Primigravid Women Research Articles

Minor Ailments During Pregnancy among Primigravida Women AT AL- Diwanyiah Governorate

Objective: Determine the incidence of minor ailments among primigravida women during pregnancy. Methodology: A descriptive study done to determine the incidence of common minor ailments among primigravida women during pregnancy and how often they used home remedies to alleviate their discomforts. The study was conducted in maternal and pediatric teaching hospital at Al- Diwaniyah governorate on (100) pregnant women, selected by nonprobability convenience sampling technique from March to July 2023. SPSS version 27 was used for the data analysis process. The results of the study were presented using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages. Results: Revealed that (68%) of expectants mothers age range was between 20 and 35 years old. In terms of education, (36%) of the subjects completed the intermediate school. In terms of the mothers' jobs, (53%) of them were housewives and 47% of them were workers. Regarding residency, (67%) of them reside in cities, with the remaining individuals doing so in rural areas. Furthermore, the majority of them (87%) were in the second trimester of their pregnancies, and (55%) of them were planning a pregnancy. Additionally, they reported that morning sickness (80%), frequent urination (77%), back pain (75%) were the most common discomforts, and insomnia (22%),. However, only (74%)of primigravida women manage these discomforts with various home remedies. Conclusions: The main findings show that all of the primigravida women in the study experienced minor discomforts in varying sequences, regardless of gestational age and morning sickness was the most common minor discomforts among the sample subjects, while insomnia was the least one common. For the minor discomforts they encountered, nearly three quarter of the sample subjects used various home care remedies. Recommendations: Pregnant women should all receive prenatal health education, emphasizing minor discomforts and appropriate self-care techniques, to raise their awareness.

Is the surge in cesarean section rates during the COVID-19 pandemic truly substantiated?

BackgroundCesarean section (C-section) rates, deemed a critical health indicator, have experienced a historical increase. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare patterns including delays or lack of follow-up in treatment and an increased number of patients with acute problems in hospitals. This study aimed to explore whether the observed surge is a genuine consequence of pandemic-related factors.MethodsThis study employs an Interrupted Time Series (ITS) design to analyze monthly C-section rates from March 2018 to January 2023 in Kurdistan province, Iran. Segmented regression modeling is utilized for robust data analysis.ResultsThe C-section rate did not show a significant change immediately after the onset of COVID-19. However, the monthly trend increased significantly during the post-pandemic period (p < 0.05). Among primigravid women, a significant monthly increase was observed before February 2020 (p < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the level or trend of C-section rates among primigravid women after the onset of COVID-19.ConclusionThis study underscores the significant and enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in further increasing the C-section rates over the long term, the observed variations in C-section rates among primigravid women indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had no statistically significant impact.

Emerging potential of Matra Basti in facilitating engagement of fetal vertex in primigravidae: A case series

Abstract Although the association between fetal head engagement and normal vaginal delivery is debated, reports indicate that nulliparous women with an unengaged fetal head at term are more likely to require a cesarean section. Acknowledging that engagement is the first step in the mechanism of labor, it is clear that labor cannot progress without passing through the engagement phase. The aim and objective of this study are to evaluate the role of Matra Basti in the engagement of fetal vertex in primigravidae women. A prospective case study was carried out with five primigravidae women who presented at a gestational age of 34 weeks or more with a floating fetal vertex, with five-fifths to four-fifths part of the fetal head palpable above the pelvic brim, and who met the inclusion criteria. The cephalic presentation was confirmed with recent ultrasound findings, while the engagement of the vertex was assessed clinically by abdominal in fifths. Matra Basti with Shudha Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) Taila was administered to the five enrolled cases after the completion of 35 weeks of gestation, as per protocol. All five cases showed fetal head engagement following the administration of a minimum of one to a maximum of three sittings (average of 2) of Matra Basti at an average gestational age of 37 weeks. All the cases resulted in uneventful vaginal deliveries without any intrapartum or postpartum feto-maternal complications. The present study offered a favorable outcome in terms of engagement of the fetal vertex and subsequent uneventful vaginal delivery, suggesting the potential of Matra Basti in facilitating the engagement of an unengaged vertex in primigravidae.

Comparison of Hemopoietic Biochemical Parameters in the First, Second, and Third Trimester of Pregnant Females Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Rajasthan.

Pregnant women constitute a high-risk group for nutrient deficiency anemia which may be associated with detrimental effects on maternal and infant health. This study aimed to assess and compare hematological and biochemical changes across trimesters in pregnant women, considering parameters such as hemoglobin, serum iron, unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, vitamin B12, and folic acid. The research sought to identify mean value differences, correlations, and potential implications for maternal healthcare practices. A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted, involving 60 primigravida women with singleton pregnancies. The subjects were assessed during the first, second, and third trimesters. Biochemical parameters were assessed using standard methods, and statistical analysis was performed to identify significance and correlations. The study revealed a significant decline in hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, and folic acid as pregnancy advanced. Hemoglobin levels decreased from 11.40 g/dl (first trimester) to 10.43 g/dl (third trimester). Serum iron exhibited a decline from 109.73 µg/dl (first trimester) to 94.03 µg/dl (third trimester). Serum ferritin decreased from 24.93 ng/ml (first trimester) to 18.21 ng/ml (third trimester). Vitamin B12 levels dropped from 255.92 pg/ml (first trimester) to 92.13 pg/ml (third trimester). Folic acid levels decreased from 13.82 ng/ml (first trimester) to 11.77 ng/ml (third trimester). UIBC and TIBC concentrations increased progressively across trimesters. Statistical evaluations confirmed the significance of these trends. The coefficient of correlation indicated positive relationships between hemoglobinand serum iron, ferritin, folic acid, and vitamin B12.Positive correlation between serum iron and ferritin, vitamin B12, and negative with folic acid. Serum ferritin negatively correlated with vitamin B12 and folic acid. Serum folic acid and vitamin B12 are positively correlated. The findings emphasize the dynamic nature of hematological and biochemical changes during pregnancy. The observed trends have profound implications for maternal healthcare practices, urging targeted interventions, early monitoring, and supportive supplementation. Recognizing these variations contributes to the optimization of health outcomes for both mother and child.

Retraction Note: A randomized controlled study of the effect of hyoscine butylbromide on duration of labor in primigravida women with prolonged labor.

Retraction Note: A randomized controlled study of the effect of hyoscine butylbromide on duration of labor in primigravida women with prolonged labor.

Muscle strength during pregnancy and postpartum in adolescents and adults.

Adolescent childbirth is associated with worse physical function over the long-term. Differential loss of muscle strength during pregnancy and postpartum for adolescents compared to adults may be one explanation for this, but research examining these differences is lacking. The objective of this study as to assess hand grip strength and hip adduction muscle strength in adolescents and adults during pregnancy and postpartum. A prospective cohort study was carried out with adolescent (13 to 18 years) and adult (23 to 28 years) primigravid women. Assessments were performed at three timepoints: before the 16th gestational week, during the third trimester, and between the fourth and sixth week postpartum. Hand grip strength (continuous and muscle weakness if ≤ 20.67 kgf) and hip adductor measures (continuous and muscle weakness if ≤ 13.8 kgf) were assessed using dynamometry. Generalized estimating equations modelled longitudinal relationships between muscle weakness and age group. More adolescents had hip adductor weakness than adults in the third trimester of pregnancy (62.5% vs. 31.8%, p < 0.005), which was corroborated by the longitudinal analyses. For all women, there were higher odds of hip adductor weakness in the third trimester (OR = 4.35; p< 0.001) and postpartum (OR = 9.45; p < 0.001) compared to the 16th gestational week. No significant difference in HGS was observed between age groups or across the different timepoints. The higher proportion of hip adductor weakness among adolescents may indicate a need for resistance training during and after pregnancy and physical therapy if weakness or injury is noted.

Effectiveness of Hypnobirthing in Reducing Anxiety Level among Pregnant Women During Childbirth: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Tertiary Care Hospital of Islamabad

Background: Anxiety during pregnancy is a prevalent concern with significant implications for both maternal and fetal health. Traditional approaches to managing this anxiety vary in effectiveness, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Hypnobirthing, a technique focusing on mind-body relaxation, has emerged as a promising intervention to reduce pregnancy-related anxiety. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hypnobirthing in reducing anxiety levels among pregnant women. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 30 primigravida women with gestational ages between 32 and 38 weeks, recruited from a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad. Participants were divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received four weeks of hypnobirthing sessions, while the control group received standard prenatal care. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with paired samples t-tests comparing pre- and post-intervention anxiety levels. Results: The average age of participants was 22.17 years. Initially, 87% of participants reported high levels of anxiety. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels, with 67% of participants reporting normal anxiety levels (p&lt;0.000), while the control group showed no significant change in anxiety levels (p=0.314). The mean difference in anxiety levels between the pre- and post-intervention phases in the experimental group was significant at 6.867 (SD=4.470, p&lt;0.000). Conclusion: Hypnobirthing significantly reduced anxiety levels among pregnant women, suggesting its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention for managing pregnancy-related anxiety. This technique offers a valuable addition to prenatal care, potentially improving maternal and fetal outcomes by alleviating anxiety during pregnancy.

Efficacy of ShotBlocker device versus vapocoolant spray for spinal needle pain relief during spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section - A randomised controlled trial.

Apprehension of pain due to a spinal needle is often a cause of anxiety and refusal. ShotBlocker provides non-painful physical stimulation, inhibiting pain perception. The vapocoolant spray contains ethyl chloride vapours, rapidly raising the skin temperature and hampering the transmission of noxious stimuli. The present study compared the effectiveness of the ShotBlocker device and the vapocoolant spray in reducing spinal needle-associated pain in primigravida women undergoing elective lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS). We enroled 144 primigravida women undergoing elective LSCS and were randomised to Group SB (the ShotBlocker device was firmly pressed over the skin, and the spinal needle was inserted through its slit), Group V (the vapocoolant spray was applied at the puncture site before spinal needle insertion), and Group C (received local infiltration before spinal anaesthesia (SA)). The groups were compared for needle-associated pain and patient satisfaction using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and a 3-point Likert scale. The mean (standard deviation) [95% confidence interval (CI)] VAS scores of Group SB 3.85 (0.74) [3.64, 4.07] and Group V 3.04 (0.74) [2.83, 3.26] were significantly lower than that of Group C 5.19 (0.92) [3.28, 3.62]). On the Likert scale, the maximum number of patients in the vapocoolant group (64.6%) responded satisfactorily, while in the control group, the majority (62.5%) of participants responded dissatisfied (P < 0.001). Both the ShotBlocker and vapocoolant spray reduce needle puncture-associated pain before SA in primigravida patients undergoing elective LSCS. However, the vapocoolant spray is more beneficial in reducing spinal needle-associated pain than the ShotBlocker device.

Pregnancy Concerns as Predictors of Sleep Quality in Primigravid Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Poor sleep quality may be a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Identifying the predictors of sleep disorders can help design effective interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of pregnancy concerns on the sleep quality of primigravid women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 primigravid women referred to health centers in Hamadan, Iran. In addition to completing the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) questionnaire was completed to determine the level of pregnancy concerns, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was completed to determine the quality of sleep by pregnant women. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with a backward method at a 95% confidence level. Results Pregnant women's total PSQI score was 13.8 ± 3.08, and with a PSQI ≥ 5 as a cut-off point, 76.3% of the study's participants had poor sleep quality. There was a significant direct correlation between the total score of PDQ and its subscales with the total PSQI score (P < 0.05). The adjusted regression logistic model showed a significant relationship between the PDQ scores, women'seducational level (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.19; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.19-2.18), and their spouse's educational level (AOR 1.03; CI 95%: 0.02-2.03) with sleep quality scores. Conclusion Pregnancy concerns, including concerns about birth and the baby, concerns about physical symptoms and body image, and concerns about emotions and relationships, can reduce the sleep quality of primigravid women. Designing and implementing effective interventions to reduce or modify these common concerns can improve the sleep quality of pregnant women and prevent the adverse effects of poor sleep quality on pregnancy outcomes.

UNEVENTFUL PREGNANCY IN DIDELPHYS UTERUS DELIVERED THROUGH CAESAREAN SECTION: A CASE REPORT

Didelphys uterus, also known as "double uterus," is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by the presence of two separate uteri, each with its cervix. This happens as a result of the Müllerian duct embryonic fusion failing. The chance of having a pregnancy in one of the uteri without having any complications during pregnancy is relatively low. We are reporting a case of a 24-year-old primigravida woman with a didelphys uterus. The patient presented with the complaint of leaking per vaginum at term gestation in hospital IPD. She had undergone ultrasonography many times during her pregnancy, but no ultrasound finding suspects any congenital anomaly of the uterus. During the ninth month of gestation, when the patient came with leaking per vaginal, two vagina were discovered with a thick longitudinal vaginal septum, so she underwent an elective caesarean section due to the potential risks associated with vaginal delivery and under the suspicion of two separate uteri. During caesarean section, uterus didelphys was confirmed as two uteri with separate fallopian tubes and ovary; one was gravid, and another was non-gravid. The management of this condition requires careful planning and coordination among the multidisciplinary team to ensure a successful and safe outcome. The present case report reveals her history, diagnostic workup, caesarean delivery, and management outcome.

Efektivitas Mobile Health “Nifas Sehat” terhadap Selfcare Agency pada Ibu Nifas Primigravida

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2019, there were 303,000 maternal deaths worldwide, with 99% of them occurring in developing countries. According to the Ministry of Health, the maternal mortality rate in Indonesia was 305 per 100,000 live births in 2012-2015, dropping to 240 per 100,000 live births in 2019. However, this figure is still high compared to developed countries which have a maternal mortality rate of 14 per 100,000 live births.The postpartum period is a critical period for mothers, where 60% of maternal deaths occur after delivery and 50% of these deaths occur in the first 24 hours of the postpartum period. Complications during the postpartum period occur in 73% of cases, but not all of them result in maternal death. Primigravida is a term used to describe a woman who is pregnant for the first time. According to WHO data, the maternal mortality rate for primigravida women is higher than for multigravida women. The most common causes of maternal death in Indonesia are bleeding, hypertension during pregnancy, and infection. The Ministry of Health is working to improve the health service system to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure the level of self-care agency in primigravida postpartum mothers before and after using mobile health "Sehat Postpartum".

Effect of early vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia in primigravid women: a randomised clinical trial in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported the association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia. However, the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the occurrence of preeclampsia remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia in primigravid women and its related maternal and foetal outcomes.MethodsA single-blinded clinical trial was conducted in fourteen antenatal care health facilities in the North (Goma, Mwesso, Nyiragongo) and South Kivu (Bukavu-Panzi) provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo from March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. A total of 1300 primigravid women not exceeding 16 weeks of gestation were randomised with a 1:1 ratio to either the supplemented (A) or control (B) group. Each pregnant woman (A) presenting for antenatal care received a single monthly dose of cholecalciferol (60,000 IU) orally for 6 months. The control group received no vitamin D supplementation or placebo. Serum 25(OH)D was measured at recruitment and at 34 weeks of gestation. Outcomes were assessed monthly until delivery.ResultsThe median maternal age was 21 years (14–40), while the median gestational age was 15 weeks (5.4–29.0). A significant reduction in the risk of preeclampsia [RR = 0.36 (0.19–0.69); p = 0.001] and preterm delivery [RR = 0.5 (0.32–0.78); p = 0.002] was observed in the intervention group. An RR of 0.43 [(0.27–0.67); p < 0.001] was found for low birth weight. The RR for caesarean section was 0.63 [(0.52–0.75); p < 0.001]. The APGAR score at the 5th minute (p = 0.021) and the size of the newborn were significantly higher in the supplemented group (p = 0.005).ConclusionA single monthly dose (60,000 IU) of vitamin D supplementation, started in earlypregnancy, significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia and its maternal and foetal complications.Trial registrationISRCTN Register with ISRCTN46539495 on 17 November 2020.

Correlation Between Maternal Anxiety During Mid-Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Sleep Issues: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2015 to 2016.

To explore the correlation between maternal anxiety during mid-pregnancy and infant sleep issues based on the anxiety status of mothers in mid-pregnancy. A cohort of 2122 primigravida women from Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province, was followed from pregnancy until 6 months postpartum. The study analyzed the impact of maternal anxiety on infant sleep patterns, including primary caregivers, encompassing insufficient sleep duration, frequent nocturnal awakenings, prolonged nocturnal awakening durations, and elongated sleep latency. A total of 1891 mother-infant pairs were included in this analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, a positive correlation was found between maternal anxiety during mid-pregnancy and insufficient sleep duration (OR=1.69, 95% CI:1.13-2.52), and elongated sleep latency (OR=2.26, 95% CI:1.61-3.18). Maternal anxiety during mid-pregnancy is associated with sleep issues in infants. Addressing maternal mental health during pregnancy may enhance sleep quality for mothers and infants, promoting overall maternal-infant health.

A new strategy to improve maternal-fetal attachment in primigravida women with prenatal spiritual-based stimulation

Primigravida has impacts related to preparedness for the transition into motherhood. Thus, its can disrupt the attachment between the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal spiritual-based stimulation on maternal-fetal attachment. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group and was conducted among primigravida women in Indonesia. The study included 66 respondents selected through purposive sampling. They were divided into the intervention and control groups, each comprising 33 participants. The intervention group received prenatal spiritual-based stimulations, which involved auditory, kinesthetic, light, and temperature stimulations and were administered over a 12-week period. Data on maternal-fetal attachment were collected using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), which had been tested for validity and reliability. Approval to use the instrument was obtained from its original author. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests. The results showed that the Wilcoxon test yielded a p-value of 0.000 or significant differences were observed before and after intervention for the intervention group and 0.059 no significant differences were observed before and after the intervention for the control group. The Mann Whitney test revealed a p-value of 0.000, there were differences in the maternal-fetal attachment before and after the intervention. Therefore, spiritual-based prenatal stimulation is effective in enhancing maternal-fetal attachment. These results can provide a basis for pregnant women to apply spiritual-based prenatal stimulation interventions to enhance maternal-fetal attachment and health status.

The uterocervical angle-cervical length ratio: A promising predictor of preterm birth?

To predict spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) (labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy) in low-risk singleton pregnancies during the second trimester, using ultrasound markers: uterocervical angle (UCA) and cervical length (CL). In a prospective observational cohort study, we followed primigravid women with singleton pregnancies without known risk factors for sPTB from 16+0-23+6 weeks of pregnancy until birth. Transvaginal ultrasonography on admission revealed the UCA and CL, and maternal history was obtained from submitted patient profiles. Logistic regression models disclosed significant predictive variables, and receiver operating curves (ROCs) demonstrated optimal cut-offs and test accuracy indices. Predictive functions of variables were compared using positive and negative likelihood ratios. In a sample of 357 participants, 41 (11.5%) experienced sPTB. UCA and CL were significantly associated with sPTB when adjusting for other variables (adjusted odds ratio: UCA 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.07 and CL 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.90). Optimal cut-offs were estimated to be 106° and 33 mm for UCA and CL, respectively. We devised the novel index UCA/CL with an area under the ROC of 0.781 (95% CI 0.734-0.823), cut-off = 3.09°/mm, and improved likelihood ratios (positive: 3.18, 2.47, and 4.22; negative: 0.63, 0.52, and 0.51 for UCA, CL, and UCA/CL, respectively). The second-trimester UCA/CL was found to be a promising index to predict sPTB in low-risk singleton pregnancies. Further multicenter studies may generalize this conclusion to other gestational ages or risk groups and make it more comprehensive by considering other risk factors.

Irritable bowel syndrome worsens faecal incontinence after primary repair of major obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) occur in approximately 3%-6% of vaginal deliveries and are the leading risk factor for late-onset faecal incontinence, which is an underdiagnosed pathology. The aim of this work was to use a validated scoring system to quantify the effect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on the severity of faecal incontinence symptoms after primary repair of major OASIS (Grade IIIb-IV). A prospective cohort study was performed on all women who underwent primary repair of major OASIS over a 6-year period. They were assessed with ultrasonography within 12 weeks. Two control groups (who did not have OASIS) were women who underwent elective caesarean section and primigravid women. Questionnaires were sent at least 12 months after delivery, or at first consultation for primigravids, which generated the main outcome measures: Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence severity scores and the presence of IBS based on Rome III criteria. There was a total of 211 patients included in the three groups and the mean follow-up time was 26 months after sphincter repair. Ultrasonographic sphincter defects were detected in 37% but did not affect the faecal incontinence score (p = 0.47), except in patients with IBS. Within each group, patients with IBS had significantly worse faecal incontinence than those without. Women with both OASIS and IBS had the most severe faecal incontinence scores. OASIS has a limited negative effect on faecal incontinence, independent of whether residual ultrasonographic sphincter defects are present. However, the presence of IBS has a significant compounding effect on faecal incontinence in OASIS patients. The effect of IBS on faecal incontinence is also notable in caesarean section patients and primigravids, suggesting that IBS is an independent risk-factor that should have its place in predelivery assessment and counselling.

Prevalence of Malaria among Pregnant Women Attending Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano State, Nigeria

Malaria in pregnant women remains a major public health problem especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately twenty five million pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa live at risk of malaria. The study was carried out between July and August 2021, to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite among pregnant women attending Mohammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano. Microscopic examinations of both thick and thin smears were made using Giemsa Stained solution. Out of one hundred and forty blood samples examined, 60(42.9%) were positive for plasmodium falciparum parasite infection. Age group 18-22 years recorded the highest prevalence rate of (17.90%) and the difference between the age group of the pregnant women was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) .Primigravida women recorded highest infection rate (23.60%). However, those in first trimester recorded the highest prevalence of (25%) followed by those in the second trimester (13.57%). These results show that pregnant women are more predisposed to malaria infection as they are immunosuppressed especially at early stage and as a primigravida and as teenage mothers than multigravida and older mothers. The problem of P. falciparum in pregnant women can be prevented by the preventive package of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) at 2 doses given to the pregnant women during their antenatal clinical visits. During this study, the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women attending Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital was notably higher. P. falciparum is the most common Plasmodium parasite in this region therefore, more special attention should be directed towards pregnant women who exhibit identified risk factors for malaria infection.

Coarctation of the aorta, carotid artery stenosis and aberrant right subclavian artery as a rare cause of cerebral ischemia in a primigravid woman.

Coarctation of the aorta, carotid artery stenosis and aberrant right subclavian artery as a rare cause of cerebral ischemia in a primigravid woman.

The Effect of Educative Blog Health Education in Preparation for Childbirth on the Knowledge of Pregnant Women Primigravida Trimester III

Background and Aims: Maternal labor-readiness will help mothers to be more willing to face their labor smoothly and prevent high maternal and infant mortality rates. Then the easy way to use blog applications as a medium to meet information needs is expected to help third trimester pregnant women in preparing for their labor. Educational blogs can be an innovation in health education for pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an effect of educational blogs on the knowledge of third trimester primigravid women about labor preparation in the Payung Sekaki Health Center area, Riau, Indonesia. Methods: This type of experimental research used a One Group Pretest-Posttest research design that included 60 primigravid women who were randomly selected and met the inclusion requirements. This research was conducted at the Payung Sekaki Community Health Center Riau, Indonesia in August-December 2022. Statistical tests were conducted using paired sample t-test. Results: The results showed that the average score of Pre-Test knowledge was 70.80 and Post-Test 88.60 and there was an effect of using educational blog media on the knowledge of third trimester primigravid women about labor preparation in the Payung Sekaki Health Center area (p &lt; 0.05) with an increase in knowledge by 25.14%. Conclusions: It is expected that health workers can optimize the use of educational blogs in providing health education as a promotional effort, especially regarding childbirth preparation.

A genetic variant in the MAST1 gene is associated with mega-corpus-callosum syndrome with hypoplastic cerebellar vermis, in a fetus.

Mega-corpus-callosum syndrome with cerebellar hypoplasia and cortical malformations is a rare neurological disorder that is associated with typical clinical and imaging features. The syndrome is caused by pathogenic variants in the MAST1 gene, which encodes a microtubule-associated protein that is predominantly expressed in postmitotic neurons in the developing nervous system. Fetal DNA from umbilical cord blood samples and genomic DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes were subjected to whole-exome sequencing. The potential causative variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. A 26-year-old primigravid woman was referred to our prenatal center at 25 weeks of gestation due to abnormal ultrasound findings in the brain of the fetus. The brain abnormalities included wide cavum septum pellucidum, shallow and incomplete bilateral lateral fissure cistern, bilateral dilated lateral ventricles, hyperplastic corpus callosum, lissencephaly, and cortical dysplasia. No obvious abnormalities were observed in the brainstem or cerebellum hemispheres, but the cerebellum vermis was small. Whole-exome sequencing identified a de novo, heterozygous missense variant, c.695T>C(p.Leu232Pro), in the MAST1 gene and a genetic diagnosis of mega-corpus-callosum syndrome was considered. This study is the first prenatal case of MAST1-related disorder reported in the Chinese population and has expanded the mutation spectrum of the MAST1 gene.