Major morbidities associated with childbirth in Victoria
The Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM) routinely collects information on maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity and has published Annual Reports since 1962. Funding from the Programs Branch, Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services Division, Department of Human Services (DHS), enabled the employment of a Research Officer for 12 months to investigate and report on some of the major causes of maternal morbidity in Victoria.
Reports resulting from this project were distributed to DHS and maternity service providers. It is anticipated that the information will assist DHS and other relevant agencies to develop appropriate policy interventions and service improvements.
The three reports resulting from this project are Obstetric Haemorrhage and Associated Hysterectomy, Episiotomy and Perineal Lacerations and Trends in operative delivery (caesarean section, vacuum extraction and forceps delivery) for women having their first birth at term.
Major morbidities associated with childbirth in Victoria. Topic 1: Obstetric haemorrhage and associated hysterectomy (PDF File - 810.4 kb) (external link)
This study described the incidence, risk factors and trends for postpartum haemorrhage and associated hysterectomy in the Victorian population.
Relevant literature on postpartum was reviewed. Data were extracted from the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit (VPDCU) databases, Department of Human Services. This is a mandatory reporting system of all births in Victoria at or beyond 20 weeks gestation. Data on postpartum haemorrhage were analysed from the most recently available database (2002), and data on hysterectomy were analysed over four years (1999-2002). Hysterectomy cases were validated using the Victorian Admitted Episodes Database (VAED). Major morbidities associated with childbirth in Victoria. Topic 2: Episiotomy and perineal lacerations July 2004 (PDF File - 840.7 kb) (external link)
The study provided information about the incidence, risk factors and trends for episiotomy and third/fourth-degree perineal lacerations in Victoria.
Data were extracted from the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit (VPDCU) databases, Department of Human Services. This is a mandatory reporting system of all births in Victoria at or beyond 20 weeks gestation. The period 1999 to 2002 was the focus of this report. The analysis was restricted to term (37 completed weeks gestation and greater) vaginal deliveries (TVD). Major morbidities associated with childbirth in Victoria. Topic 3: Trends in operative delivery (caesarean section, vacuum extraction and forceps delivery) for women having their first birth at term September 2004 (PDF File - 1.1 mb) (external link)
This report reviewed operative delivery (caesarean section, vacuum extraction and forceps delivery) in Victorian women having their first birth at term. It was prepared in response to concerns about increasing rates of operative delivery in Victoria. While it is recognised that operative delivery does not itself constitute maternal morbidity, it is a risk factor for some morbidities and an item of major community interest, and therefore requires close monitoring. This report described trends and factors that may be associated with operative delivery, including induction, in a population of relatively low-risk women having their first birth.