Browse Complications of Pregnancy Articles by Topic

Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The synthesized evidence on prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes highlights modest and inconsistent associations and emphasizes that causality remains unproven because of confounding and measurement biases. The authors conclude that, consistent with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine guidance, acetaminophen remains appropriate in pregnancy when clinically indicated.

Managing Suspected Preeclampsia Using the sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio

The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is a clinically valuable tool for ruling out preeclampsia and improving obstetric decision-making, although its effect depends on appropriate use, clinician confidence in negative results, and adherence to validated protocols.

Adverse Outcome Predictors in Pregnancies Complicated by SLE

A prior history of lupus nephritis, active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at conception, secondary antiphospholipid syndrome, and chronic hypertension are critical predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE.

Gaps Remain in Alcohol Use Screening Among Pregnant Patients

Despite the known benefits, it appears some clinicians still do not counsel women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.

Pregnancy in Abortion-Ban States Is Becoming More Dangerous

Maternal care and delivery services already are lacking for many pregnant people in the United States, especially in states that have enacted the most restrictive abortion bans nationally. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent healthcare labor shortages resulted in more hospitals ending maternal care and delivery. The overturn of Roe v. Wade likely will worsen this already worrisome situation as fewer ED physicians will be trained and experienced in performing an abortion procedure — even to save a pregnant patient’s life.

What Will Happen to the Reproductive Healthcare Workforce?

Months after Roe v. Wade was overturned, reproductive healthcare providers and patients are experiencing enormous — and sometimes disastrous — changes. For instance, state abortion bans are expected to affect where OB/GYNs and other reproductive health clinicians choose to study and practice. These bans also will affect how and whether medical students and residents are fully educated in contraceptive care and counseling, abortion care, miscarriage care, ectopic pregnancy treatment, and high-risk pregnancy care.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: More than Hypertension and Proteinuria

This article explains the current diagnostic criteria for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and how they are interrelated. It also describes evidence-based interventions for emergency providers, who must know how to diagnose and treat these conditions, and when it is safe for discharge, as well as to arrange outpatient follow-up.

CDC: Most Pregnancy-Related Deaths Are Preventable

Recent data indicate mental health conditions, excessive bleeding are the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States.

Ethicists Asked to Weigh in on Medical Necessity of Abortion

If ethicists are asked to weigh in, they should suggest a second medical opinion (if time permits) and encourage the institution to clarify any legal questions, ideally before there is an emergency. Institutions also should assure clinicians they will have support from the ethics committee in the event of overzealous prosecution.

EMTALA Implications if ED Patient Needs Medically Necessary Abortion

It is a mistake for ED providers to be solely focused on what their state abortion law says, without also considering the bigger picture in terms of other legal risks and ethical obligations.