Past Pregnancy Research Articles

The Role of Density in Achieving Volume and Weight Symmetry in Breast Reconstruction.

Knowledge of tissue and implant density is crucial in obtaining both volume and weight symmetry in unilateral breast reconstruction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine and compare the density of abdominal and breast tissue specimens as well as of 5th generation breast implants. Thirty-one breast tissue and 30 abdominal tissue specimens from 61 patients undergoing either mammaplasty or abdominoplasty as well as five different 5th generation breast implants were examined. Density (g/mL) was calculated by applying the water displacement method. The mean specimen density was 0.94 ± 0.02 g/mL for breast tissue and 0.94 ± 0.02 g/mL for abdominal tissue, showing no significant difference (p = 0.230). Breast tissue density significantly (p = 0.04) decreased with age, while abdominal tissue did not. A regression equation to calculate the density of breast tissue corrected for age (breast density [g/mL] = 0.975-0.0007 * age) is provided. Breast tissue density was not related to body mass index, past pregnancy, or a history of breastfeeding. The breast implants had a density ranging from 0.76 to 1.03 g/mL which differed significantly from breast tissue density (-0.19 g/mL [-19.8%] to +0.09 g/mL [+9.58%]; p ≤ 0.001). Our results support the suitability of abdominal-based perforator flaps in achieving both volume and weight symmetry in unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. Abdominal flap volume can be derived one-to-one from mastectomy weight. Further, given significant brand-dependent density differences, the potential to impose weight disbalances when performing unilateral implant-based reconstructions of large breasts should be considered.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of pregnant women towards the influenza vaccine in Trinidad.

Pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk of influenza-related complications. The World Health Organisation recommends influenza vaccination to this high-risk population as the highest priority. A knowledge, attitudes,beliefs, and practices (KAP) of pregnant women towards the influenza vaccine in Trinidad. It was disseminated to 480 pregnant women attending the clinic and completed by 146 yielding a response rate of 30%. Women who received the vaccine in a past pregnancy were nine times more likely to consider taking the vaccine in the current pregnancy. There was a statistically significant difference in vaccine uptake based on the source of information received by participants about the influenza vaccine (χ2 (3) = 9.864, P = 0.020), with the highest mean score for uptake shown in women who received information from a health care provider. A moderate, positive correlation was found between knowledge and vaccine uptake (rs (143) =0.430, P < 0.01), a weak, positive correlation between perceived susceptibility and vaccine uptake (rs (143) = 0.264, P < 0.01), and a weak, positive correlation between knowledge and perceived susceptibility (rs (143) = 0.229, P < 0.01). The study findings highlight that the source of information significantly influences vaccine uptake, with health care providers being the most influential source. This underscores the role of primary care physicians in providing accurate and up-to-date information about influenza vaccination to pregnant women. There is a need for accurate information and recommendations to be given to pregnant women by all health care workers including primary care physicians in order to increase vaccine uptake and reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Family building and pregnancy experiences of cisgender sexual minority women

Family building and pregnancy experiences of cisgender sexual minority women

Women's heart clinics to prevent cardiovascular disease in women with pregnancy-related risk factors: a prospective study

Abstract Background A woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is substantially increased after a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes (GDM), or have had a small for gestational age (SGA) baby. However, evidence for models of care that mitigate CVD risk in women with these pregnancy-related conditions is lacking. Purpose To assess the effectiveness of a Women’s Heart Clinic (WHC) on blood pressure (BP) and lipid control in women with past pregnancy-related cardiovascular risk factors. Method A six-month prospective cohort study of women aged 30-55 years with a past pregnancy diagnosis of HDP, GDM or an SGA baby. All women attended a multidisciplinary WHC comprising a cardiologist, a cardiac nurse, and a dietician, located in three cardiovascular healthcare service centers in Australia. Women were assessed at their first attendance of the WHC and at 6 months. The co-primary endpoints were: 1) BP&amp;lt;140/90mmHg or &amp;lt;130/80mmHg if diabetes mellitus and 2) total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL-C)&amp;lt;4.5. Results 156 women were recruited with a mean age of 41.0±4.2 years, 68.6% Caucasian, 20.5% South/East Asian and 80.5% university educated. Women were a mean of 3.9±2.9 years from last delivery with 23.1% past HDP only, 60.3% GDM only, 13.5% both HDP and GDM and, 3.2% with an SGA baby. All women attended a WHC at least once, with 69.5% reviewed by a dietician. The proportion meeting BP target increased (69.2% to 80.5%, p=0.004); with no significant change in women meeting lipid targets (80.6% to 83.7%, p=0.182). Women had significant reductions in mean systolic BP (-6.9mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -9.1,-4.7, p&amp;lt;0.001), body mass index (-0.6kg/m2, CI: -0.8,-0.3, p&amp;lt;0.001), LDL-cholesterol (-4.2mg/dL, CI: -8.2,-0.2, p=0.042) and total cholesterol (-4.6mg/dL, CI: -9.1,-0.2, p=0.042). Heart-healthy lifestyle significantly improved with increased fish/olive oil (36.5% to 51.0%, p=0.012) and decreased fast food consumption (33.8% to 11.0%, P&amp;lt;0.001), with more women meeting exercise recommendations (84.0% to 92.9%, p=0.025). Conclusion Women at high risk for CVD due to past pregnancy-related conditions experienced significant improvements in multiple cardiovascular risk factors, after attending a Women’s Heart Clinic. This female-specific cardiovascular healthcare model has the potential to improve long-term CVD outcomes for women.Figure 1:Visual abstract

Review of the Screening Guidelines for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: How to Choose Wisely.

Currently, there is no international unanimity regarding the timings, the optimal cut-off points, and standardized methods of screening or diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The screening guidelines and recommendations for GDM evolved over time; concise information has been presented here in the review. We searched electronic databases for various guidelines for screening of GDM in PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Scopus, Guidelines International Network (GIN library), National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC); Web sites of relevant organizations; and trial registries. The mesh headings derived after reviewing the articles and were used to further search the articles are: ("Screening Guidelines GDM" or "Screening Criteria for GDM") and ("Glucose Intolerance in Pregnancy" or "Gestational Diabetes Mellitus"). The articles published from 1960 till December 2022 were included. Key outcomes included the prevalence of GDM is 14.6% according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria and 13.4% according to Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria, making the DIPSI criterion a cost-effective method for low-resource settings. The IADPSG) criterion diagnoses and treats GDM earlier, thus reducing the complications associated with GDM in the mother and newborn. The IADPSG criteria at a cut-off of ≥140 mg/dL have a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 93%, whereas the World Health Organization (2013) criteria at the same cut-off has a lower sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 81%. The risk factors of having GDM are family history, history during past pregnancy, medical history, multiple current pregnancies, and raised hemoglobin A1c. The screening guidelines have been developed by different organizations and institutions over the years. The guidelines with the threshold values for screening and their standardization for detecting GDM in Indian mothers are yet to be established.

THU301 Natural History Of Pregnancy And Pregnancy Outcomes In Subjects With Lipodystrophy

Abstract Disclosure: T.J. Neal: None. M.S. Startzell: None. E. Cochran: None. M. Lightbourne: None. R.J. Brown: None. Lipodystrophy syndromes are a group of rare heterogenous disorders characterized by deficiency of adipose tissue in a regional distribution (Partial Lipodystrophy, PL) or all of the body (Generalized Lipodystrophy, GL), leading to severe insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. During pregnancy in patients with lipodystrophy, insulin resistance worsens during late gestation, leading to pregnancy complications that may threaten the lives of the fetus and mother. Case reports have suggested increased risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia in patients with lipodystrophy. We sought to systematically examine pregnancy complications and offspring outcomes in lipodystrophy through a prospective study involving structured interviews with patients with known lipodystrophy and past pregnancy. Data were collected in 7 patients with PL (2 LMNA, PPARG, 4 unknown genetic cause) and 1 with GL (AGPAT2). These 7 patients had 21 pregnancies (mean 2.6), including 19 singleton and 2 twin gestations. 14 pregnancies (67%) were spontaneous and 7 (33%) required fertility treatment. 10 pregnancies (48%) in 6 patients resulted in 12 live births (7 term, 3 preterm; 3 vaginal and 8 C-section delivery) and 11 (52%) resulted in miscarriage (9 first trimester, 2 second trimester in 1 patient due to cervical insufficiency). There were no episodes of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy. Among the 10 pregnancies resulting in live birth, 100% were complicated by diabetes. 5 (50%) had pre-gestational diabetes and 5 (50%) had gestational diabetes that resolved after delivery. 8 (80%) required insulin during pregnancy (of whom none required insulin pre-pregnancy). 5 (50%) of these pregnancies were complicated by pre-eclampsia. Among all 21 pregnancies, metformin was used in 8 (38%), insulin in 8 (38%), metreleptin in 4 (19%) pregnancies (all 4 of which were in 1 patient with GL), and fenofibrate in 2 (9.5%). Among 12 offspring, 1 (8%) was small for gestational age (GA), 8 (67%) were appropriate for GA and 3 (25%) were large for GA. 6 (50%) had neonatal hypoglycemia. In summary, pregnancies in women with lipodystrophy showed high complication rates, including very high rates of miscarriage, diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Larger studies are needed to determine how management of these patients during pregnancy, including with newer treatments such as metreleptin for GL, affects pregnancy and offspring outcomes. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Exploring prenatal testing preferences among US pregnant individuals: A discrete choice experiment.

Although there are numerous benefits to diagnostic prenatal testing, such as fetal exome sequencing, there are also consequences, including the possibility of receiving variants of uncertain significance or identifying secondary findings. In this study, we utilized a survey-based discrete choice experiment to elicit the preferences of pregnant people in Northern California for hypothetical prenatal genomic tests. Pregnant individuals were invited to complete the survey through advertisements on social media. Five test attributes were studied: likelihood of getting a result, time taken to receive results, who explains results, reporting of uncertain results, and reporting of secondary findings. The survey also gathered information about the participants' demographics, current and past pregnancies, and tolerance of uncertainty using the IUS-12 scale. Participants were eligible if they were female, currently 24 or more weeks pregnant, and able to read/write enough English or Spanish to complete an online survey. Overall, participants (n = 56) preferred the option of having a prenatal test over not having a prenatal test (p < 0.01) and had substantially higher preferences for tests with the highest likelihood of getting a result (p < 0.01). There were also positive preferences for tests that reported secondary findings (p = 0.01) and those where results were returned by a genetic specialist (vs. their prenatal provider) (p = 0.04). These findings can be used to guide conversations between pregnant individuals and genetics specialists, such as genetic counselors, as they weigh the pros and cons of diagnostic prenatal testing options.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women With Pregnancy-Related Risk Factors: A Prospective Women's Heart Clinic Study.

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and having a small-for-gestational-age baby are known to substantially increase a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, evidence for models of care that mitigate cardiovascular disease risk in women with these pregnancy-related conditions is lacking. Methods and Results A 6-month prospective cohort study assessed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary Women's Heart Clinic on blood pressure and lipid control in women aged 30 to 55 years with a past pregnancy diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, or a small-for-gestational age baby in Melbourne, Australia. The co-primary end points were (1) blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg or <130/80 mm Hg if diabetes and (2) total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio <4.5. The study recruited 156 women with a mean age of 41.0±4.2 years, 3.9±2.9 years from last delivery, 68.6% White, 20.5% South/East Asian, and 80.5% university-educated. The proportion meeting blood pressure target increased (69.2% to 80.5%, P=0.004), with no significant change in lipid targets (80.6% to 83.7%, P=0.182). Systolic blood pressure (-6.9 mm Hg [95% CI, -9.1 to -4.7], P<0.001), body mass index (-0.6 kg/m2 [95% CI, -0.8 to -0.3], P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-4.2 mg/dL [95% CI, -8.2 to -0.2], P=0.042), and total cholesterol (-4.6 mg/dL [95% CI, -9.1 to -0.2] P=0.042) reduced. Heart-healthy lifestyle significantly improved with increased fish/olive oil (36.5% to 51.0%, P=0.012), decreased fast food consumption (33.8% to 11.0%, P<0.001), and increased physical activity (84.0% to 92.9%, P=0.025). Conclusions Women at high risk for cardiovascular disease due to past pregnancy-related conditions experienced significant improvements in multiple cardiovascular risk factors after attending a Women's Heart Clinic, potentially improving long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes. Registration URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au; Unique identifier: ACTRN12622000646741.

Estrogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals differentially impact the bioenergetic fluxes of mammary epithelial cells in two- and three-dimensional models

Estrogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals differentially impact the bioenergetic fluxes of mammary epithelial cells in two- and three-dimensional models

Recall of residential history and dietary habits during pregnancy and lactation in the distant past: reliability of questionnaire-based radiation doses for persons exposed in utero and early life.

This study evaluates the reliability of information obtained by standardized questionnaires used in by personal interviews for estimation of radiation thyroid doses of 1065 individuals in the Belarusian cohort of individuals who were exposed in utero and early life following the Chernobyl accident in April 1986. Data from two interviews conducted in 2012-2017 and in 2018-2022 with mothers, who were pregnant or gave birth shortly after the Chernobyl accident, were analysed. The most reliable answers dealt with various attributes related to residential history. In contrast, the reliability of answers regarding consumption rates of milk from privately owned cows or trade network was moderate, while the agreement in responses for consumption of milk products and leafy vegetables was fair. Information from the two interviews was used to calculate thyroid doses received by the cohort members. Specifically, 'model-based' thyroid doses due to 131I were estimated using input data on individual residential history and food consumption reported during the personal interviews and ecological data (131I ground deposition in the corresponding settlements). In addition, for a subset of cohort subjects (n = 205) whose mothers were measured for 131I thyroid activity, 'measurement-based' thyroid doses were calculated by adjusting the model-based dose using a scaling factor that is defined as the ratio of measured 131I thyroid activity to model-based 131I thyroid activity calculated for the date of measurement. A moderate agreement was observed for total (prenatal and postnatal) model-based thyroid doses due to 131I intake, the arithmetic mean ± standard deviation for the Jaccard similarity coefficient ([Formula: see text]) was 0.45 ± 0.34 (median = 0.39), while measurement-based doses showed a much better agreement with a [Formula: see text] of 0.78 ± 0.29 (median = 0.93). For model-based thyroid doses from external irradiation and from ingestion of 134Cs and 137Cs, [Formula: see text] was 0.82 ± 0.23 (median = 0.90) and 0.84 ± 0.24 (median = 0.96), respectively. Measurement-based doses due to ingestion of radiocaesium isotopes resulted in an almost perfect agreement, [Formula: see text] was 0.91 ± 0.19 (median = 1.0). The present findings suggest that long-term memory recall can be reliable, if a person is asked about unique or important life events, such as pregnancy and childbirth occurring around the time of a nuclear reactor accident. However, the substantial difference (more than 10 times) observed for model-bases doses calculated using the two questionnaires represents an important source of human factor uncertainties that needs to be considered in any dose response analyses. Other lessons learned from this study are that (i) individual measurements of radionuclides in the human body are the most valuable source of information for estimating radiation doses, and (ii) whenever a radiation accident occurs, a sample of affected people should be asked to keep a diary, if at all possible.

Web-Based Survey Piloting Process as a Model for Developing and Testing Past Contraceptive Use and Pregnancy History: Cystic Fibrosis Case Study.

Individuals with complex, chronic diseases are now living longer, making reproductive health an important topic to address in the health care setting. Self-respondent surveys are a feasible way to collect past contraceptive use and pregnancy history to assess contraceptive safety and effectiveness. Because sensitive topics, such as contraception and pregnancy outcomes, can vary across social groups or cultures, piloting questions and evaluating survey administration procedures in the target population are necessary for precise and reliable responses before wide distribution. This study aimed to develop a precise and reliable survey instrument and related procedures among individuals with cystic fibrosis regarding contraceptive use and obstetrical history. We piloted and tested web-based questions related to contraceptive use and pregnancy history among 50 participants with and those without cystic fibrosis aged 18 to 45 years using a 3-tier process. Findings from each tier informed changes to the questionnaire before testing in the subsequent tier. Tier 1 used cognitive pretesting to assess question understanding and the need for memory prompts. In tier 2, we used test-retest self- and interviewer-administered approaches to assess question reliability, evaluate response missingness, and determine confidence between 2 types of survey administration approaches. In tier 3, we tested the questionnaire for clarity, time to complete, and whether additional prompts were necessary. In tier 1, respondents suggested improvements to the web-based survey questions and to the written and visual prompts for better recall regarding past contraceptive use. In tier 2, the test-retest reliability between self- and interviewer-administrative procedures of "ever use" contraceptive method questions was similar, with percent absolute agreement ranging between 84% and 100%. When the survey was self-administered, the percentage of missing responses was higher and respondent confidence about month and year when contraceptive methods were used was lower. Most respondents reported that they preferred the self-administered survey because it was more convenient and faster to complete. Our 3-tier process to pilot web-based survey questions related to contraceptive and obstetrical history in our complex disease population helped us tailor content and format questions before wide dissemination to our target population. Results from this pilot study informed the subsequent larger study design to include a 10% respondent test-retest self- and interviewer-administered quality control component to better inform imputation procedures of missing data.

Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated With Improved Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women With Past Pregnancy Complications

Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated With Improved Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women With Past Pregnancy Complications

Characterizing two models for abortion care in Argentina pre-Law 27.610: 2016-2019.

Explore the use of two abortion care models in Argentina over the period 2016-2019: pro-rights private medical service providers and abortion accompaniment (via self-management and via health institutions); and compare the profile of who accesses these models and when. We used data from accompaniment collectives in the Socorristas en Red and private service providers. We estimated annual abortion rates via these service models and compared the profile of the populations by type of service and gestational age (2019) using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. In 2016, 37 people per 100,000 women of reproductive age obtained accompanied self-managed abortions, and the number increased to 111 per 100,000 in 2019, a threefold increase. The rate of abortions via care providers was 18 per 100,000 in 2016 and 33 in 2019. Higher proportions of those who obtained abortion via care providers were 30 years or older. A higher proportion of those accompanied were 19 years or younger; 11% of those who obtained accompanied self-managed abortions were more than 12 weeks gestation compared with 7% among those who had accompanied abortions via health institutions and 0.2% among those who had abortions with private providers. A higher proportion of those who accessed accompanied abortions after 12 weeks gestation had lower educational levels, did not work or have social security coverage, had more past pregnancies, and attempted to terminate their pregnancies prior to contacting the Socorristas compared to those who had accompanied abortions at 12 weeks or earlier. In Argentina, prior to Law 27.610 models of care guaranteed access to safe abortion. It is important to continue making visible and legitimizing these models of care so that all those who decide to have an abortion, whether inside or outside health institutions, have safe and positive experiences.

#4180 HYPERTENSION, HYPOKALEMIA AND PREGNANCY: A CASE OF GELLER SYNDROME

Abstract Background and Aims Hypokalemia is not a common laboratory finding in pregnancy, with a recent study revealing a prevalence of less than 1%, nationwide [1]. In a pregnant patient with newfound hypertension and hypokalemia, it is important to consider causes that would affect the Renin-Angiotension-Aldosterone pathway. Although these causes are usually suspected in patients with a triad of hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, the latter finding may not be present in pregnant patients given metabolic compensation for their respiratory alkalosis of pregnancy. Method A 27 year old, 36 week and 5 day pregnant female presented to her OBGYN follow up appointment at the beginning of the year. At that time, she was found to be hypokalemic and was admitted overnight for potassium repletion, consisting of 40 mEq of oral potassium chloride and 40 mEq of intravenous potassium. She was discharged after that with a follow up appointment scheduled the next month. At that clinic visit, her potassium was 2.6 mmol/L and she was admitted for further workup. The patient was also hypertensive, with a blood pressure markedly increased from her baseline value. The patient endorsed having elevated blood pressures during her previous pregnancy with normalization after delivery. She stated that she was followed at a different outpatient clinic at that time, so she did not have all the records, however was told she suffered from pre-eclampsia. During this current admission, patient did note dyspnea, fatigue and generalized weakness. She denied any diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress. Her physical examination was unremarkable. Spot urine potassium was 19 with a serum potassium of 2.8 mmol/L after 40 mEq of potassium supplementation. Aldosterone was &amp;lt;3 ng/dL and renin was 4.8 pg/mL. Urine protein to creatinine ratio was 167 mg/g with normal liver enzymes. Her magnesium level was 1.8 mg/dL. The patient had a vaginal delivery with improvement in blood pressure. No antihypertensive agents were required. During subsequent outpatient visits, her potassium also started to improve and she was eventually weaned off supplementation. Given an unremarkable physical examination along with hypokalemia and hypertension which resolved after delivery, a diagnosis of Geller syndrome was made. Genetic testing was considered but could not be performed. Results In Geller syndrome, a gain-of-function mutation allows progesterone to bind and stimulate the mineralocorticoid receptor. Clinically, this presents as a patient who develops hypertension and hypokalemia during states of high circulating progesterone, such as pregnancy. Often these derangements resolve after cessation of high levels of progesterone, such as delivery of fetus, without major intervention. Conclusion High clinical suspicion is needed for pregnant patients who present with hypertension and hypokalemia. Reviewing records of past pregnancies can often shed light in this patient population, specifically the resolution of the blood pressure and potassium derangements after delivery of fetus. Newer evaluation techniques, such as genetic testing, can also play an important role with identifying this condition and allowing for counselling prior to subsequent pregnancies. Treatment typically consists of electrolyte supplementation and blood pressure control until birth occurs.

Ayurvedic management of Tubal Blockage: A Case Study

Infertility a multifactorial disorder is a major contributor to emotional disturbances and reduced quality of life. Out of the many factors, tubal factors causing infertility account for about 25-30 % of all cases of infertility.[1] Infections, abdominal surgery, and diseases such as endometriosis can cause scarring at the inner linings of fallopian tubes. STDS, past ectopic pregnancy and any previous abdominal surgeries may cause tubal blockage.[2] The fallopian tube is the Kshetra for Garbhadhan, as it carries the gamete before and zygote after fertilization. Going through various signs and symptoms we can understand that it is a Vata dominated Tridoshaja Vyadhi, where Kapha Dosha also contributes to the formation of block. Uttara Basti is emerging as a boon in treating blocked fallopian tubes. The drugs having Vata Kapha Shamaka, Tridoshagna properties, and drugs with Sukshma, Sara, Katu, Ushna, and Pramathi properties helps to remove the blockage and restore tubal functions. In the present case study, both Shodhana and Samana Chikitsa were adopted. The combination of Mahanarayana Taila, Kshara Taila and Phala Gritha having Lekhaniya and Vata Kapha Shamaka property is proven beneficial in treating tubal blockage.

Pregnancies in the United States by Desire for Pregnancy: Estimates for 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015

We examine whether changes in U.S. pregnancy, birth, and abortion rates between 2009 and 2015 reflect underlying change in the incidence of pregnancies classified by retrospectively reported pregnancy desires: pregnancies reported as having occurred at about the right time, later than wanted, too soon, or not wanted at all, and those for which individuals expressed other feelings, including uncertainty, ambivalence, or indifference. We calculate the proportionate distributions of these pregnancies and rates among U.S. women aged 15–44, as well as change over time, overall and among age groups. Characterization of desires for a past pregnancy shifted in a number of ways between 2009 and 2015, and changes across age groups were not uniform. Rates of pregnancies reported as occurring later than wanted increased among older women, while rates of pregnancies reported as occurring too soon decreased among all women. These findings shed light on previous research documenting an increasing age at first birth, increasing rates of pregnancy and childbearing among the oldest age groups, and changes in patterns of contraceptive use, particularly among young women. Our analysis explores limitations and challenges of two major sources of data on pregnancies in the United States and their measures of retrospectively reported pregnancy desires.

'How is our job affecting us?' Neonatal Intensive Care Unit healthcare providers and their pregnancy: A descriptive qualitative study.

The aim of this study was to understand the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) healthcare providers' (HCPs) experiences and needs during their own past, present and desired pregnancies. It has been reported that HCPs' personal and professional lives are mutually interconnected. Given the NICU HCPs' knowledge of the risks and potential adverse outcomes of newborns admitted to the NICU, their pregnancy experience may be more challenging than that of the general population. However, to date, these aspects are still little studied. A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and April 2021 in a single third-level NICU in northeastern Italy. Transcripts were analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings are reported according to the COREQ guidelines. Nineteen HCPs participated in this study. Participants included 12 nurses, 6 medical doctors, and 1 paediatric physical therapist. All participants reported that their professional knowledge and experience influenced their pregnancy-related experiences, emotions and behaviours. Some participants employed adaptive coping strategies, while others were likely to experience post-traumatic stress reactions. The narratives of the men and women were similar. Three themes were identified: 'Feeling different'; 'Influence of work experience on decision-making'; 'Coping with difficulties'. To reduce the potential impact of NICU HCPs' work experience on pregnancy, family functioning and infant health, management of parental emotions should be considered for this population. Hospital managers could prevent the potential distress of vulnerable NICU healthcare workers during pregnancy by tailoring interventions aimed at supporting them in becoming aware and making sense of their work experiences or sensitizing individual psychological support. Moreover, university students should be offered self-help strategies to face potential dual role conflicts in their future careers. No patient or public contribution.

An examination of the association between forced sex history and reproductive coercion experiences among Black women attending STD clinics in Baltimore, MD, USA

BackgroundReproductive coercion victimization (RCV) is a significant public health issue that negatively affects women’s sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Less is known about reproductive coercion perpetration (RCP). Few studies have examined these phenomena among representative samples of Black women.MethodsRetrospective data of women (n = 298) attending STD clinics in Baltimore, MD were analyzed. We calculated lifetime and 12-month prevalence reports of reproductive coercion, and reported values stratified by forced sex history. Binomial logistic regression models were used to examine the association between forced sex history and RCV, accounting for other types of violence typologies.ResultsLifetime and past 12-month RCV and RCP prevalence were higher among women with forced sex experiences than their counterparts (Lifetime RCV: 46.9% versus 17.5%; past 12-month RCV: 19.4% versus 8.5%. Lifetime RCP: 24.5% versus 17%; past 12-month RCP: 13.3% versus 10.5%). Adjusted models, lifetime reproductive coercion: Women reporting forced sex had a 3.58 times higher odds of having had experienced RCV compared to women not reporting forced sex (AOR 3.58; 95% CI 2.00, 6.46). Women reporting forced sex had a 3.66 times higher odds of having ever experienced pregnancy coercion compared to their counterparts (AOR 3.66; 95% CI 1.93, 7.03) and 4.30 times higher odds of having ever experienced condom manipulation (AOR 4.30; 95% CI 2.15, 8.86). Adjusted models, past 12-month reproductive coercion: Women reporting forced sex had a 2.72 times higher odds of having had experienced past 12-month RCV compared to women not reporting forced sex (AOR 2.72; 95% CI 1.27, 5.91). Women reporting forced sex had a 3.25 times higher odds of having experienced past 12-month pregnancy coercion compared to their counterparts (AOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.38, 7.83) and 3.41 times higher odds of having experienced past 12-month condom manipulation (AOR 3.41; 95% CI 1.14, 10.98).ConclusionsParticipants in our study reported high rates of RCV. Our novel exploration revealed significantly high rates of co-occurring forced sex experiences and RCV and initial prevalence report of RCP. Agencies have a unique opportunity to intervene by implementing screening protocols and referrals for supportive services. These findings may inform future intervention research efforts aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes among Black women.

Fertility and contraceptive dynamics amidst COVID-19: who is at greatest risk for unintended pregnancy among a cohort of adolescents and young adults in Nairobi, Kenya?

ObjectivesAmong youth in Nairobi, we (1) characterised fertility and contraceptive use dynamics by gender; (2) estimated pregnancy prevalence over the pandemic; and (3) assessed factors associated with unintended pandemic pregnancy...

Evaluation of Reducing the Excess Abdominal Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Anterior Abdominal Wall Laxity: A Prospective Observational Study at Dhaka Medical College Hospital

Background: Lax abdominal muscles cause laxity or bulging. This is generally a consequence of age or post-pregnancy, causing the abdominal rectus muscles and fascia that overlies and divides them to weaken. Abdominoplasty, a popular cosmetic surgery, has improved in recent years. helped minimize abdominal fat and skin. Medical institutions are diagnosing and treating obesity at an increasing pace. Objective: The purpose of the study was reduce the excess abdominal skin,subcutaneous tissue and anterior abdominal wall laxity. Methods: The duration of this prospective observational research was from July 2014 to April 2015. The research population consisted of patients hospitalized to the Plastic Surgery Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and numerous private hospitals in Dhaka with extra abdominal skin and abdominal wall laxity owing to various causes, such as past pregnancy or severe weight loss. From the study population, 30 instances that satisfied the enrollment requirements were chosen. Results: The majority of patients (26, or 86.67 %) were female, and 76 % were married. At the time of surgery, the average age was 41.3 years. The total complication rate was 40%, with just four serious complications (13.33%) and the most being mild (9, 30 % ). Seroma (3, 10%), infection (2, 6.67%), hematoma (2, 6.67%), wound dehiscence (1, 3.33%), partial flap loss (2, 6.67%), umbilical stenosis (1, 3.33%), epidermolysis (1, 3.33%), DVT (1, 3.33%) were the most prevalent complications (1, 3.33 % ). Very excellent (19, 66.3%), good (9, 30%), and adequate were patients' ratings of satisfaction (2, 6 % ). No patient reported low or extremely bad satisfaction. Conclusion: Abdominoplasty may be done with little risk and provides excellent results. Patients reported relief from their symptoms and satisfaction with the result. However, there was a high rate of mild problems, most of which involved wound healing. At most cases, problems were mild and quickly treated in a doctor's office.