Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
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.
A Dartmouth study reveals uneven regional distribution of newborn specialists and intensive care beds, correlating poorly with improved survival rates. The research suggests that increasing neonatal resources beyond a certain point may not lead to further gains in outcomes.
Advanced practice nurse home visits significantly lower infant mortality, preterm births, and rehospitalizations. The intervention also yields substantial savings to the healthcare system.
The Bay Area Perinatal AIDS Center's coordinated care model significantly reduces HIV transmission from mother to child. Nurse clinicians focus on the challenges of caring for HIV-infected mothers, implementing interventions such as coordinated medication schedules.
Research reveals psychological uncertainty about pregnancy is a major barrier, rather than immigrant status, for Puerto Rican women seeking adequate prenatal care. Despite being U.S. citizens, some women report inadequate care due to unwanted pregnancies or lack of awareness.
Researchers found that HIV-infected pregnant women receiving care at specialized centers or state-funded sites were more likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, reducing transmission by up to two-thirds. The study highlights the importance of access to quality medical care in preventing mother-to-newborn transmission of AIDS.
This issue of Public Health Reports features articles on occupational pesticide poisoning, an outbreak of Echovirus 30 infections among child care center staff and parents, and the prevalence of asthma among American Indian and Alaska Native children. The journal also includes viewpoints on Medicaid managed care and public health data,...
A UNC-CH study reveals that premature infants are resuscitated primarily based on parents' preferences and medical uncertainty, rather than solely on the prognosis of survival. The study found that resuscitation generally postpones death by only a few days but does not contribute substantially to over-treatment.
The article recommends adopting nurse-midwifery as the standard of care for normal deliveries in the US, citing its cost-effectiveness and ability to mitigate low birth weight and infant mortality. Nurse-midwives' non-interventionist approach can provide high-quality care with equivalent outcomes to physicians.
A University of Washington study found that patients of certified nurse-midwives used 12% fewer resources than those of physicians, with lower rates of continuous fetal monitoring and epidural anesthesia. Midwives also delivered babies with a lower Caesarean-section rate compared to obstetricians.