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25,463 reports · page 706 of 2547

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC19 Sept 2025

Evaluation of Cesarean Delivery Rates across Ontario from 2012 to 2019 Using the Modified Robson Classification System: A Population-Based Study.

Objectives This study aimed to describe the trends in cesarean delivery (CD) rates in Ontario using the modified Robson classification system, and identify the most common indications for CD. Methods We conducted a population-based retrospective cross-sectional study using data from the Better Outcomes Registry & Network, a comprehensive maternal-child registry in Ontario. The analysis included all pregnant persons who delivered a live- or stillborn infant weighing ≥500 g at ≥200 weeks gestation between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2019. Results A total of 952 567 pregnant persons gave birth in Ontario, Canada, during the study period. Our findings demonstrated a slight increase in the overall CD rate over 7 fiscal years from 2012-2013 to 2018-2019. Robson group 5 (term, singleton, cephalic pregnancy with previous CD), groups 1 and 2 (nulliparous, term, singleton, cephalic pregnancy and no labour, induced labour, or spontaneous labour), and group 6 (nulliparous pregnancy with breech presentation) made the largest contributions to the overall CD rate over the study period. The top 5 primary indications for CD across all years included previous CD, atypical or abnormal fetal surveillance, malposition/malpresentation, non-progressive first stage of labour, and non-progressive second stage of labour. Conclusions The results enhance our understanding of the key drivers of CD rates. These findings will help to inform practice improvement, support policy change, and identify areas where future research is needed.

Dunn SI, Guo Y, Dimanlig-Cruz S et al.

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC3 Sept 2026

Pregnancy Outcomes of Cervical Cerclage in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Study.

Background Cervical insufficiency is an important cause of recurrent second-trimester pregnancy loss and spontaneous preterm delivery. Cervical cerclage is a surgery done to strengthen the cervix to prolong the pregnancy in women who need it. The result of a cerclage can vary based on the obstetric history, gestational age at the time of the cerclage, cervical length, pregnancy type, and timing of the removal. Aim To compare the obstetric and demographic features, timing of cervical cerclage, gestational age at delivery, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of women who underwent cervical cerclage at a tertiary-care centre. Material and methods The study was a record-based observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College Jammu, in a retrospective manner. A review of the medical records was performed for 150 pregnant women who had undergone either history-indicated cervical cerclage, ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage, or emergency cervical cerclage. A structured proforma was used to gather information about demographic data, previous obstetric history, gestational age at cerclage placement, pre-procedure cervical length, timing of cerclage removal, gestational age at delivery, birth outcome, birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and neonatal mortality. The categorical data were presented in frequencies and percentages. The Pearson chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used, and a p-value less than 0.05 was deemed to be statistically significant. Results The majority of participants were aged 31-40 years, accounting for 94 (62.7%) women. Most were nulliparous, 85 (56.7%), and 78 (52.0%) belonged to the middle socioeconomic group. A total of 95 (63.3%) women had experienced three or more previous abortions, while 48 (32.0%) had undergone cervical cerclage previously. Cerclage was performed at 14-17 weeks of gestation in 79 (52.7%) women, and 78 (52.0%) had a pre-procedure cervical length of more than 15 mm and up to 25 mm. Twin pregnancies accounted for 39 (26.0%) cases. Cerclage removal was performed between 36 and 37 weeks in 98 (65.3%) women. Delivery after 37 weeks occurred in 93 (62.0%) women, while 128 (85.3%) delivered at or beyond 34 weeks. The live-birth rate was 88.0% (132), NICU admission was required in 28 (18.7%) pregnancies, and neonatal mortality occurred in 6 (4.0%). Normal birth weight above 2.5 kg was recorded in 116 (77.3%) newborns. The distributions of the major study variables were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion In most women, cervical cerclage correlated with good pregnancy and foetal outcomes. Most pregnancies were prolonged beyond 34 weeks and live-birth and neonatal survival rates were high. Proper timing of cerclage and patient selection could help to achieve better perinatal outcomes.

Sharma D, Verma S, Devi S

INRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC10 Mar 2026

Slipping through the net: a qualitative study exploring women's experiences of maternity in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The quality of maternity experiences impacts the health and wellbeing of both the mother and baby. Widespread changes were made to maternity care and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, altering the usual experience of pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. Remote care appointments and hospital/home visiting restrictions affected the extent to which women could receive medical, social, and emotional support. The aim of this study was to explore women’s experiences of pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period during the COVID-19 pandemic in South East England. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants who had given birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited from mother and baby groups and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Women felt isolated and under-supported during the perinatal period. This was most noted in the postnatal wards by women who experienced immobilisation and pain following caesarean section. Reported positive experiences were improved opportunity to bond with their child and avoidance of undue external child-rearing pressures and pregnancy-related negative stories. Telemedicine was considered useful for some participants, and felt unsafe for others. Innovative use of social media to share up-to-date information improved crucial communication. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in staffing and visiting restrictions contributed to unsatisfactory experiences at home and on postnatal wards. The study highlights shortcomings in pandemic maternity services, and the importance of planning for future critical incidents, to promote positive maternal and child health outcomes. Telemedicine and social media have the potential to improve care and foster a sense of community in maternity services, however, further evaluation to ensure safety is needed.

Harding FJ, Gatuguta A, Eziefula AC

GBRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC18 Nov 2025

Prevalence and risk factors of neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit at Soroti Regional Referral hospital, Uganda: a retrospective study.

Background Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of newborn mortality globally, accounting for approximately 15% of neonatal deaths in 2018. The burden is particularly high in low-resource settings, with a reported prevalence of 29.92%. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of neonatal sepsis among neonates aged 0-28 days admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, to inform targeted interventions. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study among neonates aged 0 to 28 days admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Soroti Region Referral Hospital. Systematic random sampling was used to select medical charts for review. Data on exposure and outcome variables were extracted using a structured abstraction tool. The primary outcome was neonatal sepsis. Modified Poisson regression was employed to identify factors associated with neonatal sepsis, reported as adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Among the 276 neonates included, the median age was 2 days (interquartile range of 1.0-4.0), and the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 35.5%. The factors significantly associated with Neonatal Sepsis included the Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (Apgar) Score < 7 (aPR = 1.35, 95% CI; 1.04-1.76, P = 0.025), breech presentation (aPR = 1.79, 95%CI; 1.26-2.53, P = 0.001), Premature rupture of membranes (aPR = 1.78, 95%CI; 1.35-2.36, P < 0.001), Maternal Intrapartum infection (aPR = 1.78, 95% CI; 1.30-2.40, P < 0.001), presence foul-smelling amniotic fluid during delivery (aPR = 1.39, 95%CI; 1.06-1.81, P = 0.016), prolonged labour > 8 hours (aPR = 1.32, 95%CI; 1.00-1.72, P = 0.047), undergoing invasive procedures (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI; 1.03-1.82, P = 0.033) and febrile illness during pregnancy (aPR = 2.18, 95%CI; 1.54-3.08, P < 0.001). Conclusion Neonatal sepsis was significantly associated with an Apgar Score < 7, having a breech delivery, Premature rupture of membranes, Intrapartum infection, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, undergoing invasive procedures, prolonged labour > 8 hours, and febrile illness during pregnancy. These findings underscore the need for improved antenatal care, high-quality obstetric and neonatal care as potential strategies to reduce the burden of neonatal sepsis. Strengthening early identification and targeted interventions for high-risk neonates is critical to improving neonatal outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Ssentongo SM, Ojok B, Opito R et al.

SurvivalUGRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC24 Mar 2026

Magnitude of Adverse Birth Outcomes and Predictors Among Newborns Delivered at Public Hospitals in Benadir Region, Somalia.

BACKGROUND: Adverse birth outcomes remain a major public health concern, particularly in low-income countries like Somalia, which has a high neonatal mortality rate. However, data on adverse birth outcomes in the Benadir region is limited. This study assessed the magnitude and predictors of adverse birth outcomes in public hospitals in Benadir region, Somalia. METHODS: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted at Benadir and SOS Mother and Child Hospitals from November 25-2024 to January 25-2025. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 420 postpartum women. Data were collected via structured questionnaire and medical record reviews. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Among the 420 postpartum women included in this study, the magnitude of adverse birth outcomes was 33.1%. Birth asphyxia (15.5%) was the most common, followed by low birth weight (8.8%), stillbirth (8.6%), preterm birth (3.8%), early neonatal death (3.8%), and congenital anomalies (2.4%). Multiple pregnancies (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 1.89–8.51), short birth intervals (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.27–5.47), previous bad obstetric history (AOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.59–6.41), ANC follow up (AOR = 5.04, 95% CI: 2.67–9.54), and pregnancy complications were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSION: Adverse birth outcomes remain highly prevalent in Benadir, with a magnitude comparable to findings reported from other low-income and conflict-affected settings in Sub-Saharan Africa. strengthening focused antenatal care, improving family planning for birth spacing, enhancing referral systems, prioritizing high-risk pregnancy follow-up, and capacity building for maternal and neonatal healthcare providers.

Mohamoud JH, Warsame ZA, Ibrahim MM et al.

SurvivalPractitionerSORead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC3 Feb 2026

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among domestic workers in Kigali, Rwanda.

BACKGROUND: Risky sexual behavior (RSB) significantly increases global health risks, particularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The risk is higher among vulnerable groups, such as domestic workers, who face unique challenges due to limited access to sexual health education and resources. Research on RSB among domestic workers is scarce. This study assessed the extent of RSB and identified associated factors among domestic workers in Kigali, Rwanda. METHODS: This cross-sectional study design involved 874 domestic workers in Kigali. Data were collected using the 23-item Sexual Risk Survey (SRS) to assess RSB in the six months preceding the study. We used descriptive statistics to determine the proportion of RSB among domestic workers and the associated factors related to their RSB. RESULTS: The median age was 23 (interquartile range[IQR]: 20–25), with a median of 3 years of work experience (IQR: 2–6). Most participants were female (73.91%) and single (94.05%). The median score for RSB was 7 (IQR: 2–13). Increased RSB were positively associated with age (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]: 1.01; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.004–1.03, P value = 0.007), being male (aIRR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05–1.31, P value = 0.002), being single (aIRR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.18–2.01, P value < 0.001), having children (aIRR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.42–1.76, P value < 0.001), and being aware of HIV status (aIRR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.13–1.41, P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The extent of Risky sexual behavior was considerable among domestic workers in Kigali, with higher engagement observed among older individuals, males, those with children, and those aware of their HIV status. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, including sexual health education and integrated support services, which may help reduce risk and promote well-being in this vulnerable group.

Mulisa F, Favina A, Turatsinze E et al.

ProtectionRWRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC6 Mar 2026

Physiology of everyday sleep and physical activity: An exploratory mixed-methods study of multi-sensor wearables for infants and toddlers.

Sleep and physical activity are vital to the health, development, and well-being of young children. To effectively promote these behaviours at the population level, better tools for objectively quantifying them are needed. This hypothesis-generating mixed-methods study explored the potential usability of two wearable sensors to measure physical activity and sleep in young children over multiple days, drawing on physiological measurements. A longitudinal within-case design was employed, in which families with children aged 4-36 months from the North East of England were recruited through playgroups and social networks. Parents and children tested two wearable devices in a structured play setting and at home over a period of 1 week. Data on sleep, movement, and heart rate were collected using the Bittium Faros 180 heart rate monitor and the NAPPA sleep monitoring system. Usability was assessed through researcher observations and parent feedback using ethnographic methods. Wear time, heart rate variability during naps, and ultradian respiration cycles during sleep were analysed. Seven children participated and completed the study. While parents were initially enthusiastic, usability challenges arose. The heart rate monitor was considered uncomfortable, its large size hindered activity, and electrodes were detached by parents and accidently, leading to significant data loss. The NAPPA was easier to use, discreet, and comfortable, but disrupted sleep routines. Additional challenges related to non-parental caregiving resulted in non-wear and/or data loss. These results indicate that wearable devices for young children hold potential but face significant design challenges for longitudinal home use at scale. Co-creation of child-friendly, practical hardware and software is essential for effective, large-scale health monitoring in young children.

Hunter E, Kolehmainen N, Nazarpour K et al.

DevelopmentGBRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleEurope PMC8 Mar 2026

Fetal Growth Restriction at a Universal Late Third-Trimester Scan and Relationship With Adverse Outcome: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective To examine the contribution of fetal growth restriction ultrasound phenotypes to adverse perinatal outcomes at term. Design Retrospective population-based cohort study. Setting John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK where universal ultrasound at 35+1-36+6 weeks is performed. Population Congenital abnormalities and births before the scan were excluded. Singleton foetuses were categorised as five mutually exclusive phenotypes using a hierarchical approach: ISUOG fetal growth restriction (FGR), according to Delphi criteria; Constitutional small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (estimated fetal weight [EFW] < 10th centile); Appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) with either cerebroplacental ratio < 5th centile or umbilical artery >95th centile; AGA with slowing abdominal circumference growth velocity (ACGV < 10th centile); Normal AGA; METHODS: Univariate logistic regression was employed using normal AGA as the reference group to estimate odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Group differences for continuous variables were assessed using mean differences with confidence intervals through a generalised linear model. Main outcome measures Stillbirth (SB); composite adverse outcome (CAO) (1+ of Grade 2-3 encephalopathy, cooling, ventilation > 24 h, or perinatal death); severe SGA at birth; neonatal unit admission; obstetric interventions. Results Among 45 179 pregnancies, 54 SBs (0.1%) and 253 CAOs (0.6%) occurred. Normal AGA foetuses at the 35+1-36+6 week scan accounted for 82% of all pregnancies and for 43 (79.6%) SBs and 205 (81%) with the CAO, yet only 37.3% of neonates born with severe SGA. The absolute risk of SB and CAO was similar in all groups (0.1%-0.2%). Conclusions Term FGR and 'normal' babies have similar perinatal risks, presumably because of intervention. Despite a detection rate of 62.7% for severe SGA, most adverse outcomes occurred in pregnancies with a normal scan.

D'Alberti E, Granieri C, Ioannou C et al.

SurvivalGBRead at source

Every report we find, newest first.

How to use the reports

Evaluation of Cesarean Delivery Rates across Ontario from 2012 to 2019 Using the Modified Robson Classification System: A Population-Based Study.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Cervical Cerclage in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Study.

Slipping through the net: a qualitative study exploring women's experiences of maternity in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevalence and risk factors of neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit at Soroti Regional Referral hospital, Uganda: a retrospective study.

The association between family economic status and nutrient intake among preschool children attending nursery schools in Japan.

Magnitude of Adverse Birth Outcomes and Predictors Among Newborns Delivered at Public Hospitals in Benadir Region, Somalia.

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among domestic workers in Kigali, Rwanda.

Physiology of everyday sleep and physical activity: An exploratory mixed-methods study of multi-sensor wearables for infants and toddlers.

Fetal Growth Restriction at a Universal Late Third-Trimester Scan and Relationship With Adverse Outcome: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Pediatric pneumonia involving Penicillium rolfsii isolated from sputum culture following a plunge pool near-drowning incident.

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