Articles tagged with Obstetrics
A new study found that over 40% of specialty clinics in the US turn away patients weighing 465 pounds or more due to lack of accessibility features. The study highlights a need for staff training on inclusive care and accommodations for patients with severe obesity.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher among babies whose mother experienced a pregnancy-associated death, with rates 14-22 times higher than when the mother survived. Nonpremature infants who survived after their mother’s pregnancy-associated death were also more likely to be hospitali...
Dr. Andreea Creanga, a leading maternal health expert, joins the University of Maryland School of Medicine as Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. She will oversee initiatives in bioinformatics, data science, and maternal health.
The global impact of IVF continues to grow, with estimated 20 million IVF births worldwide, increasing the demographic importance of fertility needs. IVF has become a more effective route to parenthood for those previously unable to conceive.
Prostacyclin has been found to promote fetal membrane repair through the proliferation and migration of amnion mesenchymal cells. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms of fetal membrane healing, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing preterm birth and infant mortality.
A comprehensive review highlights VET's potential to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and reduce maternal mortality. High-quality research on its use is limited, and a large-scale US-based study is needed to test its effectiveness.
A large international clinical trial found that elinzanetant significantly reduces hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women by over 73%. The drug also shows secondary benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced sleep disturbances, with no harmful effects on the liver or bone density.
Children born with an accelerated growth trajectory are more than 4 times likely to be overweight or obese as two-year-olds. Maternal metabolic factors significantly contribute to this increased risk of childhood obesity.
Research found higher fetal movement frequencies correlate with greater maternal attachment; paying attention to these signals may strengthen prenatal attachment and postnatal caregiving. Fetal movements contribute to emotional attachment formed during pregnancy.
A new study finds that postpartum mothers with hepatitis C who received treatment while still in the hospital were twice as likely to be cured compared to those referred for outpatient follow-up appointments. The 'Meds to Beds' model dramatically improves cure rates by bringing treatment to bedside before discharge.
A comprehensive registry study in Sweden found that healthy, full-term babies under three months old are at risk of severe illness from RSV. The study highlights several risk factors, including birth weight and sibling age, which increase the risk of needing intensive care or dying.
A new hydrogel has been developed to combat vaginal changes caused by menopause, offering a hormone-free alternative for treatment. The study found that the hydrogel improved vaginal tissue thickness and reduced inflammation, providing potential relief from symptoms such as dryness and pain.
The percentage of births via cesarean section increased from 20.27% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 21.19% during the pandemic, peaking at 22.14% during the sixth wave.
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.
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.
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.