Browse Complications of Pregnancy Articles by Topic

Can We Use Manual Vacuum Aspiration for Molar Pregnancies?

In this retrospective cohort study, manual vacuum aspiration in a hospital setting was equivalent to electric suction for uterine evacuation of molar pregnancy in terms of the risks of incomplete abortion and development of postmolar gestational trophoblastic disease.

Oxytocin Discontinuation

A recent meta-analysis of randomized, clinical trials has shown that discontinuing oxytocin infusion once active labor has been attained in inductions and augmentations of labor will result in a reduction of cesarean delivery and tachysystole, but an increase in the length of labor.

Which Antibiotics Are Safe in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

A total of 7.2% of pregnant women were diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, and of these, 69% filled an antibiotic prescription. The most common antibiotics prescribed in the first trimester were nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Fetal Fibronectin: Its Role in Threatened Preterm Labor

A recent letter to the editor disputes the conclusion of an earlier study that fetal fibronectin is of little value in threatened preterm labor, despite other studies suggesting that when used in conjunction with cervical length measurements, it can diminish unnecessary hospitalizations appreciably.

Update on Postpartum Hemorrhage

In the United States, postpartum hemorrhage accounts for 11.4% of maternal deaths, the fourth most common cause after cardiovascular diseases, non-cardiovascular diseases, and infection; worldwide, it is the leading cause of maternal mortality. This feature will discuss the latest treatments for managing postpartum hemorrhage.

Management of Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy

Chronic hypertension complicates about 5% of pregnancies and has been associated with higher rates of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), stillbirth, and, most importantly, superimposed preeclampsia. Although the condition is far from being solved, there have been some major inroads made into its understanding through contemporary investigation.

Antenatal Steroids for Very Early PTB

A large European multicenter study has shown that antenatal corticosteroid administration in patients at risk for imminent very early preterm birth (24 to 31 weeks) will decrease perinatal mortality and morbidity substantially, even after only three hours of exposure.

17 P vs. Vaginal Progesterone

A recent randomized study suggested that vaginal progesterone is at least as good as, and may be superior to, intramuscular 17 alpha-hydroxy progesterone caproate in preventing recurrent preterm birth, but shortcomings in the study indicate that more investigation is needed.

What Is the Risk of Hemorrhage During Pregnancy for a Woman with Brain Arteriovenous Malformation?

The risk of hemorrhage in a pregnant woman with a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is uncertain and management is controversial.

Maternal Mortality, Postpartum Hemorrhage, and Tranexamic Acid: The WOMAN Study

A multicenter study involving patients in 193 countries has shown a decrease in maternal mortality in women with postpartum hemorrhage who were given tranexamic acid once the diagnosis was made.