Stages Of Pregnancy Research Articles

Need for individualized counseling regarding psoriasis systemic therapy in women of childbearing age: analysis of the PsoFem study at the University Medical Center Hamburg.

For patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and current childbearing/pregnancy, the choice of therapy is limited. The present study compared the disease burden and treatment choices in women of childbearing age (WoCBA) with and without a current wish for pregnancy. Female patients aged 18 to 45 years, with moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris, were consecutively recruited. The patients reported on sociodemographic/reproductive characteristics and quality of life impairments. The physicians assessed disease severity, comorbidities, and current treatment(s). Both patients' and dermatologists' perceptions of shared decision-making for the current systemic treatment were surveyed. Participants were 145 WoCBA with psoriasis: 73 were pregnant or reported a desire to conceive (group CB+) and 72 reported no wish to have (more) children (group CB-). Patients without childbearing wishes were older and often had previous children; no significant differences in clinical features or quality of life impairments were found. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the CB+ group were prescribed tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers, particularly certolizumab pegol. This treatment option was associated with previous children and the desire to conceive, but not with disease variables. Family planning was more often discussed and considered in the clinical decision for the CB+ group, but patient-doctor agreement for shared decision-making was fair-to-moderate. The small sample size prevented comparative analyses between patients planning a pregnancy in the short- vs long-term future. In addition, specific variables related to the decision-making process for the current therapy need to be assessed and examined in more detail in further research. For WoCBA with childbearing wishes, tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers were most frequently prescribed, in accordance with current guidelines/recommendations. Decision-making for continuing or changing systemic therapy during pregnancy must take into account medication specificities and the vulnerable stages in pregnancy, as well as the limited amount of pregnancy-compatible drugs.

Oocyte donation pregnancies with high fetal-maternal immunogenetic dissimilarity show alterations in the maternal peripheral immunoregulatory response

Oocyte donation (OD) pregnancies result in increased fetal-maternal immunogenetic dissimilarity due to paternal and donor-derived genes. Higher fetal-maternal HLA mismatches are correlated with preeclampsia. Therefore, this study explored the maternal immune response, focusing on regulatory T cells (Tregs), during low versus high allogeneic pregnancies, and healthy versus preeclamptic OD pregnancies. Ten healthy and five preeclamptic OD pregnancies were included. Maternal peripheral blood was collected at different stages of pregnancy. Fetal-maternal HLA mismatches were determined, and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was conducted using a 22-colour spectral flow cytometry panel. Cytokines and hormones were detected in maternal plasma using ELISA and Luminex assays. The findings show similarities, but also distinct differences between low and high allogeneic healthy OD pregnancies. Early high allogeneic OD pregnancy showed reduction in Tregs, and CD8+ T cells, alongside lower percentage of effector/memory Tregs expressing PD-1 and Helios. Additionally, high allogeneic OD pregnancies showed increased IL-6 and progesterone in the first trimester. These variations suggest a different mode of immune regulation in early high allogeneic OD pregnancies, possibly to maintain healthy pregnancy. Further comparative analyses revealed reduced CD45RO+CTLA-4+ Tregs and increased latent TGF-β1 and -β2 levels in early preeclamptic compared to healthy OD pregnancy. Late-stage preeclamptic OD pregnancies exhibited higher frequencies of CD45RO+TIGIT+ Tregs and higher levels of TNFα, indicating both a regulatory and pro-inflammatory environment. Overall, this study sheds light on the course of various immunoregulatory key players in OD pregnancy, and expands knowledge on maternal tolerance in this particular type of pregnancy.

Family-Centered Antenatal Care With a Life-Limiting Fetal Condition: A Developmental Theory-Guided Approach.

Trisomy 18 (T18) is the second-most common autosomal trisomy and includes multiple anomalies, growth restriction, and a severely shortened life span, often lasting only hours or days. Côté-Arsenault and Denney-Koelsch extended Reva Rubin's work, describing the psychosocial stages of pregnancy by describing the stages and developmental tasks for a pregnancy altered by a life-limiting fetal condition such as T18. When a diagnosis of T18 is made prenatally, the pregnancy changes dramatically, although it remains a psychosocial developmental process. The extended stages of pregnancy with T18 or another life-limiting fetal condition are: Pre-Diagnosis, Learning the Diagnosis, Living With the Diagnosis, Birth and Death, and Post Death. As they navigate these stages, parents must also address 7 developmental tasks of pregnancy, which are (1) Navigating Relationships, (2) Comprehending Implications of the Condition, (3) Revising Goals of Pregnancy, (4) Making the Most of Time With Baby, (5) Preparing for Birth and Inevitable Death, (6) Advocating for Baby With Integrity, and (7) Adjusting to Life in Absence of Baby. Knowledgeable health care providers can do much more than support parents through grief and facilitate discussions about birth planning. This case report highlights the importance of a knowledgeable provider who can help parents navigate the stages and tasks of pregnancy, empowering them to make choices consistent with their values so they have no regrets.

Changes in Fibrinogen and D-Dimer During Complicated and Uncomplicated Pregnancy.

The increase in fibrinogen levels is vital for the formation of a prothrombotic state during gestation to counter-bleeding challenges at delivery. However, pregnancy complications characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome may consume fibrinogen, resulting in elevated D-dimer levels. Our study is based on a total of 16 768 pregnant women who delivered between December 1, 2013, and December 1, 2018, to study fibrinogen and D-dimer changes during gestation under normal and multiples of pathogenic states. Compared with nonpregnant women (3.04[3.02-3.08]), pregnant women depicted higher fibrinogen levels throughout gestation (p < 0.001). In the uncomplicated group, fibrinogen levels increased throughout the first (3.28[3.26-3.29]), second (4.04[4.01-4.07]), and third trimesters (4.40[4.38-4.41]) but dropped at delivery (4.30[4.28-4.31]), similar to the changing pattern of the pregnancy-related complication group and pre-existing disorder group. Women with pregnancy-related complications showed significantly higher mean fibrinogen levels throughout gestation (p < 0.001), except for placental abruption, where, it decreased from the third trimester and was lower than that of uncomplicated pregnancies (3.89[3.60-4.17] vs. 4.40 [4.38-4.41], p = 0.001). Among uncomplicated pregnancies, D-dimer grew rapidly throughout the first trimester (0.09[0.06-0.15]), second trimester (0.28[0.19-0.40]), third trimester (0.51[0.36-0.78]), and delivery (0.70[0.47-1.03]). Women with pregnancy-related complications and pre-existing disorders shared similar changing patterns; however, the D-dimer of women with placenta accreta presented higher levels than those with uncomplicated pregnancies since the first trimester. We concluded that fibrinogen levels are expected to increase steadily, but in patients with placental abruption, fibrinogen levels dropped during the third trimester. D-dimer levels typically rise consistently throughout pregnancy, yet in patients with placenta accreta, they show abnormal elevation since an early stage of pregnancy.

Women’s Experiences Regarding Maternity Care in a Selected Hospital in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province: A Qualitative Approach

Introduction: A pregnant woman’s life and that of her child largely depend on the care they receive during the critical stage of pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. Some women question their decisions regarding future pregnancies as well as where and from whom they will receive their pregnancy care because of negative experiences that they have had. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of women regarding maternity care services in a selected hospital in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods: A qualitative approach using a phenomenological research design was adopted in this study. The study population included pregnant women who were admitted to the maternity ward of the selected hospital. A total of 18 participants and 1 hospital were purposively sampled. Pre-testing was conducted to check if the central question was clear and to test the researcher’s interviewing skills. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with all sampled participants in April and May 2024. Interpretive analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the participants. Results: Four themes emerged during data analysis: women’s experiences regrading the provision of maternal healthcare; environmental factors affecting maternal health services; lack of resources; and the attitude of nurses towards patients. Conclusions: This study concludes that the majority of the women stated that they were not happy about the maternity care services provided at the selected hospital. Issues such as trained nurses being verbally and physically abusive towards women in labour, as well as the infrastructure and lack of resources of the hospital contributed towards women not being happy about the provision of maternity care services being provided. This study recommends that in order for maternity care services to improve at the selected hospital, there should be workshops for staff on how to improve patient care principles and improvements in the standard of cleanliness in and around the selected hospital.

CORTICOTERAPIA ANTENATAL TARDIA, RISCOS E BENEFÍCIOS MATERNOS E FETAIS: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

This article addressed late antenatal corticosteroid therapy, a treatment that has been adopted in pregnant women between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation, and who are at high risk of premature birth. One of the main complications and causes of morbidity in late preterm neonates is respiratory distress syndromes, and corticosteroids can aid in fetal lung maturation, preventing and/or reducing complications of this nature. However, the use of these drugs in the late antenatal period can pose some risks to the well-being and health of the mother-baby binomial. Therefore, the general objective of this article was to analyze the literary evidence about the efficacy of late antenatal corticosteroid therapy, both for the fetus and the pregnant woman. The specific objectives were to understand how corticosteroids should be administered, and whether the benefits provided outweigh the potential risks of their use at this stage of pregnancy. A literature review on the topic was developed, including scientific articles published in the last five years (2019-2024). Data collection was carried out through PubMED. The results confirmed that late antenatal corticosteroid therapy is effective in reducing pulmonary complications and should be considered in cases of high risk of premature birth. The main risks are increased chances of maternal hyperglycemia and, consequently, fetal hypoglycemia. Some studies also point to psychological and neurocognitive problems for the baby in the future. However, it was concluded that the benefits brought by corticosteroids to lung maturity outweigh the potential maternal and fetal risks, but treatment should be carried out with caution, evaluating each case individually and monitoring the long-term repercussions.

The impact of prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and its components on maternal and neonatal thyroid function and birth weight: a prospective cohort study.

Maternal and child health has garnered considerable attention recently. The effects of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its components on thyroid function in both mothers and fetuses, as well as on offspring birth weight, remain unexplored. This study involved 446 mother-infant pairs from a cohort study in Ma'anshan, China, during 2021-2022. Air pollution data were obtained from the Tracking Air Pollution (TAP) project. Thyroid hormone levels (FT3, FT4, and TSH) were measured in maternal blood samples taken at various pregnancy stages and in cord blood. We employed multiple analytical methods to evaluate the effects of PM2.5 and its components on maternal thyroid function and birth weight z-score (BWz). The GLR analysis reveals that the effect of PM2.5 and its components on BWz differs according to the pregnancy stage and the specific pollutant involved. During the late pregnancy, increased exposure to PM2.5 and specific components (for instance, and ) was correlated with elevated maternal FT4 levels (p < 0.05) and reduced BWz (p < 0.05). QgC results illustrated a notable negative correlation between heightened PM2.5 exposure and BWz in late pregnancy. BKMR analysis confirmed that overall exposure to PM2.5 and its components negatively impacted BWz during the third trimester. Mediation analysis showed that changes in maternal FT4 levels accounted for approximately 8.52%, 8.05%, and 8.13% of the negative effects on BWz from exposure to , and , respectively (p < 0.05). In healthy pregnancies, exposure to PM2.5 and its components during the late pregnancy is linked to alterations in maternal thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to reduced birth weight. Maternal FT4 levels may mediate the connection between PM2.5 components exposure and reduced the weight of offspring.

Pregnancy dating: Determining gestational age through fetal kidney length-what do we observe?

Accurate gestational age is crucial for obstetric care, pregnancy management, and preterm labor decisions. Ultrasound, based on fetal biometric parameters, is a reliable method for this purpose. This study aims to estimate gestational age in the third trimester using ultrasonographic methods, focusing on fetal kidney length. Gestational age is estimated in the third trimester by measuring fetal kidney length and comparing it with gestational age derived from other biometric parameters (bi-parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length) and the last menstrual period (LMP). A nine-month prospective study was conducted Kozhikode, Kerala, from September 2016 to May 2017. The study involved 200 women in their third trimester of pregnancy, utilizing third-trimester ultrasound to measure and document kidney length along with other biometric parameters (BPD, HC, AC, and FL). Subsequently, the collected data was reviewed and analyzed.: The study revealed a strong positive correlation between fetal kidney lengths (FKL) measured in millimeters and gestational age in weeks during the third trimester. The correlation was significant, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.87 (p &amp;#60; 0.001). Additionally, FKL exhibited positive correlations with other variables, including abdominal circumference (r = 0.832), head circumference (r = 0.845), bi-parietal diameter (r = 0.838), and femur length (r = 0.837). These findings demonstrated a strong Pearson’s correlation (r= 0.87-0.96, P &amp;#60;0.05) for all the biometric parameters including FKL. A linear relationship exists between fetal kidney length (FKL) and gestational age, allowing FKL to serve as an effective parameter for estimating gestational age during the third trimester. Given its positive correlation with other fetal biometric parameters such as bi-parietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL), incorporating FKL alongside these measurements enhances the accuracy of gestational dating in the third trimester. This combination of parameters improves the prediction of gestational age during this stage of pregnancy.

Use of Tetracyclines During the Different Stages of Pregnancy

Use of Tetracyclines During the Different Stages of Pregnancy

Association of gestational weight gain rate with infant birth weight and cesarean delivery: A prospective cohort study in Nepal.

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is linked to pregnancy outcomes, such as birth weight and delivery mode, though research in low-income countries like Nepal is limited. We examined the association of GWG rate with infant birth weight and cesarean delivery in a prospective cohort of 191 pregnant women in Nepal, using data collected from August 2018 to August 2019 at a peri-urban hospital in Dhulikhel. Participants included women with singleton, full-term live births, with GWG rate calculated from weight gain between the second and late pregnancy stages, divided by the weeks in between. GWG rate categories-adequate, inadequate, or excessive-were defined by pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) specific to GWG recommendations from the 2009 Institute of Medicine report. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Board of Kathmandu University and Rutgers University. Statistical analyses in SPSS and Stata revealed that 52.4% of mothers exceeded the recommended GWG rate, particularly among overweight and obese women (0.4 ± 0.2 kg/week and 0.5 ± 0.2 kg/week, respectively). The average birth weight was 2964.9 ± 407.0 grams, with 12% of infants classified as low-birth-weight. Cesarean delivery was recorded in 45% of the women. After controlling for factors like age, education, ethnicity, occupation, parity and BMI, each 1 kg/week increase in GWG from the second to third trimester correlated with a 392-gram increase in birth weight (β = 391.9, 95%CI = 67.2-716.7, p = 0.01), while excessive GWG rate led to a 148-gram increase over adequate GWG rate (β = 148.1, 95%CI = 8.7-287.5, p = 0.03). However, GWG rate was not significantly linked to cesarean delivery. These findings suggest that maternal GWG rate positively affects infant birth weight but not cesarean delivery, underscoring the need for larger studies to explore GWG rate's effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Lateral Flow Assay for Preeclampsia Screening Using DNA Hairpins and Surface-Enhanced Raman-Active Nanoprobes Targeting hsa-miR-17-5p.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication that poses risks to both mothers and their children. This condition is typically asymptomatic until the second or even third trimester, which can lead to poor outcomes and can be costly. Detection is particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries, where a lack of centralized testing facilities coincides with high rates of PE-related maternal mortality. Variations in the levels of hsa-miR-17-5p have been identified as constituting a potential early indicator for distinguishing between individuals with PE and those without PE during the first trimester. Thus, developing a screening test to measure hsa-miR-17-5p levels would not only facilitate rapid detection in the early stages of pregnancy but also help democratize testing globally. Here, we present a proof-of-principle lateral-flow assay (LFA) designed to measure hsa-miR-17-5p levels using DNA-hairpin recognition elements for enhanced specificity and nanoprobes for sensitive surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERS) signal transduction. The theoretical limit of detection for hsa-miR-17-5p was 3.84 × 10-4 pg/µL using SERS.

Gambaran Penatalaksanaan Endorphin Masage Untuk Penurunan Skala Nyeri Punggung Bawah Ibu Hamil Trimester III di TPMB Bd. E Kecamatan Baregbeg

Back pain during pregnancy typically occurs in the third Trimestr. This discomfort is especially common in the later stages of pregnancy, during the third trimester, when the body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing baby.in Indonesia reaches 60% -80%. Efforts to reduce pain can use Endorphin Massage to release endorphin compounds, which act as natural pain relievers. The aim of thist research is to determin the description of the management of endorpin masage to reduce the the scale of lowers bak pain in third trimestr pregnan women at TPMB Bd. E Baregbeg District. The method in this research uses descriptive. Sample wer taken fom a population that me the inclusin criteria, a sample of 13 people using an accidental sampling techniqu. The research instrumen used the Numeric Rating Scal (NRS) sheet and SOP. The results obtained before the Endorphin massage were carried out, most of the respondents experienced moderate pain, 7 respondents (53.8%) and after the Endorphin masage, almost all respondents experienced mild pain, with 10 respondents (76.9%). Base on the research results, it is evident that ther is a decreas in the scal of lower back pain in thir trimestr pregnan women after receiving Endorphin massage. It is hoped that midwives will apply and integrate Endorphin massage techniques to help reduce symptoms of back paint in thir trimestr pregnan women.

A retrospective cohort study on the protective effect of influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Gansu Province

ABSTRACT To evaluate the Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) of the Influenza Vaccine (InfV) during pregnancy in Gansu province. A retrospective cohort of pregnant women vaccinated with InfV was constructed using the electronic case system and immunization planning system of Gansu province. Outcome information of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in pregnant women after vaccination with InfV during the influenza epidemic seasons from 2019 to 2021 was collected. The log-binomial model was used to estimate the adjusted Risk Ratio (RR), VE, and their Confidence Intervals (CI). The incidence rates of the InfV vaccination group and the non-vaccination group during pregnancy in Gansu province were 4.70% (54/1,150) and 6.91% (16,990/245,754), respectively. The adjusted RR was 0.78 (95%CI 0.43–0.75), and the adjusted VE was 22.20 (95%CI 0.79–40.30). Vaccination with InfV during pregnancy in Gansu province from 2019 to 2021 has a protective effect against ILI in pregnant women, and there is no difference in vaccination at different stages of pregnancy.

Combination of body mass index and body fat percentage in middle and late pregnancy to predict pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes in Wenzhou, China: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) could be used to predict pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).DesignRetrospective...

Relationship between hypertensive disease stages of pregnancy and plateletcrit values: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between plateletcrit (PCT) and stages of hypertensive disease of pregnancy by comparing values in groups with healthy pregnancies, gestational hypertension [GHT], preeclampsia with proteinuria [PE + P] and severe preeclampsia with proteinuria [sPE + P]. The secondary aim was to investigate how proteinuria affects PCT values in these patients. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who had been hospitalized for labor were included in the study. The following groups were created: healthy pregnancies (n = 36), [GHT] (n = 36), [PE + P] (n = 36) and [sPE + P] (n = 36). PCT and platelet values from blood tests performed immediately after hospitalization were compared among the four groups. Additionally, the PCT and platelet values in the early pregnancy period of same patients were determined and compared. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of age, gravidity or parity (p > 0.05). The mean platelet counts of the groups ranged from 219,250/mm3 to 241,310/mm3. There were no significant differences among the groups (with or without proteinuria) in terms of the platelet counts or PCT values (p > 0.05). A reducing or enhancing effect of proteinuria on the PCT value was not observed. Additionally, based on data from the early weeks of pregnancy, there were no significant differences among the groups in terms of the platelet counts or PCT values (p > 0.05). ConclusionsPCT may not be appropriate to use for the diagnosis or prediction of sPE in patients whose platelet counts have not decreased. A normal PCT value should not be interpreted as the absence of progression to sPE. There is a need for new PCT and PE studies that take platelet counts into account and include women in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis

Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare and debilitating bone disease which affects young pre-menopausal women, typically presenting with vertebral fractures in the third trimester or post-partum stages of pregnancy and lactation. In September 2024 issue of The Practising Midwife we published a Spotlight article on this disease. This Voices article provides the thoughts of patients, to enable a greater disease understanding among midwives.

Prenatal exposure to air pollution during the early and middle stages of pregnancy is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at ages 1 to 3 years

BackgroundA large body of data shows that fetal brain development is vulnerable to disruption by air pollution experienced by the mother during pregnancy, adversely affecting cognitive and psychomotor capabilities during childhood (De Asis-Cruz et al., Biol Psychiatry 7:480–90, 2022; Morgan ZEM et al., Environ Health 22:11, 2023). This study has sought to identify gestational windows of susceptibility to prenatal exposure to air pollution.Methods470 African American and Latina mother/child pairs participated in a prospective cohort study based in the low-income communities of Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx, New York City. Gestational exposure to respirable particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was assessed through validated models in relation to cognitive and motor development assessed at ages 1, 2, and 3 years using the Bayley-II Scales. Multiple linear regression models and distributed lag models (DLM) were used to identify critical windows of exposure by trimester and week of pregnancy.ResultsBy linear regression, average exposures to NO2 during the first and second trimesters and the entire pregnancy were significantly and negatively associated with the mental developmental index (MDI) at age 1. Average exposures to PM2.5 during the second trimester and the entire pregnancy were also significantly, inversely associated with age 1 MDI. No significant associations were found between these exposures and MDI at age 2. NO2 exposure during the first trimester was significantly negatively associated with MDI at age 3. Using DLM, exposures to NO2 at lags 29–30 weeks (within the first trimester) and PM2.5 at lags 17–18 weeks (second trimester) were significantly and inversely associated with MDI at age 1. Significant, inverse associations were found between exposures to NO2 at lag 29 weeks and PM2.5 at lags 27–29 weeks and children’s MDI at age 3. No significant associations were found between psychomotor index (PDI) and prenatal exposures to NO2 or PM2.5 at ages 1, 2 or 3.ConclusionsOur finding that prenatal exposure to air pollution in the first and second trimesters was associated with lower scores for cognitive development at ages 1 and 3 is of concern because of the potential consequences of these outcomes for long-term functioning. They underscore the need for stronger policies to protect pregnant individuals and offspring, particularly during vulnerable, early life-stage of development.

The Impact of Macronutrient and Dietary Patterns on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Pregnancy is a physiological condition that increases insulin resistance (IR) due to hormonal changes, including elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen (HPL). Such IR, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, can cause gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by glucose intolerance first detected during pregnancy. GDM poses significant health risks for both the mother and the fetus, including the potential for pre-eclampsia, emergency C-sections, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) for the mother, as well as preterm birth, hypoglycemia, and being large for gestational age (LGA) for the baby. Proper dietary modifications can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and ensure healthy gestational weight gain (GWG), thereby reducing the possibility of undesirable outcomes. This paper discusses the role of energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein, and compares the effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD) and Western diet (WD) on the risk of GDM. The main objective of this paper is to identify the most effective dietary strategies for preventing and managing GDM. The finding indicates that a MD rich in nutrient-dense foods, complex carbohydrates/lower GI, unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), and balanced protein has beneficial effects on GDM. In contrast, the WD with empty calories, simple carbohydrates/higher glycemic index (GI), saturated FAs (SFA), and animal-based protein increases the risk of GDM. Future studies should continue to explore the long-term effects of dietary interventions, integrate other lifestyle factors, and consider genetic differences to provide comprehensive management strategies for GDM.

Health literacy in pregnant women facing prenatal screening: a short report from “SaperePer” project

Abstract Advancements in health promotion and prenatal medicine have made noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) a common practice during pregnancy, but understanding prenatal health information becomes crucial not only for the well-being of the mother but also for that of the unborn child. Analyze health-related information during pregnancy is fundamental, and this work fits perfectly with this topic, reporting preliminary results from the pilot study “SaperePer”. A health-related questionnaire was administered to 358 women in the first trimester of pregnancy, aiming to study different outcomes: 1.level of knowledge of NIPT; 2.number of screening tests undergone; 3.willingness to undergo a diagnostic test with a high outcome risk of screening test; 4.willingness to end the pregnancy following a diagnosis of pathology. The questionnaire was divided into 3 sections: personal characteristics and lifestyle habits, prenatal health behavior scale (PHBS), and knowledge of NIPT. Preliminary results showed that the level of knowledge of NIPT was higher in older, atheist, working, wealthy highly educated, and preliminary informed women, as well as the higher number of screening tests undergone and the propensity to undergo an invasive diagnostic test after a high-risk screening result (KS and MW tests p &amp;lt; 0.05). On the contrary, women with lower education, faithful and, even more, not preliminary and appropriately informed during prenatal counseling showed lower knowledge of NIPT, lower number of tests undergone, and meager chances to undergo an invasive diagnostic test or to end the pregnancy after a positive diagnosis of pathology (KS and MW tests p &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, this study evaluated health-related information during the first but crucial stages of pregnancy, opening a new understanding of how health literacy and correct prenatal counseling could increase awareness and health promotion in pregnant women, particularly in those women with lower cultural tools. Key messages • Health literacy and correct prenatal counseling could increase awareness and health promotion in pregnant women. • Understanding prenatal health information becomes crucial both for maternal and prenatal well-being.

Prevalence of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Teenage Pregnancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension among teenage pregnancies in a tertiary care setup. This descriptive case series was conducted at the Gynaecology &amp; Obstetrics Department from December 2023 to June 2024. A total of 163 pregnant women in the age range of 10-19 years with a gestation age of more than 20 weeks were enrolled in the study. PIH was diagnosed if blood pressure was ≥140/90 mmHg on at least two occasions. The participants were followed at different stages of pregnancy. Data analysis was done using SPSS-17 and Chi-square tests, where a p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. PIH was present in 14.7% of cases. No significant association was noted between maternal age, gravidity, parity, and gestational age with PIH. Younger maternal age is the other important risk factor for PIH.