influenced the women's assessment of their experiences negatively.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Paying attention to preventive initiatives to ensure the women a spontaneous birth, if possible, may be essential to create positive perceptions of the childbirth experience.

Background The European Union directive requires employers to assess and ensure safety measures for pregnant women in the workplace. Despite this, the rate of sick leave among pregnant Scandinavian women is relatively high. This study aims to provide insight into how pregnant employees and their managers experience and address pregnancy at the workplace, to identify preconditions for successful workplace adjustments for pregnant women. Methods We carried out a qualitative study that involved semi-structured interviews with seventeen participants: eight pregnant women and nine managers from occupations whose employees demonstrate an increased likelihood of taking sick leave during pregnancy. The interviews were thematically coded and organized into main themes and subthemes. Results Based on semi-structured interviews with the seventeen participants (eight pregnant employees and nine managers), we identified preconditions for successful workplace adjustments. According to the pregnant employees, these included, “The managers' concern, understanding, and acknowledgment,” “support and acceptance from colleagues,” and “pregnant employees’ acceptance of their need for adjustments.” According to the managers, the preconditions for successful workplace adjustments included “an open and honest dialogue” and “a systematic approach.” Conclusion Implementing workplace adjustments for pregnant employees is a complex process that comprises various initiatives, and their success may depend on several factors. This study’s findings suggest that the success of workplace interventions depends on 1) management, colleagues, and the pregnant employee recognizing and accepting pregnant women’s needs, 2) an organizational culture that supports women and pregnancy without compromising the occupational health of other employees, and 3) professional guidance that supports both women and managers when dealing with pregnancy-related concerns. We suggest that this study’s findings may be used to improve the implementation of workplace adjustments for pregnant women.

Background In general, epidural analgesia is considered a safe and efficient way to relieve pain during active labour and is increasingly used in childbirth. It is well documented that epidural analgesia during birth has benefits but also adverse effects. However, evidence is limited on how epidural analgesia influences neonatal outcome in a low-risk population of birthing women. Aim To examine low Apgar score, foetal hypoxia and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit in neonates of low-risk women receiving epidural analgesia during birth. Methods A cohort study using registry data to investigate a population of 23,272 low-risk women giving birth at a university hospital. Results Epidural analgesia was used in 21.6% of low-risk women during birth. Low Apgar score, foetal hypoxia, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were found in 0.6%, 0.6%, and 10.0%, respectively in neonates of mothers receiving epidural analgesia during birth compared to 0.3%, 0.6%, and 5.6%, respectively in the non-exposed group. Epidural analgesia was associated with low Apgar score, adjusted odds ratio 1.76 (95% CI 1.07–2.90) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, adjusted odds ratio 1.43 (95% CI 1.26–1.62). A mediation analysis indicates the impact of epidural analgesia on adverse neonatal outcomes was mediated by obstetric complications like maternal fever, labour augmentation, and foetal malpresentation. Conclusion This study found use of epidural analgesia during birth in low-risk pregnant women was associated with infant low Apgar score and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Background Birth positions may influence the risk of tears in the genital tract during birth. Birth positions are widely studied yet knowledge on genital tract tears following birth on a birth seat is inconclusive. Aim The objective of this study was to describe the proportion of genital tract tears in women who gave birth on a birth seat compared to women who did not. Method An observational cohort study based on birth information collected prospectively. In total 10 629 live, singleton, non-instrumental births in cephalic presentation were studied. Results Fewer women who gave birth on a birth seat experienced an overall intact genital tract compared to women who gave birth in any other position. Women who gave birth on a birth seat were less likely to have an episiotomy performed. Women who gave birth vaginally on a birth seat after a previous caesarean section may have an increased risk for sustaining a sphincter tear. Discussion It is important to be aware of the decreased chance of an overall intact genital tract area when giving birth on a birth seat. Furthermore, there is a possibly increased risk of sphincter tear in women having a vaginal birth after caesarean. It is required and of importance to provide pregnant women with evidence-based information on factors associated with genital tract tears including birth positions.

A pregnant woman needs adequate knowledge, motivation, and skills to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information to make decisions related to the health of herself and her unborn baby. These skills are defined as health literacy: an important factor in relation to the woman’s ability to engage and navigate antenatal care services. Evidence shows variation in levels of health literacy among pregnant women, but more knowledge is needed about how to respond to different health literacy profiles in antenatal care. This paper describes the development protocol for the HeLP program, which aims to investigate pregnant women’s health literacy and co-create health literacy interventions through a broad collaboration between pregnant women, partners, healthcare providers, professionals, and other stakeholders using the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) process. The HeLP program will be provided at two hospitals, which provide maternity care including antenatal care: a tertiary referral hospital (Aarhus University Hospital) and a secondary hospital (the Regional Hospital in Viborg). The Ophelia process includes three process phases with separate objectives, steps, and activities leading to the identification of local strengths, needs and issues, co-design of interventions, and implementation, evaluation, and ongoing improvement. No health literacy intervention using the Ophelia process has yet been developed for antenatal care.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of women admitted to a specialized unit for bereaved parents and to identify the characteristics of women who stayed more than 2 days.DESIGN: A population-based descriptive study.SETTING: A midwifery-led specialized unit for bereaved parents at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.PARTICIPANTS: Women with miscarriage (>14 weeks), missed abortion (>14 weeks), termination of pregnancy (>14 weeks), stillbirth, or death of their neonate during the first 48 hours after birth.METHODS: We collected information from the electronic health care records for women admitted to the unit from January 2012 through December 2018, including parity, type of loss, gestational age, mode and duration of birth, pain relief, and duration of stay.RESULTS: From January 1, 2012. to December 31, 2018, 579 women were admitted to the unit. Hospitalization varied from 1 day to 1 week. More women with a loss after 22 gestational weeks stayed for more than 2 days. In multivariate analyses, the hazard ratio (HR) of staying longer than 2 days was 1.3 times greater for primiparous women than for multiparous women (HR = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [1.0, 1.7]) and 2.4 times greater for women with near-term loss compared to women with perinatal loss before gestational week 22 (HR = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [1.7, 3.6]).CONCLUSION: Providing unlimited stay at a specialized unit for perinatal loss resulted in variation in length of stay. Primiparous women and women who lost neonates or fetuses closer to term gestation were more likely to stay in the unit for up to 8 days. This may indicate a need for individual support not available in standard care.

Background: Obesity in pregnant women is increasing worldwide, affecting the health of both mother and baby. Obesity may be associated with inadequate health literacy, a central competence when navigating antenatal health information and services. This study explores women’s health literacy experiences among a sample of pregnant women with a prepregnant body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2.Methods: An inductive, qualitative study using an interpretive description methodology. Data was collected through ten semi-structured interviews with pregnant women with a prepregnancy BMI >25 kg/m2 attending antenatal care at the midwifery clinic at Aarhus University Hospital in the Central Denmark Region.Results: Pregnant women with obesity understand general health information provided by health professionals, but translating this knowledge into specific healthy behaviours presents a challenge. Although difficulties navigating booking systems and available digital services contribute to this problem, apps can help facilitate navigation. However, successful navigation may depend on adequate e-health literacy. Conflicting information from health professionals, social media and families also present a challenge for pregnant women, requiring a broad skillset for critical evaluation and resolution.Conclusions: Adequate health literacy is necessary for pregnant women receiving antenatal care to (i) translate general health information into personalised healthy behaviour, (ii) access and navigate complex and digitalised systems, and (iii) critically evaluate conflicting information. Person-centred differentiation in the organisation of antenatal care may benefit vulnerable pregnant women with inadequate health literacy.Trial registration: The study was registered cf. General Data Protection Regulation, Aarhus University Journal number 2016-051-000001, serial number 1934.

BackgroundThe positive predictive value of clinical hip examinations performed by generalist health professionals in screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is low and declining.AimTo assess the self-reported recognition of nationally recommended clinical hip examinations in the screening programme for DDH in Denmark among midwives, GPs, and GPs in training.Design & settingA cross-sectional, web-based open survey study among Danish midwives, GPs, and GPs in training.MethodResponders were asked to identify which of six written statements of clinical hip examinations were featured in the national Danish guidelines on DDH screening. Three statements were the official statements of the Ortolani, Galeazzi, and hip abduction examinations from the national guidelines, and three statements were false and constructed by the author group. Participants were asked to select up to six statements.ResultsA total of 178 (58 GPs, 97 midwives, and 23 GPs in training) responses were included. Overall, 89% of responders correctly identified the Ortolani manoeuvre and 92% correctly identified one of the constructed descriptions as being false. The remaining four descriptions had significantly lower correct answer percentages ranging from 41%–58%, with significantly lower correct answer percentages of midwives for three out of all six descriptions when compared with GPs.ConclusionThe recognition of two out of three recommended clinical hip examinations in the Danish screening programme for DDH is low overall among current screeners. Efforts should be made to heighten the knowledge level by further education of screeners.

Introduction: Maternal pelvic capacity plays a major role during childbirth because the passage of the fetus through the bony birth canal enables vaginal birth. Maternal birthing position may influence pelvic capacity because upright positions optimize capacity, possibly due to free movement of the pelvic joints. Herein, pelvic capacity was assessed by comparing changes in pelvic dimensions across pregnancy and in three birthing positions. Material and methods: This diagnostic imaging study of 50 pregnant women was conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Pelvic measurements were obtained with 1.5 T magnetic resonance pelvimetry during gestational weeks 20 and 32, in three birthing positions: kneeling squat, semi-lithotomy and supine. Pelvic capacity was compared between gestational weeks and positions. Results: In all three positions there is an overall increase in pelvic capacity from gestational week 20–32 at both the pelvic inlet and outlet. Comparing pelvic capacity at gestational week 32 between the semi-lithotomy and supine positions revealed that the pelvic inlet was larger in the supine position, whereas the mean pelvic outlet was 0.2 cm (p

Background Different hands-on interventions to protect women from severe perineal tears after birth have been widely implemented. Evidence to support the routine use of hands-on interventions to reduce severe tears is mainly based on aggregated data from observational studies. Aim To critically discuss the current evidence for the implementation of hands-on intervention as a routine practice to protect women from severe tears after birth. Discussion Observational studies have been used to justify the routine use of hands-on intervention to protect women from severe perineal tears despite randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews showing lack of benefit. There is strong evidence supporting the slow speed at the time of birth to prevent severe perineal tears. While hands-on intervention does reduce the speed of birth, it may have a negative effect on the birth process, on neonatal outcomes and women’s agency. Conclusion Evidence-based practice requires sufficient evaluation of interventions before being implemented in clinical practice as well as valuing the level of evidence when making clinical decisions. Evaluation of hands-on interventions to protect women from severe perineal tears must include not just one outcome of interest, but also an assessment of how the intervention interferes with the normal mechanism of birth, and how it affects neonatal outcomes and the autonomy of women.

Introduction Diabetes Mellitus in pregnancy is increasing. No existing studies have examined Diabetes Mellitus as the primary exposure for lower genital tract tears after vaginal birth. The objective was to study the association between Diabetes Mellitus (all types combined), Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and lower genital tract tears after vaginal birth. Material and methods A register-based cohort study of women with singleton pregnancy and without a previous cesarean section at near-term (≥ 35 + 0 weeks) and term (≥ 37 + 0 weeks) gestational age, n = 31,297 at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2012. The associations between Diabetes Mellitus and lower genital tract tears were analysed using a fixed multiple logistic regression analyses. Results Approximately 32,000 women were eligible for the study; 796 women had diabetes (2.5%) and 1318 experienced anal sphincter injury (4.3%). The overall risk of lower genital tract tears was similar among women with a diagnosis of diabetes (Type1 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) compared to women without diabetes, except for nulliparous women with Type1 Diabetes Mellitus who experienced a higher risk of episiotomies, crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.14-3.97) and (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.21-5.10), respectively. Conclusions Women with Diabetes Mellitus without a previous cesarean section who gave birth vaginally to a single child at term or near term did not experienced an increased risk of lower genital tract tears. However, nulliparous women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus experienced a higher risk of episiotomy. These results may be used to individualised counselling of women with Diabetes Mellitus regarding mode of birth and may reduce worries about genital tract tears in women with Diabetes Mellitus considering vaginal birth.

The screening programme for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Denmark is based on clinical examination and selective ultrasound examination of children with established risk factors for DDH. This method of screening may not reduce the proportion of lately diagnosed cases. Universal screening for DDH is cost-efficient and may eliminate late diagnosis of DDH and minimise the need for corrective surgery. In this review, we propose developing a new universal screening programme for DDH in Denmark.

Aims: To study the associations between and timing of psychosocial and physical work factors and health status on sick leave among Danish pregnant employees. Methods: A total of 910 pregnant women completed a questionnaire in gestational weeks 12 (baseline) and 27 (follow-up). Information about psychosocial and physical work factors and health status was obtained at baseline. Associations with sick leave ⩾14 days were estimated using logistic regression. Further, the impact of timing and duration of exposure on sick leave were examined. Results: A total of 133 women (14.6%) reported ⩾14 days of sick leave at follow-up (27 weeks of gestation). Work-related risk factors for sick leave were high work pace, low influence, low recognition, low job satisfaction, conflict in work−family balance, standing/walking, heavy lifting, and shift work/night shift. Health-related risk factors were burnout, stress, possibility of depression, low work ability, previous sick leave, and poor self-rated health. Being exposed to work-related risk factors during the first 27 weeks of pregnancy or at follow-up increased the risk of sick leave compared with those not exposed at any time or only exposed at baseline. Poor health status increased the risk if women were exposed in the first 27 weeks of pregnancy; however, high possibility of depression was also a risk factor when experienced in early pregnancy. Conclusions: Psychosocial and physical work-related risk factors and poor health status were associated with more sick leave in pregnant employees. Early adjustment of work-related risk factors at the workplace is needed to reduce sick leave.

Background: To identify risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) ≥1000 ml in women giving birth vaginally. Method: A register-based cohort study including women with singleton pregnancies giving birth vaginally at term to a live-born child at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2012. Logistic multivariable regression was used to analyze data. Results: In 31 837 births, 1832 women (5.7%) experienced severe PPH. Maternal age, smoking during pregnancy, and prepregnancy body mass index did not increase the risk of severe PPH. However, nulliparous and multiparous women with a previous cesarean birth had an increased risk of severe PPH. Antepartum and intrapartum risk factors for severe PPH included gestational age >40 weeks, induction of labor, augmentation of labor, irregular fetal position, instrumental birth, and birthweight >4000 g. In particular, the combination of induction and augmentation of labor doubled the risk of severe PPH. Among genital tract tears, vaginal tears >3 cm were associated with the highest risk of severe PPH. Conclusions: Maternal characteristics did not increase the risk of severe PPH, except for nulliparous and multiparous women with a previous cesarean birth. Obstetric interventions such as induction of labor, augmentation of labor, and a birthweight higher than 4000 g increased the risk of severe PPH. Larger vaginal tears presented the highest risk of severe PPH. Clinical practice with rigorous indications for obstetric interventions and timely identification and management of genital tract tears may reduce risk of severe PPH.

Background: When parents believe in their ability to influence their children, the children are at lower risk of poor developmental outcome. For this reason, parents’ sense of competence is a common target in early parenting interventions. This study assessed whether parents’ sense of competence was enhanced by a universal and group-based parenting program. Methods: A total of 1701 families were enrolled and randomised to one of two conditions a) participation in Family Start up Program (FSP), currently implemented at large scale in Denmark, or b) Care as Usual (CAU). FSP aims to empower new parents through knowledge and network. CAU is the public pre- and postnatal care available to families in both conditions. Recruitment was conducted between November 24, 2014, and February 1, 2017 at Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark from all incoming pregnant women within the second largest Danish municipality. A total of 4313 families were assessed for eligibility. Data were analysed as intention-to-treat and with n= 1255 (74%) mothers and n=984 (60%) partners who responded at 10 months postpartum. Findings: When randomised to the FSP, 92% of the mothers and 94% of the partners received the intervention attending an average of 8.4 [SD 3∙4] and 7.9 [SD 3∙3] group meetings, respectively. The program evaluation data indicated that parents were satisfied with the program. We found no mean differences between FSP and CAU in parental sense of competence at 10 months (mothers: 76∙6 [SD 9∙23] vs 76∙9 [SD 8∙98], mean difference -0∙03 SD’s -0∙31 (p=0∙56); partners: 74∙92 [SD 9∙27] vs 74∙54 [SD 9∙38], mean difference 0∙03 SD’s (p=0∙64). Interpretation: The intervention did not influence parents’ sense of competence even if the parents attended and liked the group meetings. This highlights the need for refinement of either the intervention approach or the expectation to its outcome. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02294968. Funding Statement: The intervention was financed by the municipality of Aarhus. The research was supported by TrygFonden. None of the members of the research team are employed by the municipality of Aarhus or TrygFonden. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Approval was obtained from the Regional Ethical Committee (Central Denmark Region); registration number ESDH 1-10-72-109-14 and the Danish data protection agency; registration number 2014-41-3016.

Background The impact of parity on breastfeeding duration may be explained by physiological as well as psychosocial factors. The aim in the present study was to investigate the mediating influence of intention and self-efficacy on the association between the breastfeeding duration of the first and the following child. Methods A 5-year Danish cohort study with data from online questionnaires was used. Data came from 1162 women, who participated in the “Ready for child” trial in 2006–7 and gave birth to their second child within 5 years in 2011–3. Analysis included multiple regression models with exclusive/any breastfeeding duration of first child as the exposure variables, intention and self-efficacy measured as mediators, and exclusive/any breastfeeding duration of the second child as the outcome variables. Results Duration of exclusive breastfeeding of the first child was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration of the second child (p

ObjectivesFor many years, routine elective induction of labour at gestational week (GW) 42+0 has been recommended in Denmark. In 2011, a more proactive protocol was introduced aimed at reducing stillbirths, and practice changed into earlier routine induction, i.e. between 41+3 and 41+5 GW. The present study evaluates a national change in induction of labour regime. The trend of maternal and neonatal consequences are monitored in the preintervention period (2000–2010) compared with the postintervention period (2012–2016).DesignA national retrospective register-based cohort study.SettingDenmark.ParticipantsAll births in Denmark 41+3 to 45+0 GWs between 2000 and 2016 (N = 152 887).Outcome measuresPrimary outcomes: stillbirths, perinatal death, and low Apgar scores. Additional outcomes: birth interventions and maternal outcomes.ResultsFor the primary outcomes, no differences in stillbirths, perinatal death, and low Apgar scores were found comparing the preintervention and postintervention period. Of additional outcomes, the trend changed significantly postintervention concerning use of augmentation of labour, epidural analgesia, induction of labour and uterine rupture (all p<0.02).ConclusionsEvaluation of a more proactive regimen recommending induction of labour from GW 41+3 compared with 42+0 using national register data found no differences in neonatal outcomes including stillbirth. The number of women with induced labour increased significantly.

Rationale. Theory suggests that when parents believe in their ability to positively influence their children, the children are at lower risk of poor developmental outcome. For this reason, parents’ sense of competence is a common target in early parenting interventions. Objective. This study assessed effects on parents’ sense of competence, parenting stress, and symptoms of depression from a widely implemented universal and group-based parenting program. Method. In total, 1701 families were enrolled and randomised to one of two conditions a) participation in Family Start up Program (FSP), currently implemented at large scale in Denmark, or b) Care as Usual (CAU). FSP aims to empower new parents through knowledge and network. CAU is the public pre- and postnatal care available to families in both conditions. Recruitment was conducted between November 24, 2014, and February 1, 2017 at Aarhus University Hospital, from all incoming pregnant women within one of the larger Danish municipalities. In total, 4313 families were assessed for eligibility. Data were analysed as intention-to-treat and with n = 1255 (74%) mothers and n = 984 (60%) partners who responded at 10 months postpartum. Results. When randomised to the FSP, 92% of the mothers and 94% of the partners received the intervention attending an average of 8.4 [SD = 3∙4] and 7.9 [SD = 3∙3] group meetings, respectively. The program evaluation data indicated that parents were satisfied with the program. We found no mean differences between FSP and CAU in parental sense of competence, parental stress, or symptoms of depression at 10 months in mothers or partners. Conclusion. The intervention did not influence parents’ sense of competence even if the parents attended and liked the group meetings. This highlights the need for refinement of either the intervention approach or the expectation to its outcome. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02294968. RationaleTheory suggests that when parents believe in their ability to positively influence their children, the children are at lower risk of poor developmental outcome. For this reason, parents’ sense of competence is a common target in early parenting interventions.ObjectiveThis study assessed effects on parents’ sense of competence, parenting stress, and symptoms of depression from a widely implemented universal and group-based parenting program.MethodsIn total, 1701 families were enrolled and randomised to one of two conditions a) participation in Family Start up Program (FSP), currently implemented at large scale in Denmark, or b) Care as Usual (CAU). FSP aims to empower new parents through knowledge and network. CAU is the public pre- and post-natal care available to families in both conditions. Recruitment was conducted between November 24, 2014, and February 1, 2017 at Aarhus University Hospital, from all incoming pregnant women within one of the larger Danish municipalities. In total, 4313 families were assessed for eligibility. Data were analysed as intention-to-treat and with n = 1255 (74%) mothers and n = 984 (60%) partners who responded at 10 months postpartum.ResultsWhen randomised to the FSP, 92% of the mothers and 94% of the partners received the intervention attending an average of 8.4 [SD = 3∙4] and 7.9 [SD = 3∙3] group meetings, respectively. The program evaluation data indicated that parents were satisfied with the program. We found no mean differences between FSP and CAU in parental sense of competence, parental stress, or symptoms of depression at 10 months in mothers or partners.ConclusionThe intervention did not influence parents’ sense of competence even if the parents attended and liked the group meetings. This highlights the need for refinement of either the intervention approach or the expectation to its outcome. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02294968.

Objective To investigate whether new national guidelines of routine induction of labour and increased surveillance in low risk pregnancies at 41 +2–5 weeks of gestation as an alternative to expectant management until 42 +0 weeks of gestation has improved perinatal outcome. Methods A questionnaire-based study regarding local induction practices among all Danish delivery units and a cross-sectional population-based registry study based on data from the Danish Medical Birth Registry (DMBR) in the years 2009–2012. Outcome measures Primary outcomes were frequencies of induced labour and perinatal mortality; secondary outcomes were indicators of perinatal morbidity and instrumental delivery rates. Results The questionnaire data showed that 22 of the 24 Danish delivery units complied with the new guidelines in 2012. The study population retrieved from the DMBR included 36,845 low-risk pregnancies at or beyond 41 +2 weeks of gestation. The number of labour inductions within the study population had doubled after implementation of the new guideline. The increased proportion of induced labour did not appear to influence perinatal morbidity or instrumental delivery rates. Perinatal mortality remained steady in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 whereas a reduction of 60 % was seen in 2012. However, this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). Conclusion This population-based study with a high reported adherence to the new national guideline found no changes in instrumental deliveries or perinatal outcomes after implementation of earlier routine induction of labour and increased surveillance in low risk pregnancies.

The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer are high in Danish women aged 60 years and older who are about to exit the cervical cancer screening program. The present study aimed to describe the screening history in women ≥60 years old, diagnosed with cervical cancer in Denmark, 2009-2013. We retrieved information on cases of cervical cancer and previous cervical cancer screening from national registries. During the study period, a total of 1907 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, 574 (30.1%) of which were ≥60 years old. The majority of women were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (73.7%) and advanced-stage disease (ASD, ie, ≥FIGO IIB; 63.1%). The proportion of ASD increased with age, from 51.9% in women aged 60-64% to 76.7% in women aged 75-79. Among screened women (n = 377), 22.8% had a cervical cytology within 5 years of diagnosis, 73.3% of which were normal, and 45.1% were diagnosed with ASD. Women who had been sufficiently screened prior to screening exit (≥2 normal cytology test in the age interval 50-59) accounted for 18.1%. Of note, 53.8% of the sufficiently screened women were diagnosed with ASD. Sufficiently screened women were less likely to be diagnosed with ASD compared to never-screened women (53.8% vs 67.5%, P < 0.020), but no difference was observed between sufficiently and insufficiently screened women (53.8% vs 63.4%, P = 0.091). Our findings suggest that cancer in older women may occur due to insufficient screening prior to screening exit, a low sensitivity of screening, and premature screening exit.

Background In Denmark, the cesarean section rate has increased by 49% between 1998 and 2015 and accounts for 21% of all births. Cesarean sections may cause short- as well as long-term consequences for both the mother and the child and impose further risks in future pregnancies. Delaying pregnancy until advanced maternal age at childbirth has been suggested as contributing to the increase. The proportion of women giving birth at 35 years or above increased from 15% (1998) to 21% (2015). Advanced maternal age at childbirth has been found to be related to increased pre-pregnancy morbidity and associated risk factors that may contribute to an increased risk of cesarean section. The aim of this study was to examine the association between advanced maternal age and cesarean section in a Danish population and the influence of demographic, anthropometric, health, and obstetric factors on this association. Methods This study draws on a national population-based cohort study of all Danish births between 1998 and 2015 (N = 1,122,964). Maternal age less than 30 years serves as reference with the following age categories: (30–34 years); (35–39 years), and (40 years and above). The primary outcome was a cesarean section. Multivariate regression models with adjustment for demographic, health, pregnancy, fetal, and obstetric characteristics were performed with the results further stratified by parity. Results In general, a positive association between advanced maternal age and cesarean section was found. Only minor changes in the risk estimate occurred after adjustment for relevant confounders. In comparison with the reference category, nulliparous women aged 35-39- years had twice the risk for cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.11–2.26]) whereas for women of 40 years or above, the risk was more than tripled (AOR 3.64, 95% CI [3.41–3.90]). For multiparous women aged 35-39-years the risk was more moderate, but still with an AOR of 1.56, 95% CI [1.53–1.60], and for those 40 years and above, the AOR was 2.02, 95% CI [1.92–2.09]. Conclusions Overall, cesarean section increased with increasing maternal age. Adjustment for maternal and obstetric risk factors had only a minor influence on the association. The association was stronger in nulliparous women compared to multiparous women. Given the lack of impact of demographic and health risks on the relationship between maternal age and cesarean section, the authors suggest obstetric culture could be added to the list of risk factors for a cesarean. Future research on obstetric culture is recommended as are studies on a possible age-related decrease in the ability to maintain the progression of labor. Trial registration The study uses depersonalized register data and has been approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (2015-41-4168).

Objectives Current labour practices have seen an acceleration in interventions to either initiate, monitor, accelerate, or terminate the physiological process of pregnancy and childbirth. This study aimed to describe and analyse the use of interventions in childbirth in Denmark over almost two decades (2000–2017). We also examined the extent to which contemporary care adheres to current international recommendations towards restricted use of interventions. Study design A national retrospective Danish register-based cohort study including all nulliparous women with term births with singleton pregnancy and a foetus in cephalic between the years 2000 and 2017 (n = 380,326 births). Multivariate regression analyses with adjustment for change in population were performed. Main outcome measures Induction of labour, epidural analgesia, and augmentation of labour. Results Between 2000/2001 and 2016/2017, the prevalence increased for induction of labour from 5.1% to 22.8%, AOR 4.84, 95% CI [4.61–5.10], epidural analgesia from 10.5% to 34.3% (AOR 4.10, 95% CI [3.95–4.26]), and augmentation of labour decreased slightly from 40.1% to 39.3% (AOR 0.84, 95% CI [0.81–0.86]). Having more than one of the three mentioned interventions increased from 12.8% in to 30.9%. Conclusions The number of interventions increased during the study period as well as the number of interventions in each woman. As interventions may interfere in physiological labour and carry the risk of potential short- and long-term consequences, the findings call for a careful re-evaluation of contemporary maternity care with a “first, do no harm” perspective.

ObjectivesThe high rate of sickness absence from work during pregnancy is recognised as a problem, and may be higher than necessary from a health perspective. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in healthcare settings and workplaces targeting sickness absence among pregnant women.MethodsStudies were eligible if they included pregnant women participating in any intervention in healthcare settings or workplaces. The outcome was length of sickness absence in days or number of episodes. Study design had to be either randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies.The search for studies was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO trial registry. Risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute standardised quality assessment instrument.ResultsA total of nine studies were quality assessed and of these, four were excluded due to insufficient methodological quality. Five RCTs conducted in healthcare settings in Sweden and Norway were included. Due to heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not performed.Two RCTs examined complementary and alternative medicine and three RCTs the effect of physical exercise. In general, the frequency of women on sickness absence was lower in the intervention groups than the control groups, however, only among pregnant women who participated in a 12-week exercise programme, the frequency was significantly lower (22% vs 30%, p=0.04).ConclusionThe evidence of interventions targeting sickness absence among pregnant women in healthcare settings is sparse, and no studies were conducted at workplaces.Future interventions including physical activity provided in collaboration with healthcare settings and workplaces are requested. Studies should measure sickness absence based on valid methods, measure compliance to the intervention and provide transparency of statistical methods.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018084802.

Objective To describe birth and neonatal outcome in women initiating a homebirth and cared for by a caseload midwifery teams with affiliation to a university hospital. Further, to describe the rate, time, and reasons for transfer between home and hospital. Design A descriptive study using prospectively collected registry data on initiated homebirths. Results A total of 268 women initiated a homebirth and 192 actually gave birth at home, equal to 1.99% of all births in Aarhus Municipality. The majority of the women who initiated a homebirth experienced a vaginal birth (92%) regardless of birthplace. Approximately 28% of the women were transferred from home to hospital during or after birth and 72% of the women had a homebirth as planned. Two children (both born in hospital) were admitted to the neonatal care unit requiring minor observation or treatment. Conclusion The majority of the women included in this study experienced a vaginal birth including those being transferred from home to hospital. Main reasons for being transferred were slow labor progress and rupture of membranes >18 h. The majority of those being transferred were nulliparous women and most transfers happened during birth.

BACKGROUND: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is seen in childhood and presents within months after birth. The etiology remains unknown; however, medical textbooks suggest trauma at birth as a main reason. The aim of this study was to systematically describe obstetric and perinatal outcomes in a population of children with a confirmed congenital muscular torticollis diagnosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with a validated diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis born at Aarhus University Hospital from 2000 to 2014 were included in the study. Information on perinatal, intrapartum and neonatal characteristics were obtained from databases and from medical records, and systematically described.RESULTS: In this study, there were no differences in birth characteristics in children with left- and right-sided torticollis, between boys and girls or between the conservatively treated and the children who needed surgery. Most of the children with congenital muscular torticollis in this study were delivered at term without signs of birth complications or trauma. None experienced moderate or severe asphyxia.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggests that complicated birth or birth trauma may not be the main cause of congenital muscular torticollis and point towards intrauterine and prenatal reasons for its development. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE ACCORDING TO OCEBM LEVELS OF EVIDENCE WORKING GROUP: 3.

Objectives: To examine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of group based antenatal education for improving childbirth and parenting resources compared to auditorium based education. Methods: Participants: 2350 Danish pregnant women and their partners ≥18. years old, recruited before 20. +. 0 gestational weeks.Population-based individually randomised superiority trial with two parallel arms: Four sessions of birth and parent preparation in small groups (experimental group); two lectures in an auditorium (control group).Data is collected by (1) questionnaires at baseline (≈18. weeks of gestation), 37. weeks of gestation, 9. weeks-, 6. months-, and 1. year post-partum, (2) the hospital obstetric database, (3) national registers. Primary outcome: use of epidural analgesia. Secondary outcomes: stress, parenting alliance; explorative outcomes: depressive symptoms, use of health care services, self-efficacy, well-being, family break-ups.Analyses will be intention-to-treat as well as per protocol. Process evaluation will be conducted using questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The incremental societal cost of the intervention will be computed and compared to the measured outcomes in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the largest well-designed randomised trial of its kind to date. The trial will bring much-needed evidence for decision makers of the content and form of antenatal education.

Objective: to assess the effect of an antenatal training programme on knowledge, self-efficacy and problems related to breast feeding and on breast-feeding duration. Design: a randomised controlled trial. Setting: the Aarhus Midwifery Clinic, a large clinic connected to a Danish university hospital in an urban area of Denmark. Participants: a total of 1193 nulliparous women were recruited before week 21 þ6 days of gestation, 603 were randomised to the intervention group, and 590 to the reference group. Intervention: we compared a structured antenatal training programme attended in mid-pregnancy with usual practice. Measurements: data were collected through self-reported questionnaires sent to the women’s e-mail addresses and analysed according to the intention to treat principle. The primary outcomes were duration of full and any breast feeding collected 6 weeks post partum (any) and 1 year post partum (full and any). Findings: no differences were found between groups according to duration of breast feeding, selfefficacy score, or breast-feeding problems, but after participation in the course in week 36 of gestation women in the intervention group reported a higher level of confidence (p¼ 0.05), and 6 weeks after birth they reported to have obtained sufficient knowledge about breast feeding (p¼ 0.02). Supplemental analysis in the intervention group revealed that women with sufficient knowledge breast fed significantly longer than women without sufficient knowledge (HR¼ 0.74 CI: 0.58–0.97). This association was not found in the reference group (HR¼ 1.12 CI: 0.89–1.41). Key conclusions and implications for practice: antenatal training can increase confidence of breast feeding in pregnancy and provide women with sufficient knowledge about breast feeding after birth. Antenatal training may therefore be an important low-technology health promotion tool that can be provided at low costs in most settings. The antenatal training programme needs to be followed by postnatal breast-feeding support as it is not sufficient in itself to increase the duration of breast feeding or reduce breast-feeding problems.

Background Few studies have assessed the long term perspective of women's childbirth experience as well as studying women's individual birth experience over time. Aim To compare the long term perspective of the birth experience in nulliparous women attending a structured antenatal programme to that of women allocated to standard care. Moreover, to study changes in the woman's perception of birth and explore the birth characteristics in women reporting a less positive birth experience after five years compared to their reported experience shortly after birth. Methods A five-year follow-up study of a randomised controlled trial; “The Ready for Child” trial. Information used in the current study was collected from 905 nulliparous womens’ questionnaires. Results More women reported less positive birth experiences in the long term compared to shortly after birth. Women receiving the structured antenatal programme reported a more positive birth experience in the long term compared to women in the original reference group. Birth characteristics of women reporting a less positive birth experience in the long term, irrespective of group allocation, were significantly more likely to experience an epidural, cardiotocography monitoring, and less likely to used water as pain relief and have a spontaneous vaginal birth. Conclusion and implications Women's overall birth experience is important as it has a long term influence on the future health of the woman and her family. Reporting a good birth experience in the long term is more likely when attending a structured antenatal programme and if medical intervention is avoided during birth.

In recent years, induction of labour has become increasingly common in many countries and has moved towards an earlier gestational age. The aim of this study was to describe how low-risk pregnant women experienced post-term pregnancy in a large university hospital in Denmark Qualitative interviews were carried out with 31 low-risk pregnant women. Pregnant women passing their estimated time of birth date experienced their last days of pregnancy as a countdown to induction, not as their last days of pregnancy. Categorisation of the women's pregnancy based on medical statistics, and a focus on medical issues caused the women to feel less involved, and contributed to them being willing to negotiate an earlier induction of labour to avoid being stigmatised as pathological patients.