Obstetrics

A recent study evaluated whether an institutional policy of universal perinatal depression screening would increase screening frequency and treatment after a positive test result.

While water fluoridation has great benefits for tooth decay prevention, research indicates that in pregnant women, fluoride crosses the placenta and accumulates in brain regions involved in learning and memory.

Ranging from the impact diet supplements have on heart health to whether cannabis use impacts a woman's risk for PTB, these are five of the most noteworthy studies published in July 2019.

Environmental health occupies a unique place in perinatal and reproductive health counseling

More than half of rural counties in the United States have no hospital obstetrical services, many remaining services are closing at a frightening pace, and maternal and perinatal mortality and/or morbidity are rising as a consequence.

Recent studies suggest that a progestin-induced withdrawal bleed may reduce conception and live birth rates in women undergoing ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate.

A fast and cost-effective new dipstick test for Zika virus can distinguish between it and dengue viruses without cross-reactivity, according to a report in Science Translational Medicine. Also, results of a new randomized controlled trial-the largest of its kind to date-suggest that text messaging may help some pregnant women quit smoking.

This article addresses common errors that lead to litigation involving ob/gyn ultrasound, with options to reduce ultrasound-related litigation.

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.

One study looks at how successful the 9vHPV vaccine is in preventing HPV-related cervical, vaginal, and vulvar diseases. Plus: FDA approves first neonatal MRI. Also, researchers note that obstetric services in rural areas severely lacking.

Expert commentary on Practice Bulletin No. 163: Screening for fetal aneuploidy.

A study looks at the efficacy of aspirin in reducing preterm preeclampsia. Plus: The CDC reports on antidepressant use in the United States. Also, a look at whether vaginal estrogen postmenopause increases the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Physiologic changes during pregnancy affect the body’s hormonal milieu as well as a woman’s sexual desires, responses, and practices. In this review, we discuss knowledge gaps, the physiology of the female sexual response during pregnancy, types of sexual activity during pregnancy, and existing literature on anatomic and physiologic changes by trimester and postpartum.

This article discusses the conditions that are unique to multifetal pregnancies.

Early imaging is key to detecting anomalies, some of which are unique to multiple gestations and some that also occur with singletons. Any anomaly that occurs in singletons can occur in 1 fetus in a multifetal pregnancy.

Contemporary OB/GYN congratulates Founding Editor John T. Queenan, MD, on the lifetime achievement award presented to him at the 9th Philadelphia Prenatal Conference. Held June 8 to 10 in the city for which it was named, the event was jointly sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Philadelphia Prenatal Diagnosis Institute/The Philadelphia pregnancy, Genetics and Ultrasound Center.

Small studies suggest effective strategies, but more trials are needed.

PTB can be readily separated into spontaneous and indicated PTB, and, thus, treatment or prevention for one might be counterproductive for the other.

Like much of medicine, ultrasound diagnosis of fetal anomalies is both a science and an art. Part 1 of this article will detail, within the text and with images, the anomalies that should not be missed when performing ultrasound during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

A collection of ultrasounds showing fetal anomalies during the first trimester of pregnancy.

A collection of ultrasounds for fetal anomalies in abdominal structures, genitourinary structures, spine, and extremities.

A collection of ultrasounds showing fetal anomalies in the brain/skull, face, neck, chest, and heart.

A CDC report looks at how effective messaging on postpartum contraception is in teenagers and the impact on repeat births. Plus: Does preeclampsia increase the risk of stroke? Also, a look at whether an old imaging technique could increase fertility.

Aspirin had been used as a way to cure preeclampsia, but then evidence-based studies clouded whether it actually helped. Two recent trials have provided encouraging data on use of low-dose aspirin in treating preeclampsia.

A round-up of research on obesity in pregnancy from the ACOG 2017 meeting in San Diego, California.