Intrapartum sonographic assessment of the fetal head flexion in protracted active phase of labor and association with labor outcome: a multicenter, prospective study.

Background: To date, no research has focused on the sonographic quantification of the degree of flexion of the fetal head in relation to the labor outcome in women with protracted active phase of labor.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the transabdominal sonographic indices of fetal head flexion and the mode of delivery in women with protracted active phase of labor.

Study Design: Prospective evaluation of women with protracted active phase of labor recruited across 3 tertiary maternity units.

Identification of large-for-gestational age fetuses using antenatal customized fetal growth charts: Can we improve the prediction of abnormal labor course?

Introduction: Fetal overgrowth is an acknowledged risk factor for abnormal labor course and maternal and perinatal complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the use of antenatal ultrasound-based customized fetal growth charts in fetuses at risk for large-for-gestational age (LGA) allows a better identification of cases undergoing caesarean section due to intrapartum dystocia.

Material And Methods: An observational study involving four Italian tertiary centers was carried out.

Higher rate of early-onset preeclampsia in pregnancies following oocyte donation according to increasing maternal age.

Objective: To assess the influence of maternal age on the incidence of early-onset preeclampsia requiring delivery before 34 weeks of gestation in pregnancies obtained after oocyte donation.

Methods: We carried out a prospective cohort analysis of 431 single and twin pregnancies, admitted to 3 Tertiary Referral Hospital in Northern Italy between 2008 and 2017. The rate of early-onset PE was calculated and stratified according to maternal age (from 30 to 49 years).

Upcoming strategies in obstetrics: how the technology of clinical audit may reduce cesarean birth.

Background: The rate of cesarean delivery is currently increasing all over Europe. In Italy it reaches 38% of all child births. Therefore, it is important to identify the clinical and organizational variables that determine the appropriateness of elective cesarean delivery.