Cochrane

What is the issue? In the past, women have been cared for and supported by other women during labour and birth, and have had someone with them throughout, which we call ‘continuous support’. However, in many countries more women are giving birth in hospital rather than at home. This has meant continuous support during labour has become the exception ...

What is the issue? A previous Cochrane review on Exercise for diabetic pregnant women included women with pre-existing diabetes and women with gestational diabetes. That review has now been split into two new reviews on: exercise for pregnant women with gestational diabetes (this review) and exercise for pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes (the ...

Protocol: To evaluate the effects of exercise interventions for improving maternal and fetal outcomes in women with pre-existing diabetes.

What is the issue? Vaginal births are often associated with some form of trauma to the genital tract, and tears that affect the anal sphincter or mucosa (third- and fourth-degree tears) can cause serious problems. Perineal trauma can occur spontaneously or result from a surgical incision (episiotomy). Different perineal techniques are being used to ...

What is the issue? Most babies in high-income countries grow well in the womb. However, when the mother has a medical problem such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, or the placenta does not develop properly, this may affect the growth of the baby. Also, sometimes babies do not grow well for reasons we do not fully understand. ...

What is the aim of this review? The aim of this Cochrane Review was to find out if treating gum disease can prevent adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women. Cochrane researchers collected and analysed all relevant studies to answer this question and found 15 relevant studies. Key messages There is no evidence that the treatment of gum disease reduces ...

What is the issue? If a mother already has diabetes when she becomes pregnant, she and her baby are at a higher risk of various problems in pregnancy, labour, birth and later. During pregnancy, the mother will have her blood glucose levels (sometimes referred to as blood sugar levels) monitored so appropriate steps can be taken to control her blood ...

What is the issue? Labour induction is a common procedure, carried out when it is judged to be safer for a baby to be born than to continue a pregnancy. When a woman who has had a caesarean in the past gives birth, current clinical practice supports helping her to have a vaginal birth. However, there is a higher risk of complications from induction ...

What is the issue? Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure performed during pregnancy to place a stitch around the neck of the womb (cervix). The stitch is aimed to support the cervix and reduce risk of an early birth. Why is this important? The cervix stays tightly closed until towards the end of normal pregnancies, before starting to shorten ...

What is the issue? Women often give birth in upright positions like kneeling, standing or squatting. Some women give birth on their backs in what are known as ‘supine’ positions - including dorsal (the woman flat on her back), lateral (the woman lying on her side), semi-recumbent (where the woman is angled partly upright) or lithotomy (where the woman’s ...