Pregnancy and Birth

A noninvasive test that analyzes fetal cell-free (cf) DNA in a pregnant woman’s blood can accurately detect trisomy 21 and other genetic fetal abnormalities in the first trimester, according to the results of a new study.

The FDA has changed the Pregnancy Category of magnesium sulfate from ‘A’ to ‘D,’ indicating that there is “positive evidence of human fetal risk” when the drug is used during pregnancy.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism, especially during the first trimester.

Doing nothing is no longer an option, say the authors. Cervical length assessment should be provided to a larger population of women to identify and treat those with cervical shortening.

Three major Ohio universities and 4 hospitals have joined with the March of Dimes Foundation to establish a new collaborative research program aimed exclusively at finding the unknown causes of premature birth.

Women with a history of preeclampsia or other hypertensive pregnancy diseases are more likely to experience vasomotor menopausal symptoms.

The teratogenic potential of nitrofurantoin is low, according to the results of a large, population-based study conducted in Norway.

Outcomes of pregnancies in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have improved substantially in those with well-controlled disease.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with hysterectomy (LESS-H) for benign disease with either a lateral or vaginal approach is a feasible procedure regardless of cesarean section history.

One in 3 women nulliparous women with a short cervix is prescribed some type of activity restriction, despite lack of benefit in prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Those are the findings from a secondary analysis of data from the Short Cervix and Nulliparity trial. Published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, it is accompanied by a commentary titled “Bed Rest in Pregnancy: Time to Put the Issue to Rest” and an ethical argument for dismissing the practice.

There is a clearly defined rounded mass just below the endometrial stripe of the uterus. The endometrium itself appears normal in thickness ruling out hyperplasia.The mass is within the uterine fundus and body ruling out a cervical mass.

In high-resource settings, the practice of controlled cord traction for the management of placenta expulsion is not associated with a decreased incidence of postpartum hemorrhage.

The Contraceptive CHOICE Project, a research study at Washington University in St. Louis, found that offering long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) to women first, citing its low-failure rates, reduced rates of unintended pregnancy and abortion and increased continuation rates.

Uterine artery embolization for fibroids results in a tremendous reduction in menorrhagia. But while complication rates are low, up to 15% of patients are readmitted for indications like pain, bleeding and infection.

In October 2012, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine announced it no longer considers oocyte freezing experimental. This raises complex questions about how to counsel patients who wish to preserve eggs for social indications.

The use of prophylactic 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) is not effective for the prevention of preterm delivery, and may even be harmful in women with an asymptomatic twin pregnancy and short cervix.

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced that the children of mothers who took medications including or related to valproate sodium during pregnancy show decreased IQ scores, and that these drugs are now contraindicated for pregnant women.

This middle-aged woman has pelvic pain and vaginal discharge. What is your diagnosis based on these ultrasound images of the uterus?

One in seven women will experience pelvic pain in her lifetime, and between one- and two-thirds will have chronic pain that persists for more than three years. But although it’s common, it can be one of the most difficult and frustrating conditions physicians treat.

Fish oil supplementation that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids does not prevent depressive symptoms during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, according to the results of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

This young lady has abdominal pain and chest discomfort.She was undergoing treatment for infertility.What is your diagnosis?

Two physicians discuss the pros and cons of universal assessment for ob/gyns and their patients.

In patients with an American Fertility Society class V or class VI septate uterus, hysteroscopic metroplasty is associated with a significant improvement in reproductive performance.

The FDA has approved an application to market the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step for use without a prescription by women 15 years of age and older.

Using ultrasound imaging before an epidural catheterization or lumbar puncture can reduce the risk of failed or traumatic procedures and can lower the number of needle insertions and redirections, according to the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis.