The materno-fetal transfer of nanoparticles is a critical issue in designing theranoustic nanoparticles for in vivo applications during pregnancy. Recent studies have reported that certain nanoparticles can cross the placental barrier in healthy pregnant animals depending on the size and surface modification of the nanoparticles and the developmental stages of ...

A challenge to biochemically monitoring alcohol consumption in pregnancy is the prohibitive costs of collecting thousands of blood samples. This pilot study looks at the feasibility of using residual samples to monitor chronic and acute alcohol consumption in pregnancy. Residual anomalies screening samples (n = 150, 2006/7) were tested for carbohydrate-deficient ...

The aim of this study was to test if prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis can be performed on fetal urine in fetal lower urinary tract obstruction. In this retrospective cohort study of fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) over a 4-year period at one institution, cytogenetic evaluation was attempted on fetal ...

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies in Spain have shown an inadequate iodine intake in a significant proportion of pregnant women. Pregnancy increases thyroid hormone requirements, and adequate iodine intake is therefore needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven women in their third trimester (week 37) of pregnancy provided a blood sample ...

To obtain a probability sample of pregnancies, the National Children's Study conducted door-to-door recruitment in randomly selected neighbourhoods in randomly selected counties in 2009-10. In 2011, an experiment was conducted in 10 US counties, in which the two-stage geographic sample was maintained, but participants were recruited in prenatal care provider ...

Abstract Background: Theoretically, repeated sampling of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in the first trimester of pregnancy might improve performance of risk assessment of trisomy 21 (T21). To assess the performance of a screening test involving repeated measures of biochemical markers, correlations between markers ...

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to compare the pregnancy rates during IUI cycles with or without endometrial sampling. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 150 patients were recruited. They were classified into three groups. Each comprised 50 patients. Group 1 was considered the control group ...

To describe the histological changes of fetal adnexa throughout the physiological pregnancy, canine samples were obtained during natural delivery and caesarean section, as well as during ovariohysterectomy performed at any stage of undesired pregnancies (N=12). The first period of pregnancy (multiple samples collected at 10, 12, 14days) was consistent with ...

Pregnancy induces widespread adaptive responses in maternal organ systems including the liver. The maternal liver exhibits significant growth by increasing the number and size of hepatocytes, with largely unknown mechanisms. Nrf2 mediates cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation and also regulates liver regeneration. To determine whether Nrf2 is involved ...

Alterations in the maternal excretion of steroids during pregnancy are not restricted to the production of progesterone and estriol by the fetoplacental unit. Although there is a lack of longitudinal data on urinary androgen concentrations during pregnancy, some studies revealed that modifications in the excretions of androgens might be significant. ...

Abstract Objectives: To find out if determination of IL-4, IL-13 and IL-6 in amniotic fluid (AF) and serum in mid-pregnancy can be used as predictors of preterm delivery. Material and methods: The research has comprised 88 pregnant women at 16-24 weeks of gestation, who were subjected to early amniocentesis. Levels ...

Commercial horse embryo transfer centers in certain parts of the world are in need of different procedures to streamline their production, for instance, by transferring only sexed embryos. A possible method to do so is PCR sex determination of biopsied embryos. The aim of this study was to (1) evaluate ...

BACKGROUND: Detection of early pregnancy in the healthcare setting is important for proper patient management. Qualitative point-of-care (POC) human chorionic gondaodtropin (hCG) testing is often used. There is a gap in the literature for evaluating patient samples with low (<300IU/l) hCG concentration using POC devices. METHODS: Specimens (urine, n=289; serum, ...

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can lower maternal folate and increase maternal homocysteine levels, which are known to affect the methyl cycle and hence DNA methylation levels. The influence of in utero exposure to AEDs on fetal DNA methylation was investigated. Genome-wide fetal epigenomic profiles were determined using the Infinium 27K BeadArray ...

We present two cases of fetal hypothyroidism with goiter which were successfully diagnosed and treated in utero. In both cases, ultrasonographic examination demonstrated a bilobed solid anterior neck mass with increased vascularity compatible with enlarged thyroid gland. Fetal blood sampling revealed hypothyroidism. Intra-amniotic injection of L-thyroxin caused a reduction in ...

Abstract Background and aims: In animal studies, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy has been shown to be associated with a decrease in nephron number and kidney weight of the offspring. At present, it is unclear whether these observations are pertinent to humans. Thus, this study was performed to assess ...

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography is an important skill for obstetricians and gynecologists; however, trainees have highlighted ultrasonography as an area of deficiency in their training. We undertook a prospective cross-sectional comparative study to assess content and construct validity of an ultrasound virtual reality (VR) simulator (UltraSim). METHODS: Twenty-six physicians and sonographers of ...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fetal cardiac function by modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) in pregnant diabetic patients. METHODS: Modified myocardial performance index was measured in fetuses of patients with diabetes (DM) between 30 and 40 weeks of gestation. The isovolumetric contraction time, isovolumetric relaxation time and ejection time were measured. ...

Assessment fetal behavior gave a promising opportunity to understand the hidden function of the developmental pathway of the fetal central nervous system. After the assessment of normal neurobehavioral development by four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound, attempts have been made to identify functional characteristics of the fetus that predict a range of subsequent ...

Abstract Background. Pre-term birth and/or low birth weight (PTLBW) is a serious problem in developing countries. The absence of known risk factors in ∼ 50% of PTLBW cases has resulted in a continued search for other causes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of periodontitis on ...

Pregnancy rhinitis manifests as nasal congestion, with resolution of symptoms after delivery. Eighteen to 30% of pregnant patients report symptoms of rhinitis. Pregnancy rhinitis may have an adverse effect on quality of life (QOL) and may cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which in turn may adversely affect the outcome of ...

Abstract Objective: To study fetal heart rate (FHR), its short term variability (STV), average acceleration capacity (AAC), and average deceleration capacity (ADC) throughout uncomplicated gestation, and to perform a preliminary comparison of these FHR parameters between small-for dates (SFD) and control fetuses. Methods: Prospective observational study of 7h FHR-recordings obtained ...

OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of and changes in quality of life (QoL) during pregnancy between couples who conceived spontaneously and couples who underwent successful treatment by assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS: In a survey at the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy, between September 11, 2009, and May ...

OBJECTIVE: Current reference range values for fetal penile growth are based on length measurements. However, methodologies for measuring penile length differ among studies and from the standard technique used in children. We propose that the measurement of penile width may aid in its evaluation. The aim of the study was ...

This is a VIEWPOINT article. Abstracts are not required.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require complex therapeutic decisions and life choices concerning pregnancy, but little is known about patient's knowledge of IBD and its treatment before and during pregnancy. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a novel tool (Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score 'CCPKnow') to ...

Objectives: To assess whether at ultrasound scan at 11-13 weeks' gestation and in mid-trimester the biparietal diameter (BPD) in fetuses with open spina bifida is smaller than the reference range. Patients: In a multicenter retrospective analysis of data from 23 fetuses with open spina bifida diagnosed at 16-24 weeks, BPD ...

We aimed to estimate the reliability of the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and its validity in predicting maternal depression and quality of life (QoL). Data regarding stress, depression and QoL were collected during pregnancy among a sub-sample from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Antidepressants in Pregnancy Cohort. The ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume is a major determinant of the intrathecal spread of local anesthetics. Ultrasound imaging of the lumbar spine allows measurement of dural sac dimensions, which may potentially be used as a surrogate of cerebrospinal fluid volume. The purpose of this study was to ...

This paper aimed to determine the feasibility of identification and measurement reproducibility of intracranial translucency (IT) in our population. This is a prospective study in which five accredited operators attempted to identify and measure the IT during first-trimester sonographic screening for aneuploidy in 990 fetuses. The presence or absence of ...

The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of fetal crown-rump length (CRL) measurement using three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS). We included a series of women with singleton pregnancy at 6-13 + 6 weeks. Following CRL measurement by the two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS), a 3DUS volume was acquired. On the reconstructed midsagittal ...

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of insomnia and sleepiness and related factors in the late third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 370 singleton gravids completed a general questionnaire containing personal data, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). In addition, maternal anthropometry was recorded ...

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the visibility of Caesarean section (CS) scars by Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) in the pregnant state, to apply agreed methods and nomenclature for measuring Caesarean scars and to test their reproducibility throughout the course of pregnancy. METHODS: In this observational cohort study, 320 consecutive pregnant women with a ...

Objective Volumetric impedance indices derived from Spatio-Temporal Imaging Correlation (STIC) power Doppler (PD) might overcome the influence of machine settings and attenuation. We examine the application of these indices to anterior placentas in healthy pregnancies, assessing their feasibility, intra-observer reliability and correlation with conventional umbilical artery (UA) impedance indices. Methods ...

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of emergency providers (EPs) of various levels of training in determination of gestational age (GA) in pregnant patients using bedside ultrasound measurement of crown-rump length (CRL). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study of patients in obstetrical ...

While teen pregnancy rates appear to be declining in the U.S.A. overall, the rate of decline among young Latinas has been less than other ethnic groups. Among the myriad factors associated with elevated pregnancy rates, for Latina girls living in the inner city, exposure to gang and community violence may ...

Fetal umbilical cord blood sampling is now being performed worldwide, using an ultrasound guided technique, for prenatal diagnosis in pregnancies at high risk for several congenital and genetic defects in the fetus. Awareness of feasibility of the procedure and indications for the same should be known to every obstetrician. To ...

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in values and reproducibility of three-dimensional(3D) vascular indices obtained on placental volumes using power Doppler(PD) or high-definition flow imaging(HDFI) techniques. Methods: A prospective study was performed on 121 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks ...

OBJECTIVE: The Disproportionate Intrauterine Growth Intervention Trial at Term (DIGITAT) compared induction of labor and expectant management in suspected intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) at term. In this subanalysis, we report neonatal morbidity between the policies based on the Morbidity Assessment Index for Newborns (MAIN). STUDY DESIGN: We used data from ...

Analysis of cell free fetal (cff) DNA in maternal plasma is used routinely for non invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of fetal sex determination, fetal rhesus D status and some single gene disorders. True positive results rely on detection of the fetal target being analysed. No amplification of the target may ...

Abstract Cardiotocography and echocardiography are currently standard for fetal heart monitoring. However, both do not provide adequate temporal resolution to measure fetal cardiac time intervals and detect arrhythmias, which can occur during normal sinus rhythm. Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) is a non-invasive technique measuring magnetic signals generated by fetal heart activity. ...

Maternal iron status is thought to be related to postpartum depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between pre- and postnatal maternal iron status and depressive symptoms in pilot (n = 137) and confirmatory (n = 567) samples of Chinese women. Iron status was ...

To compare obstetric outcomes between patients with positive and negative Berlin Questionnaire results. An observational study comparing outcome between these two groups was carried out in seven hospitals, representing seven different regions of Turkey. In each center, pregnant women who were admitted for normal pregnancy follow-up or labor, were consecutively ...

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (a U.K.-developed measure of pregnancy intention), in English and Spanish translation, in a U.S. population of women. A psychometric evaluation study of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP), a six-item, self-completion paper measure was conducted with ...

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem with serious consequences for women's physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Reproductive health outcomes such as unwanted and terminated pregnancies, fetal loss or child loss during infancy, non-use of family planning methods, and high fertility are increasingly recognized. However, little ...

To assess accessibility of iodinated salt and urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was carried out between October and December, 2009 in Urmia County, West Azerbaijan (WA), Iran. Data on demographic characteristics and iodinated salt accessibility were gathered through a questionnaire at 1st trimester. Household salt samples ...

To examine the effect of twin-to-twin delivery time (TTDT) on neonatal outcome. We evaluated twin deliveries >34 weeks of gestation. Twin pregnancies with both twins delivered by cesarean section and pregnancies with antenatal complications were excluded. We analyzed TTDT and neonatal outcomes of the second twin (umbilical arterial pH value ...

The global HIV epidemic confronts pregnant women with hard reproductive choices. This paper offers a theoretically innovative and ethnographically sensitive exploration of the social processes through which 20 HIV positive women living in Northern Vietnam decide whether to continue or terminate their pregnancies. Arguing that human agency must be seen ...

While several studies have documented the prevalence of unprotected pre-marital sex among young people in India, little work has explored one of its likely consequences, unintended pregnancy and abortion. This paper examines the experiences of 26 unmarried young abortion-seekers (aged 15-24) interviewed in depth as part of a larger study ...

Abstract Diagnosis of a lethal fetal diagnosis (LFD) early in pregnancy is devastating for parents. Those who choose to continue with the pregnancy report intense emotional reactions and inconsistent, often insensitive treatment by health care providers. This qualitative descriptive study sought to clarify the experiences and needs of families in ...