Birth
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The work patterns of pregnant women may be related to adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to clarify the effects of weekly working time according to frequencies of night shifts during pregnancy on adverse outcomes in Japan. ⋯ Work during pregnancy slightly increased the risks of threatened miscarriage and threatened preterm labor. Long working hours increased the risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, vacuum/forceps delivery, and small-for-gestational-age babies.
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One approach to decreasing the cesarean birth rate in the United States is to increase the availability of birth attendants, including certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), who offer trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). We examined associations between provider type and mode of birth for women attempting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). ⋯ Unplanned cesarean was similar for patients attempting labor after cesarean managed by midwives or obstetricians. Increasing the number of CNMs who manage TOLAC may help decrease the high rate of cesareans.
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In The Netherlands, women with low-risk pregnancy are routinely given the option of home birth, providing a unique opportunity to study the relationship between fear of childbirth (FOC) and preference for childbirth location, and whether women experience higher FOC when the actual location differs from their preference. ⋯ Compared to women who prefer hospital birth, women who prefer home birth have lower prepartum and postpartum FOC. Giving birth at a location other than the preferred location does not appear to affect postpartum FOC. Whether giving birth at home or in the hospital, caregivers should pay extra attention to women with high FOC because they are vulnerable to postpartum FOC, especially after a complicated birth and referral.