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Weckend M, McCullough K, Duffield C, Bayes S, Davison C. Physiological plateaus during normal labor and birth: A novel definition. Birth 2024. [PMID: 38800984 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnoses of labor dystocia, and subsequent labor augmentation, make one of the biggest contributions to childbirth medicalization, which remains a key challenge in contemporary maternity care. However, labor dystocia is poorly defined, and the antithetical concept of physiological plateaus remains insufficiently explored. AIM To generate a definition of physiological plateaus as a basis for further research. METHODS This qualitative study applied grounded theory methods and comprised interviews with 20 midwives across Australia, conducted between September 2020 and February 2022. Data were coded in a three-phase approach, starting with inductive line-by-line coding, which generated themes and subthemes, and finally, through axial coding. RESULTS Physiological plateaus represent a temporary slowing of one or multiple labor processes and appear to be common during childbirth. They are reported throughout the entire continuum of labor, typically lasting between a few minutes to several hours. Their etiology/function appears to be a self-regulatory mechanism of the mother-infant dyad. Physiological plateaus typically self-resolve and are followed by a self-resumption of labor. Women with physiological plateaus during labor appear to experience positive birth outcomes. DISCUSSION Despite appearing to be common, physiological plateaus are insufficiently recognized in contemporary childbirth discourse. Consequently, there seems to be a significant risk of misinterpretation of physiological plateaus as labor dystocia. While findings are limited by the qualitative design and require validation through further quantitative research, the proposed novel definition provides an important starting point for further investigation. CONCLUSION A better understanding of physiological plateaus holds the potential for a de-medicalization of childbirth through preventing unjustified labor augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Weckend
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie McCullough
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christine Duffield
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sara Bayes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare Davison
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Kurth L, O'Shea TM, Burd I, Dunlop AL, Croen L, Wilkening G, Hsu TJ, Ehrhardt S, Palanisamy A, McGrath M, Churchill ML, Weinberger D, Grados M, Dabelea D. Intrapartum exposure to synthetic oxytocin, maternal BMI, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children within the ECHO consortium. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:26. [PMID: 38796448 PMCID: PMC11128127 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic oxytocin (sOT) is frequently administered during parturition. Studies have raised concerns that fetal exposure to sOT may be associated with altered brain development and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. In a large and diverse sample of children with data about intrapartum sOT exposure and subsequent diagnoses of two prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, i.e., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we tested the following hypotheses: (1) Intrapartum sOT exposure is associated with increased odds of child ADHD or ASD; (2) associations differ across sex; (3) associations between intrapartum sOT exposure and ADHD or ASD are accentuated in offspring of mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity. METHODS The study sample comprised 12,503 participants from 44 cohort sites included in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the association between intrapartum sOT exposure and offspring ADHD or ASD (in separate models). Maternal obesity (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and child sex were evaluated for effect modification. RESULTS Intrapartum sOT exposure was present in 48% of participants. sOT exposure was not associated with increased odds of ASD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.03) or ADHD (aOR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.04). Associations did not differ by child sex. Among mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity, sOT exposure was associated with lower odds of offspring ADHD (aOR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.96). No association was found among mothers without obesity (aOR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.80-1.18). CONCLUSIONS In a large, diverse sample, we found no evidence of an association between intrapartum exposure to sOT and odds of ADHD or ASD in either male or female offspring. Contrary to our hypothesis, among mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity, sOT exposure was associated with lower odds of child ADHD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kurth
- Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Section, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E. 16th Ave. B065, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Greta Wilkening
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ting-Ju Hsu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephan Ehrhardt
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arvind Palanisamy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Monica McGrath
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marie L Churchill
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Weinberger
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- The Lieber institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marco Grados
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Brüggemann C, Carlhäll S, Grundström H, Ramö Isgren A, Blomberg M. Cumulative oxytocin dose in spontaneous labour - Adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience, and breastfeeding. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 295:98-103. [PMID: 38350309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the association between the total cumulative oxytocin dose during labour and adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience and breastfeeding in term primiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour. STUDY DESIGN A prospective observational multicentre study, including 1395 women with spontaneous labour, in seven hospitals in Southeast Sweden. Multivariable logistic regression (Crude Odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) for relevant confounders) was used to analyze the association between oxytocin dose and postpartum outcomes. The exposure was the cumulative oxytocin dose during labour, classified in percentiles (<25th, 25-75th, >75th). The outcomes were occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injury, postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss > 1000 ml), Apgar score < 7 at five minutes, umbilical cord arterial pH, postpartum bladder overdistension, exclusive breastfeeding at one week and three months, and the woman's perceived birth experience. RESULTS Women receiving high amounts (>75th percentile, >4370 mU) of oxytocin infusion during labour had an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (OR 2.73 (1.78-4.19)), an overdistended bladder (OR 2.19 (1.11-4.31)), an infant with an Apgar score < 7 at five minutes (OR 2.89 (1.27-6.57)), a negative birth experience (OR 1.83 (1.25-2.69)), and a decreased chance of exclusive breastfeeding at one week (OR 0.63 (0.41-0.96)). After adjusting for confounders, all outcomes remained statistically significant except risk of low Apgar score and chance of exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION In women with high cumulative oxytocin dose during labour prompt, and prophylactic administration of uterotonics after delivery of the placenta should be considered to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The risk for bladder overdistension can be reduced by implementing routines for observation for signs of bladder filling in the early postpartum period, as well as routine use of bladder scans post micturition to assess for successful bladder emptying. As women's birth experience have a major impact on their future mental health, should be routinely assessed postpartum, and support should be offered to women with negative experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Brüggemann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Linköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Sara Carlhäll
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Linköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Hanna Grundström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Norrköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Anna Ramö Isgren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Norrköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marie Blomberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Linköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden.
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Uvnäs-Moberg K. The physiology and pharmacology of oxytocin in labor and in the peripartum period. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S740-S758. [PMID: 38462255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a reproductive hormone implicated in the process of parturition and widely used during labor. Oxytocin is produced within the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary lobe into the circulation. Oxytocin is released in pulses with increasing frequency and amplitude in the first and second stages of labor, with a few pulses released in the third stage of labor. During labor, the fetus exerts pressure on the cervix of the uterus, which activates a feedforward reflex-the Ferguson reflex-which releases oxytocin. When myometrial contractions activate sympathetic nerves, it decreases oxytocin release. When oxytocin binds to specific myometrial oxytocin receptors, it induces myometrial contractions. High levels of circulating estrogen at term make the receptors more sensitive. In addition, oxytocin stimulates prostaglandin synthesis and release in the decidua and chorioamniotic membranes by activating a specific type of oxytocin receptor. Prostaglandins contribute to cervical ripening and uterine contractility in labor. The oxytocin system in the brain has been implicated in decreasing maternal levels of fear, pain, and stress, and oxytocin release and function during labor are stimulated by a social support. Moreover, studies suggest, but have not yet proven, that labor may be associated with long-term, behavioral and physiological adaptations in the mother and infant, possibly involving epigenetic modulation of oxytocin production and release and the oxytocin receptor. In addition, infusions of synthetic oxytocin are used to induce and augment labor. Oxytocin may be administered according to different dose regimens at increasing rates from 1 to 3 mIU/min to a maximal rate of 36 mIU/min at 15- to 40-minute intervals. The total amount of synthetic oxytocin given during labor can be 5 to 10 IU, but lower and higher amounts of oxytocin may also be given. High-dose infusions of oxytocin may shorten the duration of labor by up to 2 hours compared with no infusion of oxytocin; however, it does not lower the frequency of cesarean delivery. When synthetic oxytocin is administered, the plasma concentration of oxytocin increases in a dose-dependent way: at infusion rates of 20 to 30 mIU/min, plasma oxytocin concentration increases approximately 2- to 3-fold above the basal level. Synthetic oxytocin administered at recommended dose levels is not likely to cross the placenta or maternal blood-brain barrier. Synthetic oxytocin should be administered with caution as high levels may induce tachystole and uterine overstimulation, with potentially negative consequences for the fetus and possibly the mother. Of note, 5 to 10 IU of synthetic oxytocin is often routinely given as an intravenous or intramuscular bolus administration after delivery to induce uterine contractility, which, in turn, induces uterine separation of the placenta and prevents postpartum hemorrhage. Furthermore, it promotes the expulsion of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agriculture, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Djurdjevic Svraka A, Svraka D, Pejic D, Mrdja V. Establishment of Labor Epidural Analgesia Service and its Assessment: An Experience in a Hospital of a Middle-Income Country. Cureus 2024; 16:e55322. [PMID: 38559507 PMCID: PMC10981845 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Even though the idea of painless birth is more than 100 years old, it is still underrepresented in some parts of the world despite progress in science, education, anesthesia, spinal and epidural needles, development of catheters, new drugs, and infusion pumps. Maternal care should basically be the safety of the patient (in this case two patients) and also provide all kinds of protection in the form of a multidisciplinary team with an anesthesiologist, especially when it comes to pain therapy and anesthesia for women in labor. In this direction, our hospital departments with low or moderate volume of annual births made the decision to educate ourselves for painless childbirth and contribute more to the care of women in labor. The enthusiasm and dedication of our clinical team prevailed and today we have a high standard of labor epidural service. The aim of this study was to evaluate the establishment of the epidural labor service by comparing the effects of epidural analgesia on labor pain and the course of labor. The secondary objectives were to compare satisfaction with epidural analgesia and the impact of epidural analgesia on the delivery mode. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a prospective observational hospital-based study conducted on 100 patients after the establishment of epidural service. Parturients who were signed to receive epidural analgesia formed Group A and parturients who did not request epidural analgesia formed Group B. All parturients are induced in the delivery room with a Bishop score of 5 or higher. RESULTS Pain intensity measured through the visual analog scale of pain (VAS score) was significantly lower in Group A (n = 46) compared to Group B (n = 50) at measured points of time (p<0.001). There was a fall in the mean VAS score in Group A from 7.94 to 3.86 within 20 minutes of the bolus dose and starting a continuous infusion. Labor progress according to the Bishop score and till the end of the second stage of labor, or to the transfer to the operating theatre, according to the monitored time in Group A was 176 minutes and it was lower in Group B with 155 minutes; however, by test of linearity we do not gain significance (p = 0.2). There were eight parturients in each group (17% vs 16%) who were indicated for surgical delivery. According to Pearson's correlation test for the outcome of labor between parturients receiving epidural analgesia and parturients without epidural analgesia (p = 0.8), we cannot say that epidural analgesia in labor is correlated with the outcome of surgical delivery. CONCLUSION Establishing a new hospital procedure such as an epidural painless service for childbirth in low or moderate-volume settings of annual births is very challenging. By evaluating epidural labor services in our hospital, we created the best environment for continuous improvement and long-term efficacy and safety of our analgesic techniques aimed at providing excellent care to mothers and their babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Djurdjevic Svraka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, BIH
- Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care, General Hospital Gradiska, Gradiska, BIH
| | - Dragan Svraka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, BIH
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska, Banja Luka, BIH
| | - Dejan Pejic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, BIH
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Hospital Gradiska, Gradiska, BIH
| | - Vladimir Mrdja
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, BIH
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska, Banja Luka, BIH
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Hermesch AC, Kernberg AS, Layoun VR, Caughey AB. Oxytocin: physiology, pharmacology, and clinical application for labor management. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S729-S739. [PMID: 37460365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating the female reproductive system, including during labor and lactation. It is produced primarily in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin can also be administered as a medication to initiate or augment uterine contractions. To study the effectiveness and safety of oxytocin, previous studies have randomized patients to low- and high-dose oxytocin infusion protocols either alone or as part of an active management of labor strategy along with other interventions. These randomized trials demonstrated that active management of labor and high-dose oxytocin regimens can shorten the length of labor and reduce the incidence of clinical chorioamnionitis. The safety of high-dose oxytocin regimens is also supported by no associated differences in fetal heart rate abnormalities, postpartum hemorrhage, low Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and umbilical artery acidemia. Most studies reported no differences in the cesarean delivery rates with active management of labor or high-dose oxytocin regimens, thereby further validating its safety. Oxytocin does not have a predictable dose response, thus the pharmacologic effects and the amplitude and frequency of uterine contractions are used as physiological parameters for oxytocin infusion titration to achieve adequate contractions at appropriate intervals. Used in error, oxytocin can cause patient harm, highlighting the importance of precise administration using infusion pumps, institutional safety checklists, and trained nursing staff to closely monitor uterine activity and fetal heart rate changes. In this review, we summarize the physiology, pharmacology, infusion regimens, and associated risks of oxytocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Hermesch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
| | - Annessa S Kernberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Vanessa R Layoun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Aaron B Caughey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Weckend M, McCullough K, Duffield C, Bayes S, Davison C. Failure to progress or just normal? A constructivist grounded theory of physiological plateaus during childbirth. Women Birth 2024; 37:229-239. [PMID: 37867094 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PROBLEM During childbirth, one of the most common diagnoses of pathology is 'failure to progress', frequently resulting in labour augmentation and intervention cascades. However, failure to progress is poorly defined and evidence suggests that some instances of slowing, stalling and pausing labour patterns may represent physiological plateaus. AIM To explore how midwives conceptualise physiological plateaus and the significance such plateaus may have for women's labour trajectory and birth outcome. METHODS Twenty midwives across Australia participated in semi-structured interviews between September 2020 and February 2022. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was applied to analyse data, including multi-phasic coding and application of constant comparative methods, resulting in a novel theory of physiological plateaus that is firmly supported by participant data. FINDINGS This study found that the conceptualisation of plateauing labour depends largely on health professionals' philosophical assumptions around childbirth. While the Medical Dominant Paradigm frames plateaus as invariably pathological, the Holistic Midwifery Paradigm acknowledges plateaus as a common and valuable element of labour that serves a self-regulatory purpose and results in good birth outcomes for mother and baby. DISCUSSION Contemporary medicalised approaches in maternity care, which are based on an expectation of continuous labour progress, appear to carry a risk for a misinterpretation of physiological plateaus as pathological. CONCLUSION This study challenges the widespread bio-medical conceptualisation of plateauing labour as failure to progress, encourages a renegotiation of what can be considered healthy and normal during childbirth, and provides a stimulus to acknowledge the significance of childbirth philosophy for maternity care practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Weckend
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - Kylie McCullough
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Christine Duffield
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia; Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Bayes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Clare Davison
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia; Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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Maaløe N, Kujabi ML, Nathan NO, Skovdal M, Dmello BS, Wray S, van den Akker T, Housseine N. Inconsistent definitions of labour progress and over-medicalisation cause unnecessary harm during birth. BMJ 2023; 383:e076515. [PMID: 38084433 PMCID: PMC10726361 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Maaløe
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Monica Lauridsen Kujabi
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Nina Olsén Nathan
- Department of Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Skovdal
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brenda Sequeira Dmello
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- CCBRT Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa
| | - Susan Wray
- Women and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas van den Akker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Athena Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Natasha Housseine
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, Tanzania, East Africa
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Buckley S, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Pajalic Z, Luegmair K, Ekström-Bergström A, Dencker A, Massarotti C, Kotlowska A, Callaway L, Morano S, Olza I, Magistretti CM. Maternal and newborn plasma oxytocin levels in response to maternal synthetic oxytocin administration during labour, birth and postpartum - a systematic review with implications for the function of the oxytocinergic system. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:137. [PMID: 36864410 PMCID: PMC9979579 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05221-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive hormone oxytocin facilitates labour, birth and postpartum adaptations for women and newborns. Synthetic oxytocin is commonly given to induce or augment labour and to decrease postpartum bleeding. AIM To systematically review studies measuring plasma oxytocin levels in women and newborns following maternal administration of synthetic oxytocin during labour, birth and/or postpartum and to consider possible impacts on endogenous oxytocin and related systems. METHODS Systematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus databases followed PRISMA guidelines, including all peer-reviewed studies in languages understood by the authors. Thirty-five publications met inclusion criteria, including 1373 women and 148 newborns. Studies varied substantially in design and methodology, so classical meta-analysis was not possible. Therefore, results were categorized, analysed and summarised in text and tables. RESULTS Infusions of synthetic oxytocin increased maternal plasma oxytocin levels dose-dependently; doubling the infusion rate approximately doubled oxytocin levels. Infusions below 10 milliunits per minute (mU/min) did not raise maternal oxytocin above the range observed in physiological labour. At high intrapartum infusion rates (up to 32 mU/min) maternal plasma oxytocin reached 2-3 times physiological levels. Postpartum synthetic oxytocin regimens used comparatively higher doses with shorter duration compared to labour, giving greater but transient maternal oxytocin elevations. Total postpartum dose was comparable to total intrapartum dose following vaginal birth, but post-caesarean dosages were higher. Newborn oxytocin levels were higher in the umbilical artery vs. umbilical vein, and both were higher than maternal plasma levels, implying substantial fetal oxytocin production in labour. Newborn oxytocin levels were not further elevated following maternal intrapartum synthetic oxytocin, suggesting that synthetic oxytocin at clinical doses does not cross from mother to fetus. CONCLUSIONS Synthetic oxytocin infusion during labour increased maternal plasma oxytocin levels 2-3-fold at the highest doses and was not associated with neonatal plasma oxytocin elevations. Therefore, direct effects from synthetic oxytocin transfer to maternal brain or fetus are unlikely. However, infusions of synthetic oxytocin in labour change uterine contraction patterns. This may influence uterine blood flow and maternal autonomic nervous system activity, potentially harming the fetus and increasing maternal pain and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buckley
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Zada Pajalic
- grid.463529.f0000 0004 0610 6148Faculty for Health Sciences, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karolina Luegmair
- grid.9018.00000 0001 0679 2801Institute for Health Care and Nursing Studies, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anette Ekström-Bergström
- grid.412716.70000 0000 8970 3706Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Anna Dencker
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alicja Kotlowska
- grid.11451.300000 0001 0531 3426Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Leonie Callaway
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sandra Morano
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ibone Olza
- European Institute of Perinatal Mental Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Meier Magistretti
- grid.425064.10000 0001 2191 8943Institute for Health Policies, Prevention and Health Promotion, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Luzern, Switzerland
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Maximum Dose Rate of Intrapartum Oxytocin Infusion and Associated Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:379-386. [PMID: 36649339 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite lack of evidence for a safety threshold for oxytocin dose rate, many hospital protocols specify a maximum rate. We investigated whether exceeding 20 milliunits/min of oxytocin was associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a double-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial of nulliparous patients with singleton gestations at 36 weeks of gestation or later who presented in spontaneous labor randomized 1:1 to either a high-dose oxytocin titration regimen (initial-incremental rate of 6 milliunits/min) or standard-dose titration regimen (initial-incremental rate of 2 milliunits/min) for labor augmentation. A maximum oxytocin dose rate limit was not specified in the study protocol. For this secondary analysis, outcomes of participants who received oxytocin and exceeded a dose rate of 20 milliunits/min at any point in labor were compared with those whose rate remained at 20 milliunits/min or less. In addition, the cumulative proportions of labor and birth outcomes were calculated for each maximum dose rate of oxytocin reached among this study cohort. RESULTS Of the 1,003 participants in the parent trial, 955 (95.2%) received oxytocin, as planned, and were included, with 190 (19.9%) exceeding a maximum dose rate of 20 milliunits/min. Those who exceeded 20 milliunits/min were older and were more likely to have rupture of membranes as their trial entry indication, have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, receive intrapartum magnesium sulfate infusion, and receive oxytocin for longer. Those whose maximum rates exceeded 20 milliunits/min underwent cesarean delivery more frequently, but the majority (74%) still delivered vaginally. In multivariable analyses, there were no significant associations between maximum oxytocin dose rates greater than 20 milliunits/min and cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.57, 95% CI 1.00-2.46), peripartum infection (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.41-1.19), postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 0.70-2.71), or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 0.89-3.31). Although 85% of spontaneous vaginal deliveries occurred at maximum oxytocin dose rates of 20 milliunits/min or less, vaginal deliveries continued to occur at higher maximum dose rates. The cumulative proportions of NICU admissions and composite severe neonatal morbidity and mortality cases increased with increasing oxytocin dose rates even with maximum oxytocin dose rates at 20 milliunits/min or less. CONCLUSION In multivariable analyses, there are no significant differences in maternal or perinatal adverse outcomes based on exceeding 20 milliunits/min of oxytocin. These data suggest that oxytocin dosing should be individualized to each patient and not be based on arbitrary thresholds. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02487797.
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11
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Alòs-Pereñíguez S, O'Malley D, Daly D. Women's views and experiences of augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin infusion: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Midwifery 2023; 116:103512. [PMID: 36323076 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and synthesise women's views and experiences of augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin infusion. DESIGN A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted. The SPIDER acronym was used to develop the search terms and determine the inclusion criteria. Six bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care and Web of Science Core Collection were searched in October 2021. Grey literature sources, EThOS, DART-Europe, and the World Health Organization's Clinical Trials Registry were searched, and reference lists of included studies were reviewed. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating (EPPI) Centre assessment tool. Data were synthesised thematically. The confidence of each review finding was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual). Research ethical approval was not required. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Women of any age, parity, and cultural background who underwent augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin infusion were included. FINDINGS A total of 9306 citations were retrieved. Twenty-five studies conducted across 14 countries met the inclusion criteria and contributed data. Three principal analytical themes emerged: feeling stuck; past and present shaping the future; and cause and effect of augmentation of labour. The decision to augment women's labour was often performed without their informed consent. Women's views and experiences of augmentation of labour were shaped according to their knowledge, beliefs and support received during labour. Irrespective of the context, women consistently associated augmentation of labour with pain. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Clinical guidelines on augmentation of labour need to be informed by research that includes women's views and experiences as a main outcome. Future research exploring the experience of augmentation of labour rather than the experience of labour dystocia would be beneficial. Increasing women's awareness and knowledge of augmentation of labour may help to ensure that their informed consent is obtained. Healthcare providers should discuss the effects, side effects and implications of augmentation of labour with women, ideally before labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Alòs-Pereñíguez
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 T283, Ireland.
| | - Deirdre O'Malley
- Nursing, Midwifery & Health Studies, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, A91 K584, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 T283, Ireland
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12
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Wszołek KM, Chmaj-Wierzchowska K, Pięt M, Tarka A, Chuchracki M, Męczekalski B, Wilczak M. Neonatal breast-suckling skills in the context of lactation and peripartum hormonal changes and additional factors-a pilot study. Int Breastfeed J 2022; 17:66. [PMID: 36050767 PMCID: PMC9436720 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-022-00508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childbirth and lactation are intricate processes, involving several hormones, the most important of which are prolactin (a protein hormone) and cortisol (one of the glucocorticoids). The early postpartum period is crucial for both mother and newborn and has an impact on the lactation and breastfeeding process. Methods The study included 78 patients who were admitted to the Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznań for labor induction and/or in the active phase of the first labor stage. The levels of cortisol and prolactin in serum were assessed in these women during admission in labor, during the third labor stage, and on the second day postpartum. The levels of cortisol and prolactin in the umbilical cord serum were assessed immediately after cord clamping. The “Protocol for the assessment of breast-suckling skills” was used to assess the neonatal breast-suckling skills on the second day postpartum. Some additional parameters were evaluated in mothers via a telephone interview at three and six months postpartum. The study was conducted from January to August 2020, however the study was suspended during April–July 2020 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which led to restrictions in the hospital limiting access to the hospital wards unless necessary. Results Early breastfeeding with skin-to-skin contact was associated with low levels of hormones, cortisol levels were lower in serum (p = 0.0108) and umbilical vein (p = 0.0273) in mothers who breastfed immediately after childbirth. At three months postpartum, 88% of the mothers who did not offer a pacifier to the child during the first few days of life breastfed the child naturally (p = 0.037), and at six months, 96% of those who did not offer a pacifier continued to breastfeed (p = 0.0008). Multiple, statistically significant correlations were observed between the variables assessed according to the “Protocol for the assessment of breast-suckling skills” and breastfeeding after three months. Conclusions Breastfeeding immediately after childbirth, appropriate assessment of the breast-suckling skills of newborns, avoiding pacifiers and infant formula feeding, and offering support to new mothers in the early days after childbirth seem to be important factors for sustaining breastfeeding after three and six months of childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Maria Wszołek
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland. .,Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Karolina Chmaj-Wierzchowska
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Pięt
- Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Facility of Practical Midwifery Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Tarka
- Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Facility of Practical Midwifery Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Chuchracki
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Chair of Cosmetology, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland
| | - Błażej Męczekalski
- Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Maciej Wilczak
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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13
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Weckend M, Davison C, Bayes S. Physiological plateaus during normal labor and birth: A scoping review of contemporary concepts and definitions. Birth 2022; 49:310-328. [PMID: 34989012 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiological plateaus (slowing, stalling, pausing) during normal labor and birth have been reported for decades, but have received limited attention in research and clinical practice. To date, heterogeneous conceptualizations and terminology have impeded effective communication and research in this area, raising concern as to whether some physiological plateaus might be misinterpreted as dystocia. To address this issue, we provide a point of orientation, mapping contemporary concepts, and terminologies of physiological plateaus during normal labor and birth. METHODS We conducted a scoping review, considering published and unpublished reports of physiological plateaus, reported in any language, between 1990 and 2021. Database searches of CINAHL, EMBASE, Emcare, MIDIRS, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Open Grey yielded 1,953 records, with an additional 35 reports identified by hand searching. In total, 43 reports from eleven countries were included in this scoping review. RESULTS Conceptualizations of physiological plateaus are heterogeneous and can be allocated to six conceptual groups: cervical reversal or recoil, plateaus, lulls during transition, "rest and be thankful" stage, deceleration phase, and latent phases. Across included material, we identified over 60 different terms referring to physiological plateaus. Overall, physiological plateaus are reported across the entire continuum of normal labor and birth. CONCLUSIONS Physiological plateaus may be an essential mechanism of self-regulation of the mother-infant dyad, facilitating feto-maternal adaptation and preventing maternal and fetal distress during labor and birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Weckend
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Clare Davison
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Sara Bayes
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
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14
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Kruit H, Nupponen I, Heinonen S, Rahkonen L. Comparison of delivery outcomes in low-dose and high-dose oxytocin regimens for induction of labor following cervical ripening with a balloon catheter: A retrospective observational cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267400. [PMID: 35452451 PMCID: PMC9032418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of oxytocin regimens are used for labor induction and augmentation. Considering the increasing rates of labor induction, it is important to assess the most optimal oxytocin regimen without compromising maternal and fetal safety. The aim of this study was to compare delivery outcomes of low-dose and high-dose oxytocin induction protocols. This retrospective cohort study of 487 women comparing low-dose oxytocin protocol (n = 280) and high-dose oxytocin protocol (n = 207) in labor induction following cervical ripening by balloon catheter was performed in Helsinki University Hospital after implementation of a new oxytocin induction protocol. The study included two six-month cohorts from 2016 and 2019. Women with vital singleton pregnancies ≥37 gestational weeks, cephalic presentation, and intact amniotic membranes were included. The primary outcome was the rate of vaginal delivery. The secondary outcomes were the rates of maternal and neonatal infections, postpartum hemorrhage, umbilical artery blood pH-value, admission to neonatal intensive care, and induction-to-delivery interval. Statistical analyses were performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (Armonk, NY, USA). The rate of vaginal delivery was higher [69.9% (n = 144) vs. 47.9% (n = 134); p<0.004] and the rates of maternal and neonatal infection were lower during the new high-dose oxytocin protocol [maternal infections 13.6% (n = 28) vs. 22.1% (n = 62); p = 0.02 and neonatal infection 2.9% (n = 6) vs. 14.6% (n = 41); p<0.001, respectively]. The rates of post-partum hemorrhage, umbilical artery blood pH-value <7.05 or neonatal intensive care admissions did not differ between the cohorts. The median induction-to-delivery interval was shorter in the new protocol [32.0 h (IQR 18.5–42.7) vs. 37.9 h (IQR 27.8–52.8); p<0.001]. In conclusion, implementation of the new continuous high-dose oxytocin protocol resulted in higher rate of vaginal delivery and lower rate of maternal and neonatal infections. Our experience supports the use of high-dose continuous oxytocin induction regimen with a practice of stopping oxytocin once active labor is achieved, and a 15–18-hour maximum duration for oxytocin induction in the latent phase of labor following cervical ripening with a balloon catheter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Kruit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Irmeli Nupponen
- Department of Neonatology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Heinonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena Rahkonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Alòs-Pereñíguez S, O'Malley D, Daly D. Women’s views and experiences of augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin infusion. A protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis. HRB Open Res 2022; 4:127. [PMID: 35187397 PMCID: PMC8822135 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13467.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Augmentation of labour (AOL) is the most common intervention to treat labour dystocia. Previous research reported extensive disparities in AOL rates across countries and institutions. Despite its widespread use, women’s views on and experiences of intrapartum augmentation with infused synthetic oxytocin are limited. Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis on women’s views and experiences of AOL with synthetic oxytocin after spontaneous onset of labour will be conducted. Qualitative studies and studies employing a mixed methods design, where qualitative data can be extracted separately, will be included, as will surveys with open-ended questions that provide qualitative data. A systematic search will be performed of the databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care and Web of Science Core Collection from the date of inception. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre’s appraisal tool. A three-stage approach, coding of data from primary studies, development of descriptive themes and generation of analytical themes, will be used to synthesise findings. Confidence in findings will be established by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research. Discussion: This qualitative evidence synthesis may provide valuable information on women’s experiences of AOL and contribute to a review of clinical practice guidelines for maternity care providers. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021285252 (14/11/2021)
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Alòs-Pereñíguez
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 T283, Ireland
| | - Deirdre O'Malley
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 T283, Ireland
- Nursing, Midwifery & Health Studies, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, A91 K584, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Daly
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 T283, Ireland
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16
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Gülümser C, Yassa M. Clinical management of uterine contraction abnormalities; an evidence-based intrapartum care algorithm. BJOG 2022. [PMID: 35415963 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To develop algorithms as decision support tools for identifying, managing and monitoring abnormal uterine activity during labour. POPULATION Women with singleton, term (37-42 weeks) pregnancies in active labour at admission. SETTING Institutional birth settings in low- and middle-income countries (the algorithm may be applicable to any health facility). SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed was searched up to January 2020 using keywords. We also searched The Cochrane Library, and international guidelines from World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF). CASE SCENARIOS Algorithms were developed for two case scenarios: uterine hypoactivity and excessive uterine contractions. Key themes in the algorithm are: diagnosis, identification of probable causes, assessment of maternal and fetal condition and labour progress, monitoring and management. CONCLUSION The algorithms for uterine hypoactivity and excessive uterine contractions have been developed to facilitate safe and effective management of abnormal uterine activity during labour. Research is needed to assess the views of healthcare professionals and women accessing healthcare to explore the feasibility of implementing these algorithms, and impact on labour outcomes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT An evidence-based algorithm to support clinical management of abnormal uterine activity during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gülümser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yuksek Ihtisas University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Yassa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bahcesehir University Medical Park Maltepe Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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17
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Palanisamy A, Toftlund SA, Giri T, Strandberg-Larsen K, Lønfeldt NN. Birth with synthetic oxytocin and the risk of being overweight or obese during childhood. Pediatr Obes 2022; 17:e12871. [PMID: 34783173 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the importance of oxytocinergic signalling for satiety regulation and energy balance, the impact of exposure to synthetic oxytocin during childbirth on obesity during childhood remains unknown. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between oxytocin exposure during labour and the risk of being overweight or obese during childhood. METHODS Synthetic oxytocin exposure data of mothers from the Danish Medical Birth Registry were linked with self-reported anthropometric data of their children from the Danish National Birth Cohort (5 months-11 years of age). Multinomial logistic regression and latent class growth analyses were performed to determine the association between oxytocin exposure and obesity during childhood. RESULTS With the exception of the normal weight-to-overweight group between ages 5 and 12 months, none of the other analyses revealed a significant association between synthetic oxytocin use and the risk of being overweight until the age of 11 years. Furthermore, latent class growth analysis did not reveal an association between oxytocin exposure at birth and the risk of being overweight or obese during childhood. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis of a large cohort of children who varied in their synthetic oxytocin exposure status at childbirth did not reveal an association between oxytocin exposure and the risk of childhood overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Palanisamy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah A Toftlund
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tusar Giri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Nicole N Lønfeldt
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre - Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Capital Region of Denmark, Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Isacson M, Thies-Lagergren L, Oras P, Hellström-Westas L, Andersson O. Umbilical cord clamping and management of the third stage of labor: A telephone-survey describing Swedish midwives’ clinical practice. Eur J Midwifery 2022; 6:6. [PMID: 35274089 PMCID: PMC8832505 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/145697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The timing of cord clamping impacts children’s short- and long-term well-being. When making clinical decisions, midwives incorporate their tacit and professional knowledge, experience and current evidence. There appears to be a lack of knowledge regarding Swedish midwives’ management of the third stage of labor and cord clamping practice. The aim of this study was to explore Swedish midwives’ clinical practice concerning umbilical cord clamping and the third stage of labor in spontaneous vaginal births. METHODS The study was designed as a cross-sectional telephone survey including 13 questions. Midwives were randomly selected from 48 births units in Sweden. Two midwives from each unit were interviewed. The primary outcome was timing of umbilical cord clamping practice in full-term infants. Secondary outcomes were the management of the third stage of labor including prophylactic use of synthetic oxytocin, the timing of cord clamping in preterm infants, controlled cord traction, uterine massage, and cord milking. RESULTS Altogether, 95 midwives were interviewed. In full-term infants, all midwives preferred late cord clamping. Considerable heterogeneity was seen regarding the practices of synthetic oxytocin administration postpartum, controlled cord traction, uterine massage or cord milking, and cord clamping in preterm infants. CONCLUSIONS Midwives in Sweden modify recommendations regarding delayed cord clamping in a way they might perceive as more natural and practical in their daily, clinical work. The study revealed a reluctance toward the administration of prophylactic oxytocin due to fear that the drug could pass to the infant. An overall large variation of the management of the third stage of labor was seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Isacson
- Neonatology research group, Section of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Li Thies-Lagergren
- Midwifery research, reproductive, perinatal and sexual health, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Paola Oras
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Ola Andersson
- Neonatology research group, Section of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Alòs-Pereñíguez S, O'Malley D, Daly D. Women’s views and experiences of augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin infusion: a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis. HRB Open Res 2021; 4:127. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13467.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Augmentation of labour (AOL) is the most common intervention to treat labour dystocia. Previous research reported extensive disparities in AOL rates across countries and institutions. Despite its widespread use, women’s views on and experiences of intrapartum augmentation with infused synthetic oxytocin are limited. Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis on women’s views and experiences of AOL with synthetic oxytocin after spontaneous onset of labour will be conducted. Qualitative studies and studies employing a mixed methods design, where qualitative data can be extracted separately, will be included, as will surveys with open-ended questions that provide qualitative data. A systematic search will be performed of the databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care and Web of Science Core Collection from the date of inception. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed using the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre’s appraisal tool. A three-stage approach, coding of data from primary studies, development of descriptive themes and generation of analytical themes, will be used to synthesise findings. Confidence in findings will be established by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research. Discussion: This qualitative evidence synthesis may provide valuable information on women’s experiences of AOL and contribute to a review of clinical practice guidelines for maternity care providers. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021285252 (14/11/2021)
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Naturally Occurring Genetic Variants in the Oxytocin Receptor Alter Receptor Signaling Profiles. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1543-1555. [PMID: 34661073 PMCID: PMC8506602 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The hormone oxytocin
is commonly administered during childbirth
to initiate and strengthen uterine contractions and prevent postpartum
hemorrhage. However, patients have wide variation in the oxytocin
dose required for a clinical response. To begin to uncover the mechanisms
underlying this variability, we screened the 11 most prevalent missense
genetic variants in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR)
gene. We found that five variants, V45L, P108A, L206V, V281M, and
E339K, significantly altered oxytocin-induced Ca2+ signaling
or β-arrestin recruitment and proceeded to assess the effects
of these variants on OXTR trafficking to the cell membrane, desensitization,
and internalization. The variants P108A and L206V increased OXTR localization
to the cell membrane, whereas V281M and E339K caused OXTR to be retained
inside the cell. We examined how the variants altered the balance
between OXTR activation and desensitization, which is critical for
appropriate oxytocin dosing. The E339K variant impaired OXTR activation,
internalization, and desensitization to roughly equal extents. In
contrast, V281M decreased OXTR activation but had no effect on internalization
and desensitization. V45L and P108A did not alter OXTR activation
but did impair β-arrestin recruitment, internalization, and
desensitization. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted that V45L
and P108A prevent extension of the first intracellular loop of OXTR,
thus inhibiting β-arrestin binding. Overall, our data suggest
mechanisms by which OXTR genetic variants could alter
clinical response to oxytocin.
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21
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Induction of labour in low-resource settings. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 77:90-109. [PMID: 34509391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Due to the disparity in resource availability between low- and high-resource settings, practice recommendations relevant to high-income countries are not always relevant and often need to be adapted to low-resource settings. The adaptation applies to induction of labour (IOL) which is an obstetric procedure that deserves special attention because it involves the initiation of a process that requires regular and frequent monitoring of the mother and foetus by experienced healthcare professionals. Lack of problem recognition and/or substandard care during IOL may result in harm with long-term sequelae. In this article, the authors discuss unique challenges such as insufficient resources (including staff, midwives, doctors, equipment, and medications) that result in occasional inadequate patient monitoring and/or delayed interventions during IOL in low-resource settings. We also discuss modifications in indications and methods for IOL, issues related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, the feasibility of outpatient induction, clinical protocols and a minimum dataset for quality improvement projects. Overall, the desire to achieve a vaginal birth with IOL should not cloud the necessity to observe the required safety measures and implement necessary interventions; given that childbirth practices are the major determinants of pregnancy outcomes and patient satisfaction.
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Carlson N, Ellis J, Page K, Dunn Amore A, Phillippi J. Review of Evidence-Based Methods for Successful Labor Induction. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:459-469. [PMID: 33984171 PMCID: PMC8363560 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Induction of labor is increasingly a common component of the intrapartum care. Knowledge of the current evidence on methods of labor induction is an essential component of shared decision-making to determine which induction method meets an individual's health needs and personal preferences. This article provides a review of the current research evidence on labor induction methods, including cervical ripening techniques, and contraction stimulation techniques. Current evidence about expected duration of labor following induction, use of the Bishop score to guide induction, and guidance on the use of combination methods for labor induction are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Carlson
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica Ellis
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Katie Page
- Centra Medical Group Women's Center, Forest, Virginia
| | - Alexis Dunn Amore
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Julia Phillippi
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Boie S, Glavind J, Uldbjerg N, Steer PJ, Bor P. Continued versus discontinued oxytocin stimulation in the active phase of labour (CONDISOX): double blind randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2021; 373:n716. [PMID: 33853878 PMCID: PMC8044921 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether discontinuing oxytocin stimulation in the active phase of induced labour is associated with lower caesarean section rates. DESIGN International multicentre, double blind, randomised controlled trial. SETTING Nine hospitals in Denmark and one in the Netherlands between 8 April 2016 and 30 June 2020. PARTICIPANTS 1200 women stimulated with intravenous oxytocin infusion during the latent phase of induced labour. INTERVENTION Women were randomly assigned to have their oxytocin stimulation discontinued or continued in the active phase of labour. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Delivery by caesarean section. RESULTS A total of 607 women were assigned to discontinuation and 593 to continuation of the oxytocin infusion. The rates of caesarean section were 16.6% (n=101) in the discontinued group and 14.2% (n=84) in the continued group (relative risk 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 1.53). In 94 parous women with no previous caesarean section, the caesarean section rate was 7.5% (11/147) in the discontinued group and 0.6% (1/155)in the continued group (relative risk 11.6, 1.15 to 88.7). Discontinuation was associated with longer duration of labour (median from randomisation to delivery 282 v 201 min; P<0.001), a reduced risk of hyperstimulation (20/546 (3.7%) v 70/541 (12.9%); P<0.001), and a reduced risk of fetal heart rate abnormalities (153/548 (27.9%) v 219/537 (40.8%); P<0.001) but rates of other adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS In a setting where monitoring of the fetal condition and the uterine contractions can be guaranteed, routine discontinuation of oxytocin stimulation may lead to a small increase in caesarean section rate but a significantly reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate patterns. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02553226.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel Boie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Julie Glavind
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Philip J Steer
- Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Pinar Bor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
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Walter MH, Abele H, Plappert CF. The Role of Oxytocin and the Effect of Stress During Childbirth: Neurobiological Basics and Implications for Mother and Child. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:742236. [PMID: 34777247 PMCID: PMC8578887 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.742236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin acts as a hormone and a neuromodulator, influencing a multitude of human social behaviors, including reproduction. During childbirth and the postpartum period, it plays a key role in regulating and controlling processes that ensure a safe birth and the health of mother and child. Especially the onset of labor, the progress of labor and initial breastfeeding are mediated by oxytocin. In the maternal brain it controls the initiation of the mother-infant bond and the mother's emotional responses towards her child. In this review we summarize the current state of knowledge about the role of oxytocin during the different aspects and mechanisms of human childbirth, combining research from human and animal studies. Physiological and psychological stress during childbirth and lactation can have negative effects on the progress of labor, breastfeeding and bonding. We discuss how maternity caregivers can support the positive effects of oxytocin and minimize the effects of stress. Furthermore, we highlight aspects of the basic neurobiological principles and connections where further research is needed to improve our understanding of the regulation and the effects of oxytocin to support maternal and infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Walter
- Department of Midwifery Science, Institute for Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Animal Physiology, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael H. Walter,
| | - Harald Abele
- Department of Midwifery Science, Institute for Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claudia F. Plappert
- Department of Midwifery Science, Institute for Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Downe S, Calleja Agius J, Balaam MC, Frith L. Understanding childbirth as a complex salutogenic phenomenon: The EU COST BIRTH Action Special Collection. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236722. [PMID: 32756586 PMCID: PMC7406045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2014, the EU funded a four-year European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action to address the topic of childbirth. The COST Birth Action was a cross-European network, that brought together over 120 scientists, practitioners, activists and policy makers from 34 countries to work on intrapartum care. The central aim was to advance the state of research and practice in a specific area of great clinical and social importance, intrapartum care. The Action used inter and trans-disciplinary approaches to address birth from multiple perspectives and drew on complexity theory and the concept of salutogenesis (wellbeing). This special collection presents six papers produced from the Action and gives a sense of the range and depth of the work conducted. The Collection illustrates the knowledge that can be generated when a diverse group of people come together with a similar goals and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Downe
- ReaCH Group, UCLan, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Calleja Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Lucy Frith
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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