Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
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A new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study found that two-thirds of psychiatric patients referred for care following an emergency room visit are met with voicemail or long waits. Only 10% of calls resulted in an appointment scheduled within two weeks.
Research suggests that exposure to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) may reduce women's fertility. Women with higher levels of PFOA and PFOS in their blood took longer to become pregnant than those with lower levels.
A new study found that obstetrical care providers are not comfortable discussing substance abuse with pregnant patients unless specifically asked. The researchers call for providers to learn about drug and alcohol cessation programs and ask questions to engage women in discussions about risks. This could lead to better health outcomes ...
A community-based program that reinforces basic childbirth and newborn care practices reduced neonatal mortality by 54% in rural India. The program, which included culturally relevant messages and skin-to-skin care, was found to significantly reduce infant deaths within the first month of life.
Children under five who lived in households with unrelated adults were six times more likely to die from maltreatment-related injuries than those living with two biological parents. Young children need nearly constant supervision, and caregivers must prioritize their safety.
A new study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found that emergency room doctors correctly identify patients with heart attack symptoms even when laboratory tests have not yet confirmed it. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 patients and showed that physicians are relying on their clinical impression to diagnose heart att...
A Kaiser Permanente study published online in the Journal of Perinatology found that integrating substance abuse screening and treatment into routine prenatal care improved health outcomes for pregnant women. The study, which examined nearly 50,000 women, found that treating pregnant women with substance abuse early in their pregnancy ...
A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reports a significant disparity in infant mortality rates between black and white mothers, with obese black mothers facing a higher risk of newborn death. Researchers analyzed over 1.4 million births and found that high BMI was an independent risk factor for neonatal mortalit...
A homecare birth strategy significantly reduces neonatal mortality in Bangladeshi communities with weak health systems. The study found that the home-care approach was cost-effective, with a cost per neonatal death averted of $2995.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that a risk-based approach to labor induction can lead to healthier newborns and better birth outcomes for mothers. The Active Management of Risk in Pregnancy at Term (AMOR-IPAT) method reduces NICU admissions, cesarean rates, and mean Adverse Outcome Index scores.
A new NIH study has identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. These factors include sex, birthweight, single birth status, and antenatal steroids, which can predict individual outcomes and help guide treatment decisions.
A report by The Lancet reveals that only 16 of the 68 priority countries are on track to meet the MDG4 and MDG5 targets, with many more experiencing no progress or reversals. Investments in immunization have led to rapid increases in coverage for routine services.
A study by UCLA researchers found significant disparities in healthcare quality for African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites in California's Medi-Cal program. The study suggests that efforts to improve services for minority populations could lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Research finds black VLBW babies more likely to die in hospitals with higher neonatal death rates than white VLBW babies. Eliminating these disparities could improve survival rates for black VLBW infants by up to 34%.
The UCLA Department of Family Medicine has launched a network to study health care disparities affecting minorities, particularly those with chronic diseases. The Network for Multicultural Research on Health and Healthcare will mentor researchers and address quality of care for underserved populations.
A study of 45 family medicine practices found that those with nurse-practitioners performed better in diabetes care measures compared to physician-only practices and those using physician assistants. Practices with NPs were more likely to measure hemoglobin A1c levels, lipid levels, and treat for high lipid levels.
Global progress in maternal health is uneven and inequitable, with over half a million maternal deaths occurring annually. Despite this, successes in countries like Sri Lanka show that investment in education, employment, and maternal care can lead to significant improvements.
A recent study found that patients in Medicaid managed care programs tend to receive lower-quality care compared to those in commercial managed care programs. The study analyzed data from 383 health plans and found that overall commercial population performance exceeded overall Medicaid population performance in most measures.
A cohort study found a small but significant increase in cesarean deliveries when women are cared for by an on-call obstetrician rather than their regular-care obstetrician. The study highlights the importance of smooth hand-offs of patient care between physicians.
A four-year study found a significantly lower cesarean delivery rate of 5.3% for women using an alternative obstetric care method compared to traditional care. Preventive labor induction was used based on accurate pregnancy dating and risk-factor scoring.
Research highlights the association between acanthosis nigricans and type 2 diabetes risk factors in children and adults. Additionally, a study suggests that electronic medical records do not necessarily ensure high-quality diabetes care, highlighting the need for workflow redesign to improve patient health.
A study found that daily multivitamin supplements given to HIV-negative pregnant women in Tanzania significantly reduced the risks of low birth weight and a small-for-gestational age birth size. The results suggest that enhancing micronutrient status during pregnancy has significant benefits on maternal immunity and hemoglobin levels.
The March of Dimes and Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute have launched a three-year partnership to reduce preterm births in targeted areas of Kentucky. The goal is to decrease singleton preterm births by 15%, with a focus on interventions combining clinical care, public health, and education.
A study found that undocumented immigrants with pregnant women account for 48,391 Emergency Medicaid cases, with 99% being Hispanic and 95% female. This trend indicates an increasing burden on publicly funded healthcare, necessitating improved services such as comprehensive contraceptive care and chronic disease management.
The prevalence of cerebral palsy in premature babies has decreased significantly since the 1980s, thanks to improved neonatal care. According to a study published in The Lancet, the incidence rate dropped from 60.6 per 1000 live births in 1980 to 39.5 in 1996.
Over 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, with 130,000 new cases developing annually in African nations. Specialist fistula repair centers are urgently needed to address this devastating complication of pregnancy.
Prioritizing health facility births with trained midwives can substantially reduce maternal mortality worldwide. The Lancet series highlights the stark disparities between rich and poor countries, with women in developing countries being 1000 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Research emphasizes the importance of preconception care in reducing pregnancy risks, birth defects, and premature birth. Experts recommend discussing reproductive health with doctors during routine visits.
A new supplement provides essential information on preconception care, emphasizing the importance of women's health before pregnancy. The supplement covers topics such as folic acid supplements, vaccinations, and screening for HIV, as well as measures to avoid harmful substances like alcohol and anti-epileptic drugs.
A recent study found that Florida medical students are discouraged from pursuing obstetrics and gynecology careers due to high malpractice premiums and liability concerns. The survey results suggest a significant shortage of specialists in the field, with many students considering leaving the state to practice.
The University of Pittsburgh study found significant improvements in clinical, behavioral, and psychological indicators for patients receiving the chronic care model (CCM) intervention. Patients and providers received diabetes-control education, leading to better blood glucose control, HDL cholesterol, and diabetes knowledge.
Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.
A study of over 6 million births found Asian-Indian women were more than twice as likely to have low birth weight infants as white women. U.S.-born Mexican-American women also faced health challenges, despite higher completion rates and earlier prenatal care.
A study of over 4500 women reveals that nearly 10% of repeat cesarean deliveries have no documented reason, emphasizing the importance of accurate physician-recorded indications. Future research should focus on clinicians' and women's decision-making processes about childbirth after a prior cesarean delivery.
The Contraception Awareness Program at Queen's University has developed an innovative bilingual web site, sexualityandu.ca, which attracts 5,000 hits per day. The site provides information and answers to queries about contraception, safer sex practices, and sexual well-being.
Researchers found that reported insurance status significantly influences access to follow-up appointments for urgent ambulatory care. Privately insured patients were more likely to receive appointments within a week compared to those with Medicaid or no insurance, suggesting a barrier to timely care.
A HealthGrades study reveals a significant rise in patient-choice C-sections, with rates varying widely across states. The study found that Arizona had the smallest increase, while Nevada saw the largest jump of 56.7%, highlighting the need for awareness and informed decision-making about these procedures.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high malpractice premiums are affecting the supply of obstetricians, particularly in states with the highest costs. Researchers found a significant increase in births-per-junior fellow in high-premium states compared to low-premium states.
Research found that primary care physicians have only 3.5 hours per day to provide care for common chronic diseases, increasing to over 10 hours per day when accounting for poorly controlled conditions. The authors suggest collaborative guideline development and team approaches to patient education to address this issue.
Researchers found that individuals with high transferrin saturation levels have a 2.24 times greater relative risk of cancer when consuming excessive iron intake, emphasizing the need for dietary restrictions to mitigate this risk. Additionally, a study analyzing over 35,000 participants revealed that family-level influences significan...
Three-quarters of neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life, with infections being the major cause. Low-cost and low-tech interventions can save nearly three-quarters of these deaths, including vaccinations and clean delivery practices.
A quality improvement intervention for adolescents improved depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with mental health care. The program also increased access to evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy and counseling.
The American Academy of Family Physicians presents award-winning research papers on key medical topics such as prenatal care, diabetes management, and pain assessment. Researchers will be available to discuss their findings between presentations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are collaborating on a three-year project to address racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to develop more comprehensive and coordinated prenatal care strategies, as well as evaluate the role of leadership, providers, and patients in improving health equity.
A cluster-randomised trial in Nepal found that women's groups addressing childbirth and care issues led to a 26.2 per 1000 neonatal mortality rate, compared to 36.9 in control clusters. The intervention also reduced maternal mortality by 80%.
A study of error reports from primary care offices found that two-thirds of treatment and diagnosis mistakes were caused by communication errors. Researchers suggest focusing on management systems to enhance information quality rather than improving clinical judgment.
Research suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure is not directly related to child development, but rather the quality of caregiving. Children in non-parental care performed better in several developmental areas, despite initial health issues at birth. Support for caregivers and mothers could help prevent and treat developmental problems.
A recent study published in JAMA found that prenatal cocaine exposure was not associated with lower full-scale IQ scores, but did show specific effects on information, arithmetic, and object assembly. Children in foster or adoptive care showed improved cognitive outcomes despite higher levels of cocaine exposure.
A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...
A recent trial found that day-care services for pregnant women with high blood pressure or ruptured fetal membranes offered no clinical benefits but improved satisfaction and reduced hospital stays. The study suggests that day-care services could be a viable option for other common complications like diabetes and hyperemesis.
Researchers found that women with preeclampsia are more likely to have a successful vaginal delivery at tertiary care hospitals compared to primary and secondary care facilities. Tertiary hospitals offer comprehensive maternity and neonatal care services, including transport, education, and research.
A new study suggests that women who have had a caesarean section may be at higher risk of stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies. The research found that the risk of stillbirth was greater for women who had previously given birth by caesarean section, with an increased risk starting at around 34 weeks of their second pregnancy.
A randomized clinical trial found that endoscopic fetal treatment increased survival to 73 percent for infants with severe CDH, while a comparison group with standard care reached 77 percent. The strongest predictor of survival was the size of the fetus' lungs at diagnosis.
New guidelines improve pregnancy, labour, and delivery care for HIV-positive women. These updated recommendations allow for longer, healthier pregnancies and increased chances of healthy, HIV-free offspring.
The first International Preeclampsia Summit is being held to bring together experts in the field to discuss ways to intervene and reduce maternal illness and death due to preeclampsia. The summit aims to prioritize appropriate treatment options for this top cause of maternal mortality.
A study found that VA facilities in the US offer limited on-site specialty care for women veterans, with most services provided off-site through contracts. Facilities with more specialist physicians and separate women's health budgets offered more specialized services on-site.
Researchers found that both groups of parents reported making active, informed decisions for their babies' heart surgery. Fathers in the prenatal diagnosis group had less anxiety and higher optimism than those with postnatal diagnoses. The study suggests that parental informed consent is related to the timing of the child's diagnosis.
A study published in JAMA found that continuous care from nurses did not significantly reduce caesarean delivery rates. However, the majority of women preferred this type of care, highlighting the need for widespread changes to hospital practices and caregivers' attitudes.
A study of Puerto Rican women found that their level of satisfaction with obstetrical care is significantly influenced by institutional settings, medical staff characteristics, and the continuity of care. Latino physicians are culturally sensitive, but their ethnicity does not affect patient satisfaction.
Researchers analyzed care in US, Australia, Canada, and UK to find similar survival rates for low-birth-weight babies. The US spent more on neonatal intensive care but less on reproductive and prenatal care.