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Experts in high-risk pregnancy respond to the published results of the PROLONG trial

The PROLONG trial found that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate do not reduce recurrent preterm birth or neonatal morbidity. In contrast, a previous study showed a 34% reduction in recurrent preterm birth with this medication. The differing results may be attributed to differences in the populations studied.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 25, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New evidence on the mistreatment of women during childbirth

A recent WHO-led study in four countries found that over one-third of women experience physical and verbal abuse during childbirth, with younger, less educated women at highest risk. The study highlights the need for respectful maternity care and informed policies to address these inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 8, 2019

Different views on vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC)

A European study found significant variations in vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) rates among six European countries, with Finland, Netherlands, and Sweden having high VBAC rates. In contrast, Ireland, Italy, and Germany have low VBAC rates due to a heterogeneous pro-against-VBAC culture.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalWomen and Birth·DateOct 3, 2019

Telemedicine engages newly postpartum women in cardiovascular monitoring

A telemedicine program using remote blood pressure monitoring has shown promising results in engaging newly postpartum women in cardiovascular monitoring, with 88% of participants returning to the clinic for follow-up appointments. The program aims to bridge care from obstetricians to ongoing cardiovascular monitoring, empowering patie...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 10, 2019

Fewer children seeing family physicians in rural areas

A Vermont study reveals a declining proportion of rural children receiving care in family medicine practices, shifting instead to pediatric clinics. The trend is attributed to national declines in prenatal care by family physicians and limited capacity for new patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Once scarce, neonatal intensive care proliferates

A Dartmouth report finds nearly half of newborns in NICUs are normal birth weight, but many low-birth-weight babies lack access to higher-level care. This disparity highlights the need for more equitable distribution of neonatal intensive care resources.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·DateSep 4, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Pregnant women of color experience disempowerment by health care providers

A new study reveals that women of color perceive their interactions with healthcare providers as misleading, with information being 'packaged' to limit maternity care choices. The research highlights the impact of implicit bias and racism on birth outcomes, providing a potential mechanism for how these associations occur.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

NIH study links air pollution to increase in newborn intensive care admissions

Infants born to mothers exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to be admitted to a newborn intensive care unit (NICU), with risks increasing from 4% to 147%. The study suggests that limiting pregnant women's exposure to high levels of air pollutants may help reduce NICU admissions.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJul 19, 2019

Marijuana use among northern California women before, during pregnancy

Marijuana use among pregnant women in Northern California increased significantly between 2009 and 2017, with daily use rising from 1.17% to 3.05%. The study analyzed data from nearly 277,000 pregnancies, suggesting a possible trend towards more recreational marijuana use during pregnancy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 19, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Pregnancy outcomes greatly improved in lupus patients

Pregnancy outcomes for lupus patients have dramatically improved, with a decline in maternal and fetal mortality rates over the past two decades. The study found that more women with lupus are attempting pregnancy and delivering successfully, with minimal risk of complications.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2019

Alcohol and pregnancy policies: Birth outcomes & prenatal care use by race

Research examining US alcohol and pregnancy policies from 1972-2015 found varying effects on birth outcomes by race. For White women, most policies had adverse effects, while for Black women, four policies had beneficial effects. The study suggests future research should explore the reasons behind these disparities.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJul 1, 2019

Low-income, less educated women least likely to access infertility care

A Michigan Medicine study found that white women and those with higher education levels are more likely to seek fertility treatment than other groups. Nearly 12.5% of women reported experiencing infertility, but only 33% of those with lower education levels sought care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 28, 2019

Put more father-friendly cues in OB/GYN offices, Rutgers-led study suggests

A Rutgers-led study found that father-friendly cues in OBGYNS offices can boost men's involvement in prenatal care. Men who visited a waiting room with images of both men and babies reported higher expectations and confidence about parenting, leading to healthier behaviors and outcomes for women and infants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Thoughts on body image in pregnancy important indicator of emotional wellbeing

A study found that assessing women's feelings towards their changing bodies during pregnancy can predict their emotional wellbeing and ability to bond with their unborn baby. The BUMPS questionnaire revealed positive associations between body satisfaction and lower depression, anxiety, and better relationships.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateMay 23, 2019

Opioid-exposed newborns may react to pain differently after birth

Researchers found that opioid-exposed babies react more strongly to pain and have higher skin conductance, suggesting they may need early intervention. The study suggests that these babies handle pain worse than their non-exposed counterparts, highlighting the need for better care.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2019

May/June 2019 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that 623,000 US parents with opioid use disorder live with children under 18, with few receiving treatment. Meanwhile, healthcare accounts for between 5-15% of premature death variation, with behavioral factors driving more mortality variation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 14, 2019

Physician procedure volume linked to outcomes after surgical abortion

Research published in CMAJ found that women whose physician infrequently performs surgical abortions have almost twice the risk of severe complications. High-volume physicians are more likely to recognize and troubleshoot potential problems, resulting in lower complication rates.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 13, 2019

Opioids: Leading cause of pregnancy-related death in new Utah moms

A new study at the University of Utah Health found that drug-induced death is the most common cause of pregnancy-associated death in Utah. Postpartum women who have previously or currently struggle with substance abuse are at greater risk of overdosing.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 9, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Women who have undergone weight-loss surgery may be at greater

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that women with a history of bariatric surgery are at higher risk of premature birth, congenital anomalies, and low birth weight. Health professionals should provide additional support and monitoring for these high-risk pregnancies.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateApr 27, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

PCORI Board approves $45 million to support research on opioid use disorders, cancer pain

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $44.6 million to fund studies comparing the best ways to treat health conditions that impose high burdens on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. The newly approved awards focus on improving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), with a total of four aw...

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·DateApr 16, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Affordable Care Act delivers significant benefits for women

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 21, 2019

First of its kind statistics on pregnant women in US prisons

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 21, 2019

Stillbirths more likely if diabetes in pregnancy not diagnosed

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMar 19, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Later abortion increased in Texas after House Bill 2

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 13, 2019

Women of childbearing age have staggeringly low rates of lipid screening

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 6, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Mothers with children taken into out-of-home care at risk of poor prenatal care in next pregnancies

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2019

Bias may affect providers' knowledge of transgender health

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMedical Education·DateFeb 11, 2019

AGA releases guide to care for women with IBD throughout family planning

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.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 16, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Pre-pregnancy health coverage climbs after Medicaid expansion

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 27, 2018

USPSTF recommendation statement on screening and behavioral counseling interventions to reduce unhealthy alcohol use in adolescents and adults

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...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

'Domestic gag rule' will negatively impact women's health care

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalContraception·DateOct 11, 2018

True burden of stillbirths in Europe vastly underestimated

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 27, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Stillbirth reduction strategy remains unproven, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 27, 2018

Newborn opioid withdrawal requires a 'cascade of care,' study suggests

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateSep 19, 2018

Patients, doctors dissatisfied by Electronic Health Records

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.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 17, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Birth study empowers pregnant women

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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJul 23, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

How do state policies on alcohol use affect pregnant women and infants?

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.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·DateJul 6, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Penn experts call for safeguards if Medicaid work requirement policies prevail

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 2018