Treatment and Prevention of Hypertensive Disorders During Pregnancy.

This article reviews the pharmacology of the most commonly used antihypertensive medications during pregnancy; their mechanism of action; and the effects on the mother, the fetus, and lactation. Each class of antihypertensive pharmacologic agents have specific mechanisms of action by which they exert their antihypertensive effect. β-Adrenoreceptor antagonists block these receptors in the peripheral circulation.

Effect of using silver nylon dressings to prevent superficial surgical site infection after cesarean delivery: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Surgical site infections are associated with significant healthcare cost and burden. Silver-impregnated dressings have been associated with a decrease in surgical site infections in select populations, but it is unknown whether the benefit can be observed after cesarean deliveries.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the impact of silver nylon dressings in reducing superficial surgical site infections after cesarean delivery.

Gallstone and Severe Hypertriglyceride-Induced Pancreatitis in Pregnancy.

Importance: Patients with biliary disease or underlying dyslipidemias are at risk for pancreatitis in pregnancy. Appropriate treatment can decrease the risk of recurrence and perinatal complications. Prevention of severe lipid elevations can prevent the development of pancreatitis in pregnancy.

Risk factors for maternal injuries in a population-based sample of pregnant women.

Background: The prevalence of injuries during pregnancy is largely underestimated, as previous research has focused on more severe injuries resulting in emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The objective of our study was to estimate the frequency, risk factors, and causes of injuries in a population-based sample of pregnant women.

Methods: This article is an analysis of postpartum interviews among the control series from a case-control study (n=1,488).

Abnormal placentation: evidence-based diagnosis and management of placenta previa, placenta accreta, and vasa previa.

Placenta previa, placenta accreta, and vasa previa cause significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. With the increasing incidence of both cesarean delivery and pregnancies using assisted reproductive technology, these 3 conditions are becoming more common. Advances in grayscale and Doppler ultrasound have facilitated prenatal diagnosis of abnormal placentation to allow the development of multidisciplinary management plans to achieve the best outcomes for mother and baby.