Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
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 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 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 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.
A recent study analyzing data from 77,701 women found that those who experienced a history of miscarriage or stillbirth had a higher risk of coronary heart disease later in adulthood. Women with two or more miscarriages were found to have an odds ratio of 1.18 for coronary heart disease compared to those with no miscarriages.
High-volume neonatal centers have been shown to significantly improve premature newborn survival rates, with a 30% increase for overall premature births and a 50% increase for very premature babies born after less than 27 weeks of pregnancy. This study suggests that centralized care in these units leads to better outcomes.
Leading medical authorities call for global mental health objectives, a UN High Level Meeting on Mental Health, and efforts to end stigma and human rights violations. The experts say action is urgently needed, particularly in Africa, where mental health disorders account for a huge burden of disease and disability.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) has received a three-year, $2.125 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the CHAMPS program. The grant aims to improve maternal/infant care in Mississippi, New Orleans, and Southern Texas, with a goal of increasing breastfeeding rates among African American women.
A seven-year study of pregnant women taking antipsychotics found that 43% of babies needed special care after birth, with increased rates of premature birth, respiratory distress and withdrawal symptoms. The study highlights the need for clearer health guidelines on using antipsychotic medication during pregnancy.
A partnership between psychologists and physicians can produce a comprehensive, integrated personal care plan that includes attention to mental and medical disorders. The collaboration can help improve diagnosis, address substance abuse issues, and incorporate health behavior change, leading to better primary health care outcomes.
A Baylor University study found that 40% of low-income pregnant women discharged after a false labor diagnosis did not want to leave the hospital. The main reasons were pain and distance from their homes. Receiving written instructions about comfort measures at home improved their satisfaction with care. Comfort is a major aspect of sa...
Researchers at UC San Diego have found that the health risks to pregnant women with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) are low with proper management and care. The study, published in British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, also notes that the long-term risk for adults with KD is not known.
A Saint Louis University pediatric researcher is conducting a study to determine the best time to discuss obtaining parental consent for clinical research involving treatment of newborns in the delivery room. The goal is to develop a method that satisfies ethical requirements while making it easier for parents to understand the researc...
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that women with pregnancy complications were more likely to see a doctor post-delivery, but overall visit rates were low. Women with complicated pregnancies and depression or preeclampsia were also more likely to attend primary care visits.
Researchers aim to understand the causes of pregnancy complications in assisted reproductive technologies, as well as how hospital environments impact childbirth. The studies will investigate genetic and epigenetic factors and evaluate obstetrical resources to identify optimal levels of care.
Rates of unnecessary cesarean section and non-indicated induction of labor rose more sharply at rural hospitals than urban hospitals, according to a study published in Medical Care. The differences in trends may have important implications for maternal and infant health and public health policy.
Maternal deaths from haemorrhage have decreased, but still account for the majority of maternal mortality in France. The French National Expert Committee on Maternal Mortality has made recommendations to improve care and reduce avoidable deaths.
A study of over 30,000 women in Ireland found that private patients were more likely to have a C-section or surgical delivery, with rates twice as high for planned C-sections. The disparities remained after adjusting for social and medical factors.
A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that prenatal group visits for expectant Japanese women who discussed childbirth and baby care topics with peers felt less anxious and better prepared. The groups allowed women to connect on a personal level, share experiences, and take control of their pregnancy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychological and health promotion interventions by non-mental health specialists improved symptoms in women during the perinatal period. The study, conducted in middle-income countries, suggests promise for psychosocial interventions in low- and middle-income settings.
New research published in The Lancet finds that caseload midwifery is just as safe as standard maternity care, with similar outcomes for women of any risk. Women who received caseload midwifery care had lower costs and improved breastfeeding rates.
International experts agree on priority areas for preconception care, including cost-effective integration into health programs, increasing healthcare provision through community workers, and reducing tobacco smoke exposure. The goal is to improve pregnancy outcomes by preparing women for optimal health before conception.
A study of 64 pregnant women in NYC found that common hearsay and media play a significant role in shaping their expectations about pregnancy. Women often referenced media sources when discussing their experiences, despite minimizing the influence of cultural mythologies in daily conversations.
Research found that pregnant women rely on common hearsay and entertainment media to shape their expectations about pregnancy. Women often cited ethnic-religious traditions and personal experiences in shaping their understanding of pregnancy mythologies.
Malpractice claims in primary care mainly stem from missed diagnoses of cancer, heart attack, and meningitis, with a substantial proportion of deaths attributed to these errors. Drug errors also account for a significant share of claims, although rates vary across countries.
A new UCLA-led study found that primary care physicians rarely discuss the risks and benefits of dietary supplements with their patients. The study analyzed audio recordings from over 1,400 office visits and discovered that only six out of 738 supplements were discussed in detail regarding all five major topics.
Some of the world's poorest countries have cut maternal and young child mortality rates by half or more, according to a new report from Countdown to 2015. Remarkable progress has been achieved in expanding programs to prevent HIV transmission and vaccinate children against life-threatening illnesses.
A Dutch medical protocol used to curb suffering in sick newborns reveals that euthanasia is not an abuse but a humane option for parents. The Groningen Protocol, introduced in 2005, stipulates strict criteria for euthanasia, and its review found that only two cases of infant euthanasia were reported between 2010.
A virtual patient advocate named Gabby delivers preconception care to African-American women through interactive conversations online. The pilot study found that 83% of identified risks were addressed or resolved by the users, resulting in improved pregnancy outcomes.
A reanalysis of the WHOACT data found an increased risk of fetal death for women with reduced antenatal visits, particularly between 32 and 36 weeks. The study suggests that routine antenatal visits may detect asymptomatic conditions earlier, allowing timely intervention.