AHRQ report underscores disparities in maternal morbidity
September 18th 2018A new report shows that over a 10-year period in the United States, rates of severe maternal morbidity increased and age, race, and income, all played a role in disparities in specific related trends. PLUS: How are most women informed of a breast cancer diagnosis? ALSO: Does gestational diabetes signal long-term risk for mothers and their children?
A new normal: How families and fathers are affected by maternal mortality
September 12th 2018“If you’re an ob/gyn, remember that these women are not statistics. They are precious mothers who are trusting you with their precious gifts.” This is one father’s story about the impact of maternal mortality and how obgyns can support the families of their lost patients.
Panel issues guidelines for perimenopausal depression
September 11th 2018The first-ever guidelines for perimenopausal depression have been developed by The North American Menopause Society and the National Network on Depression Centers Women and Mood Disorders Task Group. PLUS: Are female sterilization rates and cognitive disability linked? ALSO: How does delivery mode in twin pregnancies impact maternal morbidity rates?
Quiz: CV morbidity and mortality in pregnancy
September 5th 2018Cardiovascular disease is one the leading causes of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. This quiz goes over some of the important takeaways on the issues covered in Dr. Beth Brickner's article, Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in pregnancy (January, 2018) .
How often are opioids dispensed to women after vaginal delivery?
September 4th 2018Physicians are looking for ways to reduce unnecessary prescribing of opioids and dispensing after vaginal delivery may represent a source of over-prescription, according to a recently published study. PLUS: Can marijuana pass into mother's milk? ALSO: How do race and ethnicity impact HPV vaccine completion rates?
Can this low-cost blood test help prevent toxoplasmosis?
August 28th 2018A recent study looked at whether a cost-effective finger-prick whole-blood test for toxoplasmosis can reliably detect the presence of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLUS: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) tests are increasingly being offered to women in the first trimester of pregnancy but results from a recent study suggest cfDNA tests may not significantly reduce miscarriage risk.
Is there a link between autism and PCOS?
August 21st 2018A study that tested the hypothesis that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked with autism may inform new interventions for PCOS and autism. PLUS: Does smoking exposure deter breastfeeding? ALSO: Does race play a role in maternal outcomes for older women?
Transgender teens: What about fertility preservation?
August 17th 2018Research presented during the Pediatric Academic Society (PAS) 2018 Meeting suggests that when it comes to decision-making about hormone therapy (HT), transgender teens and their parents may have different views about preserving biologic fertility.
How do young women feel about IUD insertion?
August 17th 2018Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception but insertion can be associated with discomfort. In a new study, researchers from Pennsylvania sought to quantify the impact of the procedure on IUD satisfaction in younger women.
Seven recommendations for mild fetal ventriculomegaly
Ventriculomegaly, or dilation of the fetal cerebral ventricles, is a relatively common finding on prenatal ultrasound. This summary of SMFM Consult Series #45 reviews key points for diagnosis, evaluation, and management of mild fetal ventriculomegaly.