Ultrasound Evaluation of the Cervix to Predict Failed Labor Induction.

Objective:  Labor induction does not always result in vaginal delivery, and can expose both the mother and the fetus to the risks inherent to the induction procedure or a possible cesarean section. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) of the cervix is a useful tool to predict prematurity; in the present study, this tool was used to evaluate postterm induction.

Methods:  We evaluated the ultrasound characteristics of the cervix (cervical length, cervical funneling, internal os dilation, the presence or absence of the cervical gland area [CGA], and the morphological changes of the cervix as a result of applying fundal pressure) before the onset of labor induction among women with postterm pregnancy to identify the possible predictors of failed labor induction.

Safety of reduced antigen content diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine when administered during pregnancy as part of the maternal immunization program in Brazil: a single center, observational, retrospective, cohort study.

Reduced antigen diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination is included in the maternal immunization program in Brazil since September 2014. We investigated associations between maternal Tdap vaccination and pregnancy-related adverse events (AEs) (gestational diabetes, pregnancy-related hypertension, and pregnancy hemorrhage) and neonatal AEs of interest (preterm birth and small for gestational age). This descriptive, observational, retrospective, single-center study in Brazil (NCT02757950) compared data from medical charts of 1203 pregnant women who received Tdap as part of the maternal immunization program and delivered between May 2015 and February 2017 (exposed cohort) and 1259 unvaccinated women who delivered between September 2012 and August 2014 (unexposed cohort).

Premature rupture of membranes before 28 weeks managed expectantly: maternal and perinatal outcomes in a developing country.

This study aimed to assess outcomes of expectant management for early preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This retrospective cohort involved 66 women with PPROM <28 weeks managed in a single hospital (1999-2006). Main outcomes were chorioamnionitis, severe maternal morbidity (maternal sepsis, haemorrhage/blood transfusion, hysterectomy or admission to intensive care unit), maternal mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, neonatal infection and perinatal mortality.