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.
Experts recommend quality measures for preterm birth, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and other high-risk pregnancy complications. The measures aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and improve healthcare outcomes.
A California study found that using maternal safety toolkits and collaborating across multiple healthcare organizations can effectively reduce obstetric hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. The study showed a 21% reduction in severe hemorrhage after one year and a 28% reduction in smaller hospitals.
Researchers found that glucose supplementation shortens total labor duration by 76 minutes without increasing complication rates. This low-cost and safe intervention is recommended for women experiencing induced labor.
The SAFE PASSAGES program has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of perineal trauma and Cesarean sections while also improving overall childbirth outcomes. By implementing specific interventions such as eliminating midline episiotomies, the program has demonstrated a reduction in severe perineal lacerations by over 300%.
A new healthcare model integrating obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and behavioral health has significantly reduced the utilization of emergency services and hospital days for pregnant women and their newborns. The study found annual savings of over $800,000 for pregnant women and $1.6 million for newborns.
Researchers compared skin closure methods using glue (Dermabond) versus sutures in a randomized controlled trial. No significant differences were found in wound complications or scar healing between the two groups, suggesting both methods can be safe and successful for skin closure after cesarean delivery.
A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women with recurrent hypertensive disease of pregnancy have a higher risk of early mortality from causes such as diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. The study analyzed data from 1939 to 2012 and found that women with two or more affected pregnancies had a...
Researchers discovered a reduction in brain tissue and increased fluid accumulation in the upper brain of Zika-infected fetuses. The study, which included 7 cases, found a significant difference in total brain volume and intracranial volume between Zika-exposed fetuses and healthy controls.
Researchers analyzed over 45 million pregnancies to find an association between day of delivery and maternal-fetal mortality. Maternal deaths were found to be significantly higher on weekends than weekdays, suggesting a 'spill-over' effect that is present on both weekend and weekday deliveries.
Researchers compared two suture types for cesarean wound closure and found that poliglecaprone reduces wound complications. The study involved 550 patients and found a significantly lower rate of complications with monocryl suture compared to vicryl suture.
A new study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that a weight loss intervention did not improve pregnancy outcomes despite reducing maternal weight gain. The study, MOMFIT, tested an intensive lifestyle behavioral intervention to help overweight and obese women limit gestational weight gain.
In two studies, researchers compared the cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch to acellular dermal matrix and conventional suturing methods for in-utero spina bifida repair. The results showed improved spinal cord function with decreased meningeal scar formation and better preservation of spinal cord tracts.
Researchers found that specific changes to maternal diet alter the milk microbiome and human milk oligosaccharide composition, potentially affecting infant gut health. The study suggests a link between maternal diet and infant gut microbiome development during breastfeeding.
A study found that glucose supplementation significantly reduces the length of induced labor in nulliparous women without increasing complication rates. The researchers tested whether adding glucose to intravenous hydration solution could accelerate labor, concluding it's a low-cost and safe intervention.
A study found that women with preeclampsia exhibit early signs of cardiac dysfunction, which persist after pregnancy. The research suggests a higher risk of heart disease in African-American women, emphasizing the need for close follow-up care.
Researchers with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative present a study showing that a state-wide perinatal collaborative can significantly reduce severe maternal morbidity from hemorrhage. The project involved 99 hospitals and resulted in a 21% reduction in severe hemorrhage after one year, with smaller hospitals showing t...
A new method for filtering genetic study results has been developed to refine understanding of preterm birth risk factors. The technique, known as evolutionary triangulation, uses ancestry patterns to identify key genes involved in preterm birth.
A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial investigated the effects of recombinant antithrombin on gestation duration and neonatal morbidity in expectantly managed patients with early onset preeclampsia. No improvement was found in outcomes, with no reported safety events related to Recombinant Antithrombin.
A study of 2,000 pregnant women found that certain bacterial species in the cervix were associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, while others increased the risk. The findings offer new hope for preventing prematurity and its devastating consequences.
Researchers evaluated the effects of laser tissue welding on simulated spina bifida repair in rabbits, finding that it did not cause damage to spinal cord or skin tissue. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in fetal surgical repair procedures, offering a possible solution for reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Researchers found that fetal genomic sequencing increased the detection rate of genetic findings by 10-30% in women with pregnancies complicated by major fetal congenital anomalies. The study also revealed new associations with genes and intolerant OMIM disease-associated mutations, improving patient counseling and neonatal treatment.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends the use of antenatal corticosteroids to improve outcomes for babies at risk of preterm birth in the late preterm period. The recommendations are based on a randomized trial that found significant benefits in reducing neonatal respiratory complications and other adverse outcomes.
The study found that pregnant mice exposed to a high fructose diet developed higher peak glucose, insulin resistance, and obesity in their offspring. Female offspring were also heavier and had more visceral adipose tissue, indicating a potential link between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood health.
A recent study found that a mother's diet during pregnancy and lactation significantly affects the composition of her breast milk microbiome. The researchers speculate that this may contribute to the establishment of the infant's gut microbiome, potentially influencing their disease susceptibility. The study provides new insights into ...
A team of researchers has developed a new way to prevent preterm birth using nanoparticles, which deliver medication directly to the uterus without crossing the placenta. The treatment, called LIPINDORA, shows promise in reducing preterm labor and avoiding fetal risks.
Researchers found that antenatal betamethasone reduced respiratory complications, prolonged ICU stays, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in late-preterm babies. The study enrolled 2,831 women at high risk for preterm delivery and showed a significant decrease in neonatal respiratory morbidities.
A randomized clinical trial found that high-flavanol chocolate improved uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index but did not decrease the risk of preeclampsia or improve placental weight. The results suggest that flavanol content may not be the sole factor behind chocolate's effects during pregnancy.
Researchers studied 36 pregnant women to determine if T-follicular helper cell response varies by trimester after vaccination. The results show that the immune system's response is greatest during the first trimester, suggesting immunologic changes may affect vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers found that adding azithromycin to standard antibiotics reduced post-C-section delivery infections and severe adverse events in high-risk women. The study used a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial involving over 17,000 women.
A retrospective cohort study found that non-Hispanic black women had more missed doses, initiated care later, and were more likely to discontinue 17P than women in other racial/ethnic groups. The study also identified a significant interaction between non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity and public insurance.
A study developed a simple risk scoring system to predict the likelihood of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women. The five-factor risk score accurately predicts an individual woman's risk of cesarean delivery, including advancing maternal age, short height, and increased fetal abdominal circumference.
A multicenter study found that treatment of pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia during the first half of pregnancy does not improve cognitive outcomes in children up to five years old. The results suggest routine thyroid screening is not warranted.
Researchers validated a two-protein test for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women, identifying an optimal gestational age window and highly performing proteins. The study showed excellent performance of the novel classifier, with high accuracy rates for predicting preterm delivery before 35 weeks.
A study of 152 postpartum women found that delayed physician rounding improved patient satisfaction scores, particularly for quality of communication and hospital experience. The study suggests that physicians should be more mindful of their morning rounds to enhance patient satisfaction.
A study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that women with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy have an increased risk of early mortality. The study analyzed birth certificates from 1939 to 2012 and found that these women had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality, parti...
Researchers have created a new equation to estimate gestational age from fetal biometrics, showing a slight improvement in accuracy compared to the traditional Hadlock formula. The study validates the new formula using a large, multi-center dataset and demonstrates its potential to reduce unnecessary interventions like induction of labor.
Researchers compared two patches, human umbilical cord and biocellulose film, in a rat model of spina bifida. The study found that the umbilical cord patch promoted cellular migration with minimal inflammation, suggesting a potential regenerative material for antenatal spina bifida repair
A study found that both short and long sleep durations in pregnancy are associated with extreme gestational weight gain. Poor sleep has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the study provides a potential mechanism for this association.
A Dutch nationwide study found that male fetuses were at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly between 28-31 weeks. Additionally, male fetuses were more likely to experience prelabor rupture of membranes between 26-37 weeks, leading to higher neonatal morbidity rates.
A study found that cell free DNA analysis is less effective than sequential screening for detecting all fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Sequential screening detected an 81.6% success rate and a 4.11% false positive rate, while cell free DNA detection had a lower 68% success rate at a one percent screen positive rate.
A study has found that certain genetic variants in a baby's DNA may increase the risk of preterm birth. The researchers analyzed the DNA of hundreds of babies and their mothers, finding a link between duplicated or deleted genes in the babies and an increased risk of early birth.
A recent study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that induced or augmented labor is not associated with an increased risk of Autism spectrum disorder. The research analyzed data from over 166,000 children and found no link between labor induction/augmentation and ASD diagnosis.
The study analyzed 11,535 women with preterm birth in the first pregnancy and found that an interval of less than 12 months increases the risk for severe preterm birth. Women with preterm birth are advised to postpone their next pregnancy for at least 12 months.
Changes to labor and delivery care systems, introducing expanded midwifery and streamlined obstetric staffing, led to significant decreases in primary and repeat cesarean delivery rates. This study suggests that modifying the traditional model of obstetric care can lower cesarean delivery rates while improving maternal safety.
A study of 825 women with mild gestational diabetes found that those with preeclampsia/gestational hypertension had a higher frequency of subsequent hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Women who delivered preterm and had preeclampsia/gestational hypertension were at greatest risk.
Research finds that mothers with low birth weight or preeclampsia are more likely to have offspring with similar conditions. This study of over 2,300 mother-daughter pairs suggests careful surveillance may help detect complications early.
A study of 4,446 pregnancies found a high rate of chromosomal abnormalities in patients where non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) fails to provide results. Nearly half of these tests will fail on subsequent attempts, highlighting the importance of clear understanding and follow-up for patients with failed NIPT.
A study of 100 women with gestational diabetes found that a probiotic capsule intervention had no effect on glucose control, but did reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. This suggests a potential role for probiotics in improving the metabolic profile of pregnant women at risk of future cardiovascular disease.
A large randomized trial in the US found that adding STAN to conventional intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring did not improve perinatal outcomes or decrease operative deliveries. The study's results highlight the need for caution when extrapolating results from studies outside the US.