Single dose of azithromycin reduces maternal sepsis or death

Ten percent of maternal deaths are caused by infections that occur shortly before, during or after delivery. Maternal infections and sepsis, which is a serious complication of infections, are among the top five causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Maternal infection also increases the risk of neonatal sepsis, which accounts for 16 percent of newborn deaths. A new study published today in the New […]

Covid vaccination during pregnancy helps protect infants from infection

Two doses of mRNA covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy show significant efficacy against delta and omicron infection in infants under six-months old. They also reduce hospital admission for covid-19 among the same subjects. The findings appeared on Feb. 8, 2023 in the BMJ Today. “In this study, we show that maternal covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy might have dual benefits by also […]

Simple blood test shows promise for screening common and dangerous pregnancy complications

Scientists at Ningbo University, China have identified biomarkers that could provide an early warning system for three common and dangerous pregnancy complications: pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and a liver condition called intrahepatic cholestasis. All three conditions are dangerous; early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing poor outcomes and lifelong consequences. Their causes are not fully understood, and nor is their […]

Drinking during pregnancy changes baby’s brain structure

A new MRI study reveals that consumption of alcohol, even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy, can change the baby’s brain structure and delay brain development. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can expose the foetus to a group of conditions called foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, increasing the risk of learning disabilities, behavioural problems or speech and language delays. ‘Unfortunately, many […]

Nifedipine effective for stabilizing blood pressure during induction of labor in women with preeclampsia

Pregnant women with severe preeclampsia taking a daily dose of blood pressure lowering nifedipine as labor is induced have achieved better blood pressure control during labor and were less likely to require fast-acting treatments to lower very high blood pressure. Researchers reported these findings on October 3, 2022 in Hypertension. “We know that bringing down very high blood pressure to […]

Pain is no joke in labor, but withdrawing laughing gas has no ill effects

Birthing women denied nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’) to relieve labour pain during the COVID-19 pandemic have turned to opioids instead, without any adverse outcomes for mother or child, according to a new study by Australian clinicians. The study, at Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide, looked at the impact of withholding nitrous oxide (N20), a decision adopted by numerous hospitals worldwide in the […]

Inflammatory bowel disease increases risks for pregnant women

Pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their babies face increased risks and complications compared to pregnant women without IBD. Those are the findings from a new University of Missouri School of Medicine study that examined outcomes of more than 8 million pregnancies. IBD is a term used for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are characterized by chronic […]

Positive results from phase III PRIME study of Zejula at Society of Gynecologic Oncology Meeting – Zai Lab + GSK

Zai Lab Limited presented data from the Phase III PRIME study of Zejula (niraparib) as maintenance therapy at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meeting . Zejula demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with a tolerable safety profile in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (collectively […]

Evidence-based recommendations on menopause management advise individualized care

Best practice recommendations for healthcare professionals providing help and support to women experiencing the menopause have been issued in a joint position statement from the British Menopause Society (BMS), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Society for Endocrinology (SfE). The statement is in response to growing concerns around hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shortages and provides an expert […]