Obstetric anal sphincter injury risk factors and the role of the mediolateral episiotomy.

Aims: Investigate risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and their incidence between 2006 and 2010 at a regional teaching hospital in Australia. Determine whether a correlation exists between a decrease in OASI rates and an increase in mediolateral episiotomies.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective observational study conducted at the Geelong Hospital, Barwon Health, Victoria, Australia.

The accuracy of spot urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio in confirming proteinuria in pre-eclampsia.

Background: The gold standard for diagnosis of proteinuria in pre-eclampsia is traditionally a 24-h urine collection. Current Australian guidelines advocate use of the spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR); however, there is controversy in the international literature about its accuracy and little recent Australian data exists.

Aim: To clarify the accuracy of the spot urine PCR in a cohort of Australian women with pre-eclampsia.

Continuity of midwifery care and gestational weight gain in obese women: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: The increased prevalence of obesity in pregnant women in Australia and other developed countries is a significant public health concern. Obese women are at increased risk of serious perinatal complications and guidelines recommend weight gain restriction and additional care. There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of dietary and physical activity lifestyle interventions in preventing adverse perinatal outcomes and new strategies need to be evaluated.