Obstetric management of the next pregnancy after an unexplained stillbirth: an anonymous postal survey of Australian obstetricians.

BACKGROUND

Women who have an unexplained stillbirth are more likely to be delivered early, by induced labour or Caesarean section, in their next pregnancy. It is unclear whether these birth outcomes result from characteristics of the next pregnancy, or represent management strategies of obstetricians.

AIM: To investigate obstetricians' management strategies in the next pregnancy after an unexplained stillbirth.

METHODS

Anonymous postal survey of Australian obstetricians. Respondents were given a clinical scenario regarding a previous unexplained stillbirth and were asked about management.

RESULTS

The response rate was 69%. Tests of 'fetal well-being' were undertaken by the majority of respondents. Additional third trimester ultrasound surveillance was recommended by 87% of respondents, regular cardiotograph monitoring by 72% and formal fetal movement charting by 39%. Elective induction of labour (in the absence of any other obstetric indication) was recommended by 93% of respondents, and elective Caesarean delivery by 35%.

CONCLUSIONS

The tendency for subsequent pregnancies after an unexplained stillbirth to be delivered earlier, and more often by Caesarean section, may be due in part to altered management strategies, not solely as a result of complications of the pregnancy itself.