Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
A new study on banded mongooses found that providing extra food to mothers created initial size disparities among pups. However, the well-fed mothers then provided more care to smaller pups, reducing these differences and promoting fairness in pup survival.
A new study found that 1 in 6 privately insured families spent more than $5,000 on maternal and newborn hospitalizations, with some exceeding $10,000 if neonatal intensive care was required. Researchers analyzed data from 12 million enrollees and identified significant cost-sharing driven by deductibles and co-insurance.
A new study explores how Haitian women's beliefs and values influence their decision making about pregnancy and birth after a C-section. Key findings highlight the importance of family, friends, and providers, as well as cultural background and fear of pain, in shaping birth plans.
A secret shopper study found that pregnant women are 20% less likely to be accepted for opioid treatment than non-pregnant women, citing long on-hold times and difficult interactions. The study highlights the need for increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regardless of pregnancy status.
A study found that lifting FDA restrictions on mifepristone would allow pharmacy dispensing, normalizing medication abortion care and making it more accessible to patients facing barriers. Providers support this change to reduce logistical barriers and increase patient autonomy over their care options.
Two studies published in Contraception found that telehealth abortion improves access to reproductive health services, particularly for low-income persons and those living in rural areas. The studies also showed that most patients prefer receiving abortion pills through the mail and interacting with healthcare providers via telehealth.
A study by Russell et al found that personal factors influence desired scope of practice in family medicine, while workplace, environmental, and population factors impact actual scope. Supportive factors for a broader scope include training, mentorship, organizational leadership, and team-based care.
A comprehensive preconception-to-pregnancy management plan has been developed to reduce the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The study, CARNATION, provides recommendations for healthcare providers covering 20 items of care and significantly lowers severe adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of care for miscarriage, including testing, treatment, pre-pregnancy counselling, and psychological support. The authors estimate that approximately 23 million miscarriages occur every year globally, affecting up to 15% of all pregnancies.
A worldwide study of 2,100 pregnant women found that those who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy were 20 times more likely to die than those who did not contract the virus. The study also showed that infected mothers and their newborns experienced preterm birth, preeclampsia, and ICU admissions.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global increase in stillbirths and maternal deaths, while pre-term births decreased in high-income countries. Women requiring surgery for ectopic pregnancies also saw a significant surge.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
A new study from Finland reveals that undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care, with delayed access to prenatal care and lower rates of infection screening. The study highlights the need for better healthcare systems to cater to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.
New research highlights the need to protect and strengthen care for small and sick newborns during the pandemic. The study found that implementing Kangaroo Mother Care could save over 125,000 newborn lives, with a 65-fold increase in risk of death if not done.
Global findings from a University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researcher highlight concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on birth outcomes and breastfeeding establishment. The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evidence-based lactation education, care, and technical assistance to protect human milk and breastfeeding.
Research highlights grandmothers' significant role in newborn care across collectivist cultures in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite this, initiatives focus primarily on young mothers and nuclear families, excluding grandmothers and their valuable knowledge and practices.
The updated guidelines provide holistic approach to care, emphasizing quality of life and health beyond traditional medical issues. Key areas covered include bowel function, mental health, mobility, and sexual health, aiming to improve patients' lives across the lifespan.
A new Duke University study reveals that harsher immigration law enforcement led to decreased prenatal care for immigrant mothers and increased birth weight deficits. The findings show a rise in births of babies small for their gestational age, highlighting the negative effects on infant health.
A study found that Medicaid expansion in 2014 NY increased maternal health, particularly for low-income and minority women. The policy intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity.
A retrospective analysis of cesarean deliveries found using a wound infusion pump with enhanced recovery efforts reduced opioid use by more than 80%. A third of patients never took narcotic pain pills after the procedure.
The grant will enable UVA Health to serve more underserved groups and rural communities with acute and chronic illnesses, improving patient outcomes and reducing barriers to care.
A WVU Public Health professor is conducting research to better understand the needs of pregnant women with substance use disorder in rural West Virginia. The study aims to explore telehealth utilization rates and barriers to use, as well as develop interventions to support this vulnerable population.
After simplifying full Medicaid enrollment under the ACA standards, North Carolina saw a doubling of low-income women qualifying for full Medicaid during pregnancy. The state's changes led to a decrease in Medicaid enrollment for Pregnant Women program, highlighting the importance of streamlined access to crucial health services.
Two recent studies from Oregon State University found that Oregon's Medicaid expansion led to increased prenatal care among low-income women and improved health outcomes for newborn babies. The expansion resulted in a nearly 2 percentage point increase in first trimester prenatal care utilization.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that singing to preterm infants during kangaroo care significantly reduced maternal anxiety. The intervention also improved mood, general wellbeing, and promoted interaction with the infant. Mothers reported continuing to sing at home after the study, establishing it as a daily family routine.
Only 1.8% of US obstetrician-gynecologists have an X-waiver, allowing them to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction. Rural areas and cities with high neonatal abstinence syndrome rates have higher X-waiver rates among OB-GYNs.
A recent supplement to Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need to address maternal mortality and morbidity in the US. Research suggests that focusing on prenatal care, addressing inequities and disparities, and improving healthcare access are crucial steps forward.
The UK is facing an uphill battle in meeting its target of halving maternal mortality by 2030 due to increasing social inequalities and health risks. Maternal age, obesity, and caesarean sections are contributing factors. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care has highlighted these issues and recommended improvement...
Pregnancy-related high blood pressure rates have increased by nearly 50% nationwide, with rural women facing higher risks. The study highlights the need for preventative care before pregnancy, particularly in rural areas where access to quality care is limited.
A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...
Patients value clear information about religious hospital policies and want early disclosure of potential restrictions. Women express frustration with lack of transparency, highlighting the need for more effort from healthcare institutions to inform patients.
Researchers analyzed data to find that preventive measures like prenatal care and hospital births can significantly decrease the occurrence of fistulas. The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to address this significant public health issue in Uganda.
A study published in The BMJ found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to need intensive care and give birth prematurely compared to non-pregnant women. Maternal risk factors include increasing age, high body mass index, and pre-existing medical conditions.
A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.
A study published in The Lancet found that community health workers can significantly reduce maternal, fetal, and newborn deaths by improving access to care. Researchers recommend expanding the workforce and improving healthcare standards to reach more women.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal resulted in a 49.9% decrease in health facility births, leading to increased stillbirth rates by 50% and neonatal mortality by over 3-fold. The lockdown had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare duri...
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a new technique that can spot potential preterm births in asymptomatic high-risk women with up to 73% accuracy. The technology uses volatile organic compound analysis to characterise airborne chemicals and is designed to be cost-effective and non-invasive.
A study published in Lancet Global Health reveals a significant diagnostic error in almost 40% of maternal deaths in Maputo's central hospital in Mozambique. The results highlight the need to improve access to specific diagnostic tests and strengthen clinical skills among healthcare workers.
A new study identifies key steps toward establishing nurse- and midwife-led HIV services in eastern and southern Africa, including improved training, supportive supervision, and formal mentorship programs. The region has shown remarkable progress toward eliminating HIV, but challenges remain in providing effective antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers aim to develop wearable technologies capable of diagnosing conditions like preeclampsia and epilepsy using solid-state sensing and wearable devices. The goal is to improve healthcare in rural and remote areas with limited access to medical services.
A new study found significant disparities in reproductive health care access in Ohio after increasing abortion regulations. The researchers discovered that rural counties experienced a sharp decrease in abortions, while medication abortion care also decreased significantly.
A clinical trial is set to examine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) using the existing HIV medication Kaletra can halt or slow the spread of COVID-19. Researchers will track participants exposed to confirmed cases, administering the medication for 14 days, the estimated incubation period for COVID-19.
The current NHS regulations for charging non-residents are poorly understood and applied by healthcare staff, leading to cases of patients being deterred from accessing care and eligible patients being incorrectly billed. Survey responses also highlight the need for independent review and training on the regulations.
The USPSTF advises against routine screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant individuals without symptoms or increased risk of preterm delivery. However, it suggests caution for those at higher risk, with current recommendations dating back to 2008.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University shows that kangaroo care improves infant brain development, particularly in full-term babies, through skin-to-skin touch and contact. The method also increases oxytocin levels in mothers and decreases stress reactivity.
A new study found that racial and ethnic minority women are more likely to experience gaps in insurance coverage during pregnancy, leading to increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that extending Medicaid coverage to one year after birth could reduce disparities in postpartum health.
A new study found that patients' Facebook posts exhibit a shift towards more formal language and health-related discussions before an emergency department visit, indicating increased anxiety and concern for their health. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of social media as a signal of medical distress.
A new wireless, battery-charged monitoring system is being tested to provide clinical-grade care for premature babies and pregnant women in low-resource settings. The soft, flexible sensors offer advanced features such as crying and movement detection, allowing for early intervention and improved health outcomes.
Early-career family physicians with maternity care and buprenorphine prescribing skills are undertrained, posing risks for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Family medicine residencies must prioritize training in treating substance use disorder during pregnancy to address rising maternal mortality rates.
A new study found pregnancies among women with disabilities are 42% more likely to be unintended, linked to societal views on sexuality and parenting. Women with independent living challenges, hearing loss, or cognitive disability showed higher proportions of unintended pregnancy.
A recent study found that a quarter of local maternity services in England lack midwifery units (MUs), and women face barriers when trying to access them. The research identified several factors contributing to low MU use, including a lack of information and misconceptions about their safety and cost.
The 'Birth Settings' report highlights medical disparities in childbirth, with Oregon emerging as a leader in integrated care and access to midwives. Midwife-led births are associated with lower complication rates and improved patient experiences, but US regulations limit access to care.
Elective egg freezing is a common method to increase pregnancy chances at a later age. Patients under 35 with normal ovarian reserve have the best chance of success, but future live births are not guaranteed. The treatment process takes 10-14 days and fees are not covered by Canadian government health insurance.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) in 2012 reduced infant mortality rates among Medicaid patients, particularly preterm births. The CCOs' integrated care model addressed social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation, to improve patient outcomes.
A new study finds that seven percent of Texas abortion patients attempted self-managed abortion due to lack of affordable clinic options, local closure, or friend/family recommendation. Most women who used misoprostol were successful, while those using home remedies sought clinic care after unsuccessful attempts.
A study led by Professor Halvor Sommerfelt found that kangaroo mother care increased the chance of survival among low-birth-weight infants by 30% in the first month and 25% in the first six months. This intervention is considered easy and inexpensive.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that Medicaid expansion in Colorado improved access to postpartum care, particularly for mothers with pregnancy/childbirth complications. This narrowing of the 'postpartum coverage cliff' has significant implications for reducing maternal mortality.
A new study found that out-of-pocket health care spending for maternity care increased significantly between 2008 and 2015, with 98% of women paying some costs. The Affordable Care Act requires full coverage of preventive services but leaves room for plans to impose co-pays, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
A new system allows thousands of patients in rural Africa to provide anonymous feedback on their care using a basic USSD tool. The results showed promising outcomes, with users enthusiastic about empowering themselves to communicate their experiences.
The University of Illinois Chicago and the Illinois Department of Public Health will improve maternal outcomes with a five-year federal grant. A new two-generation clinic and research center will provide comprehensive care to postpartum women and their newborns.