Maternal Perception of Fetal Activity and Late Stillbirth Risk: Findings from the Auckland Stillbirth Study

Abstract: Background: Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth. Little is known about other aspects of perceived fetal activity. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal perception of fetal activity and late stillbirth (≥ 28 wk gestation) risk. Methods: Participants were women with a singleton, late stillbirth without congenital abnormality, born between July 2006 and June 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand. Two control women with ongoing pregnancies were randomly selected at the same gestation at which the stillbirth occurred. Detailed demographic and fetal movement data were collected by way of interview in the first few weeks after the stillbirth, or at the equivalent gestation for control women. Results: A total of 155/215 (72%) women who experienced a stillbirth and 310/429 (72%) control group women consented to participate in the study. Maternal perception of increased strength and frequency of fetal movements, fetal hiccups, and frequent vigorous fetal activity were all associated with a reduced risk of late stillbirth. In contrast, perception of decreased strength of fetal movement was associated with a more than twofold increased risk of late stillbirth (aOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.29–4.35). A single episode of vigorous fetal activity was associated with an almost sevenfold increase in late stillbirth risk (aOR: 6.81; 95% CI: 3.01–15.41) compared with no unusually vigorous activity. Conclusions: Our study suggests that maternal perception of increasing fetal activity throughout the last 3 months of pregnancy is a sign of fetal well‐being, whereas perception of reduced fetal movements is associated with increased risk of late stillbirth. (BIRTH 38:4 December 2011)     

Health care experiences among women diagnosed with gestational breast cancer

Gestational breast cancer (GBC) presents many challenges for women and the clinicians who care for them. The aim of this study was to explore the health care experiences of women diagnosed with GBC to inform and improve clinical care of women in this predicament. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 women who had been diagnosed with GBC in the previous 5 years. The overarching themes for perceived quality of care were “communication” and “comprehensive care.” “Communication” had two sub themes: “interdisciplinary communication” (the way health professionals from different disciplines communicated with each other about the management of the woman's care) and “patient communication” (how they communicated this to the woman). The “comprehensive care” theme incorporated three sub themes: “the spirit” (psychological care); “the mind” (information provision); and “the body” (management of treatment side effects). Women's own accounts of positive and negative experiences of GBC care provide unique and specific insights which improve understanding of their concerns and needs. The findings can inform advances in quality and efficacy of clinical care; offer guidance for obstetricians, oncologists and allied health professionals about the needs of women diagnosed with GBC and how care can be optimised; and inform the development of resources to assist women and their families.     

Pregnancy Loss Rates Following Second Trimester Genetic Amniocentesis

Data from 3,953 consecutive second trimester genetic amniocenteses were analysed to determine pregnancy loss rates up to 6 weeks after the procedure. Information was prospectively collected on a cohort of 3,685 women in 3,896 singleton and 50 twin pregnancies, from 2 operating sites in Perth, Western Australia, using 9 operators over the 6-year period, 1989 to 1995. Complete information regarding pregnancy outcome was obtained for 3,643 of the 3,685 women (98.9%). There were 27 identified singletons and 1 set of twins lost within 6 weeks following amniocentesis. The overall pregnancy loss rate in this cohort was 29 of 3,911 (0.74%). The pregnancy loss rate associated with genetic amniocentesis is not excessive in comparison to the calculated background pregnancy loss rate of 1%, and it is suggested that each prenatal diagnostic team should determine their own complication rates for the purpose of counselling prior to amniocentesis.     

Uterine Perforation During Surgical Abortion: A Review of Diagnosis, Management and Prevention

We analysed results of 13,907 women who underwent termination of pregnancy over a 6-year period in a public day-surgery clinic in South Australia to determine possible risk factors and preventive measures for known perforation of the uterus in surgical abortion. The perforation rate in the first trimester was 6 in 12,040 (0.05%) and in the second trimester (13-20 weeks), 6 in 1,867 (0.32%). Previous gynaecological surgery had been performed in 11 of 12 (92%) women sustaining perforation and was the main risk factor identified. No second trimester perforations occurred in the 2 years following identification of the risk factor and the introduction of precautionary protocols, and there was only 1 first trimester perforation. The overall reduction in perforation rate was from 0.13% to 0.02% (p=0.022). We conclude that previous gynaecological surgery including termination of pregnancy, lower segment Caesarean section and the large loop excision of transformation zone of the cervix (LLETZ) procedure, which may have resulted in scarring of the internal cervical os is a previously unreported risk factor for tearing of the internal os leading to perforation of the uterus during subsequent surgical abortion procedures. Dilatation of the cervix particularly for these 'at risk' procedures should be predominantly passive by the use of oral prostaglandins such as misoprostol and osmotic dilators.