Articles

Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of reproductive age in Kenya and Tanzania: a community-based cross-sectional survey

Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in low resource countries. Some of the strategies to avoid the delay include early preparation for the birth and detec...

Authors: James Orwa, Samwel Maina Gatimu, Michaela Mantel, Stanley Luchters, Michael A. Mugerwa, Sharon Brownie, Leonard Subi, Secilia Mrema, Lucy Nyaga, Grace Edwards, Loveluck Mwasha, Kahabi Isangula, Edna Selestine, Sofia Jadavji, Rachel Pell, Columba Mbekenga…

Comparison of oral glucose tolerance test and ambulatory glycaemic profiles in pregnant women in Uganda with gestational diabetes using the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system

The diagnosis of hyperglycaemia in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is challenging. Blood glucose levels obtained during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may not reflect home glycaemic profiles. We compare OGTT resu...

Authors: J. M. Milln, E. Walugembe, S. Ssentayi, H. Nkabura, A. G. Jones and M. J. Nyirenda

Exploring factors influencing pregnant Women’s attitudes, perceived subjective norms and perceived behavior control towards male involvement in maternal services utilization: a baseline findings from a community based interventional study from Rukwa, rural Tanzania

Although male involvement enhances obstetric care-seeking behavior, the practice of male involvement in developing countries remains unacceptably low. Male involvement in maternal services utilization can be i...

Authors: Fabiola V. Moshi, Stephen M. Kibusi and Flora Fabian

Why do women not use skilled birth attendance service? An explorative qualitative study in north West Ethiopia

Having a birth attendant with midwifery skills during childbirth is an effective intervention to reduce maternal and early neonatal morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, many women in Ethiopia still deliver a...

Authors: Biruhtesfa Bekele Shiferaw and Lebitsi Maud Modiba

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey data

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of delivery followed by exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months. This study examined the determinants ...

Authors: Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah and Freda Bonsu

Birth preparedness complication readiness and determinants among pregnant women: a community-based survey from Ethiopia

Maternal death related to obstetric complications remains a great challenge in developing countries. Since these complications are not consistently predictable, it is important to plan different preventive app...

Authors: Teshale Abosie Ananche and Legesse Tadesse Wodajo

The influence of experiential knowledge and societal perceptions on decision-making regarding non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows women to access genetic information about their fetuses without the physical risk inherent to prior testing methods. The advent of NIPT technology has led to concern...

Authors: Sophie Montgomery and Zaneta M. Thayer

A qualitative study on midwives’ identity and perspectives on the occurrence of disrespect and abuse in Maputo city

Midwifery care plays a vital role in the reduction of preventable maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. There is a growing concern about the quality of care during facility based childbirth and the occ...

Authors: Anna Galle, Helma Manaharlal, Sally Griffin, Nafissa Osman, Kristien Roelens and Olivier Degomme

Maternal demographic and antenatal factors, low birth weight and preterm birth: findings from the mother and child in the environment (MACE) birth cohort, Durban, South Africa

Low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth (PB) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify maternal demographic and antenatal factors associat...

Authors: Prakash M. Jeena, Kareshma Asharam, Aweke A. Mitku, Pragalathan Naidoo and Rajen N. Naidoo

Iron stores in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a systematic review

Gradual improvements in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD), have led to an increase in the number of women with SCD who reach the age of procreation. However, evidence on the iron status of pregnant w...

Authors: Desmond Aroke, Benjamin Momo Kadia and Tsi Njim

Design of the Pregnancy REmote MOnitoring II study (PREMOM II): a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of remote monitoring for gestational hypertensive disorders

Observational data from the retrospective, non-randomized Pregnancy REmote MOnitoring I (PREMOM I) study showed that remote monitoring (RM) may be beneficial for prenatal observation of women at risk for gestatio...

Authors: Dorien Lanssens, Inge M. Thijs and Wilfried Gyselaers

Preeclampsia knowledge among postpartum women treated for preeclampsia and eclampsia at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana

Preeclampsia/eclampsia is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet patients’ perspectives about their diagnosis are not well understood. Our study examines patient knowledge among women...

Authors: Avina Joshi, Titus Beyuo, Samuel A. Oppong, Cheryl A. Moyer and Emma R. Lawrence

Patterns and determinants of prescribed drug use among pregnant women in Adigrat general hospital, northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

A vigilant prescription of drugs during pregnancy can potentially safeguard the growing fetus from the deleterious effect of the drug while attempting to manage the mother’s health problems. There is a paucity...

Authors: Niguse Meles Alema, Getachew Semagn, Shetey Melesse, Ephrem Mebrahtu Araya, Hagazi Gebremedhin, Desalegn Getnet Demsie, Solomon Weldegebreal Asgedom and Etasy Weldekidan

Effects of prenatal mindfulness-based childbirth education on child-bearers’ trajectories of distress: a randomized control trial

The perinatal period is a time of immense change, which can be a period of stress and vulnerability for mental health difficulties. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise for reducing distress, but...

Authors: Marissa D. Sbrilli, Larissa G. Duncan and Heidemarie K. Laurent

Dimensions of women’s empowerment on access to skilled delivery services in Nepal

Each day, approximately 810 women die during pregnancy and childbirth and 94% of the deaths take place in low and middle income countries. Only 45% of the births in South Asia are attended by skilled professio...

Authors: Januka Khatiwada, Basilua Andre Muzembo, Koji Wada and Shunya Ikeda

Quad test for fetal aneuploidy screening as a predictor of small-for-gestational age fetuses: a population-based study

To identify the relationship between quadruple test for aneuploidy screening (alpha-fetoprotein: AFP; free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin: b-hCG; unconjugated estriol: uE3 and inhibin-A: IHA) and fetal grow...

Authors: Rakchanok Boonpiam, Chanane Wanapirak, Supatra Sirichotiyakul, Ratanaporn Sekararithi, Kuntharee Traisrisilp and Theera Tongsong

“I have to provide for another life emotionally, physically and financially”: understanding pregnancy, motherhood and the future aspirations of adolescent mothers in KwaZulu-Natal South, Africa

Adolescent pregnancy and motherhood has been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of public health. Early childbearing is not only characterized as a physical body experience but also emb...

Authors: Desiree Govender, Saloshni Naidoo and Myra Taylor

Evaluation of the efficacy of two doses of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic, lipidemic and oxidative stress biomarkers during pregnancy: a randomized clinical trial

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common and is likely to be associated with metabolic complications in the mother. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two doses of vitamin D supplementa...

Authors: Soudabe Motamed, Bahareh Nikooyeh, Maryam Kashanian, Maryam Chamani, Bruce W. Hollis and Tirang R. Neyestani

Prescribing antidepressants and anxiolytic medications to pregnant women: comparing perception of risk of foetal teratogenicity between Australian Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Speciality Trainees and upskilled General Practitioners

Authors: Summer Williams, George Bruxner, Emma Ballard and Alka Kothari

Combination of medical and surgical management in successful treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy: a case report series

There is no clear consensus on the management of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), a complex and life-threatening condition. The objective of this study was to present a novel approach to management of CSP that ...

Authors: Anda Pristavu, Angela Vinturache, Elena Mihalceanu, Radu Pintilie, Mircea Onofriescu and Demetra Socolov

Adaptation of short version of questionnaire for assessing the childbirth experience (QACE) to the Iranian culture

Given the importance of the childbirth experience, its effects on women’s life and society, and the need for its assessment by accurate instruments, this study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of...

Authors: Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi and Solmaz Ghanbari-Homayi

Psychosocial status and prenatal care of unintended pregnancies among low-income women

Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are reported as unintended and rates are highest among women of low socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between u...

Authors: Alanna M. Cruz-Bendezú, Grace V. Lovell, Brianna Roche, Meghan Perkins, Tiffany L. Blake-Lamb, Elsie M. Taveras and Meg Simione

Fetal double aortic arch: prenatal sonographic and postnatal computed tomography angiography features, associated abnormalities and clinical outcomes

Fetal double aortic arch (DAA) malformation is a rare congenital heart disease with few reported cases in the literature. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of prenatal ultrasound and postnatal comput...

Authors: Qiao Guo, Yifan Kong, Shi Zeng, Jiawei Zhou, Xiaofang Wang, Quanliang Shang, Jia Zhou, Hongxia Yuan, Ling Wang, Lili Tong, Aijiao Yi and Qichang Zhou

The effect of initiating neuraxial analgesia service on the rate of cesarean delivery in Hubei, China: a 16-month retrospective study

No Pain Labor &Delivery (NPLD) is a nongovernmental project to increase access to safe neuraxial analgesia through specialized training. This study explores the change in overall cesarean delivery (CD) rate an...

Authors: Yun Zhao, Ying Gao, Guoqiang Sun, Ling Yu and Ying Lin

Burden, associated risk factors and adverse outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies in Al Ain, UAE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancies represent a high-risk scenario. The incidence, associated factors and outcomes of GDM in twin pregnancies is not known in the UAE.

Authors: Juma Alkaabi, Raya Almazrouei, Taoufik Zoubeidi, Fatema M. Alkaabi, Fatima Rashid Alkendi, Amel Eisa Almiri, Charu Sharma, Abdul-Kader Souid, Nasloon Ali and Luai A. Ahmed

The personal and clinical impact of screen-detected maternal rheumatic heart disease in Uganda: a prospective follow up study

Pre-existing maternal cardiac disease is a significant contributor to adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. In 2015–2017, our team conducted the first community-based study of maternal rheumatic hear...

Authors: Sonia Voleti, Emmy Okello, Meghna Murali, Rachel Sarnacki, Albert Majwala, Renny Ssembatya, Olivia Bakka, Henriator Namisanvu, Angela Njeri, Alphonsus Matovu, Kristen DeStigter, Craig Sable and Andrea Beaton

Ultrasonic detection of fetal persistent right umbilical vein and incidence and significance of concomitant anomalies

Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is characterized by atresia of the left umbilical vein while the right umbilical vein remains open. Given the limited sample size of most studies, the incidence of PRUV a...

Authors: Jingyu Li, Qian Yuan, Hao Ding, Zeyu Yang, Bing Wang and Bin Wang

The study protocol: Neuroendocrinology and (epi-) genetics of female reproductive transition phase mood disorder - an observational, longitudinal study from pregnancy to postpartum

Postpartum depression is considered to be one of the most common health threats during pregnancy and postpartum, affecting not only the woman herself but also the offspring and the whole family system. Evidenc...

Authors: Alexandra Johann and Ulrike Ehlert

Prevalence of and socioeconomic gradient in low birth weight in Ethiopia: further analysis of the 2016 demographic and health survey data

Evidence suggests appearance of socioeconomic gradient in the probability of low birth weight (LBW). Such evidence, however, is scanty in Ethiopia. The study aimed to examine the prevalence of and socioeconomi...

Authors: Gebretsadik Shibre and Mulugeta Tamire

Risk score for predicting primary cesarean delivery in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher risk of cesarean delivery (CD) than glucose-tolerant women. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk score for predicting primary CD...

Authors: Chadakarn Phaloprakarn and Siriwan Tangjitgamol

Skin and subcutaneous fascia closure at caesarean section to reduce wound complications: the closure randomised trial

Wound infection is a common complication following caesarean section. Factors influencing the risk of infection may include the suture material for skin closure, and closure of the subcutaneous fascia. We asse...

Authors: Amanda J. Poprzeczny, Rosalie M. Grivell, Jennie Louise, Andrea R. Deussen and Jodie M. Dodd

Does prolonged labor affect the birth experience and subsequent wish for cesarean section among first-time mothers? A quantitative and qualitative analysis of a survey from Norway

Prolonged labor might contribute to a negative birth experience and influence first-time mothers’ attitudes towards future pregnancies. Previous studies have not adjusted for possible confounding factors, such...

Authors: L. C. Gaudernack, T. M. Michelsen, T. Egeland, N. Voldner and M. Lukasse

Eliciting women’s preference for prenatal testing in China: a discrete choice experiment

Pregnancy tests can be used for the early diagnosis of fetal problems and can prevent abnormal birth in pregnancies. Yet, testing preferences among Chinese women are poorly investigated.

Authors: Liangzhi Wu, Yanxin Wu, Shiqian Zou, Cong Sun, Junyu Chen, Xueyan Li, Zihang Lin, Lizhi Guan, Qing Zeng, Sihan Zhao, Jingtong Liang, Rui Chen, Zhiwen Hu, Kingyan Au, Daipeng Xie, Xiaomin Xiao…

Low birthweight of children is positively associated with mother’s prenatal tobacco smoke exposure in Shanghai: a cross-sectional study

Low birthweight (LBW) is a significant public health issue, and maternal smoking is the most prevalent preventable cause of LBW. But there is limited evidence on association of LBW among children and cigarette...

Authors: Ruiping Wang, Ting Sun, Qiong Yang, Qing Yang, Jian Wang, Huan Li, Yue Tang, Liang Yang and Jie Sun

Rationale and design of ePPOP-ID: a multicenter randomized controlled trial using an electronic-personalized program for obesity in pregnancy to improve delivery

Pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are established risk factors for adverse pregnancy, delivery and birth outcomes. Pregnancy is an ideal moment for nutritional interventions in ...

Authors: Philippe Deruelle, Sophie Lelorain, Sylvie Deghilage, Emmanuelle Couturier, Elodie Guilbert, Paul Berveiller, Marie Victoire Sénat, Christophe Vayssière, Loïc Sentilhes, Franck Perrotin, Denis Gallot, Céline Chauleur, Nicolas Sananes, Emmanuel Roth, Dominique Luton, Marie Caputo…

Potential predictors for prognosis and postpartum recovery time of acute fatty liver of pregnancy

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a potentially lethal condition of pregnant women with a high mortality rate. Potential predictors related to postpartum recovery time and prognostic factors of AFLP are...

Authors: Jun Chen, Ze-Bing Huang, Xue-Gong Fan, Xing-Wang Hu, Min Qi, Cheng-Jin Liao, Li-Yuan Long and Yan Huang

Women’s perceptions of COVID-19 and their healthcare experiences: a qualitative thematic analysis of a national survey of pregnant women in the United Kingdom

The aim of this national survey was to explore pregnant women’s perceptions of COVID-19 and their healthcare experiences.

Authors: Babu Karavadra, Andrea Stockl, Edward Prosser-Snelling, Paul Simpson and Edward Morris

Associations between gestational weight gain and preterm birth in Puerto Rico

Preterm birth (PTB; gestational age < 37 weeks) is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have been previously cited as risk factors for ...

Authors: Stephanie M. Eick, Michael Welton, Mechelle D. Claridy, Skarlet G. Velasquez, Nicholas Mallis and José F. Cordero

Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT): indications and outcome in fetal cervical and oropharyngeal masses

The “Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment” (EXIT) procedure allows to ensure fetal airway before completion of delivery and umbilical cord clamping while keeping uteroplacental circulation. Airway obstruction in fet...

Authors: Lutgardo García-Díaz, Angel Chimenea, Juan Carlos de Agustín, Antonio Pavón and Guillermo Antiñolo

High physical activity and high sedentary behavior increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among women with excessive gestational weight gain: a prospective study

Although physical activity (PA) in pregnancy benefits most women, not much is known about pregnancy-related changes in PA and its association with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. The aim of this stud...

Authors: Heng Yaw Yong, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Zulida Rejali, Jacques Bindels, Yvonne Yee Siang Tee and Eline M. van der Beek

The impact of stage of labor on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in multiparous women: a retrospective cohort study

The correlation between stage of labor and adverse delivery outcomes has been widely studied. Most of studies focused on nulliparous women, it was not very clear what impact the stage of labor duration had on ...

Authors: Li Wang, Hongxia Wang, Lu Jia, Wenjie Qing, Fan Li and Jie Zhou

Quality assessment of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of pregnant women with sickle cell disease using the AGREE II instrument: a systematic review

The management of pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a major challenge for maternal healthcare services owing to the potential for complications associated with morbidity and mortality. Trustw...

Authors: Yasser S. Amer, Yasser Sabr, Ghada M. ElGohary, Amer M. Altaki, Osamah T. Khojah, Ahmed El-Malky and Musa F. Alzahrani

“I lost my happiness, I felt half dead and half alive” - a qualitative study of the long-term aftermath of obstetric near-miss in the urban district of Zanzibar, Tanzania

This study aims to explore the stories of three women from Zanzibar, Tanzania, who survived life-threatening obstetric complications. Their narratives will increase understanding of the individual and communit...

Authors: Tanneke Herklots, Suhaila Salum Yussuf, Khairat Said Mbarouk, Molly O’Meara, Emma Carson, Sebastiaan Beschoor Plug, Fleur van Acht, Pleun Terpstra, Deja Prebevšek, Arie Franx, Tarek Meguid and Benoit Jacod

Role of mean platelet volume in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis during pregnancy

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis during pregnancy (HTG-APP) is a rare but severe disease with high maternal-fetal mortality risk, which constitutes a systemic inflammatory process accompanied by...

Authors: Longhuan Zeng, Xueying Cai, Jiayi Chen, Guangyong Jin and Yongke Zheng

Burden of stillbirths and associated factors in Yirgalem Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: a facility based cross-sectional study

Stillbirth is an adverse pregnancy outcome of public health importance causing considerable psychosocial burden on parents and their family. Studies on stillbirth are scarce in southern Ethiopia. An assessment...

Authors: Sintayehu Mengesha and Mesay Hailu Dangisso

Association between maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes in Arba Minch zuria, and Gacho Baba district, southern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

Globally, delayed childbearing to the advanced age is a growing option. It is an emerging public health issue in developing countries. Currently, adverse perinatal outcomes significantly increased. A few studi...

Authors: Abera Mersha, Gistane Ayele, Tilahun Worku, Zerihun Zerdo, Shitaye Shibiru, Agegnehu Bante and Tamiru Chonka

Hygiene along the continuum of care in the early post-natal period: an observational study in Nigeria

Newborns delivered in healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries are at an increased risk of healthcare associated infections. Facility–based studies have focused primarily on healthcare worker ...

Authors: Yolisa Nalule, Helen Buxton, Erin Flynn, Olutunde Oluyinka, Stephen Sara, Oliver Cumming and Robert Dreibelbis

SARS-COV-2 infection during pregnancy, a risk factor for eclampsia or neurological manifestations of COVID-19? Case report

There are no published cases of tonic-clonic seizures and posterior bilateral blindness during pregnancy and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus (COV) 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection. We do not just ...

Authors: Alejandro Garcia Rodriguez, Sergio Marcos Contreras, Santiago Manuel Fernandez Manovel, Jose Miguel Marcos Vidal, Fernando Diez Buron, Camino Fernandez Fernandez and Maria del Carmen Riveira Gonzalez

Insights on exclusive breastfeeding norms in Kinshasa: findings from a qualitative study

For optimal growth and development, the World Health Organization recommends that children be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. However, according to the nationally-representative 2013–2014...

Authors: Francine E. Wood, Anastasia J. Gage and Dieudonné Bidashimwa

A ten year analysis of maternal deaths in a tertiary hospital using the three delays model

Reducing maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) remain an important public health issue in Egypt. The three delays model distinguished three phases of delay to be associated with maternal mortality: 1) first phase d...

Authors: Mo’men M. Mohammed, Saad El Gelany, Ahmed Rida Eladwy, Essam Ibrahium Ali, Mohamed T. Gadelrab, Emad M. Ibrahim, Eissa M. Khalifa, Ahmed K. Abdelhakium, Hashem Fares, Ayman M. Yousef, Heba Hassan, Khaled Goma, Mahmoud H. Ibrahim, Alaa Gamal, Mohamed Khairy, Ahmed Shaban…