Researchers report that real-time audiovisual feedback during second stage labor substantially shortens labor time, increasing the chances of a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The study also found improved maternal pushing efficacy and decreased neonatal intensive care admissions.
A three-and-a-half year trial found a significant reduction in cesarean deliveries and neonatal morbidity in hospitals implementing best practices and professional training. The study's results confirm that continuing education and internal audits can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
A new approach may help doctors tailor treatments for women at risk of preterm birth by identifying genetic differences. Progesterone injections have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm births, but not all women respond to treatment.
Researchers found that routine delivery did not decrease maternal complications but increased neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, while expectant monitoring reduced risks in both mothers and babies. The study suggests that expectant monitoring should be considered for women with hypertensive disorders between 34-37 weeks of pregnancy.
A study of over 76,000 women found that advanced maternal age is associated with a 40% decreased risk of major congenital malformations. Women aged 35 and older had lower incidence rates for brain, kidney, and abdominal wall defects, while heart defect rates remained unchanged.
Researchers found distinct cervical and vaginal microbiota patterns in women destined for preterm birth compared to those with term births. The study revealed significant differences in microbial communities, particularly lower levels of non-CST III bacteria, weeks before the actual preterm birth.
Researchers found that babies born at home by midwives had a four times higher risk of neonatal deaths than those born in hospitals. The study, using nearly 14 million data points, also revealed an increased risk for first-time mothers and pregnancies beyond 41 weeks.
Research reveals that obesity in pregnancy is a significant risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Women with pre-pregnancy body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more had higher rates of simple cardiovascular events and non-invasive cardiac procedures ten years later.
A new study confirms a variant in the SERPINE1 gene is linked to cerebral palsy and death in very preterm babies. The findings add to evidence that genes may play a role in brain injury and death risk in preterm infants.
A study found that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) detected over 83% of chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomies 13, 18, and 21. The test was more accurate for women over 40, but had lower sensitivity for younger women.
A study found remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia to be less effective in managing pain relief during labor compared to epidural analgesia. The study, which involved 709 women, showed that patients who received remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia had lower pain appreciation scores and overall satisfaction with pain relief.
A study of over 1,700 premature babies found that about one in five had cerebral palsy or neurologic impairment by age 2. Babies with serious complications in the NICU also had a higher risk of these conditions.
Researchers found abnormal gene expression in fetuses of obese women, suggesting potential effects on brain development. The study suggests that maternal obesity may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children.
Researchers found that progesterone shots do not reduce the risk of preterm delivery among women with twin pregnancies, contrary to previous findings. A study of 165 women with short cervixes found an increased rate of preterm delivery in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group.
A large-scale study found that hospitals with around-the-clock labor and delivery coverage had lower cesarean delivery rates and higher trial of labor after cesarean success rates. Women with previous cesarean births were more likely to attempt vaginal birth in these hospitals.
Researchers suggest refining definition of intrauterine growth restriction based on pregnancy outcomes, finding adverse effects mostly in pregnancies with EFW less than the 3rd centile. Most babies born to those with lower fetal weights were healthy despite abnormal ultrasound features.
Researchers found a reduction in elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks, from 29.9% to 25.4%, and a decrease in early-term cesareans. However, there was no significant change in neonatal or maternal morbidity, but a non-statistically significant increase in stillbirths after 37 weeks was observed.
A study of 1,265 pregnant and reproductive women found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a 31% incidence of cardiac dysfunction. The research suggests that echocardiograms should be considered in the clinical management of women with OSA and cardiac symptoms.
A large cohort study found that women who had small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants in their first pregnancy have a strongly increased risk of SGA in their second pregnancy. The study analyzed data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry and found that 23.2% of women with a previous SGA baby went on to have an SGA infant in their sub...
Researchers studied over 2800 women and found that planned vaginal birth is as safe as a planned cesarean section for twins born between 32-38 weeks. The study reveals no advantage in choosing cesarean births for these types of twins, with no decrease or increase in perinatal/neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity.
A study found that obese pregnant women who followed a healthy lifestyle program were more likely to stay within the recommended weight gain limit, with a lower risk of hypertension, preterm delivery, and gestational diabetes. The program included a 1500 kcal/day diet and mild physical activity.
The study found that using the laborist model resulted in significant reductions in labor inductions (15% fewer), maternal length of stay (0.09 days less), and preterm delivery (17%). This improvement in pregnancy outcomes is attributed to continuous coverage without competing duties.
Researchers found that implementing a standardized comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocol significantly reduced blood product utilization, resulting in a 45% reduction in puerperal hysterectomy. The study also showed a significant decrease in morbidity, with reductions in red blood cells, platelets, and cryoprecipitate usage.
A new study finds that a genetic variant in the inflammation gene interleukin-6 is associated with developmental problems in females after preterm birth, but not in males. The research may help identify prevention strategies for preterm brain injury and improve understanding of how it occurs.
A study found that perinatal outcomes of frozen/thawed embryo replacement (FER) were better than those of fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF), but poorer than the general population. FER resulted in higher rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, and macrosomia compared to spontaneous conceptions.
A study found that nulliparous women with a short cervix who have intra-amniotic debris are at a higher risk of early preterm birth. The presence of debris was associated with worse outcomes for the babies, likely due to earlier delivery. Women with debris had a longer funnel and a higher body mass index than those without debris.
Researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in adverse obstetric outcomes, including postpartum hemorrhage, peripartum infection, and severe perineal laceration. The study also revealed differences in types of intrapartum care, with certain groups receiving more intensive or less invasive treatments.
Researchers found that preemptive treatment with Diclectin significantly decreases risk of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. The study also showed a lower recurrence rate of hyperemesis gravidarum when treatment is started before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that short therapy with Pioglitazone can prevent the long-term effects of maternal obesity on offspring. The study shows a potential role for drugs activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in preventing metabolic syndrome in adult offspring of obese mothers.
Researchers investigated whether high levels of cell-free fetal DNA in the first trimester predict preeclampsia. No significant difference was found between women with and without the condition.
Research finds that elective delivery at 39 weeks is associated with lower rates of composite adverse neonatal outcomes compared to deliveries at earlier or later gestational ages. Continued pregnancy beyond 39 weeks also tends to have better maternal outcomes, although differences are only significant at 37 weeks.
A study by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women who deliver or intend to deliver outside of hospitals have a lower risk of obstetric intervention. However, newborns intended for home births are at a higher risk of neonatal seizures compared to hospital births.
A new study suggests that preterm labor diagnostic markers are not universal, and should be tailored to each individual's risk factors. The research found distinct inflammatory mediators in response to different bacterial pathogens, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to diagnosis and intervention.
Researchers found that red blood cell transfusion decreased physical fatigue in women with acute postpartum anemia, but the effect was small. The study, which included over 50 Dutch hospitals, showed that expectant management without transfusion is a preferred approach.
Researchers report successful early transplantation of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neonatal rats with birth-related brain damage, detecting neurologic improvement.
A study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting demonstrated that massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA can detect all three most prevalent fetal aneuploidies. The test showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and high accuracy for other autosomal aneuploidies.
A study found that pregnant women with a prior cesarean section often choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor, regardless of their own knowledge on the risks and benefits. The majority of these women opt for an elective repeat cesarean over a trial of labor, despite its higher success rate. Lack of education and provider p...
A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine finds that in utero surgery is more cost-effective for children with spina bifida, resulting in improved quality of life. The study also highlights the significant healthcare costs associated with caring for a child with significant deficits.
A study found that Hispanic women living in the US for less than 10 years have a 3.4% frequency of preterm birth, while those living for 10 or more years have twice the risk and 7.4% frequency. This suggests environmental factors may contribute to preterm birth and are potentially modifiable.
A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that infants born via cesarean section had a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome compared to those delivered vaginally. The study, which analyzed birth data from 1995-2003, challenged the long-held assumption that cesarean delivery is safer for high-risk pregnancies.
A study found that over half of prescription medications inhibit 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) metabolism by 50 percent or more. This indicates that certain medications may need to be adjusted if taken with 17-OHPC, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
Researchers found that women who delivered their first baby early are more likely to have a subsequent baby that is small for its gestational age, even when the second pregnancy is carried to term. The study suggests that mothers who deliver prematurely should be closely monitored for fetal weight and growth in future pregnancies.
A new study suggests that induced labor may not lower the risk of infection or respiratory problems in newborns. The research indicates that expectant management, which involves close monitoring rather than inducing labor, is a safe alternative for women with preterm ruptured membranes.
The use of electronic fetal heart rate monitors significantly lowers infant mortality, especially in high-risk pregnancies, according to a recent study. The findings show a 53% decrease in early neonatal mortality among infants with EFM.
A study found that the standard third-trimester GBS test did not accurately predict its presence during labor, while a rapid test performed at labor showed excellent accuracy. The test's performance varied among racial groups, with Hispanic and African-American women more likely to have discordant results.
Researchers found that using non-alcohol antibacterial mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) decreases the incidence of preterm birth. The study, funded by The Procter & Gamble Company, involved pregnant women with periodontal disease who received either treatment or a control group.
Researchers found that babies born between 36 and 38 weeks with confirmed fetal pulmonary maturity still face increased risks of neonatal morbidity. Despite recommendations for testing, delivering preterm can lead to respiratory problems and other complications.
Researchers found that preterm birth clinic attendance resulted in more full-term births and lower infant morbidity rates. The study showed a 28% reduction in recurrent spontaneous preterm birth risk and reductions in infant complications and short-term disabilities.
A comprehensive study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found no association between folate intake and reduced risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. Folate supplementation duration and dose also showed no protective effect against preterm birth.
A recent study led by Dr. Errol R. Norwitz found that three proteins XIAP, BID, and Bcl-2 play a crucial role in preventing preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in the fetal membranes. This breakthrough research sheds light on the mechanism behind progesterone's success in preventing preterm birth.