OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasonography in the assessment of fetal growth-restriction (FGR) with various degrees of severity and onset, and compare the results with the analysis of two-dimensional (2D) Doppler. STUDY DESIGN: Vascular indices extracted from 3D Doppler measurements of the placenta were compared ...

Monoallelic expression of imprinted genes, including ones solely expressed in the placenta, is essential for normal placental development and fetal growth. To better understand the role of placental imprinting in placental development and fetal growth, we examined conceptuses developing in the absence of maternally derived DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1o (DNMT1o). Absence ...

High sucrose low copper diet induces fetal growth restriction in the three strains of the Cohen diabetic rats: an inbred copper deficient resistant (CDr), an inbred copper deficient sensitive (CDs that become diabetic on high sucrose low copper diet -HSD) and an outbred Wistar derived Sabra rats. Although those growth ...

OBJECTIVE: To identify maternal and pregnancy-related physiological and pathological variables associated with fetal growth and birthweight in Ireland and to develop customized birthweight centile charts for the Irish population that will aid in appropriate identification and selection of growth-restricted fetuses requiring increased antenatal surveillance. STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively collected outcome data ...

Mechanisms linking maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) to intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and programming of adult disease remain to be established. The impact of controlled MNR on maternal and fetal amino acid metabolism has not been studied in non-human primates. We hypothesised that MNR in pregnant baboons decreases fetal amino acid ...

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in pregnancy and to correlate maternal and fetal vitamin D to fetal anthropometry. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral maternity hospital. PATIENT(S): Sixty pregnant women. INTERVENTION(S): Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured in early pregnancy, at 28 weeks, and ...

The musculoskeletal function of vitamin D has been well defined, prompting the population to supplement with vitamin D and calcium to maximise bone growth. However the role of vitamin D in pregnancy has not been systematically studied and is permeated with continuing controversy regarding the cause and effect relationship of ...

Growth hormone (GH) is important in maternal adaptation to pregnancy, and maternal circulating GH concentrations are reduced in human growth-restricted pregnancies. In the pig, maternal GH treatment throughout early-mid pregnancy increases fetal growth, despite constraining effects of adolescent and primiparous pregnancy, high litter size and restricted maternal nutrition. Since GH ...

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential effect of maternal environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on birth weight and fetal growth restriction (FGR). A total of 901 pregnant women from the EDEN cohort study were enrolled from two maternity units. Blood Cd was measured at mid-pregnancy and associations ...

Several epidemiological investigations, including previous work by our laboratory, indicate that maternal caffeine consumption is associated with intrauterine growth retardation and impaired fetal length growth. Skeletal development is critical for length growth. In the present study, our goals were to determine the effects of prenatal caffeine exposures on fetal skeletal ...

Placental development requires coordinated angiogenesis regulated by multiple factors including angiopoietins. Previously we demonstrated that the concentration of Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in the sera of women rises markedly in pregnancy in early gestation. This increase is reduced in pregnancies subsequently complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We now show that the ...

Abstract Objective: The neurotrophin family comprises molecules involved in growth, differentiation, survival, regeneration, normal functions of the neuronal system, and in angiogenesis. We have investigated the expression pattern of neurotrophic signaling molecules in pregnancies complicated by elevated liver enzyme, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: ...

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to obtain precise knowledge of fetal biometric measurements, in particular crown-rump length (CRL). Our results have been carefully compared to equations found in the literature. Materials and Methods: Single-operator measurements of 2,123 spontaneous pregnancies from a general French population provided new statistical relationships ...

Abstract Objective: To describe associations among maternal/gestational/neonatal characteristics and midpregnancy amniotic fluid concentrations of the main angiogenic markers vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF). Methods: In a cohort of 206 normal full-term pregnancies, midpregnancy amniotic fluid VEGF and PlGF reference values were recorded. Possible associations among ...

Evidence for a role of vitamin D in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis is inconclusive. We sought to clarify the relationship between maternal and fetal insulin resistance and vitamin D status. This is a prospective cohort study of 60 caucasian pregnant women. Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), glucose, insulin, and leptin ...

Context:Discrete regulation of the uterine and placental vasculatures is an important feature of uteroplacental perfusion and pregnancy success because appropriate maternal/fetal exchange of nutrients and gases is crucial for normal fetal growth. Placental vasculature lacks autonomic innervation so tone is controlled by locally derived vasoactive factors. IGF-I, which is produced ...

Identifiable causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) account for 30 % of cases, but the remainders are idiopathic and are frequently associated with placental dysfunction. We have shown that the angiogenic factor endocrine gland-derived VEGF (EG-VEGF) and its receptors, prokineticin receptor 1 (PROKR1) and 2, (1) are abundantly expressed in human ...

Abstract Objectives: Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have increased morbidity and mortality. The decision whether to induce labor at term or to expectantly manage these pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of these two management strategies in term pregnancies. Study design: This ...

PROFFERED PAPERS Growth cessation is not the necessary norm during the final weeks of gestation Amanda Mummert(1), Michelle Lampl(1) & Philippe Jeanty(2) (1)Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA (2)Women's Ultrasound, Nashville, TN, USA Background: The cessation of growth in late gestation is considered to be a universal consequence ...

To measure amniotic fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 and to characterize their levels with respect to advancing gestational age and pregnancy-related complications. Amniotic fluid was collected from a total of 37 patients, 2 of whom had twin ...

Fetal growth restriction is a complex problem in modern obstetrics. It is a condition of suboptimal fetal growth based on a genetically predetermined potential and affects approximately 5% to 10% of pregnancies. It is traditionally defined as an estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile. Those pregnancies that are ...

Stresses during pregnancy that increase maternal glucocorticoids reduce birth weight in several species. However, the role of natural glucocorticoids in the mother in fetal acquisition of nutrients for growth remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether fetal growth was reduced as a consequence of altered amino acid supply when ...

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is frequently associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Placental lakes are avillous spaces filled with maternal venous blood that usually do not compromise the pregnancy outcome; however, a few reports describe FGR in association with placental lakes. Reversed middle cerebral artery (MCA) end-diastolic flow is a rare event ...

Abstract Pregnancies that occur after infertility treatment, particularly after assisted reproduction, constitute high-risk pregnancies. Occurrences of conditions such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, growth retardations and bleeding are higher in comparison with the norm of spontaneously entered pregnancies. The rate of premature births and the frequency of intrauterine deaths are ...

Aim:  To evaluate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and its association with urinary symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy. Material and Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted among 91 nulliparous women at 30-34 weeks of pregnancy. PFM was evaluated by surface electromyography (sEMG) and manual muscle testing, while urinary symptoms ...

To describe a series of studies conducted which investigated maternal nutrition and its effect on birth outcome. Seven hundred and twelve women attending their first antenatal clinic visit at the University Hospital of the West Indies were invited to join a prospective study. The women were followed throughout their pregnancies ...

Abstract Objective: Pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are associated with abnormal placentation. Heme oxygenase (HO) and carbon monoxide (CO) are involved in normal placental development and function and vasomotor control in the placenta. The objective of our study was to measure CO levels, as assessed by carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) ...

Prenatal ultrasound is an integral part of caring for pregnant women in the United States. Although surprisingly few data exist to support the clinical benefit of screening ultrasound during pregnancy, its use continues to rise. Urologic anomalies are among the most commonly identified, with overall detection sensitivity approaching 90%. Prenatal ...

Whether to manage placenta previa percreta surgically or conservatively has been a controversial issue. A 30-year-old woman with placenta percreta with bladder involvement was treated conservatively. A planned cesarean section was performed at 33 weeks' gestation. A 1768-g female infant was delivered through a transverse fundal uterine incision with the placenta ...

Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a rare congenital anomaly. Owing to the advanced reconstructive surgical techniques and effective antibiotics, the incidence of urinary and systemic complications in patients with BE has decreased and the life expectancy has increased. However, this brings along social, sexual, and psychological problems; particularly, successful pregnancy and ...

We report a rare case of a patient presenting with a nonmuscle invasive papillomatosis transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in the second trimester of pregnancy. We describe the management dilemmas encountered and the challenging treatment option selected to optimize outcome for the patient and infant. Close collaboration between urologists, ...

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of congenital heart disease (CHD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) on fetal urine production rate (UPR) and to establish normal reference intervals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on normal fetuses (n = 314) and on fetuses with CHD (n = 49). CHD cases were divided into groups on ...

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the reproductive outcomes of 52 women with classical bladder exstrophy. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational study with cross-sectional and retrospective arms. RESULTS: The average age of the sample was 33 years (range, 17-63). Of those who had tried, 19/38 (66%) had conceived. A total ...

Bladder exstrophy is a very rare congenital malformation in which the anterior wall of the bladder is absent, and the posterior wall is exposed externally. The differential diagnosis includes omphalocele, gastroschisis, and cloacal exstrophy. Ultrasound and Doppler examinations are the main diagnostic tools. Although mortality is low, termination of pregnancy ...

Trauma during pregnancy can present a unique challenge because of care for the mother and the fetus. About 6-7% of all pregnant patients are exposed to some sort of trauma, especially during the third trimester, with 0.3-0.4% requiring hospitalization. Although mostly accidental, injuries are sometimes caused by intentional violence. There ...

Introduction and Objectives: The increase of the intensity of urinary symptoms in late pregnancy and postpartum has been well documented by several authors, but their causes remain uncertain, partly because of its probable multifactor origin. There are also controversies whether the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms during pregnancy is ...

A case of enterobiasis in pregnancy that presented as copious nocturnal vaginal discharge is reported. Enterobius vermicularis is the most common parasite infecting humans. Transmission can be fecal-oral or via fomites, and recently arrived immigrants from developing countries and individuals who live in households with young children are particularly at ...

The majority of urogynaecological problems can manifest during pregnancy or as a direct result of pregnancy and delivery. Those most commonly occurring during pregnancy are urinary tract infection, filling and voiding disorders, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and faecal incontinence. The development of these may be as a result of ...

We present a case of spontaneously conceived monochorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancy with no fetal anomaly or feto-fetal transfusion. The mother developed gestational diabetes at 20 weeks gestation, and at 20 weeks and 4 days gestation triplet 2 was found to have selective growth restriction and absent end diastolic flow. Although laser treatment and ...

Fetal Growth Restriction is often associated with a feto-placental vascular dysfunction conceivably involving endothelial cells. Our study aimed to verify this pathogenic role for feto-placental endothelial cells and, coincidentally, demonstrate any abnormality in the nitric oxide system. Prenatal assessment of feto-placental vascular function was combined with measurement of nitric oxide ...

The placenta represents a key organ for fetal growth as it acts as an interface between mother and fetus, regulating the fetal-maternal exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products. During pregnancy, amino acids represent one of the major nutrients for fetal life, and both maternal and fetal concentrations are significantly ...

A 27-year-old Ghanaian primigravida with a known triamniotic trichorionic triplet pregnancy presented at 17 weeks gestation following a miscarriage of one triplet at home. Examination and investigation revealed no signs of imminent delivery or infection. After careful counselling with regard to prognosis and options available for management, the couple opted for ...

The multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (PGP) is expressed in the human placenta. In particular the C3435T ABCB1 polymorphism was associated with altered tissue expression of PGP in the human placenta. However, the potential functional impact of this polymorphism on the offspring is unknown so far. We analyzed the impact of the ...

Pheochromocytoma during pregnancy is potentially disastrous to the mother and fetus. Its ambiguous presentation is often mistaken for pre-eclampsia, although it may imitate other problems during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and timely, appropriate management reduces possible maternal and fetal complications. We identified a case of pheochromocytoma during pregnancy; the condition was ...

There is a dialogue between the developing conceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placental membranes) and maternal uterus which must be established during the peri-implantation period for pregnancy recognition signaling, implantation, regulation of gene expression by uterine epithelial and stromal cells, placentation and exchange of nutrients and gases. The uterus provide a ...

The numbers of syphilis cases have been increasing considerably, especially in eastern europe, thereby contributing towards greater chances of cases of congenital syphilis. Some of the complications of congenital syphilis can be detected on two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS), and these are generally manifested in the second trimester of pregnancy. The commonest ...

During early pregnancy, the placenta develops to meet the metabolic demands of the foetus. The objective of this analysis was to examine the effect of malaria parasitaemia prior to 20 weeks' gestation on subsequent changes in uterine and umbilical artery blood flow and intrauterine growth restriction. Data were analysed from ...

The authors report an unusual case of adnexal torsion in a patient in the third trimester of pregnancy. A 32-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, in the 32nd week of gestation initially presented with clinical signs of acute appendicitis. On laparotomy, it was identified that a necrotic mass of the ...

Abnormal fetal growth, both growth restriction and overgrowth, is associated with perinatal complications and an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease later in life. Fetal growth is dependent on nutrient availability, which in turn is related to the capacity of the placenta to transport these nutrients. The activity of ...

In the past 50 years the incidence of multiple pregnancies has increased dramatically due almost exclusively to two factors: delayed childbearing and assisted reproductive techniques. In this paper we analyze the variations in the incidence of multiple gestations in Andalusia, one of the biggest administrative regions in Spain, over the ...