Domestic and family violence and associated maternal and perinatal outcomes: A population-based retrospective cohort study.

Background: Domestic family violence (DFV) is a global health concern affecting one in three women worldwide. Women are vulnerable to DFV throughout their life; however, pregnancy introduces an increased risk of experiencing DFV for millions of women and birthing people.

Methods: Routinely collected data from two hospitals in one local health district in New South Wales, Australia, were examined to determine the prevalence of DFV from 2010 to 2019.

Do Birth Outcomes Predicted by Occipital Position Inform Definitions of Occiput Posterior and Occiput Transverse?

Fetal head position significantly influences birth outcomes, with higher rates of complications observed when the fetal head is in the Occiput Posterior (OP) position compared to Occiput Transverse (OT) or Occiput Anterior (OA) positions. There is no consensus in the current literature on the precise rotational point at which the fetal occiput shifts from posterior to transverse, reducing clarity in both scientific and clinical communication. Different studies employ varying definitions of these positions, which affects management decisions.

Factors influencing uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Australia: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Mounting evidence shows the risk of COVID-19 on perinatal outcomes, as well as the safety and efficacy of vaccination during pregnancy. However, little is known about vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Australia, including women who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), and about sources of information pregnant women use when making decisions about vaccines. We aimed to determine the proportion of pregnant women who had been vaccinated and to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake or decline during pregnancy.

Who is responsible for postpartum contraception advice and provision? The perspective of hospital-based maternity clinicians in New South Wales, Australia.

Access to postpartum contraception is critical for the health of the mother and subsequent pregnancies. However, the differential roles and responsibilities of maternity care providers in contraception discussions and provision are often unclear. Our study, part of a larger study on midwifery provision of contraceptive implants, presents the perspectives of hospital-based maternity clinicians.

A snapshot of women's and clinicians' perceptions of the double balloon catheter for induction of labor.

Introduction: Induction of labor (IOL) is rising globally and is growing steadily in the state of New South Wales, Australia. There are numerous methods of induction of labor, including the double balloon catheter (DBC). There is minimal evidence on women's attitudes and experiences and clinician's opinions on the use of the DBC.

Group Clinical Supervision for midwives and burnout: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: There are major shortfalls in the midwifery workforce which has been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Midwives have high levels of burnout and many, often early career midwives, are planning to leave the profession. There are reports of a poor workplace culture in maternity units, including bullying.

Prophylactic rotation for malposition in the second stage of labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate if manual rotation, undertaken during labor, of fetuses in occiput posterior or occiput transverse position led to an increased rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Data Sources: Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Ovid, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with the use of a combination of keywords and text words related to "occiput posterior," "occiput transverse," and "manual rotation" from inception of the databases to July 2021.

Attributable factors for the rising cesarean delivery rate over 3 decades: an observational cohort study.

Background: Cesarean delivery rates continue to rise globally, the reasons for which are incompletely understood.

Objective: We aimed to characterize the attributable factors for the increasing cesarean delivery rates over a 30-year period within our health network.

Study Design: This was a planned observational cohort study across 2 hospitals (a large tertiary referral hospital and a metropolitan hospital) in Sydney, Australia using data from a previously published study.

Feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of postpartum contraceptive implant provision by midwives in NSW public hospitals.

Background: Repeat pregnancy in the first year after a birth is common. Many of these conceptions are unintended and may be prevented by providing access to contraception in the immediate postpartum period. Midwives in the hospital setting could potentially play a greater role in improving postnatal contraception information and provision.

Transverse position. Using rotation to aid normal birth-OUTcomes following manual rotation (the TURN-OUT trial): a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The fetal occiput transverse position in the second stage of labor is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Prophylactic manual rotation in the second stage of labor is considered a safe and easy to perform procedure that has been used to prevent operative deliveries.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic manual rotation in the management of the occiput transverse position for preventing operative delivery.

Breastfeeding patterns and effects of minimal supplementation on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration in term infants: A prospective sub-study of a randomised controlled trial.

Aim: Despite international recommendations, less than one-third of Australian women exclusively breastfeed for 6 months. The aims of this study were to prospectively determine rates and factors associated with the type and duration of breastfeeding in the first year and examine the effect of minimal supplementation.

Methods: We conducted a sub-study of a randomised controlled trial in Sydney, Australia, which included 635 women with uncomplicated term births who intended to breastfeed.

Persistent occiput posterior position outcomes following manual rotation: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Persistent occiput posterior position in labor is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Prophylactic manual rotation from the occiput posterior position to the occiput anterior position in the second stage of labor is considered a safe and easy to perform procedure that in observational studies has shown promise as a method for preventing operative deliveries.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic manual rotation in the management of occiput posterior position for preventing operative delivery.

A survey of obstetricians' attitudes to induction of labour at 39 weeks gestation with the intention of reducing caesarean section rates.

Background: Induction of labour (IOL) and caesarean section (CS) rates continue to increase in Australia, New Zealand and globally. There is evidence that CS rates are decreased in the context of medically indicated and elective IOL; therefore, the emerging concept of using IOL as means of preventing CS warrants investigation.

Aims: To assess obstetricians' opinions of elective IOL at 39 weeks gestation, its feasibility, generalisability and utility as a means of preventing CS in Australia and New Zealand.

Contraception provision in the postpartum period: Knowledge, views and practices of midwives.

Background: Women are susceptible to unintended pregnancies in the first year after giving birth, particularly as consideration of contraception may be a low priority during this time. Discussing and providing contraception before women leave hospital after giving birth may prevent rapid repeat pregnancy and its associated risks. Midwives are well placed to assist with contraceptive decision-making and provision; however, this is not routinely undertaken by midwives in the Australian hospital setting and little is known regarding their views and experiences in relation to contraception.

Cesarean delivery: Trend in indications over three decades within a major city hospital network.

Introduction: The cesarean delivery rate has been increasing globally in recent decades. The reasons for this are complex and subject to ongoing debate. Investigation of the indications for cesarean delivery and how these have changed over an extended period of time could provide insight into the reasons for changing obstetric practice.

The association between induction of labour at 38 to 39 weeks pregnancy and indication for caesarean delivery: An observational study.

Background: Induction of labour is associated with a reduction in caesarean delivery, but the mechanism of action and which groups of women might benefit remain unknown.

Aims: To assess the association between induction of labour at 38-39 weeks pregnancy, and caesarean delivery: (i) overall; (ii) for slow progress in labour; and (iii) for suspected fetal compromise.

Material And Methods: Retrospective observational study in two Sydney hospitals from 2009 to 2016, among nulliparous women with induction of labour at 38 or 39 completed weeks pregnancy and a singleton, cephalic presenting fetus.

Outcomes of induction of labour in nulliparous women at 38 to 39 weeks pregnancy by clinical indication: An observational study.

Background: Knowledge of the outcomes of induction of labour for different indications is sparse.

Aims: To describe the mode of birth and other outcomes for nulliparous women induced at 38-39 weeks gestational age by indication for induction of labour.

Material And Methods: This was a retrospective observational study in a tertiary referral hospital, and a metropolitan teaching hospital in Sydney.

Is sonographically measured cervical length at 37 weeks of gestation associated with intrapartum cesarean section? A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Cesarean section rates continue to increase globally. Prediction of intrapartum cesarean section could lead to preventive measures. Our aim was to assess the association between sonographically measured cervical length at 37 weeks of gestation and cesarean section among women planning a vaginal birth.

Is ultrasound measured fetal biometry predictive of intrapartum caesarean section for failure to progress?

Background: There are global concerns regarding excessive caesarean rates, which could be reduced by identification of risk factors leading to preventative measures such as induction of labour.

Aims: This study aims to describe the association between antenatal ultrasound and emergency caesarean section for: (i) failure to progress; (ii) other indications; and (iii) any indication.

Materials And Methods: Women who had an ultrasound in pregnancy between 36 to 38 weeks at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from January 2005 to June 2009 were included.

The Identification and Tracking of Uterine Contractions Using Template Based Cross-Correlation.

The purpose of this paper is to outline a novel method of using template based cross-correlation to identify and track uterine contractions during labour. A purpose built six-channel Electromyography (EMG) device was used to collect data from consenting women during labour and birth. A range of templates were constructed for the purpose of identifying and tracking uterine activity when cross-correlated with the EMG signal.