Acetaminophen remains the recommended medication for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. Recent studies have investigated its potential association with childhood neurobehavioral issues, but significant limitations were found in their study designs. SMFM recommends acetaminophen as a safe treatment option for pregnant patients wh...
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released the first evidence-based clinical guidance for cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. The guidance aims to support both maternal health and pregnancy goals, while also prioritizing effective cancer therapy and fetal well-being.
Research found that states with five or more abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease, and violence compared to those with fewer restrictions. Abortion is a medically safe procedure, and restricting access to it has real consequences, according to the study.
A novel AI model has been developed to accurately detect placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnancy, a life-threatening condition often undetected by current screening methods. The model was retrospectively reviewed on 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at high risk for PAS and found to be accurate in detecting all cases.
A new study found that the Baby2Home smartphone app significantly reduced symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety in first-time mothers, improving overall health and parenting confidence. The app provided personalized educational information, infant care trackers, and mental health self-management tools.
Patients who stopped taking antidepressant medication during pregnancy had a nearly two-fold higher risk of experiencing mental health emergencies, with peaks in the first and ninth months. Researchers found no difference in prior mental health visits between those who continued or discontinued therapy.
Researchers studied 434 children for signs of autism or neurodevelopmental problems, finding no link between mRNA vaccine and autism. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
A new study found that prescribing daily aspirin to all pregnant patients at the first prenatal visit reduces the development of severe preeclampsia by 29%. The study also showed that patients given aspirin had later onset or no severe preeclampsia, with no increase in maternal hemorrhage or placental abruption.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) has released new guidance on diagnosing and managing heart failure during pregnancy and postpartum. The guidance highlights the importance of preconception counseling, assembling multidisciplinary care teams, and referring patients to centers with expertise.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
A new study found that early intervention with iron delivered intravenously during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for anemia. The study, which involved over 4,000 participants in India, showed that single dose IV iron preparations can reduce the risk of low birthweight infants and anemia by delivery.
Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in preterm placenta compared to term births. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation may contribute to the risk of preterm birth.
A new study suggests that AI can significantly improve a clinician's ability to detect cases suspicious for congenital heart defects, regardless of their experience or training. The AI system also increased confidence levels and reduced diagnosis time among clinicians.
A new national study has found that homicide and suicide are the leading causes of maternal death in the US, with firearm deaths contributing to a significant portion. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact on Black birthing people and suggests that firearm legislation can reduce maternal mortality rates.
A new study reported that pregnant women with previable premature rupture of membranes (PROM) faced significantly higher risks of severe complications, including sepsis and blood transfusions, after the Texas Senate Bill 8 law went into effect.
A new study found that pregnant individuals who give birth to large-for-gestational-age (LGA) babies are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes 10-14 years after childbirth. Researchers analyzed data from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow-up Study, which revealed a significant association bet...
A large study of over 2.5 million pregnancies in California found that exposure to wildfire smoke increased the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. The researchers analyzed data from 2007-2012 and found a significant association between wildfire smoke and premature labor, with an average exposure of 7.5 days.
A new study of the FDA-cleared Jada System found that it successfully treated postpartum hemorrhage in 92.5% of vaginal births and 83.7% of cesarean births, with a mean indwelling time of 4.6 hours for vaginal births and 6.3 hours for cesarean births.
A new study found that a single dose of azithromycin given during labor significantly reduced the risk of maternal death or sepsis in women in low- and middle-income countries. The antibiotic was administered to over 29,000 participants in eight sites across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Research suggests that using cannabis in the first six to 14 weeks of pregnancy is associated with poor fetal growth and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. The study analyzed urine samples from over 9,200 participants and found a significant link between cannabis use and adverse placental function.
A new study found that implementing collaborative care model during pregnancy improves depression screening and treatment, eliminating racial disparities. The model's team-based approach seamlessly integrates mental health care into physical health care.
A new study finds that women with a history of gestational diabetes are at greater risk for a range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from 219,330 women, suggests that preventative measures during pregnancy may help prevent cardiovascular disease later i...
A high-quality diet during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of fetal growth restriction, according to new research. The study found that individuals with a healthier diet scored higher on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Eating Index, resulting in reduced risk of FGR and gestational hypertension.
A new study found that pregnant people on Medicaid who received intensive care management had lower preterm birth rates compared to those who did not. This initiative, known as Pregnancy Medical Home (PMH), provided comprehensive care from a team of professionals, including social and economic support.
Researchers found that pregnant people at risk of severe COVID illness regardless of trimester. Vaccination rates among pregnant women remain low despite evidence showing vaccines can help prevent severe illness during pregnancy.
Researchers found that daily xylitol chewing gum use reduced preterm births by 12.6% and low birth weight babies by 8.9%. The 10-year study, conducted in Malawi, suggests a simple and inexpensive way to improve oral health and reduce preterm births.
Experts convene to examine how social determinants affect maternal, infant, and lifelong health outcomes. The workshop aims to reduce disparities and inequities in obstetric care.
Research shows people with diverse sexual and gender identities experience poorer health outcomes in obstetric care. Experts emphasize the importance of using inclusive language to improve health outcomes.
Experts urge policymakers to address disparities in access to postpartum sterilization, which disproportionately affects Black, Latinx, and Native American communities. The 30-day waiting period can lead to unnecessary pregnancies, causing emotional, physical, and financial burdens.
A recent study has found that women who develop high blood pressure during and after pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension. The study, which followed 368 women for six to 18 months after delivery, found that nearly half of the women developed high blood pressure in the first six weeks postpartum.
Researchers found that pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 produce high levels of IgG and neutralizing antibodies, but the transfer of these antibodies to their infants is less than expected. This study is the first to investigate the potency of maternal antibodies in COVID-19.
A new study found that pregnant women living in areas with high social vulnerability are at increased risk of preterm birth. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used to determine the likelihood of preterm birth, with socioeconomic and household composition themes showing the strongest association.
A large study found that pregnant women with severe COVID-19 are more likely to experience serious complications, such as cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm birth. These outcomes can have long-term health consequences for women and their infants.
Preeclampsia is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects an estimated 5-8 percent of all pregnancies, resulting in thousands of deaths worldwide. High blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the warning signs of this condition.
A study found nearly 4 out of 10 women readmitted for high blood pressure had no prior history. All women should be educated on postpartum hypertension before discharge.
The PROLONG trial found that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate do not reduce recurrent preterm birth or neonatal morbidity. In contrast, a previous study showed a 34% reduction in recurrent preterm birth with this medication. The differing results may be attributed to differences in the populations studied.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating sepsis in pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and management. The recommendations are designed to improve care and prevent organ damage caused by sepsis, with a focus on increasing maternal survival rates.
Researchers found that psychiatric readmissions occur later in the postpartum period, with younger women and those with multiple gestations at increased risk. Obstetric care providers should be aware of these risk factors to optimize postpartum care for at-risk women.
Researchers found that black women are more likely to be readmitted to hospital and suffer severe maternal morbidity, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Text-based monitoring of blood pressure reduced racial disparities in ascertainment.
A study of 959 obese pregnant women found no significant difference in birth outcomes between early and routine gestational diabetes screening. Early screening was associated with increased insulin use, a potential drawback for patients.
Researchers analyzed medical records from nearly 3,000 pregnant women to find that the ACOG criteria identifies those at highest risk for complications. The study suggests obstetric care providers need more information about the implications of 'high normal' blood pressure during pregnancy.
Nearly 3,000 maternal-fetal medicine physicians will share their expertise on preventing maternal morbidity and mortality at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's Annual Meeting. The event also includes a partnership between SMFM and Rancho High School, where students will learn from physicians about prenatal care and childbirth.
Dr. Clapp's research aims to better understand the factors affecting unanticipated NICU admissions and their relation to obstetric care quality. The study will use data from multiple sources, including the Consortium for Safe Labor trial and national birth certificate data.
A randomized trial found that induced labor at 39 weeks significantly reduced cesarean birth rates compared to expectant management. Healthy, first-time mothers who underwent elective induction had lower rates of preeclampsia and respiratory support for their newborns.
A study reveals that two bacteria can induce cervical changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth, highlighting the potential role of vaginal and cervical bacteria in premature labor.
Experts from obstetric care and addiction medicine meet to discuss the current evidence on substance use disorders (SUD) in pregnancy. They aim to review existing barriers to accessing treatment for SUD in pregnant women and provide clinical guidance for obstetric care providers.
Researchers found that tranexamic acid prevents blood loss after vaginal births and postpartum hemorrhage among women with operative vaginal deliveries or episiotomies. The study, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, suggests TXA should be considered for women at risk of PPH.
More than 2,000 maternal-fetal medicine specialists will present research on preventing postpartum hemorrhage, reducing cesarean births, and treating opioid misuse during pregnancy. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in Dallas aims to reduce high-risk pregnancy complications and promote public policy advancements.
The International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis, Perinatal Quality Foundation, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine issued a joint position statement on the use of diagnostic genome-wide sequencing for fetal diagnosis. The consensus opinion emphasizes that routine use of genome-wide sequencing as a diagnostic test is not currently ...
Leading medical organizations have issued new clinical guidance on hepatitis C in pregnancy, recommending screenings, treatments, and management strategies to minimize the risk of transmission. The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination against Hepatitis A and B during pregnancy for HCV-positive women.