The mode of delivery in women taken to theatre at full dilatation: does consultant presence make a difference?

The objective to this study was to assess whether consultant presence made a difference to the outcome of the mode of delivery when a woman was taken to theatre at full dilatation. During March to September 2009, the chance of a woman having a vaginal delivery if the consultant was present when they were taken to theatre at full dilatation was 70% (7/10), however in their absence, the chance of vaginal delivery was only 30% (12/40) (p < 0.05). Caesareans at full dilatation were associated with a higher rate of postpartum haemorrhage and longer hospital stay. This study shows that an increased consultant presence on labour ward, as advocated by the RCOG, could lead to a decrease in caesarean section at full dilatation.