Topiramate: Another Concern About Teratogenicity
The rate of major congenital malformations in children born to women who took topiramate during pregnancy was higher than the historical background rate in the U.K.
Do Soy Foods Affect Sperm Quality?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
The evidence is not strong enough to recommend that men should shun tofu.
Urinalysis or Urine Protein–Creatinine Ratio for Predicting Proteinuria During Pregnancy?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Urine protein–creatinine ratio was more sensitive than dipstick urinalysis as a screening test for proteinuria.
The Perineal Debate
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Antibiotic prophylaxis improved outcomes of repair for obstetric lacerations, which were more likely to occur after prior episiotomies.
By Ann J. Davis, MD
July 24, 2008
Covering:
Duggal N et al., Obstet Gynecol 2008 Jun; 111:1268
Alperin M et al., Obstet Gynecol 2008 Jun; 111:1274
Chescheir NC., Obstet Gynecol 2008 Jun; 111:1264
New Guidelines for Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Vaccination in Pregnant Women
Women's Health Practice Watch
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends vaccinating Tdap-naive women immediately postpartum.
Few U.S. Hospitals and Birth Centers Provide Adequate Support for Breast-Feeding
A recent CDC survey identified maternity practices that interfere with breast-feeding.
By Robin Drucker, MD
July 23, 2008
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2008 Jun 13; 57:621
Depression and Dysthymia During Pregnancy
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Dysthymia has greater adverse effects on the fetus, although major depression is associated with greater symptoms of maternal distress.
By Deborah Cowley, MD
July 21, 2008
Covering:
Field T et al., Depress Anxiety 2008 Jun; 25:e11
Preserving Future Fertility in Women Who Undergo Cancer Treatment
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Investigators developed a protocol to identify malignant cells in cryopreserved ovarian tissue.
Emerging Perspectives: Psychotropic Drugs During Pregnancy — New Data on Neonatal Outcomes
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Free
Both the illness and the medication can create problems for the exposed neonate.
By Peter Roy-Byrne, MD
July 14, 2008
Covering:
Ramos E et al., Br J Psychiatry 2008 May; 192:344
Oberlander TF et al., Br J Psychiatry 2008 May; 192:338
Newham JJ et al., Br J Psychiatry 2008 May; 192:333
No Need to Sweep
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Whether or not women underwent membrane sweeping, overall rates of induction, postmaturity, and prelabor membrane rupture were similar.
Epilepsy, Sexuality, and Contraception
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Highly effective contraceptives were underused by women with seizure disorders.
Use of Pulse Oximetry to Detect Congenital Heart Disease
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Neonatal screening pulse oximetry improved detection of critical CHD.
By Howard Bauchner, MD
June 24, 2008
Covering:
Meberg A et al., J Pediatr 2008 Jun; 152:761
Mahle WT., J Pediatr 2008 Jun; 152:747
USPSTF Concludes Current Evidence Is Insufficient to Screen for Gestational Diabetes
General Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
But other organizations recommend screening women who have risk factors.
By Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, FACP, FASAM
June 24, 2008
Covering:
Hillier TA et al., Ann Intern Med 2008 May 20; 148:766
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force., Ann Intern Med 2008 May 20; 148:759
Gestational Diabetes Is Increasing in the U.S.
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Increases were seen among both whites and blacks in all age groups and in all regions of the U.S.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
June 19, 2008
Covering:
Getahun D et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008 May; 198:525.e1
Oxytocin-Induced Labor: Effects on Fetal Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate Patterns
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Improved vigilance is warranted during oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation.
Six Months Later: Sex After Childbirth
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Women who experienced anal sphincter laceration during delivery were somewhat less likely to report sexual activity at 6 months postpartum.
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Common in U.S. Moms
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Almost 20% of women self-reported postpartum depressive symptoms; physical abuse, life or financial stress, smoking, and having a low birth weight infant raised risk.
By Diane E. Judge, APN/CNP
June 19, 2008
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2008 Apr 11; 57:361
Having a Firstborn Boy Predicts Subsequent Miscarriage
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Women with firstborn male children had excess risk for secondary recurrent miscarriage.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Headache in Pregnancy
Neurology Summary and Comment
This is a well-written, useful, and practical overview of primary and secondary headaches occurring during pregnancy, with a focus on migraine.
By Gretchen E. Tietjen, MD
June 3, 2008
Covering:
Menon R and Bushnell CD., Neurologist 2008 Mar; 14:108
Pityriasis Rosea in Pregnancy
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
This common illness can have deleterious effects when it occurs early in pregnancy.
Staying on the Move While Pregnant
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Exercise during pregnancy had no adverse effect on risk for preterm birth.
Pfannenstiel Incisions Not Without Lasting Pain
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Persistent pain after Pfannenstiel incision was common; moderate-to-severe pain often was associated with nerve entrapment.
Low Rate of Vertical HIV Transmission in the U.K. and Ireland
Only three cases of transmission occurred among 2117 infants whose mothers achieved undetectable viral loads in response to ART.
By Keith Henry, MD
May 23, 2008
Covering:
Townsend CL et al., AIDS 2008 May 11; 22:973
Test Mom for Fetal DNA and Save an Anti-RhD Ig Shot
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Fetal RhD genotyping from maternal plasma would substantially reduce unnecessary administration of anti-RhD immunoglobulin to RhD-negative women with RhD-negative fetuses.
By Wendy S. Biggs, MD
May 22, 2008
Covering:
Finning K et al., BMJ 2008 Apr 12; 336:816
Kumar S., BMJ 2008 Apr 12; 336:783
For a Healthier Pregnancy, Retain Cultural Heritage
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Compared with recent immigrants, first- and second-generation mothers were more likely to smoke during pregnancy and less likely to breast-feed longer than 4 months.
