Routine cervical dilatation during elective caesarean section. Should we continue?

The caesarean section rate is on the increase globally, with its attendant complications. One of the measures adopted by obstetricians to decrease complications, such as endometritis and blood loss is intraoperative cervical dilatation during elective caesarean section. A multicentre double blind randomised controlled trial was carried out in Enugu, Nigeria, to ascertain the usefulness of this practice. A total of 208 pregnant women were randomised: 104 had intraoperative cervical dilatation and the other 104 did not have their cervices dilated. All the patients had similar preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care and were followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. There was no significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, the study shows no benefit in routine intraoperative cervical dilation. Practitioners must make sure that neither the placenta nor fetal membrane is overlying the internal os before they close the uterine wound.

Obstetric outcome of teenage pregnancies at a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Maternal age, parity, and socioeconomic class are important determinants of obstetric outcome of pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy constitutes a high risk pregnancy with complications arising from a combination of physiological, anatomical, and socioeconomic factors. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the current incidence of all teenage pregnancies and their obstetric outcomes at UNTH, Enugu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all teenage pregnancies at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu over a 6-year period (2000--2005). A total of 74 teenage pregnancies were analyzed and compared with 105 controls (adult mothers). RESULTS: Records of 74 teenage pregnancies were identified within the study period which constitutes 1.67% of 4422 deliveries within the period. Majority of the teenagers (78.3%) were nulliparous. There was statistically significant differences between the teenage mothers and older mothers in the rate of unemployment (75.7% vs. 24.8%, P = 0.000), booking status (41.9% vs. 100%, P = 0.000) anemia (32.4% vs. 24.8%, P = 0.001), unsure of last menstrual period (32.4% vs. 15.2%, P = 0.007), caesarean section (18.9% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.000), cephalopelvic disproportion as an indication for caesarean section (9.4% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.001), preterm delivery (18.9% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.001), low birth weight (23.0% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.005), episiotomy (61.7% vs. 28.7%, P = 0.001), instrumental delivery (6.8% vs. 2.9% P = 0.001), Apgar score at 1 minute (35.1% vs. 19.1% P = 0.005), and perinatal mortality (16.2% vs. 12.4%). There were no maternal deaths. CONCLUSION: Pregnant teenagers are at higher risk than their older counterparts. Female socioeducational development and proper use of contraceptive services will help reduce teenage pregnancy rate, while perinatal care will help to minimize it associated hazards.