Decreased fetal movements - An audit of predictors and an evaluation of management based on a locally developed flow chart.

Objectives: Decreased fetal movements (DFM) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to look at the risk factors associated with DFM and outcomes of women who presented with and without DFM and outcomes before and after the implementation of a locally developed flow chart based on an evidence-based guideline.

Study Design: This was a retrospective audit of 1165 women ≥ 28 weeks' gestation with a singleton pregnancy who presented with concerns regarding DFM.

Prospective cohort study: Causes of stillbirth in Australia 2013-2018.

Background: Stillbirth is a major public health problem that is slow to improve in Australia. Understanding the causes of stillbirth through appropriate investigation is the cornerstone of prevention and important for parents to understand why their baby died.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess compliance with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Perinatal Mortality Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009) for stillbirths.

Obesity and the risk of stillbirth - A reappraisal - A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: Studies have noted an inconsistent risk of stillbirth in women with high BMI. There are no reports on obese women specifically selected without any pre-existing or current medical or obstetric conditions. We aimed to document the risk of stillbirth, specifically in this group of women.

Does fentanyl epidural analgesia affect breastfeeding: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Concerns have been expressed in relation to a possible negative effect of fentanyl epidural analgesia on breastfeeding rates. A 2016 systematic review was inconclusive and suggested cohort studies be performed with control groups to allow for other potential confounding factors.

Aims: To assess the effect of fentanyl epidural analgesia in labour on breastfeeding practices.

Evaluation of fetal fibronectin for threatened preterm labour in reducing inappropriate interventions.

Background: Preterm birth is associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. The fetal fibronectin test (fFN) is used to manage women presenting with threatened preterm labour (TPTL).

Aim: To evaluate the use of fFN in women presenting with TPTL with regard to hospital admission, tertiary hospital transfer and use of tocolytics and steroids in our hospital, against recommended guidelines.

Prostaglandin gel versus oxytocin - prelabour rupture of membranes at term - A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM) at term is a common event with early induction of labour reducing infectious morbidity without increasing the caesarean rate. Syntocinon is commonly used for induction but prostaglandins are also routinely used. Large studies have shown no difference in the maternal and neonatal outcomes with either method.

The Ten-Group Robson Classification: A Single Centre Approach Identifying Strategies to Optimise Caesarean Section Rates.

Caesarean section (CS) rates have been increasing worldwide and have caused concerns. For meaningful comparisons to be made World Health Organization recommends the use of the Ten-Group Robson classification as the global standard for assessing CS rates. 2625 women who birthed over a 12-month period were analysed using this classification.

Intrauterine anaesthetic after hysteroscopy to reduce post-operative pain - A double blind randomised controlled trial.

Background: Pain after hysteroscopy is usually minimal but some women need additional analgesia while in the recovery ward and some require overnight hospital admission to control pain. Intrauterine installation of an anaesthetic after hysteroscopy may reduce pain.

Aims: To see if intrauterine levobupivacaine reduces post-procedure pain, need for analgesia and allow earlier return to normal activity.

The Betadine trial - antiseptic wound irrigation prior to skin closure at caesarean section to prevent surgical site infection: A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in around 10% of women following a caesarean section. Efforts to reduce SSI include wound irrigation with povidone-iodine (PVI), but studies are nonconclusive, mostly old and few on women having caesarean section (CS).

Aims: To assess povidone-iodine (PVI) (Betadine) irrigation of wound prior to skin closure in reducing incidence of SSI after CS.