Early Postpartum Period Research Articles

Indicators of uterine contractile activity in highly productive sows using supraphysiological doses of oxytocin

The use of large doses of oxytocin to sows in the early postpartum period is indicated to normalize lactogenesis, increase immune proteins in colostrum and transitional milk, prevent postpartum complications, and increase the viability of the offspring. However, the effect of these doses of myotropic drug on the contractile activity of the uterus is not shown. The aim of the work was to study the contractile function of the uterus of highly productive sows in the early postpartum period and the peculiarities of its reaction to supraphysiological doses of oxytocin. Scientific and production experience was carried out on the basis of a large pig breeding complex. The object of the study was highly productive sows 16 hours after the completion of normal labor. The hormonal drug oxytocin was administered intra-muscularly to animals at a supraphysiological dose of 75 units. Hysterograms of uterine contractions were recorded by internal hysterography before and immediately after administration of the myotropic drug, as well as one hour after injection. On hysterograms, spontaneous contractile activity of the uterus in highly productive sows was characterized by regular, short-term contractions of the optimal amplitude. Activation of the contractile function of the myometrium occurs 5-7 minutes after injection of the drug. After administration of oxytocin, an increase in the amplitude of contraction of uterine smooth muscle cells was noted by 39.17% (p<0.05), while a longer period of contractions was recorded by 31.64%. The frequency of uterine contractions increased 2.0 times (p<0.01). The contract index was significantly 3.66 times (p<0.05) higher than that in relation to the initial level. After 1 hour after oxytocin administration, an increase in the contraction period by 5.42% was noted, with a decrease in amplitude by 37.87% (p<0.01) and the number of contractions by 49.91% (p<0.01), the contractional index decreased by 3.05 times (p<0.01) relative to the previous level. In relation to the initial level, the contract index was 20.0% higher. At the same time, an increase in the duration of contractions by 38.78% and a decrease in their amplitude by 13.53% were noted. Consequently, oxytocin at a dose of 75 ME not violate the contractile ability of the myometrium. The response of the smooth muscle cells of the uterus to the supraphysiological dose of oxytocin is maximally manifested in the first hour after the administration of the myotropic drug.

IMPROVING THE SKILLS OF MIDWIVES IN OVERCOMING PREGNANCY DISCOMFORT WITH EARLY POSTPARTUM AND PREGNANCY EXERCISES

Pregnancy is a process that a woman looks forward to, but during pregnancy, there are various complaints that are felt due to physical and psychological changes and cause discomfort. Changes that occur due to changes in hormones and the psychology of pregnant women Increasing gestational age results in increasingly diverse complaints in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. The complaints that are often experienced are back pain caused by excessive bending, walking without rest, and lifting weights. Midwives have an important role in improving the health of pregnant and postpartum women to overcome discomfort during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postpartum period. This community service is carried out so that midwives can reduce discomfort for pregnant women, so they need to receive training in pregnancy and early postpartum exercises to improve their skills. There were 18 participants in the course, all of whom are currently employed as midwives for the Siloam Hospital Group. The course was considered successful after receiving an improving score from all participants.

Perinatal hair cortisol concentrations linked to psychological distress and unpredicted birth complications

Maternal well-being and stress during the perinatal period have been hypothesized to influence birth outcomes and the postnatal development of offspring. In the present study, we explored whether hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was related to symptoms of psychological distress during the perinatal period and with unpredicted birth complications (UBCs). Surveys measuring symptoms of perceived stress, state/trait anxiety, and depression were collected from 53 participants (mean age = 31.1, SD = 4.04; 83% Caucasian, 17% other races) during the third trimester and again at two and six months after birth, 24.5% of which reported UBCs. In a subset of participants, we measured HCC in hair samples collected during the third trimester (27–39 weeks) and six months after birth. Compared to participants reporting normal births, those reporting UBCs had significantly elevated composite stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) scores two months after birth, but scores decreased by six months postpartum. During the third trimester, HCC was positively associated with reported SAD scores, and HCC was elevated in participants reporting birth complications. Logistic regression showed HCC, but not SAD scores, predicted UBCs (p = 0.023, pseudo R2= 19.7%). Repeated measures MANOVA showed HCC varied over the perinatal period depending on both SAD scores reported at two months postpartum and the experience of UBCs; but when SAD scores reported at six months postpartum were included in the model, the association between HCC and SAD scores and the influence of UBCs was diminished. Although generalizability is limited by our relatively small, homogeneous sample, findings support a positive association between reported psychological distress and HCC during pregnancy and at two months postpartum. We also report a novel finding that chronically elevated cortisol concentrations during pregnancy were related to the risk of UBCs and remain elevated through the early postpartum period, suggesting the importance of monitoring both psychological distress and HCC during the perinatal period.

Quality of Life and Sexual Satisfaction in the Early Period of Motherhood-A Cross-Sectional Preliminary Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of breastfeeding-related fatigue and family support on the sexuality and quality of life of mothers during early motherhood. A cross-sectional preliminary study was conducted between 1 October 2021 and 15 May 2022 in 65 women being in early postpartum period. We used the authors' questionnaire developed for the purposes of the study; the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women-SSS-W; the Mell-Krat scale for women; and the General Health Questionnaire-GHQ28. A significant negative correlation was found between the age of the patients and the reduction in somatic symptoms (GHQ28 questionnaire) (r = -0.315, p = 0.011). Women working professionally achieved significantly higher results in the SSS-W contentment category (r = 0.313, p = 0.014). Frequent sexual activity reduced disorders in social functioning (the GHQ28 questionnaire) (r = -0.107, p = 0.283). Women who breastfed up to 5 times a day (p = 0.033) reached significantly higher SSS-W scores in terms of communication. The partner's help significantly contributed to higher sexual satisfaction in the aspect of compatibility (p = 0.004) and the overall level of satisfaction determined with the SSS-W questionnaire (p = 0.016). The presented study suggests that older mothers who are employed and supported by a partner have a higher level of contentment, sexual satisfaction and quality of life.

Evaluation of a novel dipotassium phosphate bolus for treatment of metabolic disorders in dairy cattle.

A dipotassium phosphate bolus (K Phos-Boost) has been developed to treat both hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia, as the clinical signs of both conditions are similar and occur in the early post-partum period. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy and application of the bolus for prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases that are common in dairy production systems. Study 1 (Pharmacokinetic study): Healthy post-partum cows were either untreated or received two K Phos-Boost boluses at times 0, 24, and 48 h. Blood was taken at t = 0, 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 24-, and 52-h post-treatment for analysis of total serum minerals. There was an increase in serum phosphorous to normal levels within 2 h of treatment with the bolus, but control cows remained hypophosphatemic. Serum potassium was significantly elevated 2 h after bolus administration relative to control, while calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride levels were not affected by the K Phos-Boost bolus. Study 2 (Downer Cow Treatment): K Phos-Boost boluses were provided to cows that were unresponsive to intravenous calcium therapy and had been unable to stand for over 24 h ("downer cows"). Most cows (16 of 19) treated with two boluses were standing without assistance between 1 and 24 h after treatment and the serum phosphorous was increased to normal levels in five of five tested animals. Study 3 (Ketosis Treatment): cows with clinical ketosis were provided with propylene glycol and K Phos-Boost boluses (n = 29) or only propylene glycol (n = 23). Cows treated with the K Phos-Boost bolus showed a more rapid recovery by increased milk production (3.9 kg/day) and rumination rate (97 min/day). Study 4 (Health Promotion): cows in herds with >40% post-partum hypophosphatemia received K Phos-Boost boluses (n = 130) or no treatment (n = 146) following calving. There was a trend for treated 2nd-lactation animals to have higher milk production after 30 DIM (49.1 vs. 46.2 kg/day; P = 0.09). There were no significant differences between control and bolus treated animals in the incidence of subclinical ketosis, post-calving total health events, or culling rates. The K Phos-Boost bolus is a novel product and has the potential to treat and prevent several important metabolic diseases in dairy cattle. The studies described in this paper are early investigations and further research should be conducted to demonstrate the applications of a dipotassium phosphate bolus in dairy cows.

Atypical Wenckebach without grouped beating due to dual AV nodal conduction

A 31-year-old woman reported dizziness in the early postpartum period after receiving dexmedetomidine. The ECG was misinterpreted as complete heart block; however, more careful analysis revealed an atypical Wenckebach pattern with dual AV nodal conduction and termination of nonconducted P waves with junctional escape beats. The patient's rhythm returned to sinus after stopping dexmedetomidine.Atypical Wenckebach patterns account for greater than 50% of patients with Mobitz Type I AV block and can be misinterpreted as high-grade AV block. This case highlights the causes of atypical Wenckebach patterns and how careful analysis of intervals can help clinicians avoid misdiagnosis.

Strategic supplementation of novel feed supplement improved the lactation and reproductive performance in post-partum dairy cows

The present experiment aimed to establish the efficacy of dietary inclusion of a novel feed supplement on plane of nutrition, milk yield, and its characteristics, reproductive events and circulating concentrations of reproductive hormones in dairy cows during early lactation. Twelve post-partum crossbred lactating cows were equally and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments for 90 days. The cows in CON (control) group were fed on green fodder and wheat straw-based diet with concentrate mixture, whereas, cows in NFS (Novel Feed Supplement) group were fed according to CON group with additional novel feed supplement @0.25% of BW. A comparative study of plane of nutrition revealed that both DCP and TDN were deficient in CON by 12.0 and 18.99%, respectively, however, it was sufficient in NFS group. The daily and total milk yield (kg), 4% FCM, ECM, fat and protein yields (g/d) were improved in NFS than CON group. The average composition of milk showed no significant difference throughout the study. The supplement fed cows had an evident early return of heat (26.20 d in NFS v/s 42.60 d in CON) with enhanced conception rate (66.7% in NFS v/s 50% in CON). The estradiol concentration (pg/ml) was reduced and progesterone concentration (ng/ml) was enhanced in NFS fed cows. In conclusion, incorporation of the novel feed supplement @0.25% of BW significantly improved the plane of nutrition, milk production and reproduction in lactating crossbred cows during the early post-partum period.

ERKEN POSTPARTUM DÖNEMDE ANNELERİN YORGUNLUK DÜZEYİNİN EMZİRME DURUMUNA ETKİSİ

Bu araştırma, erken postpartum dönemdeki annelerin yorgunluk düzeyi ve emzirme durumuna etkisini incelemek üzere tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel tipte yapılmıştır. Araştırma, Aralık 2019-Mayıs 2020 tarihleri arasında bir devlet hastanesinin doğumhane ve kadın doğum servisinde yatan 300 kadın ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma verileri, Tanımlayıcı Veri Toplama Formu, Yorgunluk İçin Görsel Benzerlik Skalası (YİGBS) ve LATCH Emzirme Tanılama ve Değerlendirme Aracı kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Veriler, Cronbach alfa, bağımsız örneklem t-testi, Mann-Whitney U testi, ANOVA testi, Kruskal Wallis H testi, Pearson/Spearmankorelasyon ve regresyon kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, annelerin bebeklerini bir günde emzirme sayısı, bebeği memede bırakma süresi, doğum öncesi emzirme danışmanlığı alma durumu ile YİGBS yorgunluk puanı arasındaki farkın anlamlı olduğu görülmüştür (p

A longitudinal study of the association of epidural anesthesia and low-dose synthetic oxytocin regimens with breast milk supply and breastfeeding rates

Breastfeeding is known to improve maternal and child health. However, epidural anesthesia (EDA) and synthetic oxytocin (synOT) are suggested to have negative effects on breastfeeding. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of intrapartum synOT and EDA on breast milk supply, breastfeeding rates, and maternal salivary oxytocin levels. Women were recruited during pregnancy or after birth at a single hospital. Data were collected at 3 days postpartum (T1), 1 month postpartum (T2), and 4 months postpartum (T3) on 83 low-risk primiparous women who planned to breastfeed for at least 12 weeks postpartum to avoid dropouts from early discontinuance of breastfeeding. Women with cesarean section, twin pregnancy, premature neonates, and an Apgar score of < 7 at 5 min were excluded. Participants recorded their 24-h milk supply by test weights at 3 days and 1 month postpartum. Additionally, they filled out questionnaires assessing their breastfeeding level and lactogenesis stage II initiation. Salivary oxytocin levels were obtained at 3 days postpartum. Women who delivered using EDA had lower salivary oxytocin levels (P = .055, d = .442), breast milk supply in early postpartum (P = .025, d = .520) and at 1 month postpartum (P = .036, d = .483), and breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum (P = .037, V = .236) than women who did not deliver using EDA. There was no association between breastfeeding and the use of intrapartum synOT. In conclusion, this study showed that women who delivered using EDA had lower breast milk supply in the early postpartum period and breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum. It also revealed that using synOT at low doses during labor did not affect breastfeeding. Thus, women who deliver using EDA need support for increased breast milk supply in the early postpartum period.Trial registration: UMIN000037783 (Clinical Trials Registry of University Hospital Information Network).

Enhancing Maternal Self-efficacy in Caring for Preterm Infants with Ventilator through a Telehealth Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Telehealth is increasingly important in nursing, encouraging mothers of preterm infants with ventilators to have confidence in their infant care. This study investigated the impact of a telehealth program on maternal self-efficacy in caring for preterm infants with ventilators in the early postpartum period. We employed a randomized controlled trial using the block allocation method, enrolled 42 mothers of preterm infants receiving ventilators and randomly assigned 21 in the experiment group and 21 in the control group. The experimental group received asynchronous and synchronous telehealth programs for six days to enhance their self-efficacy. Data were obtained using the demographic data questionnaire and the maternal self-efficacy questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, Mann–Whitney U test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. After completing the program, the experimental group had a significantly higher mean score of maternal perceived self-efficacy than the control group, and this was significantly higher than before the trial. A telehealth program is effective for mothers with preterm infants with ventilators. Nurses should allow the mothers to practice care activities with infants at least once before discharge and when they arrive home and provide health information via telehealth. These can enhance maternal self-efficacy in caring for premature infants with ventilators in the first week of life. However, further testing of the program in other settings is needed before widespread implementation.

High fat diet-induced maternal obesity in mice impairs peripartum maternal behaviour.

Obesity during pregnancy represents a significant health issue and can lead to increased complications during pregnancy and impairments with breastfeeding, along with long-term negative health consequences for both mother and offspring. In rodent models, diet-induced obesity (DIO) during pregnancy leads to poor outcomes for offspring. Using a DIO mouse model, consisting of feeding mice a high fat diet for 8 weeks before mating, we recapitulate the effect of high pup mortality within the first 3 days postpartum. To examine the activity of the dam around the time of birth, late pregnant control and DIO dams were recorded in their home cages and the behaviour of the dam immediately before and after birth was analysed. Prior to giving birth, DIO dams spent less time engaging in nesting behaviour, while after birth, DIO dams spent less time in the nest with their pups compared to control dams, indicating reduced pup-engagement in the early postpartum period. We have previously reported that lactogenic hormone action, mediated by the prolactin receptor, in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (MPOA) is critical for the onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour. We hypothesized that DIO dams may have lower lactogenic hormone activity during late pregnancy, which would contribute to impaired onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour. Day 16 lactogenic activity, transport of prolactin into the brain, and plasma prolactin concentrations around birth were all similar in control and DIO dams. Moreover, endogenous pSTAT5, a marker of prolactin receptor activity, in the MPOA was unaffected by DIO. Overall, these data indicate that lactogenic activity in late pregnancy of DIO dams is not different to controls and is unlikely to play a major role in impaired onset of normal postpartum maternal behaviour.

Do postpartum insomnia, fatigue and depression affect the maternal role of primiparous women?

ABSTRACT Many factors negatively affect the motherhood role. Fatigue, insomnia and depression, which are among these factors, have not been investigated together in any study. Therefore, we carried out this study to determine the effect of insomnia, fatigue and depressive symptoms on the motherhood role in primiparous mothers. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, we included 153 women who met the inclusion criteria using the simple, random sampling method. To determine the independent variables affecting the motherhood role, we used the backward regression model. In this study, we determined that the women’s spending more energy while they performed the activities of daily living in the postpartum period, their suffering from insomnia due to baby care and their depressive symptoms affected their motherhood role by 32.6 percent. We also determined that there was a moderately significant relationship between insomnia, fatigue and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. In particular, because depressive symptoms are the variable most related with the motherhood role (r = -0.520; p < .001), women should be followed-up regularly in the postpartum period from this aspect. It is also important to deal with insomnia in the early postpartum period, because it is a common problem in most women after childbirth.

Pedunculated left endoventricular thrombosis complicated by cerebral stroke in patient with suspected peripartum cardiomyopathy: A case report

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPMC) is an infrequent form of cardiomyopathy, whose main presentation is characterized by systolic dysfunction that commonly emerges in the early postpartum period. Acute heart failure symptoms such as congestion and dyspnea are common manifestations of PPMC. Here, we present a case of a 32-year-old female who, after hospitalization, manifested dyspnea and thoracic pain linked to the findings a left endoventricular thrombus. After the admission to the intensive cardiovascular care unit, heart failure and anticoagulant therapies as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were administered, leading to initial improvement of the left ventricular global function. Five days after the treatment, the patient experienced aphasia and right hemiplegia. The cerebral angiography documented an M1 segment occlusion. After treating the occlusion with stent retriever thrombectomy, the symptoms regressed and she attained full recovery. Therefore, surgical thrombectomy should be prioritized as the treatment approach to removing the pedunculated left ventricular thrombus, considering the apical morphology of the pedunculated left ventricular thrombus and if the anticoagulant therapy gives rise to side effects.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome: central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis in a patient in the early postpartum period. Clinical observation

The article presents a review of the literature and a description of a clinical case of osmotic demyelination syndrome manifested by pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis in a 36-year-old woman after her third surgical preterm delivery. The reasons for the development of a demyelinating lesion of the central nervous system are discussed, and clinical cases described in world literature sources are presented. An analysis of the pathogenesis of the development of this disease in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation is provided. The importance of this period in a woman's life as an independent significant risk factor for the development of osmotic demyelination syndrome is discussed.

Organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers in house dust and mental health outcomes among Canadian mothers: A nested prospective cohort study in CHILD

Organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers (OPEs) are common exposures in modern built environments. Toxicological models report that some OPEs reduce dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Deficiencies in these neurotransmitters are associated with anxiety and depression. We hypothesized that exposure to higher concentrations of OPEs in house dust would be associated with a greater risk of depression and stress in mothers across the prenatal and postpartum periods.We conducted a nested prospective cohort study using data collected on mothers (n = 718) in the CHILD Cohort Study, a longitudinal multi-city Canadian birth cohort (2008–2012). OPEs were measured in house dust sampled at 3–4 months postpartum. Maternal depression and stress were measured at 18 and 36 weeks gestation and 6 months and 1 year postpartum using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies for Depression Scale (CES-D) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). We used linear mixed models to examine the association between a summed Z-Score OPE index and continuous depression and stress scores. In adjusted models, one standard deviation increase in the OPE Z-score index was associated with a 0.07-point (95% CI: 0.01, 0.13) increase in PSS score. OPEs were not associated with log-transformed CES-D (β: 0.63%, 95% CI: −0.18%, 1.46%). The effect of OPEs on PSS score was strongest at 36 weeks gestation and weakest at 1 year postpartum.We observed small increases in maternal perceived stress levels, but not depression, with increasing OPEs measured in house dust during the prenatal and early postpartum period in this cohort of Canadian women. Given the prevalence of prenatal and postpartum anxiety and the ubiquity of OPE exposures, additional research is warranted to understand if these chemicals affect maternal mental health.

Plasma melatonin concentration during the early post-partum period in Thoroughbred mares and their foals.

The authors aimed to determine the plasma melatonin concentration in mares and their new-born foals in the early post-partum period. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 53 mare-foal pairs within twelve hours after parturition. Plasma melatonin levels were measured by ELISA. The melatonin concentration, adjusted for the moment of parturition using a generalised linear model, was34.58 pg mL-1 in mares. It was significantly lower (27.63 pg mL-1) in the new-born foals. However, the melatonin concentration declined differently by the end of the twelve hours, it decreased less in theoffspring than in the mothers. An artificial light supplementation at the end of gestation reduced the melatonin concentration both in mares and their foals by about 10 pg mL-1, compared to the controls. An elevated melatonin production may be related to preparation of mares for parturition and ensures the chances of survival of offspring, therefore the melatonin may reach its peak at the moment of foalingregardless of its actual time. The effect of low melatonin concentration in new-born foals might be associated with the foal's health and subsequent performance. The need to monitor the melatonin concentration in the offspring justifies further studies.

Effect of exogenous melatonin on metabolic profile and reproductive performance in undernourished suckling Merino ewes in the early postpartum period

Effect of exogenous melatonin on metabolic profile and reproductive performance in undernourished suckling Merino ewes in the early postpartum period

Duration of the active first stage of labour and severe perineal lacerations and maternal postpartum complications: a population-based cohort study.

The impact of first stage labour duration on maternal outcomes is sparsely investigated. We aimed to study the association between a longer active first stage and maternal complications in the early postpartum period. A population-based cohort study. Regions of Stockholm and Gotland, Sweden, 2008-2020. A cohort of 159 459 term, singleton, vertex pregnancies, stratified by parity groups. The exposure was active first stage duration, categorised in percentiles. Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted relative risk (aRR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI). To investigate the effect of second stage duration on the outcome, mediation analysis was performed. Severe perineal lacerations (third or fourth degree), postpartum infection, urinary retention and haematoma in the birth canal or ruptured sutures. The risks of severe perineal laceration, postpartum infection and urinary retention increased with a longer active first stage, both overall and stratified by parity group. The aRR increased with a longer active first stage, using duration of <50th percentile as the reference. In the ≥90th percentile category, the aRR for postpartum infection was 1.64 (95% CI 1.46-1.84) in primiparous women, 2.43 (95% CI 1.98-2.98) in parous women with no previous caesarean delivery (CD) and 2.33 (95% CI 1.65-3.28) in parous women with a previous CD. The proportion mediated by second stage duration was 33.4% to 36.9% for the different outcomes in primiparous women. The risk of haematoma or ruptured sutures did not increased with a longer active first stage. Increasing active first stage duration is associated with maternal complications in the early postpartum period.

Characteristics of childbirth in highly productive sows

The purpose of this work was to analyze the prevalence of normal and pathological births in highly productive sows and the impact of their course on further reproductive function. The research was carried out in an industrial complex on 260 highly productive Yorkshire Landrace sows of Danish breeding. It was found that in highly productive sows in 32.69% of cases, pathological labor is recorded, including weak contractions and attempts - in 20.0% and manual labor – in 12.69%. With the clinical manifestation of weak labor activity in women in labor and with the provision of manual labor, 16.32% and 15.20% more piglets were received from them than during normal childbirth. At the same time, there is an increase in the duration of labor by 31.09% (p&lt;0.001) and by 43.15% (p&lt; 0.001), respectively. In pathological childbirth, women in labor are observed to breed more stillborn and mummified piglets than in normal childbirth. Providing obstetric care during childbirth increases the risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the uterus and breast in animals in the early postpartum period. The most common postpartum pathology with primary weakness of labor and manual labor is inflammation of the uterine mucosa, and with manual labor it is supplemented by an increase in the number of sick animals with postpartum dysgalactia. In the next reproductive cycle, the sows, in which the physiological course of the birth process and weak contractions and attempts were recorded, had identical reproduction indicators. However, in animals that had a history of primary weakness of labor activity during the last birth, an increase in the unproductive period was recorded. In sows, after manual care, there is a violation and delay in the restoration of sexual cyclicity, a decrease in fertilization.

The Influence of Pandemic-Related Worries During Pregnancy on Child Development at 12 Months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased risk for perinatal anxiety and depression among parents, as well as negative consequences for child development. Less is known about how worries arising from the pandemic during pregnancy are related to later child development, nor if resilience factors buffer negative consequences. The current study addresses this question in a prospective longitudinal design. Data was collected from a sub-study (n = 184) of a longitudinal study of pregnant individuals (total n = 1173). During pregnancy (April 17-July 8, 2020) and the early postpartum period (August 11, 2020-March 2, 2021), participants completed online surveys. At 12months postpartum (June 17, 2021-March 23, 2022), participants completed online surveys and a virtual laboratory visit, which included parent-child interaction tasks. We found more pregnancy-specific pandemic worries were prospectively related to lower levels of child socioemotional development based on parent report (B = - 1.13, SE = .43, p = .007) and observer ratings (B = - 0.13, SE = .07, p = .045), but not to parent-reported general developmental milestones. Parental emotion regulation in the early postpartum period moderated the association between pregnancy-specific pandemic worries and child socioemotional development such that pregnancy-specific pandemic worries did not relate to worse child socioemotional development among parents with high (B = - .02, SE = .10, t = - .14, p = .89) levels of emotion regulation. Findings suggest the negative consequences of parental worry and distress during pregnancy on the early socioemotional development of children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlight that parental emotion regulation may represent a target for intervention to promote parental resilience and support optimized child development.