Obstetric Clinic Research Articles

Heterogeneity of Cervical Cancer-Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLSs) and Their Specific Interrelation With Clinicopathological Parameters.

The study investigates morphological variants of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in relation to cervical cancer development, from intraepithelial neoplastic lesions to invasive carcinomas with locoregional lymph node metastases. This retrospective analysis comprised 100 cervical cancer cases who had had total hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Municipal Emergency Clinical Hospital of Timisoara, Romania, from 2020 to 2023. Bilateral ilio obturator lymphadenectomy and total hysterectomy were used to acquire biopsy samples. The presence of germinal centers, other stromal structures, TLS density, topography relative to the tumor lesion, and malignant cell islets are used to evaluate and classify TLS. We first globally evaluated the total number of TLSs (TLS.T). We observed topographically two places in the cervical stroma: TLS immediately peritumorally positioned and TLS away from tumor lesions. Invasive carcinomas have bigger superficial TLSs with a well-defined germinal center. As they approached the tumor, TLSs increased in size and density. We also detected a special type of TLS associated with nerve fibers, which we named tertiary lymphoid structures associated with nerves (TLS.N). The total number of TLSs did not correlate with age, but 85.71% of patients presenting TLS.N were aged between 59 and 72 years old. Our findings showed a strong correlation between age (postmenopausal, p = 0.005) and TLS-N presence. Similarly, TLS parameters evolved with tumor differentiation. Only in the TLS.N group did the tumoral grading (G) 3 correlate with TLS (p = 0.041), while TLS.T did not correlate with G. All TLS.N. patients, except one, had lymphovascular invasion and massive histiocytosis. On the first point, TLS.N correlated with lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.032). Tertiary lymphoid structures associated with nerves have not been previously reported in cervical cancer, and their effects on prognosis and aggression are unknown. There was a substantial association between TLSs.N presence and age over 60, suggesting it is exclusive to menopausal women. They were also substantially connected with lymphovascular invasion and G3, suggesting they may be a poor cervical cancer prognostic factor.

Improving Maternal Health and Birth Outcomes Through FreshRx: A Food-Is-Medicine Intervention.

Food insecurity has far-reaching consequences for health and well-being, especially during pregnancy and postpartum periods. This study examines a food-is-medicine approach that aimed to reduce food insecurity, maternal stress, depression, anxiety, preterm labor, and low birthweight. Pre-post interventional study of FreshRx: Nourishing Healthy Starts, a pregnancy focused food-is-medicine program led by a local hunger relief organization and obstetrics department. St. Louis, Missouri, a Midwestern U.S. city with higher-than-average infant mortality, low birthweight, and preterm birth rates. Participants (N = 125) recruited from a local obstetrics clinic had pregnancies earlier than 24weeks gestation; spoke English; and were enrolled in Medicaid. At baseline, 67.0% reported very low food security and none reported high food security, while 34.7% indicated depressive symptoms. FreshRx included weekly deliveries of fresh food meal kits, nutrition counseling and education, care coordination, and supportive services. 18-Question U.S. Household Food Security Survey, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, birthweight, gestational age. Single arm pre-post analysis. Average gestational age of 38.2weeks (n = 84) and birthweight of 6.7 pounds (n = 81) were higher than rates for the general population in the area. For study participants who completed a sixty-day post-partum assessment, 13% (n = 45) indicated maternal depression (P < .01). Food-is-medicine interventions may be an efficient, effective, and equitable tool for improving birth and maternal health outcomes.

Evaluation of Sleep in Pregnant Inpatients Compared With Outpatients.

To evaluate whether antepartum hospitalization was associated with differences in sleep duration or disrupted sleep patterns. This was a prospective cohort study with enrollment of pregnant people aged 18-55 years with singleton gestations at 16 weeks of gestation or more between 2021 and 2022. Each enrolled antepartum patient was matched by gestational age to outpatients recruited from obstetric clinics at the same institution. Participants responded to the ISI (Insomnia Severity Index) and wore actigraph accelerometer watches for up to 7 days. The primary outcome was total sleep duration per 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included sleep efficiency (time asleep/time in bed), ISI score, clinical insomnia (ISI score higher than 15), short sleep duration (less than 300 minutes/24 hours), wakefulness after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and sleep fragmentation index. Outcomes were evaluated with multivariable generalized estimating equations adjusted for body mass index (BMI), sleep aid use, and insurance type, accounting for gestational age correlations. An interaction term assessed the joint effects of time and inpatient status. Overall 58 participants were included: 18 inpatients and 40 outpatients. Inpatients had significantly lower total sleep duration than outpatients (mean 4.4 hours [SD 1.6 hours] inpatient vs 5.2 hours [SD 1.5 hours] outpatient, adjusted β=-1.1, 95% CI, -1.8 to -0.3, P =.01). Awakenings (10.1 inpatient vs 13.8, P =.01) and wakefulness after sleep onset (28.3 inpatient vs 35.5 outpatient, P =.03) were lower among inpatients. There were no differences in the other sleep outcomes, and no interaction was detected for time in the study and inpatient status. Inpatients were more likely to use sleep aids (39.9% vs 12.5%, P =.03). Hospitalized pregnant patients slept about 1 hour/day less than outpatients. Fewer awakenings and reduced wakefulness after sleep onset among inpatients may reflect increased use of sleep aids in hospitalized patients.

E024 A pregnant woman with vasculitis and a new rash

Abstract Background/Aims A 41-year-old pregnant woman at 16 weeks of gestation was followed-up in the combined obstetric and rheumatology clinic as she had a history of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and two previous miscarriages at first trimester. Her vasculitis was well-controlled with a baseline daily dose of prednisolone 7.5mg. Methods During her pregnancy, she started on vaginal progesterone by the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) team for pregnancy support following a vaginal bleed. During her second review in clinic, she complained about a widespread pruritic rash for the last 3 weeks. She had already been seen by her GP who prescribed her emollients without any improvement. On examination, the active lesions looked urticarial and were tender. There was also residual hyperpigmentation. The lesions persisted for more than 24 hours before spontaneous resolution. Cutaneous vasculitis was suspected based on the duration of the rash more than 24 hours, the hyperpigmentation, tenderness, and the history of EGPA. Otherwise, she was well in herself with no symptoms of active vasculitis and no recent infections. Therefore, prednisolone was increased to 15mg daily and loratadine was given for the pruritus. Her repeat blood tests were reassuring with negative ANCA, normal C3 and C4, CRP, and eGFR. Results During her early follow-up, the rash was the same despite the higher dose of steroids and she volunteered that the rash is worse in the morning and at night. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (AIPD) was considered then. AIPD is a rare autoimmune hypersensitivity reaction to endogenous or exogenous progesterone. AIPD varies greatly from patient to patient and can present as urticaria, eczema or vesiculobullous eruptions. Urticarial or EGPA vasculitis, and urticaria would have improved with steroids. Furthermore, she did not have any symptoms suggestive of systemic vasculitis and the relevant blood tests were also normal. Of note, the rash was worse in the morning and at night, which corresponded to the time of vaginal exposure to progesterone. The patient stopped the progesterone pessaries after discussion with the obstetrician. The rash improved gradually and resolved in five days, confirming the diagnosis of AIPD. Conclusion The rash could have been mistaken for urticaria or vasculitis. Consequently, the patient may have had unnecessarily antihistamines and steroids during pregnancy with all relevant side effects, such as gestational diabetes. In November 2021, NICE recommended vaginal progesterone in women who experience bleeding in early pregnancy and have a history of miscarriage as it slightly reduces the risk of a further miscarriage. The new guidelines suggest that more pregnant women will use topical progesterone during pregnancy who may develop AIPD. This means that we are going to see more pregnant women in the rheumatology clinic with AIPD and the rheumatology community should be aware of this entity. Disclosure A. Madenidou: Grants/research support; Janssen. H. Kither: None. I. Bruce: Consultancies; AstraZeneca, GSK, Eli Lilly, and UCB. Honoraria; AstraZeneca, GSK, and UCB. Grants/research support; AstraZeneca, GSK, and Janssen.

Coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: clinical manifestations, maternal, and perinatal outcomes

Background and objective: The current COVID-19 pandemic has become a main health threat worldwide and concerns have been raised regarding the effect of the Covid-19 infection on the wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn baby. This study aimed to determine the clinical manifestations in addition to maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in the Maternity Teaching Hospital and some private obstetric clinics in Erbil city/Kurdistan region, Iraq. The study started from the 1st April 2020 until the end of April of 2021. Seventy-one women who represent all infectedwithCOVID-19 during that period during pregnancy who were 16 years old or more were included in the study. Swabs were taken from nasopharynx by citoswab were diagnosed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain (qRT-PCR) at central laboratory of Erbil city/Iraq. The data were collected through direct interview with the patients using a special questionnaire, prepared for this purpose. Results: More than half (53.5%) of participants were 25-34 years old, 80.3% of women were housewives and 29.6% of them were illiterate. The majority (87.3%) of women did not have chronic illnesses and 43.7% of them were in second trimester during COVID-19 infection. The following symptoms were reported: fever (91.5%), cough (80.3%), headache (77.5%), weakness (73.2%), loss of smell (69%), aguesia (67.6%), sore throat (66.2%), arthralgia and myalgia (64.8%), flu like illness (62%), dyspnea (39.4 %), and diarrhea and/or vomiting (26.8%). The majority (84.51%) of women did notreport any fetal complications or none has happened and 1.4% of the fetuses suffered from fetal distress and FGR. Caesarean section was the commonest mode of delivery. A significant statistical association was found between age group and fetal complications suggesting that fetal complications increased with becoming older. Conclusion: Manifestations such as fever, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of smell and taste, arthralgia and myalgia were commonly observed in Covid-19 pregnant patients. Cough was still the highest reported symptom followed by weakness and dyspnea even six months post Covid-19 infection. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were observed in pregnant patients infected with Covid-19.

How does maternal anemia affect the levels of umbilical cord brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on the umbilical cord level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a very important role in the central nervous system. MethodsOur research was planned as a quantitative, prospective, and analytical type of study. A total of 90 volunteers, term, singleton pregnant hospitalized in the Health Sciences University Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between September 2021 and August 2022 were included in this study. While 45 of these pregnants were pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin ≤ 110 g/L and serum ferritin level ≤ 12 μg/L), 45 cases were in the control group without iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin > 110 g/L, serum ferritin > 12 μg/L). When pregnant were admitted to the hospital, blood samples were taken to analyze hemoglobin, mean cell volume (MCV), iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, transferrin, and CRP levels. Also, we noted the maternal age, gravida, parity, birth weight, head circumference, type of birth, 1. minute Apgar score, and 5. minute Apgar score. During the delivery; after the umbilical cord had been clamped and cut, we took 5 cc of umbilical cord blood. Then, we put it in the serum-separating laboratory tubes. After we centrifuged these blood samples, we put the serum parts in the Eppendorf tubes to be stored at −80 degrees Celsius. At the end of the study, we calculated the level of BDNF using special human brain-derived neurotrophic factor ELISA kits. The umbilical cord BDNF levels of the maternal iron deficiency anemia group and the control group were compared statistically. ResultsWhen we evaluated the fetal umbilical cord BDNF values of 90 participants, the median value BDNF in the babies of 45 anemic mothers was 3.16 (IQR 0.73), and the median BDNF value of the babies of 45 healthy mothers was 5.37 (IQR 1.02). We found a statistical difference between BDNF and hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and iron values between these two groups. ConclusionIn conclusion, the BDNF value of the babies of healthy individuals is higher than that of anemic individuals. Our study showed that the amount of BDNF in the umbilical cord blood was significantly affected by maternal iron deficiency anemia.

Knowledge of urinary incontinence among women 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among postpartum women, but many do not seek medical help due to limited knowledge. Understanding the level of knowledge about UI in this population is essential for improving care-seeking behaviors and implementing targeted interventions. The objective was to examine knowledge regarding UI among postpartum women with UI within 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery. A cross-sectional study was conducted at obstetric clinic in two level-three grade A hospitals in Shenzhen, China, from January 2023 to June 2023. Women in their 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery with UI were asked to complete a questionnaire comprising three sections: (1) demographic variable; (2) International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF); and (3) The Urinary Incontinence Quiz (UIQ). A total of 1228 women completed the questionnaire. Their mean UIQ score was 6.63 ± 3.51 (minimum = 2, maximum = 15), indicating the deficiency of UI knowledge among Chinese postpartum women. A total of 86.4% of participants experienced slight or moderate postpartum UI. The results of multivariate linear regression models for UIQ reveal significant independent associations between questionnaire scores and two variables: experience in pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (p < 0.001) and UI treatment in the past (p < 0.001). The overall model fit was R2 = 0.559 (p < 0.001). The regression coefficients for the experience in PFMT and UI treatment in the past were 2.301 and 4.916, respectively. However, no other discernible factors were identified to distinguish between those with and without adequate knowledge. Postpartum women with UI within 6 weeks to 1 year after delivery had poor knowledge of UI. Targeted educational interventions focusing on PFMTand early treatment for UI are essential.

Development and validation of the Cannabis Exposure in Pregnancy Tool (CEPT): a mixed methods study

BackgroundEvidence of associations between prenatal cannabis use (PCU) and maternal and infant health outcomes remains conflicting amid broad legalization of cannabis across Canada and 40 American states. A critical limitation of existing evidence lies in the non-standardized and crude measurement of prenatal cannabis use (PCU), resulting in high risk of misclassification bias. We developed a standardized tool to comprehensively measure prenatal cannabis use in pregnant populations for research purposes.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods, patient-oriented tool development and validation study, using a bias-minimizing process. Following an environmental scan and critical appraisal of existing prenatal substance use tools, we recruited pregnant participants via targeted social media advertising and obstetric clinics in Alberta, Canada. We conducted individual in-depth interviews and cognitive interviewing in separate sub-samples, to develop and refine our tool. We assessed convergent and discriminant validity internal consistency and 3-month test–retest reliability, and validated the tool externally against urine-THC bioassays.ResultsTwo hundred fifty four pregnant women participated. The 9-item Cannabis Exposure in Pregnancy Tool (CEPT) had excellent discriminant (Cohen’s kappa = -0.27–0.15) and convergent (Cohen’s kappa = 0.72–1.0) validity; as well as high internal consistency (Chronbach’s alpha = 0.92), and very good test–retest reliability (weighted Kappa = 0.92, 95% C.I. [0.86–0.97]). The CEPT is valid against urine THC bioassay (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 82%).ConclusionThe CEPT is a novel, valid and reliable measure of frequency, timing, dose, and mode of PCU, in a contemporary sample of pregnant women. Using CEPT (compared to non-standardized tools) can improve measurement accuracy, and thus the quality of research examining PCU and maternal and child health outcomes.

Cesarean Sectional as a Treatment of Dystocia Caused by Uterine Torsion in Mehsana Buffalo

A case of dystocia due to post-cervical right side uterine torsion with the history of colic and straining since (days) in a pluriparous Mehsana buffalo was presented at the clinics of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Veterinary College, Sardarkrushinagar, Dantiwada, Gujarat, India. Maternal dystocia due to of uterine torsion was diagnosed by history, a clinical sign, per rectal and per vaginal examinations. At first we used modified Schaffer’s method for management of uterine torsion in buffalo. After the three rolls torsion was detorted successfully, but due to insufficient dilated cervix the fetus could not be delivered. Further, the buffalo was treated therapeutically using intravenous administration of 10ml-Dexamethasone®, 75IU-Oxytocin®, 1litre-Normal saline, 1litre-Ringer lactate, 100ml-Calcium borogluconate and 10ml-Valethamate bromide (Epidosin®) was given intramuscularly for treating incomplete cervical dilation(ICD). However, the buffalo could not responded to treatment, therefore finally the caesarean section was performed and a dead male fetus was delivered. Buffalo was post-medicated with various fluids, analgesic, antibiotic and antihistamine parentally apart from intra-uterine pessaries which resulted to recovery of affected Mehsana buffalo within some days.

Cost-effectiveness of BRCA1 testing at time of obstetrical prenatal carrier screening for cancer prevention

BackgroundImproved technologies paired with an increase in access to genetic testing has led to the availability of expanded carrier screening evaluating hundreds of disorders. Currently, most autosomal dominant mutations, such as BRCA1, are not included in expanded carrier assays. Screening pregnant or preconception reproductive-aged women for BRCA1 may present a unique opportunity to perform population-based screening for patients at a time where precancer screening, chemoprevention and/or risk reducing surgery may be beneficial. ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to inform clinical decision making as to whether the universal incorporation of BRCA1 testing at the time of obstetrical prenatal carrier screening is cost-effective. Study DesignA decision analysis and Markov model was created. The initial decision point in the model was BRCA1 testing at the time of expanded carrier screening. Model probabilities, cost, and utility values were derived from published literature. For BRCA1-positive patients, the model simulated breast cancer screening and risk-reducing surgical interventions. A cycle length of 1 year and a time horizon of 47 years was used to simulate the lifespan of patients. Setting was Obstetrical clinics in U.S., and Participants were a theoretical cohort of 1,429,074 pregnant patients who annually undergo expanded carrier screening. ResultsAmong our cohort, BRCA1 testing resulted in identification of an additional 3,716 BRCA1 patients, prevention of 1,394 breast and ovarian cancer cases, and 1,084 fewer deaths. BRCA1 testing was a cost-effective strategy compared to no BRCA1 testing with an ICER of $86,001/QALYs. In a one-way sensitivity analysis, we varied the prevalence of BRCA1 in the population from 0% up to 20% and found that BRCA1 testing continued to be the cost-effective strategy until prevalence rate was reduced to 0.16% (Table S1). Multiple additional sensitivity analyses did not substantially impact the cost-effectiveness. ConclusionThe addition of BRCA1 testing to obstetrical prenatal carrier screening is a cost-effective management strategy to identify at-risk women at a time when cancer screening and preventive strategies can be effective. Despite the burden of additional genetic counseling, prenatal care represents a unique opportunity to implement population-based genetic testing.

Implications of perceived empathy from spouses during pregnancy for health-related quality of life among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Anhui, China

BackgroundEmpathy is a critical component of nursing care, impacting both nurses’ and patients’ outcomes. However, perceived empathy from spouses during pregnancy and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are unclear. This study aimed to examine pregnant women’s perceived empathy from their spouses and assess the relation of perceived empathy on HRQoL.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, performed in the obstetric clinics or wards of four well-known hospitals in Anhui Province, China, included 349 pregnant women in the second or third trimester; participants were recruited by convenience sampling and enrolled from October to December 2021. A general information questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a purpose-designed empathy questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to evaluate the pregnant women’s general information, perceptions of empathy and HRQoL. Data were analysed using SPSS 22 at a threshold of P < 0.05. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, Student’s t test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were used for analysis.ResultsThe pregnant women’s total empathy, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were 41.6 ± 9.0, 41.6 ± 7.6, and 47.7 ± 9.1, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the purpose-designed empathy questionnaire items were significantly positively correlated with perspective taking and empathic concern but were not correlated with the personal distress dimension and were only partially correlated with the fantasy dimension. Maternal physical condition during pregnancy, planned pregnancy, and occupational stress were predictors of the PCS score (β = 0.281, P < 0.01; β = 0.132, P = 0.02; β = -0.128, P = 0.02). The behavioural empathy item of our purpose-designed empathy questionnaire and empathic concern were important predictors of the MCS score (β = 0.127, P = 0.02; β = 0.158, P < 0.01), as well as other demographic and obstetric information, explaining 22.0% of the variance in MCS scores totally (F = 12.228, P < 0.01).ConclusionsPregnant women perceived lower empathy from their spouses and reported lower HRQoL. Perceived empathy, particularly behavioural empathy, may significantly impact pregnant women’s MCS scores but has no effect on their PCS scores. Strategies that foster perceived empathy from spouses among pregnant women are essential for facilitating healthy pregnancies and potentially improving maternal and child health.

ROLE OF MATERNAL SERUM FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR 21 LEVEL IN PREDICTION OF PREECLAMPSIA

Pregnancy complications resulting from hypertensive disorders are a serious problem that impact 2-10 % of all pregnanciesglobally. Preeclampsia is defi ned as new onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation which may be associated with other maternal organ dysfunction, such as liver or renal insuffi ciency, hematological or neurological complications, uteroplacental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction.Aim of the Work: Primary outcome is to determine the correlation between fi broblast growth factor 21 level and preeclampsia &amp; signifi cance of serum fi broblast growth factor 21 levels as a predictive tool for preeclampsia. Secondary outcome is to establish the relationship between maternal serum fi broblast growth factor 21 level and Maternal complictions: - Eclampsia (tonic clonic fi ts after 20 weeks with elevated blood pressure and proteinuria)- HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia)- placental abruption (bleeding after 20 weeks gestation due to premature separation of a normally situated placenta)Patients and Methods: This was a Nested case-control study that was conducted on 90 primigravidas at Ain Shams University maternity hospital from April 2021 to April 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee at Ain- Shams university maternity hospital. Data was recruited from patient attending obstetric clinic at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Blood samples were collected after 20 weeks to 28 weeks gestation. Patients was followed up until delivery and grouped according to development of preeclampsia.Random samples from 45 patients (group who develop PE) and 45 random samples from control group were assessed forfi broblast growth factor 21. Serum fi broblast growth factor 21 levels were measured by a commercially available enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results: our study showed that there was a significant difference in FGF21 levels between the groups, patients withpreeclampsia having higher levels than controls, 15.9 % of patients with preeclampsia experienced maternal complicationscompared to none in the control group. Meanwhile, 18.2 % of patients with preeclampsia experienced fetal complicationscompared to 0 % in the control group.Conclusion: Serum FGF-21 levels are signifi cantly higher in preeclamptic pregnant women compared to healthy normotensive pregnant women. So, it can be used as a predictor for preclampsia and maternal complicationsFunding information: The article was written and published without any fi nancial support.Confl ict of interest disclosure: The authors of the article have noconfl ict of interest related to the publication of the article

The Relationship Between Cyberchondria and Health Anxiety in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women frequently use the internet to obtain health information about pregnancy. The increased anxiety about health during pregnancy can trigger the cyberchondria form of this behavior. This study aimed to investigate cyberchondria and health anxiety in pregnant women. The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 314 pregnant women who visited the obstetrics clinics of two hospitals in western Turkey between October and December 2019. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15) and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) were used for data collection. Data were evaluated with parametric tests and correlation analysis. The mean age of pregnant women participating in the study was 28.10 ± 5.19, and 72.6% were unemployed. The CSS-15 mean score was 39.87 ± 8.82, and SHAI was 15.81 ± 6.84. The nulliparous pregnant women, employed university graduates, used the internet almost every day and searched some topics related to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding and were found to have higher scores on CSS-15 (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between cyberchondria and health anxiety (r: 0.253, p < 0.001). This study showed that cyberchondria severity increases anxiety in pregnant women. Health professionals should also consider cyberchondria when assessing the anxiety of pregnant women.

A Qualitative Exploration of Self-Advocacy Experiences of Black Women in the Perinatal Period: Who Is Listening?

Black women face poor maternal health outcomes including being over 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than White women. Yet the lived experience of how these women self-advocate has not been clearly explored. The goal of this cross-sectional qualitative study was to describe the lived experiences of Black women advocating for their needs and priorities during the perinatal period. Between January and October of 2022, we recruited Black women from obstetric clinics, research registries, and community advocacy groups who were either in their third trimester of pregnancy or within a year postpartum. Participants completed one-on-one interviews describing their experiences of self-advocacy. These data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis approaches that summarized women's experiences by iteratively creating major themes and subthemes that encapsulate their self-advocacy descriptions. Fifteen Black women completed interviews. Major themes and subthemes describing women's experience of self-advocacy were the following: (1) carrying a burden with subthemes of having to be good and easy, not trusting health care information and providers, and being dismissed; (2) building comfort with health care providers with subthemes of trusting I have a good provider, comfort in knowing they understand, and wanting low-touch, high-concern care; and (3) advocating for my child and myself when I need to with subthemes of going with the flow, becoming informed, pushing to ask questions, and balancing being proactive and pushy. Women reported self-advocating mainly due to experiences related to the burdens associated with not trusting providers and health care information. These findings provide clarity to how women carefully balance between ensuring their health is taken seriously while not jeopardizing their health or that of their newborn. This study offers promising directions to support Black women in advocating for their perinatal health care needs and values.

Integrating a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Into an Academic Hospital's Obstetric Clinic: A Pilot Study.

Black recipients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have low breastfeeding rates. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if prenatal education by a breastfeeding peer counselor in an academic obstetric clinic is feasible and could improve WIC-eligible participants' breastfeeding self-efficacy and in-hospital breastfeeding rates. Pregnant participants (N = 57) were randomized into either an intervention group, which spoke briefly with a breastfeeding peer counselor immediately after their clinic appointment, or a comparison group, which received usual prenatal obstetric care only. Integrating a breastfeeding peer counselor into an academic obstetric clinic proved feasible and improved the intervention group's overall pre- to postscores on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. This small pilot study showed no significant difference in in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding rates between the groups.

Characteristics and effects on daily lives of pelvic girdle pain during early postpartum in Beijing women, China

ABSTRACT Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common problem during pregnancy and postpartum and negatively affects women’s well-being. Yet it is not well known in China. This study assessed PGP’s intensity, location, and quality and the status of daily activities on postpartum women with pain, and explored the relationship between pain and the prevalence of depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional study recruiting 1,038 eligible women at 6 weeks postpartum from the obstetric clinic of a hospital was conducted in Beijing, China. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including Introductory information form, Body chart, Number Rating Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire-2, Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. In this study, 32.2 percent women experienced pain. The mean (SD) pain intensity score was 3.07 ± 1.60. About 50.6 percent women experienced sacroiliac joint pain, and 25.5 percent women experienced pain in a combination of locations. About 73.1 percent women experienced aching pain, and 57.5 percent experienced more than one kind of pain quality. The mean total score, which assesses activity and symptom limitations, was 21.93 ± 17.35 (percent), of which a normal sex life (1.29 ± 0.94) was made more challenging due to pain. In mental health, the prevalence of depressive symptoms coincided with the prevalence of pain (p = 0.008). Postpartum PGP still needs to be taken seriously, and women with pain require further support. The above knowledge offers information to manage pain, daily lives and depressive symptoms, contributes to think about strategies to better promote postpartum women physical and mental health in the future.

Determinants of distress levels in high-risk pregnant women – cross-sectional study

Introduction and aim. Global and national care recommendations indicate that women with high-risk pregnancies should receive personalized and qualified care during this period. This study was conducted to determine the distress levels in high-risk pregnant women and affecting factors. Material and methods. The cross-sectional this study was conducted with total of 416 high-risk pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria in the obstetrics clinic of a training and research hospital. The study data were collected with data collection form and “Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS).” Results. The mean TPDS total score of high-risk pregnant women was 18.25±6.85. It was found that planning pregnancy, gravida, and diagnosis of gestational hypertension, systemic diseases, and gestational diabetes in the present pregnancy was asso ciated with pregnancy-specific distress (p&lt;0.05; β=0.291, β=0.158, β=0.272, β=0.137, β=0.116, respectively). Conclusion. It is advised that health professionals assess the distress levels of high-risk pregnant women and give personalized care during prenatal period.

Physical activity among pregnant inpatients and outpatients and associations with anxiety

ObjectivePhysical activity is linked to lower anxiety, but little is known about the association during pregnancy. This is especially important for antepartum inpatients, who are known to have increased anxiety yet may not be able to achieve target levels of physical activity during hospitalization. We compared physical activity metrics between pregnant inpatients and outpatients and explored correlations with anxiety. Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective cohort between 2021 and 2022 of pregnant people aged 18–55 years carrying singleton gestations ≥ 16 weeks. Three exposure groups were matched for gestational age: 1) outpatients from general obstetric clinics; 2) outpatients from high-risk Maternal-Fetal Medicine obstetric clinics; and 3) antepartum inpatients. Participants wore Actigraph GT9X Link accelerometer watches for up to 7 days to measure physical activity. The primary outcome was mean daily step count. Secondary outcomes were metabolic equivalent tasks (METs), hourly kilocalories (kcals), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) bursts, and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]). Step counts were compared using multivariable generalized estimating equations adjusting for maternal age, body-mass index, and insurance type as a socioeconomic construct, accounting for within-group clustering by gestational age. Spearman correlations were used to correlate anxiety scores with step counts. Results58 participants were analyzed. Compared to outpatients, inpatients had significantly lower mean daily steps (primary outcome, adjusted beta −2185, 95 % confidence interval [CI] −3146, −1224, p < 0.01), METs (adjusted beta −0.18, 95 % CI −0.23, −0.13, p < 0.01), MVPAs (adjusted beta −38.2, 95 % CI −52.3, −24.1, p < 0.01), and kcals (adjusted beta –222.9, 95 % CI −438.0, −7.8, p = 0.04). Over the course of the week, steps progressively decreased for inpatients (p-interaction 0.01) but not for either of the outpatient groups. Among the entire cohort, lower step counts correlated with higher anxiety scores (r = 0.30, p = 0.02). ConclusionWe present antenatal population norms and variance for step counts, metabolic equivalent tasks, moderate to vigorous physical activity bursts, and kcals, as well as correlations with anxiety. Antepartum inpatients had significantly lower physical activity than outpatients, and lower step counts correlated with higher anxiety levels. These results highlight the need for physical activity interventions, particularly for hospitalized pregnant people.

Validation of the questionnaire "Pregnancy Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (pVHS)" toward COVID-19 vaccine for Malaysian pregnant women.

Pregnancy is one of the risks for severe COVID-19 infection, and receiving a vaccination is one of the effective methods to reduce disease severity. However, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women remains an issue. This study aims to develop and validate the pregnancy Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (pVHS) toward COVID-19 vaccine for Malaysian pregnant women. An 8-item Malay language pregnancy Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (pVHS-M) for COVID-19 was adapted from the adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis. Six expert panels were involved in content validity, and ten pregnant women were involved in face validity. A cross-sectional study on 200 pregnant women was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. The item-level content validity index is 1.00, demonstrating good relevance of the eight items used to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The item-level face validity index obtained is 0.99, indicating that the items were clear and comprehensible. The Cronbach alpha score was 0.944, with factor loadings ranging from 0.79 to 0.89. The pVHS-M demonstrated good internal consistency, indicating that it is a valid and reliable tool for assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women.

Distribution of Deliveries According to Robson Classification: Experiences in Tertiary Care

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cesarean deliveries performed in the obstetrics clinic of our hospital according to the Robson classification and to determine the Robson group affecting the cesarean section rates. Methods: The aim of the study was to retrospectively analyse caesarean deliveries in patients who applied to Ankara Ataturk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital and whose deliveries were performed by using the Robson Ten Group Classification System. Our study group included pregnant women who were admitted to the delivery room of our hospital, who gave birth in our hospital and who did not have any obstetric risk factors. Demographic data of the patients were obtained from hospital records. Results: According to the inclusion criteria, the data of 550 of these patients were evaluated. Accordingly, 249 of the deliveries were by caesarean section. The rate of caesarean section among all deliveries was 45.3%. 6.80% of the pregnant women who delivered by caesarean section were in the first group according to Robson classification (nulliparous, head presentation, ≥37 weeks, singleton, spontaneous onset of trauma) and 12.0% were in the second group according to Robson classification (nulliparous, head presentation, ≥37 weeks, induced or induced caesarean section before the onset of trauma, singleton). Conclusion: The cesarean section rate in Turkey was 54.4% and the primary cesarean section rate was 26.5%. The risk of maternal morbidity and mortality and perinatal morbidity increases after an off-label caesarean section, leading to negative consequences in terms of maternal, neonatal and economic health.