Judith M. Orvos, ELS

In a new statement, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is recommending against ovarian cancer screening for women who have no symptoms and no hereditary cancer syndromes. Plus: Breast MRI screening results in higher biopsy rates, according to a study.

A drug that is low cost and easy to administer may help prevent maternal deaths, according to results of a randomized clinical trial. Plus: Does air pollution affect menstrual regularity? Also: According to a statement published by the American Heart Association (AHA), breast cancer patients may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

To help combat maternal mortality rates globally, the US government has invested more than $15 billion since 2008 in innovative measures to accelerate reduction in deaths. These efforts are led by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Preliminary data from a retrospective study suggest that incidence of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH) may be increasing among pregnant women. Plus: Study finds lower risk of diabetes a benefit of breastfeeding. Also: Taking prenatal folic acid and multivitamins lowers the risk of autism, according to results of a new case-control study.

Results of a large randomized clinical trial indicate that in low-risk nulliparas, elective induction of labor (IOL) at 39 weeks lowers rates of cesarean delivery (CD) without significantly increasing adverse perinatal outcomes. Plus, more coverage from The Pregnancy Meeting.

Results of a study of fetal ultrasounds show that maternal obesity has an impact on fetal growth as early as 32 weeks’ gestation. Plus: Breast cancer risks increased by 21% in women who consumed more than 9 g of processed meat per day, according to a published study. Also: Does prenatal use of topiramate increase risk of cleft palate?

Data from more than 1.9 million subjects shows that women with endometriosis have a statistically higher risk of obstetric complications including preterm birth (PTB) than those without the condition.

Longitudinal data from a prospective cohort study indicate that being born early term may negatively affect a child’s cardiorespiratory fitness. Plus: Is there a difference in PTB rate between branded and compounded 17P? Also, a review analyzes whether or not there are any benefits to placentophagy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that in pregnancies conceived via assisted reproduction, risk of adverse perinatal outcomes may be higher with donated than with autologous oocytes. Plus: Do post-cesarean antibiotics reduce infections in obese women? Also: Researchers believe they have identified the genes associated with preterm delivery.

The latest on testing guidelines for Zika from the CDC. Plus: Are corticosteroids effective when administered only hours before delivery? Also, a look at the prevalence of hepatitis C among pregnancy women in the United States.

A debate at ACOG 2017 looks at whether cervical insufficiency should be abandoned as a diagnosis. Plus: A study presented at ACOG 2017 examines whether human papillomavirus is linked to preterm birth?

A new study looks at whether who begin menarche early in life are more likely to develop GDM. Plus: USPSTF issues their final recommendations on pelvic exams. Also, a look at the efficacy of vaginal progesterone in preventing preterm birth in twin pregnancy.

A study looks at the impact of a preterm birth on the mother's future risk of cardiovascular disease. Plus: Do shift work and physical labor negatively impact a woman's fertility? Also, are women who get a false-positive mammogram more likely to delay their future screenings?

Contemporary OB/GYN’s Editor-in-Chief, Dr Charles J. Lockwood, was honored by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 37th Annual Pregnancy Meeting in Las Vegas. SMFM President Dr Mary Norton said that Dr. Lockwood was selected “because he really has had a remarkable career.”

Research looks at the science showing associations between microcephaly and Zika virus. Plus: Can cervical pessaries help prevent preterm birth? Also, a study examines whether inadvertent HPV vaccination during pregnancy leads to adverse outcomes for mother and baby.

A study examines if ospemifene is linked to increased hot flashes. Plus: Do certain cerclage sutures increase the risk of preterm birth? Also, do pregnancy delays actually decrease the risk of microcephaly as a result of congenital Zika infection?

A new study looks at whether ovary-sparing hysterectomies can lead to early menopause. Plus: Does betamethasone reduce respiratory complications in preterm infants? Also, the impact of the vaginal microbiome on preterm birth.

A new study wonders if allowing a longer labor could help reduce rates of cesarean delivery. Plus: Does placing a cervical pessary prevent preterm birth? Also, a look at why teenaged LARC users aren't using condoms for STI prevention.

Dispatches from the SMFM 36th Pregnancy meeting looks at how routine screening for preterm birth should be in at risk pregnancies; a look at the role of cervical smooth muscle cells in preterm birth; the potential association between preterm birth and maternal mortality. Plus: A look at the impact of recommendations on cesarean delivery.

The higher expression of markers associated with preterm birth in women with periodontitis or gingivitis suggests yes.

A study examines whether computer-assisted detection on mammography provides sufficient benefit for the cost. Plus: Do first-time pregnancy cesarean deliveries increase the preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies. And, is conventional wisdom surrounding pregnancy and cancer accurate?

Have pelvic guideline changes led to a reduction in other recommended screenings? Plus, how does menopause impact future cardiovascular health? And: Does childhood stress lead to negative obstetric outcomes?

A recent meta-analysis examines if D&C can lead to future premature birth. Plus, does counseling on LARCs lead to a reduction in pregnancy rates. And: does exposure to DDT while in utero mean an increased risk of breast cancer later in life?

A study looks at a possible connection between dilatation and curettage (D&C) and preterm birth.

New research looks at the possibility that women who were themselves born prematurely are at greater risk of delivering their children prematurely. Also research on how much women worry about the genetic risks of their breast cancer and a new algorithm for stratifying breast cancer prevention.

In the latest volley in the ongoing controversy regarding the safety of some forms of hysterectomy, the country’s largest insurer will soon begin requiring prior authorization for many of the procedures. The action, taken by UnitedHealthCare, takes effect April 6, 2015 and does not apply to outpatient vaginal surgeries.

Contemporary OB/GYN provides information on the latest research on the possibility of a link between cardiovascular disease and spontaneous preterm birth; whether or not contraceptive expiration dates might be conservative; and helping answer the question of whether or not the HPV vaccine causes more sexual activity.

Contemporary OB/GYN provides information on the latest research from SMFM's annual Pregnancy Meeting.

More than 30% of injuries during robotic surgery are related to operator error or robot failure but the majority of problems are not associated with the technology. So says a retrospective review of complications of robotic surgery reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. The findings were presented at the 42nd AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology in Washington, DC.

Panelists Leila V. Adamyan, MD, Alan H. DeCherney, MD, and Linda M. Nicoll, MD, went 1 for 2 during the “Stump the Professors” session at the 42nd AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology in Washington, DC.