BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
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To determine the association between reductions in government healthcare spending (GHS) on maternal mortality in 24 countries in the European Union (EU) over a 30-year period, 1981-2010. ⋯ Reductions in GHS were significantly associated with increased maternal mortality rates, which may occur through changes in the provision of skilled health professionals attending births. Examples of reduced GHS such as the implementation of austerity measures and budgetary reductions are likely to worsen maternal mortality in the EU.
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To estimate the rate and time to next live birth by mode of delivery. ⋯ The impact of mode of delivery on subsequent rate and time to next birth was minimal in this study. The greatest reduction was among women with assisted vaginal delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia. This study is strengthened by data on pregnancy planning as well as information on complications of pregnancy, delivery and neonatal morbidities, all of which may influence a woman's decision on subsequent birth.