Gravid uterine torsion after prone positioning in SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome.

A multiparous pregnant patient was admitted to the intensive care unit in her third trimester of pregnancy for prone positioning mechanical ventilation after developing SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Repositioning in left lateral tilt was followed by uterine contractions and cardiotocography alterations. Preterm caesarean section was performed based on persistent foetal tachycardia and suspected foetal distress, followed by a per-operative diagnosis of uterine levotorsion.

Human embryonic curvature studied with 3D ultrasound in ongoing pregnancies and miscarriages.

Embryonic growth is often impaired in miscarriages. It is postulated that derangements in embryonic growth result in abnormalities of the embryonic curvature. This study aims to create first trimester reference charts of the human embryonic curvature and investigate differences between ongoing pregnancies and miscarriages.

Human embryonic growth trajectories and associations with fetal growth and birthweight.

Study Question: How do human embryonic growth trajectories evolve in the first trimester, and is first-trimester embryonic growth associated with fetal growth and birthweight (BW)?

Summary Answer: Human embryonic growth rates increase between 9 and 10 weeks of gestation and are associated with mid-pregnancy fetal growth and BW.

What Is Known Already: Fetal growth is associated with health and disease risks in later life. Until recently, prenatal care and research have been focused predominantly on fetal growth in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Influence of maternal folate status on human fetal growth parameters.

Worldwide periconceptional folic acid supplement use is recommended to prevent neural tube defects. This also stimulated research on maternal folate status in association with fetal growth, an important predictor of perinatal and future development and health. We provide an overview of literature on associations between maternal folate status during pregnancy determined by folate biomarker concentrations in blood, folic acid supplement use and dietary folate intake, and fetal growth parameters.