Implementation of the INTERGROWTH-21 gestational dating and fetal and newborn growth standards in Nairobi, Kenya: women's experiences with ultrasound and newborn assessment.

Background: In order to make further gains in preventing newborn deaths, effective interventions are needed. Ultrasounds and newborn anthropometry are proven interventions to identify preterm birth complications, the leading cause of newborn deaths. The INTERGROWTH-21 global gestational dating and fetal and newborn growth standards prescribe optimal growth in any population.

Implementing the INTERGROWTH-21st gestational dating and fetal and newborn growth standards in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya: Provider experiences, uptake and clinical decision-making.

Background: Perinatal and newborn complications are major risk factors for unfavorable fetal and neonatal outcomes. Gestational dating and growth monitoring can be instrumental in the identification and management of high-risk pregnancies and births. The INTERGROWTH-21st Project developed the first global standards for gestational dating and fetal and newborn growth monitoring, supplying a toolkit for clinicians.

Business not as usual: how multisectoral collaboration can promote transformative change for health and sustainable development.

present findings across 12 country case studies of multisectoral collaboration, showing how diverse sectors intentionally shape new ways of collaborating and learning, using “business not as usual” strategies to transform situations and achieve shared goals

INTERGROWTH-21st Gestational Dating and Fetal and Newborn Growth Standards in Peri-Urban Nairobi, Kenya: Quasi-Experimental Implementation Study Protocol.

Background: The burden of preterm birth, fetal growth impairment, and associated neonatal deaths disproportionately falls on low- and middle-income countries where modern obstetric tools are not available to date pregnancies and monitor fetal growth accurately. The INTERGROWTH-21 gestational dating, fetal growth monitoring, and newborn size at birth standards make this possible.

Objective: To scale up the INTERGROWTH-21 standards, it is essential to assess the feasibility and acceptability of their implementation and their effect on clinical decision-making in a low-resource clinical setting.

Exploring perceptions of group antenatal Care in Urban India: results of a feasibility study.

Background: Making high-quality health care available to all women during pregnancy is a critical strategy for improving perinatal outcomes for mothers and babies everywhere. Research from high-income countries suggests that antenatal care delivered in a group may be an effective way to improve the provision, experiences, and outcomes of care for pregnant women and newborns. A number of researchers and programmers are adapting group antenatal care (ANC) models for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), but the evidence base from these settings is limited and no studies to date have assessed the feasibility and acceptability of group ANC in India.

The prevalence of disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in urban Tanzania.

Background: In many countries, rates of facility-based childbirth have increased substantially in recent years. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the acceptability and quality of maternal health services provided at facilities and, consequently, maternal health outcomes have not improved as expected. Disrespect and abuse during childbirth is increasingly being recognized as an indicator of overall poor quality of care and as a key barrier to achieving improved maternal health outcomes, but little evidence exists to describe the scope and magnitude of this problem, particularly in urban areas in low-income countries.

Eliminating preventable HIV-related maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: what do we need to know?

Introduction: HIV makes a significant contribution to maternal mortality, and women living in sub-Saharan Africa are most affected. International commitments to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and reduce HIV-related deaths among pregnant and postpartum women by 50% will not be achieved without a better understanding of the links between HIV and poor maternal health outcomes and improved health services for the care of women living with HIV (WLWH) during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Methods: This article summarizes priorities for research and evaluation identified through consultation with 30 international researchers and policymakers with experience in maternal health and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and a review of the published literature.

Improved maternal health since the ICPD: 20 years of progress.

Background: The 1994 Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) was a turning point in the field of sexual and reproductive health--repositioning population and development programs globally in the context of reproductive rights, gender equity, and women's empowerment.

Progress Since Icpd: ICPD solidified the importance of women's health and safe motherhood alongside other health and development priorities while laying the groundwork for the Millennium Development Goals.

Challenges: Some goals envisioned by ICPD have been met.