A new study found that breastfeeding mothers who receive a COVID-19 vaccine can pass protective antibodies to their babies through breast milk, providing long-lasting immune protection. The research tracked antibody levels in breast milk over an extended period and confirms the potential immune benefit of breast-feeding infants after v...
A new study published in The Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology found that nearly 11% of men experience anxiety during the perinatal period, with rates higher during postpartum than pregnancy.
A University of South Florida Health study uncovers a novel mechanism by which maternal stress triggers idiopathic preterm birth. Elevated FKBP51 levels and enhanced progesterone receptor binding stimulate labor, while Fkbp5-deficient mice are resistant to preterm birth.
A new study by USF Health researchers has discovered that maternal decidual cells act as reservoirs for Zika virus transmission through the placenta. The study also found that tizoxanide can effectively inhibit Zika virus in these cells, offering promise for preventing perinatal transmission and its associated health problems.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that COVID-19 mortality rates were significantly higher among pregnant mothers than similarly aged individuals, with a 3.5 times higher hospitalization rate for pregnant women with COVID-19.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women with serious pregnancy complications are twice as likely to die after childbirth. The research team identified cardiac complications, acute renal failure, and strokes as the main causes of mortality after 42 days.
A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...
The Penn Center for Multi-Scale Molecular Mapping of the Female Reproductive System will create a comprehensive resource for women's health by documenting the molecular characteristics of individual cells in the female reproductive system.
A national study found that COVID-19 symptoms in pregnant women can last two months or longer, impacting health and wellbeing. Researchers analyzed 594 women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy, discovering that half had symptoms after 3 weeks and 25 percent had symptoms persisting beyond 8 weeks.
A multi-site study found that using prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) does not significantly lower the risk of infection for women with obesity who have undergone cesarean delivery. The study, which included over 1,600 participants, also found increased rates of skin irritations in the NPWT group.
A 12-year study in Alabama found that rural counties with in-county obstetrical care had significantly better infant birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality rates and fewer underweight deliveries. The lack of access to obstetrical care was also associated with higher percentages of underrepresented minority residents.
A Northwestern University study has identified the specific regions of brain tissue where a key gene named aromatase regulates male sexual behavior in mice. Aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, driving male sexual activity. The discovery could lead to new treatments for disorders of low and compulsive sexual desire.
Pregnant obese women are at higher risk of early and late-onset hypertensive disorders, with the risk increasing with higher body mass indexes (BMI). The study found a strong association between maternal obesity and both early- and late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who consume alcohol during early pregnancy face a higher risk of miscarriage. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 women and found an incremental 8% increase in miscarriage risk each week of alcohol use.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnancy and birth outcomes for women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar across different racial and ethnic groups, defying previous expectations of disparate treatment. Researchers attribute this finding to close follow-up care implemented by the medical center.
Scientists have gained significant knowledge of rhinoceros parturition, enabling better birth management and obstetrics in zoological gardens. The study reveals the average duration of parturition is 7 hours and 38 minutes, with most births occurring head-first, resulting in a rapid final expulsion.
A recent study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that COVID-19 transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy is rare. The research examined 49 studies involving 666 neonates and 655 women, revealing that only a small percentage of babies tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the s...
The majority of women's healthcare units in the UK have adapted well to the initial COVID-19 outbreak, but there are concerns about long-term planning to prevent health issues from developing. Women's healthcare units provide essential services such as maternity, antenatal and gynaecology care.
A recent study from Turkey found that women experienced increased sexual desire and intercourse frequency during the pandemic, but lower overall satisfaction. Menstrual disorders became more common and sexual function scores decreased compared to pre-pandemic periods.
A new statement emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. Cardio-obstetrics teams comprehensively manage cardiovascular conditions, reducing pregnancy-related deaths and improving maternal outcomes.
Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions should receive preconception counseling and specialized maternity care from a cardio-obstetrics team. Regular exercise during pregnancy may improve blood vessel function and prevent preeclampsia.
A study published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology examined the effect of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) on stillbirth rates. The findings suggest that other public health measures are responsible for the decline in stillbirth rate in Scotland, not the GAP program.
A Columbia study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that patients using copper intrauterine devices (Cu IUDs) had a lower risk of high-grade cervical neoplasms compared to those using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS). The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found the diagnosis rate of high-g...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that so-called egg stem cells do not exist in the human ovary, contrary to previous reports. The study's comprehensive map of ovarian cells will contribute to the development of new methods for treating female infertility.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy report improved lung function in infants born after FETO therapy, which involves a minimally invasive procedure to block the fetal trachea. The study found that prenatal and postnatal monitoring and care were highly coordinated, allowing for favorable outcomes in the 14 infants born.
A recent Rutgers-led study tracked ob-gyn article citation rates, finding substantial differences between articles published in non-specialty and specialty journals. Top-cited ob-gyn articles from non-specialty journals showed higher levels of evidence, broader appeal, and more frequent citations.
A systematic review from George Washington University finds that telehealth interventions can lead to improved health outcomes in low-risk obstetrics, family planning, and gynecologic conditions. Text messaging and remote monitoring are identified as key components of effective telehealth interventions.
A new University of Liverpool-led study found that two-thirds of obstetricians and gynaecologists experience traumatic work-related events, leading to clinically significant PTSD symptoms in 18% of consultants and trainees. The culture in obstetrics and gynaecology is identified as a barrier to trauma support.
A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that women who don't attend regular hospital check-ups during pregnancy are more likely to experience physical violence. The research highlights the importance of healthcare professionals detecting warning signs of gender violence.
A retrospective study found that participating in childbirth education classes nearly tripled the likelihood of a successful normal vaginal delivery. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and other differences, suggesting that these classes lead to lower intervention needs and less instrumental deliveries.
A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who underwent weight loss surgery between pregnancies had lower risks of hypertension and preterm birth in their second pregnancy. The likelihood of adverse outcomes did not decrease to the level observed in the general population.
Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women reported higher pain scores compared to white women during the postpartum period. Despite this, they received fewer opioids and were less likely to receive prescriptions at discharge.
Recent analysis examined safety of oral fluconazole and itraconazole in pregnant women, finding slight increases in risk of congenital heart defects and limb defects. Oral agents were not associated with increased risk of overall birth defects.
Researchers identify TIMP-1 and D-lactic acid as potential biomarkers for preterm birth risk in resource-poor areas. The study aims to develop a cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic test to assess the presence of known risk factors.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health have established evidence-based guidelines for maternal weight gain during twin pregnancies. Gaining within targeted ranges reduces the risk of poor health outcomes. Women should discuss safe weight gain amounts with their healthcare providers to minimize risks.
A study of over 50,000 pregnancies reveals that late third trimester ultrasounds can identify previously undetected fetal abnormalities in 0.5% of cases. This benefit highlights the importance of these scans for detecting abnormalities that were missed in earlier first and/or second trimester exams.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that a woman's bone marrow plays a crucial role in determining her ability to start and sustain a pregnancy. Bone marrow-derived stem cells travel to the uterus, where they help transform the uterine lining for implantation, essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
A telemedicine program using remote blood pressure monitoring has shown promising results in engaging newly postpartum women in cardiovascular monitoring, with 88% of participants returning to the clinic for follow-up appointments. The program aims to bridge care from obstetricians to ongoing cardiovascular monitoring, empowering patie...
A 2009 trial showed inducing labor at the end of pregnancy reduced high-risk situations, benefiting both mothers and babies. In a follow-up analysis in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, this finding was corroborated, supporting the optimal management strategy for hypertensive disease.
A large international study published in EClinicalMedicine journal reveals that home births have no increased risk of baby's perinatal or neonatal death compared to hospital births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 intended home births and similar numbers of hospital births in eight countries.
Researchers identified factors contributing to placental transfer of antibodies, including a preference for NK-activating antibodies that activate natural killer cells. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective maternal vaccines and deliver them during pregnancy to protect newborns from serious diseases like polio.
A new analysis of 997 twin pregnancies reveals that cell-free DNA testing for Down syndrome is just as accurate as in singleton pregnancies, with a detection rate of 98% and only 0.05% misdiagnosis rate. The study provides compelling evidence to recommend cfDNA testing for mothers carrying twins.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial argues that the Motherisk program should be reinvented to support healthy pregnancies and births. The proposed program would involve collaboration among clinical experts, front-line providers, and health organizations to ensure responsible conduct and independence from industry.
A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Massachusetts' parental consent law for abortion leads to significant delays in care, increasing medical risks and constraining clinical options. The law requires a judicial bypass hearing for minors seeking abortions without parental consent.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that female reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialists make $67,000 less than their male counterparts annually. Researchers attribute the pay gap to factors such as salary compression and women's reluctance to negotiate over salary.
A major breakthrough in artificial womb technology has demonstrated its ability to support extremely preterm babies equivalent to a human fetus at 24 weeks of gestation. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that the technology can maintain stable, growth-normal state for five days.
A CU Anschutz study discovered a genetic component that breaks down contraceptive hormones in some women, potentially leading to pregnancy. The research may lead to the development of more precise medical tools to tailor treatment to individual patients.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.
Scientists at FAU create porous scaffolds using electrospinning to support ovarian follicle growth, showing promising results. The goal is to develop an ideal artificial ovary that mimics the natural environment for follicle maturity, potentially increasing fertility in cancer patients.
A Rutgers study found that Gabapentin reduces pain and improves sexual desire and satisfaction in women with vulvodynia, a condition characterized by stinging, burning, or itching at the vaginal entry point.
A decade-long study found that vaginal childbirth substantially increases the probability of developing pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, later in life. The study also identified delivery modes associated with higher risk, including spontaneous vaginal delivery and operative vaginal delivery.
Researchers found that Catholic health care facilities often limit common women's health services like contraception and sterilization, and may only offer pills as a contraceptive method. The study highlights the need for further exploration of how institutional restrictions impact patient outcomes.
A new oral drug significantly reduced menstrual bleeding in over 90% of premenopausal women with fibroid tumors. Elagolix also prevented estrogen-deficiency induced side effects like hot flashes and bone loss when prescribed with hormone therapy.
An interactive online LGBT cultural competency training program improved oncologists' knowledge and clinical practices on LGBT patients. The program increased correct answers on LGBT-related knowledge items by 52% and favorable perspectives toward LGBT people by 70%.
Researchers found that neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion with the number of births in at least 30 percent of cases. Large for gestational age (LGA) weight infants are at risk for complications and recurrence, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Research found that hospitals with teaching status, system affiliation, and higher volume had better TOLAC use and success rates. In contrast, low-volume and rural hospitals struggled with TOLAC use, suggesting opportunities for improvement in these regions.
Elective induction of labor in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies from 39 weeks' gestation is associated with lower complication rates. Women should be aware that induction can lead to a more prolonged and painful process.
Researchers found that hospitals with government ownership and lower delivery volumes had the poorest outcomes for both mothers and babies. Jointly considering morbidity outcomes for mom and baby is the best way to measure a hospital's obstetrics program quality.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that delayed childbearing is a significant contributor to the increase in multiple births in the US. Older women are more likely to have twins, triplets, and quadruplets, with risks increasing by three to six times depending on age and ethnicity.
A multicenter study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that inducing labor in healthy first-time mothers at 39 weeks reduced cesarean sections compared to waiting for labor naturally. Infants born to induced mothers did not experience more stillbirths or newborn deaths.