Immediate birth – an analysis of women and their babies undergoing time critical birth in a tertiary referral obstetric hospital

BackgroundAt our institution, the emergency obstetric ‘code green’ activates the system for immediate birth, usually by caesarean section. This study aimed to determine the incidence of immediate birth, indications, modes of anaesthesia, and short-term neonatal and maternal outcomes.MethodA review was performed for all women at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia who underwent immediate birth over a two-year period: January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014.ResultsWithin the study period 14,115 women gave birth, of which 387 women underwent an immediate birth, the majority (83%) by caesarean section. The commonest indication for immediate birth was prolonged fetal bradycardia (53%), however cord prolapse (4%) produced the most rapid decision-to-delivery interval, with a median IQR] time of 14 13–16] min versus 18 14–23] min for all immediate births (P < 0.01). Epidural top-up was the most common anaesthesia method. Conversion to general anaesthesia following inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia occurred in 6.2% of women. Among 103 general anaesthetics, there was one failed intubation (successful ventilation) and one dental injury. Nine women (2.3%) were admitted to the high dependency or intensive care units, and there were no maternal deaths. Babies born by caesarean section with a decision-to-delivery interval of less than 30 min were more likely to have longer times to establish respiration (22.6% vs 16.7%, P < 0.001).ConclusionRequest for immediate delivery is a common obstetric emergency. Epidural top-up has become the most common anaesthetic technique. Rapid delivery times can be achieved with an integrated emergency response system.