Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand · Jan 2006
Predictions for the decision-to-delivery interval for emergency cesarean sections in Norway.
To explain the variation in decision-to-delivery intervals in emergency cesarean sections in Norway. ⋯ The variance in the decision-to-delivery interval was mainly explained by the different nature of the cesarean sections. The most important predictors, which all acted to reduce decision-to-delivery interval, were the three indications abruptio placentae, cord prolapse, and fetal stress. Sections performed during night-time had significantly reduced decision-to-delivery interval. The size of the maternal units as measured by number of deliveries per year was not a significant predictor.
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialAcupuncture administered after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term significantly reduces the length of birth and use of oxytocin. A randomized controlled trial.
The objective was to investigate whether acupuncture could be a reasonable option for augmentation in labor after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term and to look for possible effects on the progress of labor. ⋯ Acupuncture may be a good alternative or complement to pharmacological methods in the effort to facilitate birth and provide normal delivery for women with prelabor rupture of membranes.
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand · Jan 2006
Comparative StudyEstimation of blood loss after cesarean section and vaginal delivery has low validity with a tendency to exaggeration.
Excessive bleeding is one of the major threats to women at childbirth. The aim of this study was to validate estimation of blood loss during delivery. ⋯ The standard procedure of estimation of obstetric bleeding was found to be unreliable. In this study, blood loss was over-estimated in cesareans. In vaginal deliveries, there seemed to be no correlation. Estimated blood loss as a quality indicator or as a variable in studies comparing complications must be used with caution. For clinical purposes, estimation of blood loss and measurement of post partum hemoglobin is of low value and may lead to the wrong conclusions.
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand · Jan 2006
Reliability of an automatic ultrasound system in the post partum period in measuring urinary retention.
Urinary retention in the post partum period may lead to short- and long-term complications. ⋯ The BladderScan BVI 3000 is a reliable and non-invasive method to recognize urinary retention in the post partum period.
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Only scanty research exists about the relationship between women's expectations during pregnancy and their experiences as reported during the actual process of labor and afterwards. The aims of the present study were: (1) to investigate the associations between fear of childbirth during pregnancy and postpartum and fear and pain during early active labor (phase 1: cervix dilatation 3-5 cm), and (2) to explore possible differences regarding fear of childbirth during pregnancy and postpartum between women who did or did not receive epidural analgesia during labor. Methods. Fear of childbirth was measured in 47 nulliparous women during gestation weeks 37-39 by means of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ version A). During early active labor we measured women's fear (Delivery Fear Scale) and their experiences of pain (a pain intensity scale). Finally, fear after childbirth (W-DEQ version B) was measured two hours, two days, and five weeks after delivery. ⋯ Pregnant women who fear childbirth are prone to report fear during the actual labor and postpartum. The administration of epidural analgesia is not a sufficient response to women's fear during the process of labor.