Respectful maternity care for positive birthing experience at Pravara Rural Hospital

Background: Many women in developing countries experience disrespect and abuse during labour and delivery. Respectful maternity care (RMC) is considered as one of the basic reproductive health rights of the women. It is one of the essential components of LaQshya programme of Government of India. The aim of the study was to highlight the important components of the RMC, its implementation and its impact on patient turnover in the maternity unit of Pravara Rural Hospital Loni and review the literature on the subject.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of one year from January 2019 to December 2019 at tertiary care hospital. The implementation of RMC was observed and important findings were documented. The patient turnover and cliental satisfaction was noted.Results: It was observed that all components of RMC were strictly followed in maternity unit of Pravara Rural Hospital Loni. The staff and doctors were trained and oriented towards importance of RMC. The patient turnover has increased exponentially year by year. The patient feedback system about the quality of care in labour and delivery ward shows overall satisfaction score of 4.3 on the 5-point Likert scale. There was a surveillance system that supervises and closely monitor the quality of care in labour room in general and RMC in particular.Conclusions: RMC is one of the important components of LaQshya certification process. Respectful maternity care is implemented at Pravara Rural hospital in its true spirit. It has resulted in gaining the faith and trust of the community, which is reflected through exponential rise in the number of deliveries taking place in the hospital.

Clinical profile of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the dreadful complications that occur during delivery. It is often un-anticipated and occurs suddenly and un-expectedly. It is responsible for 20 percent of maternal deaths in developing countries. These deaths are largely preventable. The objective of the study was to find out the clinical profile, associated co-morbid conditions and contributory factors and treatment modalities used in the management.Methods: Retrospective observational study of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was carried out at tertiary care hospital. The data of maternal deaths for seven years from year 2013 to 2019 was reviewed, compiled and analyzed to draw conclusions.Results: There were 18 maternal deaths (19%) due to PPH out of total 86 maternal deaths. The average age of the woman who died due to PPH was 24 years. Ninety five percent of the cases of PPH were due to atonic uterus. Seventy percent of the cases had reported in advanced stage of shock with average blood loss of more than two to three litres. Poor general condition due to delay in reaching to tertiary care hospital was predominant feature. Sixty percent women underwent obstetric hysterectomy. Massive blood transfusion was given in fifty percent cases. Severe pregnancy induced hypertension, severe anaemia and severe concealed accidental haemorrhage were common associated factors in sixty percent of maternal deaths.Conclusions: Postpartum haemorrhage is still a common cause of maternal death. Early detection, prompt aggressive management, adequate blood replacement, use of uterine balloon tamponade and non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, timely transfer to higher centre and timely decision for surgical interventions can prevent maternal deaths.

Meckel-Gruber syndrome: a rare and lethal foetal anomaly

Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MGS) is a rare and lethal autosomal recessive disorder characterized by occipital encephalocele, postaxial polydactyly and bilateral dysplastic cystic kidneys. It can be associated with many other congenital malformations. The incidence of Meckel-Gruber syndrome ranges between 1 in 13,000 to 4,00,000 live births. Antenatal ultrasound examination establishes the diagnosis by identifying at least two of the major features. A case is presented that describes a baby with ambiguous genitalia, who presented with the triad of Meckel-Gruber syndrome. The baby died shortly after birth.

Role of peri-partum counselling in improving choice of postpartum contraception

Background: The choice of a contraceptive method is a complex decision. Health care providers have an important role in providing information and supporting patients' decision making about contraceptive choices through counselling. Non-use of contraceptive methods, use of less effective methods, and incorrect and inconsistent use of methods underlie the high frequency of unintended pregnancy. Prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken to study the role of peri-partum counselling in improving choice of postpartum contraception at Pravara Rural Hospital Loni, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.Methods: Four hundred and fifty women in third trimester of pregnancy were individually counselled about the postpartum contraception, using educational material and pamphlets. The choice of postpartum contraception before and after the counselling was noted.Results: Among primi gravidas, the most favored choices for postpartum contraception before counselling were condom (25%) and lactational amenorrhea method (12%). In the same group of women, the post counselling choices were PPIUCD (45%), condom (17%) and interval IUCD (7%). Among multi-gravida, the most favored choices for postpartum contraception before counselling were postpartum tubal ligation (26%), condom (20%) and lactational amenorrhea method or calendar method (17%). In the same group of women, the post counselling choices were postpartum tubal ligation (32%) PPIUCD (12%), condom (8%).Conclusions: The study supports the usefulness of good quality counselling both with respect to the interpersonal relationship between the patient and the provider and quality of information that is provided during counselling. Postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD), a long acting reversible contraceptive, will fulfil the felt need of postpartum contraception in near future.

Choice of postpartum contraception and its socio-demographic and cultural determinants

Background: Postpartum contraception is essential for avoidance of unwanted pregnancy and for adequate spacing between two pregnancies. There are many socio demographic and cultural factors that influence the choice of contraception in rural community in India. Third trimester of pregnancy is ideal time for counselling the women regarding breast feeding and contraception. The objective of the present study was to find out the choice of postpartum contraception among antenatal women and the socio demographic and cultural determinants that influence this choice.Methods: Six hundred pregnant women were interviewed regarding their choice of postpartum contraception during their antenatal visit in third trimester of pregnancy, using a pre-validated and pre-tested brief questionnaire. The choices were compiled and analysed to draw conclusions.Results: Postpartum sterilization was choice of 30% of multiparous women. Primi-parous women either opted for barrier contraception like condom (10%), intrauterine contraception (9%) or oral steroidal pills (8%). The progesterone injectable contraceptives and centchroman each were chosen by 2% respondents. There was strong influence of education, parity, sex of the living children on the choice of contraception. It was observed that 40% of women did not want to use hormonal pills and intrauterine contraceptives due to strong age old misbelieves associated with them.Conclusions: Women in rural area prefer permanent method of contraception in the form of tubectomy operation after having desired number of children. There is insufficient spacing between pregnancies due to either non-use of contraception or inconsistent use of temporary method of contraception. More than 50% women are dependent on the husband regarding the choice and practice of contraception. The level of education of woman, age at marriage, socio economic class, desired sex combination of children are strong determinants of choice of contraception.

Indications of primary caesarean section in multiparous women in patients of rural area of Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Caesarean section is commonly performed operation in women in last few decades and can be life saving for the child, the mother or both in certain cases. Primary caesarean section in the multipara means first caesarean section done in the patients who had previously delivered vaginally once or more. Aims and objectives of this study were to know the incidence and various indications of primary caesarean section in multipara.Methods: This was a prospective study of primary caesarean section in multipara women admitted at tertiary care hospital in western rural Maharashtra during the period of 6 months from January 2018 to June 2018. Multipara with pregnancy of >28 weeks gestation (gravida 2 and above), each of whom has had a previous vaginal delivery of >20 weeks gestation were included. Women with previous abortions and previous section were excluded.Results: Total no. of deliveries during this period were 4648.Total 1705 sections were performed during the same period. Thus, the incidence caesarean sections are 36.68%. Out of these sections 194 sections were performed in multipara for the first time, thus giving the incidence of 0.42% of total deliveries and 11.38% of total caesarean sections. Most common indication for caesarean section in multipara was malpresentation (19.6%) followed by foetal distress (16.49%) and severe pre-eclampsia (13.4%).Conclusions: Present study concludes that proper antenatal care should always be given to multipara even though there was history of previous vaginal deliveries.

Estimation of various associated factors in multiparous females undergoing primary caesarean sections at a tertiary care health centre in rural Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Caesarean section is one of the commonly performed operation in women due to safety reason and modern techniques. Primary caesarean section in the multipara means first caesarean section done in the patients who had previously delivered vaginally once or more. Aims and objectives of this study were to know association of various parameters like Age, Parity, Haemoglobin, Blood Pressure, Baby weight, Perinatal and Maternal Mortality with primary caesarean section among multipara.Methods: This was a prospective study of primary caesarean section in multipara women admitted at tertiary care hospital in western rural Maharashtra during the period of 6 months from January 2018 to June 2018. Multipara with pregnancy of >28 weeks gestation (gravida 2 and above), each of whom has had a previous vaginal delivery of >20 weeks gestation were included. Women with previous abortions and previous section were excluded.Results: Total 1705 sections were performed during the same period out of total 4648 deliveries. Out of these sections 194 sections were performed in multipara for the first time. Maximum numbers of patients (58%) were in the age group of 15-24 years and Parity 2 (68%). Almost 70% women among multipara have Hb <11 Mgm/dl. Most of the patients (84.53%) have normal Blood pressure readings. Most of the babies’ i.e.70 (36.08%) have birth weight in the range of 2.5-3 kg. Out of 194 deliveries, there were only 3 neonatal deaths (1.54%) and 1 maternal death (0.51%).Conclusions: Proper antenatal and intrapartum care and early referral can reduce the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in multipara.

Training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities of management of post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication, that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Institutional delivery by skilled birth attendant who are trained in active management of third stage of labour and those who can use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment can reduce incidence and morbidity related to PPH. The objective of the paper was to share the experiences of the training programmes held for maternal health care workers in the newer modalities of PPH management.Methods: During one and a half year period, 32 Continuation of Medical Education (CME) programmes, with the theme of “Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Obstetric Trauma”, covering important topics related to high risk pregnancies like Hypertension, Eclampsia ,Anaemia and Haemorrhage at 32 health institutions, spread over 11 states and 2 union territories in India, were conducted .In addition,42 hands on workshops  at various health facilities were conducted with training of more than 2575 maternal health care providers.Results: The pre and post test scores revealed that 95 percent of the maternal health care providers were unaware about the use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade (Bakri balloon) in PPH and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG). Seventy percent were unaware about the proper sequence of steps of active management of third stage of labour. Training programmes helped to improve the knowledge, whereas hands on workshop, helped in skill development of the health care providers. The participants expressed great satisfaction regarding the knowledge and skills they acquired through training programme on management of post-partum haemorrhage. They gave positive feedback about the quality, contents and conduct of training programme.Conclusions: There is need for refresher training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities like AMTSL, NASG and Bakri balloon, which have potential to save lives.

Use of non-pneumatic anti shock garment in hemorrhagic shock

Background: Non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a first-aid device that reverses hypovolemic shock and decreases obstetric haemorrhage. It consists of articulated neoprene segments that close tightly with Velcro, shunting blood from the lower body to the core organs, elevating blood pressure and increasing preload and cardiac output. The use of an NASG can stabilize a patient while awaiting transport, during transport, or during delays in receiving care at referral facilities.Methods: A prospective observational study of use of non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG) in cases with obstetric hemorrhagic shock was carried out at a tertiary referral center. As soon as severe shock was recognized in the hospital, the anti-shock garment was placed. Data on various parameters related to use of NASG was collected and interpreted to draw conclusions.Results: NASG was used in 25 cases of hemorrhagic shock during one-year period. Post-partum hemorrhage (36%) was the commonest indication for NASG use, followed by ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (28%). It was observed that 68% and 32 % of women had shock index of 1-1.5 and above 1.5 respectively at the time of application of NASG. The shock index rapidly improved to 0.5-0.9 in 92% and 1-1.5 in 8 percent of cases respectively after the application of NASG. The NASG was mainly used in labour room (40%) and emergency department (36%).  NASG was applied by nurses and doctors together in 64% of cases. NASG was kept for a period 24 hours in 92% cases. The survival rate was 96% following use of NASG.Conclusions: NASG is a temporizing alternative measure in hemorrhagic shock management that shows a trend to reduce hemorrhage related deaths and severe morbidities. NASG should be made available at all health facilities that deal with high risk pregnancies and deliveries.

Low molecular weight heparin: a promising anticoagulant in pregnancy.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity during pregnancy in developed countries. The incidence of VTE increases about 4-fold during pregnancy and at least 14-fold during the puerperium. Risk factors include a personal history of VTE, presence of inherited or acquired thrombophilia, a family history of VTE and general medical conditions, such as immobilisation, overweight, varicose veins, some haematological diseases and inflammatory disorders. VTE is considered potentially preventable with the prophylactic administration of anticoagulants. Low molecular weight heparin has emerged as choice of anticoagulant in the present day obstetric and infertility practice. It has many advantages over unfractionated heparin and warfarin. Longer duration of action, less frequent dosing schedule, better safety profile are few of the advantages. Higher cost as compared to warfarin and unfractionated heparin is the main limiting factor for its use.

Re-orientation of gynaecology residents on pelvic surgical anatomy using human cadaver.

Background and Objectives: The residents of gynaecology should have sound knowledge on pelvic anatomy and have to be adequately trained on common surgical procedures. The training programme was conducted in the dissection hall of Anatomy department of Rural Medical college Loni .During residency, they may not receive adequate training on common surgical procedures for various reasons like shortage of cases, infrequent performance of certain procedures, inability of the faculty to give time ,attention for training in OT and fear of possible complications and medico legal litigations. Material and methods: Twelve residents in Gynaecology and two senior faculty members each from the department of Gynaecology and Anatomy participated in training programme. Five training sessions of dissection of a single human female cadaver ,each lasting for two and half hour duration, were conducted. Pretest and post test were performed with prevalidated and pre tested questionnaire and results compared to assess the impact of training. Level of satisfaction of residents about this innovative method of teaching and training was assessed through 7 point Likert scale. Results: Training programme resulted in significant improvement in the residents knowledge on pelvic surgical anatomy and common surgical gynaecological Procedures. Faculty members identified new insights into the interdisciplinary process of teaching . Conclusion: Surgical training using human cadaver was effective and feasible .It made the teaching process interactive and interesting. Residents expressed happiness about the innovative method of teaching.