Using ultrasound before operational birth improves neonatal outcomes

Using ultrasound prior to operative vaginal birth leads to improved neonatal outcomes, according to research published March 11 in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM. A team led by Sasha Skinner, MBBS, from Monash Health in Victoria, Australia, found that compared to cases where ultrasound was not used, implementing a safety protocol that included intrapartum ultrasound was tied to fewer infants being delivered in an unexpected position and a reduction in neonatal morbidity. “Our experience found that clinicians were receptive to upskilling in [ultrasound] to determine fetal head position,” the Skinner team wrote. “Intrapartum ultrasound is portable, easily accessible in many birthing units and improves the accuracy of determining fetal head position, which may reduce neonatal morbidity.” Previous reports indicate that poor outcomes from operative vaginal birth can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from failure to recognize malposition, breakdowns in interdisciplinary communication, and lack of compliance with accepted guidelines, the researchers noted. Skinner and colleagues implemented a safety protocol that included routine intrapartum ultrasound, a structured time-out, and a procedural checklist with the goal of reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity from operative vaginal births. For the study, the researchers compared births at Monash Health where intrapartum ultrasound was and was not used during the safety protocol implementation p...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Womens Imaging Source Type: news