[Management of labor and delivery in low risk nulliparous women: comparison between level 1 and level 3 maternities]

OBJECTIVES: To compare obstetrical practices between level 1 ( community hospital) and level 3 (university hospital) maternities in a low risk nulliparous population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1532 low risk nulliparas were included in a retrospective study conducted in the setting of two maternities in the Ile-de-France area. Cesarean delivery and forceps rates, management of labor, analgesia, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Cesarean delivery rates were not significantly different (11.5% in level 3 vs 10.2% in level 1). Level 1 maternity performed induction of labor more often (14.7% vs 8.7%, p<0.01). Peridural analgesia rates were higher in the level 3 maternity (95.1% vs 75.5%. p<0.01) but general anesthesia was two-fold more frequent in level 1 maternity. Level 3 maternity performed more instrumental deliveries (27.5% vs 17.4%, p<0.01) and more episiotomies (72.7% vs 39.3%). But we noted more first and second degree perineal tears in the level 1 maternity (29.9% vs 17.4%, p<0.01). Neonatal hospitalizations were more frequently in level 3 maternity. CONCLUSION: Some "interventionist" practices, but not all, were less frequent amongst physicians managing mainly low-risk women than amongst physicians managing mainly high-risk women but without difference for the cesarean delivery rates. The main differences were observed for epidural, instrumental delivery, and episiotomy rates but perineal tears and induction of labor were more frequent in the level I maternity. These differences could be explained by obstetrical politics in the two maternities rather than the type of level.