Pregnancy Gestational Age Research Articles

AMPK activation in pregnant human myometrial arteries from high-altitude and intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies.

High-altitude (>2,500 m) residence increases the incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due, in part, to reduced uterine artery blood flow and impaired myometrial artery (MA) vasodilator response. A role for the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in protecting against hypoxia-associated IUGR is suggested by genomic and transcriptomic studies in humans and functional studies in mice. AMPK is a hypoxia-sensitive metabolic sensor with vasodilatory properties. Here we hypothesized that AMPK-dependent vasodilation was increased in MAs from high versus low-altitude (<1,700 m) Colorado women with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies and reduced in IUGR pregnancies regardless of altitude. Vasoreactivity studies showed that, in AGA pregnancies, MAs from high-altitude women were more sensitive to vasodilation by activation of AMPK with A769662 due chiefly to increased endothelial nitric oxide production, whereas MA responses to AMPK activation in the low-altitude women were endothelium independent. MAs from IUGR compared with AGA pregnancies had blunted vasodilator responses to acetylcholine at high altitude. We concluded that 1) blunted vasodilator responses in IUGR pregnancies confirm the importance of MA vasodilation for normal fetal growth and 2) the increased sensitivity to AMPK activation in AGA pregnancies at high altitude suggests that AMPK activation helped maintain MA vasodilation and fetal growth. These results highlight a novel mechanism for vasodilation of MAs under conditions of chronic hypoxia and suggest that AMPK activation could provide a therapy for increasing uteroplacental blood flow and improving fetal growth in IUGR pregnancies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) impairs infant well- being and increases susceptibility to later-in-life diseases for mother and child. Our study reveals a novel role for AMPK in vasodilating the myometrial artery (MA) from women residing at high altitude (>2,500 m) with appropriate for gestational age pregnancies but not in IUGR pregnancies at any altitude.

Maternal Betamethasone for Prevention of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates: Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Approach.

Despite antenatal corticosteroids therapy, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is still a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in premature newborns. To date, the relationship between in utero fetal drug exposure and occurrence of RDS remains poorly evaluated. This study aims to describe the pharmacokinetics of betamethasone in pregnant women and to evaluate the transplacental drug transfer and administration scheme for the prevention of RDS. Pregnant women >27weeks' gestation and who received at least a single dose of betamethasone for prevention of RDS were enrolled. Maternal, cord blood, and amniotic fluid betamethasone time-courses were analyzed using the Monolix software. A total of 220 maternal blood, 56 cord blood, and 26 amniotic fluid samples were described by a two-compartment model with two effect compartments linked by rate transfer constants. Apparent clearances and volumes of distribution parameters were allometrically scaled for a 70kg third trimester pregnant woman. The impact of a twin pregnancy was found to increase maternal clearance by 28%. Using a fetal-to-mother exposure ratio, the median (95% confidence interval (CI)) transplacental transfer of betamethasone was estimated to 35% (95% CI 0.11-0.67). After adjustment for gestational age and twin pregnancy, RDS was found to be associated to the time spent in utero below quantifiable concentrations (i.e., <1ng/mL): odds ratio of 1.10 (95% CI 1.01-1.19) per day increase (P<0.05). Trying to take into account both efficacy and safety, we simulated different dosing schemes in order to maintain a maximum of fetuses above 1ng/mL without exceeding the total standard dose.

Chemotherapy for breast cancer during pregnancy induces vascular alterations and impaired development of placental villi: A preliminary histopathological study

ObjectiveTo evaluate histological alterations in placentas of women affected by breast cancer and treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy. Study designWe retrospectively reviewed histological slides of 23 placentas of patients affected by breast cancer and treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy and 23 control placentas of women without breast cancer and with physiological pregnancies of the same gestational age. ResultsAll the patients had breast ductal infiltrating carcinoma, 19 of 23 cases had a G3 cancer.All patients were treated with 2–6 cycles of chemotherapy starting after 16 weeks of gestation, with different protocols.No hypertensive complications and no pre-eclampsia episodes were observed; birth weight was consistent with gestational age in all babies in both group with no uneventful outcomes and no perinatal mortality or fetal malformations.Twenty out of 23 cases (86 %) showed hypoxia-induced villous alterations, including increased syncytial knotting (Tenney-Parker changes), perivillar fibrin deposits, distal villous hypoplasia or accelerated maturation and focal villous chorangiosis. These alterations were found in 19 out of 23 controls (83 %), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionsThese results shows that chemotherapy in the second and third trimester of pregnancy may lead to non-specific alterations in placental vasculature and morphology.

Early maternal weight gain as a risk factor for SGA in pregnancies with hyperemesis gravidarum: a 15-year hospital cohort study

BackgroundInadequate maternal weight gain increases the risk of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are at risk of significant early pregnancy weight loss and insufficient total pregnancy weight gain. Recent studies have implied that weight gain during the first half of pregnancy is more crucial to pregnancy outcome than total weight gain.The aim of this study was to investigate whether not regaining prepregnancy weight by 13–18 weeks of gestation contributed to not reaching minimum body mass index (BMI)-specific total pregnancy weight gain and influenced the risk of SGA outcome in HG pregnancies.MethodsIn this retrospective 15-year cohort (2002–2016) of women hospitalized due to hyperemesis gravidarum, we reviewed individual patient hospital files and corresponding outpatient maternity records to collect prepregnancy BMI and weight, pregnancy weight gain (spanning 3-week intervals), delivery weight and foetal outcomes. BMI and total pregnancy weight gain goals were categorized according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines: BMI < 18,5 kg/m2: 12.5–18 kg, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2: 11.5–16 kg, 25–29.9 kg/m2: 7–11.5 kg and ≥ 30 kg/m2: 5–9 kg. Birth weight was categorized as SGA if less than the 10th percentile of sex- and gestational length-specific Norwegian neonatal weight charts. Nonparametric tests were used to compare weight categories, and logistic regression was used to predict the odds ratio (OR) of inadequate total pregnancy weight gain or SGA delivery.ResultsOut of 892 women hospitalized for HG during 2002–2016, 784 had a pregnancy lasting ≥ 24 weeks, of which 746 were singleton pregnancies with follow-up until delivery. Among these women, 42 were classified as underweight, 514 as normal weight, 230 as overweight and 102 as obese before pregnancy. Not regaining prepregnancy weight by week 13–18 was an independent predictor of inadequate total gestational weight gain with an OR of 7.05 (95% CI 4.24–11.71) and an independent predictor for SGA outcome with an OR of 2.66 (95% CI 1.11–6.34), even when adjusted for total pregnancy weight gain, prepregnancy BMI, parity, age and smoking status.ConclusionInadequate total maternal weight gain and not regaining prepregnancy weight by week 13–18 may be considered independent risk factors for delivering a baby that is small for gestational age in pregnancies with hyperemesis gravidarum. Achieving adequate weight gain during the first trimester in HG pregnancies is important for the foetal outcome, underscoring the importance of nutritional treatment during this period.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients With Inadequate Gestational Weight Gain [31N

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to compare the risks for small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and composite adverse neonatal outcomes (CANO) in patients with inadequate gestational weight gain (IWG) versus adequate gestational weight gain (AWG). METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study of women undergoing fetal growth assessment. Participants were sorted into AWG and IWG cohorts based on IOM guidelines. Primary outcomes were SGA and CANO (neonatal ICU admission, death, seizures, IVH, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and pH &lt;7.10). Secondary outcomes included: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm delivery (PTD), gestational diabetes (GDM), and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns. We performed chi square, t-test, and adjusted multivariable logistical regression. A stratified analysis was performed by pre-pregnancy BMI category. RESULTS: 214 patients experienced IWG and 282 patients experienced AWG. The risk of SGA was increased in patients with IWG, 47 patients (22.0%) compared to 34 patients (12.2%) with AWG (aOR 1.99, CI 1.19–3.33). CANO were similar between groups (14.5% versus 11.8%, P=.384). IWG was associated with decreased risk of LGA (aOR 0.29, CI 0.12–0.71) but did not have an effect on GDM, PTD, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia. In obese patients, IWG was protective against GDM (RR 0.44, CI 0.21–0.93) and LGA neonates (RR 0.10, CI 0.03–0.44) without increased risk of SGA neonates. CONCLUSION: IWG increases risk of SGA but did not increase neonatal morbidity. IWG was protective against GDM and LGA without increasing other risks in obese patients, suggesting lower weight gain in this population may be beneficial.

Placental pathology in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction: recurrence vs. new onset.

In an attempt to shed new light on the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction (FGR), we aimed to study pregnancy characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and placental histopathological lesions of FGR pregnancies in two different subgroups: when developed after appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancy and when developed after previous pregnancy with FGR. Pregnancy and placental reports of all singleton pregnancies complicated by FGR (defined as actual birthweight below the 10th percentile according to local birthweight nomograms) between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Included were only cases with previous delivery. Maternal background, neonatal outcomes, and placental histopathology were compared between FGR that occurred after FGR (recurrent FGR group) and FGR that occurred after an AGA pregnancy (FGR after AGA group). Placental lesions were classified according to the current "Amsterdam" criteria. Continuous variables were compared using the Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A total of 334 FGR cases with a previous delivery were included in the study. Of them, 111 cases constituted the recurrent FGR group and 223 constituted the FGR after AGA group. The recurrent FGR group was characterized by higher rates of maternal diabetes during pregnancy and hypertensive diseases (9% versus 2.7%, p = 0.01 and 19.8% versus 11.6%, p = 0.04). The FGR after AGA group was characterized by a higher rate of fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) lesions (29.6% versus 18.0%, p = 0.02), and by lower mean birthweight (1842 ± 424.9 versus 1977.4 ± 412.2, p = 0.005), as compared to the recurrent FGR group. Recurrent FGR was associated with maternal background morbidities during pregnancy which represents a chronic repeated insult, while "new" FGR cases (those followed an AGA pregnancy) were characterized by a higher rate of FVM lesions and lower birthweight which probably represent an "accident" in placentation. These findings may suggest that different mechanisms of placental dysfunction exist in the two subgroups of FGR.

Pentraxin-3 is a candidate biomarker on the spectrum of severity from pre-eclampsia to HELLP syndrome: GenPE study.

Pentraxin-3 has been reported as a promising biomarker of pre-eclampsia and its severity; however, available studies have small sample sizes, and analyses are not always adjusted for confounders. The aim of this study is to establish the strength of the association between maternal Pentraxin-3 level and pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. It was a case-control study. Women with pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome were defined as cases, and women with healthy pregnancies at term (>37 weeks) were classified as controls. Plasma concentrations of Pentraxin-3 were determined at the time of delivery by quantitative enzyme immunoassay. Associations between Pentraxin-3 and pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome were assessed by multinomial logistic regression. Subsidiary analysis for the time of disease onset was also carried out. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported. A total of 1024 pregnant women were included (461 controls, 368 pre-eclampsia, 195 HELLP). A positive log-linear relationship was found between the top pentraxin-3 quintile and HELLP syndrome. After adjustment for confounders (maternal age, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, date and place of recruitment, family history of pre-eclampsia, smoking, body mass index at beginning of pregnancy, gestational age and multiple pregnancy), the strength of the association was higher for HELLP syndrome [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.08; 1.18)] than for pre-eclampsia [OR 1.03 (95% CI 1.03; 1.10)]. No difference according to time of onset or pentraxin-3 level was found. In summary, pentraxin-3 level was associated with pre-eclampsia, but it was more strongly associated with HELLP syndrome. Longitudinal studies with a lower probability of residual confounding are necessary to improve our knowledge about the role of pentraxin-3 in pre-eclampsia.

The risk of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) increases with gestational age at term

Objective To examine the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) by the week of gestational age in pregnancies with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study derived from term pregnancies at a single tertiary institution over an 18-year period. Outcomes analyzed included MAS, acidemia, and Apgar scores. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results A total of 34,303 deliveries ≥37 weeks were included; 23.7% were complicated by MSAF. Of the total study cohort, 272 (0.7%) neonates were diagnosed with MAS; this represented 3% of all deliveries complicated by MSAF. In the presence of MSAF, the risk of MAS increased with gestational age, from 1.3% at 38 weeks to 4.8% at 42 weeks (p < .001). Similarly, the risk of acidemia increased from 3.0% at 38 weeks to 7.0% at 42 weeks (p < .001). These findings were also demonstrated in patients with MAS in the absence of MSAF. The risk for both MAS and acidemia in the presence of MSAF persisted after controlling for potential confounders (aOR 1.31 [95% CI 1.18–1.46] and 1.20 [95% CI 1.05–1.37], respectively). Conclusion In women with MSAF, as gestational age increases, the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome also increases. Other factors with late-term and post-term pregnancy besides the presence of meconium may contribute to the evolution of MAS.

The histology and histomorphometry of umbilical cord cross section in preeclampsia and normal pregnancies: a comparative study

ABSTRACT The umbilical cord is the connecting link between the mother and the fetus and its morphology is an indicator of fetal well-being. Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy associated with new-onset hypertension, which occurs most often after 20 weeks of gestation. There are structural differences in the umbilical cord of normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women. This research aimed to study the histology and histomorphometry of umbilical cord areas in preeclampsia and compare the parameters with normal uncomplicated pregnancies of gestational age 37–40 weeks. A total of 70 umbilical cords were studied from preeclampsia (n = 35) and normal (n = 35) pregnancies. The parameters studied included cross-sectional areas (CSA) of umbilical cord, umbilical vein lumen, umbilical vein wall, umbilical artery lumen, umbilical artery wall, and Wharton’s jelly, including the presence of edema in the vessel walls and Wharton’s jelly and basement membrane thickening. The mean umbilical cord CSA was significantly higher in preeclampsia (p = 0.014). The mean umbilical artery lumen CSA was significantly lower than the normal pregnancy cords (p = 0.006). The mean Wharton’s jelly CSA in preeclampsia was significantly higher than the normal pregnancy cords (p = 0.004). The parameters for umbilical vein lumen CSA, umbilical vein wall CSA, and umbilical artery wall CSA did not show any significant difference. Histological findings were edema (p < 0.001) and thickened basement membranes (p < 0.0001) were considered significant.

Maternal and fetal outcomes of Asian pregnancies after bariatricsurgery.

Obesity is a risk factor for pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and large gestational age pregnancy. Bariatric surgery is widely accepted to treat obesity but associated with small for gestational age fetuses. To report maternal and fetal outcomes after bariatric surgery in morbidly obese Asian females. University Hospital, Singapore. We maintain a prospective cohort of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in our institution. Maternal and fetal outcomes are compared with a control group of 31 pregnancies matched for age, parity, presurgery weight, and year of delivery. Twenty-four pregnancies occurred in 16 patients in our postoperative cohort. Morbidly obese women in the control group were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (19.3% versus 5.0%, P = .150) and pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia (32.2% versus 0%, P = .003) compared with the postoperative group. Of fetuses, 37.5% in the bariatric group had low birth weight compared with only 9.4% fetuses in the control group (P = .016). Preoperative body mass index, short interval between conception and surgery, and poor weight gain during pregnancy did not predict for small for gestational age fetuses. Subsequent weights were available for 37.5% of the children in the surgical cohort and none of these children exhibited growth retardation. Bariatric surgery lowers the risk of maternal co-morbidities and large gestational age fetus during pregnancy. Asians are at high risk of small for gestational age pregnancies after bariatric surgery and should undergo close monitoring for fetal growth throughout their pregnancy.

Hemodynamic changes in uteroplacental vasculature in pregnancy-induced hypertension and its effect on pregnancy outcome

Background: Among the various complications of pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension is found to be the most common which may affect maternal and fetal outcome. The most common being retarded growth of fetus in utero. Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess hemodynamic variations in uteroplacental circulation in pregnancy-induced hypertension and its effect on fetal outcome. Materials and Methods: Subjects were divided into two groups as Group A of 50 subjects of normal pregnancy (controls) and Group B of 50 subjects of pregnancy-induced hypertension (cases) all in the age group of 25–34 years and having 28–32 weeks of gestation. Blood pressure was recorded and fetal biometry was done ultrasonologically to find average gestational age and effective fetal weight. Pulsatility index, resistive index, and systolic-diastolic ratio in bilateral uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries were recorded using color Doppler. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for all values of Doppler indices in both groups and Student’s t-test (unpaired) was used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All three taken Doppler indices showed a decreasing trend in both groups but decrease was less in pregnancy-induced hypertensives as compared to that in normal pregnancy for same gestational age suggesting higher resistance to blood flow in fetoplacental circulation in gestational hypertension. Small for gestational age fetuses were seen in 10 out of 50 cases. Normal for gestational age fetuses were seen in controls. Conclusion: Pregnancy-induced hypertension causes hemodynamic variations in uteroplacental vasculature which may be responsible for causing impaired fetal growth in some cases.

Associated Factors with Pre-eclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in SOS Hospital Mogadishu, Somalia: A Hospital-based Study

Background and objective: Preeclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women during the second half of their pregnancy. It is estimated that 3-5% of all pregnancies is affected by preeclampsia and it has become the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality across the world. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with Pre-eclampsia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in SOS hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 80 pregnant women attending antenatal care in SOS hospital. Face to face interview questionnaire was performed from April to June 2020. SPSS version 23, was used for the data analysis. Socio-demographic of respondent, previous history of chronic disease obstetric characteristics were described using the statistics of frequency and Percentage distributions. Results: of the 80 of the diagnosed with preeclampsia, majority of the them were above the age of 30 this represented 33.8% depict that there is a high rate of preeclampsia cases in extreme ages. Divorced women had higher percentage of 61.3% compared to widowed and married women with 33.8% and 5 percent respectively. High blood pressure was high among the women tested with 77.5% of them had the history of hypertension. Majority of the women interviewed 76.3% had no family history of preeclampsia. Conclusion: the prevalence of preeclampsia variation was related by maternal age, maternal education, unemployed women, family problem, and previous history of hypertension and used women more salts during pregnancy. Among the pregnant women, those that were in the first trimester were almost the same as those that were at their third trimester with 42.5% and 38.8% respectively. Only 42.5% of the gestational age of pregnancy were at their first trimester. Regular training of health workers on preeclampsia causes, effects and how to prevent it from becoming a long lasting issue among pregnant women need to be addressed and for further studies are recommended.

Single Dose of Methotrexate Therapy Followed By Suction Curettage for Management of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Objective Implantation of the pregnancy in a cesarean scar is a rare condition named ; Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Maternal complications can be prevented with the early diagnosis and an appropriate management .It is a Prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and success rate of single dose use of methotrexate (MTX) followed by dilation and suction (D&amp;S) regimen in management of women with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) . Methods 50mg of MTX in the form of a single dose Intramuscular injection then cervical dilatation and suction aspiration with a Karman cannula(D&amp;S) under guidance of ultrasound after 48 preeceeded by vaginal misoprostol 2 tablet (200 mg) 4 hours ago. Results The mean gestational age at diagnosis was (8.5±1.6 ) and The mean level of serum b-human chorionic gonadotropin was (7424±2.560 ) and The mean gestational age of pregnancy was (8.5±1.6 ) .88.7% is the successive rate without complication need intervention, 2 (5.7%) patients needed intrauterine Foley's catheter for 24 hours as a mechanical hemostasis . 2 (5.7 %) had laparotomy with wedge resection of the gestational sac lesion and successful repair of the uterine defect and one (2.8 %)underwent subtotal hysterectomy. Conclusion: Systemic single dose MTX injection followed by D&amp;S is an effective and harmless management for CSP. Nevertheless more studies are required to prove the efficiency, safety, and reproductive outcome of variant modalities in treatment of CSP.

STUDY OF FOETAL ULTRASOUND OF NEUROECTODERMAL ANOMALIES IN ANTENATAL MOTHERS.

Objectives: This study was to evaluate the incidence, prevalence and various types of neuroectodermal anomalies of foetuses in antenatal mothers.&#x0D; Methods: All pregnant women with intrauterine pregnancy of gestational age ranging from 12 weeks to Post-term cases were included for this study. We were studied on 21450 ultrasound scan of antenatal mothers, who were come for routine check up. Among them 50 foetuses anomalies were found. &#x0D; Results: Data was analyzed by using simple statistical methods with the help of MS-office software. All data was tabulated, and percentage was calculated. &#x0D; Conclusions: Neuroectodrmal anomalies of foetuses were commonly seen in maternal age group of 30-40 years and prevalence was 0.23%. Anencephaly and hydrocephalus associated with spina bifida were seen in most of the CNS anomalies foetuses. Spina bifida in the lower lumbar region associated with a meningocoele or myelomeningocoele was the most common. Hence, ultrasound is an effective investigative modality for in utero screening of congenital anomalies. Ultrasound imaging in antenatal period practically gives an anatomical record of the developing foetus. So that early detection of anomalies especially in first and early second trimester helps in planning termination, interventions and further management of neuroectodermal anomalies foetus.&#x0D; Keywords: Antenatal mothers, Ultrasound scan, Neuroectodermal anomalies

Single Dose of Methotrexate Therapy Followed By Suction Curettage for Management of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Objective Implantation of the pregnancy in a cesarean scar is a rare condition named ; Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Maternal complications can be prevented with the early diagnosis and an appropriate management .It is a Prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and success rate of single dose use of methotrexate (MTX) followed by dilation and suction (D&amp;S) regimen in management of women with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) . Methods 50mg of MTX in the form of a single dose Intramuscular injection then cervical dilatation and suction aspiration with a Karman cannula(D&amp;S) under guidance of ultrasound after 48 preeceeded by vaginal misoprostol 2 tablet (200 mg) 4 hours ago. Results The mean gestational age at diagnosis was (8.5±1.6 ) and The mean level of serum b-human chorionic gonadotropin was (7424±2.560 ) and The mean gestational age of pregnancy was (8.5±1.6 ) .88.7% is the successive rate without complication need intervention, 2 (5.7%) patients needed intrauterine Foley's catheter for 24 hours as a mechanical hemostasis . 2 (5.7 %) had laparotomy with wedge resection of the gestational sac lesion and successful repair of the uterine defect and one (2.8 %)underwent subtotal hysterectomy. Conclusion: Systemic single dose MTX injection followed by D&amp;S is an effective and harmless management for CSP. Nevertheless more studies are required to prove the efficiency, safety, and reproductive outcome of variant modalities in treatment of CSP.

Association of Maternal Weight and Gestational Weight Gain with Maternal and Neonate Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

We investigated the association of outcomes with pre-pregnancy body mass index (ppBMI), Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations about gestational weight gain, and weight gain trajectories during pregnancy. A prospective cohort of 7866 pregnant women was recruited. ppBMI and weight gain at each follow up visit were collected. The outcomes were gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), caesarean delivery, macrosomia, small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age, neonatal hypoglycemia. Group-based multi-trajectory modelling was used for weight kinetics during pregnancy. In the third trimester, 53.8% of women were above IOM recommendations, with an increased relative risk (RR) of HDP (1.91 (1.40–2.61)), caesarean (1.34 (1.15–1.56)), macrosomia (2.17 (1.77–2.67)), LGA (2.26 (1.83–2.80)), and hypoglycemia (1.89 (1.12–3.18)). Women with a weight gain above IOM recommendations in the second trimester who normalized their weight gain in third trimester had, compared to those who remained above IOM recommendations, fewer events of HDP (2.8% versus 5.3%, p = 0.008), caesarean delivery (16.9% versus 22%, p = 0.006), macrosomia (8.3% versus 14.2%, p < 0.001), and LGA (7% versus 13.2%, p < 0.001). Multi-trajectory modelling identified three profiles with continued variation in RR of complications, including GDM. Weight gain above IOM recommendations increased the risk of perinatal complications. A correction of excessive weight gain in the second trimester reduces these risks.

Counselling before first trimester abortion and acceptability of the procedure: results from a Slovenian cross-sectional study

Objectives: In Slovenia, first-trimester abortion is performed at the woman’s request, either surgically under general anaesthesia or medically with mifepristone and misoprostol, in a public hospital. Our study aimed to evaluate pre-abortion counselling and to reveal differences in acceptability and satisfaction with the two abortion methods.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Ljubljana University Medical Centre between January and June 2015. Women requesting termination of a pregnancy up to 10 weeks’ gestation voluntarily completed an anonymous questionnaire after the procedure and were divided into a surgical and a medical abortion group.Results: Of the 266 women who were invited to take part, 229 accepted; 16.6% chose a surgical abortion, 83.4% a medical abortion. The most frequent reason cited for requesting an abortion was economic/housing problems. Most women who chose a surgical abortion did so because it was faster, whereas most women who chose a medical abortion did so on the advice of a primary care gynaecologist. Women choosing a surgical abortion had more previous pregnancies and presented with a higher gestational age pregnancy. The choice of method was not related to the woman’s age. There were no differences in acceptability of the two procedures. Pain during the procedure was, however, more severe in the medical abortion group (p = .026), along with bleeding, nausea and chills; there were no differences in severity of vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness or headache between the groups. Women in the surgical abortion group reported higher satisfaction with the method (p < .001). The study revealed a low frequency of pre-abortion contraceptive counselling.Conclusion: The most common reason given for choosing a surgical abortion was the speed of the procedure; for a medical abortion, it was on the advice of a primary care gynaecologist. Satisfaction was higher with the surgical abortion method. There were no differences in general acceptability of the methods.

Combined effects of increasing maternal age and nulliparity on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and small for gestational age.

The mean age of women delivering for the first time is increasing, and this combination could lead to an increased risk of perinatal complications. The objective was to evaluate the potential combined effects of nulliparity and increasing maternal age on small for gestational age (SGA < 10th percentile) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). A population-based cohort study was conducted using data routinely collected on all births in 11 hospitals in the Burgundy perinatal network between 2007 and 2016. Pregnant women with singleton deliveries aged 20 years or older were included at delivery and divided into groups according to maternal age (20 to 24-year-old group as a reference). Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted on smoking, body mass index, chronic high blood pressure and birth date, were performed. A total of 137,791 women were included. Whatever the parity, the risks of SGA and HDP increased with maternal age, but the increase began earlier in nulliparous women. Compared to multiparous women, the risk of SGA in nulliparous women increased with maternal age (aOR = 1.5 95% CI [1.4-1.7] for age 20-24 rising to 2.2 [1.8-2.8] for age 40-49). We found evidence that parity modified the association between maternal age and SGA (test for interaction p < 0.001). The risk of HDP was constantly higher in nulliparous women, whatever the maternal age. The combination of increasing maternal age and nulliparity has a more negative impact on the occurrence of SGA than either risk factor alone.

Prediction of Admission to Delivery Time by Transvaginal Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Cervix in Cases of Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes

Background: Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) heralds about 30% of cases with spontaneous preterm births. Latency in PPROM is delineated as the time interval between PROM and delivery. It might be beneficial to predict this latency period as it may help to make a decision concerning in-utero transfer of fetus to better neonatal centers with advanced facilities and to administer corticosteroids in favor of fetal lung maturity. Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the usefulness of measuring the cervical parameters by transvaginal sonography mainly cervical length and posterior cervical angle, in predicting the interval from admission to delivery in women with (PPROM). Subjects and methods: This study was conducted at Kafr El- Shiekh General Hospital and Al-Azhar University Hospitals and included 100 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy of gestational age between 28-34 weeks and PPROM presenting within 24 hours and not in labour. Results: showed non-significant differences between the mean of PCA among different groups (P>0.05). Nevertheless, the results indicated that amniotic fluid index (AFI) increased significantly in patients with latency period >7days group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the mean Cervical length (CL) was observed to increase in PPROM patients’ group with high latency period. The latency period had significant positive correlation with AFI and cervical length (p<0.05). Also, it had significant negative correlation with birth weight, gestational age at hospitalization, CRP, and TLC, and neonatal sepsis (p<0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that assessment of Cervical length via transvaginal sonography is a valuable tool in the evaluating the interval between rupture of membranes and delivery in women with PPROM.

Prediction of Admission to Delivery Time by Transvaginal Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Cervix in Cases of Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes

Background: Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) heralds about 30% of cases with spontaneous preterm births. Latency in PPROM is delineated as the time interval between PROM and delivery. It might be beneficial to predict this latency period as it may help to make a decision concerning in-utero transfer of fetus to better neonatal centers with advanced facilities and to administer corticosteroids in favor of fetal lung maturity. Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the usefulness of measuring the cervical parameters by transvaginal sonography mainly cervical length and posterior cervical angle, in predicting the interval from admission to delivery in women with (PPROM). Subjects and methods: This study was conducted at Kafr El- Shiekh General Hospital and Al-Azhar University Hospitals and included 100 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy of gestational age between 28-34 weeks and PPROM presenting within 24 hours and not in labour. Results: showed non-significant differences between the mean of PCA among different groups (P>0.05). Nevertheless, the results indicated that amniotic fluid index (AFI) increased significantly in patients with latency period >7days group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the mean Cervical length (CL) was observed to increase in PPROM patients’ group with high latency period. The latency period had significant positive correlation with AFI and cervical length (p<0.05). Also, it had significant negative correlation with birth weight, gestational age at hospitalization, CRP, and TLC, and neonatal sepsis (p<0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that assessment of Cervical length via transvaginal sonography is a valuable tool in the evaluating the interval between rupture of membranes and delivery in women with PPROM.