Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
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.
A new study by Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne found that pregnant refugee women in Ontario had a higher prevalence of HIV than immigrants and Canadian-born women, with rates eight times higher for refugees than immigrants and 17 times higher than Canadian-born women. The study suggests that recent changes to Canadian immigration policy may ha...
The program aims to support a culture of experimentation, where insights can be turned into data quickly. Eight new projects will develop, test, and implement novel approaches to health care, focusing on topics such as lab monitoring, advance directives, and managing superutilizers.
A study found that women who were told their babies might be large had higher odds of perinatal interventions, despite only a fraction actually having excessive birth weights. The association raises questions about how much information clinicians should communicate to women about fetal size.
Research reveals that babies born extremely premature may benefit from comprehensive perinatal and neonatal care. Sixty infants survived to hospital discharge, with more than half having little to no neurological complications by 18-22 months.
A cluster-randomized trial in rural Tanzania found that home-based counselling strategies had no effect on neonatal mortality, despite improvements in newborn care practices. Neonatal mortality decreased in both intervention and control groups, with better breastfeeding rates and handwashing practices reported in the intervention area.
Stillbirths are expected to increase by 52 million between now and 2035 if no action is taken. Experts advocate for clear targets to prevent stillbirths in national and global health plans.
Global health experts highlight critical actions and investments to impact the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents. The new Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health aims to prevent deaths and improve the health of millions.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that privately insured pregnant women with 24-hour OB coverage and midwife care had lower C-section rates compared to those with traditional care. The study, which tracked data from 2011-2014, showed a significant decrease in C-sections among these patients.
Studies find HIV-infected women receive inadequate prenatal care, resulting in low viral suppression rates at delivery. Women connected to care soon after delivery are more likely to remain in care and achieve viral suppression.
Cystitis affects half of women at least once in their lifetime, causing 1% of UK GP consultations. Women should be allowed to access safe treatment, like nitrofurantoin, without a prescription to improve autonomy and reduce healthcare burden.
Despite fewer legal barriers, women in developed countries still face significant inequities in abortion access due to inadequate service provision, moral opposition, and inadequate training. The review suggests improving access by increasing training, boosting service options, and making services more affordable or free.
The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield grant will support the Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting Program (TAPP) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The program aims to provide reproductive health care services, including prenatal care and parenting services, to pregnant teens in Ward 8.
Two legal experts argue that the proposed Medicaid block grant in the Patient CARE Act would be unconstitutional as it violates the Tenth Amendment. The block grant's fixed sum allocation and limited growth rate would coerce states into accepting a reduced financing structure, similar to the 2012 NFIB v. Sebelius ruling.
A new study found that parents' country of origin influences the risk of stillbirth in Canada, with higher risks seen for couples from Nigeria, Portugal, Jamaica, and Guyana. Genetic factors may contribute to this increased risk, although environmental factors also play a role.
The Maternal and Child Health Handbook helped increase antenatal care visits, identify pregnancy complications earlier, and reduce passive smoking in Mongolia. The study found that 82% of women attended clinics 6 times or more, with a significant impact on maternal and child health.
A Canadian study found that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience poorer health outcomes than those in higher socioeconomic brackets. The research analyzed data from over 68,000 new mothers and their babies, highlighting disparities in prenatal care, labor experiences, and infant health.
Research reveals pregnant women with severe sickle cell disease are six times more likely to die during or after pregnancy. Women with the most severe form of SCD face increased risks of high blood pressure, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and smaller-than-average infants.
The Every Woman Every Child movement has made significant progress in improving health care for millions of poor women and children, resulting in a 25% reduction in maternal and child death rates. The initiative has attracted $60 billion in resources from over 400 commitments by more than 300 partners.
A study found that maternity hospital ratings did not influence the number of pregnant women attending top-ranked hospitals or avoiding low-ranked ones. Satisfaction levels also showed no significant improvement at worst-rated hospitals compared to others with similar satisfaction levels initially.
A study published in CMAJ Open found that the incidence of newborn opioid withdrawal increased 15-fold in Ontario between 1992 and 2011, with most babies born to mothers who were legally prescribed opioids. The shift from other opioids to methadone before delivery was associated with higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight.
A new study published in BJOG found that medical co-morbidities are a significant factor associated with direct maternal deaths in the UK. The study identified six factors, including previous pregnancy problems and substance misuse, which contribute to increased risk of fatality.
A new study has identified key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The report highlights inconsistencies in care delivery, with some areas showing better patient-centered models. Key recommendations include focusing acute care on specialist centers and deve...
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia highlights the need for better planning to improve mother-infant outcomes, reduce stress on health systems, and staff morale. The researchers found that dramatic surges in delivery volume led to overcrowding, understaffing, and fragmented care.
Researchers estimate that universal preconception care for pregnant women with diabetes can avert an estimated $5.5 billion in health expenditures and lost employment productivity over their children's lifetimes. Effective care could also help mitigate significant complications such as preterm deliveries, birth defects, and perinatal d...
Researchers from Drexel University presented various public health topics at the American Public Health Association meeting in 2014. Amy Carroll-Scott's session focused on understanding and building resilience for healthier communities, while Nicole Vaughn's work explored supporting community leaders in high-crime neighborhoods.
The American College of Physicians recommends Kegel exercises, bladder training, and weight loss as effective treatments for stress and urgency urinary incontinence. Non-surgical treatment options are recommended over medication to minimize side effects and costs.
Experts recommend prioritizing pregnant women for long-lasting insecticide treated nets through antenatal care clinics. This distribution strategy can help improve maternal, neonatal, and infant health by preventing malaria, which has adverse effects on mothers and infants.
A study published in JAMA found that collaborative care improved depression symptoms in teens, with more teens receiving evidence-based treatment and experiencing decreases in depressive symptoms compared to usual care. The collaborative care model integrated care for mental and physical health within a primary-care setting.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has reported successful results from 100 recent cases of fetal surgery for spina bifida, achieving comparable outcomes to the landmark MOMS trial. The study found improved rates of shunting and pulmonary edema, as well as shorter operative times and decreased transfusion rates.
A collaborative care intervention that included patient and parent engagement and education resulted in greater improvement in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression. The study found that 68% of intervention youth had a 50% or greater reduction in depressive symptoms, compared to 39% among control youth.
A statewide survey in Oregon found that most doctors recommend flu vaccine to healthy pregnant patients, but only half of American women receive the vaccine while pregnant. Doctors who see more pregnant patients or are younger are more likely to recommend vaccination.
A systematic review of studies found that 1 in 4 pregnant women experience malaria, yet most receive inappropriate treatment. Barriers include poor knowledge among healthcare providers and reliance on clinical diagnosis.