The management of labor overweight women with intrapartum fetal oxygen saturation monitoring

OBJECTIVE: Overweight is one of the most common problems that occurs in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of fetal pulse oximetry during labour and to compare fetal oxygen saturation between cases with pregravid overweight and normal weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fetal oxygen saturation was continuously recorded with use of Nellcor N-400 fetal pulse oximeter in 20 cases of pregravid overweight and 30 control cases of normal weight. Distribution of fetal oxygen saturation values during 4 periods of labour was analyzed and compared between the examined groups together with neonatal umbilical artery pH values, Apgar score, birth weight and percentage of ceasarian sections performed. RESULTS: We noticed statistically important differences in fetal oxygen saturation between analyzed groups. Mean oxygen saturation value was lower in the overweight group, at the end of first stages of the labour (47% vs 52%) and at the second stages (42% vs 46%) We noticed differences in birth weight too. No significant differences in neonatal umbilical artery pH, ceasarian sections, newborns mean 1 minute Apgar score were observed between analyzed groups. CONCLUSION: Fetal pulse oximetry is a a useful method for intensive surveillance of the fetus at risk of hypoxemia during the labour. A lower fetal oxygen saturation value during labor by pregravid overweight were observed.     

Risk factors for meconium aspiration in meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening respiratory disease in infants born through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for MAS in the newborns of mothers who had meconium stained amniotic fluid in labour. A retrospective study of all full-term pregnancies with MSAF from May 2003 to October 2004 was designed at a teaching hospital. Development of MAS was the primary outcome. Maternal details, mode of delivery and neonatal details (Apgar score, reassuring or non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing and birth weight) were evaluated. During the study period, there were 2,603 deliveries of whom 302 (11.6%) had MSAF. MAS developed in 64 of these infants (21.1%). Compared with healthy neonates with MSAF, those with MAS had higher rate of non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, thick meconium and Apgar score < or =5 at 5 min. The neonatal birth weight was lower in the MAS group, maternal age, parity, gestational age and mode of delivery were not significantly different in the two group. We found the severity of meconium, low Apgar score at 5 min and non-reassuring FHR tracing was associated with MAS in MSAF pregnancies.     

Apgar score, meconium and acidaemia at birth in relation to neonatal neurological morbidity in term infants

The relation between Apgar score, meconium and acidaemia at birth and neonatal neurological morbidity was investigated in 805 vaginally born term infants whose birthweight was appropriate-for-dates (AFD). Presence or absence of meconium stained amniotic fluid was not related to the neonatal neurological condition. The 1-min and 3-min Apgar scores and the umbilical artery pH were related, but the variances explained in neonatal neurological optimality score were very low (0.9 and 0.5% respectively). Combination of Apgar score and pH slightly increased these percentages to 1.5. The highest frequency of neurologically deviant infants was, on the other hand, found in the group with a normal pH but low Apgar score. It is concluded that in AFD term infants nowadays the predictive value of a low Apgar score, acidaemia at birth and/or presence of meconium for the neonatal neurological morbidity is poor. Most neonatal neurological abnormalities must be due to other factors.     

Apgar score, meconium and acidaemia at birth in relation to neonatal neurological morbidity in term infants

Summary. The relation between Apgar score, meconium and acidaemia at birth and neonatal neurological morbidity was investigated in 805 vaginally born term infants whose birthweight was appropriate-for-dates (AFD). Presence or absence of meconium stained amniotic fluid was not related to the neonatal neurological condition. The 1-min and 3-min Apgar scores and the umbilical artery pH were related, but the variances explained in neonatal neurological optimality score were very low (0·9 and 0·5% respectively). Combination of Apgar score and pH slightly increased these percentages to 1·5. The highest frequency of neurologically deviant infants was, on the other hand, found in the group with a normal pH but low Apgar score. It is concluded that in AFD term infants nowadays the predictive value of a low Apgar score, acidaemia at birth and/or presence of meconium for the neonatal neurological morbidity is poor. Most neonatal neurological abnormalities must be due to other factors.     

笑气吸入用于分娩镇痛的有效性与安全性研究

目的　探讨笑气吸入分娩镇痛的有效性与安全性。方法　将 130 0例单胎头位、足月初产妇分为两组。其中 ,研究组 6 5 8例 ,在产程中吸入 5 0 %笑气与 5 0 %氧气的混合气体实行分娩镇痛 ;对照组 6 4 2例 ,产程中间断吸入氧气。观察两组产妇疼痛的缓解程度、产程时间、分娩方式、羊水情况、分娩失血量、新生儿出生时的Apgar评分、产妇桡动脉与新生儿脐动脉血气分析的结果、笑气吸入的副反应。结果　研究组产妇分娩镇痛的有效率为 80 9% ,总产程时间为 4 6 8min ,活跃期时间为 15 3min ,剖宫产率为 11 6 % ,羊水污染率 2 2 0 % ,新生儿窒息率 1 2 % ,产时出血平均 2 37ml,39 4 %的产妇出现头晕表现的副反应 ;而对照组产妇分娩镇痛的有效率为 0 9% ,活跃期时间为 187min ,剖宫产率为 19 3% ,与研究组比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 ) ;而产程时间 4 80min ,羊水污染率 2 4 3% ,新生儿窒息率 1 7% ,产时出血平均 2 5 3ml,与研究组比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ;对照组产妇无明显的头晕等副反应。两组产妇桡动脉及脐动脉血气分析结果比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　 5 0 %笑气与 5 0 %氧气的混合气体用于分娩镇痛安全方便 ,易被产妇接受 ,可有效地缓解分娩疼痛 ,增加阴道分娩率 ,对产程及母儿     

Subclassification of small-for-gestational-age fetus using fetal Doppler velocimetry

Our purpose was to determine whether small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus can be divided to subclassified groups using fetal Doppler velocimetry. Fifty-four pregnant women with SGA infant delivered after 37 weeks of gestation were studied. After 24 weeks of gestation, fetal middle cerebral artery puslatility index (MCAPI) and umbilical artery pulsatility index (UAPI) were measured at 2- to 3-week intervals using Doppler ultrasound. Perinatal outcomes [operative delivery due to fetal distress, abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern, meconium staining, low Apgar score (<7), neonatal acidosis (umbilical artery blood pH <7.15), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission due to neonatal asphyxia, and decreased amniotic fluid] were compared in subclassified SGA groups using fetal Doppler velocimetry. The number of SGA fetuses with normal MCAPI and UAPI (normal SGA group) was 39, and those with significantly low MCAPI but normal UAPI (eventful SGA group) 15, respectively. Birth age and birth weights in the eventful SGA group were significantly earlier and lower than those in the normal SGA group, respectively (p < 0.05, and p < 0.005). There were significant increases in operative deliveries, abnormal FHR patterns and decreased amniotic fluid in eventful SGA group, when compared with events related to normal SGA group. However, there were no significant differences in meconium staining of amniotic fluid, low Apgar score, neonatal acidosis, and NICU admission between the two groups. These results suggest that SGA fetus with abnormally low MCAPI but normal UAPI has more poor perinatal outcomes, compared with that with normal MCAPI and UAPI.     

Predictive value of pulse oximetry and fetal scalp blood pH in the case of meconium-stained amniotic fluid

OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive value of intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry to that of fetal scalp blood pH for an abnormal neonatal outcome in the case of thick meconium. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective multicenter observational study was performed from June 1994 to November 1995. Fetal oxygen saturation was monitored using a Nellcor N-400 fetal pulse oximeter in case of abnormal FHR. The last readings of fetal oxygen saturation and fetal scalp blood pH before birth were used to assess the ability of both techniques to predict an abnormal neonatal status. RESULTS: At a 30% cutoff, the negative predictive value of fetal oxygen saturation was not altered in case of meconium when compared to clear amniotic fluid (79 and 83%, respectively). Fetal scalp blood pH at a 7.20 threshold had a poor negative predictive value in case of meconium when compared to clear amniotic fluid (56% versus 88%, respectively). The receiver operator characteristic curve showed similar performance of fetal scalp blood pH and pulse oximetry in cases with clear amniotic fluid. In cases with meconium, the performance of fetal scalp blood pH was poor, whereas that of pulse oximetry remained unchanged. In three cases with meconium below the vocal cords, a drop in fetal oxygen saturation was observed during labor whereas fetal scalp blood pH remained within normal values. CONCLUSION: The predictive value of fetal scalp blood pH is poor in case of meconium, whereas the predictive value of pulse oximetry seems to be unchanged in this situation.     

羊膜腔输液治疗在产时应用的临床分析

目的 :分析羊膜腔输液 (amnioinfusion,AI)治疗产时羊水过少、胎膜早破和胎粪性羊水的临床意义。方法 :选择产程中发生胎心异常合并羊水过少、胎膜早破和羊水胎粪污染的孕产妇 1 0 1例 ,随机分为治疗组 51例 ,对照组 50例。治疗组在胎心监护下行羊膜腔输液或羊水置换 ;对照组给予吸氧 ,改变体位 ,静滴 5% Na HCO3等治疗。结果 :治疗组经羊膜腔输液 50 0～ 1 0 0 0 ml,胎心可变减速 (variable deceleration,VD)和长时减速 (period long deceleration,PL D)消失或明显改善 44例 ,有效率占 86 .3% ,明显高于对照组 (2 2 % ) ,两组比较差异有显著性 (P<0 .0 1 )。治疗组 1 9例胎粪性羊水行羊水置换 ,有 1 7例羊水转为清亮或 度混浊。治疗组产程时间比对照组缩短 ,治疗组和对照组剖宫产率分别为 1 3.7%和 34.0 % ,新生儿窒息率分别为 3.9%和 42 .0 % ;对照组胎粪吸入性肺炎 9例 ,新生儿死亡 3例 ,治疗组仅一例发生胎粪吸入性肺炎 ,无新生儿死亡。产褥病率两组比较 ,差异无显著性 (P>0 .0 5)。结论 :羊膜腔输液是治疗产时羊水过少、胎膜早破、胎粪性羊水的有效方法     

The umbilical coiling index and adverse perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the relationship between umbilical coiling index (UCI) and adverse perinatal outcome. METHOD: A prospective study was performed on 699 pregnant women who were 37-40 weeks. UCI was determined by dividing the total number of the complete vascular coiling by the total umbilical cord length in centimeters. Then the relationship between UCI and neonatal weight, amniotic fluid index, meconium, Apgar score, and fetal distress were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between normo- and hypocoiled groups according to the Apgar score less than 7 in minute 5, AFI相似文献   

产程中持续内监护下行羊膜腔输液及羊水置换治疗胎儿窘迫

目的 探讨产程中持续内监护下行羊膜腔输及羊水置换,对治疗胎儿窘迫的意义。方法 对产程中出现频发可变减速合并羊水胎粪污染者１３６例,随机分为观察组与对照组各６８例,观察组在持续内监护下行羊膜腔输液或羊水置换。对照组给予吸氧、改变体位、静脉输液等治疗。结果观察组经羊膜腔输液５００￣１０００ｍｌ,ＶＤ波消失或明显改善者占９１．２％,同时对观察组中４８例羊水Ⅱ度以上粪染者行羊水置换,其中３９例羊水国 清亮     

妊娠期开展“孕妇学校”课程对新生儿结局影响的研究

目的:分析妊娠期开展“孕妇学校”课程对于新生儿结局的影响。方法:回顾性分析2018年10月—2019年8月在中国人民武装警察部队特色医学中心（我院）产科住院的单胎孕足月且妊娠期规律产检的孕妇资料,根据其妊娠期参加“孕妇学校”课程次数分为观察组高组（≥7次课程）、中组（4~6次课程）、低组（≤3次课程）及对照组（未参加课程）,各组分别有53例、56例、48例和69例孕妇纳入研究。观察各组新生儿结局指标,包括新生儿体质量、脐动脉血pH值、脐动脉血乳酸水平、出生后Apgar评分、胎粪吸入综合征（meconium aspiration syndrome,MAS）发生率、缺血缺氧性脑病（hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy,HIE）发生率、坏死性小肠炎（necrotizing enteritis,NEC）发生率及转入新生儿科率。结果:观察组高、中、低组在新生儿体质量、新生儿脐动脉血乳酸水平方面均低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组高、中组在新生儿脐动脉血pH值、出生后1 min Apgar评分方面均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。观察组高、中、低组在新生儿出生后5 min Apgar评分、出生后10 min Apgar评分、新生儿发生MAS、HIE、NEC率及转入新生儿科率方面与对照组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论:妊娠期开展“孕妇学校”课程在一定程度上可以改善新生儿体质量、脐动脉血pH值、脐动脉乳酸水平及出生后1 min Apgar评分,值得孕期广泛开展。     

Apgar score, meconium and acidaemia at birth in small-for-gestational age infants born at term, and their relation to neonatal neurological morbidity

Summary. Neonatal neurological morbidity was studied in relation to Apgar score, meconium stained amniotic fluid and acidaemia at birth in 247 small-for-gestational age (SGA) maturely born infants. SGA infants, and especially the severely SGA infants and those born abdominally, showed higher rates of neurological morbidity, acidaemia and meconium stained amniotic fluid than appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) controls. The examined indicators of asphyxia at birth showed slightly higher correlation coefficients with the 'neonatal neurological optimality score'(NNOS) in SGA, than in AGA term infants, but the percentage of explained variance was low, except in the 23 infants born abdominally. In this group poor neurological outcome was restricted to the 14 infants who showed signs of fetal hypoxaemia diagnosed by decelerative fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. In 11 of them, FHR decelerations occurred antepartum. These FHR abnormalities appear to be better predictors for the neonatal neurological outcome than indicators of asphyxia at birth.     

Apgar score, meconium and acidaemia at birth in small-for-gestational age infants born at term, and their relation to neonatal neurological morbidity

Neonatal neurological morbidity was studied in relation to Apgar score, meconium stained amniotic fluid and acidaemia at birth in 247 small-for-gestational age (SGA) maturely born infants. SGA infants, and especially the severely SGA infants and those born abdominally, showed higher rates of neurological morbidity, acidaemia and meconium stained amniotic fluid than appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) controls. The examined indicators of asphyxia at birth showed slightly higher correlation coefficients with the 'neonatal neurological optimality score' (NNOS) in SGA, than in AGA term infants, but the percentage of explained variance was low, except in the 23 infants born abdominally. In this group poor neurological outcome was restricted to the 14 infants who showed signs of fetal hypoxaemia diagnosed by decelerative fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. In 11 of them, FHR decelerations occurred antepartum. These FHR abnormalities appear to be better predictors for the neonatal neurological outcome than indicators of asphyxia at birth.     

Meconium aspiration syndrome: intrapartum and neonatal attributes

To identify the fetus and newborn at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome the perinatal characteristics of 238 infants delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid were prospectively examined. All infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were routinely suctioned with a DeLee apparatus before tracheal intubation and suctioning. The type and presence of meconium in the trachea, neonatal breathing before intubation, and Apgar scores were recorded in the delivery room. Intrapartum fetal monitoring data were collected for 80% (190/238) of the mothers and umbilical artery pH for 74% (177/238) of the newborns. Despite suctioning with a DeLee apparatus and endotracheal suctioning, meconium was present in the trachea in 87/238 (37%) and meconium aspiration syndrome developed in 22 (9.2%). A total of 73% of newborns who had meconium aspiration syndrome were delivered through thick meconium. Thick meconium, the presence of fetal tachycardia, and absence of intrapartum fetal cardiac accelerations identified the fetus at high risk for meconium aspiration syndrome. The presence of these monitoring findings and thick meconium should alert obstetricians to the possibility of a fetus that requires intervention. Low umbilical artery pH, Apgar scores less than 5, and meconium in the trachea further characterized the newborn at high risk for meconium aspiration syndrome. The combination of these findings may best identify the infant delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid who requires close observation for meconium aspiration syndrome.     

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid in term pregnancies-a clinical view.

The objective of this study was to explore details of the clinical relationship between meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) in labour, abnormal fetal heart pattern and meconium aspiration (MA). This was a prospective study carried out in Princess Badeea Teaching hospital during a 6-month period from March to September 1997. During the study period 344 (8.5%) of the deliveries had MSAF (344 women). Continuous fetal heart monitoring was routinely used and 36 women with MSAF (10.5%) needed to be delivered by caesarean section because of fetal distress (diagnosed by abnormal fetal heart pattern) in early labour, compared with 0.95% in those with clear amniotic fluid (CAF), (P <0.00001). Many infants in the MSAF group had a low Apgar score and required ventilation at birth. Nineteen infants (5.5%) developed MA, three of whom (15.8%) died. We conclude that there is an association between MSAF, abnormal fetal heart pattern in labour and a low Apgar score and that it should be considered a high risk situation. MA a problem that occurs with particulate meconium was significantly related to abnormal fetal heart pattern and longer length of labour.     

Interrelationships among abnormal cardiotocograms in labor, meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, arterial cord blood pH, and Apgar scores

A prospective study of the relationships among fetal heart rate pattern, meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord artery pH, and Apgar score was carried out in 1219 consecutive births. Interpretable cardiotocogram patterns and cord arterial pH and blood gas analysis were obtained in 698 cases. The sensitivity of an abnormal cardiotocogram at any time for acidosis (more than 1 SD below the mean, pH less than 7.17) was 80%, and for severe acidosis (more than 2 SDs below the mean, pH less than 7.085) was 83%. However, the predictive value was low, and 32% of fetuses had an abnormal cardiotocogram but no acidosis. If only cardiotocogram abnormality in the first stage of labor was considered, sensitivity was still 47% for acidosis and 67% for severe acidosis, and the false-positive rate was reduced to only 14%. We attempted to improve the prediction of acidosis by including meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, but 65% of the variation in umbilical cord artery pH and 72 and 86% of the variation in 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, respectively, remained unexplained. In light of these poor correlations, the current practice of considering cardiotocogram abnormality, meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, acidosis, and low Apgar scores as indicating one single disorder, "fetal distress," is not valid.     

Detection of small-for-gestational-age infants with poor perinatal outcomes using individualized growth assessment

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate individualized growth assessment using the Rossavik growth model for detection of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants with a poor perinatal outcome. METHODS: Rossavik growth models derived from second-trimester ultrasound measurements were used to predict birth characteristics of 47 singleton SGA infants. Individual fetal growth curve standards for head and abdominal circumference, and weight were determined from the data of two scans obtained before 25 weeks' menstrual age and separated by an interval of at least 5 weeks. Comparisons between actual and predicted birth characteristics were expressed by the Growth Potential Realization Index (GPRI) and Neonatal Growth Assessment Score (NGAS). The proportions of perinatal outcomes [mechanical delivery, low Apgar score, abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns, neonatal acidosis, meconium staining of amniotic fluid, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and maternal complications] were compared between SGA infants with normal NGAS and those with abnormal NGAS. RESULTS: Of the 47 fetuses studied, 27 had normal growth outcomes at birth and 20 showed evidence of intrauterine growth restriction, based on NGAS. There were significant increases in mechanical deliveries, abnormal FHR patterns and meconium staining of amniotic fluid in cases of growth-restricted neonates, determined using the NGAS classification, when compared with events related to normally grown infants. However, there were no significant differences in low Apgar score, neonatal acidosis, NICU admission and maternal complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Individualized growth assessment should be useful for detection of SGA infants with poor perinatal outcomes.     

Recent cocaine use is not associated with fetal acidemia or other manifestations of intrapartum fetal distress

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of recent cocaine use on umbilical cord blood gas values in cocaine-dependent pregnant women who received formal prenatal care. Ninety-two cocaine-dependent pregnant women receiving comprehensive prenatal care were divided into two groups, with patients in Group A (n = 35) testing positive for cocaine metabolites at the time of delivery and Group B (n = 57) testing negative. One hundred and three patients with no history of drug or alcohol dependence served as the control group (Group C). Umbilical cord blood gases were obtained at all deliveries. Additional variables included 1 and 5-min Apgar scores, meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, route of delivery, premature rupture of the membranes, and length of nursery stay. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in either umbilical artery pH, pO2, pCO2, bicarbonate, or base excess. Similarly, there was no difference in meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, depressed Apgar scores, cesarean delivery, or neonatal length of stay. Our data do not support an association between recent cocaine use and fetal hypoxemia or acidemia, depressed 5-min Apgar scores, meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, or cesarean delivery in cocaine-dependent pregnant women enrolled in prenatal care.     

Clinical condition of the newborns and the type of labor and pregnancy complications in cases of meconium in the amniotic fluid

The studied material comprised 36 newborns and their mothers, among them 12 newborns had meconium in the amniotic fluid (study group) and 24 newborns with clear amniotic fluid served as controls. The fluids were studied biochemically. In both compared groups the analysed factors were: 1) week of labour, 2) body weight and length, 3) clinical condition of the newborn by the Apgar score, 4) type of labour, 5) type of pregnancy complications in mothers. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that meconium presence in the amniotic fluid correlated with the presence of clinical symptoms suggesting intrauterine asphyxia of the fetus, and the number of caesarean sections was greater in this group. A correlation was noted between the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid and worse clinical condition of the newborn.     

Obstetric and perinatal outcome of pregnancies with term labour and meconium-stained amniotic fluid

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the meconium staining of amniotic fluid (AF) in term of fetal distress, meconium aspiration syndrome, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In a prospective study at Princess Badeea Teaching Hospital from April to November 1999, women with a singleton cephalic pregnancy of completed 37–42 weeks and with no pre-defined risk factor were recruited into the study. Study patients comprised 390 (10%) patients with meconium and 400 patients as controls but with clear amniotic fluid. Virtually meconium staining of the amniotic fluid was significantly associated with poor neonatal outcome in all outcomes measures assessed. Perinatal mortality increased from 2 per 1000 births with clear AF to 10 per 1000 with meconium (P<0.001). Other adverse outcomes also increased; e. g. , severe fetal acidemia, Apgar score ≤3 at 1 min and 5 min, and meconium aspiration syndrome. Delivery by cesarean section also increased with meconium from 7–14% (P<0.001). We concluded that meconium in the amniotic fluids associated with an obstetric hazard and significantly increase risks of adverse neonatal outcomes. Women with thin meconium in the presence of normal fetal heart rate can be safely managed at the clinical level. Mod-thick meconium alone should alert the obstetrician to a high risk fetal condition. Continuos fetal heart rate monitoring during labour and reassurance of fetal well-being by acid-base assessment were most significant factors in the reduction of meconium aspiration syndrome. Received: 15 November 1999 / Accepted: 12 April 2000