Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for Zika-associated fetal abnormalities using microRNA. They found that the antibiotic enoxacin can abolish placental Zika virus persistence and rescue associated microcephaly in mouse models.
A new intrauterine device successfully controlled postpartum hemorrhage in 93% of patients who delivered vaginally and 84% of those who delivered by cesarean. The device, which uses low-level suction to promote uterine contractions, showed rapid effectiveness and can be a valuable tool for managing the condition.
The journal's October 2023 issue addresses racism in reproductive health through a transdisciplinary approach, featuring articles on disparities, community engagement, and research. The special issue aims to promote health equity and inclusion, providing a safe space for historically marginalized people.
Residency programs lack standardized menopause curriculum, with only 31% reporting any training. A national curriculum is proposed to improve patient care and address the growing need for menopause education.
A Mount Sinai study identified the most effective and safest outpatient labor induction methods, using low-dose vaginal misoprostol, which reduces hospital stays and increases hospital efficiency. The study found that this approach does not increase cesarean delivery risk or complications.
A new survey confirms the need for more menopause education in US residency programs, with only 31.3% of directors reporting a standardized curriculum. Most residents feel they lack knowledge on managing menopause symptoms and related conditions.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that implementing a streamlined process for urgent cesarean deliveries improved infant Apgar scores, particularly for Black and Hispanic infants. The study reduced decision-to-incision time by 64% among all patients, with the largest improvements seen in Black and Hispanic patients.
ChatGPT achieved high scores in clinical reasoning and demonstrated rapid response times to evolving questions. However, its lack of local ethnic knowledge and limited medical references hindered its performance in highly contextual situations.
A comprehensive care plan has been published to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the US. The plan provides specific recommendations for both expecting parents and clinicians, including daily low-dose aspirin, surveillance, and behavioral strategies.
A multicentre prospective cohort study found that women using traditional Chinese medicine before and during pregnancy had a 2.1-times higher risk of congenital malformations compared to those without exposure. The study identified significant associations with early pregnant use and the use of two or more types of products.
A new study finds significant variation in life-threatening maternal complications among Medicaid enrollees, with rates differing by state and race-ethnicity. The five states with the highest rates of severe maternal morbidity included D.C., California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
The Center will develop accessible educational tools to reduce stress, improve social support, and promote family well-being. Led by Dr. Catherine Monk, the TtP Center will assemble services, accelerate research, and support interventions promoting optimal outcomes for parents-to-be and their developing children.
Researchers developed noninvasive imaging technology that creates 3D maps of uterine contractions in real-time, offering new insights into preterm birth and labor. The technology can track changes through progressive contractions and may help identify ways to prevent preterm birth.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual reality lessons significantly improved medical students' knowledge of fetal development, with retention at one-week follow-up. Students showed high satisfaction with the VR tool compared to traditional tutorials.
Researchers found altered proteins in women's blood during the third trimester, correlating with brain signaling activity and pro-inflammatory pathways. The study aims to develop early diagnosis and treatment protocols for perinatal mood disorders.
A study led by University at Buffalo physician Elana Tal found that people in states with restrictive abortion policies are less likely to receive optimal care after a miscarriage. The researchers found disparities in the management of early pregnancy loss, including lower rates of uterine aspiration and mifepristone prescription.
A new study reveals rural pregnant individuals are less likely to have adequate health insurance before, during, and after pregnancy compared to urban residents. This disparity affects access to quality care and increases the risk of adverse maternal health outcomes.
Studies found underrepresentation of American Indian, Asian, Black, and Latinx groups in obstetrics and gynecology research. The disparity varies by race, ethnicity, subspecialty, and funder, with some subspecialties having more diverse trials than others.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM found that pregnant individuals have a similar long-term immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination as non-pregnant individuals. The study also showed that vaccination during pregnancy provides protection to unborn babies, which is essential for their C...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University developed a new contamination detection tool called Squeegee to establish reproducibility in microbiome identification. The tool uses computer analysis to detect 'breadcrumbs' of contaminants, improving the accuracy of metagenomic sequencing analysis in low biomass studies.
A new study reveals that gynecology prioritizes childbirth and fertility over women's health issues such as pelvic damage, sexual pleasure, and menopause. The study proposes separating obstetrics from gynecology and incorporating feminist studies into medical training to prioritize women's needs.
Researchers discovered that stillbirth can be inherited and tends to be passed down through male members of the family, particularly on the father's side. This trend was identified in a large study analyzing health histories of families over multiple generations.
Researchers deciphered the ovarian reserve in cynomolgus monkeys using quantitative morphometric study. The study found that the number of primordial follicles decreased with age, with abundant reserves in perinatal periods and sharp decline during adolescence and adulthood.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that COVID-19 damages the placenta's immune response, leading to increased rates of preterm birth. The study, led by UW Medicine researchers, suggests that babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 may need to be monitored for potential long-term effects.
A review of ERAS programs in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery reveals improved patient recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stays. Implementing ERAS protocols also reduces opioid consumption without increasing complications or healthcare costs.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 1 in 4 patients didn't know they were pregnant before six weeks. Meanwhile, 86% of those who did know their pregnancy status still had abortions after the six-week mark.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide gas significantly reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and hospital stays in pregnant women with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The therapy was administered twice daily to patients, resulting in no adverse events.
A new study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that having sex less often during menopause is not associated with an increased risk of developing sexual pain. Women who maintain or increase their sexual frequency do not appear to be at higher risk for developing sexual pain, according to the study.
A study of teenage childbirth in Cote d'Ivoire found higher risks of complications for both mother and child. Adolescent girls were more likely to develop high blood pressure, contract infections, and undergo cesarean sections.
A new study finds that progesterone does not prevent preterm birth in women who have had a previous preterm birth. The research calls for revised guidelines on the use of vaginal progesterone in these patients.
Research suggests that mothers-to-be on high-salt diets may increase their children's risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. The study found that offspring exposed to a high-salt environment in utero had higher blood pressure and increased predisposition to hypertension, even after weaning.
A recent national survey suggests that few cardiologists and care team members are trained in cardio-obstetrics, a specialty combining cardiology, obstetrics, and primary care. Only 29% of clinicians reported receiving cardio-obstetrics teachings during training.
A new quality improvement study from Cedars-Sinai found that comprehensive nurse training is key to successfully screening women for postpartum depression. The initiative identified framing the screening as part of family wellness and normalizing the transition to parenthood as helpful strategies.
A cohort study of nearly 1,000 pregnant persons in NYC found that neighborhoods most affected by racism and economic inequality had higher rates of COVID-19 infection and preterm births. The researchers linked structural racism and community unemployment to increased risk of preterm birth.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...
A new study by UCSF and UCLA finds that nearly half of US OB-GYN residency programs may lack abortion training if Roe v. Wade is overturned, posing significant risks for patient care. The researchers estimate that 44.8% of programs are in states where abortion will be banned, while 43.9% of residents have received training in these sta...
A new Northwestern Medicine study has found that the COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with birth defects that are detectable on ultrasound. The study analyzed electronic medical records from a cohort of 3,156 pregnant people who received at least one vaccine dose and found no increased risk of major fetal structural anomalies.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
A new Northwestern University study found that pregnant women often continue to experience depression and anxiety symptoms even with antidepressant treatment. The study suggests that these women require closer monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum to tailor their treatment and alleviate symptoms.
A survey of Michigan healthcare providers found increased anguish and fear due to COVID-19, with implications for mental health and worker retention. The study identified five major themes: provider health, patient care impact, burdens of personal protective equipment, decreased support during labor, and ethical challenges.
A 2018 clinical trial found that patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent open surgery had higher progression-free survival rates than those who underwent minimally invasive surgery. Researchers now propose a series of steps to reevaluate the use of MIS in cervical cancer treatment.
Researchers found that advanced paternal age and obesity are associated with lower implantation rates in couples experiencing unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. The study analyzed nearly 800 couples who underwent IVF treatment, revealing a 12.6% increased risk of implantation failure for every one-unit increase in BMI.
Researchers at Wayne State University have found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce fetal immune responses in pregnant women, even if they don't display symptoms. This increase in inflammatory markers poses a risk for preterm birth, stillbirth, and other complications.
Chronic hypertension is driving rising maternal mortality rates in the US, particularly among Black women. The study highlights a 15-fold increase in maternal mortality associated with chronic hypertension over 40 years.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy elicits high levels of antibodies in both mother and baby, regardless of when it occurs. The research suggests that pregnant women should not delay vaccination until late pregnancy, as it is likely to be beneficial for themselves and their babies.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women in areas with worse health disparities have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These outcomes include increased risks of preeclampsia, abruption, and preterm birth.
A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who experienced pre-eclampsia in both pregnancies were 17 times more likely to have another preterm birth. The research also showed a three-fold higher risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia after a preterm birth.
Research conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that cervical cancer rates are significantly higher in low SES neighborhoods of New York City. The study analyzed data from two databases and calculated a 73 percent greater risk of cervical cancer in these neighborhoods compared to high-SES areas.
A recent study has called for reduced forceps use in Canada and better education for both clinicians and mothers on how to avoid injury during childbirth. The researchers analyzed nearly two million birth records from Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Austria, finding that five percent of women had third or fourth degree tears to the perineum.
A study by researchers at Wayne State University found a dose-response relationship between SARS-CoV-2 severity and the risk of preterm birth, with severely infected mothers more likely to experience early birth. The study also linked severe COVID-19 infection to an increased risk of preeclampsia.
Unvaccinated pregnant women are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations due to the Delta variant, with severe cases requiring ventilators and resulting in deaths. The proportion of hospitalizations among unvaccinated women has more than doubled since last year.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing preeclampsia. Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a 62% higher odds of developing preeclampsia than those without the infection.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that respiratory emissions produced during labor and vaginal delivery can increase the risk of respiratory disease transmission. The findings support the recommendation of providing full PPE, including N95 masks, to healthcare workers in labor and delivery units to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine, MAHEC, and community partners will address racial disparities in maternal care by improving data accountability and providing community-based doula support. The study aims to decrease pregnancy complications for Black women and improve outcomes in maternal care.
A study of over 3,000 family physicians found that those from underrepresented racial-ethnic groups reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. This may be attributed to practicing in more diverse counties and having less exposure to obstetrics.
A Swedish study found a link between HPV infection and increased risk of preterm birth, even in women without previous abnormal cell changes. The study included over 1 million births and suggested that vaccination against HPV may be beneficial for pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found that the proportion of non-white residents increased among obstetrics and gynecology, surgical, and nonsurgical training programs. The study suggests improvements in diversity and inclusion efforts are needed to address racial and ethnic disparities in medical education.
A new Northwestern Medicine study of placentas from vaccinated patients found no evidence of injury, supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The study adds to growing evidence that vaccination can protect fetuses without increasing harm.
A study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that residents in majority-Black neighborhoods experience higher rates of severe pregnancy-related health problems. Neighborhood-level public health interventions may be necessary to lower these rates.