Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.
Researchers found that the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, a condition that causes stillbirth and neonatal death. The vaccine not only protects pregnant women but may also be lifesaving for their unborn children.
The program cuts the average time it took for new patients to get their first treatment from 97 days to just 41 days, while also allowing more than 1,000 new patients to begin treatments. The system has made significant improvements in efficiency and patient satisfaction, with appointment no-shows dropping by 50%.
Women with severe preeclampsia treated with extended-release nifedipine during labor and delivery had lower rates of dangerously high blood pressure, reducing the need for IV treatment. This study contributes to optimal management of hypertension during pregnancy and delivery.
A cohort study found that endoscopists performing colonoscopies in FIT-based screening programs should aim for markedly higher ADRs compared to primary colonoscopy screening. The study suggests that high ADRs are associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Researchers recommend using ADR targets, including differen...
The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.
A UConn study found that Connecticut's notification system for substance-ex exposed infants has connected over half of identified cases with community supports and services. The system, which uses de-identified data, has shown promise in reducing disparities in testing and reporting, but there is still room for improvement.
A recent study of 17,000 participants found that COVID-19 boosters or third doses were generally well tolerated by pregnant and lactating women. The study suggests that these vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding, addressing concerns about vaccine uptake among this demographic.
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.
Researchers studied over 500,000 children born between 1987 and 2010, finding no causal link between maternal infection and autism. However, they did find a weaker link for intellectual disability, suggesting other factors may be at play.
The study found that the number of babies born in Minnesota with CMV decreased from 1 in every 200 births to 1 in every 1,000 births between August 2020 and December 2021. This decline is attributed to strict hygienic precautions such as masking, hand-washing, and infection prevention behaviors.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that dolutegravir-based regimens are more effective in treating HIV-1 during pregnancy than other commonly used ART regimens. The study showed high viral suppression rates for pregnant people taking dolutegravir, with no observed differences in adverse birth out...
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
A review of available monkeypox clinical guidelines found most were of low quality, lacking sufficient detail and failing to cover different risk groups. The lack of clarity between guidelines creates uncertainty for clinicians treating patients with monkeypox.
A nationwide study found a significant increase in maternal death, cardiovascular disorders, and obstetric hemorrhage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million pregnant patients and attributed the poor outcomes to pandemic-related stress, disruptions in prenatal care, and limitations on routine check-ups.
A new study suggests that tocolytics can safely delay preterm births and reduce neonatal deaths worldwide. The analysis of 122 clinical trials found benefits for all preterm delay treatments, with some side effects noted.
A new study published in Cochrane Reviews found that tocolytics, or preterm delay treatments, are beneficial for women worldwide. The researchers reviewed 122 clinical trials and concluded that the benefits of these drugs outweigh any risks associated with side effects.
The NIH announced five cash prize winners and four honorable mentions in its Maternal Health Diagnostics Challenge. The winning technologies aim to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, with a focus on detecting and differentiating common pregnancy-related conditions.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding awards totaling $258 million to support 26 new research studies. These studies aim to fill evidence gaps and improve healthcare decision making for a range of high-burden conditions, including mental health, heart conditions, asthma, bone fractures, and sinus...
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that telehealth can improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction for pregnant mothers and their infants. The researchers analyzed 28 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies to assess the effect of telehealth-delivered care on maternal health outcomes.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a position paper on the ethical use of genetic testing and precision medicine in internal medicine. The guidelines address key issues such as incidental findings, education for physicians and patients, and counseling needs. ACP emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and anticoag...
Researchers at OHSU developed an efficient and accurate assessment of placental health using standard MRI, detecting complications early in pregnancy. The method identifies T2* values that provide key information about oxygen availability and placental blood flow.
Children with complex congenital heart defects are 5 times more likely to receive an anxiety diagnosis, highlighting the need for mental health assessment and treatment. For adults, 50% experience mood or anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated mental health care in CHD specialty teams.
Research shows increased risk of severe maternal sickness/complications associated with higher maternal age, levels of obesity, and previous Caesarean section. The study suggests that UK maternity services are adapting to meet the needs of an increasingly complex pregnant population.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide gas significantly reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and hospital stays in pregnant women with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The therapy was administered twice daily to patients, resulting in no adverse events.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that up to 3 in 100 couples experience late postnatal depression, while approximately 2 in 100 couples experience antenatal and early postnatal depression. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both parents' mental health during the perinatal period.
The new recommendations aim to replace the one-size-fits-none model with a more tailored approach, utilizing flexible care delivery models and provider settings. The Michigan Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare in pregnancy (MiPATH) provides practical guidance on implementing these changes.
The UK Maternal Mortality Reports show that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women during pregnancy, followed by epilepsy and stroke. Anaesthetists are working to improve outcomes through better risk assessment, anti-clotting medication, and multidisciplinary training.
Recent studies from Cedars-Sinai have shed light on the importance of a gene in embryo development and its potential link to physical abnormalities. Additionally, research has shown that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 can strengthen immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The institution is also working on ne...
A recent national survey suggests that few cardiologists and care team members are trained in cardio-obstetrics, a specialty combining cardiology, obstetrics, and primary care. Only 29% of clinicians reported receiving cardio-obstetrics teachings during training.
A new study found that family medicine physicians face multiple barriers, including lack of training and institutional restrictions, to providing medical abortions. The study highlights the need for stronger exposure and training opportunities to strengthen access to safe abortion options.
A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.
A national study of over 170 pregnant women found rising exposure to potentially harmful chemicals from plastics and pesticides. Latinas had higher levels of parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, which may be linked to increased risk during fetal development.
Rates of postpartum depression symptoms increased nationwide during the pandemic, reaching a high of 7.7% in December 2020 to March 2021. States with fewer COVID-19 deaths and lower unemployment rates showed greater increases in symptoms, likely due to reduced access to support systems.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that neighborhood poverty and crowding are associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,991 pregnant patients and found disparities in SARS-CoV-2 positivity among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new quality improvement study from Cedars-Sinai found that comprehensive nurse training is key to successfully screening women for postpartum depression. The initiative identified framing the screening as part of family wellness and normalizing the transition to parenthood as helpful strategies.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating even mild forms of high blood pressure during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both mother and developing baby. The study's results demonstrated a significant decrease in pregnancy complications, including severe preeclampsia and preterm births.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
A new analysis of 23 studies identified factors influencing birth setting decisions in the US, including safety, media influence, and access to options. The study highlights the importance of building a comprehensive system of high-quality perinatal health for equitable access to all birth settings.
A recent study found that structural racism and COVID-19 pandemic stressors are significantly associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from a large birthing cohort and found that participants who experienced worse pandemic-related worries, interper...
Research reveals nearly a third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries screened for hepatitis C test positive, but fewer than a fifth receive follow-up care. A sustainable pathway to treatment is crucial, especially with expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and highly effective oral medications.
A large-scale study of COVID-era birth data found a 6.5% decrease in premature births from cesarian and induced deliveries. The researchers believe this may be related to fewer prenatal visits during the pandemic. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal health.
Researchers found that AI-enhanced diagnosis helps doctors accurately detect fetal congenital heart disease, with fellows making the most accurate diagnoses. The new system uses graphical charts to represent the AI's analysis of ultrasound videos, improving accuracy and trust among medical professionals.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
A large-scale registry study found no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, growth retardation, or neonatal care. Vaccination was associated with a slightly lower risk of neonatal care and provided protection against COVID-19 for the newborn.
The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to outstanding individuals in medical genetics and genomics. Ibrahim Elsharkawi and Jessica Priestley received the awards for their dedication to biochemical genetics, with support from Bionano Genomics, Spark Therapeutics, Takeda, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Pfizer.
A study by American College of Cardiology reveals that childbearing women cardiologists face discriminatory violations of maternity leave practices, with 75% experiencing potential illegal violations. The survey found a significantly higher rate of pregnancy complications among these women compared to the general population.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that smoking by mothers during the periconceptional period is associated with delayed embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weights. The delay in embryonic development was found to have a greater impact in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Researchers found that daily xylitol chewing gum use reduced preterm births by 12.6% and low birth weight babies by 8.9%. The 10-year study, conducted in Malawi, suggests a simple and inexpensive way to improve oral health and reduce preterm births.
A new study found that pregnant people on Medicaid who received intensive care management had lower preterm birth rates compared to those who did not. This initiative, known as Pregnancy Medical Home (PMH), provided comprehensive care from a team of professionals, including social and economic support.
A new BU study found that nearly one in ten infant deaths under 6 months old were caused by RSV, with two-thirds occurring outside of hospitals. The virus was primarily concentrated in infants under 3 months old, and preventative measures such as maternal vaccinations could effectively reduce mortality rates.
Researchers have identified 15 biological markers that can predict severe depression in pregnant women with 83% accuracy. This finding has the potential to improve prenatal care and reduce depressive symptoms in mothers.
Contraceptive use is low among women with kidney transplants in the US, with an overall rate of 9.5%. Younger age and certain racial/ethnic groups are associated with higher likelihoods of contraceptive use, while socioeconomic status and donor type do not impact rates.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
A Rutgers study found that phthalates, commonly found in consumer products, can alter the production of essential placental hormones during pregnancy. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
A study identified 17 military medical treatment facilities that can provide high-quality obstetric care, including emergency cesarean delivery. This collaboration could reduce preventable maternal mortality and improve care for pregnant patients in rural communities.
A cross-sectional survey of 21,027 women from 12 European countries found that half experienced negatively affected maternal and newborn care due to the pandemic. Sweden reported serious quality shortcomings, including insufficient protective equipment and inadequate consent procedures.