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 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in December 2019. She graduated from Youngstown State University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Prior to graduating, Morgan worked as the editor-in-chief of her college newspaper. She went on to work as an assignment editor at a broadcast news station in Youngstown, Ohio before joining 

 You can reach her at mpetronelli@mjhlifesciences.com.

A new study reveals the pandemic significantly worsened maternal death rates across all racial groups.

COVID-19 linked to surge in US maternal mortality

Nicky Herrick, MD, is a cardiovascular disease fellow at UC San Francisco.

The BRITE-MOM study at UCSF uses wearable ECGs to detect arrhythmias in pregnant women, aiming to improve early diagnosis and maternal cardiac outcomes.

Nicky Herrick MD; and Anushree Agarwal, MD, MBBS, highlight their study on cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy

A large cohort study shows that buprenorphine treatment during pregnancy significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth, severe maternal morbidity, and neonatal complications in women with opioid use disorder.

Buprenorphine in pregnancy reduces adverse outcomes

New research links combined oral contraceptives to changes in the gut microbiome that may contribute to mood disorders.

How birth control pills may impact mood through the gut-brain axis

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A Psychedelic to Treat Postpartum Depression?

CMV: In the Know

RSV Roundtable

STIs

Supplement: Closing the Gap in Cervical Cancer Screening

Vaginismus: Managing a Misunderstood and Underdiagnosed Condition

Why vNOTES Make Sense for My Patients

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Dr. Laifer is Chief, Section of Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health System, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Knowledge of fetal lung maturity provides useful adjunctive information that is unique and relevant to a patient.

Clinician to Clinician: Reaffirming the role of lung maturity testing in the at-risk pregnancy

Saying "obstetrician-gynecologist" is a mouthful for most people, and it's probably the most abbreviated specialty in medicine, both spoken and written. However, there doesn't seem to be a consensus on how to pronounce OB-GYN. First, is it the two-syllable "O-B" or the monosyllabic "Ob"? Second, is it "gin" or "gyne" (like "Lyme")? I wonder if you have a preference. I know I do.

Almost nobody says "obstetrician-gynecologist" when speaking about these specialist physicians. But what's the "correct" way to pronounce OB/GYN?

Is It Ob-Gin or Ob-Gyne?

As we turn the page to a new era, it is with both pride and gratitude that we present the final print edition of 

. Since its inception in 1972, for over 50 years, this journal has been a steadfast resource for busy practitioners, offering clear, evidence-based articles that have supported daily clinical decision-making. What began as a vision by John Queenan, MD, has evolved into a foundational tool for health care professionals, shaping how we approach patient care, educate our peers, and advocate for women’s health.

One of the journal’s key achievements has been its ability to translate the latest research into practical, usable knowledge for clinicians. In a rapidly changing field like obstetrics and gynecology, where new studies and technologies emerge constantly, providing timely and relevant information has been essential. 

 has excelled in offering content that speaks directly to the needs of practitioners, ensuring that our busy colleagues have access to evidence-based guidance that enhances patient care.

Queenan’s pioneering leadership laid the groundwork for 

 to become a trusted voice in the ob-gyn community. His unwavering commitment to making complex topics accessible to busy clinicians set the tone for the journal’s success. Under his guidance, 

 became known for its evidence-driven content and clear, actionable insights, empowering practitioners to make informed decisions amid the busy pace of their practices. Whether discussing advances in prenatal care or diving into complex gynecological issues, Queenan’s vision ensured that every article was both relevant and practical.

Following Queenan, Charles Lockwood, MD, took the helm, building on what Queenan had created with his forward-thinking approach. Under his stewardship, 

 adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of the field. In addition, Lockwood elevated the journal with national award-winning editorials.

In 2020, I assumed the role of editor in chief, continuing the legacy of my mentors and colleagues Queenan and Lockwood. My goals included upholding an ongoing commitment to improving maternal and fetal health; championing patient-centered care; and ensuring that 

 continues to provide concise, clear, and simple information on complex topics, decipher the myriad of new studies and data, and provide context to understand how and whether they should change our care and management. I have worked to keep the journal at the forefront of the ob-gyn community, further enhancing its role as a vital resource for clinicians dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

 has mirrored the ongoing transformation within the field. From Queenan’s original vision to my leadership, the journal has stayed on the cutting edge, reflecting the latest research, technological advancements, and shifting paradigms in patient care. It has explored everything from maternal health disparities to innovative fertility treatments, always striving to offer a comprehensive, evidence-based perspective.

’s print edition, it is by no means the end of the journal. We are excited that 

 will continue to thrive in an online format. Our commitment to the busy practitioner remains unwavering.

We want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation to the many contributors who have helped shape this journal over the years: our visionary editors; expert authors; and, most importantly, the dedicated clinicians who have relied on 

 as a trusted source of information. This final print edition is a celebration of our legacy and the profound impact the journal has had on the profession. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. We look forward to continuing our work together in the digital age and beyond. Here’s to the next chapter of 

Marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter, the final print edition of Contemporary OB/GYN celebrates over 50 years of evidence-based guidance and unwavering support for clinicians.

A legacy of excellence: Reflecting on the final print edition of Contemporary OB/GYN

In a recent interview ObGyn.net conducted for 

 on comprehensive care and cancer screenings at well-woman visits, the topic of stethoscopes came up. Ilene S. Gewirtz, MD, the interviewee, mentioned that she still carries a stethoscope and listens to her patients' heart and lungs at well-woman visits. She also said that she believes she's in the minority regarding this practice. We want to know if she's right.

POLL: Many women consider their OB/GYN their primary care provider. But like your primary care counterpart, do you carry a stethoscope?

Do OB/GYNs Carry Stethoscopes?

What is your diagnosis based on these images of the ovary?

Challenge your diagnostic skills with this image quiz: Is this ovarian lesion cystic in nature or something else?

Image IQ: Ovarian Cyst or Something Else?

Breast cancer is often diagnosed at an earlier stage among women with a history of screening mammography, reducing associated mortality, according to a recent study published in 

Screening recommendations and evidence gaps

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women aged 40 to 75 years receive biannual screening to improve the odds of early breast cancer detection.

 However, the USPSTF has also stated the evidence to recommend screening in women aged over 75 years is currently insufficient.

“Identifying this potential difference in health outcomes based on screening history may facilitate a more accurate evaluation of screening effectiveness,” wrote investigators.

The cohort study was conducted to determine the link between screening history and breast cancer outcomes among older US women. Data was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicaid linkage between January 1, 2005, and December 30, 2020.

This data included screening history, demographics, biology, cancer diagnosis, and treatment for breast cancer patients. Women aged at least 70 years with estrogen receptor-positive or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer determined by screening mammogram were included in the analysis.

Additional eligibility criteria included continuous Medicaid coverage from 5 years before diagnosis through 1 year following diagnosis. Receiving 1 or more screening mammogram within 5 years before diagnosis was defined as the exposure, with patient categories including no vs any screening before diagnosis.

The stage at diagnosis was reported as the primary outcome, classified as either very early or later stage diagnosis. Diagnoses were made based on American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM stages. Demographic, socioeconomic, tumor, and treatment-related covariates were obtained during diagnosis.

There were 13,028 patients included in the analysis, 3.6% of whom were Asian, 4.2% Hispanic, 6.2% non-Hispanic Black, 84.3% non-Hispanic White, and 1.7% other or unknown race and ethnicity. Of women, 38.5% were aged 70 to 74 years and 30.9% were aged 75 to 79 years.

Prior screening was reported in 77.5% of participants overall. Those with at least 1 primary care physician or annual wellness visit, aged 70 to 74 years, and non-dual eligible had increased rates, at 78.1%, 79.1%, and 79.9%, respectively.

Later-stage disease was reported in 29.3% of women at diagnosis, with a rate of 25.1% among women with prior screening. Among those without prior screening, the prevalence of later-stage diagnosis was 43.4%. This indicated a 54% reduced chance of being diagnosed at a later stage when having prior screening, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.46.

Being dual eligible and living in regions with higher poverty and lower education were also linked to later-stage diagnosis, with aORs of 1.17, 1.21, and 0.83, respectively. In patients with grade 3 or grade 4 tumors vs grade 1 tumors, the aOR for later diagnosis was 4.90.

The odds of breast cancer mortality were also significantly reduced among women with prior screening, at a rate of 3.3% vs 8% among women with no prior screening. This indicated an aOR of 0.63 for breast cancer-specific death among this population.

These results indicated earlier stage of diagnosis for breast cancer and reduced mortality among women aged at least 70 years with prior screening mammography. Investigators noted limitations in the data because of residual cofounding.

“Our findings support the potential for routine screening to improve breast cancer outcomes,” investigators concluded.

Huang S, Westvold SJ, Soulos PR, et al. Screening history, stage at diagnosis, and mortality in screen-detected breast cancer. 

. 2025;8(4):e255322. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.5322

Nicholson WK﻿, Silverstein M﻿, Wong JB﻿, et al; US Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.﻿

. 2024;331(22):1918-1930. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.5534

A new study found that routine mammography significantly reduces late-stage diagnoses and mortality in women aged 70 years and older.

Clinical

Screening mammograms linked to earlier breast cancer detection

Thank you for visiting the Contemporary OB/GYN® website. Take a look at some of our top stories from last week (Monday, April 14, 2025 - Friday, April 18, 2025), and click each link to read and watch anything you may have missed.

Mitchell Creinin, MD, reports estetrol pill eases menstrual symptoms

 Mitchell Creinin, MD, professor at University of California Davis Health, discussed a study evaluating the impact of estetrol combined with drospirenone, a novel oral contraceptive, on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms.

This was a planned secondary analysis of a phase 3 trial conducted in the United States and Canada, designed to assess not only contraceptive effectiveness but also the impact on menstrual complaints using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. A similar study had already been conducted and published in Europe and Russia. Due to demographic and clinical differences in the participant populations, the results were not pooled but analyzed separately.

The results showed that switchers generally reported low levels of menstrual distress at baseline, and those levels remained stable, indicating that switching to estetrol/drospirenone maintained their symptom relief. In contrast, starters showed a significant decrease in symptom intensity across key domains, particularly pain, water retention, and negative affect. Symptoms such as cramps, headaches, back pain, fatigue, swelling, tender breasts, anxiety, and irritability notably improved, with many showing at least a 40% reduction in severity.

Early menopause linked to increased risk of cognitive decline

Women with early menopause are at an increased risk of 2-year follow-up cognitive decline, according to a recent study published in 

Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.

Women are disproportionately impacted by dementia compared to men, highlighting potential sex-specific risk factors. A link has also been established between early menopause and depression, which increases the risk of dementia. This led investigators to evaluate the association between early menopause and cognitive function.

“Since early menopause increases the risk of depression, which then increases the risk of dementia, we had to control for this factor to determine if early menopause in of itself was a direct risk factor,” said Miharu Nakanishi, PhD, lead author from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.

Contraception for patients with mental health conditions

Mental health conditions affect about 1 in 7 people globally. Anxiety and depressive disorder account for most cases. 

Reproductive-age females are more likely to be affected by depression and anxiety disorders than men, with an age-standardized prevalence of 24% among women vs 13.3% among men in the US. Those who are pregnant or who are recently in the postpartum period are increasingly at risk; depressive disorders diagnosed during US delivery hospitalizations increased 7-fold from 4.1 diagnoses per 1000 hospitalizations in 2000 to 28.7 diagnoses per 1000 hospitalizations in 2015.

Perinatal mental health conditions are associated with adverse outcomes for the pregnant or postpartum person as well as fetus, infant, partner, or family. Additionally, perinatal depression may signal a trajectory for chronic depression and its lasting implications.

Outpatient cervical ripening with a Foley catheter

Labor induction is a common obstetric practice in the United States, occurring in 31.9% of deliveries in 2022. Elective induction rates have continued to rise since the publication of the results of the ARRIVE trial (NCT01990612) in 2018, which demonstrated a reduction in cesarean delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for low-risk nulliparous patients undergoing induction at 39 weeks.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that mechanical methods of outpatient labor induction may be an appropriate option in selected patient populations. Although a formal recommendation was not made, recent findings suggest this is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient practices. 

Cervical ripening balloons apply direct pressure to the internal cervical os, causing endogenous prostaglandin release. A bladder catheter (Foley) or a commercial intracervical balloon (eg, Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon) can be used with similar efficacy, although the Foley catheter is often more readily available and considered more cost-effective.

First baby born via fully automated ICSI system

The first baby was born using a fully automated, digitally controlled intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system on April 10, 2025, as reported in 

Jacques Cohen, PhD, embryologist at Conceivable Life Sciences, led a multidisciplinary team of specialists alongside others to develop the automated system. It was developed to automate all 23 steps of ICSI, with either artificial intelligence (AI) or a remote operator independently performing the steps.

“With AI, the system autonomously selects sperm and precisely immobilizes its midsection with a laser ready for injection - executing this rapid, precise process with a level of accuracy beyond human capability,” said Mendizabal-Ruiz, PhD, lead engineer professor and an additional study head.

Review some of the top stories from the Contemporary OB/GYN website over the last week, and catch up on anything you may have missed.

Steven A. Laifer, MD

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