Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

This study is important because it provides contemporary data that can be used to counsel women prenatally. In particular, the raised risk of preterm delivery and caesarean section as well as the increased severity of the condition when both feet are affected should be discussed. The poor perinatal outcome when additional anomalies are present and the increased risk of aneuploidy are also important factors.

Our aim was to directly assess the postnatal mobility of mothers and to relate and compare venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk with current guidelines on VTE thromboprophylaxis postpartum. VTE still remains one of the leading causes of direct maternal deaths in the western world and this risk is greatest in the postnatal period. Mode of delivery and postnatal mobility are key, however the effect of the former on the latter is unclear. A total of 200 antenatal women were recruited into the study. Each was given a pedometer and recorded the number of steps taken daily for 7 days postpartum. A total of 72 women completed the study. Those who underwent any form of vaginal delivery were mobile soonest. By day 7 postpartum, women following vaginal delivery were almost twice as mobile as those who underwent caesarean section (CS). Women who underwent emergency CS were more mobile than those who had elective CS, which is contrary to current assumptions.

A 29-year-old woman, primigravida, had labour induced for post-maturity following an uncomplicated antenatal course. She requested an epidural prior to commencement of syntocinon. This was administered in the sitting position without complication. The midwife noted drooping of the right eyelid of the patient 6.5 h following insertion of the epidural. Blood pressure and CTG remained reassuring. The obstetric anaesthetist reviewed the labouring woman and noted a right-sided ptosis as well as the right cheek being flushed and dry. There was no motor block and sensation in T1/T2/S3/S4 was intact. Horner's syndrome was diagnosed and anaesthetic review was recommended prior to further top-ups. The patient progressed well in the second stage of labour and did not require further top-ups and gave birth to a healthy male infant. Horner's syndrome resolved within 4 h following delivery and the postpartum period was uncomplicated.