Fundal pressure during the second stage of labour.

Background: Fundal pressure during the second stage of labour involves application of manual pressure to the uppermost part of the uterus directed towards the birth canal in an attempt to assist spontaneous vaginal delivery and avoid prolonged second stage or the need for operative delivery. Fundal pressure has also been applied using an inflatable girdle. A survey in the United States found that 84% of the respondents used fundal pressure in their obstetric centres.

Outcomes of pregnancies in women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, in an ethnically mixed population.

Objective: To compare the outcomes of pregnancies in women with pre-existing, type 1 and type 2, diabetes and to examine the influence of ethnicity on these outcomes.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Large district hospital in Yorkshire with an ethnically mixed population.