Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
The Healthy Start program aims to address longstanding perinatal health disparities in Houston's most disadvantaged communities. The initiative will provide community-based services and health education to black women, their partners, and families to promote preconception care and behaviors that reduce risk.
A study published in Economics & Human Biology found that pregnant women who commute at least 50 miles to work are at a higher risk of having low-birth-weight babies. The longer the commute, the greater the risk. Long commutes also led to under-use of prenatal care, which could exacerbate birth outcomes.
A study published in JAMA reveals significant improvement in the survival rate of extremely preterm babies in Sweden, rising from 70% to 77%, while complications decreased, between 2014-2016 and 2004-2007.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act improved healthcare affordability and access for women, especially in low- and middle-income groups. The study demonstrated a significant increase in preventive care screenings and influenza immunization among women after the ACA's implementation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine studied 22 US state and federal prisons, tracking 1,396 pregnant women over 12 months. Most pregnancies resulted in live births with no maternal deaths, a significant improvement compared to general population statistics.
Women with undiagnosed gestational diabetes are at a significantly increased risk of stillbirth, according to new research. The study found that the risk of stillbirth was over four times higher in women who developed signs of gestational diabetes but were not diagnosed, highlighting the importance of proper screening and diagnosis.
A multidisciplinary team-based approach involving cardiac and maternal/fetal/newborn specialists saved the life of a pregnant woman with heart failure. The team successfully managed her care for seven weeks, delivering the baby prematurely but saving both mom and child.
A new study found that restrictive abortion laws led to delayed access to care and increased second-trimester abortions in Texas. Women facing barriers were more likely to have second-trimester abortions due to distance, clinic density, and wait times.
A study reveals that eight out of ten women of childbearing age have never had their cholesterol levels checked, highlighting gaps in lipid screening. Research suggests that high cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to early birth and low birth weight babies, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A Canadian study found that mothers whose first child was taken into out-of-home care were more likely to have inadequate or no prenatal care during subsequent pregnancies. These women are also more likely to face barriers such as substance use disorders and poverty, highlighting the need for accessible and nonjudgmental prenatal care.
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that increased hours of education related to caring for transgender patients does not correlate with improved knowledge among physicians and other providers. Transphobia was the only predictor of provider knowledge, highlighting the need for medical education to address unconscious bias.
Researchers found that psychiatric readmissions occur later in the postpartum period, with younger women and those with multiple gestations at increased risk. Obstetric care providers should be aware of these risk factors to optimize postpartum care for at-risk women.
Researchers found that black women are more likely to be readmitted to hospital and suffer severe maternal morbidity, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Text-based monitoring of blood pressure reduced racial disparities in ascertainment.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a clinical care pathway to help women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) navigate family planning. The pathway emphasizes the importance of preconception planning, monitoring, and collaboration among healthcare providers to optimize outcomes.
Researchers found patients discharged during the December holiday period had a higher risk of death or readmission, with a 16% risk within the first 7 days. Patients with higher baseline risks had lower holiday-related readmission and death rates.
Girls exposed to chemicals in toothpaste, makeup, and other personal care products before birth may experience puberty at progressively younger ages. The study found that daughters of mothers with higher levels of diethyl phthalate and triclosan experienced earlier puberty.
Researchers found women with a history of sexual trauma have unique preferences regarding communication and treatment during pregnancy and childbirth. They recommend improved communication, sensitive language, and control over their care team and examination procedures.
After Medicaid expansion, low-income women in expansion states saw significant increases in preconception health coverage, rising from 43% to 57%. This led to improved access to preconception care and reduced pregnancy risks.
The USPSTF recommends screening adults 18 and older for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. Brief behavioral counseling interventions can also help reduce hazardous drinking. In contrast, the evidence is insufficient regarding screening in adolescents 12-17. The goal is to prevent premature death and birth defects related t...
Researchers are studying how variations in federally qualified health centers impact efficiency and patient health outcomes. They aim to develop models to better understand the strengths and challenges facing Montana's healthcare system, with a focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes and disparities.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that proposed Title X guidelines restricting abortion counseling and referrals may adversely impact pregnant women's health care. The study, published in Contraception, compares pregnancy options counseling and referral practices at state-funded and federal organizations.
A care package aimed at reducing the risk of stillbirth showed a marginal drop in rates, but effects were too small to prove its benefits. The study suggests other interventions will likely be needed to reduce stillbirth rates worldwide.
A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.
A study published in Advances in Neonatal Care reports that managing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) requires a cascade of care, emphasizing the need for improved coordination and resources. The researchers identified four essential areas to improve NAS care, including greater education and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The USPSTF reaffirms the importance of syphilis screening in pregnant women due to the increased risk of congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can lead to stillbirth, neonatal death, and significant illness in infants.
A study by Lehigh University researchers found that electronic health records (EHRs) left physicians and patients dissatisfied, even after full implementation. Despite improvements in care and outcomes, EHRs reduced physician productivity and frustrated both doctors and patients.
A QUT-led study found that women who received continuity of care, lived outside major cities, and had minimal medical intervention during labor were more likely to have a 'normal' birth. The research aims to empower pregnant women with the information they need to make informed decisions about their maternity care.
New guidelines and resources have been published globally to address the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting up to 13% of reproductive-age women. The initiative aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes for women with PCOS.
Healthcare leaders call on the UK government to lift restrictions on taking abortion pills at home, citing improved access for vulnerable women. The move would align with Scotland and Wales' existing policies and reduce unnecessary clinic visits, bettering women's dignity and wellbeing.
A new study found that six out of eight state-level policies aimed at reducing alcohol use during pregnancy have unintended consequences, leading to worse birth outcomes. These policies included mandatory warning signs, child abuse laws, and civil commitment laws, which made women reluctant to seek prenatal care.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $10 million investment in 100 innovative projects addressing women's and children's health challenges in low- and middle-income countries. The projects aim to reduce maternal mortality, improve reproductive healthcare, and combat stigmas, with potential to save 1.1 million lives by 2030.
A new study from Oregon State University found that young Latina women who have experienced racial or ethnic discrimination are less satisfied overall with their contraceptive care. The study highlights the importance of addressing everyday instances of discrimination to improve satisfaction and access to effective contraceptives.
Without protections, 'personal responsibility' policies may lead to increased health risks and financial harm among low-income individuals with chronic conditions. Experts propose basic safeguards, including continuous evaluation, protection from disproportionate penalties, and monitoring of health outcomes.
Two new studies will investigate strategies to improve care and outcomes for expectant and new mothers with opioid use disorder. The studies aim to identify the most effective ways to provide optimal care, improving birth outcomes and infant health.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board has approved $74 million in funding for nine new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies. These studies will investigate various conditions that impose significant burdens on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system.
A new study found a significant association between prenatal cannabis use and low birth weights, with a 50 percent increase in risk. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to screen for cannabis use during pregnancy and provide counseling on its adverse health consequences.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that primary care physicians feel underequipped to address prenatal oral health, with only 45% feeling prepared. The authors suggest improving training and education on oral health for primary care physicians.
Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are often not receiving the recommended preconception counseling before pregnancy. Despite this, primary care providers believe they are providing more frequent counseling than actual data suggests. The Endocrine Society's study highlights the need for improved preconception counseling rates among w...
Researchers found that new mothers attended 92.7% of their babies' appointments, creating a significant window to discuss maternal health. The IMPLICIT ICC model screened for tobacco use, depression, contraception use, and multivitamin use, with notable intervention rates.
A recent study found that female southern African pythons incubate eggs and care for their babies for about two weeks after hatching. During this time, the mother's body temperature increases significantly, and she loses up to 40% of her body mass.
Dr. Clapp's research aims to better understand the factors affecting unanticipated NICU admissions and their relation to obstetric care quality. The study will use data from multiple sources, including the Consortium for Safe Labor trial and national birth certificate data.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado performed the world's first EXIT to ventricular pacing, stabilizing a preterm fetus's heart rate and ensuring a healthy delivery. The procedure gave the fetus time to recover before cutting the umbilical cord.
Research highlights shortcomings in pregnancy preparation and prenatal care for women with diabetes, calling for improved care coordination and technology use. A nationwide commitment is needed to deliver integrated reproductive and diabetes healthcare interventions to enhance pregnancy outcomes.
A study of nearly 3 million births found the ACA's dependent coverage provision led to increased use of prenatal care, higher private insurance payments for births, and a modest decline in preterm births. However, it did not affect cesarean delivery rates or low birth weight.
Research shows that men with higher levels of education are more likely to support their partners' reproductive and maternal health, including the use of modern contraceptives and regular prenatal care. Women with better-educated partners are up to 55% more likely to deliver their baby in a hospital staffed by professionals.
Experts from obstetric care and addiction medicine meet to discuss the current evidence on substance use disorders (SUD) in pregnancy. They aim to review existing barriers to accessing treatment for SUD in pregnant women and provide clinical guidance for obstetric care providers.
The Canadian guideline provides comprehensive management guidance for congenital diaphragmatic hernia from pregnancy through the teen years. Long-term observation and management are key recommendations, emphasizing interdisciplinary team care.
Researchers call for evidence-based reform to increase accessibility and reduce stigma around abortion services in the Isle of Man. Decriminalisation is essential to bring abortion out of the shadows and ensure accessible reproductive healthcare for all women.
The International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis, Perinatal Quality Foundation, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine issued a joint position statement on the use of diagnostic genome-wide sequencing for fetal diagnosis. The consensus opinion emphasizes that routine use of genome-wide sequencing as a diagnostic test is not currently ...
The study found that expanded Medicaid coverage led to a 2.3% decrease in uninsured rates among pregnant women who already had a child, and a 7.9% decrease in the number of uninsured mothers during pregnancy. Additionally, lower-educated mothers were 1.7% more likely to receive adequate prenatal care due to the expansions.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recommends multidisciplinary long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery, with primary care playing a crucial role. Guidelines cover essential topics such as nutrition, co-morbidities, pregnancy, and mental health, aiming to provide appropriate first-level medical care.
A nationwide cohort study found a link between maternal rheumatoid arthritis and increased risks of thyroid disease, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis in offspring. The study's results highlight the importance of monitoring child development if exposed to rheumatoid arthritis in utero.
The article examines the persistence of continuous electronic fetal monitoring as a standard of care, despite evidence that it increases risks. It also discusses the lack of mechanisms for ensuring medical professionals stay current with best practices and the role of malpractice law in setting boundaries on acceptable interventions.
A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.
A study by San Diego Zoo Global found that changing diets for southern white rhinos to low phytoestrogen levels improved reproductive success. The switch resulted in two females becoming pregnant and giving birth to healthy calves.
The new guidelines address a broad range of medical specialties and special issues encountered by patients, including pregnancy and high-altitude travel. The recommendations compile a list of medications that must be used with caution or avoided in patients with mitochondrial disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that nearly 55% of medical students are confident in their ability to counsel patients on nutritional recommendations, despite half failing a nutrition quiz. The study highlights a gap between nutritional knowledge and attitudes among future physicians.
Experts recommend quality measures for preterm birth, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and other high-risk pregnancy complications. The measures aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and improve healthcare outcomes.
After having a baby, men tend to relax and women do household chores on their days off. In contrast, when both partners work, they split tasks more evenly. The study suggests that couples should discuss how to share household duties before the baby is born.
A study by Lancaster University found that women with troubled childhoods are more likely to have their children removed by the courts. Despite challenges, many women were able to turn their lives around and care for new babies with support from new partners and positive relationships.