Browse OB/GYN Clinical Alert Articles by Topic

Prevention of Perineal Injury During the Second Stage of Labor

This randomized clinical trial in nulliparous women demonstrated that the hands-off technique reduced the risk for perineal injuries when compared to the hands-on technique during the second stage of labor.

Cervical Cancer Screening in Women Older than 65 Years of Age

Women diagnosed with cervical cancer after age 65 years are more likely to have locally advanced or metastatic disease, and survival decreases with increasing age and stage of diagnosis.

Researchers Explore Connections Between Epilepsy and Postpartum Anxiety, Depression

Clinicians should monitor for signs of depression among patients with epilepsy who are pregnant or patients who are thinking about conceiving.

OB/GYN Clinical Alert Welcomes Michael Roche as Peer Reviewer

Michael Roche, MD, joins OB/GYN Clinical Alert as peer reviewer.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Cancer Survivors

This study demonstrated that women with a prior history of chemotherapy exposure have a higher prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to those without a previous history, with no differences in neonatal outcomes.

Breast Cancer Screening: Tomosynthesis Is Beneficial for High-Risk Patients

This cohort study examined rates of advanced breast cancer diagnosis among women screened with digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Women with extremely dense breasts and who were at high risk for breast cancer benefited from DBT, with a 53% lower risk of developing advanced cancer compared to those screened with digital mammography alone. No differences were seen for women at low to average risk.

Permanent Contraception: How Effective Is it, Really?

In this retrospective cohort study using Medicaid claims data from 2008-2014 in California, the rate of pregnancy was 4.74% after hysteroscopic sterilization among 5,906 women and 5.57% after laparoscopic sterilization among 23,965 women. These rates are higher than reported previously.

Self-Assessment of Gestational Duration Among People Seeking Abortion

In a national sample of people seeking abortion, broadening screening questions beyond last menstrual period to self-assess gestational duration improves accuracy in determining eligibility for medication abortion using a 70-day threshold. In-person ultrasound may not be necessary.

Too Much Phthalate Exposure Could Induce Preterm Labor

Common chemical could lead to births occurring three weeks or more early.

Contraception for Patients with Disabilities

Contraception is an important part of healthcare for patients with disabilities, whether physical or intellectual. In 2018, investigators analyzed 2011-2015 survey data from the National Survey of Family Growth to estimate the use of contraception among women by disability status. These data show that individuals with disabilities may be treated differently than those without disabilities in terms of contraceptive care.