[Changes in obstetric management over the past decade (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Context:

• The study spans a 10-year period (1969-1979) at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Vienna.
• It examines the impact of evolving perinatal control techniques on obstetric management.
• Compares trends in a specific hospital against national birth rate declines.

Purpose:

• To present developments in perinatal monitoring and their effect on obstetric management.
• To analyze changes in delivery numbers, Cesarean section rates, and perinatal mortality.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of intensive management strategies for high-risk pregnancies.

Summary:

• Cardiotocographic monitoring is used in 95% of cases, with a rise in Cesarean sections from 4% to 8%, shifting towards preventive fetal indications.
• Perinatal mortality decreased to 1.35% through selective high-risk pregnancy management, including ultrasound, tocolytic drugs, and intensive prenatal care.
• Monitoring of placental insufficiency via hormone levels and isotope perfusion, fetal lung maturity assessment, and new labor induction methods were implemented.

Impact:

• Significant reduction in uncorrected perinatal mortality rate to 1.35%.
• Improved management of high-risk pregnancies, including prematurity and placental insufficiency.
• Integration of advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions in obstetric care.