Amniotic fluid lamellar body concentration as a marker of fetal lung maturity at term elective caesarean delivery.

Background: Caesarean birth, without prior labour, is associated with an increased risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity among term infants. The concentration of lamellar bodies in amniotic fluid reflects pulmonary surfactant production and release, and is thus used in preterm populations as a marker of fetal lung maturity. Whether amniotic fluid lamellar body concentration (AFLBC) may correlate with risk factors for term respiratory distress has not previously been evaluated.

Patient satisfaction with the SpaceLabs 90207 ambulatory blood pressure monitor in pregnancy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the SpaceLabs 90207 ambulatory blood pressure monitor among pregnant women.

Methods: Patients participating in research projects involving ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in pregnancy (N = 110) were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to patient satisfaction on completion of the monitoring period. The first part of the questionnaire involved rating on a visual Likert scale (0-10) whether they found the monitor heavy, noisy, cumbersome, disturbing, or embarrassing to wear.