Pregnancy and Birth

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A study looks at whether women are at greater risk of sleep problems than their male counterparts. Also, are cesarean deliveries increasing the risk of childhood obesity? Plus: A study highlights the need for further research in postpartum psychosis.

On L&D units throughout the country, more and more women are being admitted with birth plans. Birth plans have become an increasingly common part of women’s prenatal preparation.

Your letters

Readers weigh in on the best forceps for a Scanzoni rotation and the reasons behind our high cesarean rate.

For Contemporary OB/GYN, Dr Bobby Lazzara looks at the question of whether reducing term births before 39 weeks' gestation leads to a significant increase in the rate of stillbirths and how it may impact practice.

Prior to the 1980s, because labor after a previous cesarean delivery was believed to be dangerous, many obstetricians recommended repeat cesareans for all subsequent births to women with a previous such delivery. Since then, TOLAC has been advocated as a reasonable alternative for women with a previous cesarean delivery via a low transverse uterine incision.

Home birth can carry risks, regardless of whether the woman has previously delivered, and prior cesarean delivery can also carry risks. This session examined the risks that can occur among women who choose home birth with a history of at least one cesarean delivery.

Readers React

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