This week on Contemporary OB/GYN: December 19 to December 23

Unplanned military pregnancies declining

The rate of unintended pregnancies throughout the US military declined significantly since 2005, according to a study published in Contraception.1 Nevertheless, authors say, the burden that such pregnancies place on female servicemembers and the military health care system continues to demand aggressive upfront education and counseling.

Increase of steroid exposure in newborns

After the Antenatal Late Preterm Steroid (ALPS) trial showed a decrease in respiratory complications following steroid administration, steroid exposure among newborns increased.

Disparities in prenatal care linked to citizenship status and education level

While access to prenatal care did increase in states after Medicaid expansion, disparities persisted and even increased among Asian and Hispanic immigrant pregnant women, according to an analysis in JAMA Network Open.

Low-molecular-weight heparin non-superior to standard therapy in reducing miscarriages

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) did not increase the live-birth rate in comparison to standard therapy for pregnant women.

Hormonal contraceptives’ safety profile comparison for women with sickle cell disease

Research suggests that combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) have a similar safety profile to progestin-only contraceptives (POC) with regard to women with sickle cell disease and their risk of thromboembolism (TE).

Five trends for health systems in 2023

Adaptability and flexibility will be needed to deal with for challenges next year.

Lawmakers line up to support CMS rules to streamline prior authorizations

This month, the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the draft rule with five key provisions and five requests for information. If implement, CMS estimated the changes would save physicians and hospitals more than $15 billion over 10 years.

Check back soon for additional updates!