Articles

Pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura complicated by Sjögren’s syndrome and non-neutralising antibodies to ADAMTS13: a case report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a severe and life-threatening disease. Given its heterogeneous clinical presentation, the phenotype of TTP during pregnancy and its management have not been well do...

Authors: Lu Zhou, Yu Zhu, Miao Jiang, Jian Su, Xiaofan Liu, Yizhi Jiang, Hui Mu, Jie Yin, Li Yang, Haiyan Liu, Weidong Pan, Min Su and Hong Liu

Correction to: Insaka: mobile phone support groups for adolescent pregnant women living with HIV

Authors: Nikita Simpson, Anna Kydd, Mwelwa Phiri, Madalitso Mbewe, Lucheka Sigande, Thomas Gachie, Malebo Ngobeni, Tebogo Monese, Zuzana Figerova, Hugo Schlesinger, Virginia Bond, Steve Belemu, Musonda Simwinga, Ab Schaap, Maurice Biriotti, Sarah Fidler…

Distance matters: barriers to antenatal care and safe childbirth in a migrant population on the Thailand-Myanmar border from 2007 to 2015, a pregnancy cohort study

Antenatal care and skilled childbirth services are important interventions to improve maternal health and lower the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and mortality. A growing body of literature has shown that ge...

Authors: Eric Steinbrook, Myo Chit Min, Ladda Kajeechiwa, Jacher Wiladphaingern, Moo Kho Paw, Mu Paw Jay Pimanpanarak, Woranit Hiranloetthanyakit, Aung Myat Min, Nay Win Tun, Mary Ellen Gilder, François Nosten, Rose McGready and Daniel M. Parker

Differences in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes among symptomatic versus asymptomatic COVID-19-infected pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There is dearth of information on COVID-19’s impact on pregnant women. However, literature reported trends of COVID-19 differ, depending on the presence of clinical features upon presentation.

Authors: Durray Shahwar A. Khan, La-Raib Hamid, Anna Ali, Rehana A. Salam, Nadeem Zuberi, Zohra S. Lassi and Jai K. Das

Prevalence and duration of prescribed opioid use during pregnancy: a cohort study from the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort

Recent studies show a rapid growth among pregnant women using high potency opioids for common pain management during their pregnancy. No study has examined the duration of treatment among strong opioid users a...

Authors: Jin-Ping Zhao, Christelle Berthod, Odile Sheehy, Behrouz Kassaï, Jessica Gorgui and Anick Bérard

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and first lockdown on pregnancy monitoring in France: the COVIMATER cross-sectional study

In the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, consultations and pregnancy monitoring examinations had to be reorganised urgently. In addition, women themselves ma...

Authors: Alexandra Doncarli, Lucia Araujo-Chaveron, Catherine Crenn-Hebert, Virginie Demiguel, Julie Boudet-Berquier, Yaya Barry, Maria-Eugênia Gomes Do Espirito Santo, Andrea Guajardo-Villar, Claudie Menguy, Anouk Tabaï, Karine Wyndels, Alexandra Benachi and Nolwenn Regnault

Prevalence and associated factors of caesarian section in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic Health Survey

Caesarian section is a vital emergency obstetric intervention for saving the lives of mothers and newborns. However, factors which are responsible for caesarian section (CS) were not well established in the co...

Authors: Samuel Hailegebreal, Girma Gilano, Binyam Tariku Seboka, Mohammedjud Hassen Ahmed, Atsedu Endale Simegn, Getanew Aschalew Tesfa and Delelegn Emwodew Yehualashet

Reference values for fetal Doppler-based cardiocirculatory indices in monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy

Placental anastomoses in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy have a major impact on fetal circulation. This study was designed to define reference ranges of cardiac and vascular Doppler indices in M...

Authors: Thananan Chongsomboonsuk, Nisarat Phithakwatchara, Katika Nawapun, Sommai Viboonchart, Suparat Jaingam and Tuangsit Wataganara

Exploring gender differences among couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss regarding preferences for supportive care

International guidelines recommend to offer supportive care during a next pregnancy to couples affected by recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In previous research, several options for supportive care have been id...

Authors: N. A. du Fossé, E. E. L. O. Lashley, T. T. Treurniet, J. M. M. van Lith, S. le Cessie, H. Boosman and M. L. P. van der Hoorn

Associations of COVID-19 lockdown with gestational length and preterm birth in China

The effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on maternal and fetal health remain unclear. We examined the associations of COVID-19 lockdown with gestational length and preterm birth (PTB) in a Chinese population.

Authors: Moran Dong, Rui Qian, Jiaqi Wang, Jingjie Fan, Yufeng Ye, He Zhou, Brian Win, Eve Reid, Suijin Zheng, Yanyun Lv, Yudong Pu, Hanwei Chen, Juan Jin, Qingmei Lin, Xiaoyang Luo, Guimin Chen…

Determinants of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a case-control study

Low birth weight is weight less than 2500 g or 5.5 lb. at birth. Globally, more than 20 million infants (15-20%) are born with a low birth weight each year. Birth weight is the primary indicator of the health ...

Authors: Mesfin Tadese, Abdulwahhab Seid Minhaji, Chalachew Tegegne Mengist, Fetene Kasahun and Getaneh Baye Mulu

Association of parental prepregnancy BMI with neonatal outcomes and birth defect in fresh embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective cohort study

Parental body mass index (BMI) is associated with pregnancy outcomes. But the effect of parental prepregnancy BMI on offspring conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IC...

Authors: Ruixue Chen, Lifen Chen, Yifeng Liu, Feixia Wang, Siwen Wang, Yun Huang, Kai-Lun Hu, Yuzhi Fan, Ruoyan Liu, Runjv Zhang and Dan Zhang

Correction to: A time-driven activity-based costing approach for identifying variability in costs of childbirth between and within types of delivery

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Authors: Kathia Dubron, Mathilde Verschaeve and Filip Roodhooft

Non-invasive fetal electrocardiography, electrohysterography and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the second trimester: study protocol of a longitudinal prospective cohort study (BEATS-study)

Worldwide, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preterm birth remain the leading causes of maternal and fetal pregnancy-related mortality and (long-term) morbidity. Fet...

Authors: T. J. Nichting, M. W. E. Frenken, D. A. A. van der Woude, N. H. M. van Oostrum, C. M. de Vet, B. G. van Willigen, J. O. E. H. van Laar, M. van der Ven and S. G. Oei

A randomized group antenatal care pilot showed increased partner communication and partner HIV testing during pregnancy in Malawi and Tanzania

HIV testing at antenatal care (ANC) is critical to achieving zero new infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Although most women are tested at ANC, they remain at risk for HIV exposure and transmission to their inf...

Authors: Rohan D. Jeremiah, Dhruvi R. Patel, Ellen Chirwa, Esnath Kapito, Xiaohan Mei, Linda L. McCreary, Kathleen F. Norr, Li Liu and Crystal L. Patil

Stent encrustation or fragmentation? A case report of post stent removal encrustation in postpartum woman and literature review

Ureteral stents are commonly used in the field of urology to relieve ureteral obstruction. However, complications relating to ureteral stent use, such as encrustation continue to occur, especially with prolong...

Authors: Zhaohua Ye, Qiwu Mi and Renzhao Huang

Umbilical artery thrombosis diagnosed at different gestational ages and fetal outcomes: a case series

Umbilical artery thrombosis is a rare complication of pregnancy strongly associated with poor fetal and perinatal outcomes, such as intrauterine asphyxia, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Its pathogen...

Authors: Jing Wei, Qiaoyun Li and Hongbo Zhai

Association between polymorphisms rs2228001 and rs2228000 in XPC and genetic susceptibility to preeclampsia: a case control study

Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) is a DNA damage recognition protein that plays an important role in nucleotide excision repair and can reduce oxidative stress, which may be involved in the ...

Authors: Jingli Wang, Chengcheng Guan, Jing Sui, Yucui Zang, Yuwen Wu, Ru Zhang, Xiaoying Qi and Shunfu Piao

Low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies: an observational cohort study based on propensity score matching

Since the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin (LDA) in twin pregnancies is uncertain, we aimed to preliminarily assess whether LDA is beneficial in preventing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies.

Authors: Ying Ye, Li Wen, Xiyao Liu, Lan Wang, Yamin Liu, Richard Saffery, Mark D. Kilby, Chao Tong, Hongbo Qi and Philip Baker

Randomized trial examining the effect of exercise and wellness interventions on preventing postpartum depression and perceived stress

Approximately 13–19% of postpartum women experience postpartum depression and a majority report at least some stress during the postpartum phase. Traditional interventions such as psychotherapy and antidepress...

Authors: Beth A. Lewis, Katie Schuver, Shira Dunsiger, Lauren Samson, Amanda L. Frayeh, Carrie A. Terrell, Joseph T. Ciccolo, John Fischer and Melissa D. Avery

Women with maternal near-miss in the intensive care unit in Yangzhou, China: a 5-year retrospective study

Analysis of “maternal near-misses” is expected to facilitate assessment of the quality of maternity care in health facilities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate incidence, risk factors and causes of mate...

Authors: Ying Chen, Jiaoyang Shi, Yuting Zhu, Xiang Kong, Yang Lu, Yanru Chu and Miskatul Mustafa Mishu

Composite non-clinical interventions for a safe cesarean section rate reduction: results of a pre-post interventional study

To evaluate the impact on cesarean section (CS) rate with of a program of multiple non-clinical interventions targeted at health-care professional within a hospital maternity ward.

Authors: A. Fruscalzo, K. Reinecke, A. P. Londero and M. Gantert

Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD after stillbirth: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed to provide an updated summary of studies investigating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in parents after stillbir...

Authors: Cèline Lossius Westby, Andrea Røsberg Erlandsen, Sondre Aasen Nilsen, Endre Visted and Jens C. Thimm

Which elements were significant in reducing obstetric anal sphincter injury? A prospective follow-up study

To examine which elements of an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) care bundle were protective for OASI. Several interventional trials showed that application of a care bundle involving a hands-on approach...

Authors: Ole Bredahl Rasmussen, Annika Yding, Charlotte Sander Andersen, Jane Boris and Finn Friis Lauszus

Prenatal diagnosis of auriculocondylar syndrome with a novel missense variant of GNAI3: a case report

Auriculocondylar syndrome (ACS) is a rare disorder characterized by micrognathia, mandibular condyle hypoplasia, and auricular abnormalities. Only 6 pathogenic variants of GNAI3 have been identified associated wi...

Authors: Xiaoliang Liu, Wei Sun, Jun Wang, Guoming Chu, Rong He, Bijun Zhang and Yanyan Zhao

Barriers to weight management in pregnant mothers with obesity: a qualitative study on mothers with low socioeconomic background

Maternal obesity is a public health issue that could affect both women’s and children’s health. This qualitative study aimed to identify barriers to weight management of pregnant women with obesity and low soc...

Authors: Fahimeh Mehrabi, Najva Ahmaripour, Sara Jalali-Farahani and Parisa Amiri

Changes in fatty acid levels (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) during pregnancy

During pregnancy a high amount of fatty acids (FA) is necessary to meet foetus demands, which vary during gestation. The present study describes the changes in maternal fatty acid concentrations during pregnan...

Authors: Estefania Aparicio, Carla Martín-Grau, Carmen Hernández-Martinez, Nuria Voltas, Josefa Canals and Victoria Arija

Infant crying problems related to maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

Infant crying may cause concerns among new parents and is a frequent reason for seeking help from their general practitioner (GP). The etiology of crying problems in infancy is not fully understood, but recent...

Authors: Tabitha Krogh Ölmestig, Volkert Siersma, Anna Rubach Birkmose, Jakob Kragstrup and Ruth Kirk Ertmann

Postpartum septic symphysitis, a rare condition with possible long-term consequences: a cohort study with long-term follow-up

Postpartum septic symphysitis (PPSS) is defined as acute onset of severe pain around the symphysis, restricted movement, fever, and elevated inflammatory parameters. It is a rare but serious condition requirin...

Authors: Helen Elden, Monika Fagevik Olsen, Nasrin Farah Hussein, Lisa Wibeck Axelsson, Verena Sengpiel and Michael Ullman

An integrated approach based on advanced CTG parameters and Doppler measurements for late growth restriction management

The clinical diagnosis of late Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) involves the integration of Doppler ultrasound data and Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring through computer assisted computerized cardiotocography (...

Authors: Giuseppina Esposito, Nicolò Pini, Salvatore Tagliaferri, Marta Campanile, Fulvio Zullo, Giovanni Magenes, Giuseppe Maria Maruotti and Maria Gabriella Signorini

The effects of betamethasone on clinical outcome of the late preterm neonates born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation

Prenatal corticosteroid administration in preterm labor is one of the most important treatments available to improve neonatal outcomes; however, its beneficial effects on late preterm infants (after the 34th w...

Authors: Yas Arimi, Narges Zamani, Mamak Shariat and Hossein Dalili

Correction to: Maternal and neonatal outcomes in mothers with diabetes mellitus in Qatari population

Authors: Mohammad A. A. Bayoumi, Razan M. Masri, Nada Y. S. Matani, Mohamed A. Hendaus, Manal M. Masri, Prem Chandra, Lisa J. Langtree, Sunitha D’Souza, Noimot O. Olayiwola, Saad Shahbal, Einas E. Elmalik, Mohamed S. Bakry, Ashraf I. Gad and Ravi Agarwal

Spousal support during pregnancy in the Nigerian rural context: a mixed methods study

Pregnancy constitutes a global health concern, thus the need for spousal support during this period cannot be overemphasized. This study examined the kinds of support pregnant women expected and received from ...

Authors: O. Arisukwu, C. O. Igbolekwu, I. A. Oyekola, E. J. Oyeyipo, F. F. Asamu and O. N. Osueke

An evaluation of strategies to achieve greater than 90% coverage of maternal influenza and pertussis vaccines including an economic evaluation

Maternal immunisation is an essential public health intervention aimed at improving the health outcomes for pregnant women and providing protection to the newborn. Despite international recommendations, safety...

Authors: Michelle L. Giles, Kong Khai, Sushena Krishnaswamy, Karen Bellamy, Margaret Angliss, Christopher Smith, Olivia Fay, Paul Paddle and Beverley Vollenhoven

Preterm birth and its associated factors among reproductive aged women in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from the recent demographic and health surveys of sub-Sharan African countries

Globally, preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal and under-five children mortality. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) accounts for the majority of preterm birth and death following its complications. Despite t...

Authors: Tesfa Sewunet Alamneh, Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale, Misganaw Gebrie Worku, Zemenu Tadesse Tessema, Yigizie Yeshaw, Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema, Alemneh Mekuriaw Liyew and Adugnaw Zeleke Alem

Facilitating Perinatal Access to Resources and Support (PeARS): a feasibility study with external pilot of a novel intervention

Up to 50% of women in areas of high socio-economic deprivation are at risk of developing depressive symptoms in pregnancy. Feeling well supported, can facilitate good mental health perinatally. A brief, innova...

Authors: Pauline Slade, Melanie Dembinsky, Katie Bristow, Kim Garthwaite, Amy Mahdi, Annette James, Atif Rahman and Soo Downe

Frequency and source of worries in an International sample of pregnant and postpartum women during the Covid-19 pandemic

Pregnant and postpartum women face unique challenges and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus far, no studies have explored the factors associated with increased levels of worry in this population globa...

Authors: Diego F. Wyszynski, Sonia Hernandez-Diaz, Vanessa Gordon-Dseagu, Noemi Ramiro, Archana Basu, Hannah H. Kim and Karestan C. Koenen

Association between COVID-19 lockdown measures and the incidence of iatrogenic versus spontaneous very preterm births in the Netherlands: a retrospective study

The COVID-19 pandemic led to regional or nationwide lockdowns as part of risk mitigation measurements in many countries worldwide. Recent studies suggest an unexpected and unprecedented decrease in preterm bir...

Authors: J. Klumper, B. M. Kazemier, J. V. Been, K. W. M. Bloemenkamp, M. A. de Boer, J. J. H. M. Erwich, W. Heidema, F. J. C. M. Klumper, S. W. A. Nij Bijvank, S. G. Oei, M. A. Oudijk, S. Schoenmakers, A. S. van Teeffelen and C. J. M. de Groot

Women's experiences of VBAC in Cyprus: a qualitative study

In 21st century, there has been an increasing interest in vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus, a country with a very high operative birth rate. Research-based evidence of women’s VB...

Authors: Eleni Hadjigeorgiou, Constantina Katsie, Maria Papadopoulou, Maria Dolores Christofi and Andri Christoforou

‘Asking for help’: a qualitative interview study exploring the experiences of interpersonal counselling (IPC) compared to low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for women with depression during pregnancy

Treating depression early in pregnancy can improve health outcomes for women and their children. Current low-intensity psychological therapy for perinatal depression is a supported self-help approach informed ...

Authors: Jenny Ingram, Debbie Johnson, Heather A. O’Mahen, Roslyn Law, Iryna Culpin, David Kessler, Lucy Beasant and Jonathan Evans

Oxytocin administration for induction and augmentation of labour in polish maternity units – an observational study

There is not enough data regarding practices and protocols on the dose of oxytocin administrated to women during labour. Empirical evidence indicates that compliance with the guidelines improves the quality of...

Authors: Barbara Baranowska, Anna Kajdy, Iwona Kiersnowska, Dorota Sys, Urszula Tataj-Puzyna, Déirdre Daly, Michał Rabijewski, Grażyna Bączek and Maria Węgrzynowska

Incidence of home delivery among women living with HIV in Lira, Northern Uganda: a prospective cohort study

Home delivery has been associated with mother-to-child transmission of HIV and remains high among HIV-infected women. Predictors for home delivery in the context of HIV have not been fully studied and understo...

Authors: Agnes Napyo Kasede, Thorkild Tylleskär, David Mukunya, Josephine Tumuhamye, Grace Ndeezi, Anna Agnes Ojok Arach, Paul Waako and James K. Tumwine

Study on the application of King’s combined uterine suture for hemostasis during cesarean section

Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious complication of childbirth and is still the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Lower uterine segment hemorrhage during cesarean section is an important cause of postp...

Authors: Li Xia, Jinxiao Lin, Yan Dai and Xinrui Wang

Adverse pregnancy outcomes during the COVID-19 lockdown. A descriptive study

The ongoing spread coronavirus disease worldwide has caused major disruptions and led to lockdowns. Everyday lifestyle changes and antenatal care inaccessibility during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ...

Authors: Eman F. Badran, Rula M. Darwish, Yousef Khader, Rama AlMasri, Mira Al Jaberi, Mohammad AlMasri, Farah AlSa’di, Leen abu Yosef and Noor al-Badaineh

Placental pathology in a pregnant woman with severe COVID-19 and successful ECMO treatment: a case report

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy can lead to a severe condition in the patient, which is challenging for obstetricians and anaesthesiologists. Upon severe COVID-19 and a lack of improvement after mul...

Authors: Anna Rosner-Tenerowicz, Tomasz Fuchs, Aleksandra Zimmer-Stelmach, Michał Pomorski, Martyna Trzeszcz, Jacek Zwierzchowski and Mariusz Zimmer

Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, early pregnancy behaviours, and livebirth outcomes as congenital heart defects risk factors - Northern Ireland 2010-2014

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) is the most commonly occurring congenital anomaly in Europe and a major paediatric health care concern. Investigations are needed to enable identification of CHD risk factors as ...

Authors: Hafi Saad, Marlene Sinclair and Brendan Bunting

Predictors and occurrence of antenatal depressive symptoms in Galle, Sri Lanka: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study

There is a high prevalence of antenatal depression in low-or-middle-income countries, but information about risk factors in these settings is still lacking. The purpose of this study is to measure the prevalen...

Authors: Sage Wyatt, Truls Ostbye, Vijitha De Silva, Prabodha Lakmali and Qian Long

Effect of short-term psychological intervention on anxiety of pregnant women with positive screening results for chromosomal disorders: a randomized controlled trial

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities is a critical and stressful event for women. Most pregnant women are concerned about fetal abnormalities and screening tests. Due to the importance of anxiety reductio...

Authors: Arezoo Bayat, Leila Amiri-Farahani, Mehdi Soleimani, Nooshin Eshraghi and Shima Haghani

Exploring factors associated with pregnant women’s experiences of material hardship during COVID-19: a cross-sectional Qualtrics survey in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial insecurity of women and their families globally. Some studies have explored the impact of financial strain among pregnant women, in particular, during the pa...

Authors: Laura Johnson

Effect of maternal BMI on labor outcomes in primigravida pregnant women

This study aims to detect the effects of increased BMI on labor outcomes in primigravida pregnant women.

Authors: Eissa Khalifa, Alaa El-Sateh, Mohamed Zeeneldin, Ahmed M. Abdelghany, Mahmoud Hosni, Ameer Abdallah, Sameh Salama, Mazen Abdel-Rasheed and Hashem Mohammad