Neonatal complications and risk factors associated with assisted vaginal delivery

To investigate neonatal injuries, morbidities and risk factors related to vaginal deliveries. This retrospective, descriptive study identified 3500 patients who underwent vaginal delivery between 2020 and 2022. Demographic data, neonatal injuries, complications arising from vaginal delivery and pertinent risk factors were documented. Neonatal injuries and morbidities were prevalent in cases of assisted vacuum delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus class A2 (GDMA2) and pre-eclampsia with severe features. Caput succedaneum and petechiae were observed in 291/3500 cases (8.31%) and 108/3500 cases (3.09%), respectively. Caput succedaneum was associated with multiparity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–0.57, P < 0.001) and assisted vacuum delivery (AOR 5.18, 95% CI 2.60–10.3, P < 0.001). Cephalohaematoma was linked to GDMA2 (AOR 11.3, 95% CI 2.96–43.2, P < 0.001) and assisted vacuum delivery (AOR 16.5, 95% CI 6.71–40.5, P < 0.001). Scalp lacerations correlated with assisted vacuum and forceps deliveries (AOR 6.94, 95% CI 1.85–26.1, P < 0.004; and AOR 10.5, 95% CI 1.08–102.2, P < 0.042, respectively). Neonatal morbidities were associated with preterm delivery (AOR 3.49, 95% CI 1.39–8.72, P = 0.008), night-time delivery (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.63, P = 0.009) and low birth weight (AOR 7.52, 95% CI 3.79–14.9, P < 0.001). Neonatal injuries and morbidities were common in assisted vacuum delivery, maternal GDMA2, pre-eclampsia with severe features, preterm delivery and low birth weight. Cephalohaematoma and scalp lacerations were prevalent in assisted vaginal deliveries. Most morbidities occurred at night. Clinical trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry 20220126004.