Articles

The use of intravenous iron in pregnancy: for whom and when? A survey of Australian and New Zealand obstetricians

Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy (IDAP) affects 11–18% of Australian pregnancies and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. National prescribing data suggests the use of intravenous iron in pregnan...

Authors: Sarah Smith-Wade, Giselle Kidson-Gerber, Antonia Shand, Luke Grzeskowiak and Amanda Henry

Continuous endometrial volumetric analysis for endometrial receptivity assessment on assisted reproductive technology cycles

Human implantation is a complex process requiring synchrony between a healthy embryo and a functionally competent or receptive endometrium. In order to assess endometrial receptivity in Assisted Reproductive T...

Authors: Renato Silva Martins, António Helio Oliani, Denise Vaz Oliani and José Martinez de Oliveira

Risk factors for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm premature rupture of membranes: a retrospective study

Determination of the optimal timing for termination of pregnancy in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) during the extremely preterm period is still difficult. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (B...

Authors: Eishin Nakamura, Shigetaka Matsunaga, Yoshihisa Ono, Yasushi Takai and Hiroyuki Seki

An implementation science approach for developing and implementing a dietitian-led model of care for gestational diabetes: a pre-post study

There is strong evidence that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who receive a minimum of three appointments with a dietitian may require medication less often. The aim of this study was to evaluat...

Authors: Nina MELONCELLI, Adrian BARNETT and Susan de JERSEY

Differential effects of different delivery methods on progression to severe postpartum hemorrhage between Chinese nulliparous and multiparous women: a retrospective cohort study

Delivery methods are associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) both in nulliparous and multiparous women. However, few studies have examined the difference in this association between nulliparous and multipa...

Authors: Chang Xu, Wanting Zhong, Qiang Fu, Li Yi, Yuqing Deng, Zhaohui Cheng, Xiaojun Lin, Miao Cai, Shilin Zhong, Manli Wang, Hongbing Tao, Haoling Xiong, Xin Jiang and Yun Chen

Development and validation of the prenatal activity restriction stress questionnaire: a Rasch rating scale analysis

Antepartum activity restriction (AAR) is a common recommendation given to women at risk for preterm delivery. However, such treatment has been shown to cause heavy emotional burdens on the women receiving it s...

Authors: Hsiao-Ying Hung, Su-Pin Hung and Ying-Ju Chang

Effectiveness of a psycho-educational intervention for expecting parents to prevent postpartum parenting stress, depression and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial

The first months postpartum can be challenging for parents, leading to elevated symptoms of parenting stress, depression and anxiety. In turn, distressed parents are at higher risk for providing suboptimal qua...

Authors: Marjolein Missler, Annemieke van Straten, Jaap Denissen, Tara Donker and Roseriet Beijers

Effect of HELLP syndrome on acute kidney injury in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

HELLP syndrome may increase adverse pregnancy outcomes, though the incidence of it is not high. At present, the impact of HELLP syndrome on P-AKI (acute kidney injury during pregnancy) and maternal and infant ...

Authors: Qiang Liu, Guan-jun Ling, Shao-quan Zhang, Wen-qing Zhai and Yi-juan Chen

Association between HLA-A gene polymorphism and early-onset preeclampsia in Chinese pregnant women early-onset

Preeclampsia is an idiopathic disease during pregnancy. This study explores the correlation between HLA-A polymorphism and the onset of preeclampsia.

Authors: Yuanyuan Zheng, Cui Ma, Xiaowei Liu, Shaowen Wu, Weiyuan Zhang and Shenglong Zhao

Live birth rate and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of frozen transferred blastocyst in patients requiring whole embryo freezing stratified by age

Multiple pregnancies are associated with significant complications and health risks for both mothers and infants. Single blastocyst transfer (SBT) is a logical and effective measure to reduce the incidence of ...

Authors: Shiping Chen, Hongzi Du, Jianqiao Liu, Haiying Liu, Lei Li and Yuxia He

Predictors and clinical features of methotrexate (MTX) therapy for ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a major life- and fertility-threatening women’s health concern. As a result of advances in examination technology, an increasing number of ectopic pregnancies can be diagnosed early and tr...

Authors: Jing Zhang, Yu Zhang, Lu Gan, Xiao-ying Liu and Shan-ping Du

Prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among live births at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North Central Ethiopia

More than one third of the neonatal deaths at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH) are attributable to birth asphyxia. Most of these neonates are referred from the materni...

Authors: Wubet Alebachew Bayih, Getachew Yideg Yitbarek, Yared Asmare Aynalem, Biruk Beletew Abate, Aragaw Tesfaw, Metadel Yibeltal Ayalew, Demeke Mesfin Belay, Habtamu Shimelis Hailemeskel and Abebaw Yeshambel Alemu

circCRAMP1L is a novel biomarker of preeclampsia risk and may play a role in preeclampsia pathogenesis via regulation of the MSP/RON axis in trophoblasts

Preeclampsia is a severe disease in pregnant women, which is primarily managed by early screening and prevention. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have increasingly been shown to be important biological regulators inv...

Authors: Yonggang Zhang, Hongling Yang, Yipeng Zhang, Junzhu Shi and Ronggui Chen

Women’s experience of psychological birth trauma in China: a qualitative study

The psychological birth trauma is a universal phenomenon in childbearing women. The influences could extend in a wide range, which includes the mothers’ health, mother-infant relationship, partner relationship...

Authors: Ke Zhang, Ling Dai, Meiliyang Wu, Tieying Zeng, Mengmei Yuan and Ye Chen

Factors associated with the uptake of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD) in Rwanda: a mixed methods study

Rwanda has a high unmet need for family planning which could be reduced by improving access to postpartum intrauterine contraceptives device (PPIUCD) insertion. The objective of the study was to assess the pre...

Authors: Chris Adrien Kanakuze, Dan Kabonge Kaye, Priscilla Musabirema, Pascal Nkubito and Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda

Monitoring gestational weight gain and prepregnancy BMI using the 2009 IOM guidelines in the global population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in women with prepregnancy BMI classified as overweight and obese. However, the joint evidence regarding GWG and prep...

Authors: Jose Alberto Martínez-Hortelano, Iván Cavero-Redondo, Celia Álvarez-Bueno, Miriam Garrido-Miguel, Alba Soriano-Cano and Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno

Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China

Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment with birth outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, s...

Authors: Zhihua Wan, Huan Zhang, Haigang Xu, Yang Hu, Cai Tan and Yuling Tao

Health care professionals’ adherence to partograph use in Ethiopia: analysis of 2016 national emergency obstetric and newborn care survey

The period around childbirth and the first 24 hours postpartum remains a perilous time for both mother and newborn. Health care providers’ compliance to the World Health Organization modified partogram across ...

Authors: Solomon Weldemariam Gebrehiwot, Mulugeta Woldu Abrha and Haftom Gebrehiwot Weldearegay

Impact of temperature change from admission to day one on neonatal mortality in a low-resource setting

Thermal control after birth is an essential part of neonatal care. However, the relationship between neonatal temperature at and after admission is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the change between neon...

Authors: Francesco Cavallin, Serena Calgaro, Valentina Brugnolaro, Amir Hussein Abubacar Seni, Arlindo Rosario Muhelo, Liviana Da Dalt, Giovanni Putoto and Daniele Trevisanuto

Maternal excessive gestational weight gain as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in offspring: a systematic review

Abnormal gestational weight gain (GWG) is a prenatal complication that may contribute to long-term behavioral and neurodevelopmental differences in offspring. This systematic review summarizes research on the ...

Authors: Sorayya Kheirouri and Mohammad Alizadeh

A cross-sectional study on the correlation between cytokines in a pelvic environment and tubal factor infertility

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in patients with prima...

Authors: Jiacong Yan, Chengbo Liu, Han Zhao, Chunyan Wang, Huimei Yao, Qiong Lu, Jia Liu and Yun Feng

Assessing factors associated with poor maternal mental health among mothers of children born small and sick at 24–47 months in rural Rwanda

Global investments in neonatal survival have resulted in a growing number of children with morbidities surviving and requiring ongoing care. Little is known about the caregivers of these children in low- and m...

Authors: Marie Claire Abimana, Egide Karangwa, Ibrahim Hakizimana, Catherine M. Kirk, Kathryn Beck, Ann C. Miller, Silas Havugarurema, Sadallah Bahizi, Alphonsine Uwamahoro, Kim Wilson, Mathieu Nemerimana and Alphonse Nshimyiryo

Influence of family resources on secondhand smoking in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in the border and minority urban areas of Northwest China

Pregnant women’s exposure to secondhand smoke is a very serious health issue in China. The purpose of our research is to identify factors that predict the probability of exposure to secondhand smoke among preg...

Authors: Jiangyun Chen, Xinhui Li and Pengqian Fang

A qualitative study of the work experiences of midwives performing obstetric ultrasound in Norway

Performing obstetric ultrasound is part of midwifery practice in Norway. Knowledge of these midwives’ working situation can enhance understanding of what their work involves and the challenges they encounter i...

Authors: Magnhild Reiso, Berit Langli, Eva Sommerseth and Aud Johannessen

Reducing neonatal morbidity by discontinuing oxytocin during the active phase of first stage of labor: a multicenter randomized controlled trial STOPOXY

Oxytocin is effective in reducing labor duration, but can be associated with fetal and maternal complications such as neonatal acidosis and post-partum hemorrhage. When comparing discontinuing oxytocin in the ...

Authors: Aude Girault, François Goffinet and Camille Le Ray

Establishment of an antepartum predictive scoring model to identify candidates for vaginal birth after cesarean

Evidence-based medicine has shown that successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is associated with fewer complications than an elective repeat cesarean. Although spontaneous vaginal births and reductions...

Authors: Qiuping Liao, Jinying Luo, Lianghui Zheng, Qing Han, Zhaodong Liu, Wei Qi, Tingting Yang and Jianying Yan

Spontaneous conception outcome in infertile women after four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography

Four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (4D-HyCoSy) is the preferred way for evaluating fallopian tubal patency and it associated with higher rate of spontaneous conception. However, Few studies h...

Authors: Yu Liu, Ning Zhang, Yanni He, Jiayao Shi, Meijun Zhou, Jingjiao Xu and Hongmei Liu

Maternal multimorbidity during pregnancy and after childbirth in women in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic literature review

For every maternal death, 20 to 30 women are estimated to have morbidities related to pregnancy or childbirth. Much of this burden of disease is in women in low- and middle-income countries. Maternal multimorb...

Authors: Mary McCauley, Shamsa Zafar and Nynke van den Broek

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

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

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