Risk of third-trimester amniocentesis: a case-control study.

Risks of third-trimester amniocentesis are considered minimal; however, only case series have been reported. We performed a case-control study in which women undergoing third-trimester amniocentesis were matched with controls undergoing antenatal testing for similar indications to determine adverse outcomes associated with the procedure. Cases undergoing amniocentesis at > 32 weeks for fetal lung maturity assessment followed by antepartum testing with nonstress test and amniotic fluid index determination were matched with controls undergoing only antepartum testing based on gestational age at testing and maternal age.

Additional training with an obstetric simulator improves medical student comfort with basic procedures.

Objective: To determine if an obstetric birthing simulator can improve medical student understanding of and comfort with basic obstetric procedures.

Study Design: Medical students were surveyed at the end of their obstetrics rotation regarding their knowledge and comfort with basic obstetric procedures. A group of students was trained on basic procedures utilizing an obstetric simulator.

The impact of first-trimester screening on AMA patients' uptake of invasive testing.

Objective: Prenatal testing for AMA includes invasive procedures such as CVS and amniocentesis, which have risks. We sought to determine the effects of first-trimester screening (FTS) on referrals for genetic counseling and patients' decisions to pursue invasive testing after FTS was offered in 2002.

Methods: We compared AMA patients presenting for prenatal care who underwent early genetic counseling (<13 weeks' gestation) from 2001 to those from 2003.

Evaluation of residents' delivery notes after a simulated shoulder dystocia.

Objective: To describe and analyze delivery notes after a shoulder dystocia drill with a birthing simulator

Methods: A total of 33 residents from 2 university training programs underwent testing on a standardized shoulder dystocia scenario with an obstetric birthing simulator. After the completion of the delivery, each resident was informed of the infant's Apgar scores and birth weight and told that the infant was moving all extremities. The resident was then given a blank progress note and asked to write a delivery note.