Table 1.
Background characteristics of mothers and infants
| Period 1 (n = 92) | Period 2 (n = 103) | P-value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nulliparous | 66 (71.7) | 74 (71.8) | 0.99a |
| Gestational age (weeks) | 40.1 ± 1.3 | 39.9 ± 1.3 | 0.21b |
| Birthweight (g) | 3676 ± 570 | 3508 ± 437 | < 0.01c |
| Delivery mode | |||
| Ventouse | 85 (92.4) | 94 (91.3) | 0.77a |
| Forceps | 2 (2.2) | 2 (1.9) | 1,00b |
| Breech (Lövset’s manoeuvre) | 5 (5.4) | 7 (6.8) | 0.69a |
| Indications, assisted delivery | |||
| Suspect asphyxiae | 50 (54.3) | 61 (59.2) | 0.49a |
| Maternalf | 37 (40.2) | 36 (35.0) | 0.45a |
| Breech presentation | 5 (5.4) | 7 (6.8) | 0.69a |
| Cord blood gases, artery | 73 (79.3) | 83 (80.6) | |
| Arterial pH | 7.20 ± 0.1 | 7.20 ± 0.1 | 0.81c |
| Arterial PCO2 (kPa) | 7.34 ± 1.4 | 7.30 ± 1.3 | 0.86c |
| Arterial base deficit (mmol/l) | 5.93 ± 2.9 | 5.84 ± 2.9 | 0.84c |
| Cord blood gases, vein | 82 (89.1) | 98 (95.1) | |
| Venous pH | 7.32 ± 0.1 | 7.33 ± 0.1 | 0.64c |
| Venous PCO2 (kPa) | 5.08 ± 1.0 | 5.05 ± 1.0 | 0.80c |
| Venous base deficit (mmol/l) | 5.72 ± 2.5 | 5.47 ± 2.5 | 0.53c |
| Metabolic acidosisg | 0 (0) | 1 (0.9) | 1.00d |
| Apgar scores | |||
| 1 min | 8 (6.25–9) | 8 (7–9) | 0.89b |
| 5 min | 9 (9–10) | 9 (9–10) | 1.00b |
| 10 min | 10 (9–10) | 10 (9–10) | 0.73b |
The results are reported as frequency (percentage), mean ± standard deviation (SD), median (inter-quartile range (IQR))
aCalculated using Pearson’s Chi-square Test bCalculated using Independent-Samples Mann-Whitney U Test
cCalculated using Independent samples T-test, equal variances assumed. dCalculated using Fisher’s Exact Test
eBased on information from continuous foetal monitoring (CTG alone or CTG with ST-analysis)
fProlonged 2nd stage, maternal exhaustion, hypertension / pre-eclampsia
gDefined as arterial pH < 7.00 and arterial base deficit ≥12 mmol/liter