Partial convergence of the human vaginal and rectal maternal microbiota in late gestation and early post-partum.

The human vaginal and fecal microbiota change during pregnancy. Because of the proximity of these perineal sites and the evolutionarily conserved maternal-to-neonatal transmission of the microbiota, we hypothesized that the microbiota of these two sites (rectal and vaginal) converge during the last gestational trimester as part of the preparation for parturition. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed 16S rRNA sequences from vaginal introitus and rectal samples in 41 women at gestational ages 6 and 8 months, and at 2 months post-partum.

Naturalization of the microbiota developmental trajectory of Cesarean-born neonates after vaginal seeding.

Background: Early microbiota perturbations are associated with disorders that involve immunological underpinnings. Cesarean section (CS)-born babies show altered microbiota development in relation to babies born vaginally. Here we present the first statistically powered longitudinal study to determine the effect of restoring exposure to maternal vaginal fluids after CS birth.

A modern measles outbreak: understanding maternal immunity and impact on postpartum vaccination uptake.

Background: In October 2018, a measles (rubeola) outbreak was identified in New York City and Rockland County, and a public health campaign and hospital policy changes were made to increase awareness of the importance of vaccination and increase vaccination rates.

Objective: We describe the prevalence of rubeola immunity in pregnant women and the change in uptake of postpartum measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination before and during the measles outbreak.

Study Design: A multipronged intervention was developed by the health system with the intent of raising awareness of the outbreak, identifying patients at risk of contracting measles during pregnancy, and limiting exposure of inpatients to the disease.

Outcomes of Maternal-Newborn Dyads After Maternal SARS-CoV-2.

Background And Objectives: Infection with a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. There are limited data describing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant mothers and their newborns. The objective of this study is to describe characteristics and outcomes of maternal-newborn dyads with confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2.

Characteristics and Outcomes of 241 Births to Women With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection at Five New York City Medical Centers.

Objective: To describe the characteristics and birth outcomes of women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection as community spread in New York City was detected in March 2020.

Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who gave birth from March 13 to April 12, 2020, identified at five New York City medical centers. Demographic and clinical data from delivery hospitalization records were collected, and follow-up was completed on April 20, 2020.