Probiotics for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Women: Findings From the SPRING Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Given the role of gut microbiota in regulating metabolism, probiotics administered during pregnancy might prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This question has not previously been studied in high-risk overweight and obese pregnant women. We aimed to determine whether probiotics ( and subspecies ) administered from the second trimester in overweight and obese women prevent GDM as assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 28 weeks' gestation.

Non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping for RhD negative women stratified into RHD gene deletion or variant groups: comparative accuracy using two blood collection tube types.

Non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping in Australia to reduce anti-D usage will need to accommodate both prolonged sample transport times and a diverse population demographic harbouring a range of RHD blood group gene variants. We compared RHD genotyping accuracy using two blood sample collection tube types for RhD negative women stratified into deleted RHD gene haplotype and RHD gene variant cohorts. Maternal blood samples were collected into EDTA and cell-free (cf)DNA stabilising (BCT) tubes from two sites, one interstate.

How have the lives of pregnant women changed in the last 30 years?

Background: To what extent have the characteristics and needs of pregnant women changed over time? This cross-sectional, comparative study describes some socio-demographic, mental health and lifestyle characteristics of two samples of pregnant women assessed 30 years apart.

Methods: We recruited two samples of pregnant women who were attending their first clinic visit at the same large Queensland maternity hospital 30 years apart between 1981 to 1984 (Sample A, N=6753) and 2011-2012 (Sample B, N=2156). The women were compared using the same survey tool.

Strategy for managing maternal variant RHD alleles in Rhesus D negative obstetric populations during fetal RHD genotyping.

Objectives: Fetal RHD screening programs that aim to reduce unnecessary antenatal anti-D prophylaxis are being introduced into clinical practice. Strategies to manage women serologically typed as Rhesus D negative who have maternal RHD variants are needed. This study describes maternal RHD allelic variants detected in nonselected and alloimmunised Rhesus D negative obstetric populations and explores a mathematical approach to identify these variants.

SPRING: an RCT study of probiotics in the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese women.

Background: Obesity is increasing in the child-bearing population as are the rates of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is associated with higher rates of Cesarean Section for the mother and increased risks of macrosomia, higher body fat mass, respiratory distress and hypoglycemia for the infant. Prevention of gestational diabetes through life style intervention has proven to be difficult.