Obstetrics

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.

A woman sues her ob/gyn claiming that 3 miscarriages occurred because of an IUD that the ob/gyn believed had been expelled shortly after implantation, but was subsequently found using abdominal x-ray. Plus more cases.

A study looks at the long-term impact that preeclampsia can have on mothers' brains. Plus: A study examines the impact of maternal obesity on a child's risk of childhood epilepsy.

A study looks at who is being tested for BRCA mutations as testing becomes more common. Also, a look at the impact of Zika virus on birth defects using benchmark data. Plus: How is the United States doing with infant mortality?

A new option gives old obs a new life and second career. A new model of ob care offers a chance for today’s older physicians who are highly experienced and motivated to alter their career paths and avoid “forced” retirement from ob by becoming ob/gyn hospitalists.

A study looks at the impact of failed ART on the cardiovascular health of women. Plus: Does a pregnancy near the time of breast cancer lead to worse outcomes. Also, a look at how many women may have little to no access to fertility services.

EPF diagnosis can cause harm, so 100% specificity is the goal.

Give this to your patients who have questions about the role of ultrasound with cfDNA.

The society's recommendations for women who are undergoing both ultrasound and cfDNA screening.

A study examines whether postpartum depression is on the decline. Plus: Are women who develop preeclampsia at greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those who didn't? Also, a look at the impact of severe nutrition deficiency in pregnancy on the development of mental health disorders in offspring.

The risks of administering ACS at late term and term remain unknown, says this MFM specialist.