Forceps assisted birth increases the risk of OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injury) significantly. Dr. Muraca breaks down her doctoral research on instrumental assisted birth to help provide informed consent for everyone giving birth. Being informed can help decrease the risk of injury. 

Dr. Guilia Muraca is a perinatal epidemiologist and an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact at McMaster University. 

Her research uses epidemiologic approaches to identify optimal intervention rates in birth  (e.g., cesarean delivery rate, induction rate) that minimize the frequency of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage, obstetric anal sphincter injury, maternal sepsis, neonatal sepsis, birth injury). 

Dr. Muraca’s research program at McMaster University aims to produce evidence to support enhanced safety and satisfaction in the care of pregnant individuals and their children, with emphasis on care quality, accessibility and equity.

Dr. Muraca Shares:

1. How commonplace are forceps births? 


2. What is the impact on the pelvic floor and long term issues with prolapse and incontinence after instrumental assisted birth? 


3. Dr. Muraca’s research has discovered that rates of trauma after Operative Vaginal Deliveries is higher than previously reported - let’s dive into that. 


4. What are some changes that could be made to make operative vaginal deliveries safer? 


5. What are your thoughts on our rising cesarean birth rates? Factors at play? Concerns you may have, if any? 


6. What do you wish more people knew about birth and recovery? 


7. What are the biggest changes you would like to see made to the current state of obstetrics in Canada? 


8. Asian-White disparities in obstetric anal sphincter injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis: 39% of women experience fecal incontinence after 3rd or 4th degree tearing (aka Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). Your research showed that there is an increased risk from women who identify as Asian race vs White. Let’s talk about why.

Show Notes: 

For more of Dr. Muraca, please visit www.giuliamuraca.com

X handles: @giuliamuraca1; @PERLLabMac