Better maternity care pathways in pregnancies after stillbirth or neonatal death: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Around 1 in 150 babies are stillborn or die in the first month of life in the UK. Most women conceive again, and subsequent pregnancies are often characterised by feelings of stress and anxiety, persisting beyond the birth. Psychological distress increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and longer-term parenting difficulties. Appropriate emotional support in subsequent pregnancies is key to ensure the wellbeing of women and families. Substantial variability in existing care has been reported, including fragmentation and poor communication. A new care package improving midwifery continuity and access to emotional support during subsequent pregnancy could improve outcomes. However, no study has assessed the feasibility of a full-scale trial to test effectiveness in improving outcomes and cost-effectiveness for the National Health Service (NHS). METHODS: A prospective, mixed-methods pre-and post-cohort study, in two Northwest England Maternity Units. Thirty-eight women, (≤ 20 weeks' gestation, with a previous stillbirth, or neonatal death) were offered the study intervention (allocation of a named midwife care coordinator and access to group and online support). Sixteen women receiving usual care were recruited in the 6 months preceding implementation of the intervention. Outcome data were collected at 2 antenatal and 1 postnatal visit(s). Qualitative interviews captured experiences of care and research processes with women (n = 20), partners (n = 5), and midwives (n = 8). RESULTS: Overall recruitment was 90% of target, and 77% of women completed the study. A diverse sample reflected the local population, but non-English speaking was a barrier to participation. Study processes and data collection methods were acceptable. Those who received increased midwifery continuity valued the relationship with the care coordinator and perceived positive impacts on pregnancy experiences. However, the anticipated increase in antenatal continuity for direct midwife contacts was not observed for the intervention group. Take-up of in-person support groups was also limited. CONCLUSIONS: Women and partners welcomed the opportunity to participate in research. Continuity of midwifery care was supported as a beneficial strategy to improve care and support in pregnancy after the death of a baby by both parents and professionals. Important barriers to implementation included changes in leadership, service pressures and competing priorities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN17447733 first registration 13/02/2018.

Auscultation of the fetal heart in early pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Auscultation of the fetal heart is a common event in antenatal care, in early pregnancy it may be associated with false negative results, which require ultrasound scan to confirm fetal viability. METHODS: We studied 197 women in early pregnancy to determine the gestational age at which the fetal heart can be reliably identified and the factors which determined the accuracy of the test. RESULTS: The proportion of successful auscultations increased with advancing gestation (p < 0.001). There was no effect of maternal body mass index or the level of midwifery experience. CONCLUSION: For a sensitivity of 90%, the fetal heart should be auscultated after 13 week gestation. If a sensitivity of 80% is acceptable the fetal heart can be auscultated after 12 + 1 week gestation.

Midwives and the fetal nuchal cord: a survey of practices and perceptions.

A systematic search of studies of intrapartum management of the nuchal umbilical cord at term found no published controlled studies in this area. A postal survey containing both structured and open questions and a request for local protocols and guidelines was sent to all 637 midwives in 7 maternity units in England. There were 401 (63%) responses. There appeared to be no unit guidelines for this area of practice. Midwife approaches to nuchal cord during birth varied, and included clamping and cutting of loose nuchal cords and a hands-off approach to tight nuchal cords. Reasons for specific actions included doing what had been taught during midwifery training and learning from previous personal experiences. Theories of diffusion of innovation and of planned behaviour may provide a conceptual basis for understanding the adoption of specific practices. Future qualitative and controlled studies are needed to explore the nature and consequences of varying approaches to intrapartum nuchal cord management.