BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Vandrevala, Tushna; Montague, Amy; Boulton, Richard; Coxon, Kirstie; Jones, Christine E.

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06715-5pmid: 39127657

BackgroundCongenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss and neuro-disability in childhood. In the absence of a licensed vaccine, adoption of hygiene-based measures may reduce the risk of CMV infection in pregnancy, however these measures are not routinely discussed with pregnant women as part of National Health Service (NHS) antenatal care in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted, underpinned by Normalization Process Theory (NPT), to investigate how an educational intervention comprising of a short film about CMV may best be implemented, sustained, and enhanced in real-world routine antenatal care settings. Video, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who were recruited using a purposive sample that comprised of midwives providing antenatal care from three NHS hospitals (n = 15) and participants from professional colleges and from organisations or charities providing, or with an interest in, antenatal education or health information in the UK (n = 15).FindingsMidwives were reluctant to include CMV as part of early pregnancy discussions about reducing the risk of other infections due to lack of time, knowledge and absence of guidance or policies relating to CMV in antenatal education. However, the educational intervention was perceived to be a useful tool to encourage conversations and empower women to manage risk by all stakeholders, which would overcome some identified barriers. Macro-level challenges such as screening policies and lack of official guidelines to legitimise dissemination were identified.DiscussionSuccessful implementation of education about CMV as part of routine NHS care in the UK will require an increase in awareness and knowledge about CMV amongst midwives. NPT revealed that ‘coherence’ and ‘cognitive participation’ between service members are vital to imbed CMV education in routine practice. ‘Collective action’ and ‘reflexive monitoring’ is required to sustain service changes.

Beck-Hiestermann, Franziska Marie Lea; Hartung, Lisa Kathrin; Richert, Nadine; Miethe, Sandra; Wiegand-Grefe, Silke

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06267-8pmid: 38331809

BackgroundEmpirical evidence shows that 4.6–6.3% of all women develop a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and approximately 10–15% postpartum depression (PPD) following childbirth. This study explores the relationship between delivery mode and the occurrence of PTSD and PPD, specifically examining four distinct caesarean section (CS) modes: primary on maternal request (Grade 4), medically indicated primary (Grade 3), secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2) and emergency secondary CS (Grade 1), compared to vaginal and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD). The research aims to understand how these six subcategories of delivery modes impact PPD and PTSD levels. Common predictors, including the need for psychological treatment before childbirth, fear of childbirth, planning of pregnancy, induction of labor, birth debriefing, and lack of social support after childbirth, will be analyzed to determine their association with postpartum mental health outcomes.MethodsThe study was planned and carried out by a research team of the psychology department at the Medical School Hamburg, Germany. Within an online-study (cross-sectional design) N = 1223 German speaking women with a baby who did not die before, during or after birth were surveyed once between four weeks and twelve months postpartum via an anonymous online questionnaire on demographic and gynecological data, delivery mode, PTSD (PCL-5) and PPD (EPDS).ResultsFor both psychiatric disorders, ANOVA revealed significant differences between delivery mode and PPD and PTSD. With weak effects for PPD and medium to strong effects for PTSD. Post-hoc tests showed increased levels of PPD for two CS types (Grade 1, Grade 3) compared to vaginal delivery. For PTSD, secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2), emergency secondary CS (Grade 1) and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) were associated with elevated levels of PTSD. Regression analysis revealed delivery mode as a significant predictor of EPDS- (medium effect size) and PCL-5-Score (medium to high effect size).LimitationDelivery was considered as the potential traumatic event, and any previous traumas were not documented. Additionally, the categorization of delivery modes relied on subjective reports rather than medical confirmation.ConclusionThe study highlights the influence of delivery mode on the mental health of postpartum mothers: different modes influence postpartum disorders in various ways. However, the definition of delivery mode was only stated subjectively and not medically confirmed. Further research should investigate which aspects of the different delivery modes affect maternal mental health and explore how the perception of childbirth may be influenced by specific delivery experiences.

Chen, Guili; Chen, Yuanyuan; Shi, Yao; Mao, Zhoufen; Lou, Jiaqi; Ma, Jianting

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06627-4pmid: 38926668

ObjectivePreeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related multi-organ disease and a significant cause of incidence rate and mortality of pregnant women and newborns worldwide. Delivery remains the only available treatment for PE. This study aims to establish a dynamic prediction model for PE.MethodsA total of 737 patients who visited our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were identified according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, forming the primary dataset. Additionally, 176 singleton pregnant women who visited our hospital from July 2022 to November 2022 comprised the verification set. We investigated different gestational weeks of sFlt-1/PLGF (soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor) ratio combined with maternal characteristics and routine prenatal laboratory results in order to predict PE in each trimester. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the prediction model for PE at different gestational weeks. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical validity were utilized to evaluate predictive models as well as models in external validation queues.ResultsAt 20–24 weeks, the obtained prediction model for PE yielded an area under the curve of 0.568 (95% confidence interval, 0.479–0.657). At 25–29 weeks, the obtained prediction model for PE yielded an area under the curve of 0.773 (95% confidence interval, 0.703–0.842)and 0.731 (95% confidence interval, 0.653–0.809) at 30–34 weeks. After adding maternal factors, uterine artery pulsation index(Ut-IP), and other laboratory indicators to the sFlt-1/PLGF ratio, the predicted performance of PE improved. It found that the AUC improved to 0.826(95% confidence interval, 0.748 ∼ 0.904) at 20–24 weeks, 0.879 (95% confidence interval, 0.823 ∼ 0.935) at 25–29 weeks, and 0.862(95% confidence interval, 0.799 ∼ 0.925) at 30–34 weeks.The calibration plot of the prediction model indicates good predictive accuracy between the predicted probability of PE and the observed probability. Furthermore, decision-curve analysis showed an excellent clinical application value of the models.ConclusionUsing the sFlt-1/PLGF ratio combined with multiple factors at 25–29 weeks can effectively predict PE, but the significance of re-examination in late pregnancy is not significant.

Gerety, Meghan K.; Kim, Debora K.; Carpenter, Rebecca M.; Ma, Jennie Z.; Chisholm, Christian; Taniuchi, Mami; Islam, Md Ohedul; Pholwat, Suporn; Platts-Mills, James A.; Siraj, Md Shahjahan; Billah, Sk Masum; Haque, Rashidul; Petri, William A.

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06266-9pmid: 38267943

BackgroundAn incomplete understanding of preterm birth is especially concerning for low-middle income countries, where preterm birth has poorer prognoses. While systemic proinflammatory processes are a reportedly normal component of gestation, excessive inflammation has been demonstrated as a risk factor for preterm birth. There is minimal research on the impact of excessive maternal inflammation in the first trimester on the risk of preterm birth in low-middle income countries specifically.MethodsPregnant women were enrolled at the rural Bangladesh site of the National Institute of Child Health Global Network Maternal Newborn Health Registry. Serum samples were collected to measure concentrations of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and stool samples were collected and analyzed for enteropathogens. We examined associations of maternal markers in the first-trimester with preterm birth using logistic regression models. CRP and AGP were primarily modeled with a composite inflammation predictor.ResultsOut of 376 singleton births analyzed, 12.5% were preterm. First trimester inflammation was observed in 58.8% of all births, and was significantly associated with increased odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 5.16), independent of anemia. Maternal vitamin B12 insufficiency (aOR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.29, 8.21) and maternal anemia (aOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.26, 5.17) were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth. Atypical enteropathogenic E. coli detection showed a significant association with elevated AGP levels and was significantly associated with preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.57), but not associated with CRP.ConclusionsInflammation, anemia, and vitamin B12 insufficiency in the first trimester were significantly associated with preterm birth in our cohort from rural Bangladesh. Inflammation and anemia were independent predictors of premature birth in this low-middle income setting where inflammation during gestation was widespread. Further research is needed to identify if infections such as enteropathogenic E. coli are a cause of inflammation in the first trimester, and if intervention for infection would decrease preterm birth.

Akwaa Harrison, Obed; Ifie, Idolo; Nkwonta, Chikere; Dzandu, Bennett Atta; Gattor, Albert Owusu; Adimado, Emma Efua; Odoi, Kofi Kafui; Aziavor, Benedicta; Saalia, Firibu Kwesi; Steiner-Asiedu, Matilda

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06408-zpmid: 38580949

BackgroundFolic acid, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and maintenance, making it particularly significant during reproduction. Its well-known ability to reduce the risk of congenital anomalies during the periconceptional period underscores its importance. The increased requirement for folate during pregnancy and lactation is essential to support the physiological changes of the mother and ensure optimal growth and development of the foetus and offspring. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and use of folic acid among pregnant and lactating women of reproductive age residing in Dodowa in the Shai Osu-Doku District, Accra, Ghana.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional design that involved 388 randomly selected participants (97 pregnant and 291 lactating women). Structured questionnaires were administered to gather information on the socioeconomic demographic characteristics, knowledge, awareness, and use of folic acid of the participants. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square analysis tests and are presented as frequencies and percentages, means, standard deviations, bar graphs, and pie charts. The significance of the results was determined at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 31 ± 5.0 years. Among the study participants, 46.1% demonstrated knowledge of folic acid deficiency, while approximately 68.3% had a high awareness of folic acid supplementation. Approximately 75% of the participants indicated that they had not used folic acid supplements within the week, and 15.5% reported consuming folic acid-fortified food per week.ConclusionsThe women exhibited high awareness but poor knowledge regarding the usage of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. Consequently, this lack of knowledge influenced the low use of folic acid supplements and low intake of folate-rich foods among pregnant and lactating mothers.

Randriamboarison, Doriane; Fustec, Elisa; Enderlé, Isabelle; Yverneau, Mathilde; Le Breton, Karine; Lassel, Linda; Mazille-Orfanos, Nadia; Pladys, Patrick

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06404-3pmid: 38609842

BackgroundPreterm birth is a major health issue due to its potential outcomes and socioeconomic impact. Prenatal counseling is of major importance for parents because it is believed that the risk of preterm birth is associated with a higher parental mental burden. Nowadays in France, the content and delivery of antenatal counseling is based on personal experience since there is a lack of official guidelines. The goal of the study was to evaluate maternal perception of antenatal information delivered in the setting of preterm births.MethodsA qualitative study was performed using semi-structured individual interviews of 15 mothers with a child born > 26–34 GW. Data analysis was based on a constant comparative method.ResultsConcerning prenatal counseling content, parents wanted to be informed of their role in the care of their preterm child more so than statistics that were not always considered relevant. Parents’ reactions to the announcement of the risk of a preterm birth was dominated by stupefaction, uncertainty and anxiety. When it comes to the setting of prenatal counseling, patients’ room was deemed an appropriate setting by parents and ideally the presence of a coparent was appreciated as it increased patients’ understanding. The physicians’ attitude during the counseling was considered appropriate and described as empathic and optimistic. The importance of support throughout the hospitalization in the form of other parents’ experiences, healthcare professionals and the possibility to preemptively visit the NICU was emphasized by participants. Delivery experience was dominated by a sense of uncertainty, and urgency. Some leads for improvement included additional support of information such as virtual NICU visit; participants also insisted on continuity of care and the multidisciplinary aspect of counseling (obstetrician, neonatologist, midwife, nurse, lactation consultant and psychologist).ConclusionHighlighting parents’ expectations about prenatal counseling could lead to the establishment of overall general guidelines. However, some topics like the use of statistics and mentioning the risk of death underline the importance of a personalized information.

Ahmed, Marwan Awad; Bailey, Helen D.; Pereira, Gavin; White, Scott W.; Wong, Kingsley; Marriott, Rhonda; Hare, Matthew J. L.; McNamara, Bridgette J.; Shepherd, Carrington C. J.

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06484-1pmid: 38816708

BackgroundAustralian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) are more likely to have glycaemic levels above the target range, and their babies are thus at higher risk of excessive fetal growth. Shoulder dystocia, defined by failure of spontaneous birth of fetal shoulder after birth of the head requiring obstetric maneuvers, is an obstetric emergency that is strongly associated with DIP and fetal size. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of shoulder dystocia in Aboriginal babies born to mothers with DIP.MethodsStratifying by Aboriginal status, characteristics of births complicated by shoulder dystocia in women with and without DIP were compared and incidence and time-trends of shoulder dystocia were described. Compliance with guidelines aiming at preventing shoulder dystocia in women with DIP were compared. Post-logistic regression estimation was used to calculate the population attributable fractions (PAFs) for shoulder dystocia associated with DIP and to estimate probabilities of shoulder dystocia in babies born to mothers with DIP at birthweights > 3 kg.ResultsRates of shoulder dystocia from vaginal births in Aboriginal babies born to mothers with DIP were double that of their non-Aboriginal counterparts (6.3% vs 3.2%, p < 0.001), with no improvement over time. Aboriginal mothers with diabetes whose pregnancies were complicated by shoulder dystocia were more likely to have a history of shoulder dystocia (13.1% vs 6.3%, p = 0.032). Rates of guideline-recommended elective caesarean section in pregnancies with diabetes and birthweight > 4.5 kg were lower in the Aboriginal women (28.6% vs 43.1%, p = 0.004). PAFs indicated that 13.4% (95% CI: 9.7%-16.9%) of shoulder dystocia cases in Aboriginal (2.7% (95% CI: 2.1%-3.4%) in non-Aboriginal) women were attributable to DIP. Probability of shoulder dystocia among babies born to Aboriginal mothers with DIP was higher at birthweights > 3 kg.ConclusionsAboriginal mothers with DIP had a higher risk of shoulder dystocia and a stronger association between birthweight and shoulder dystocia. Many cases were recurrent. These factors should be considered in clinical practice and when counselling women.

Druye, Andrews Adjei; Owusu, Gifty; Yeboa, Naomi Kyeremaa; Boso, Christian Makafui; Berchie, Gifty Osei; Nabe, Bernard; Abraham, Susanna Aba; Nsatimba, Frederick; Agyare, Dorcas Frempomaa; Agyeiwaa, Joyce; Opoku-Danso, Rita; Okantey, Christiana; Ofori, Godson Obeng; Kagbo, Justice Enock; Obeng, Paul; Amoadu, Mustapha; Azu, Theodora Dedo

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06764-wpmid: 39174934

BackgroundGestational diabetes (GD) can threaten the health of both the mother and the foetus if it is not effectively managed. While there exists a growing body of research on self-management interventions for GD, there is a lack of reviewed studies regarding the various self-management interventions in Africa. The purpose of this review is to map the evidence of self-management interventions for GD in Africa.MethodsSearches for records were conducted in four major databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct and Journal Storage. Additional documents from Google and Google Scholar were also added. The guidelines for conducting scoping reviews by Arksey and O’Malley were followed.ResultsThe results revealed that intermittent fasting, education on diet, insulin injection, blood glucose monitoring, physical activities, lifestyle modification and foot care were the available self-management interventions for GD in Africa. Most of the reviewed studies reported intermittent fasting and patient education as effective self-management interventions for GD in Africa. The barriers identified in the reviewed studies were either patient-related or facility-related. Patient-related barriers included lack of awareness, and negative attitude, while facility-related barriers included lack of access to education on GD, especially, face-to-face educational interventions.ConclusionIt is crucial to consider the cultural and personal needs, as well as the educational level of women with gestational diabetes when creating an effective self-management intervention. Optimal results can be achieved for self-management of gestational diabetes by integrating multidisciplinary approaches.

Restaino, Stefano; Degano, Matilde; Rizzante, Elisa; Battello, Ginevra; Paparcura, Federico; Biasioli, Anna; Arcieri, Martina; Filip, Gabriele; Vetrugno, Luigi; Dogareschi, Teresa; Bove, Tiziana; Petrillo, Marco; Capobianco, Giampiero; Vizzielli, Giuseppe; Driul, Lorenza; ,

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06640-7pmid: 38914976

BackgroundPerineal lacerations are a very common complication of post-partum. Usually, the repair of 1st and 2nd-grade lacerations is performed after the administration of local anesthesia. Despite the great relevance of the problem, there are only a few studies about the best choice of local anesthetic to use during suturing. We performed a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of a local anesthetic spray during the suturing of perineal lacerations in the post-partum.MethodsWe compared the spray with the standard technique, which involves the infiltration of lacerated tissues, using the NRS scale. 136 eligible women who had given birth at University Hospital of Udine were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive nebulization of Lidocaine hydrochloride 10% spray (experimental group) or subcutaneous/submucosal infiltration of mepivacaine hydrochloride (control group) during suturing of perineal laceration.ResultsThe lacerations included 84 1st-grade perineal traumas (61.7%) and 52 2nd-grade perineal traumas (38.2%). All the procedures were successfully completed without severe complications or serious adverse reactions. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of blood losses or total procedure time. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of NRS to none of the intervals considered. Regarding the application of the spray in the B group, in 36 cases (52.9%) it was necessary to improve the number of puffs previously supposed to be sufficient (5 puffs). Just in 3 cases, an additional injection was necessary (4.4%).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that lidocaine spray alone can be used as a first line of local anesthetic during the closure of I-II-grade perineal lacerations, as it has comparable efficacy to mepivacaine infiltration.Trial registrationThe trial was recorded on https://clinicaltrials.gov. Identification number: NCT05201313. First registration date: 21/01/2022. Unique Protocol ID: 0042698/P/GEN/ARCS.

Xie, Jing; Lu, Xuefang; Liu, Miao

2024 BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06394-2pmid: 38589817

BackgroundUterine rupture in pregnant women can lead to serious adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with complete uterine rupture.MethodsData from 33 cases of surgically confirmed complete uterine rupture at Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital between January 2015 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn total, 31,555 pregnant women delivered in our hospital during the study period. Of these, approximately 1‰ (n = 33) had complete uterine rupture. The average gestational age at complete uterine rupture was 31+4 weeks (13+1–40+3 weeks), and the average bleeding volume was 1896.97 ml (200–6000 ml). Twenty-six patients (78.79%) had undergone more than two deliveries. Twenty-five women (75.76%) experienced uterine rupture after a cesarean section, two (6.06%) after fallopian tube surgery, one (3.03%) after laparoscopic cervical cerclage, and one (3.03%) after wedge resection of the uterine horn, and Fifteen women (45.45%) presented with uterine rupture at the original cesarean section incision scar. Thirteen patients (39.39%) were transferred to our hospital after their initial diagnosis. Seven patients (21.21%) had no obvious symptoms, and only four patients (12.12%) had typical persistent lower abdominal pain. There were 13 cases (39.39%, including eight cases ≥ 28 weeks old) of fetal death in utero and two cases (6.06%, both full term) of severe neonatal asphyxia. The rates of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, hysterectomy were 66.67%, 63.64%, and 21.21%. Maternal death occurred in one case (3.03%).ConclusionsThe site of the uterine rupture was random, and was often located at the weakest point of the uterus. There is no effective means for detecting or predicting the weakest point of the uterus. Rapid recognition is key to the treatment of uterine rupture.