Outpatient Cervical Ripening: A Cost-Minimization and Threshold Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate cost of outpatient (OP) versus inpatient (IP) ripening with transcervical balloons, and determine circumstances in which each strategy would be cost saving.

Study Design: We created a decision model comparing OP and IP balloon ripening in term (≥37 weeks) singleton pregnancies with unfavorable cervix. We performed a cost-minimization analysis and threshold analyses comparing two OP ripening strategies (broad and limited use) to IP ripening from a health system perspective.

Migraines in Women: Current Evidence for Management of Episodic and Chronic Migraines.

Migraine headache is a disabling brain disorder that affects millions of women in the United States. Many migraine sufferers are undertreated. Both inadequate treatment and overuse of abortive migraine medication can contribute to progression from episodic to chronic migraine disorders.

Consumption of the Placenta in the Postpartum Period.

Postpartum women are consuming their placentas to achieve claimed health benefits, including improved mood, energy, and lactation. Strong scientific evidence to substantiate these claims is lacking. Self-reported benefits from some women include improved mood and lactation; animal models suggest there may be an analgesic effect.