Caesarean section following antepartum stillbirth in Western Australia 2010-2015: A population-based study

Background There is scant literature about antepartum stillbirth management but guidelines usually recommend reserving caesarean sections for exceptional circumstances. However, little is known about caesarean section rates following antepartum stillbirth in Australia. Aims We aimed to describe the onset of labour, mode of birth, and use of analgesia and anaesthesia following antepartum stillbirth and to identify factors associated with caesarean section. Material and Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we used a population-based dataset of all singleton antepartum stillbirths >= 20 weeks gestation in Western Australia between 2010-2015. The overall, primary and repeat caesarean section rates for antepartum stillbirths were calculated and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors, and to calculate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results This study included 634 antepartum stillbirths. Labour was spontaneous for 134 (21.1%), induced for 457 (72.1%), and 43 (6.8%) had a prelabour caesarean section. The overall, primary and repeat caesarean section rates were 8.5%, 4.6% and 23.0% respectively and increased with gestation (P trends all <0.01). Other factors associated with an increased caesarean section risk included: any placenta praevia or placental abruption, birth at a metropolitan private hospital, large-for-gestational-age birthweight, and any maternal chronic condition. During labour, the most frequently used types of analgesia were systemic narcotics (46.0%) and regional blocks (34.7%) while among those who had a caesarean section, 40.7% had a general anaesthetic. Conclusions In Western Australia between 2010-2015, the caesarean section rates among women with antepartum stillbirths were low, in line with current guidelines.

Automated summary

In Western Australia between 2010-2015, the rates of caesarean sections among women with antepartum stillbirths were low, in accordance with current guidelines. Factors associated with an increased risk of caesarean section following antepartum stillbirth included placenta praevia or placental abruption, birth at a metropolitan private hospital, large-for-gestational-age birthweight, and any maternal chronic condition. Analgesia types used during labour included systemic narcotics and regional blocks, with a significant percentage of those having a caesarean section receiving general anaesthetic.