Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
A new study published in The Lancet found that India has avoided about 1 million deaths of children under age five since 2005, primarily due to reductions in pneumonia, diarrhea, tetanus, and measles. If national progress had matched states' rates, nearly three times that number could have been saved.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that infants' racial and ethnic identities influence the quality of medical care they receive in California's neonatal intensive care units. White infants generally received better care than those from vulnerable populations at some hospitals, while others received worse care.
The Hastings Center recommends adopting reimbursement policies and guidelines to support clinicians in providing informed consent for prenatal genetic testing. The authors also suggest funding education and counseling approaches to help patients make decisions about testing.
A new study found that Oregon's CCO model significantly improves the timeliness of prenatal care for pregnant women on Medicaid. The study reveals that more women began prenatal care in the first trimester, particularly among white and Asian women and those in urban areas.
Researchers found that using a black light helps dermatologists determine the extent of melasma, a hyperpigmentation condition that causes brown and gray patches on the face. This can lead to early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of the condition worsening over time.
An internet-based weight loss program was found to be effective in promoting significant weight loss among low-income postpartum women, resulting in a 7-pound average weight loss compared to 2 pounds in the standard care group. Additionally, more participants in the intervention group returned to preconception weight by 12 months.
Experts agree on routine screening, medication-assisted treatment, and addressing pain management for women with opioid use disorder. Research is needed to improve outcomes for affected women, newborns, and families.
Low-income patients in non-expanded states are more likely to travel out of state for abortion care, pushing procedures into the second trimester. This highlights the growing inaccessibility of abortion services and the need for compassionate public health policies.
A study found that radio advertising free ultrasounds increased pregnant women's modern medical care attendance in rural Uganda by 490%. The use of portable ultrasound machines helped detect serious anatomical problems and infectious diseases, leading to improved health outcomes.
Researchers developed and evaluated MyFamilyPlan, a web-based preconception health education module. The study found that women who used the online format were about twice as likely to discuss preconception health with their doctors. This increase in discussions was associated with improved patient care.
A research review and update suggests that medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is an appropriate treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD), reducing opioid use, promoting abstinence, and aiding recovery. Comprehensive care programs supporting mothers and infants are crucial for sustained recovery.
A study found that less than 50% of eligible women in India take up the Janani Suraksha Yojana scheme due to obstacles such as poor care quality and transport challenges. Community health workers, known as ASHAs, were identified as major enabling factors in accessing delivery care.
A new survey reveals that many patients in Connecticut struggle to understand their private health insurance plans, leading to delays in care and unexpected medical bills. The study highlights the need for simplified language and increased education to address health disparities among minority groups.
A new study by Thomas Jefferson University found that women who received IV fluids at a higher rate during labor were less likely to need a cesarean section and had shorter labors. The study pooled data from seven small clinical trials involving over 1,200 women.
A new study aims to improve treatment access for low-income women with postpartum depression by evaluating two interventions in primary care settings. The research will determine when during pregnancy and postpartum periods screening for depression is most accurate, as well as the effectiveness of peer-based engagement and problem-solv...
Researchers found that survival rates increased from 30% to 36% among over 4,000 extremely preterm infants born between 2000 and 2011. Additionally, the proportion of survivors without neurological impairment rose from 16% to 20%. The authors attribute these improvements to advances in prenatal care and antenatal steroids.
Thailand successfully eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by implementing the WHO four-pronged strategy, including primary prevention, unintended pregnancy prevention, HIV transmission prevention, and treatment care support
Researchers found significant increases in miscarriage rates among women undergoing IVF with a prior pregnancy loss when embryo transfers occurred during daylight savings time. The study suggests that circadian rhythm changes may impact fertility.
A new study published in Genetics in Medicine found that non-invasive cell-free DNA prenatal testing can be effectively and appropriately offered to all pregnant women through primary obstetrical care providers. The test has been shown to be highly effective in screening for Down syndrome and similar chromosome abnormalities.
The Temple Wedge Opioid (TWO) Treatment Program provides state-of-the-art care to pregnant women and their partners, addressing the growing issue of maternal opioid use. The Center of Excellence offers comprehensive treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment and psychiatric evaluation.
A new study found that clinic closures in Texas due to House Bill 2 led to a significant decline in the official number of abortions. Counties with longer travel distances to the nearest abortion facility saw a 50% decrease in abortions, while those with limited capacity at remaining clinics also experienced declines.
Researchers found that clean-burning ethanol stoves reduced the incidence of hypertension and increased diastolic blood pressure in pregnant Nigerian women. The study suggests that switching to clean fuels could have significant health benefits for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women.
A study found that women with higher incomes and social support are more likely to choose surgery over medication for miscarriage. Patients who have been pregnant before tend to know how they want the miscarriage managed, while those without prior pregnancy rely on doctors' advice. The research emphasizes the need for evidence-based, p...
A study by LA BioMed and UCLA researchers found that over 50% of hospital ICU admissions could have been cared for in less expensive settings. Nearly 65% of ICU days were allocated to discretionary monitoring, which is not necessary for patients who are too well or too sick.
A new analysis of US health spending reveals that just 20 conditions account for half of all spending, with diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and low back and neck pain being the top three. Total personal health care spending reached $2.4 trillion in 2013, with women aged 85 and older spending the most per person on healthcare.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that bisphenol S (BPS) exposure during pregnancy and lactation impaired maternal behavior in mice, including increased infanticide rates. The compound also affected brain regions sensitive to estrogen, leading to changes in nesting behavior and care of offspring.
The UK's abortion care system is facing a crisis due to an outdated law and inadequate access, according to an expert. Women seeking abortions face challenges including inequitable access, lack of trained staff, stigmatization, and exceptionalism.
A study found that African-American and Latina women have a higher accumulated stress level than Caucasian women, but less than half the difference can be explained by expected factors. The study's results suggest that more social determinants of health, such as employment and housing status, need to be studied.
Research at Oregon State University shows that Oregon's implementation of coordinated care organizations improved expectant moms starting prenatal care on time. The study also found a small narrowing of the gap in prenatal care quality between Medicaid beneficiaries and those with private insurance.
Researchers developed a method estimating developmental maturity via DNA methylation patterns, which can help assess preterm newborns' care and estimate conception time. The study found gestational age accurately estimated between 24-44 weeks, with correlations to birthweight and developmental maturity.
A staggering proportion of children under five may not reach their developmental potential due to poverty and chronic undernutrition. Research highlights the critical role of early childhood development in shaping future health, economic, and social outcomes.
A study published in Health Affairs evaluated the impact of in-service training and supervision on quality of care for pregnant women and sick children in sub-Saharan Africa. The research found that while receiving recent training and supervision was associated with improved quality, it did not exceed 50% of expected performance.
In Kansas, healthcare consumer advocates pushed for moderation in Medicaid reform, securing modest wins despite facing limits. Their strategies reshaped the discourse on accountability and responsibility, informing mechanisms like public oversight committees.
A new study by LA BioMed and UCLA found that hospitals using ICUs more frequently perform more costly and invasive procedures but do not see better mortality rates among patients with four common conditions. The study analyzed records from 156,842 hospitalizations and reported higher costs ranging from $647 to $3,412.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that exercise during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm birth and may actually reduce it. Women who exercised were more likely to deliver vaginally and had lower rates of C-sections, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The EPICE project highlights the underuse of effective medical practices, such as corticosteroid administration and surfactant therapy, in very premature infants. With improved care, mortality rates can be reduced by 18%, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine for these high-risk babies.
A mobile app improved knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation among Ethiopian healthcare workers, but did not significantly reduce perinatal mortality. The app trained workers on managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies through animated videos and local language voiceovers.
A new study by Dr. Joel Ray found that women born in the Caribbean or Africa are two times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit at the time of their delivery than Canadian-born women. The risk is higher for mothers from Jamaica and Ghana, with rates up to 2.7 times higher than Canadian-born women.
The study estimates that there are over 72,000 cases of unrepaired cleft lip and/or palate in India, with rates ranging from less than 3.5 per 100,000 population in Kerala and Goa to 10.9 per 100,000 population in Bihar.
A new Penn study proposes a broader definition of severe maternal morbidity to better identify high-risk patients, leading to improved care and lives saved. The expanded definition includes conditions such as postpartum readmission and significant blood loss, which accounted for most of the difference between restricted and expanded de...
Mayo Clinic's OB Nest study found that patient satisfaction improved with fewer office visits, empowering expectant women to take control of their care. The program provided personalized nursing care and home monitoring equipment, resulting in reduced patient burden and healthcare provider resources.
A new analysis suggests that investing in basic healthcare services, including contraception and nutrition, can save up to 4.7 million lives annually at an average cost of $4.70 per person. The study found that these services could prevent half of all maternal, newborn, and child deaths.
The Hastings Center Report explores bioethics' racial dimensions, including medical racism and conscientious care. The article discusses approaches to mitigate the effects of laws that raise moral conflicts, such as abortion regulations in North Carolina. Two 'Other Voices' essays also examine the role of conscience in healthcare.
A retrospective cohort study found that non-Hispanic black women had more missed doses, initiated care later, and were more likely to discontinue 17P than women in other racial/ethnic groups. The study also identified a significant interaction between non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity and public insurance.
A study of 152 postpartum women found that delayed physician rounding improved patient satisfaction scores, particularly for quality of communication and hospital experience. The study suggests that physicians should be more mindful of their morning rounds to enhance patient satisfaction.
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause microcephaly in infants and mild flu-like symptoms in adults and children. The US is at risk of introduction, particularly with the presence of Aedes species mosquitoes in many states.
The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in adults, including pregnant and postpartum women, to improve accurate identification of patients with depression. Screening with adequate support systems can also improve clinical outcomes and reduce symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a reliable method to estimate an infant's gestational age using a metabolic profile derived from routine newborn screenings. This technique can help doctors determine if a baby was born on time or prematurely, which is crucial for deciding medical care and identifying potential health is...
New research highlights the slow progress made in preventing stillbirths, despite significant reductions in maternal and child deaths. The study reveals that most stillbirths are preventable with improved quality of care during labor and birth.
The Zika virus has been introduced into the Americas, spreading locally among people who have not traveled abroad. The virus is linked to serious birth defects, including microcephaly, and there is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment available.
A Yale University study found that group prenatal care substantially improves health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Women who received group care had lower rates of small birth size, preterm delivery, and low birthweight compared to those with individual care.
Research found that immigrant parents in Canada had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. The study also identified specific countries with higher rates of preterm birth among certain groups.
A UK study found that women using contraceptive implants or injectables after an initial abortion were more likely to have a repeat abortion. Factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, age, and previous obstetric history increased the risk of repeat terminations.
A five-year, $60 million project will integrate HIV services with tuberculosis, malaria, family planning, nutrition, and other health services. The project aims to increase the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services for vulnerable populations in southwestern Uganda.
A study found that newly trained family physicians intend to provide a broader range of healthcare services, including prenatal care and inpatient care. The researchers suggest that these differences may be due to limited practice support or employer constraints rather than generational changes.
A new study has revealed key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies in cases of term stillbirth. The investigation found 'missed opportunities' that could have potentially saved baby lives, highlighting areas such as diabetes testing, fetal growth monitoring, and bereavement care.
A recent study found that midwife-led maternity care is as safe as consultant-led care and results in less intervention, with women expressing higher satisfaction rates. The average cost of caring for a woman in midwife-led units was €182 less than in consultant-led units.
A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.
Researchers found that women with higher levels of abdominal fat during their first trimester are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes later on. The study used ultrasound scans to measure visceral and total abdominal fat, both of which were predictors of gestational diabetes.
Transgender men who can bear children face significant healthcare challenges due to a lack of training and inadequate policies. Healthcare providers often struggle to provide quality care, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.