Monochorionic twin pregnancies are a subset of twin pregnancies that face potential complications related to a shared circulation between the fetuses. These complications are related to anastomotic placental vessels connecting the cardiovascular systems of the two fetuses, which can result in significant sequela if one twin experiences intrauterine death. The sudden cardiovascular collapse in this scenario leads to a massive blood shift away from the healthy co-twin, significantly jeopardizing its life and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWhile neonatal morbidities associated with early preterm birth are known, the risks of maternal morbidities in these births remain unclear. Thus, we set out to assess the risk of maternal morbidities associated with early preterm births. Retrospective cohort study utilizing the United States (US) Natality Live Birth database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016-2021).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMarcus Tullius Cicero's concept of "ius gentium," or universal law, provides a timeless framework for understanding and defending fundamental human rights, particularly in the context of reproductive freedom. Cicero distinguished between "ius gentium" and "ius civile," emphasizing that while civil law governs specific communities, universal law, rooted in natural reason, applies to all humanity. This philosophical foundation resonates with modern discussions on reproductive rights, where universal principles of justice and bodily autonomy are at stake.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInformed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice, particularly in obstetrics where procedures like labor induction carry significant risks and require clear patient understanding. Despite legal mandates for patient materials to be accessible, many consent forms remain too complex, resulting in patient confusion and dissatisfaction. This study explores the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) to simplify informed consent for labor induction with oxytocin, ensuring content is both medically accurate and comprehensible at an 8th-grade readability level.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSemin Fetal Neonatal Med
December 2024
Extreme preterm births between 20 and 25 weeks' gestation present significant challenges in neonatal care and ethics. This manuscript advocates for neonatology presence from 20 weeks onwards to optimize outcomes. Neonatology attendance ensures accurate gestational age assessment, immediate intervention, and informed decision-making.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Obstet Gynecol
September 2024
"" This maxim underscores the importance of historical awareness in medicine, particularly for obstetricians and gynecologists (ObGyns). ObGyns significantly impact societal health through their care for pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns, uniquely positioning them to advocate for health initiatives with lasting societal benefits. Despite its importance, the history of medicine is underrepresented in medical curricula, missing opportunities to foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVasa previa is a condition where unprotected fetal vessels cross the cervix within the membranes, posing a considerable risk of fetal death or severe morbidity if the membranes rupture before or during delivery. There has not been a definitive treatment for this condition. Patients are typically closely monitored and hospitalized in the early third trimester and scheduled for cesarean delivery before term.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe International Academy of Perinatal Medicine (IAPM) firmly supports abortion as a fundamental reproductive right, as declared at their annual meeting on June 28, 2024, in New York City. This stance, grounded in professional responsibility, respects both autonomy and beneficence-based obligations to pregnant patients and fetal patients. The IAPM asserts that access to safe, legal abortion services is essential for gender equality, public health, and social justice.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn recent years, the US has seen a significant rise in the rate of planned home births, with a 60 % increase from 2016 to 2023, reaching a total of 46,918. This trend positions the US as the leading developed country in terms of home birth prevalence. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests stringent criteria for selecting candidates for home births, but these guidelines have not been adopted by home birth midwives leading to poor outcomes including increased rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Obstet Gynecol
September 2024
In June 2022, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision ended the constitutional right to the professional practice of abortion throughout the United States. The removal of the constitutional right to abortion has significantly altered the practice of obstetricians and gynecologists across the US.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: We set out to compare adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in singleton gestations conceived via fertilization (IVF) to those conceived spontaneously.
Methods: Retrospective, population-based cohort using the CDC Natality Live Birth database (2016-2021). All singleton births were stratified into two groups: those conceived via IVF, and those conceived spontaneously.
The landmark Roe vs Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973 established a constitutional right to abortion. In June 2022, the Dobbs vs Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision brought an end to the established professional practice of abortion throughout the United States. Rights-based reductionism and zealotry threaten the professional practice of abortion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe term "obstetric violence" has been used in the legislative language of several countries to protect mothers from abuse during pregnancy. Subsequently, it has been expanded to include a spectrum of obstetric procedures, such as induction of labor, episiotomy, and cesarean delivery, and has surfaced in the peer-reviewed literature. The term "obstetric violence" can be seen as quite strong and emotionally charged, which may lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions.
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