Articles tagged with Obstetrics
According to UMass Amherst research, only 16% of US counties offer access to vaginal labor after C-section. Despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines supporting this option, access remains limited due to factors such as hospital availability and provider comfort.
The global study found that women are having babies later in life, increasing health risks and widening inequalities in maternal care. The average age of first-time mothers has steadily increased, with many now starting their families aged 35 years or over.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the US have at least one modifiable risk factor for birth defects. The analysis highlights the need for improved preconception health and identifying and addressing these changeable risk factors before pregnancy.
Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in regulating oocyte maturation, follicular growth, and quality. In pathological conditions, EVs can disrupt communication, leading to impaired oocyte development and ovarian failure. Therapeutic EVs show promise in reversing ovarian pathologies by delivering functional molecules.
A pediatric investigation study reveals that male fetuses prioritize growth while female fetuses focus on placental development under gestational hypertension. The findings support the growth strategy hypothesis and suggest sex-specific differences in fetal responses to prenatal stressors.
A cohort study found that hospitals with poor financial health were less likely to provide essential perinatal services. This disparity was more pronounced in Southern and rural regions.
Researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy can program long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in children through epigenetic alterations. This led to autistic-like behaviors in male mice, correlating with altered gene regulation in the cortex and hippocampus.
A global study reveals that women's mental wellbeing and self-efficacy are key predictors of fear during childbirth. Research shows that antenatal care should focus on building women's confidence rather than just teaching coping strategies.
A study examining over 1,000 women aged 18-49 found that more than half with an ischemic stroke had experienced pregnancy complications. High-risk factors include preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.
A new study found that kids of obese parents are more likely to have obesity due to inheriting related genes. The study suggests that a mother's BMI may be particularly important in determining a child's weight, both through direct genetic inheritance and indirect nurture effects.
Researchers found that chronic disturbance of a mother cockroach's sleep harms baby development by prolonging gestation and interfering with milk production. This study uses the Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach as an animal model to explore connections between pregnancy and sleep in humans.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has been listed among the nation's top 20 hospitals for care excellence by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, with top-10 rankings in five specialties and top-20 rankings in nine. The hospital was also rated High Performing in all 22 procedures and conditions assessed by U.S. News.
Research reveals that prenatal PFAS exposure can alter infants' developing immune systems, leading to lasting imprints on their ability to fight disease. Exposure to low levels of PFAS was associated with changes in key T-cell populations, including T follicular helper cells and regulatory T cells.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that how healthcare providers describe babies during ultrasounds impacts parent perceptions and can influence a child's future behavior. Positive descriptions are associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in toddlers, while negative descriptions lead to greater challenges.
A new study found that US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines identify nearly 89% of pregnancies at increased risk, but leave 70.3% in the moderate risk category with nonspecific recommendations for aspirin use. The study suggests that these guidelines may influence clinicians' decisions regarding daily aspirin recommendations.
Recent studies reveal disparities in access to hepatitis C treatment for children and recently pregnant women, with significant racial and geographic disparities. The studies highlight the need for targeted resources to reach these vulnerable populations.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers finds that a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth among patients with cervical insufficiency, with a 70% lower risk compared to transvaginal cerclage (TVC).
A new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine examines pregnancy outcomes in women with kidney transplants who use assisted reproductive technology. The research found increased rates of hypertension and preterm birth, but no significant difference in live birth rates or two-year kidney transplant survival.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
A comprehensive study protocol has been developed to investigate pregnancy-related stroke risk factors and long-term implications for mothers and their children. The nationwide multicenter study aims to identify key risk factors associated with ASPP and assess its impact on offspring.
SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.
Researchers found skewed sex ratios at birth among mothers from China, India, and Vietnam, with some mothers preferring boys over girls. The imbalance increased with multiple children, but remained stable for Australian-born mothers.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that the closures resulted in a 4% reduction in physicians per capita and declines in infant, non-infant, and total mortality rates. The Flexner Report era reforms led to significant changes in the US medical education landscape.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.