Effect of prenatal EPA and DHA on maternal and cord blood insulin sensitivity: a secondary analysis of the mothers, omega 3, and mental health study.

Background: We sought to determine whether prenatal supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) would increase markers of insulin sensitivity in maternal or cord blood compared with placebo supplementation. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association of serum EPA and DHA fractions with adiponectin, leptin and the adiponectin:leptin ratio (ALR). We hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation would increase markers of insulin sensitivity in maternal and umbilical cord plasma.

The association between prenatal alcohol exposure and protein expression in human placenta.

Background: The need for earlier recognition of children at risk for neurobehavioral problems associated with prenatal ethanol exposure (PAE) has prompted investigations of biomarkers prognostic for altered fetal development. Here, we examined whether PAE alters the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins and cytokines in human placenta in subjects from an Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant and Child Health prospective cohort.

Methods: PAE was ascertained by screening questionnaires, Time-line Follow-back interviews and a panel of ethanol biomarkers at two study visits.

Association between prenatal opioid exposure, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes at 5-8 months of age.

Background: While use of prescription opioids and medication assisted therapy (MAT) for opioid use disorder in pregnancy, as well as the incidence of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) continue to rise, little is known about outcomes for children with NOWS beyond the newborn period.

Methods: We examined 1) prenatal MAT exposure vs. unexposed healthy controls [HC]; and 2) treatment for NOWS and NOWS severity on infant neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes at 5-8 months of age in 78 maternal-infant pairs from the ENRICH prospective cohort study.

Effect of ibuprofen vs acetaminophen on postpartum hypertension in preeclampsia with severe features: a double-masked, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use has been shown to increase blood pressure in nonpregnant adults. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests avoiding their use in women with postpartum hypertension; however, evidence to support this recommendation is lacking.

Objective: Our goal was to test the hypothesis that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, adversely affect postpartum blood pressure control in women with preeclampsia with severe features.

A Novel Approach to Prenatal Measurement of the Fetal Frontal Lobe Using Three-Dimensional Sonography.

Objective: While prenatal 3D ultrasonography results in improved diagnostic accuracy, no data are available on biometric assessment of the fetal frontal lobe. This study was designed to assess feasibility of a standardized approach to biometric measurement of the fetal frontal lobe and to construct frontal lobe growth trajectories throughout gestation.

Study Design: A sonographic 3D volume set was obtained and measured in 101 patients between 16.

Hyperparathyroidism in Pregnancy Leading to Pancreatitis and Preeclampsia with Severe Features.

. Hyperparathyroidism is underdiagnosed in pregnancy, yet early diagnosis is necessary for the potentially severe sequelae of hypercalcemia for both the woman and fetus. .

A Novel Approach to Prenatal Measurement of the Fetal Frontal Lobe Using Three-Dimensional Sonography.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of a standardized approach to biometric measurement of the fetal frontal lobe and to construct frontal lobe growth trajectories throughout gestation.

Study Design: A sonographic 3-dimensional (3D) volume set was obtained and measured in 101 patients between 16.1 and 33.

Retirement Age Ranges from Clinical Practice of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physicians.

 Retirement of "baby boomer" physicians is a matter of growing concern in light of the shortage of certain physician groups. The objectives of this investigation were to define what constitutes a customary retirement age range of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians and examine how that compares with other obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) specialists.  This descriptive study was based on American Medical Association Masterfile survey data from 2010 to 2014.

The effects of nicotine on human fetal development.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy continues to represent a major public health concern. Nicotine is extremely harmful to the developing fetus through many different mechanisms, and the harms increase with later gestational age at exposure. Pregnancies complicated by maternal nicotine use are more likely to have significant adverse outcomes.

Teratogenic risks from exposure to illicit drugs.

Substance use is prevalent in the United States, especially in the reproductive age population. Even though a reduction in substance use may occur during pregnancy, some women may not alter their drug use patterns until at least pregnancy is confirmed. For these reasons, a large number of fetuses are exposed to illicit substances, including during critical stages of organogenesis.

Umbilical cord prolapse.

Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency that can have negative outcomes for the fetus. It is diagnosed by a palpable or visible cord and is often accompanied by severe, rapid fetal heart rate decelerations. Cases of cord prolapse should be delivered as soon as possible, usually by cesarean section.