Articles tagged with Obstetrics
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.
Dr. Lawrence Platt is a renowned expert in ultrasound technology, particularly in prenatal diagnosis and 2D/3D/4D imaging. He has authored numerous publications and holds leadership roles in prominent professional organizations.
Researchers found a correlation between obstetric complications and anorexia nervosa, with specific complications increasing the risk of developing the disorder. The study suggests that prenatal factors may contribute to the development of eating disorders by impairing neurodevelopment or causing neonatal brain damage.
Researchers found that getting an epidural when the cervix is less than four centimeters dilated does not increase the cesarean delivery rate and provides significantly better pain relief. The study also showed shorter labors in the early epidural group compared to those who received standard narcotics.
A study using a birthing simulator found that turning the baby so its spine faces the mother's belly requires less force and stretching on the baby's nerves than other techniques. This method can help reduce the risk of injury to babies during complicated deliveries.
Researchers developed a PCOS-specific questionnaire to measure disease-related dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ) improves quality of life perception with therapy, particularly for hirsutism and excess weight.
A recent study published in JAMA found that only a few US physicians have been elected to Congress since the 1960s. The researchers suggest that training and financial incentives may be contributing factors to this lack of representation. The study highlights the need for medical leadership in shaping healthcare policy.
The study found that obstetric intervention rates were higher among refugees (1%) compared to the host population (0.45%), with maternal mortality being 2.5 times greater in the host population. The researchers emphasize the need for integrated health systems catering to both refugee and host populations.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that delaying preterm birth by a few days can significantly reduce the risk of disability in premature babies. The research suggests that obstetricians may be delivering too early and that delaying delivery until it is medically necessary could help minimize brain damage.
A study by AIUM found significant improvements in ultrasound practice quality after reaccreditation. The proportion of practices meeting accreditation requirements increased significantly, and scores were higher than initial applications.
A new study by UNC researchers reveals that primary-care doctors who received comprehensive smoking cessation intervention training during residency are more likely to continue using these methods in their medical practice years later. The long-term effects of such training on physician behavior have significant implications for public...
The largest study on the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the United States found that approximately 6.6% of premenopausal women have PCOS, surpassing previous estimates. This significant increase may be due to a more representative sample size and improved diagnostic methods.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that only 16% of pregnant women with parvovirus B19 exhibited symptoms, while 12% experienced fetal heart failure and 16% suffered fetal death. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and counseling of high-risk patients.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that medical students who have not yet completed their OB/GYN clerkship place more value on securing consent before performing pelvic examinations under anesthesia. This suggests a decline in the importance of obtaining patient consent for these procedures.
A recent study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that babies born with low amniotic fluid at 37 weeks' gestation have normal birth weights and health, challenging conventional wisdom. The study of 262 women showed no significant differences in birth outcomes between those with low and normal amounts of amniotic fluid.
A recent clinical trial testing celecoxib in pregnant women found that it appears to be a safer alternative for preventing preterm delivery, with fewer side effects compared to indomethacin. The study also suggests that celecoxib is just as effective in delaying delivery and may offer a new option for women at risk of preterm labor.
A recent study found that Australians now spend significantly more on unproven therapies compared to prescribed pharmaceuticals, with a notable increase in the use of alternative treatments and consultations. This trend is concerning, as many alternative medicines have not been rigorously tested or proven safe.
A recent Ohio State University survey found that two-thirds of pregnant women believe walking and sex can induce labor. However, experts say these methods may not be effective and could pose health risks to the mother and baby. The study's author emphasizes the importance of waiting for natural labor to begin.
A systematic review of 11 studies from sub-Saharan Africa found that 75% of women underwent caesarean sections for maternal reasons, with prolonged labour and placental abruption being common causes. The authors suggest a need for improved obstetric guidelines to reduce mortality rates.
Women who underwent vaginal instrumental delivery had a lower risk of serious bleeding and trauma compared to those who received caesarean section. The study supports the use of safe vaginal instrumental delivery for managing obstructed labour, especially in cases without clear evidence of disproportion.
A Yale study shows irregular fetal heartbeats are a sign of serious problems in only one to two percent of affected fetuses, not warranting immediate treatment. The review of 5,566 fetal echocardiograms confirms that most fetuses with irregular heartbeats do not need medication.
Young physicians who undergo formal training in ultrasound testing on pregnant women perform better than those without such training, according to a Johns Hopkins study. The formal training program includes a checklist of sonographic skills and evaluates residents' progress through practical exams.