Articles tagged with Obstetrics
Researchers uncover a key piece to the miscarriage puzzle, tracing risk back to a problem with the womb lining before pregnancy. The decidual reaction, which prepares the womb lining for pregnancy each month, often doesn't progress properly in women with a history of miscarriage.
Deepshika Ramanan, a Salk Assistant Professor, has been recognized as a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar for her innovative research on maternal immunity and lactation. She will receive annual grants of up to $110,000 to conduct groundbreaking work in neuroscience, cancer, immunology, and pain.
The Supreme Court's decision increases the likelihood of states limiting or eliminating family access to medical care. Medical professionals emphasize the need for individualized assessments and patient-centered care.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that infants who survive serious health problems in the first few weeks of life have a higher risk of dying during childhood and adolescence. Children with neurological health problems had almost six times the risk of death compared to healthy children.
A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that Black and Latinx people experiencing planned repeat cesareans are more likely to suffer severe maternal morbidity. The study analyzed data from over 72,000 births between 2012-2021, revealing a significant disparity in complication rates among marginalized groups.
A new USC-led study finds that a focused intervention combining storytelling, peer support, and provider incentives can reduce provider bias in family planning clinics and improve care for young women. The intervention expanded contraceptive access for the most marginalized groups.
A cross-sectional study found elevated rates of severe maternal morbidity among marginalized racial and ethnic groups with planned cesarean births. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to improve quality of care and promote equity for this population.
A recent study published in Lancet Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmune conditions among pregnant women in the UK since the millennium. The research analyzed electronic healthcare records from 2000-2021 and discovered a 4.7% rise in expectant mothers beginning pregnancy with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, ...
Researchers have identified cell-free RNA signatures that can predict preterm birth over four months before delivery date. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize prevention strategies and save millions of lives worldwide, where 13.4 million newborns are delivered prematurely each year.
A new prediction model developed by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has been found to accurately assess the risk of severe birth injuries during childbirth. The study's findings suggest that larger babies are the main risk factor for these injuries, and previous obstetric anal sphincter injuries also play a significant role.
Researchers will discuss increasing the use of low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention through universal implementation. Additionally, experts will present on the impact of doula care on social determinants of health, exploring its potential to address non-medical healthcare disparities within the system.
Yōni.Fit demonstrated significant reduction in 12-hour pad weights spanning seven days compared to the control device, highlighting its superior performance. The study showed mild to moderate adverse events, but no serious ones.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
Pregnant women with fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, with a threefold higher risk compared to the general population. The study also found that women with fatty liver disease had a 63% higher risk of caesarean section.
A research team of over 60,000 OB-GYNs in the US found that doctors are not systematically leaving states where abortions are banned or threatened. The study suggests that concerns about reproductive health care may be offset by ties to patients and local communities, as well as significant relocation efforts.
A randomized clinical trial found no association between immediate skin-to-skin contact and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm neonates. However, the intervention was shown to enhance breastfeeding practices up to 12 months compared to standard care.
Researchers used data from 9,000 pregnancies to discover and validate RNA signatures that distinguish between severe and mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study validates Mirvie's simple blood test to predict preeclampsia early, at 17.5-22 weeks gestational age.
A survey of 1,068 women reveals that many believe they will hit menopause in their 40s, despite symptoms starting earlier. Experts emphasize the importance of addressing changes and concerns with a doctor to find effective treatment options.
A systematic scoping review reveals substantial inequities in gender representation among US academic medical center leaders. Despite female-dominated specialties, women are largely excluded from leadership positions across various niches of academic medicine.
A cohort study reveals lower-quality hospitals for Black and American Indian birthing individuals compared to their white counterparts. Delivering at nearest hospitals would have reduced the disparity if available.
A new study found that pregnant women who received preventive oral health care had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. The research highlights the importance of integrating oral health education and services into maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved populations.
The Dobbs decision has been linked to moderate but significant decreases in obstetrics and gynecology practitioners in the most restrictive states compared to control states. Clinician migration is likely affecting reproductive care access, quality, and equity as abortion rights are increasingly decided at the state level
A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that women with complicated pregnancies and their sisters are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Genes and shared environmental factors may contribute to this association.
Research found that mothers of twins are twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease compared to singleton births. Those with twins and high blood pressure during pregnancy are at highest risk. However, deaths from heart disease decrease in mothers of twins compared to singletons over time.
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 AI-based analysis of almost 10,000 pregnancies has discovered previously unidentified combinations of risk factors linked to serious negative pregnancy outcomes. The study found that there may be up to a tenfold difference in risk for infants who are currently treated identically under clinical guidelines.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A study found that pregnant patients with chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension are at a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity compared to those with normal blood pressure. The researchers suggest preventing preeclampsia in these patients may reduce this risk, making them comparable to normotensive patients.
A recent Columbia Nursing study analyzed over 1,700 clinical notes and found stigmatizing language common against Black patients. The most frequent category was unjustified descriptions of social and behavioral risks, with 22.4% of notes containing such language.
A nationwide Swedish study found that active management and induction of labor in late- and postterm pregnancies significantly reduced the risk of stillbirth and newborn death before 28 days. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed a near halving of this risk, suggesting improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.
A restrictive episiotomy policy implemented in France has led to a decrease in episiotomy rates and anal sphincter injuries during labor. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal rate of episiotomies and assess potential risks to specific subgroups.
A cohort study found that individuals with higher radon exposure are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The study suggests a potential link between radon exposure and metabolic health in nulliparous pregnant women.
A recent study found that pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder enrolled in Medicaid are at a disproportionately high risk of severe maternal morbidity. Targeted interventions, such as early Medicaid enrollment and coverage continuity, may be necessary to reduce adverse outcomes in this group.
A study found that persistent short sleep duration from pregnancy to 2-7 years after delivery is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. The researchers suggest exploring sleep-targeted interventions for improved cardiometabolic health, particularly among high-risk populations.
Researchers found that delivering at 39 weeks provides the optimal balance between stillbirth risk and infant health issues, making it an ideal time frame for safest births. The study used a large-scale data set to provide evidence-driven recommendations for delivery timing among women with chronic hypertension.
Between 2010 and 2022, there was a notable decline in hospital-based obstetric care across both rural and urban US hospitals. Rural hospitals experienced a larger loss of obstetric services compared to urban hospitals. The study highlights the need for sustained attention to maternal health in these regions.
A new study reveals crisis pregnancy centers in the US make misleading and dangerous claims, including promoting unproven abortion pill reversal treatments. The study found that 90% of CPCs advertised medical services, while 30% promoted 'abortion pill reversal,' which lacks FDA approval.
A new study published in JAMA found that women who experience severe maternal morbidity during their first pregnancy are less likely to have more children. The research, which studied over a million women in Sweden, revealed that such events can have a lasting impact on fertility.
Women who experience severe maternal morbidity in their first birth are less likely to have a subsequent birth. Enhancing antenatal care and reproductive counseling are crucial for women with this history.
A cohort study found that a prenatal diet aligned with US Dietary Guidelines was linked to slower infant growth rates and lower obesity risk. The study suggests that improving prenatal nutrition may also benefit children's growth trajectory in the long term.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
A cross-sectional study found significant increases in postpartum depression diagnosis among all racial and ethnic groups and body mass index categories over the past decade. The persistently high rates underscore the need for preventative interventions to mitigate PPD's impact on maternal and child health.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic recommend minimally invasive treatment alternatives to hysterectomy for uterine fibroids, which can help women recover faster and reduce long-term risks. Early detection and treatment are key in reducing health disparities among Black women.
A large international study found that very early medication abortion is equally effective and safe as waiting for intrauterine pregnancy confirmation. The study included over 1,500 women who received two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol – in either a delayed or early abortion group.
Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.
A new AI-based system, BELA, accurately assesses IVF embryo quality by analyzing time-lapse video images and maternal age. The system generates a predictive score for euploidy or aneuploidy, offering an objective measure of embryo quality.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped how microRNAs control cell development in the human embryo during the first days after fertilization. The atlas identifies crucial sncRNAs that guide embryonic growth and differentiation, shedding light on how to identify healthy embryos for improved fertility treatment.
US women between 20-44 years old have experienced declining vitamin A, C, and iron intake over the last two decades. This trend may have significant implications for maternal and fetal health. The study aims to identify these nutrient gaps and inform recommendations to improve intake.
A nationwide effort to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns has been launched with a $1.9 million Department of Health and Human Services grant. The grant will fund the distribution of an NEC prevention bundle, NEC-Zero, to help neonatal intensive care units recognize and prevent NEC.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that body weight is a significant factor in pregnancy complications, affecting women born in different countries. Researchers estimated that approximately half of all cases of gestational diabetes could be prevented if all women were of normal weight during pregnancy.
A new study found that over 60% of individuals with moderate and severe menopause symptoms were not receiving treatment, with public insurance being associated with a 47% increase in nontreatment. The primary reason for lack of treatment was clinician recommendation, emphasizing the need for education among healthcare teams.
Research found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology have a 36% higher risk of major heart defects compared to naturally conceived babies. The study also showed that multiple births are associated with an even greater risk of congenital heart defects.
This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between neighborhood opportunity and preterm birth rates, finding disproportionate exposure by race and ethnicity. The study suggests that addressing neighborhood opportunity may be a modifiable factor contributing to racial and ethnic inequities in preterm birth.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.
A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.
A uniform lexicon has been developed and endorsed by a multi-medical society panel to describe observations on ultrasound during the first trimester of pregnancy. The new terms aim to minimize bias, clarify findings, and respect patient preferences.
The USPSTF finds that iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia during pregnancy, affecting approximately 18% of pregnant individuals. Routine screening and supplementation are not recommended to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.
Pregnant women exposed to buprenorphine combined with naloxone had similar or more favorable outcomes compared to those exposed to buprenorphine alone. This suggests that both formulations are safe treatment options for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...