Background Unexplained stillbirth is the largest contributor to perinatal death, accounting for one third of stillbirths. Although prognostic information is limited, there is no increase in perinatal death rates in subsequent pregnancies after an unexplained stillbirth. However, those pregnancies have increased rates of preterm birth, low birthweight, induced labour, instrumental and caesarean delivery, 'fetal distress,' and postpartum haemorrhage. These outcomes might be iatrogenic, caused by obstetric intervention. Aims 1. To examine obstetricians' and womens' wishes for management in pregnancies subsequent to an unexplained stillbirth, and whether these might contribute to an increase in rates of intervention. 2. To examine whether socio-demographic factors, or how women perceive that an unexplained stillbirth was managed, influence how women want their next pregnancy managed. 3. To assess whether management of unexplained stillbirth differs according to model of care, or country where the event occurred. Methods 1. An anonymous postal survey of all Australian obstetricians to determine recommended management of the next pregnancy after an unexplained stillbirth. 2. An Internet-based survey of women after an unexplained stillbirth, seeking details about their wishes for subsequent pregnancy management. Results 1. Obstetricians' survey Early pregnancy managements were little different from standard care of low-risk pregnancy. Increased 'fetal surveillance' (by ultrasound, cardiotocography, and formal fetal movement charting) in late pregnancy was recommended by most respondents. Induction of labour would be offered by 93% of respondents, as early as 37 weeks by one third. More than one third of obstetricians would offer elective caesarean delivery, with 13% offering this before 38 weeks. 2. Womens'survey 93% of respondents wanted 'testing' over and above normal pregnancy care in their next pregnancy. 81% of respondents wanted early delivery, and 26% wanted a caesarean delivery, irrespective of obstetric indications. These wishes were not influenced by socio-demographic factors, management of the index stillbirth (with the exception of having had a caesarean delivery), or advice received about management of the next pregnancy (with the exception of being advised to have an early or caesarean delivery). Conclusions Both obstetricians and the women they care for wanted increased fetal surveillance and early delivery, but not necessarily elective caesarean section. These practices have the potential to increase the rate of intervention, with consequent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/258668 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Robson, Stephen James, Women's & Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW |
| Publisher | Publisher:University of New South Wales. Women's & Children's Health |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright, http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright |
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