Day 3 | Session 7 | Concurrent | Obstetric - Free Communications
Is induction of labour the right time to introduce information about an intrapartum trial relevant to a small minority of women?
Introduction: Caesarean section (CS) at full dilatation (CSFD) is an uncommon, unpredictable intrapartum event. The BEAD study is a randomised control trial evaluating the Fetal Pillow® during CSFD. As eligibility is confirmed when CSFD is required, abbreviated intrapartum consent is used. Declining participants surveyed suggested earlier access to study information might increase recruitment rates, but clinicians worry earlier information may increase CS anxiety.
Objective: Evaluate the acceptability of BEAD Study information at induction of labour (IOL).
Dr Helena Greene
O&G Registrar, FRANZCOG Trainee
Te Toka Tumai - Auckland
Dr Helena Greene is a second-year RANZCOG trainee at Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, passionate about research and considering an academic career in O&G. She co-founded a HealthTech startup in 2022 focused on empowering women and rangatahi around women's health—work she intends to continue throughout training.
Outside the hospital, Helena is a dedicated CrossFit competitor and recently welcomed her greatest achievement yet: her daughter, born in December 2025.
Beyond postpartum haemorrhage: interviews of women, clinicians, and stakeholders on postpartum anaemia and its treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand
Background: In Aotearoa approximately 1 in 5 women have postpartum anaemia (PPA), with rates differing by ethnicity (1). Improving care for women with PPA is hindered by limited understanding of their lived-experience, and limited evidence to guide management of more severe PPA (2).
Objective: To describe and understand
- lived-experience of PPA and its management,
- views of clinicians and stakeholders on current management of PPA,
- views on a future clinical trial of intravenous-iron vs blood transfusion for PPA.
Dr Sehan De Silva
O&G Specialist
Middlemore Hospital
Auckland
Dr Sehan De Silva is an O&G specialist, currently working at Middlemore Hospital. He has special interests in maternal medicine, preterm birth prevention, clinical governance and the implementation of information technology in clinical practice. He is a member of the Expert Clinical Advisory committee on Badgernet to Te Whatu Ora.What are the factors influencing pregnant people’s decisions to be tested for obstructive sleep apnoea after screening positive? A qualitative interview study
Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in pregnancy and associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may reduce the risk of preeclampsia by 30%. However, OSA is under-recognised and underdiagnosed in pregnancy. Preliminary evidence suggests that low uptake of sleep testing is a significant limiting factor in New Zealand and that disparities in access exist.
Objective(s): The study aims to explore the factors influencing pregnant people’s decisions to undergo sleep testing after screening high risk for OSA.
Antalya Stevens
PhD Student
University of Auckland
Antalya Stevens is a PhD Student at The University of Auckland in the departments of Psychological Medicine and Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Sciences. Her academic background is in Health Psychology completing her Masters in 2024. Antalya’s research interests are in health behaviour and communication. Her research aims to increase diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea in pregnancy by addressing the factors influencing sleep test uptake in this at-risk group. She is passionate about women’s health and improving equity in pregnancy outcomes.
The politics of pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a mother in Obstetrics and Gynaecology training and practice
Background: There is no existing literature specifically examining the experiences of women becoming mothers during Obstetrics and Gynaecology training or specialist practice.Objective: To understand the politics of pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a mother in training and practice.