Score predicting imminent delivery in pregnant women calling the emergency medical service

Eur J Emerg Med. 2009 Feb;16(1):14-22. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32830a9940.

Abstract

Objective: To develop a telephone score predicting imminent delivery.

Methods: Prospective multicenter (n=38) study including pregnancies of 33 weeks or more amenorrhea (n=3.499). Values in points were assigned to risk factors (Cox's model) and the score tested on a validation cohort and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results: Risk was increased if the caller was panicking or declared delivery to be imminent (+3 points), if the pregnant woman could not be spoken to herself (+3), was aged 26-35 (+3) years, was having frequent contractions (from +4 to +8), had the urge to push (+2 to +6 depending on starting time), had a history of rapid or home delivery (+2), or had not been followed up during pregnancy (+8). Nulliparous women (-7) or those on tocolytic treatment (-3) were less at risk. The score is reproducible and relevant.

Conclusion: Score predicting imminent delivery scoring during calls is a valid means of assessing risk of delivery.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Emergency Medical Services*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Labor Stage, Third*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Telemedicine*
  • Young Adult