A Thesis submitted to The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine. / Objectives: Interpregnancy interval (IPI), the time period between the end of one pregnancy and the conception of the next, can have a significant impact on maternal and infant outcomes. This study examines the relationship between interpregnancy interval and neonatal outcomes of low birth weight, preterm birth, and specific neonatal morbidities. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study comparing neonatal outcomes across 6 categories of IPI using data on 202,600 cases identified from Arizona birth certificates and the Newborn Intensive Care Program data. Comparisons between groups were made using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, and multivariable logisitic regression analysis. Results: Interpregnancy intervals of < 12 months and ≥ 60 months were associated with low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age births. The shortest and longest IPI categories were also associated with specific neonatal morbidities, including periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, apnea bradycardia, respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, and suspected sepsis. Relationships between interpregnancy interval and specific neonatal morbidities did not remain significant when adjusted for birth weight and gestational age. Conclusions: Significant differences in neonatal outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age) were observed between IPI categories. Consistent with previous research, interpregnancy intervals < 12 months and ≥ 60 months appear to be associated with increased risk of poor neonatal outcomes. Any difference in specific neonatal morbidities between IPI groups appears to be mediated through increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth by IPI.

Depression occurs in approximately 20% of pregnant women, and up to 25% of them experience anxiety. Several pregnancy complications and labour and delivery outcomes have been associated with antenatal depression and anxiety, such as higher rates of nausea and vomiting, bleeding, psychosomatic complaints, preterm labour and delivery complications. Neonatal outcomes include lower Apgar scores, shorter gestation, smaller head circumference, and increased admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit. Research Questions: 1. To examine the prevalence of pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes in this study sample. 2. To examine whether there is a difference in the association between observed pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes and major depression, when depression is episodic compared to when the depression is continuous. 3. To examine whether there is a difference in the association between observed pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes and mild depression, when the mild depression is episodic compared to when it is continuous. 4. To examine whether there is a difference in the association between observed pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes and anxiety, when anxiety is episodic compared to when it is continuous. Methods: The data for this study was collected for the Feelings in Pregnancy and Motherhood Study (FIP). This population-based study interviewed 649 participants three times: in the second trimester, the third trimester, and in the early postpartum. Participants were screened for depression and anxiety with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using the validated cut-off scores of >12 and >4 respectively. Sociodemographic data as well as detailed risk behaviours, and sources of stress and coping, were explored. Finally, pregnancy, labour and delivery and neonatal complications were collected. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were completed. Results: Major depression in the second trimester was significantly associated with gestational diabetes (OR: 3.518; 95% CI 1.56, 7.93) and swelling/edema (OR: 2.099; 95% CI 1.13, 3.89). Major depression that occurred continuously throughout pregnancy was significantly associated with induced labour (2.417; 95% CI 0.99, 5.92) and antenatal bleeding/abruption (OR: 2.099; 95% CI 1.13, 3.89). Anxiety in the second trimester was significantly associated with caesarean birth (OR: 0.522; 95% CI 0.29, 0.95). Anxiety occurring continuously throughout pregnancy was significantly associated with swelling/edema (OR: 1.816; 95% CI 1.19, 2.77) and there was a significant interaction between age and anxiety that predicted epidural use during pregnancy: while age decreased in the participants who had anxiety in both trimesters, the likelihood of using an epidural increased. Finally, mild depression in the second trimester was significantly associated with antenatal bleeding/abruption (OR: 2.124; 95% CI 1.09, 4.14) and PROM (OR: 2.504; 95% CI 1.04, 6.05). Mild depression in the third trimester was associated with caesarean birth (OR: 0.298; 95% CI 0.10, 0.86). Mild depression that occurred continuously throughout pregnancy was significantly associated with the use of vacuum/forceps in delivery or an operative delivery (OR: 4.820; 95% CI 1.10, 21.16). Conclusions: These results show that episodic depression and anxiety can have a more profound impact on pregnancy complications and labour and delivery outcomes than continuous depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that even mild depression can have a significant negative impact on pregnancy complications and labour and delivery outcomes. These results further highlight the imperative need for women to be screened and treated for depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

Background: The current practice in northern Canada is to transfer pregnant women residing in communities without hospital facilities to larger centres at 37 weeks gestation. Little research has been conducted on how the practice of transferring women for childbirth affects available prenatal care continuity and prenatal care options, and whether or not this in turn affects health outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine whether differences exist in prenatal care, risk factor distribution, and neonatal morbidity, between women who are transferred for childbirth, and women who are able to remain in their home community to give birth. Methods: Secondary analysis of the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey 2006-2007 data was conducted in order to examine the relationship between transfer for childbirth, prenatal care, maternal risk factors, and neonatal morbidity. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to assess the relationships between variables using multiple logistic regression, with bootstrap weights applied. Results: Women who were transferred for childbirth were more likely to experience a negative neonatal morbidity outcome (OR=1.9, 95% CIs 1.3-2.8), though this relationship disappeared when the relationship was adjusted for potential confounders. When these results were adjusted for potential confounding, smoking during pregnancy was the only risk factor shown to be significantly associated with neonatal morbidity in this study (OR=1.8, 95% CIs 1.0-3.0). Conclusion: More detailed and widespread data collection is needed to be able to properly assess prenatal care, maternal risk factors and neonatal morbidity in northern Canada. A perinatal database, constructed for surveillance purposes, would assist in further exploring the effect of transfer policy on prenatal care practices and maternal risk factor distribution, and the effect this has on neonatal health outcomes. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-29 14:55:33.977

faustino.perez@unizar.es / Objective: To assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on obstetric outcomes and birth variables. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Setting: Not applicable. Patient(s): Pregnant women and neonates. Intervention(s): PubMed and 5 other research databases were searched through March 2014 for RCTs evaluating vitamin D supplementation calcium/vitamins/ferrous sulfate vs. a control (placebo or active) during pregnancy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Measures were: circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight, preterm birth, birth weight, birth length, cesarean section. Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects models were used, owing to expected scarcity of outcomes. Effects were reported as relative risks and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Result(s): Thirteen RCTs (n ¼ 2,299) were selected. Circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher at term, compared with the control group (mean difference: 66.5 nmol/L, 95% CI 66.2–66.7). Birth weight and birth length were significantly greater for neonates in the vitamin D group; mean difference: 107.6 g (95% CI 59.9–155.3 g) and 0.3 cm (95% CI 0.10–0.41 cm), respectively. Incidence of preeclampsia, GDM, SGA, low birth weight, preterm birth, and cesarean section were not influenced by vitamin D supplementation. Across RCTs, the doses and types of vitamin D supplements, gestational age at first administration, and outcomes were heterogeneous. Conclusion(s): Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was associated with increased circulating 25(OH)D levels, birth weight, and birth length, and was not associated with other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Larger, better-designed RCTs evaluating clinically relevant outcomes are necessary to reach a definitive conclusion. (Fertil Steril 2015;-:-–-. 2015 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) / Revisión por pares

Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Objective: To review the difference in short term neonatal and maternal outcomes among singleton infants with breech presentation delivered by vaginal or elective caesarean section route at term, at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TBH) in Cape Town. The study design was a retrospective case control study. Method: Part I A total of 120 patients were selected. 60 vaginal breech deliveries and 60 elective caesarean sections for breech presentation (comprising the control group). 60 cases of vaginal deliveries were collected and 60 control cases of planned elective caesarean sections, where the indication for CS was breech presentation, were collected in the same manner. Part II Nineteen registrars completed a questionnaire regarding their subjective experiences of vaginal breech deliveries at Tygerberg Academic Hospital. Results: Part I An analysis of the results found statistically significant differences in maternal ages between the two groups, with younger women delivering by CS; gravidity and parity was lower in the CS group; blood loss was observed to be higher in the CS group with more women requiring a blood transfusion when compared to vaginal delivery; there were more neonatal admissions in the vaginal delivery group as well as more birth trauma, neonatal seizures and death in this group; Apgar scores were higher in the CS group and finally, neonates born by CS were more commonly discharged at the same time as their mothers in the CS group. Part II When analyzing the registrar questionnaire it can be noted that although clinicians are performing an adequate number of breech vaginal deliveries, with an average of 10 deliveries per year, the skills training for clinicians is invaluable. Not all registrars learned skills from a senior clinician and skills training in skills labs are essential for initial and even continual training of these clinicians. It is suggested that these skills training programs be made compulsory for all registrars and that a biyearly attendance and completing of such a course be mandatory for those wishing to work in the labour ward. Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, there was more morbidity and mortality associated with vaginal breech delivery. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel: Om die korttermyn neonatale en moederlike uitkomste van enkeling swangerskappe met stuitligging wat vaginaal of met elektiewe keisersnee verlos is by die Tygerberg Akademiese Hospitaal in Kaapstad, te bepaal. Die werkstuk is ‘n retrospektiewe gekontroleerde-gevallestudie. Metode: Deel 1 ‘n Totaal van 120 pasiënte is gekies. 60 gevalle van vaginale stuitverlossings en 60 kontrolegevalle van beplande elektiewe keisersnitte waar die indikasie stuitligging was. Deel 2 Negentien kliniese assistente het die vraelys oor hul persoonlike ervaring van vaginale stuitverlossing by die Tygerberg Akademiese Hospitaal ingevul. Resultate: Deel 1 ‘n Ontleding van die resultate wys statisties betekenisvolle verskille in die moederouderdom van die twee groepe, met meer jong vroue wat met keisernit geboorte gee. Graviditiet en pariteit was laer in die keisersnit-groep. Bloedverlies was hoër in die keisersnit-groep en in vergelyking met die vaginale verlossings met meer vroue wat bloedoortapping benodig. In die vaginale verlossingsgroep was meer neonatale toelatings nodig asook meer geboortetrauma, neonatale konvulsies en sterftes. Apgar-tellings was hoër in die keisersnitgroep en neonate wat met ‘n keisersnitte gebore is, is meer dikwels saam met hul moeders ontslaan. Deel II Ontleding van die vraelys vir kliniese assistente wys dat hoewel klinici ‘n genoegsame getal van gemiddeld 10 vaginale stuitverlossings per jaar uitvoer, vaardigheidsopleiding vir klinici van onskatbare waarde sal wees. Nie alle kliniese assistente leer vaardighede by senior klinici nie en opleiding in ‘n vaardigheidslaboratorium is noodsaaklik vir die aanvanklike en selfs voortdurende opleiding van dié kliniese assistente. Dit word voorgestel dat hierdie vaardigheidkursusse verpligtend gemaak word vir alle kliniese asssistente en bywoning en voltooiing van die kursus twee maal per jaar verpligtend moet wees vir diegene wat in ‘n kraamsaal wil werk. Gevolgtrekking: Vaginale stuitverlossings, hoewel nie stastisties betekenisvol nie, het met meer morbiditeit en sterftes gepaardgegaan.

Introdução - As práticas de alimentação no início da vida podem afetar diretamente o estado nutricional, crescimento, desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência infantil. Entre os indicadores de saúde infantil propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, a prevalência do aleitamento materno exclusivo até 6 meses de idade (AME: quando a criança recebe somente leite materno direto da mama, ordenhado, ou de ama de leite, sem outros líquidos ou sólidos, com exceção de gotas ou xaropes contendo vitaminas, sais de reidratação oral, suplementos minerais ou medicamentos, podendo ser desagregado nos grupos etários 0-1, 2-3, 4-5 e 0-3 meses) é fundamental para o monitoramento das ações para promoção, proteção e apoio à amamentação. Objetivos - Investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados à prática de AME aos 30 dias de vida em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. Métodos - Análise de dados do estudo de coorte de nascimentos MINA-Brasil: Materno-INfantil no Acre. Entre julho de 2015 e junho de 2016, mães internadas para parto no Hospital Estadual da Mulher e da Criança do Juruá do município de Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, foram entrevistadas sobre dados socioeconômicos, demográficos e história de saúde após aceite à participação no estudo. Para a presente análise, o desfecho de interesse -aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30 dias de vida?, foi obtido 30 a 45 dias após o parto por meio de entrevista telefônica e classificado segundo critério da OMS (2010). Medidas de tendência central e dispersão, frequências absolutas e relativas, intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) e teste de homogeneidade &#967;2 foram calculados segundo prática do AME. A análise de sobrevida por meio do estimador Kaplan-Meier foi utilizada para estimar a probabilidade e o efeito de fatores associados à prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30 dias de vida. O efeito dos preditores sobre a duração do AME no primeiro mês foi investigado em modelos múltiplos de regressão tempo de vida acelerado. A análise estatística foi realizada com auxílio do pacote estatístico Stata 14.0 ou superior, ao nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados - No total, 962 mães responderam a entrevista telefônica de acompanhamento no puerpério. A prevalência de AME aos 30 dias de vida foi 36,7% e o tempo mediano para os que interromperam o AME nesse intervalo foi 16 dias. Quando consideradas todas as crianças nascidas no período e elegíveis ao seguimento, a probabilidade de AME aos 30 dias foi 43,7% e a mediana de AME foi 30 dias. Os fatores associados à duração do AME no período estudado foram: número de filhos vivos, uso de chupeta e história de chiado no peito. Observou-se que a duração do AME (time ratio - TR) foi 28% mais prolongada entre os bebês que tinham irmãos (1,28; IC95% 1,11-1,48). O uso de chupeta e história de chiado no peito foram associados à redução no tempo de AME em 33% (0,67; IC95% 0,58-0,78) e 20% (0,80; IC95% 0,69-0,93), respectivamente. Conclusões - A prática de aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30 dias de vida em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, foi aquém das recomendações nacionais e internacionais. Mães primíparas interromperam o AME mais precocemente durante o primeiro mês quando comparadas às mães com mais de um filho; bebês que usaram chupeta ou apresentaram história de chiado no peito apresentaram menor duração do AME no primeiro mês de vida. Dada a importância do AME para a saúde materno-infantil e para a duração total do AM, os resultados deste estudo evidenciam a necessidade de ações intensivas para promoção, apoio e proteção da amamentação antes do primeiro mês de vida nesta população. / Introduction - Early life feeding practices can directly affect nutritional status, growth, development, and child survival. Among the indicators of child health proposed by the World Health Organization, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age (EBF: when the baby receives only breastmilk, including milk expressed or from a wet nurse, without other liquids or solids, except for drops or syrups containing vitamins, oral rehydration salts, mineral supplements or medicines, which can be disaggregated in the age groups 0-1, 2-3, 4-5 and 0-3 months) is essential for monitoring actions to promote, protect and support breastfeeding. Objectives - To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days of life in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. Methods - Data analysis of the MINA-Brazil birth cohort study in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre state, Western Brazilian Amazon. Mothers of babies born from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 at the only maternity hospital in the region were enrolled in this study after signing a free, informed consent form. Women were interviewed soon after giving birth and by telephone at 30-45 days postpartum. Socioeconomic, demographic, obstetric, infant feeding practices, child health and lifestyle data were collected. The outcome of interest was exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days of life, classified according to WHO guidelines (2010). Descriptive statistical data, 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and chi-square tests were calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate the median duration and the probability of EBF at the end of the first month of life. In order to explore factors associated with time to EBF cessation, accelerated failure-time (AFT) models were run, following a conceptual framework hierarchical model for determinants of EBF. All analyses were done in Stata 14.0, at p<0.05. Results - During the follow-up period, 962 mothers answered the postpartum telephone interview. The prevalence of EBF at 30 days of life was 36.7% and the median duration was 16 days. Considering all children born in the study period and eligible for follow-up, the probability of EBF in the first month of life was 43.7% and the median duration was 30 days. Factors associated with time to EBF cessation were: having one or more children, pacifier use and history of wheezing. It was observed that duration of EBF (time-ratio - TR) was 28% longer among infants who had siblings (1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.48). Use of a pacifier and history of wheezing were associated with reduced EBF duration by 33% (0.67, 95% CI 0.58-0.78) and 20% (0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.93), respectively. Conclusions - The exclusive breastfeeding practice at 30 days of life in Cruzeiro do Sul was considerably below nacional and international recommendations. Primiparous mothers stopped EBF earlier in the first month when compared to mothers with more than one child; infants who used pacifiers or had history of wheezing presented higher risk of not being exclusively breastfed in the first month of life. Given the importance of EBF for maternal and child health and for total duration of breastfeeding, the results of this study may provide a basis for intensive actions to promote, support and protect breastfeeding before the first month of life in this population.

Introdução - As práticas de alimentação no início da vida podem afetar diretamente o estado nutricional, crescimento, desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência infantil. Entre os indicadores de saúde infantil propostos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, a prevalência do aleitamento materno exclusivo até 6 meses de idade (AME: quando a criança recebe somente leite materno direto da mama, ordenhado, ou de ama de leite, sem outros líquidos ou sólidos, com exceção de gotas ou xaropes contendo vitaminas, sais de reidratação oral, suplementos minerais ou medicamentos, podendo ser desagregado nos grupos etários 0-1, 2-3, 4-5 e 0-3 meses) é fundamental para o monitoramento das ações para promoção, proteção e apoio à amamentação. Objetivos - Investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados à prática de AME aos 30 dias de vida em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. Métodos - Análise de dados do estudo de coorte de nascimentos MINA-Brasil: Materno-INfantil no Acre. Entre julho de 2015 e junho de 2016, mães internadas para parto no Hospital Estadual da Mulher e da Criança do Juruá do município de Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, foram entrevistadas sobre dados socioeconômicos, demográficos e história de saúde após aceite à participação no estudo. Para a presente análise, o desfecho de interesse -aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30 dias de vida?, foi obtido 30 a 45 dias após o parto por meio de entrevista telefônica e classificado segundo critério da OMS (2010). Medidas de tendência central e dispersão, frequências absolutas e relativas, intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) e teste de homogeneidade &#967;2 foram calculados segundo prática do AME. A análise de sobrevida por meio do estimador Kaplan-Meier foi utilizada para estimar a probabilidade e o efeito de fatores associados à prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30 dias de vida. O efeito dos preditores sobre a duração do AME no primeiro mês foi investigado em modelos múltiplos de regressão tempo de vida acelerado. A análise estatística foi realizada com auxílio do pacote estatístico Stata 14.0 ou superior, ao nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados - No total, 962 mães responderam a entrevista telefônica de acompanhamento no puerpério. A prevalência de AME aos 30 dias de vida foi 36,7% e o tempo mediano para os que interromperam o AME nesse intervalo foi 16 dias. Quando consideradas todas as crianças nascidas no período e elegíveis ao seguimento, a probabilidade de AME aos 30 dias foi 43,7% e a mediana de AME foi 30 dias. Os fatores associados à duração do AME no período estudado foram: número de filhos vivos, uso de chupeta e história de chiado no peito. Observou-se que a duração do AME (time ratio - TR) foi 28% mais prolongada entre os bebês que tinham irmãos (1,28; IC95% 1,11-1,48). O uso de chupeta e história de chiado no peito foram associados à redução no tempo de AME em 33% (0,67; IC95% 0,58-0,78) e 20% (0,80; IC95% 0,69-0,93), respectivamente. Conclusões - A prática de aleitamento materno exclusivo aos 30 dias de vida em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, foi aquém das recomendações nacionais e internacionais. Mães primíparas interromperam o AME mais precocemente durante o primeiro mês quando comparadas às mães com mais de um filho; bebês que usaram chupeta ou apresentaram história de chiado no peito apresentaram menor duração do AME no primeiro mês de vida. Dada a importância do AME para a saúde materno-infantil e para a duração total do AM, os resultados deste estudo evidenciam a necessidade de ações intensivas para promoção, apoio e proteção da amamentação antes do primeiro mês de vida nesta população. / Introduction - Early life feeding practices can directly affect nutritional status, growth, development, and child survival. Among the indicators of child health proposed by the World Health Organization, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age (EBF: when the baby receives only breastmilk, including milk expressed or from a wet nurse, without other liquids or solids, except for drops or syrups containing vitamins, oral rehydration salts, mineral supplements or medicines, which can be disaggregated in the age groups 0-1, 2-3, 4-5 and 0-3 months) is essential for monitoring actions to promote, protect and support breastfeeding. Objectives - To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days of life in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. Methods - Data analysis of the MINA-Brazil birth cohort study in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre state, Western Brazilian Amazon. Mothers of babies born from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 at the only maternity hospital in the region were enrolled in this study after signing a free, informed consent form. Women were interviewed soon after giving birth and by telephone at 30-45 days postpartum. Socioeconomic, demographic, obstetric, infant feeding practices, child health and lifestyle data were collected. The outcome of interest was exclusive breastfeeding at 30 days of life, classified according to WHO guidelines (2010). Descriptive statistical data, 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and chi-square tests were calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate the median duration and the probability of EBF at the end of the first month of life. In order to explore factors associated with time to EBF cessation, accelerated failure-time (AFT) models were run, following a conceptual framework hierarchical model for determinants of EBF. All analyses were done in Stata 14.0, at p<0.05. Results - During the follow-up period, 962 mothers answered the postpartum telephone interview. The prevalence of EBF at 30 days of life was 36.7% and the median duration was 16 days. Considering all children born in the study period and eligible for follow-up, the probability of EBF in the first month of life was 43.7% and the median duration was 30 days. Factors associated with time to EBF cessation were: having one or more children, pacifier use and history of wheezing. It was observed that duration of EBF (time-ratio - TR) was 28% longer among infants who had siblings (1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.48). Use of a pacifier and history of wheezing were associated with reduced EBF duration by 33% (0.67, 95% CI 0.58-0.78) and 20% (0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.93), respectively. Conclusions - The exclusive breastfeeding practice at 30 days of life in Cruzeiro do Sul was considerably below nacional and international recommendations. Primiparous mothers stopped EBF earlier in the first month when compared to mothers with more than one child; infants who used pacifiers or had history of wheezing presented higher risk of not being exclusively breastfed in the first month of life. Given the importance of EBF for maternal and child health and for total duration of breastfeeding, the results of this study may provide a basis for intensive actions to promote, support and protect breastfeeding before the first month of life in this population.

This thesis aims to undertake health technology assessments in high risk pregnancies through the following objectives: 1. In women with pre-eclampsia, a) To evaluate the association of maternal genotype and severe pre-eclampsia b) To assess the accuracy of tests in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes c) To develop composite outcomes for reporting in trials on late onset pre-eclampsia 2. In women with multiple pregnancy, a) To study the association between chorionicity and stillbirth b) To identify the optimal timing of delivery in monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies 3. In the field of prediction research in obstetrics a) To provide an overview of the existing prognostic models and their qualities b) To evaluate the methodological challenges and potential solutions in developing a prognostic model for complications in pre-eclampsia Methods The following research methodologies were used: Delphi survey, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results 1. a) Maternal genotype and severe pre-eclampsia: 57 studies evaluated 50 genotypes; increased risk of severe pre-eclampsia with thromobophilic genes. b) Accuracy of tests in predicting pre-eclampsia complications: 37 studies evaluated 13 tests. No single test showed high sensitivity and specificity. c) Delphi survey of 18/20 obstetricians and 18/24 neonatologists identified clinically important maternal and neonatal outcomes and maternal and neonatal composite outcomes were developed. 2. Prospective risk of stillbirth and neonatal deaths in uncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic twin pregnancies: 32 studies were included. In dichorionic twin pregnancies, the risk of stillbirths was balanced against neonatal death at 37 weeks' gestation. In monochorionic pregnancies, there was a trend towards increase in stillbirths after 36 weeks but this was not significant. 3. a) From 177 studies included, 263 obstetric prediction models were developed for 40 different outcomes, most commonly pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, mode of delivery and small for gestational age neonates. b) The obstetric prognostic model challenge of dealing with treatment paradox was explored and seven potential solutions proposed by expert consensus. Conclusion I have identified the strength of association for genes associated with complications in pre-eclampsia, components for composite outcomes for reporting in studies on pre-eclampsia, and the optimal timing of delivery for twin pregnancies. My work has highlighted the gaps in prediction research in obstetrics and the limitations of individual tests in pre-eclampsia.

The use of deep-water immersion during labour and birth is commonplace in many countries including Australia, yet there has been little contemporary Australian data from which to form policies regarding its use during childbirth, or which have included women’s experiences using water immersion. The literature reviewed for this study was positive with regard to the effect of water immersion during childbirth and was associated with decreased rates of perineal trauma, low episiotomy rates, low rates of analgesic use, lower operative deliveries coupled with increased maternal satisfaction of the experience of childbirth when compared with births where water immersion was not involved. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of deep-water immersion upon maternal and neonatal outcomes and women's experiences of giving birth in Australia. This study used a mixed method in an attempt to fulfil this purpose: the first phase was a Quasi-experimental design and the second phase was based upon a Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach. Data were collected via a Random Chart Audit, from a random sample of fifty nulliparous women who used deepwater immersion during labour and childbirth and six women were selected to participate in a semi-structured interview. Data from each phase of this study revealed positive birth outcomes and these findings were supported by the literature. The women's stories were positive and comprised elements of four lifeworld themes. • Water’s Embrace • Warped Time • Naked but Clothed • The Shape of Water. Each of these themes encapsulated different aspects of the women's experiences, which when considered together, increased the understanding of the phenomenon of deep-water immersion upon the experience of giving birth.

Background: Physiological studies have shown that many preterm infants and infants with chronic lung disease may suffer chronic hypoxaemia, which possibly leads to poor growth and development. Anecdotal reports indicate that there is a drive to increase the oxygen saturation target range to a higher level in these infants due primarily to perceived benefits derived from clinical experience and from uncontrolled observational studies of babies discharged on home oxygen. Objective The BOOST (Benefits Of Oxygen Saturation Targeting) trial is the first randomised trial to assess the long-term benefits and harms of two different oxygen saturation target ranges. Methods: BOOST was a multicentre, double blinded, randomised controlled trial that enrolled 358 infants born at less than 30 weeks� gestation who remained oxygen-dependent at 32 weeks postmenstrual age. They were randomly assigned to target either a functional oxygen saturation range of 91-94% (standard or control group) or 95-98% (higher or treatment group). The primary outcomes were growth and neurodevelopmental measures at 12 months corrected age. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, retinopathy of prematurity, health service utilisation, parental stress, and infant temperament. Results: Prognostic baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Mean birth weight and gestational age of enrolled infants was 917g and 26.5 weeks respectively. The rate of antenatal corticosteroid use was 83%.