A randomized clinical trial found that early amniotomy in labor induction can shorten delivery time by over 10 percent and increase the likelihood of delivery within 24 hours without adverse effects. This method also greatly increases the comfort of the mother.
Researchers found that women administering their own patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) used 30% less analgesia than those with continuous epidural infusion (CEI), while reporting similar levels of satisfaction. The study also showed a trend toward reduction in instrumented vaginal deliveries.
The $22.5 million study found that prenatal surgery greatly reduced the need to divert fluid away from the brain, increasing chances of children walking without crutches. Infants and mothers who underwent the procedure had better outcomes than those with post-birth surgery.
A recent study found that magnesium sulfate significantly reduced neonatal brain injury associated with maternal inflammation or infection in rats. The findings suggest that magnesium therapy may be beneficial in human preterm deliveries linked to maternal/fetal inflammation.
Researchers found no reduction in preterm delivery or neonatal morbidity in twin pregnancies treated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The study, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, involved over 240 mothers and 480 babies.
A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women with fibroids are at a significantly increased risk of stillbirth. The research discovered that pregnancies with fetal growth restriction had an even higher risk of IUFD, with absolute risk remaining rare.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington has demonstrated a link between gastroschisis, a congenital abdominal wall defect, and exposure to atrazine, an agricultural chemical. The risk of gastroschisis increased for women who conceived in the spring and resided near areas with high surface water contamination.
A study by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that widespread screening for spinal muscular atrophy is not cost-effective due to a high cost per case prevented. The study suggests that prenatal screening may be more cost-effective in high-risk populations with a family history of the disease.
Researchers found that sutures resulted in significantly lower rates of wound separation and composite wound complications compared to staples. The use of staples was associated with a higher risk of wound complications and post-operative physician visits.
Researchers found an association between genes regulating maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm delivery. A cohort study identified nine SNPs in three genes associated with increased risk of preterm birth among women with bacterial vaginosis.
Research reveals genetic variants increasing risk of preterm labor, but also necessary for fighting infection; identifying high-risk individuals may lead to personalized care and healthier outcomes.
Researchers found acupuncture to be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy, with participants experiencing significant symptom reduction and higher response rates. The study's results suggest that acupuncture could be a viable treatment option for pregnant women struggling with depression.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Yale University found that measuring the fetal zone of the adrenal gland using 2D ultrasound is a better predictor of preterm birth than measuring cervical length. The d/D ratio was calculated as an index of FZE, which showed significant correlation with cAGV and d/D.
A statewide initiative in Ohio reduced the number of near-term scheduled births without a documented medical reason, from 25% to below 5%. The program, led by the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, implemented education and intervention tools to promote delayed births until 39 weeks.
Women with IUGR may experience similar adverse neonatal outcomes when waiting for birth versus induced labor, according to a randomized controlled trial. The study suggests individualizing care based on patient comfort and needs.
Researchers detected distinct protein differences between IVF and spontaneous pregnancies in the first half of gestation, including extra-cellular matrix, cytoskeletal, vascular proteins. Most differences disappeared by 19 weeks, but pregnancy-specific glycoprotein-1 remained significantly different.
A study found that measuring lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness can predict uterine scar defects and anticipate high-risk patients for subsequent uterine rupture. Women with full LUS thickness under 2.3mm and single-layer muscular closure are at increased risk.
A new study shows that premature babies born before 34 weeks have a significant reduction in serious complications when given a 'rescue course' of Antenatal Corticosteroids. The study found a 31% decrease in respiratory problems, ventilator support, and surfactant use with no adverse side effects noted.