Category Archives: Research updates

Repeat caesarean or VBAC?

There has been a lot of coverage in the media over the last few years quoting research looking at the comparative safety of a repeat caesarean versus a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). The findings are invariably such that the … Continue reading

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Caesareans, breastfeeding and gut bacteria

Once again the media have gone rather mad about a research paper without assessing the details of paper itself in an attempt to deliver sensational headlines about caesarean birth. This paper actually describes gut bacteria in 24 infants at 4months … Continue reading

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Weight and blood sugar implications for mother and baby

Women have long been encouraged to eat sensibly rather than excessively when pregnant. While it has been known for sometime that obesity tends to be linked with a greater risk of complications a study published in the New England Journal … Continue reading

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‘Failure to progress’ new tool to monitor labour may reduce caesarean rate

‘Failure to progress’ (dystocia) is one of the most common reasons women are given during labour for the need to resort to a caesarean despite the fact that “…no precise definition of dystocia exists.” Hospital policies or individual practise therefore … Continue reading

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Diabetes – oxytocin less effective for these women

For years now diabetes has been known to complicate birth for many women and unfortunately the incidence of ‘type two diabetes’ is increasing as our weight as a nation increases. According to researchers at the University of Liverpool approximately 60% … Continue reading

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Maternal requests should be supported within the NHS

NICE have issued (subject to typo corrections) the new version of the Caesarean Section Guideline. There have been a number of significant steps forward in this version. In particular the following: “Recommendation 38: For all women requesting a CS, if … Continue reading

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Funny figures from WHO on caesareans

An excellent example of how to really assess as scientific paper. The World Health Organisation suggested that women ‘too posh to push’ were 3 times more at risk of death or other complications than those experiencing a vaginal birth. Nigel … Continue reading

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