Young Pregnant Women Research Articles

Comparative study of e-cigarette aerosol and cigarette smoke effect on ex vivo embryonic chick lung explants

Electronic cigarette usage has significantly expanded among young people and pregnant women in the last decade. Although there are already some data regarding the short- and long-term consequences of e-cigarettes on human health, their effect on embryo and lung development still needs to be fully disclosed. In this sense, this study describes, for the first time, the impact of electronic cigarette aerosol on early lung development. For this purpose, ex vivo chick (Gallus gallus) embryonic lungs were cultured in vitro for 48 h in e-cigarette aerosol exposed-medium or unexposed medium. Chick lung explants were also cultured in a cigarette smoke-exposed medium for comparison purposes. Lung explants were morphologically analyzed to assess the impact on lung growth. Additionally, TNF-α levels were determined in the supernatant as a marker of pro-inflammatory response. The results suggest that electronic cigarette aerosol impairs lung growth and promotes lung inflammation. However, its impact on early lung growth seems less detrimental than conventional cigarette smoke. This work provides significant data regarding the impact of e-cig aerosol, adding to the efforts to fully understand its effect on embryo development. The validation of these effects may eventually lead to new tobacco control recommendations for pregnant women.

Pregnant women's knowledge about and beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to determine the scope of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pregnant women about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. A total of 886 pregnant women were recruited for the study. A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted on these selected participants. Data about past infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), SARS-CoV-2 infection of closely related people, and deaths due to COVID-19 among their relatives were questioned. The rate of vaccination was higher (64.1%) in pregnant women with higher education levels. Informing about the vaccine, especially by health professionals, showed that the rates of vaccination (25%) increased (p<0.001). In addition, a significant increase was observed in vaccination rates with increasing age and financial income (p<0.001). The main limitation of our study is that the vaccine, which was approved for "emergency use", was just started to be administered to pregnant women during the study. Our findings show that our target audience, low-income, low-education, younger pregnant women should be given more attention than those who apply to the doctor for routine follow-up.

Disparities in healthcare utilization and depression among young mothers: The role of family functioning.

Extant research suggests that disparities in healthcare utilization and experiences of mental health disorders such as depression exist across sociodemographic groups. One understudied pathway that may have significant implications for these disparities is the role of family functioning. How families interact, communicate, and adapt may vary, but these relationships remain integral for vulnerable subsets of the population due to their seemingly protective properties. Yet, few studies have examined the relationship between family functioning and health. The aim of this study was to explore family functioning as a predictor for healthcare utilization and depression among young mothers and as a moderator of disparities for each of these outcomes. This analysis uses data from a prospective cohort study which was conducted with 296 pregnant young women recruited from obstetrics clinics in Connecticut between July 2007 and February 2011 and followed 1-year postpartum. Logistic regression models were used to assess family functioning, race/ethnicity, and immigrant status as predictors of healthcare utilization and depression. Family functioning was evaluated as a moderator for both outcomes. Black and Latina mothers had decreased odds of using physical healthcare services (odds ratioBlack = 0.13, p < 0.001; odds ratioLatina = 0.31, p = 0.02). Family functioning was associated with decreased odds of using mental healthcare services (odds ratio = 0.97, p = 0.04) and had a protective effect against depression (odds ratio = 0.96, p = 0.003). Family functioning significantly moderated the relationship between immigrant status and physical healthcare utilization, Black race/ethnicity and physical healthcare utilization, and Other race/ethnicity and depression. Family functioning is a significant factor associated with both healthcare utilization and depression among young mothers. It should be a strongly considered component within healthcare settings to mitigate risks among vulnerable populations.

The Effects of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Adolescent Pregnancy in Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria.

There is a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in West Africa. The objective of this study is to highlight the health impacts of adolescent pregnancy through a systematic review. A search was conducted in the electronic databases of Google, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, EBSCO, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and the Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) Program. The study found anemia, complications of pregnancy, obstetric and gynecological risks, unsafe abortions, and psychological effects to adversely impact the health of adolescent girls in Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. Pregnancy could be deleterious to the health and well-being of adolescent girls in various forms. In addition, adolescent pregnancy could expose adolescent girls to gender-based violence, exclusions, and inequities, be detrimental to upholding women's sexual and reproductive health rights, and could also have implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3. Targeted interventions to prevent pregnancy in young women and mitigate these effects by stakeholders are encouraged.

Скринінг на інфекції, що передаються статевим шляхом, у жінок, які завагітніли вперше

Purpose - to study the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young women who became pregnant for the first time. Materials and methods. 91 women who became pregnant for the first time, aged 20 to 28 years, were examined in 2021. The following infections were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction: Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Mycoplasma hominis and Gardnerella vaginalis. Results. Screening for STIs was conducted in women who became pregnant for the first time. It showed the presence of various STIs in 78 (85.7%) of the studied pregnant women. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 8 (8.8%) pregnant women, Ureaplasma urealyticum + Ureaplasma parvum - in 3 (3.2%) patients, Mycoplasma hominis - in 12 (13.2%) women, Gardnerella vaginalis - in 71 (71.8%) pregnant women; the following combinations were most often noted: Ureaplasma urealyticum + Ureaplasma parvum and Gardnerella vaginalis - in 47 (51.6%) pregnant women; combination of 4 pathogens (Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum + Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis) was detected in 14 (15.3%) pregnant women. Conclusions. Laboratory screening showed a high (85.7%) frequency of STIs infection among young pregnant women. The high prevalence of STIs among students is associated not only with lifestyle, but also with a decrease in the nonspecific and immunological resistance of pregnant women. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

Dynamics of parental attitudes of women before and after the birth of the first child

The demographic situation against the background of the reproductive attitudes of young people urgently requires research into the dynamics of parental attitudes, especially among women. Identification of potential resource areas and risk zones will make it possible to determine the main directions of psychological work with young people at the pre-parental and parental stages, strengthening the value of families and children among young people. The purpose of the study is to study the dynamics of parental attitudes before and after the birth of the first child. Sample: stage 1 (n = 50) married pregnant young women (first pregnancy in the third trimester, no history of complications); Stage 2 (n = 39): young mothers with a baby from 3 to 5 months. Data collection was carried out in the course of a longitudinal study using psychological testing methods: PARI E.S. Schaefer and R.K. Bella (adapted by T.V. Neshcheret); Ideas about the ideal parent R.G. Ovcharova; Relationship Color Test by A. Etkind. The results showed that women at the stage of early motherhood showed changes in all components of parental attitudes cognitive, emotional, behavioral. The greatest dynamics occur in the emotional sphere, which is characterized by ambivalence of experiences, and in the mothers self-awareness. The systems of attitudes towards the child and the maternal role (attitude towards oneself as mother and motherhood) are gradually differentiated. There is a restructuring of marital interaction and relations with the parental family: rapprochement with ones own mother while distancing from a marriage partner. Thus, at the stage of early parenthood, a woman needs to form the skills of emotional and volitional self-regulation and increase the level of communicative competence, which are of central importance for high-quality relationships with a child and a spouse.

BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND EFFECTIVE FACTORS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study was conducted to identify the factors affecting the breastfeeding self-efficacy of pregnant women in the COVID-19 pandemic.This descriptive correlational study was conducted between 15 January and 15 June, 2021. The sample consisted of 320 pregnant women’, who were in their third trimester, had a single and healthy fetus, a spontaneous pregnancy and no health problems. The data of the study were collected using an Information Form and the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale.The mean total Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale score of the participants was 79.08±13.86. The seven variables with significant effects on the mean total Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores of the participants were, being knowledgeable on COVID-19, thinking breastfeeding is beneficial for the baby, going to prenatal care checkups on time, gestational week, educational status, age, and receiving breastfeeding consultancy in the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Especially young pregnant women who have low educational status and are not experienced or knowledgeable about breastfeeding should be provided with counseling on breastfeeding. This study is believed to contribute to the literature and guide interventional studies to be conducted in the future by evaluating the prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy levels and affecting factors.

Eumycetoma caused by Biatriospora mackinnonii in a young pregnant woman from Somalia

We report a 25-year-old pregnant female immigrant from Somalia with nodular, indolent progressive swelling of the right distal-medial lower leg and multiple nodular changes on the fingers of both hands (Figs. 1 & 2). Material from a lesion above the right medial malleolus obtained by sample excision tested negative for mycobacteria by conventional microbiology and specific PCR. A postpartum MRI of the right lower leg showed the radiographic

Ethnobiological study of Hare, a traditional food in the Parmalim community, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Amrul HMZN, Pasaribu N, Harahap RH, Aththorick TA. 2022. Ethnobiological study of Hare, a traditional food in the Parmalim community, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6082-6088. Indonesia has a variety of traditional foods that come from different social and cultural communities. One of the tribes in North Sumatra is the Batak. In the Toba Batak community, there is a belief or religion system called Parmalim. The Parmalim community is one of the indigenous faiths in Batak, which has grown and developed over time and is embraced by the Batak. The existence of traditional food known as Hare is one of the community's traditions. The purpose of this study is to describe how Hare was made, the ingredients included, and the nature of the benefits through an ethnobotanical study. The traditional botanical knowledge was traced through a series of field observations and semi-structured interviews with eight respondents from the religious officials and experts in Parmalim using a purposive sampling technique. Based on the interviews, Hare was prepared from herbs, honey, buffalo milk, and chicken eggs. The total ingredients used in making hare were 16 ingredients consisting of 13 species of plants and three species of animals. Hare is prepared from cultivated plants such as Cocos nucifera, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis sativus, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Musa acuminata, Oryza sativa, Kaempferia galanga, and Curcuma domestica Valeton) and wild plants such as Saurauia bracteosa, Neptunia oleracea, Desmodium adscendens, Hibiscus mutabilis, and Chrysophyllum roxburghii. At first, hare is thought to be a nutritious diet and a pregnancy stimulant for young pregnant women. Recently, the traditional dish must be preserved, one of which is by promoting this dish on the cultural and formal agenda at Toba District, North Sumatra.

2134. A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of a Booster Dose of a Group B Streptococcus 6-Valent Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (GBS6)

Abstract Background Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections in young infants and pregnant women. Pfizer is developing a hexavalent GBS vaccine (GBS6) as a maternal vaccine to prevent invasive GBS disease due to the 6 most prevalent serotypes in young infants. We previously reported Phase 1 safety and immunogenicity data for GBS6. There is precedent for repeat doses of vaccines to augment or sustain circulating antibodies available for placental transfer with each pregnancy; thus, data to inform GBS6 booster strategies were required. Methods This was a Phase 2 open-label extension study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a booster dose of GBS6 (20 μg capsular polysaccharide (CPS)/serotype/dose) with or without AlPO4, given ∼2 years after primary vaccination in 151 healthy nonpregnant adults. Sera taken before and 1-month postbooster were assessed for anti-CPS IgG using a direct Luminex immunoassay. Participants recorded solicited local and systemic events for 14 days after vaccination and unsolicited safety events through 6 months after vaccination. Immunogenicity time points from the Phase 1 study are referred to as primary dose. Results Immunogenicity results For all serotypes, serotype-specific IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) remained elevated compared to baseline at the prebooster time point and were higher 1-month postbooster than 1 month post primary. The 1-month postbooster IgG GMCs were 10- to 59-fold higher than at the prebooster time point. There were similar responses between the 2 formulations. Safety and tolerability results The most frequently reported local reaction was mild to moderate pain at the injection site. Greater pain was associated with AlPO4 formulation. The most frequently reported systemic events were mild to moderate headache and fatigue. The frequency of adverse events was low. Figure 1Antibody Response Line Plot of IgG GMCs by Vaccine Group - All SerotypesFigure 2.Reverse Cumulative Distribution Curves (RCDCs) for IgG 1 Month After Primary and Booster Vaccination, by Vaccine Group – All SerotypesFigure 3.IgG Geometric Mean Fold Rises (GMFRs) at 1 Month Postbooster Vaccination Conclusion A booster dose of GBS6 given ∼2 years after a primary dose to healthy nonpregnant adults was safe and elicited robust immune responses that were also consistently higher than after primary dose. This study suggests that repeat vaccination with GBS6 may confer additional benefit in pregnant women in subsequent pregnancies. Disclosures Babalwa Jongihlati, MD, MBA, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Judith Absalon, MD, MPH, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Samantha Munson, MPH, MBA, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Yasmin Sanchez-Pearson, PhD, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Raphael Simon, PhD, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Natalie Silmon de Monerri, PhD, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds David Radley, MS, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Emily A. Gomme, Ph.D., Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Michelle Gaylord, PhD, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds William C. Gruber, MD, Pfizer, Inc.: Salary|Pfizer, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Kathrin U. Jansen, PhD, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Daniel A. Scott, MD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Annaliesa S. Anderson, PhD, Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds.

The Effect of Chlordiazepoxide Consumption on the Hippocampus of Neonatal Rats During Pregnancy

Background: Chlordiazepoxide is an anti-anxiety drug commonly used by young people and pregnant women to reduce anxiety. The adverse effects of this drug on cholinergic nervous system function have been demonstrated. Therefore, in this study, the effect of chlordiazepoxide consumption during pregnancy was evaluated on the rats infant hippocampus. Materials and Methods: Nine pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided (n=3 per group) into control, experimental (daily intraperitoneal injection of chlordiazepoxide at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 21 days), and vehicle (same amount of normal saline) groups. Two weeks after birth, the neonate brains were removed from the skull and prepared for Nissl and TUNEL stainings. The expressions of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes were evaluated. Results: The number of healthy neurons in different areas of the neonatal hippocampus in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to control and vehicle groups, and the number of apoptotic bodies was increased (P&lt;0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the numbers of these cells in the control and vehicle groups. The expression of pro-apoptotic genes in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the control group instead of the expression of anti-apoptotic genes decreased significantly. Conclusion: Chlordiazepoxide during pregnancy can cause neuronal damage in the hippocampus of neonatal Wistar rats.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in a Patient With Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy Subtype of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective To highlight treatment resistance of concurrent Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Background Coincidence of SLE and GBS is an uncommon and complicated course of autoimmune disease. Treatment is further complicated by pregnancy exacerbation of SLE. Design/Methods We report a case of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) subtype of GBS in a young pregnant woman in her early 20s presenting with SLE. Patient was 10 weeks pregnant at presentation. Lumbar puncture study and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) were consistent with acute motor axonal neuropathy subtype of GBS. Patient also had increased proteinuria and renal biopsy performed that was consistent with lupus nephritis. Despite treatment with IVIG and pulse dose corticosteroids, the patient had minimal neurological improvement with respiratory decline requiring intubation. Her pregnancy was terminated at this point and a course of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was started followed by cyclophosphamide. Results The patient responded to the combination of therapy and had slow but gradual neurologic recovery as well as improvement of proteinuria. Conclusions Concurrent GBS and active SLE in the setting of pregnancy may be more treatment resistant, and combination therapy including TPE, immunosuppression, and termination of pregnancy may be indicated. For patients with concurrent GBS and SLE, especially axonal subtype of GBS and during pregnancy, TPE should be considered as a primary treatment option with respect to both efficacy and safety.

Maternal age at birth and child attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: causal association or familial confounding?

Causal explanations for the association of young motherhood with increased risk for child attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remain unclear. The ABCD Study recruited 11,878 youth from 22 sites across the United States between June 1, 2016 and October 15, 2018. This cross-sectional analysis of 8,514 children aged 8-11 years excluded 2,260 twins/triplets, 265 adopted children, and 839 younger siblings. We examined associations of maternal age with ADHD clinical range diagnoses based on the Child Behavior Checklist and NIH Toolbox Flanker Attention Scores using mixed logistic and linear regression models, respectively. We conducted confounding and causal mediation analyses using genotype array, demographic, socioeconomic, and prenatal environment data to investigate which genetic and environmental variables may explain the association between young maternal age and child ADHD. In crude models, each 10-year increase in maternal age was associated with 32% decreased odds of ADHD clinical range diagnosis (OR=0.68; 95% CI [0.59, 0.78]) and 1.09-points increased NIH Flanker Attention Scores (β= 1.09; 95% CI [0.76, 1.41]), indicating better child visual selective attention. However, adjustment for confounders weakened these associations. The strongest confounders were family income, caregiver education, and ADHD polygenic risk score for ADHD clinical range diagnoses, and family income, caregiver education, and race/ethnicity for NIH Flanker Attention Scores. Breastfeeding duration, prenatal alcohol exposure, and prenatal tobacco exposure were responsible for up to 18%, 6%, and 4% mediation, respectively. Socioeconomic disadvantages were likely the primary explanation for the association of young maternal age with child ADHD, although genetics and modifiable environmental factors also played a role. Public policies aimed at reducing the burden of ADHD associated with young motherhood should target socioeconomic inequalities and support young pregnant women by advocating for reduced prenatal tobacco exposure and healthy breastfeeding practices after childbirth.

Upaya Pencegahan Stunting Di Kelurahan Pasar Kliwon

Stunting cases still often occur in the city of Surakarta, so the 'Sigrak Centingan' program was formed as an effort to reduce stunting. The program is running well, as evidenced by the data obtained there has been a decrease in the absence of stunting cases, especially in Pasar Kliwon Village. Based on this, the service carried out by Devotion 01 team aims to increase awareness of stunting and its prevention. Factors causing stunting in the Pasar Kliwon area are nutritional intake and low awareness of PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior). Devotion 01 team collaborates with posyandu cadres, PKK, residents, and local government through various work programs that can be carried out, including stunting socialization, posyandu, distribution of blood-added tablets, PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior), planting vegetable seeds, healthy Sunday, and waste reduction through eco-bricks. The results of the implementation of the work program indicate that the residents of Pasar Kliwon Village, especially young women, prospective brides, pregnant women, childbirth mothers, and breastfeeding mothers better understand the dangers of stunting and stunting prevention efforts can be carried out independently as early as possible.

Human papillomavirus infections in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in Peruvian pregnant woman: A cross-sectional cytology-based study.

Low-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are important in pregnant women because they are risk factors for Condyloma acuminatum and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in the newborn. On the other hand, HPV may contribute to the development of preneoplastic lesions such as LSIL in pregnant women. We aimed to assess the frequency of HPV infections in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in Peruvian pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2011 to 2015 in 84 primiparous- and multiparous pregnant women (mean age: 27 ± 6.3 years). Pregnant women of 18-45 years attending gynecology outpatient department were included for the study. LSILand HPV (nuclear irregularities, koilocytosis, and cytopathic effect) cellular alterations were reported using the Bethesda System guidelines. Sixty-four percent had cytological HPV infection (koilocytes and/or pathognomonic signs of infection) and more than a half of pregnant women had a previous Pap test. LSIL was more frequent in multiparous (increased by 12%, p = 0.008), in the second and third trimester (60.7%, p = 0.002), and between the ages of 18 and 30 (42 cases (50%), p = 0.110). This proportion was significatively increased in women with ≥2 sexual partners (39.3%), with an early onset of first intercourse, and from the Rímac Municipality (14.3%) (p < 0.05). The rate of pregnant women with HPV infection increased by 39% between 2011 and 2015 (p = 0.001). Peruvian pregnant women with LSIL have a high frequency of HPV infections. These young pregnant women (≤30 years of age), with multiple pregnancy, ≥2 sexual partners, and early onset of sexual intercourse were mainly associated with the third trimester HPV infection and LSIL. To detect early lesions of the cervix, it is key to continue monitoring HPV infections with molecular techniques and screening in pregnant women.

Food insecure women's experiences of their nutritional health and wellbeing in Europe: a qualitative systematic review and meta-ethnography

BackgroundFood insecurity has increased since the 2008 global financial crisis. Particularly vulnerable are mothers with young children, pregnant women, and lone parents (the majority of whom are women). This systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies aimed to explore women's experiences of food insecurity and how it affects their nutritional health and wellbeing. MethodsSix electronic databases were searched from Jan 1, 2008, to July 10, 2021, with no language restrictions. Search terms included “food insecurity”, “women”, and “nutrition”. This search was supplemented by grey literature, reference list, and citation searches. Screening was done in duplicate. Following title and abstract screening, full texts were screened against the inclusion criteria (ie, qualitative research, focus on women of childbearing age, pregnancy nutritional health or wellbeing, data from 2008 onwards, and high-income European countries). We adhered to PRISMA and eMERGe guidelines for meta-ethnographic reporting. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASP qualitative checklist. Data were synthesised according to Noblit and Hare's seven phases of meta-ethnography. FindingsWe identified 11 589 unique records; 23 publications reporting data from 22 unique studies were included, comprising 647 women. We identified two key themes: accessing sufficient food and embodying food insecurity, comprising eight subthemes. Our meta-ethnography provides a progressive storyline of women's experiences of food insecurity. This storyline includes how women attempt to access sufficient food, they are unable to meet their nutritional needs, how this is embedded into their everyday lives, and embodied in unhealthful physical, social, and mental nutritional health and wellbeing. InterpretationThis meta-ethnography concludes a need for greater recognition of the psychosocial impact of food insecurity on vulnerable women, in addition to the impact on their nutritional health and wellbeing. The review demonstrates a lack of change over time, qualitatively for women's experiences. A strength and limitation of this review is the range of studies from different European contexts, where contextual factors could affect the experiences of women. FundingThe Economic and Social Research Council.

코로나19 팬데믹 시기에 방글라데시 빈곤층이 경험하고 있는 빈곤, 영양, 무력감 - 질적연구 -

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened the risk of economic and nutritional instability, particularly among the poor population. We conducted in-depth interviews with 45 women with young children in Kaharole Upazila, Rangpur Division, in Bangladesh. Most respondents reported reduced income or job loss since the pandemic and could not afford to purchase staples and nutrient-rich foods. Young children and pregnant women were at risk of having inadequate diets. The households used stress coping mechanisms such as selling livestock, taking loans, and spending savings several times. The coping mechanisms again put the respondents into a vicious economic and severe mental stress cycle as they had no way to repay the loan. Respondents expressed helplessness and frustration as a result of the economic downturn. There was a lack of relief assistance from local governments or civil societies. Our findings showed poor Bangladesh women faced financial hardship, limited food choices, and provisional coping strategies. It is advised that disaster relief efforts be directed toward helping the affected population maintain their standard of living and building local community resilience.

Labour outcome following laparoscopic myomectomy in infertility patients in Port Harcourt Nigeria

Laparoscopic myomectomy is being used to surgically treat women with uterine fibroid in our environment. The effect of this treatment modality on achieving pregnancy and its outcome in women with infertility deserves evaluation. Objective: This was to assess the fetal and maternal outcome of pregnant women with prior laparoscopic myomectomy and background infertility. Materials and Method: The study is a retrospective one involving 21 out of 86 women that underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and achieved pregnancy over a period of 30 months. Result: There was pregnancy in 21 out of 86 women that had laparoscopic myomectomy, thus giving a pregnancy rate of 24.4%. The pregnancy outcome was good. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.76 ±1.97 weeks and the babies had the mean birth weight of 3.09 ± 0.54 kg with the mean APGAR score of 7.47 ± 2.09. The vaginal delivery rate was 23.8% and the mean duration of hospital stay was 4.62 ± 1.43 days. Conclusion: Laparoscopic myomectomy improves the chances of pregnancy in young women with background infertility and is associated with good labour outcome.

The protective role of social support on prenatal depression among pregnant women of advanced maternal age: a Three-Trimester follow-up study in China

The aim of this study was to compare the depressive symptoms during pregnancy between pregnant women aged over 35 years and those aged less than 35 years and to evaluate the protective effect of social support in early pregnancy against prenatal depressive symptoms. One hundred and seventy one women aged over 35 years and 342 trimester-matched women aged less than 35 years were included from a level III hospital in Shenzhen, China. The self-report Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to evaluate prenatal depression and social support in early pregnancy. The proportions of women aged over 35 years who screened positive for prenatal depression were 22.8%, 23.4%, and 24.0% in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) was a positive predictor of prenatal depressive symptoms (β = 0.747, P = 0,008). Social support, especially objective support (β = -0.030, P = 0.002) and subjective support (β = -0.028, P = 0.006) in early pregnancy, had stronger protective effects against prenatal depressive symptoms for women aged over 35 years than younger women. Our findings support that older pregnant women experience more depressive symptoms than younger pregnant women, and social support could serve as a targeted intervention to decrease prenatal depressive symptoms. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Depressive symptoms, which are strongly associated with adverse psychosocial and birth outcomes, appear to be prevalent and change in nature. Social support is an important protective factor against prenatal depression. What the results of this study add? Pregnant women of advanced maternal age experienced more depressive symptoms than younger women during the prenatal period. Social support, especially objective support and subjective support, had stronger protective effects against prenatal depression for women aged over 35 years than women aged less than 35 years. What the implications of these findings are for clinical practice? Screening of prenatal depression should be strengthened, especially for women aged over 35 years, and improving subjective support could improve their emotional experience.

Pregnancy-Specific Stress during the First Lockdown of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessing Face-to-Face versus Online Recruitment.

The study aims to assess pregnancy-specific stress among pregnant women in Spain during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two samples of pregnant women from the south of Spain (Andalusia) were assessed using the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) and a sociodemographic and obstetric questionnaire. Group 1 (N = 155) was recruited face-to-face, whereas Group 2 (N = 78) was recruited online. Pregnancy-specific stress levels were significantly different in both groups. The face-to-face group (Group 1) had higher pregnancy-specific stress levels than the online group (Group 2). The online sample over-represents young adult pregnant women with high education levels and a high number of previous miscarriages. The face-to-face study seems more accessible to racially and ethnically diverse groups. The main concern among both groups was the risk of having a sick neonate. Research during the COVID-19 pandemic can benefit from using online resources to collect data to screen and identify perinatal mental health problems in a crisis environment. Nevertheless, researchers should be aware of the potential limitations this strategy can have, for example, certain groups of people may have limited access to the internet.