Obstetrics

Asthmatic women may take longer to become pregnant, according to a new study published in The European Respiratory Journal.

This was the question posed by Javier F. Magrina, MD, in his presidential address at the opening ceremony of the 42nd AAGL global congress on minimally invasive gynecology on November 11. His answer to this question (which of course referred to obstetrics and gynecology) was a resounding "yes," and he backed up this conviction with statistics and anecdotes that illustrated the need for specialized training in minimally invasive gynecologic procedures.

The Foley balloon is a tried and true mechanical method for cervical ripening

A new survey reveals that the public is misinformed about the causes and prevalence of miscarriage.

Motor vehicle accidents have long been linked to serious trauma during pregnancy, but a recent study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine tied crashes to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine on managing pregnant patients who have had gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery.

Patient education handout for becoming pregnant after bariatric surgery

A plan for determining if intrauterine growth restriction is present, then monitoring and delivering when and how it's best for mother and infant.

Expectant mothers might not need to worry about a glass of wine, according to new research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The epidemiology of racial disparity in prematurity and infant mortality is a complex problem, say the authors, and public health programs are part of the solution.

An expert commentary on ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 132: Antiphospholipid Syndrome

An ob/gyn neglects to follow a molar pregnancy to its conclusion and the patient develops choriocarcinoma. A jury found in favor of the plaintiff.

Obstetricians often see pregnant patients with psychiatric disorders, the most common being depression. Treatment includes both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options. This article focuses on use of selective serotonin reputake inhibitors (SSRIs), the drugs most often used to treat depression in pregnancy.

The common practice of clamping an umbilical cord within a minute of birth to reduce the possibility of maternal hemorrhaging may need to be revised, according to a new paper published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The study authors searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register to find 15 trials involving a total of 3911 mother and infant pairs. The risk of bias in the trials was considered by the paper’s authors to be moderate in nature.

There are 3 major patient populations affected by recurrent pregnancy loss. An editorial by Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM.

While one expert feels that the benefits for family balance outweigh potential risks, the other is concerned that sex selection will lead to a slippery slope.

An overview of rapid screening and augmented screening techniques that impact sensitivity and a look at potential opportunities for appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis against neonatal infection.

The fact is that pregnancy is an ideal time for obese patients to make lifestyle changes.

FDA advised healthcare professionals not to use magnesium sulfate injection for more than 5-7 days to stop preterm labor in pregnant women, according to a May 30 drug safety communication.

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.

The guidance you need for coding cervical screening from the SMFM Coding Committee.

A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found that the risk of bipolar disorder may be quadrupled among children whose mothers contracted influenza in pregnancy.

Women with high levels of antibodies related to celiac disease are more likely to deliver low birthweight (LBW) babies, according to a large Belgian study published in Gastroenterology.

Medical management of early pregnancy failure is an appropriate and safe option for many women who want to avoid surgical intervention or expectant management.

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

Total delivery costs are lower-and rates of vaginal delivery higher-when external cephalic version (ECV) is done with versus without neuraxial anesthesia. So say the results of a study by Stanford University researchers published online in Anesthesia & Analgesia.

Women in early pregnancy and those attempting conception are often concerned with altering their lifestyles to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Patients often ask ob/gyns for recommendations about caffeine intake, exercise, alcohol consumption, and use of artificial sweeteners. In addition to quantity, the question of timing arises: When is the appropriate time for a woman to alter her lifestyle-before conception or after pregnancy is established?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) taken by a woman during pregnancy do not impact her infant's growth during the first year of life, reports a new small study.