How do we do it? Practical advice on imaging-based techniques and investigations.

The aim of the present study was to compare an 'open' vitrification protocol to a 'closed' vitrification protocol for mature human oocytes. A prospective comparison between fresh and sibling vitrified oocytes and a retrospective comparison between the two vitrification protocols were performed. For recruited patients undergoing an IVF cycle, two ...

Background  Although thiopurines are considered safe in humans, they are still pregnancy FDA category D drugs. Prevention of post-operative recurrence is a challenge in clinical practice in Crohn's disease. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation consensus states that thiopurines should be considered in high-risk patients. Aim  To perform a worldwide ...

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of intrauterine insemination on the management of subfertility in Jamaica. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective analysis of all intrauterine insemination cycles completed from May 1, 2002, to August 31, 2005, at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. The cycle pregnancy rate ...

There have been no radically new forms of contraception since the pill was introduced 1960 and even this form of fertility regulation can be traced back to endocrine advances that were made in the 1920s. Whatever new forms of fertility control we introduce for the future, they should exploit the ...

Human placentas studied after normal and abnormal pregnancies require author attention to a number of variables derived from clinical chart review. We herein provide a Table listing many of the key variables that might be confounders for clinical studies of the human placenta. As Editors for Placenta, we respectfully request ...

Unintended pregnancies, which accounted for an estimated 49% of all pregnancies in the United States in 2001, more often are associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and child than are intended pregnancies. In 2008, an estimated 36 million U.S. women of reproductive age were in need of family planning ...

In modern societies, the proportion of women who delay childbearing beyond the age of 35 years has greatly increased in recent decades. They are falsely reassured by popular beliefs that advances in new reproductive technologies can compensate for the age-related decline in fertility. Yet age remains the single most important ...

A wide variety of human teratogens have been identified. The characteristics of human teratogens can be used in the assessment of apparent "new" teratogens, when postulated. Information is available through online databases, such as TERIS and Reprotox, telephone-based counseling resources (e.g., Organization of Teratogen Information Systems [OTIS] and European Network ...

Many efforts throughout Texas strive to connect teen mothers with vital resources. Many physicians work in state and local programs to promote effective, proven interventions for preventing pregnancy in adolescents. In the legislature, the Texas Medical Association endorses the agenda of the San Antonio-based Healthy Futures Alliance, a community coalition ...

Today, when lives are routinely saved by early open or laparoscopic surgery, it is hard to imagine that young women suffering from ruptured ectopic pregnancy were left to their fate or submitted to procedures which had no possibility of dealing effectively with the haemorrhaging fallopian tube. As we shall describe, ...

Neural tube defects arise during the development of the brain and spinal cord. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of increased consumption of folate or multivitamins on the prevalence of neural tube defects periconceptionally (that is before pregnancy and in the first two months of pregnancy). ...

Caesarean section (CS) rates around the world have been increasing and in Australia have reached 30% of all births. Robson's Ten-Group Classification System (10-group classification) provides a clinically relevant classification of CS rates that provides a useful basis for international comparisons and trend analyses. This study aimed to investigate trends ...

To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, advantages, and limitations of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification compared with conventional karyotype analysis in the investigation of contributing factors to recurrent pregnancy loss. A cohort of 284 patients underwent side-by-side analysis of products of conception by both conventional karyotyping and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification with ...

There are few studies focusing on women's experiences of early pregnancy. Medical and psychological approaches have dominated the research. Taking women's experiences seriously during early pregnancy may prevent future suffering during childbirth. To describe and understand women's first time experiences of early pregnancy. Qualitative study using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. ...

Although many studies have been carried out to learn about maternal care practices in rural areas and urban-slums of Bangladesh, none have focused on ultra poor women. Understanding the context in which women would be willing to accept new practices is essential for developing realistic and relevant behaviour change messages. ...

This study evaluated neutrophils in fetal lung/stomach, in association with chorioamnionitis. Reports/slides from fetuses 13-24 weeks with a confirmed histologic diagnosis of placental chorioamnionitis were reviewed. There were 94 cases with no neutrophils in the lungs or stomach, and 106 with neutrophils in lungs, stomach, or both (53%). Thirteen percent ...

An innovative approach to in vitro maturation (IVM) for application in infertility treatment and fertility preservation is required to bring this patient-friendly treatment into routine practice. Current approaches to IVM never report more than a 10 to 15% implantation rate per embryo transferred, which is two to three times lower ...

The authors examine the legal questions raised by the involuntary medical and psychiatric treatment of a patient with psychotic denial of pregnancy. A case is presented, and psychotic denial of pregnancy is defined. Legal cases are reviewed that set precedent for state intervention on behalf of either the pregnant mother ...

A wide variety of human teratogens have been identified. The characteristics of human teratogens can be used in the assessment of apparent "new" teratogens, when postulated. Information is available through online databases, such as TERIS and Reprotox, telephone-based counseling resources (e.g., Organization of Teratogen Information Systems [OTIS] and European Network ...

Prevention of preterm birth remains one of the most important challenges in maternity care. We propose a randomised trial with: a simple Candida testing protocol that can be easily incorporated into usual antenatal care; a simple, well accepted, treatment intervention; and assessment of outcomes from validated, routinely-collected, computerised databases. Using ...

Heterotopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition. A recent case at our institution prompted a systematic review of the literature from 2005 to 2010. In the majority (71%) of cases reviewed, risk factors for a heterotopic pregnancy were present. However, in several instances (33%), previous sonographic reports of a normal intrauterine ...

The articles collected together in this issue describe first-trimester screening for a variety of complications. With the advance of both technology and research, early pregnancy screening is becoming ever more sophisticated and complex. While there are clear benefits to most women receiving early reassurance that their baby is developing as ...

Since the first description of successful human in vitro fertilization in 1978, researchers and clinicians have been striving to improve the efficacy and safety of the technique. Advances in technology and in our understanding of human reproduction have contributed to increased success rates and decreased rates of higher order multiple ...

To examine whether pretreatment emotional distress in women is associated with achievement of pregnancy after a cycle of assisted reproductive technology. Meta-analysis of prospective psychosocial studies. PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsychNET, ISI Web of Knowledge, and ISI Web of Science were searched for articles published from 1985 to March 2010 ...

The articles collected together in this issue describe first-trimester screening for a variety of complications. With the advance of both technology and research, early pregnancy screening is becoming ever more sophisticated and complex. While there are clear benefits to most women receiving early reassurance that their baby is developing as ...

Fertility in dairy cows has declined over the past five decades as milk production per cow has increased. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain this including issues of genetics, physiology, nutrition and management, and these factors have been investigated at the animal, organ and cellular level at critical time ...

OBJECTIVE: At least 60% of spontaneous pregnancy loss is considered genetic in nature. Miscarriages can, however, also be autoimmune-induced or have other etiologies. Current clinical dogma in rheumatology as well as obstetrics/gynecology holds that evidence of aneuploidy in products of conception establishes the cause of miscarriage and rules out other ...

We use panel data from local authorities in England between 1998 and 2004 to examine the differential impact of increased access for teenagers to emergency birth control (EBC) at pharmacies on teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We estimate both difference-in-difference (DD) and the more robust difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) models. ...

A prospective study was performed to assess the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in 199 infertile couples and outcome of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). A highly statistically significant correlation between pregnancy loss rate (proportion of pregnancies detected by β-hCG that did not progress beyond 20 weeks) and positive HPV ...

INTRODUCTION: Advances in technology have facilitated early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, which in turn has increased the scope for non-surgical treatment. Unfortunately risks associated with such management, including maternal death, are coming to the fore. This paper highlights the risks and how they could be avoided. FINDINGS: The risks include ...

In an attempt to illustrate the relevance of psychoanalytic theory and research to behavior medicine, an empirical investigation was conducted of females treated at a high-risk pregnancy specialty clinic (N = 58). Drawing from psychoanalytic object relations theory, it was hypothesized and confirmed that use of projection as a defense ...

This study assessed the initial feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an intervention aimed at reducing depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of low-income pregnant women with recent intimate partner violence (IPV). Fifty-four women were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention consisted of four ...

BACKGROUND In May 2009, the Italian Constitutional Court banned most of the limitations of a restrictive law regulating assisted reproduction technology on the grounds that it limited a couple's right to have access to the best possible medical treatment and reduce any possible higher risk of complications. The aim of ...

To determine the relationship between paternal body mass index (BMI), embryo development and pregnancy, and live birth outcomes after assisted reproductive technology (ART). Retrospective analysis of ART cycles. Major assisted reproduction center. Three hundred five couples undergoing ART in a private fertility clinic. No intervention was undertaken in patients involved ...

BACKGROUND Early-onset pre-eclampsia is an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and is believed to have a significant impact on future maternal physical and psychological health. However, structured follow-up data of women with a history of early-onset pre-eclampsia are lacking. This study aims to present comprehensive data ...

This article discusses a scenario of a teenager seeking medical assistance for infertility. Despite its apparent simplicity, the case poses a significant challenge to healthcare professionals. It requires consideration of maternal and child welfare and examination of the legitimate limits of doctors' role vis-à-vis the policy objective of reducing teenage ...

The steep decline in both natural fertility and success after assisted reproduction treatment with increasing maternal age is universally recognized. Large variations in the developmental competence of oocytes collected are seen during assisted cycles,and a link between the biological competence of oocytes retrieved and age has been confirmed. Patients who ...

the husband's presence at childbirth is universally accepted in industrialised nations, but the concept is still new within the cultural values and norms of Nepalese society. Understanding the cultural context surrounding the feelings and needs of Nepalese husbands will help to initiate realistic maternity education programmes. to explore husbands' experiences ...

Limited microbiology services impede adequate diagnosis and treatment of common infections such as pyelonephritis in resource-limited settings. Febrile pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit were offered urine dipstick, sediment microscopy, urine culture, and a 5-mL blood culture. The incidence of pyelonephritis was 11/1,000 deliveries (N = ...

Oxidative stress contributes to defective spermatogenesis leading to male factor infertility. The aim of this study was to review the current literature on the effects of various antioxidants to improve fertilisation and pregnancy rates. The sources of literature were Pubmed and the Cochrane data base. Reviewing the current literature revealed ...

This article describes the factors that should be considered when microinjecting Xenopus oocytes. Forward planning is particularly important for embryo injection because the frogs lay eggs only for a limited time, and once the eggs are fertilized there is a very short period during which the embryos are suitable for ...

Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) usually spans a woman's reproductive years. While treatment of androgenic symptoms is often a primary concern, periodically, the regimen has to be modified because of a desire for pregnancy. At this time the couple should be evaluated for factors that may contribute to infertility ...

There are a wide variety of medications available to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, many of which are considered unsafe during pregnancy. It is important to tailor a treatment regimen that stabilises the woman's disease prior to conception, using medications that are safe to continue throughout pregnancy and the post-partum ...

To evaluate clinical features of assisted reproductive technology (ART) patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) compared to spontaneously conceived PIH patients. We retrospectively compared PIH incidence, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes among these patients. Preeclampsia, cesarean rate, and massive maternal bleeding were significantly more common in the ART group. Neonatal outcomes ...

Unintended pregnancy can carry serious consequences for women and their families. We estimate the incidence of pregnancy by intention status and outcome at worldwide, regional, and subregional levels for 2008, and we assess recent trends since 1995. Numbers of births are based on United Nations estimates. Induced abortions are estimated ...

Human embryo cryopreservation techniques enable the storage of surplus embryos created during assisted reproduction procedures; however, the existence of these same surplus embryos has sparked further debate. What can be their fate once they are no longer desired by their parents or if the parents are deceased? Thus, the level ...

Little is known about the practices of primary care physicians regarding the prescribing of antidepressants during pregnancy. An anonymous survey was administered to a group of nonrandomly selected Australian general practitioners (n = 61 out of 77) and randomly selected Canadian family physicians (n = 35 out of 111). Responses to a hypothetical scenario ...

Objectives Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in newborns are an uncommon but potentially devastating consequence of genital HSV infection in women. Current practice focuses on preventing perinatal transmission by women with prevalent HSV, but transmission risk is greatest when genital HSV is acquired for the first time late in pregnancy. ...

Infertile couples make up approximately 10% of the worldwide population, and around 1% of current live births are a result of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Since the time that this technology was first applied, many studies have been performed in order to determine the risk associated with infertility treatments. Short- ...