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Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2021 Mar 15;43(3):165-171. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centro de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.

Objective:  To describe the obstetric outcomes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the impact of pregnancy and the postpartum period on the progression of the disease.

Methods:  A case series study performed between December 2019 and February 2020, reporting pregnancies occurred between 1996 and 2019. The subjects included were women with MS undergoing follow-up at an MS referral center in Northeastern Brazil, and who had at least one pregnancy after the onset of MS symptoms, or who had their first relapse in the first year after delivery. Read More

J Acad Nutr Diet 2021 Apr 13. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Background: Poor mental health may hinder diet quality in pregnancy.

Objective: This study 1) examined whether stress and depressive symptoms are associated with diet quality (via Healthy Eating Index [HEI] 2015 total scores and dietary intake of food groups/nutrients that align with HEI-2015 components) and 2) tested race as a moderator in the relationship between mental health and diet quality.

Design: This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial collected January 2015 through January 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. Read More

Midwifery 2021 Apr 3;98:102994. Epub 2021 Apr 3.

Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. Electronic address:

Background: Being overweight or obese is associated with higher risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including gestational diabetes and childhood obesity. Many women exceed the gestational weight gain recommendations. Thus, it is important to focus on the women's lifestyle between their pregnancies to lower the risk of weight retention before the next pregnancy as well as in a life course perspective. Read More

Food Sci Nutr 2021 Apr 13;9(4):1842-1850. Epub 2021 Feb 13.

Department of Pediatrics The Saban Research Institute Children's Hospital Los Angeles University of Southern California Los Angeles CA USA.

There is a high prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the United States, particularly among Hispanic women, which may be partly explained by failure to lose gestational weight during the postpartum period. Previous work indicates that protein and amino acids may protect against weight gain; therefore, this study examined the impact of dietary protein and amino acid intake on changes in postpartum weight and the percent of women meeting the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for these dietary variables among Hispanic women from the Southern California Mother's Milk Study ( = 99). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between protein and amino acid intake with change in weight after adjusting for maternal age, height, and energy intake. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 Apr 8;21(1):280. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Qihelou street No.17, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100006, China.

Background: We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes in pregnant women with liver cirrhosis, and identify the predictors of adverse events of mother and fetus.

Methods: Retrospectively collected mothers with liver cirrhosis in our center from 6/2010 to 6/2019. Women without liver cirrhosis were selected as a control in a 1:2 ratio. Read More

Obstet Gynecol 2021 Apr 8. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, the Study Design and Biostatistics Center, University of Utah Health Center for Clinical & Translational Science, the College of Nursing, University of Utah, and the Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Objective: To estimate the association between habitus measures and pelvic floor support and symptoms in primiparous women 1 year after term vaginal delivery.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study including women enrolled at seven academic and community sites, we assessed pelvic floor support, weight, height, waist circumference, and percent fat using air displacement plethysmography and participants completed questionnaires, all at one year postpartum. We tested the association of quintiles of habitus measure, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percent body fat, and waist/height ratio, with the primary outcomes: anatomic support, dichotomized as maximal vaginal descent less than 0 cm (better support) compared with 0 cm or more (worse support) per the pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination and symptom burden (positive with bothersome symptoms in two or more of six symptom domains), and on five secondary outcomes. Read More

Trials 2021 Apr 7;22(1):256. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, USA.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with several maternal complications in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, preterm labor, need for induction of labor, and cesarean delivery as well as increased long-term risks of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Intrauterine exposure to GDM raises the risk for complications in offspring as well, including stillbirth, macrosomia, and birth trauma, and long-term risk of metabolic disease. One of the strongest risk factors for GDM is the occurrence of GDM in a prior pregnancy. Read More

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021 Apr 7. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

St George and Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia.

Background: Preeclampsia is a major pregnancy complication associated with long-term maternal cardiometabolic disease. Research generally is focused on metabolic and pathophysiological changes during pregnancy, however, there is much less focus on the early postpartum period in subjects who suffered preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to (a) characterise energy intake and expenditure six months following normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies, and (b) examine associations between energy balance, body composition, insulin resistance measures (HOMA-IR), and clinical characteristics. Read More

J Anim Sci 2021 Apr 2. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.

Impact of direct heat stress (HS) on genetic parameter estimates, i.e., HS close to the trait recording date, was verified in several previous studies conducted in dairy and beef cattle populations. Read More

Obesity (Silver Spring) 2021 Apr 4. Epub 2021 Apr 4.

School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between internalized weight stigma during pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes at 1 month post partum among individuals with prepregnancy overweight or obesity. Secondarily, the study explored the temporal stability of internalized weight stigma from the third trimester to 1 month post partum via the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS).

Methods: A total of 103 pregnant individuals with overweight or obesity were recruited for this study. Read More

Hisp Health Care Int 2021 Apr 5:15404153211003223. Epub 2021 Apr 5.

The 12329TUniversity of Texas at Arlington, TX, USA.

Introduction: Hispanics have the highest birth rate among adolescents and may be vulnerable to experience depression. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of perinatal depression and effects upon neonatal outcomes among Hispanic adolescents 13-19 years old.

Methods: Available data from a previously conducted study examining the prevalence of adolescent depression and post-traumatic stress were used for the current secondary analysis. Read More

Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021 Apr 1. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.

The postpartum period represents a critical window of opportunity to improve maternal short- and long-term health, including optimizing postpartum recovery, providing effective contraception, caring for mood disorders, managing weight, supporting lactation, initiating preventive care, and promoting cardiometabolic health. However, inadequate postpartum care, especially for individuals facing social and structural barriers, is common in the United States and contributes to suboptimal health outcomes with lasting consequences. Patient navigation is a patient-centered intervention that uses trained personnel to identify financial, cultural, logistical, and educational obstacles to effective health care, and to mitigate these barriers in order to facilitate comprehensive and timely access to needed health services. Read More

PLoS Med 2021 Apr 2;18(4):e1003486. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Research Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Background: One-fourth of women experience substantially higher weight years after childbirth. We examined weight change from prepregnancy to 18 months postpartum according to subsequent maternal risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods And Findings: We conducted a cohort study of 47,966 women with a live-born singleton within the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC; 1997-2002). Read More

Obes Surg 2021 Mar 31. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Purpose: Evaluation of obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a Brazilian retrospective cohort of pregnancies after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), regarding the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations about gestational weight gain (GWG) and RYGB-conception interval. Additionally, search for intrapopulation risk factors for small gestational age (SGA) offspring and mental health assessments.

Material And Methods: Retrospective analysis of 132 singleton pregnancies after RYGB. Read More

PLoS One 2021 30;16(3):e0248678. Epub 2021 Mar 30.

Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Background: The neonatal period is the most vulnerable stage of life. In Ethiopia, neonatal illness is common and the reduction in neonatal mortality is not as significant as for under-five mortality.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with neonatal illness symptoms reported by mothers delivering in health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia. Read More

Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021 Mar 26:100362. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, California; Departments of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, California; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, California; Departments of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, California. Electronic address:

Background: Women with rare diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta may consider pregnancy, although data regarding outcomes, specific risks, and management strategies is lacking.

Objective: The Brittle Bone Disorders Consortium of the National Institute of Health Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network established an Osteogenesis Imperfecta Pregnancy Registry to collect and evaluate pregnancy, maternal, and neonatal outcomes in women with osteogenesis imperfecta STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study. Appropriate participants of the Brittle Bone Disorders Consortium Contact Registry were invited to participate in the study. Read More

J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021 Mar 30:1-7. Epub 2021 Mar 30.

Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.

The intrauterine environment and early-life nutrition are regulated by maternal biomarkers in the blood and breast milk. We aimed to explore epigenetic modifications that may contribute to differential chemerin expression in maternal plasma, colostrum, and breast milk and find its association with fetal cord blood and infant weight at 6 weeks postpartum. Thirty-three gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers and 33 normoglycemic mothers (NGT) were recruited. Read More

Case Rep Womens Health 2021 Apr 8;30:e00303. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

Objective: To illustrate the obstetrical outcome after B-Lynch sutures and ligation of the uterine arteries.

Case: A 26-year-old nulliparous woman. A caesarean section performed for obstructed labour was complicated by uterine atony. Read More

Cureus 2021 Feb 22;13(2):e13487. Epub 2021 Feb 22.

Internal Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PAK.

Many physical factors (including maternal comorbidities) affecting gestational weight gain (GWG) have been widely studied; however, the psychosocial aspects pertaining to this need to be put under the microscope, especially in countries characterized by low indicators of socioeconomic development. Gaining and maintaining an adequate amount of weight during pregnancy is important to prevent premature deliveries, fetal demise, fetal macrosomia, shoulder dystocia during delivery, emergency cesarean sections, postpartum weight retention, childhood obesity, etc. A scoping review of the articles published in the last five years has revealed that perinatal outcomes like gestational weight are influenced by certain psychosocial factors, including, but not limited to, intimate partner violence, lack of social support and recognition, financial distress, household food insecurity, chronic stress and depression related to pregnancy, eating pathologies, and low self-esteem. Read More

J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2021 Mar 24. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

Objective: To evaluate published literature on the associations between perinatal substance use (PSU), perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA), and known maternal-newborn outcomes.

Data Sources: We conducted a systematic search of health-related databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Embase. Search terms included maternal mental health, substance use, postpartum, opioid, alcohol, methamphetamine, addiction, dependence, pregnancy, depression, and anxiety. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 Mar 26;21(1):254. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.

Background: Smoking during pregnancy (SDP) and the postpartum period has serious health outcomes for the mother and infant. Although some systematic reviews have shown the impact of maternal SDP on particular conditions, a systematic review examining the overall health outcomes has not been published. Hence, this paper aimed to conduct an umbrella review on this issue. Read More

Cureus 2021 Feb 18;13(2):e13432. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, IND.

Background: Episiotomy is a common procedure in vaginal deliveries. It was thought that episiotomy reduces the risk of severe perineal injuries, but now in various studies it has been observed that it is associated with increased perineal pain, sexual problems, and incontinence in the postpartum period.

Purpose: This study was carried out to assess pain score on first postnatal day in women with episiotomy during breastfeeding and daily activities. Read More

J Med Life 2021 Jan-Mar;14(1):87-92

Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.

Postpartum depression is a common disabling psychosocial disorder that could have adverse effects on the life of the mother, infant, and family. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ketamine on preventing postpartum depression in women undergoing caesarian sections considering the relatively known positive effect of ketamine on major depression. The present double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 134 women undergoing scheduled caesarian sections. Read More

Eur J Haematol 2021 Mar 24. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

University Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Palliative Care, Johannes Wesling Medical Center Minden, University of Bochum, Germany.

Objectives: Pregnancies in women with polycythemia vera (PV) are associated with an increased risk of PV-related maternal complications and often result in miscarriage. Recommendations for the management of PV pregnancies are mainly based on studies with a small number of patients. A correlation between pregnancy outcome and postpartum course has been reported for essential thrombocythaemia, but corresponding data for PV are lacking so far. Read More

J Anim Sci 2021 Mar 24. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

Department of Animal Science - Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.

One hundred and ninety non-lactating, pregnant beef cows (¾ Bos taurus and ¼ Bos indicus; 138 multiparous and 52 primiparous) were assigned to this experiment at 117 ± 2.2 d of gestation (d 0). Cows were ranked by parity, pregnancy type (artificial insemination = 102, natural service = 88), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn (INR; n = 95) or 2) an organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn (AAC; Availa®4; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN; n = 95). Read More

Ginekol Pol 2021 Mar 23. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a birth preparation program on birth satisfaction.

Material And Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients who applied to our hospital between January 2018 and January 2019. A total of 164 pregnant women (Study Group) who applied for the birth preparation program and completed all training in our hospital and 152 pregnant women who did not apply for the birth preparation program and who did not know about such training (Control Group) were included in the study. Read More

Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021 Mar 22. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University Medical School of Saarland, Kirrberger Straße, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.

Purpose: To assess changes in the pelvic floor anatomy that cause pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) in primigravidae during and after pregnancy and to evaluate their impact on women's quality of life (QoL).

Methods: POP-Q and translabial ultrasound examination was performed in the third trimester and 3 months after delivery in a cohort of primigravidae with singleton pregnancy delivering in a tertiary center. Results were analyzed regarding mode of delivery and other pre- and peripartal factors. Read More

BMC Womens Health 2021 Mar 20;21(1):117. Epub 2021 Mar 20.

Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 408-727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 2P5, Canada.

Background: Studies have found an association between obesity and an increased risk for peripartum depression, which has also been linked to decreased placental lactogen levels. In addition, women with obesity treated for gestational diabetes with insulin were found to have increased levels of placental lactogen. Treatment options exist for perinatal and postpartum depression however they pose a risk to the developing offspring. Read More

Trop Med Health 2021 Mar 19;49(1):24. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand.

Background: Sophora exigua Craib. is commonly used in Thailand to reduce fever and increase postpartum breast milk production in women who have hypogalactia. However, there has been no report on the antioxidant and antimalarial properties of this plant. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2020 11;37:336. Epub 2020 Dec 11.

Zimba Mission Hospital, Zimba, Zambia.

Introduction: high parity is a major public health concern in developing countries and it is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The aim of this study was to analyze the optimal parity cut-off values for predicting PPH in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections in a rural Zambian setting.

Methods: all women who delivered at Zimba Mission Hospital in 2017 were reviewed in this retrospective survey. Read More