Contemporary OB/GYN week in review: HPV self-collection, ACOG GBS guidelines, and more

This week at Contemporary OB/GYN®, we covered topics ranging from BD's new HPV self-collection device to knowledge gaps in pregnancy health. Click the links below to read anything you might have missed from Monday, August 04 to Friday, August 08, 2025.

Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, discusses BD's new HPV self-collection device

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, Vice President Medical Affairs, Diagnostic Solutions, at BD, discussed current challenges and potential advancements in cervical cancer screening, with a focus on under-screened populations and self-collection human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

He introduced BD's new self-collection HPV testing method, which has been submitted to the FDA for approval. This procedure allows a clinician to order a test that is mailed to the patient’s home. The patient collects their sample using a simple swab, seals it in a tube, and returns it by mail. In the lab, the sample is processed using BD’s automated COR system, which runs a DNA PCR test called Onclarity. A unique feature of this test is its extended HPV genotyping, which enables precise follow-up steps based on the HPV type detected.

ACOG guideline update linked to drop in neonatal GBS cases and deaths

Reports of neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) early-onset disease and deaths have declines among US patients following updates to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines in 2019, according to a recent study published in O&G Open.¹

Joinpoint regression software was used to calculate the annual percent change (APC) in GBS early-onset disease incidence and deaths per 1000 births. Comparisons based on race were performed in the secondary analysis, with race categories including Black, White, and Other.

Neonatal GBS early-onset disease and death were reported in 2640 neonates during the prechange period and 2120 in the postchange period, with means of 0.24±0.01 and 0.20±0.02 cases per 1000 births, respectively. An APC of 2.1% was reported during the prechange period, but -9.6% in the postchange period, indicating a sharp decline.

A decrease in APC during the postchange period was reported in all race categories during the secondary analysis. However, Black patients presented with a significant decline in APC during both the prechange and postchange periods.

Click here for the full article.

100-g OGTT found to predict future diabetes risk in pregnant women

The 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has a strong predictive value for diabetes mellitus (DM), according to a recent study published in Pregnancy.¹

A correlation was found between an increasing number of OGTT values and the prevalence of abnormal lipid metabolism. Patients with a single abnormal value had a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.2 for future DM, vs 4.89 in those with 2 abnormal values, 8.18 in those with 3, and 15.46 in those with 4.

In a subanalysis evaluating the impact of timing for a single abnormal result, investigators reported an HR of 7.12 for diabetes diagnosis from abnormal fasting glucose. At 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours postglucose ingestion, these HRs were 3.84, 2.15, and 6.03, respectively. An optimal cutoff threshold of 86.5 mg/dL was reported for fasting glucose.

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Survey reveals persistent knowledge gaps about pregnancy health, vaccination safety

A new survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania in April 2025 revealed significant gaps in public understanding of pregnancy-related health recommendations, including misconceptions about weight gain, supplement use, and vaccine safety.

“Because those around us influence our health decisions, persons of childbearing age and their families and friends should know the risks of smoking and alcohol use before, during, and after pregnancy and which vaccines should and should not be taken during pregnancy,” said Patrick E. Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute.

Nearly all respondents (91%) agreed that health during pregnancy affects a baby's health, and 86% recognized the importance of preconception health. However, this dropped to 75% among women aged 18 to 49 years, compared to 86% in 2023. Eighty percent of all adults surveyed knew that testing for diabetes during pregnancy is recommended, while 73% acknowledged the stroke risk associated with untreated hypertension.

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Higher BMI linked to reduced physical activity in pregnancy

Physical activity goals are not being met by pregnant patients, especially those who are overweight or obese, according to a recent study published in Pregnancy.¹

Having at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week was reported in 34% of patients with a normal BMI. However, all other BMI categories except for underweight presented with reduced physical activity, leading to a greater proportion of patients failing to meet the recommended threshold.

Among patients with class 3 obesity, only 22% of those with a BMI of 40 to 49.9 kg/m² and 18% of those with a BMI of 50 kg/m² or greater reported at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Average durations of physical activity per week were 101.2 and 107.7 minutes, respectively, vs 126.5 minutes in patients with a normal BMI.

Click here for the full article.