The Existence of an Intra-Amniotic Microbiome: Assessing a Controversy.

The existence of intra-amniotic and placental microbiomes during pregnancy has been the source of considerable debate, with research yielding conflicting evidence. This study evaluated investigations into the putative presence of these microbiomes in healthy pregnancies by identifying design and data interpretation issues, particularly concerning contamination in samples with low-density bacterial DNA. Positive findings from diverse populations suggest a consistent presence of microbiota in the intra-amniotic space.

Insights into the Genital Microbiota of Women Who Experienced Fetal Death in Utero.

The aim of this work was to achieve a better understanding of the bacterial pathogens associated with stillbirths that would serve to inform clinical interventions directed at reducing this adverse pregnancy outcome. A prospective observational study was conducted with the participation of 22 women from northern Peru, of whom 11 experienced fetal death in utero and 11 delivered preterm births. Swabs were taken from the vagina, placenta, amniotic fluid and axilla of the infant at birth by Caesarean section.

Compliance with clinical guidelines increases the safety of vacuum-assisted delivery.

Background: Vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) is a common and safe obstetric procedure. However, occasionally serious complications may occur. Clinical guidelines and College Statements have been developed to reduce the risk of serious adverse events.

Is there an association between the vaginal microbiome and first trimester miscarriage? A prospective observational study.

Aim: To examine whether there are differences in the vaginal microbiome of women who miscarry compared to those who have normal pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: Prospective observational study conducted at the Canberra Hospital, Australia, with 24 participant women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The vaginal microbiomes of the 24 women were characterized using sequencing analysis of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene employing an Illumina MiSeq instrument with QIAGEN reagents.

Vitamin B3 levels in women who experience first-trimester miscarriage.

Miscarriage is the most common complication in early pregnancy. It was recently reported in mice that miscarriage can be prevented through the administration of niacin. We conducted a prospective, exploratory pilot study involving 24 women who were less than 14 weeks pregnant.

Comparison of the Genital Microbiomes of Pregnant Aboriginal and Non-aboriginal Women.

The genital microbiomes of women varies with racial background. Preterm birth and early-onset neonatal sepsis are two outcomes associated with genital infections during pregnancy. The rate of preterm birth in Aboriginal Australian mothers is high, as is the rate of early-onset sepsis in their infants.

Fatherhood too soon. Anxiety, depression and quality of life in fathers of preterm and term babies: a longitudinal study.

Introduction: Fathers are increasingly recognized as playing a critical role in the family unit and emotional development of children. The birth of a preterm baby can be confronting, yet there is limited research that explores how preterm birth might impact on father's emotional wellbeing and quality of life. The aim of the study was to monitor quality of life and psychological wellbeing in a group of fathers to explore if a preterm birth altered outcomes in these two domains.

Improving vaccination of pregnant women against seasonal influenza through use of a mandatory field in the obstetric electronic medical record.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine whether using a mandatory data field in an electronic health record would increase compliance with the recommendation to vaccinate pregnant women against influenza.

Methods: Two cohorts of women who delivered at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children between 1-31 July 2015 and 1-31 July 2017 were compared for compliance with the national public health recommendation to vaccinate all pregnant women against influenza. The single change between audit periods was programming the electronic health record to include a mandatory field preventing clinicians from closing patient files unless they selected an answer to the question asking whether influenza vaccination had been performed.

Small interface changes have dramatic impacts: how mandatory fields in electronic medical records increased pertussis vaccination rates in Australian obstetric patients.

Introduction: Electronic health records have been widely introduced into clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether a small interface change could improve compliance with a key quality indicator, namely antenatal pertussis vaccination.

Methods: Audits were performed between 1-31 July 2015 and 1-31 July 2017 of all deliveries at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children to determine compliance with antenatal pertussis vaccination.

Can a clinical senate enhance state-wide clinician engagement? A survey study.

Objective Clinician engagement correlates with quality, safety and efficacy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to explore whether a clinical senate model achieves clinical input into system manager and operational health service boards. Methods A mixed-methods survey was undertaken.

Australian Fathers' Study: What Influences Paternal Engagement With Antenatal Care?

This mixed-methods study explores factors associated with and levels of engagement of fathers in antenatal care. One hundred expectant fathers were recruited from antenatal clinics and community settings in Western Australia. They completed validated questionnaires.

Potential involvement of Campylobacter curvus and Haemophilus parainfluenzae in preterm birth.

A woman presented with prelabour premature preterm rupture of membranes and delivered extremely preterm at 26 weeks by caesarean section. Histopathology of the placenta indicated moderately severe histological chorioamnionitis with dense infiltration of the chorionic plate by neutrophils. Two sets of low and high vaginal swabs were taken from the mother.

Attitudes of pregnant women towards personally controlled electronic, hospital-held, and patient-held medical record systems: a survey study.

Background: On July 1, 2012 the Australian Government launched the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR). This article surveys obstetric patients about their medical record preferences and identifies barriers to adoption of the PCEHR.

Materials And Methods: A survey study was conducted of antenatal patients attending a large Australian metropolitan hospital.