Articles tagged with Obstetrics
A clinical opinion published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that maternal oxygen supplementation during labor may not benefit the fetus and could be harmful. The authors recommend reserving oxygen for mothers with hypoxia only, pending further research.
Women who experience fertility problems are more likely to stay with their partner if they have a child after infertility evaluation. After 12 years of follow-up, nearly 27% of women were no longer living with the partner if they did not have a child.
New research reveals vulvodynia affects Hispanic women more frequently than black women, with higher incidence rates in younger women and those with pre-existing pain disorders. The study found that nearly 10 million women experience vulvodynia at any given time, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
A study analyzing 11 years of data found that less than 1% of NHS doctors prompt performance concerns each year. Doctors in the late stages of their career are six times more likely to be referred for remedial help, highlighting a need for greater attention to mental wellbeing among staff.
New research reveals that large labor wards with 3,000 to 3,999 deliveries annually have lower obstetric injury claims and higher approval rates compared to smaller units. The study found that greater availability of in-house obstetricians and auxiliary specialists contributes to better patient outcomes.
A recent survey of US obstetrics and gynecology residents found that fewer than one in five receives formal training in menopause medicine. The study suggests that ob/gyn residency programs need to address this training gap, as the number of menopausal women is expected to increase due to an aging population.
Despite a decline in spontaneous stillbirths, stillbirth rates in British Columbia, Canada, have increased by 31% over the past decade, according to a study published in CMAJ. The increase was mainly due to prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy terminations of fetuses with congenital anomalies.
A rapid laboratory test for pregnant women to detect Group B strep has been developed and is highly valid, identifying GBS colonization in six and a half hours. This new test could help reduce the overuse of resources and minimize bacterial resistance by targeting patients with threatened preterm labor.
A nationwide survey of obstetricians and gynecologists found that many doctors perform routine pelvic exams in low-risk women due to misconceptions about ovarian cancer screening. The study suggests that the exams may be performed for non-clinical reasons, such as reassurance or expectation, rather than medical necessity.
A study found that online information on 'designer vagina' procedures is often inaccurate and lacks standard terminology. Researchers call for clearer guidelines to improve standards and empower women to make informed choices.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology challenges the benefits of planned home birth, citing higher rates of unexpected complications, emergency transports, and perinatal mortality. The authors argue that a hospital-based approach can provide a safer and more satisfying experience for patients.
A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.
A collaborative maternity care program in Vancouver reduced cesarean deliveries by 25% and shortened hospital stays by 22 hours for mothers and babies. The program also increased breastfeeding rates, with midwives delivering 42% of births compared to obstetricians.
A new study found that caring for patients with fecal incontinence costs over $4,000 per person each year, making it a significant economic burden. The condition affects 8.3% of adults and can lead to depression and social isolation.
A scheme supporting midwives in rural Nigeria has improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes by redistributing healthcare workers. The Midwife Service Scheme helps address health inequities between urban and rural areas, offering a potential model for low-income countries.
Dr. Joshua A. Copel, a renowned expert in maternal and fetal medicine, will receive the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award. He has significantly contributed to the scientific progress of medical ultrasound through his innovative research efforts.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal analysis reveals a gap in consent policies for pelvic exams under anesthesia. The updated policy statement for medical students requires explicit consent, but residents are not subject to the same requirements, leaving some women less protected.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) recognized outstanding achievements in medical ultrasound at the 2012 Annual Convention. Awards were presented to individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and scientific progress of medical ultrasound.
A new fermented soy ingredient containing S-equol significantly reduced hot flash frequency in a placebo-controlled study of postmenopausal Japanese women. The supplement also relieved muscle discomfort, including neck and shoulder stiffness.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is comparing historical data on home births from the 1970s with current trends, highlighting similarities in higher education levels among women opting for home births. In contrast, physician attendance at home births has decreased significantly over time, according to the study.
A new study published in European Obstetrics & Gynaecology shows that DuoFertility's monitoring and support service can achieve pregnancy rates comparable to IVF for many infertile couples. This viable, non-invasive alternative could save the NHS millions of pounds each year.
Researchers found a higher likelihood of conception in March among school-aged adolescents compared to adults. The study suggests that biological factors and increased access to contraception during Spring Break may contribute to this phenomenon.
Medical students who practiced on a patient simulator before assisting in real-life vaginal deliveries scored significantly higher on their final examinations. Simulation training increased student confidence and effectiveness in performing vaginal delivery maneuvers.
Cervical ripening in preterm and term births has distinct processes, with preterm ripening caused by inflammation-induced changes and not an acceleration of the physiologic process. The study aims to determine effective therapies for each cause of preterm birth.
Researchers at Yale University found that skin wrinkles and quality can reflect bone mineral density in early menopausal women. The severity of wrinkles was related to lower bone density, while higher skin rigidity was associated with better bone health.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology has released guidelines for surveillance of gynecologic cancer recurrence in women who have had a complete response to primary cancer therapy. The recommendations focus on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, advising against routine cytologic procedures or imaging unless necessary.
The FIGO PALM-COEIN classification system provides a universally accepted method for classifying abnormal uterine bleeding, facilitating communication among clinicians and researchers. The system categorizes causes of AUB into nine categories, enabling consistent and practical application of medical and surgical therapy.
A perinatal safety initiative led by Northwell Health has significantly reduced adverse obstetrical outcomes, including returning to the operating room and birth trauma, from 2% to 0.8% over a two-year period.
The Making It Happen programme, supported by UK's Department for International Development and UNICEF, trains healthcare providers in Africa and Asia to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. The programme has already trained over 3000 health care providers, leading to improved clinical practices and reduced deaths.
New research finds nearly 25% of overweight and 16% of normal-weight reproductive-age women misperceive their body weight, leading to unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Clinicians are recommended to calculate BMI, screen for misperceptions, and counsel patients to address this issue.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University argue that traditional vaginal delivery for breech babies is not only safe but also safer than C-sections. The study's findings indicate reduced morbidity and mortality for mothers. The expert advocates for retraining obstetricians and midwives in traditional techniques to revive vaginal birth methods.
A University of Michigan study found that in-country OB/GYN training programs significantly contributed to doctors' decision to remain in Ghana. The availability and presence of a viable training program played a crucial role, along with social and economic factors, in graduates' choices.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center compared the outcomes of two surgical procedures designed to alleviate symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Both procedures, transvaginal sling and transobturator midurethral sling, appear to be similarly effective in women up to 12 months after the procedures were performed.
A study found that pregnant women with flu often experience symptoms like nausea and a rapid heartbeat. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.
The revised CONSORT 2010 statement provides a checklist to ensure randomised controlled trials are reported transparently and reliably. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of trial reports, making it easier for decision-makers to evaluate the soundness of trial results.
A recent study found that prenatal screening for spinal muscular atrophy is not cost-effective due to high costs and limited benefits. The authors estimated that only 12,500 women need to be screened to prevent one case of the disease, which would require a significant investment.
A global survey by WHO found that unnecessary caesarean sections increase risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, while medically indicated procedures are associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Caesarean section for breech presentation is linked to reduced perinatal mortality but increased risk of neonatal ICU stay.
Researchers link beta 2 adrenergic agonists to increased autism risk in children of mothers treated for asthma and pre-term labor. Long-term neurophysiologic and behavioral impairment is also a concern with prolonged exposure to these drugs during pregnancy.
Research shows that spontaneous preterm birth rates are rising alongside medically-induced preterm births in Scotland, with maternal complications playing a decreasing role. The study suggests that reducing both types of preterm births is crucial for improving infant survival rates.
A study published in CMAJ found that planned home births attended by registered midwives have a similar risk of infant death to planned hospital births. Women who planned home births had lower rates of obstetric interventions and adverse outcomes, including reduced risk of cesarean sections, epidural analgesia, and infection.
A study published in The Lancet recommends inducing labor at 37 weeks for pregnant women with mild hypertensive disorders like gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia. This approach reduces the risk of poor maternal outcomes, severe hypertension, HELLP syndrome, and caesarean sections.
A study at Yale-New Haven Hospital found that implementing simple clinical interventions, including communication training and standardizing procedures, significantly improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The rate of adverse events decreased by 60%, while the staff's perception of safety increased by 30%.
A new procedure using saline-infusion sonography allows doctors to visualize and diagnose diseases in the lining of the uterus, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study found that the procedure correctly diagnosed benign polyps and cancers more often than blind biopsies.
A new study found that binge drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, regardless of when alcohol consumption stops. Women who drank heavily or binged had a higher incidence of preterm birth compared to those who abstained from alcohol.
Researchers found that high blood pressure during pregnancy can be an early warning sign of future cardiovascular problems. A study followed 400 Ontario women with pre-eclampsia and found they had higher rates of elevated blood pressure and lipids, suggesting a link between the condition and increased cardiovascular risk.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that nearly 40% of women experience sexual problems, but only 12% report these issues as a source of significant personal distress. The study suggests that certain age groups and health conditions can influence the level of distress associated with sexual problems.
A two-year study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining a vaginal delivery with a Caesarean section for the second twin is generally safe. The researchers compared over 1,000 women who underwent this procedure and found that it was associated with a slightly higher risk of infection, but this risk was easily treated.
The study found a significant decline in surgical and medical complications for hysterectomies, with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy showing a 50% reduction. However, African-American women had higher rates of medical and surgical complications, highlighting the need for further research to address disparities.
Maternal death rates in the US remain constant, but a study suggests reducing cesarean-related deaths by implementing thromboprophylaxis can lower mortality. The risk of death attributable to cesarean delivery is approximately 2/100,000 procedures, which can be significantly reduced with universal thromboembolism prophylaxis.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine implemented clinical patient safety interventions to standardize communication and interpretation of fetal monitoring, leading to a 60% decrease in adverse events over 2.5 years. The staff's perception of the safety climate also increased by 30%.
A study found that genes involved in neurovascular function, regulated by hypoxia, and interacted with serious obstetric complications to boost schizophrenia risk. The study used a family-based design and identified four significant gene-environment interactions.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 23% of neonates born between 23 and 32 weeks gestation have positive umbilical blood cultures for genital mycoplasmas, a frequent cause of congenital fetal infection. These infections are associated with increased risk of neonatal systemic inflammatory resp...
A common medication used to stop preterm labor is associated with increased risk of brain damage and intestinal problems in premature infants. However, use of the medication has not been linked to other serious complications. Obstetricians are now advised to limit its use to cases where babies are at greatest risk.
A multi-center study found that repeated courses of steroids given to premature babies may increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The study, led by Dr. Ronald Wapner, followed 556 infants and found that six out of 248 who received multiple steroid courses had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Researchers found that treating expectant mothers with 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces short-term and lifetime medical costs in offspring by an estimated $2 billion annually. This could lead to significant cost savings for the US healthcare system, making it a promising preventive measure against preterm births.
A low-tech operation called symphysiotomy, performed under local anesthesia, can increase the size of the pelvic outlet and permit vaginal delivery of the baby. This procedure has been largely abandoned in developed countries due to its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing maternal mortality in Africa.
Researchers at Yale University found that competitive female cyclists have reduced genital sensitivity. No negative effects were observed on sexual function or quality of life in the study's young, healthy participants.
SAGE Publications will begin publishing Reproductive Sciences on behalf of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI), advancing knowledge in reproductive biology. The journal, formerly known as the Journal of SGI, has an impact factor of 2.887 and is ranked 8th among obstetrics and gynecology journals.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that giving pregnant women with a history of genital herpes an anti-viral drug significantly lowers the rate of C-sections needed to protect infants from becoming infected. The study, involving 338 women, showed a 69% reduction in clinical herpes simplex virus at delivery.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine caution against inducing labor due to the risk of chorioamnionitis, a severe infection that can lead to sepsis and future infertility. Women considering induced labor are advised to weigh the risks and consider letting nature take its course.