Pregnancy and Birth

In the past decade, the rate of preterm delivery in the United States has declined 11% from its peak of 12.8% in 2006.

Contemporary OB/GYN readers speak up about exploratory laparotomy, the cesarean epidemic, and the difficulty to re-enter ob.

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.

The CDC offers new guidance on Zika virus and the labor and delivery unit. Plus: How are out-of-hospital trends moving? Also, a look at whether or not planned cesareans mean poorer outcomes for children.

In 2014, 1.3 million women in the United States delivered via cesarean, placing the rate at 32.2%, down just .7% from the peak in 2009.

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.

Answers to frequently asked questions about when to perform CL measurement

Data from the National Center Health Statistics (NCHS) show that rates of unintended pregnancy in the United States have a hit a 3-decade low.

An update on the Zika virus and its impact on your practice. And, a look at whether or not vaginal delivery increases risk of incontinence. Plus: What was the impact of the HPV vaccine on HPV rates?

Despite counseling, a patient is reluctant to follow her MFM specialist's advice.

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.

This rare but dangerous complication may lead to loss of the uterus if misdiagnosed.

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

Muscle stretch and distention during delivery lead to problems later in life.

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?

A new case control study examines whether looking at the vaginal microbiome can predict preterm birth. And, do women who work in fields with long hours and physical demands have a more difficult time becoming pregnant? Plus: Do oral contraceptives moderate arthritis outcomes?

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?

Two doctors from the same health system argue the opposite sides of this issue.

Steady declines in preterm birth are good news but there are more newborn lives to save.

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.

A look at the evidence shows that a program using ob/gyn hospitalists makes sense for many facilities and may improve outcomes.

Hands-on ratings of a patient-controlled inhaled analgesia system and a bag for contained tissue extraction.

QUIZ: What's causing the compression of the fetal heart (tubular shaped), ascites and dilated trachea?

QUIZ: These images show something isn't quite right in a woman who is 34 weeks pregnant.