Is Misoprostol an Alternative to Oxytocin for Augmenting Labor?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Other than higher incidence of uterine hypertonus, maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ with misoprostol.
Night Float: A Step Toward Better Obstetric Outcomes?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Initiation of a night-float system at one hospital was associated with improved outcomes.
Advances in Contraceptive Implant Design
Women's Health News in Context
NEXPLANON replaces IMPLANON.
Myths and Lack of Access to Contraception Still Contribute to High Teen Pregnancy Rates
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Teens cite barriers to contraceptive access and misconceptions about fertility as reasons for unintended pregnancies and births.
H1N1 Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy Is Protective and Safe
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
One dose of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 vaccine given during the second or third trimester induced seroprotection in the women and their newborns.
By Stephen G. Baum, MD
January 4, 2012
Covering:
Tsatsaris V et al., Ann Intern Med 2011 Dec 6; 155:733
Perinatal HIV Transmission Persists in the U.S.
A substantial number of HIV-infected infants are born each year to mothers with predictable risk profiles that include late diagnosis, lack of prenatal care, and no exposure to antiretrovirals.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
December 22, 2011
Covering:
Whitmore SK et al., Pediatrics 2011 Dec 5
Maternal Toxoplasmosis Often Acquired from Environmental Cat Exposure
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Seventy-eight percent of women who delivered infants with congenital toxoplasmosis had acquired infection acutely through cats; only half of them noted having any major cat-associated risk factors.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
December 21, 2011
Covering:
Boyer K et al., Clin Infect Dis 2011 Dec 1; 53:1081
Linn ES., Clin Infect Dis 2011 Dec 1; 53:1090
Elevated HCG with an Empty Uterus Does Not Always Mean Ectopic Pregnancy
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
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Live birth can occur in women with elevated HCG and no gestational sac seen on initial transvaginal ultrasound.
Antenatal Corticosteroids at the Limits of Fetal Viability
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Infants exposed in utero to corticosteroids and born at 23 to 25 weeks' gestation demonstrated survival advantages.
Postpartum Preeclampsia Requires Prompt Evaluation, Referral, and Treatment
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Critical period for developing eclampsia is the first week after discharge.
Pregnancy-Associated Violence: A Rising Cause of Maternal Death
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Homicide and suicide during pregnancy account for more maternal deaths than do obstetric causes.
If It's Not Bothering Her, Leave That Malpositioned IUD Be
Women's Health Summary and Comment
In asymptomatic women, lower-uterine intrauterine devices are best left in place.
Excess Risk for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Risks cannot be attributed to assisted reproduction technology.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
December 1, 2011
Covering:
Roos N et al., BMJ 2011 Oct 13; 343:d6309
Macklon NS., BMJ 2011 Oct 13; 343:d6407
Does Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization Raise Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Women who underwent IVF had excess risk for ovarian malignancies, particularly borderline tumors.
By Robert W. Rebar, MD
December 1, 2011
Covering:
van Leeuwen FE et al., Hum Reprod 2011 Dec; 26:3456
Angiotensin-Converting–Enzyme Inhibitors During Early Pregnancy Aren't Significantly Associated with Fetal Malformations
Women's Health Summary and Comment
But untreated hypertension was associated with excess risk.
Foley Catheter vs. Prostaglandins for Cervical Ripening
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Cesarean delivery rates were similar for the two methods.
Nifedipine vs. Labetalol for Managing Acute Hypertension of Pregnancy
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol were similarly effective.
With Appropriate Selection, Trial of Labor for Twin Birth Is Safe
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Three quarters of twin gestations could be delivered vaginally with minimal morbidity.
Testing the Causative Criteria for Cerebral Palsy
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Most neonates with cerebral palsy who had experienced fetal heart rate deterioration had clinical characteristics consistent with task force criteria.
Another Safe Path to Conception in HIV-Serodiscordant Couples?
A small study raises the question of whether, when the infected male partner is optimally treated, pre-exposure prophylaxis may someday replace assisted reproductive technologies.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
October 31, 2011
Covering:
Vernazza PL et al., AIDS 2011 Oct 23; 25:2005
Mastro TD et al., AIDS 2011 Oct 23; 25:2049
Pregnancy, Contraception, and Risk for HIV Infection
Women's Health Summary and Comment
High progesterone levels associated with pregnancy or injectable contraception can double risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV infection.
By Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD, MS
October 27, 2011
Covering:
Mugo NR et al., AIDS 2011 Sep 24; 25:1887
Heffron R et al., Lancet Infect Dis 2011 Oct 4
Prenatal Folic Acid Lowers Risk for Language Delay
Women's Health Summary and Comment
The benefits of folic acid supplementation extend to language development during early childhood.
Fetal Echocardiography Echoes Normal Ultrasound Results
Women's Health Summary and Comment
No major congenital heart defects were detected in fetuses of women with normal obstetric screening ultrasound results.
Updated Guidelines for Perinatal Antiretroviral Use
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
The revision includes several new clinical recommendations, as well as a provocative discussion on when to start antiretrovirals in pregnant women who do not require treatment for their own health.
By Sally Hodder, MD
October 24, 2011
Covering:
Panel on Treatment of HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission.,
Treating Pemphigus During Pregnancy
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Although IVIg is labeled pregnancy Category C, it is likely an excellent choice of therapy.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
October 21, 2011
Covering:
Ahmed AR and Gürcan HM., J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011 Sep; 25:1073
