Table 1.
Characteristics of interviewees and all women experiencing operative delivery during study (1999-2000). Values are numbers (percentages)
| Characteristic | Cohort study (n=393) | Interviewees (n=27) |
|---|---|---|
| Nulliparous | 309 (79) | 22 (81) |
| Maternal age at delivery: | ||
| 21-30 | 204 (52) | 15 (56) |
| 31-40 | 159 (41) | 11 (41) |
| Non-white women | 23 (6) | 1 (4) |
| Social class: | ||
| I or II | 174 (44) | 13 (48) |
| III-VI | 189 (48) | 14 (52) |
| Induced labour | 130 (33) | 7 (26) |
| Regional anaesthesia | 373 (95) | 26 (96) |
| Hospital of delivery: | ||
| Centre 1 | 228 (58) | 17 (63) |
| Centre 2 | 165 (42) | 10 (37) |
| Operator experience: | ||
| SpR year ≥4 or consultant | 82 (21) | 9 (33) |
| Senior house officer or SpR year 1-3 | 311 (79) | 18 (67) |
| Mode of delivery: | ||
| Immediate caesarean | 102 (26) | 7 (26) |
| Instrumental | 184 (47) | 15 (52) |
| Caesarean after failed instrumental delivery | 107 (27) | 5 (22) |
| Duration of hospital stay (days): | ||
| 0-2 | 127 (32) | 10 (37) |
| >2 | 266 (68) | 17 (63) |
| Serious maternal morbidity* | 74 (19) | 4 (15) |
| Serious neonatal morbidity† | 66 (17) | 4 (15) |
*
Includes major obstetric haemorrhage (>1000 ml), third degree perineal tear, and extended uterine incision.
†
Includes admission to neonatal intensive care unit, fetal acidosis (pH <7.10), serious trauma other than facial bruising, and neonatal sepsis.