Multiple births 20 times more expensive than singletons
November 27th 2013A retrospective analysis of more than 400,000 U.S. births over nearly 6 years shows that delivery of triplets or more costs 20 times as much as a singleton. Published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the report may be the first to look at medical expenses for both maternal and infant care associated with IVF-assisted pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes and obesity tied to breastfeeding delay
November 27th 2013According to a new study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can lead to a delay in lactation, which can lead to women supplementing more frequently with formula or even abandoning breastfeeding.
Weight-loss surgery ups risk of preterm delivery
November 27th 2013Pregnant patients who have undergone some form of bariatric surgery are at greater risk of preterm birth than women who haven’t had the procedure, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. The risk of small for gestational age (SGA) was also increased in women with previous bariatric surgery.
WHO testing car mechanic’s invention for vaginal delivery
November 21st 2013A low-cost instrument that an auto mechanic invented to ease assisted vaginal delivery is being tested by the World Health Organization (WHO). If proven safe and effective, the Odon Device would be the first innovation in operative vaginal delivery since the forceps and vacuum extractor.
"Isn't it time to separate the O from the G?"
November 19th 2013This 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.
Operator error, system failure may equal injury In robotics
November 14th 2013More than 30% of injuries during robotic surgery are related to operator error or robot failure but the majority of problems are not associated with the technology. So says a retrospective review of complications of robotic surgery reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. The findings were presented at the 42nd AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology in Washington, DC.