Management of impacted fetal head at cesarean delivery.

Globally, more than 1 in 5 women give birth by cesarean delivery, and at least 5% of these births are at full cervical dilatation. In these circumstances, and when labor has been prolonged in the first stage of labor, the fetal head can become low and wedged deep in the woman's pelvis, making it difficult to deliver the baby. This emergency is known as impacted fetal head.

Training for managing impacted fetal head at caesarean birth: multimethod evaluation of a pilot.

Background: Implementation of national multiprofessional training for managing the obstetric emergency of impacted fetal head (IFH) at caesarean birth has potential to improve quality and safety in maternity care, but is currently lacking in the UK.

Objectives: To evaluate a training package for managing IFH at caesarean birth with multiprofessional maternity teams.

Methods: The training included an evidence-based lecture supported by an animated video showing management of IFH, followed by hands-on workshops and real-time simulations with use of a birth simulation trainer, augmented reality and management algorithms.

Definition, management, and training in impacted fetal head at cesarean birth: a national survey of maternity professionals.

Introduction: This study assessed views, understanding and current practices of maternity professionals in relation to impacted fetal head at cesarean birth, with the aim of informing a standardized definition, clinical management approaches and training.

Material And Methods: We conducted a survey consultation including the range of maternity professionals who attend emergency cesarean births in the UK. Thiscovery, an online research and development platform, was used to ask closed-ended and free-text questions.

Management of Impacted Fetal Head at Caesarean Birth: Scientific Impact Paper No. 73.

Over one-quarter of women in the UK have a caesarean birth (CB). More than one in 20 of these births occurs near the end of labour, when the cervix is fully dilated (second stage). In these circumstances, and when labour has been prolonged, the baby's head can become lodged deep in the maternal pelvis making it challenging to deliver the baby.

Validation of a novel birth simulator for impacted fetal head at cesarean section: An observational simulation study.

Introduction: Impacted fetal head (IFH) is a challenging complication of cesarean section (CS) associated with significant morbidity. Training opportunities for IFH have been reported as inconsistent and inadequate. This study assessed the validity of a novel birth simulator for IFH at cesarean section.

Impacted fetal head: A retrospective cohort study of emergency caesarean section.

Objective: To investigate risk factors, management and outcomes of impacted fetal head (IFH) at caesarean section (CS).

Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton, cephalic pregnancies who had an emergency CS during one-year (2016) at North Bristol NHS Trust, UK (n = 838). The incidence of caesarean section at full dilatation (CSFD) and IFH were calculated using the annual birth rate.

Pregnancy outcomes following different types of bariatric surgery: A national cohort study.

Objective: To assess the impact of type of bariatric surgery on pregnancy outcomes.

Study Design: This is a national prospective observational study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS). Data collection was undertaken in 200 consultant-led NHS maternity units between November 2011 and October 2012 (gastric banding), and April 2014 and March 2016 (gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy).

Impacted foetal head at caesarean section: a national survey of practice and training.

This is a national survey of UK obstetric trainees and consultant labour ward leads designed to investigate the current practice and training for an impacted foetal head (IFH) at Caesarean Section (CS). An anonymous, on-line survey was disseminated to trainees via Postgraduate Schools and RCOG trainee representatives, and to labour ward leads via their national network. Three hundred and forty-five obstetric trainees and consultants responded.

Simulation TRaining for Operative vaginal Birth Evaluation: study protocol for an observational stepped-wedge interrupted time-series study (STROBE).

Background: Operative vaginal birth is a common procedure used to expedite birth after full cervical dilatation where there is a clinical need to do so (15% of births in the UK in 2016). The acquisition of skills for operative vaginal birth is dependent on the exposure of junior obstetricians to situations in which they can undertake directly supervised learning from senior accouchers. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has recently introduced the first structured course in operative vaginal birth.

Deflation versus maintained inflation of gastric band in pregnancy: A national cohort study.

Background: With no evidence to guide management of the gastric band in pregnancy, we aim to compare outcomes according to band management.

Methods: Data were collected on all women pregnant (November 2011-October 2012) following gastric banding, using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System surveillance system. We compared outcomes between band management groups and with national data.

Rotational forceps versus manual rotation and direct forceps: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Rotational forceps and manual rotation followed by direct forceps are techniques used in the management of malposition of the fetal head in the second stage of labor. However, there is widespread debate regarding their relative safety and utility. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of rotational forceps with manual rotation followed by direct forceps, for management of fetal malposition at full dilation.

One size does not fit all. Management of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band in pregnancy: a national prospective cohort study.

Background: Pregnancies are increasingly seen in women with a gastric band, but no guidance exists on band management during pregnancy. Although band inflation can prevent excessive gestational weight gain and its associated complications, it might have detrimental effects on fetal growth. We compared maternal and perinatal outcomes according to band management strategy-keeping the band inflated throughout pregnancy versus deflation.

Team training for safer birth.

Effective and coordinated teamworking is key to achieving safe birth for mothers and babies. Confidential enquiries have repeatedly identified deficiencies in teamwork as factors contributing to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. The ingredients of a successful multi-professional team are varied, but research has identified some fundamental teamwork behaviours, with good communication, proficient leadership and situational awareness at the heart.

Reducing risk in maternity by optimising teamwork and leadership: an evidence-based approach to save mothers and babies.

Poor teamwork results in preventable morbidity and mortality for mothers and babies. Suboptimal communication and lack of leadership cost not only lives but also money that is diverted from clinical care to insurance and litigation. Avoidable harm is usually not the result of staff failing their duty of care, it is the result of poor training failing hard-worked staff.