Investigating the origin of the fetal gut and placenta microbiome in twins.

Objective: It is widely accepted that the microbiota is critical for human well-being; however, the origin of microbiota in the newborn is not well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that within a maternal-twin dyad (MTD) the meconium microbiome will be similar to the placenta microbiome and the meconium microbiome of within MTD will be similar to one another.

Methods: Prospectively, meconium (proxy for fetal gut), placenta and maternal buccal, skin, vaginal, stool samples were collected from a cohort of MTDs at time of delivery hospitalization.

Babesiosis in Pregnancy: An Imitator of HELLP Syndrome.

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a serious pregnancy complication that can cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There are several conditions that may occur in pregnancy that may imitate the laboratory findings and clinical presentation of HELLP syndrome. Babesiosis is a parasitic imitator of HELLP syndrome that can be spread by the tick, transfusions, or congenitally.

Best Mode of Delivery for Fetal Life-Limiting Conditions.

A 38-year-old woman, gravida 3 para 2, with a history of two prior vaginal deliveries, at 18 weeks of gestation is diagnosed with fetal anencephaly. The patient asks: "May I undergo a scheduled primary cesarean delivery to optimize my baby's chance of survival?"