In 2023, Australia recorded 218,099 births, with a rising cesarean section rate, now exceeding 40%. Induction rates and maternal age increased, while the perinatal mortality rate also rose to 11.0 per 1,000. Despite efforts to enhance birth safety, outcomes show concerning trends, necessitating reconsideration of the high rates of intervention.
Does CTG misinterpretation harm babies? Or is something else going on?
The journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology published two papers back to back recently. Both are from the same research team based in the Netherlands, and both examined the relationship between use of epidural pain relief during labour and the use of unplanned, in labour, caesarean section or instrumental birth for “presumed fetal compromise”. The research differed in the approach used. Together, the papers raise concern that epidural use might […]
Does CTG monitoring generate more harm than benefit for babies? Here’s the evidence….
It’s just a CTG – it can’t hurt to do one. Or can it? This week’s post explores the risks of CTG use.
Does #STAN reduce the #caesarean rate when #CTG monitoring is in use? New Australian research!
CTG monitoring is in use during a woman’s labour. The fetal heart rate pattern is now abnormal. As her maternity professional, you know that the positive predictive value of the CTG is low, and want to avoid caesarean section unless it is going to improve the fetal outcome. And you don’t want to misidentify when caesarean section is a great idea and as a result have an avoidable poor outcome […]
Measuring outcomes in fetal monitoring research: there’s more to it than at first glance.
Fetal monitoring guidelines should be evidence-based and assessed to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Birth Small Talk 