17 Sept 2025 • In a study of 1,081 nulliparous women undergoing assisted vaginal birth (AVB), a persistent occipito-posterior (OP) position was linked to markedly higher maternal morbidity compared with OP rotated to occipito-anterior (OA).

Key Findings:

• Non-rotated OP births showed increased postpartum hemorrhage (34% vs 15%; adj OR 3.57), obstetric anal sphincter injury (16% vs 2%; adj OR 12.62), and caesarean section rates (27% vs 5%; adj OR 8.99).
• Neonatal outcomes were similar, but OP was misdiagnosed as OA/OT in 18% of cases.

The findings highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and rotation to OA before AVB to reduce maternal complications.

Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology | Read Full Story