Low cost antenatal ultrasound imaging possible now

Low cost design makes ultrasound imaging affordable to the world – An ultra-low cost scanner that can be plugged into any computer or laptop to reveal vital information about the unborn child has been developed by engineers at Newcastle University, UK.

Premature and low birth weight babies born after 3 or more abortions

Increased risk of prematurity and low birth weight in babies born after 3 or more abortions – Women who have had three or more abortions have a higher risk of some adverse birth outcomes, such as delivering a baby prematurely and with a low birth weight, revealed by researchers in one of the largest studies to look at the effect of induced abortions on a subsequent first birth.

Misoprostol not effective in women during labor

No evidence that drug used for preventing life-threatening bleeding in women during labor works — Rethinking WHO guidance: review of evidence for misoprostol use in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage – There is insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of a drug that is being used increasingly to prevent life-threatening bleeding in women after giving birth in community settings in low income countries.

PEPFAR HIV AIDS programs and maternal health services

PEPFAR HIV/AIDS programs linked to uptick in babies born at health facilities in sub-saharan Africa – While HIV programs provide lifesaving care and treatment to millions of people in lower-income countries, there have been concerns that as these programs expand, they divert investments from other health priorities such as maternal health. Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health assessed the effect of HIV programs supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) on access to maternal health care in sub-Saharan Africa for women who are not infected with HIV.

H1N1 flu shot during pregnancy shows unexpected benefits to the baby

Flu shot during pregnancy shows unexpected benefits in large study – Getting a flu shot during pregnancy provides unanticipated benefits to the baby. A new study showed that H1N1 vaccination during the pandemic was associated with a significantly reduced risk of stillbirth, preterm birth and extremely small babies at birth.

Birth defects risk higher in assisted reproduction

Higher risk of birth defects from assisted reproduction – Researchers identified the risk of major birth defects associated with different types of assisted reproductive technology. They have compared the risk of major birth defects for each of the reproductive therapies commonly available internationally, such as: IVF (in vitro fertilization), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and ovulation induction.

Pregnant women spend longer in labor now than 50 years ago

NIH study finds women spend longer in labor now than 50 years ago — Changes in delivery practices appear to be main contributing factor – Women take longer to give birth today than did women 50 years ago, as per analysis of nearly 140,000 deliveries by NIH researchers in US. The change is likely due to changes in delivery room practice.

Family preferences influence decision making in very premature deliveries

Family preferences strongly influence decision making in very premature deliveries — Wide variation in practices and counseling reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology – When making decisions and counseling about risk and management options for deliveries between 22 and 26 weeks (periviable deliveries), obstetricians are heavily influenced by family preferences, particularly by the impression that parents consistently prefer to have everything possible done to prolong a pregnancy or “save the baby” through interventions such as cesarean section.

Malaria during pregnancy first trimester – antimalarial is safe

Malaria during pregnancy first trimester – antimalarial is safe

Malaria during pregnancy: New study assesses risks during first trimester — Antimalarial drugs safer for pregnant women than disease – The malaria disease significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, but that treating with antimalarial drugs is relatively safe and reduces this risk in pregnant women expecting their new born babies.

Health Newstrack