Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
A new study from Northwestern Medicine found that the US maternal mortality rate increased by nearly doubling between 2014 and 2021, with no correlation to increasing pregnancy-related deaths among older adults. The study highlights the need to investigate other causes of maternal mortality, particularly cardiovascular disease.
A recent study from The Hospital for Sick Children found that pregnant teenagers in Ontario were at a 50% higher risk of premature death before age 31 compared to those with no teen pregnancy. The Young Prenatal Program and Young Families Program offer integrated physical, mental, and developmental care to support adolescent parents.
A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.
A large study found that people with class I obesity had double the risk of stillbirth at 39 weeks' gestation compared to those with normal BMI. The risk further increased with gestational age, with a more than fourfold risk at 40 weeks. Researchers hope that these findings will improve care for pregnant individuals with obesity.
A USC study found that diets high in solid fats and refined grains may increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia, while a diet rich in vegetables, oils, and fruit may reduce the risk. Low-income Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by this health disparity.
A new web-based baby sleep planner tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, has been shown to improve the uptake of life-saving advice for families with infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The tool provides a baby's SUDI risk assessment at birth and a downloadable sleep plan for families.
A large clinical trial found that an intervention for pregnant women in Pakistan significantly reduced the likelihood of developing moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression after birth. The intervention, led by Dr. Pamela J. Surkan, was administered by non-specialized providers and showed promising results.
A research team at Children's National Hospital found that maternal mental illness contributes significantly to the death of new mothers in the US. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address this public health crisis, which is driven by a lack of access to maternity care and inadequate screening for depression postpartum.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of heart disease as a major health risk for women, particularly those with pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment of risk factors may help prevent future heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Young women under 30 and those from lower education levels are disproportionately affected. Firearms are the most frequent weapon used in peripartum homicides, accounting for 63.4% of cases.
A study by Amsterdam UMC shows that Doppler ultrasound can detect placenta problems in small babies, identifying those at higher risk of oxygen deficiency and health issues. The measurement is added to the care plan for these undersized babies, allowing for better detection and monitoring of potential problems.
A new study published in Neurology found that young Black and Hispanic women with multiple sclerosis face greater challenges in pregnancy, have more advanced disease, and experience higher inflammation levels, which may signal MS progression. The researchers also noted disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
Researchers found that access to community perinatal mental health teams significantly improved the risk of acute relapse, but also associated with increased stillbirth and neonatal death rates. Women with severe mental illnesses had a lower risk of relapse after birth in regions with CPMHTs.
A study found that primary care physicians spent nearly 30 minutes more on EHR tasks between pre-pandemic and final year, with time spent outside of scheduled hours increasing significantly. This growth in EHR workload may contribute to burnout and affect decisions to cut back on clinic time or leave the profession.
The study found that patients had a positive experience obtaining TeleMAB through their primary care health system, citing ease of access, autonomy, and reduced anxiety. This normalizes abortion care within the context of comprehensive primary care, improving access for many people of reproductive age.
This study explores how better communication with care teams can improve the birthing experience for Black people. Researchers found that addressing urgent procedures and fostering a welcoming environment to share birth experiences mitigated negative consequences of preterm births.
A quality improvement intervention linked high-risk prenatal patients with primary care, resulting in a significant increase in postpartum and primary care utilization. Despite challenges, FQHC participation improved patient outcomes, highlighting the need for greater resources to ensure sustainability.
A new study found that states with restrictive abortion laws had a 16% increased infant mortality rate compared to those with more comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Demographic factors such as low education attainment and inadequate prenatal care also contributed to elevated IMR.
A new study found that low-dose calcium supplementation (500mg per day) was as effective as high-dose supplementation (1,500mg per day) in preventing preeclampsia, with no significant difference in preterm birth rates. The findings provide an opportunity to revise the WHO's current recommendation for pregnant women with low-calcium diets.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope can detect peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition, more accurately than regular care. The researchers identified twice as many cases using the AI-powered tool.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that women who experienced more preconception stress had higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, a predictor of current and long-term cardiovascular health. The study also discovered that socioeconomic status was associated with preconception stress and blood glucose levels.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a debilitating condition causing intense vomiting, hair loss, and mental health issues. Researcher Cheryl Beck studied 33 blog posts from women in Australia, finding six consistent themes: physical debilitation, emotional distress, and financial struggles.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a predictive model for accessing prenatal care services in rural Amhara, Ethiopia. The model incorporated data on education, income source, diet, and history of previous pregnancies, identifying factors that predict failure to attend prenatal care visits.
A recent multi-center study found that nearly 80% of patients with congenital heart disease experienced at least one socioeconomic barrier to prenatal diagnosis. The most common barriers were difficulty with appointment scheduling, transportation access, and childcare. Improving paid sick leave policies may help alleviate these barriers.
A new study found no increased risk of major congenital malformations in infants exposed to second-line non-insulin antidiabetic medications during pregnancy compared to those treated with insulin. The study examined over 3.5 million pregnancies and provided reassurance on the safety of these medications for fetuses.
A pregnant patient with severe vasospastic angina successfully carried a healthy baby to full term after starting treatment with calcium channel blockers. The case highlights the importance of careful diagnosis and treatment, which can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found a connection between prenatal cannabis use and increased risk of low birthweight and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study analyzed over 360,000 mothers and infants and found a dose-response relationship between cannabis use and infant health risks.
A study found that nearly one-third of US family medicine residents are training in states with abortion restrictions, highlighting the impact on reproductive health care. The analysis suggests that increased support for comprehensive reproductive health education is needed to mitigate this effect.
A study of 452 Black pregnant patients found that 62% reported depression in combination with anxiety or stress. Prenatal screening for mental health concerns is necessary to address these co-occurring issues.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. However, it does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or death within one year.
Research suggests delaying cord clamping by two minutes can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature babies. This allows blood to flow from the placenta, easing breathing transitions and potentially saving lives.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Experts call for urgent measures to address discrimination against patients fleeing war or conflict zones, those with serious mental illnesses, and frail elderly patients. Guidelines for treating advanced breast cancer should prioritize patient preferences and involve multidisciplinary care teams.
Researchers found that pregnant women with very low titers of anti-Ro antibodies are not at risk for fetal atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious disorder affecting the heart's electrical system. In contrast, high-titer antibody pregnancies can benefit from ambulatory fetal heart rhythm monitoring to detect AV block.
A large-scale international study found that maternal depressive symptoms can appear from early pregnancy and last up to two years after childbirth. The study emphasizes the importance of early interventions during pregnancy to mitigate symptoms and improve outcomes for both mother and child.
A University of Missouri study found that opioid-dependent mothers experience stigma, leading to withdrawal from healthcare and negative outcomes for their infants. The research highlights the need for compassionate support and education to promote better health outcomes.
The Perinatal LAW Project, a medical-legal partnership, helps pregnant and postpartum patients tackle unmet legal needs, such as housing and financial insecurity. By integrating lawyers into care teams, healthcare providers can better support patients' health-harming legal issues, leading to improved birth outcomes.
Researchers have identified a group of babies born to mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy with similar facial and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The study suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome, which may be caused by fentanyl exposure or another contaminant.
A study of 142,000 live births found that maternal mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was associated with reduced risks of severe neonatal morbidity, neonatal death, and intensive care unit admission. No increase in hospital admissions or readmissions up to age six months was observed.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.
A cross-sectional study found that most survey respondents who gave birth between June and December 2020 did not use prenatal telehealth. Personal preference for in-person care was the most common reason among those who chose not to use telehealth services.
A new study found that hybrid closed-loop technology significantly improved maternal blood sugars in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Women who used the technology spent more time within the target range for pregnancy blood sugar levels, gained less weight, and had fewer complications.
A new pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that 30% of new dads screened positive for postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of asking new dads about their mental health. The researchers believe that addressing fathers' health can be a powerful untapped tool in improving maternal health.
Research highlights the challenges of rural hospital-based maternity unit closures and transportation barriers, leading to delays in care and adverse outcomes. The study suggests that telehealth services can provide a solution to address these disparities in maternal health outcomes.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.
A new Michigan State University and Corewell Health research found that in-home prenatal services can significantly reduce the risk of premature births and infant deaths. Pregnant individuals receiving enhanced prenatal care saw a 57% reduced risk, while expectant Black mothers experienced an even greater reduction.
A learning collaborative enhanced educational and training support services for primary care doctors to use mifepristone for miscarriage management and abortion provision. Clinics increased knowledge of mifepristone and stockpiled the medication, despite existing financial barriers.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
A new NIH study found an association between higher prenatal phthalate levels and a slightly increased risk of postpartum depression. Exposure to chemicals like phenols, phthalates, and parabens during pregnancy may influence hormone levels and contribute to the development of postpartum depression symptoms.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The rate of hypertensive disorders has been increasing, from approximately 500 cases per 10,000 deliveries in 1993 to 1,021 cases per 10,000 deliveries in 2016-2017.
Researchers developed statistical models using ultrasound measurements and protein levels to predict stillbirth, neonatal death, or extreme preterm delivery. The findings aim to identify suitable candidates for clinical trials testing novel treatments for fetal growth restriction.
A study by Brigham researchers reveals a 37% increase in out-of-state residents seeking abortion care in Massachusetts after Dobbs, with an estimated 45 additional abortions. Non-profit funding for out-of-state residents increased by nearly ten percent, while in-state residents' use of funding remained relatively stable.
A new study examines racial and socioeconomic differences in US preterm birth and mortality rates over 25 years. Despite improvements, disparities persist, with Black infants 1.4 times more likely to die from preterm birth than White and Hispanic infants.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
A new study by Northwestern University found that non-Hispanic Black individuals have a significantly higher rate of pre-term births compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health and social determinants of health explain racial differences in preterm birth rates.
A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that prenatal diagnosis is associated with earlier surgery for babies with congenital heart defects, leading to improved outcomes. Prenatally diagnosed babies had surgery on average one week sooner than those with postnatal diagnosis.
A new study published in The BMJ found that steroid use during pregnancy may increase the risk of short and long-term health issues in infants. Researchers analyzed data from 1.6 million infants and found that full-term babies exposed to corticosteroids had a higher risk of neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory and growth issu...
The USPSTF recommends a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid for all persons planning to or who could become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects, which affect approximately 3,000 pregnancies annually. This recommendation reaffirms the 2017 statement and aims to reduce congenital malformations.
The conference will focus on optimizing patient care in the Latin America region, discussing strategies to improve heart health and address rising cardiovascular disease rates. Key topics include cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure management, and practical approaches for clinicians.