Browse Obstetrics/Gynecology General Articles by Topic

Teen Pregnancies in the ED Part 1: First Trimester

This article is the first of a two-part series that focuses on an important emergency medicine topic — teenage pregnancy. In this first part, the author focuses on the unique features that affect diagnosis and management of pregnancy in adolescence. Part two will focus on obstetrical emergencies in pregnant teenagers.

The Importance of Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with several adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Is Cannabis Abuse During Pregnancy Associated with Poor Neonatal Outcomes?

Cannabis use disorder is associated with small but significant increased risks measured in multiple neonatal outcomes.

Using an Online e-Health Program to Improve Postpartum Depression

This study demonstrated that combined use of universal depression screening and MomMoodBooster2, a cognitive behavioral therapy-based e-health program, were effective tools for treating women with depression in the perinatal period.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is challenging in the emergency department. Nonetheless, making the diagnosis is important, since PID is associated with uterine and fallopian tube scarring leading to tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy, as well as chronic pelvic pain. This article provides an evidence-based review of diagnostic and treatment recommendations for PID.

The Efficacy of Prenatal Patients Using a Mindfulness App

This randomized trial conducted early in the pandemic with women from an obstetric and gynecologic practice found use of a mobile app promoting mindfulness practice (such as meditation) was associated with a decrease in perceived stress, self-reported anxiety and depression, and sleep disturbance in the intervention group.

Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence Among Adult U.S. Women Has Increased

The updated prevalence of urinary incontinence using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data is 60% in community-dwelling women, which is an increase from prior estimates.

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.

Be Careful About Informed Consent if Pelvic Exams Happen While Patients Are Under Anesthesia

Incorporate explicit discussions with patients about pelvic exams conducted while patients are under anesthesia. These discussions should occur during consent processes for gynecologic procedures. Specifically, patients would be told about the potential for medical student involvement in these exams.