OBGYNE

28 Oct

Posted at 14:57h in Hormone Therapy, OBGYNE

Health Notice: Hormone replacement therapy, including bioidentical and pellet therapy, should only be prescribed and monitored by your healthcare provider. The Menopause Society and ACOG don’t recommend compounded pellets for routine use. The doses aren’t FDA-approved, can’t be adjusted or removed once placed, and can raise hormone levels too high. See a doctor promptly for very heavy or prolonged bleeding, bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause as well as your regular checkups.  If you are experiencing persistent low mood or thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 in the U.S.; in the UK, call Samaritans free on 116 123.

Editorial Notice: This article is for general information and is not specific medical advice. Clinics and providers named or linked in this article are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

It's 3 pm, and you've hit the wall. You've done the school run, answered a pile of work emails, tracked down a missing PE kit, and forgotten why you walked upstairs. By teatime, you're snapping at the kids over nothing, and at 3 a.m., you're wide awake with your mind racing. Most of us shrug and call it mum life. Yet hormone specialists, including the team at Bio Hormone Center, a physician-led hormone replacement clinic headed by board-certified gynecologist Dr. Michael Augustino, according to the clinic, list fatigue, brain fog, moodiness, and poor sleep among the most common signs of shifting hormones.

So if you're knackered in a way a lie-in never fixes, it's worth asking a different question. Is this burnout, or could it be perimenopause? The honest answer is that it can be both, and knowing the difference changes what actually helps.

27 Oct

Posted at 15:26h in OBGYNE

Health Notice: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for evaluation by a gynecologist or other qualified healthcare provider. Fibroid size charts and comparisons are approximate and cannot be used to diagnose or decide treatment on their own. Seek emergency care (call 911) for very heavy bleeding with dizziness, fainting, a racing heart or shortness of breath, or for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain. Contact your doctor promptly if you are soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, passing large clots, or feeling unusually tired or weak.

Most women who get a fibroid diagnosis leave the appointment with a number and no way to picture it. "You have a six centimeter fibroid" means almost nothing in a parking lot. The measurement came from a machine, translated into centimeters, and now sits in your chart like a riddle you are supposed to solve on your own.

Here is the part that gets skipped: size is one variable, not the verdict. A two centimeter fibroid sitting against the uterine lining can wreck your period. A ten centimeter one bulging outward may barely register.

21 Oct

Posted at 11:36h in Medical Devices, OBGYNE

Editorial Notice: This post is intended for healthcare professionals and is for general information only. Product specifications and intended uses are as described by the manufacturer. Device selection and use should follow current product labeling and instructions for use, clinician training and credentialing requirements, and facility protocols. Products named or linked in this post are not warranted or endorsed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc.

Healthcare teams evaluating abnormal uterine bleeding and other intrauterine concerns need a practical way to assess the uterine cavity while aligning equipment choices with their clinical setting, planned procedures, and staff workflow.

Hysteroscopy enables direct viewing of the cervical canal and uterine cavity. It may be used to investigate causes of heavy or abnormal bleeding and to identify or treat conditions such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions, retained tissue, or a misplaced intrauterine device. The best equipment choice depends on the clinical objective, patient factors, provider training, and the facility's established protocols.

13 Oct

Posted at 19:26h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Neurology, OBGYNE

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Professor Anick Bérard PhD FCAHS FISPE

Canada Research Chair Tier 1 on Medications and Pregnancy

Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Cité, France

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal

Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France

Principal Investigator: Canadian Mother-Child Initiative on Drug Safety in Pregnancy (CAMCCO – Research, Training, Knowledge-Dissemination); CONCEPTION study – COVID-19 and Pregnancy; AMerican PREGNANcy-Mother-Child CohorT (AM-PREGNANT)

Director, Research Unit on Medications and Pregnancy, Research Center – CHU Sainte-Justine

Editor in Chief, Frontiers in Pharmacology – Pharmacoepidemiology

Medication and Pregnancy Notice: Migraine preventive medications, including anti-CGRP therapies and propranolol, should only be prescribed and monitored by your healthcare provider. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or think you may be pregnant, do not stop, start, or change any medication on your own. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits for your individual situation.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response:

  • Migraine is very prevalent in pregnancy – 20%.
  • It usually improves in the 2nd/3rd trimester – especially for migraine without aura.
  • Anti-CGRPs are effective therapies for the prevention of migraine but their safety in pregnancy is unknown. Guidelines do not recommend use during pregnancy except in very few cases. Women with chronic migraine are usually switched to safer alternatives 5-6 months before pregnancy (because of the 30-day half-life – 5 times the half-life). But inadvertent exposures occur.
  • Our study is the first large scale study looking at the safety of anti-CGRP during pregnancy for the prevention of chronic migraine. Using data from US pregnant women with chronic migraine, anti-CGRP use increased the risk of spontaneous abortion by 42% (baseline risk of clinically detected spontaneous abortions is 6-8%; the absolute risk on anti-CGRP becomes 8-11%); but propranolol use did not. Our findings are in line with the current guidelines on migraine preventive therapies which recommend discontinuation of anti-CGRP at least 5 months before conception and switch to established migraine preventive therapies such as propranolol.

22 Sep

Posted at 13:27h in Legal-Malpractice, OBGYNE, Pediatrics

Shoulder dystocia happens when a baby's head delivers, but a shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pubic bone. It is an obstetric emergency, and how the delivery team responds over the next few minutes often decides whether the baby is hurt. Chicago sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois — a city known for its architecture, its role as a national transportation and finance center, and its deep bench of teaching hospitals and academic medical centers. Families across the region give birth in settings that range from small community hospitals to large university systems. Where a birth takes place shapes staffing levels, team training, and how fast anyone responds when a delivery stalls. A shoulder dystocia lawsuit attorney in Chicago reviews those records to separate an unavoidable complication from a preventable one — a distinction that drives everything that follows.

shoulder-dystocia-malpractice

15 Sep

Posted at 17:28h in Medical Billing, OBGYNE

Almost every OBGYN practice runs a predictable schedule of prenatal visits, annual exams, ultrasounds, and surgeries. Behind all this is the billing team responsible for getting all those services paid. However, as a practice grows, the number of claims and, by extension, claim denials also increases. At this point, every small practice owner faces the same question: should they manage medical billing in-house, where the staff knows the providers and the patients, or should they outsource medical billing services for small practices so that specialists can help them scale at a faster rate? According to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), accurate medical billing and coding are foundational to appropriate reimbursement, and errors in claims submission — whether from inexperience, staff turnover, or payer-specific rule gaps — represent one of the most common and preventable sources of revenue loss for small practices.

[caption id="attachment_76015" align="aligncenter" width="500"]medical-billing-obgyne-pexels.jpg Photo by Kindel Media[/caption]

15 Sep

Posted at 16:28h in OBGYNE, Pain Research

Notice: This post is provided for background information only. Consult your healthcare provider for specific medical advice regarding diagnosis and treatment of pelvic pain.

You've told doctors about the pain again and again. It might be a deep ache in your pelvis, a heavy feeling that gets worse when you stand, or sharp pains that are hard to explain. But you leave each appointment without real answers. You might be told it's "normal" or get a diagnosis that doesn't match what you're feeling. This is tiring, and it happens to many people with long-term pelvic pain. According to the NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development), chronic pelvic pain affects roughly 15% of women in the U.S. and up to 26% worldwide, yet it remains among the most frequently misdiagnosed conditions in women's health — in part because standard examinations often focus narrowly on reproductive organs rather than the full range of pelvic structures.

Getting the right diagnosis is hard because doctors often look in only one place. Many exams focus only on the uterus and ovaries. But your pelvis is a busy area with muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. If the pain isn't coming from your reproductive organs, the real cause can be missed. That's why it's so important to find a doctor who looks at the whole picture. A dedicated pelvic pain specialist in Orange County is trained to look for other causes, like problems with blood vessels, which are a common but often missed reason for long-term pain.

[caption id="attachment_76008" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pelvic-pain-industry-leader-pexelsjpg Photo by Sora Shimazaki[/caption]

28 Aug

Posted at 16:01h in Fertility, OBGYNE

For most of human history, making a baby cost nothing but time, hope, and a fair amount of luck. Money barely entered the equation. That changed the moment science learned how to help conception along, and it changed again the moment governments decided to help pay for it. Today, for many couples in Singapore, starting a family begins not in a bedroom but in a spreadsheet.

The first thing most people do, understandably, is look up the ivf treatment cost in Singapore and brace for the number. That number matters. But it is only half the story. The other half is a set of rules, largely invisible until you need them, that decide how much of that number the state will quietly absorb on your behalf, and how much depends on timing you may not even realise is running out. According to the Singapore Ministry of Health, government co-funding for assisted reproduction is available to eligible couples under defined criteria, including citizenship status and age at the start of each treatment cycle.

[caption id="attachment_75773" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Pe[/caption]

06 Aug

Posted at 14:08h in OBGYNE, Radiology

Severe pelvic pain can affect work, sleep, exercise, relationships, and daily life. Yet some people are told that their ultrasound or MRI looks normal. This result can feel confusing, especially when the symptoms are strong and keep returning.

A normal scan does not mean the pain is not real. Imaging is useful, but it has limits. Some health problems are easier to see than others, and certain forms of endometriosis may not appear clearly on standard imaging. Current guidance states that negative imaging does not fully rule out endometriosis, especially shallow disease on the lining of the pelvis.

23 Jul

Posted at 12:08h in Fertility, OBGYNE

The exact IVF process in the exact same fertility centre in the same year can be portrayed as a "success rate" that varies considerably, and all versions would be correct in their own way. The number fluctuates based on what it means — either an established pregnancy or the birth of a baby — the calculation per embryo transfer or per cycle started; and whether it is calculated according to the age of the patient. It is extremely unlikely for any fertility centre to disclose which type they refer to when giving statistics on their website. This is the reason why two fertility centres that have the same results in practice may look entirely different online, and why the top number does not mean everything.

For anyone researching IVF Victoria, understanding how to read these figures before your first consultation makes a meaningful difference. Research on online fertility calculators and IVF success prediction confirms that age of the woman is by far the strongest predictor of live birth — a reminder that headline percentages without age breakdowns tell only part of the story.

[caption id="attachment_75175" align="aligncenter" width="500"]choosing-ivf-clinic-pexels Photo by Gustavo Fring[/caption]

15 Jul

Posted at 14:18h in Genetic Research, OBGYNE

Waiting until a baby is born to establish paternity has long been the default approach. But for growing numbers of parents across the United States, that wait is no longer necessary or desirable.

Advances in DNA technology now make it possible to determine biological paternity safely during pregnancy through non-invasive prenatal testing. Instead of waiting until after birth, many expectant parents choose to get answers earlier, allowing them to make informed personal, legal, or medical decisions with greater confidence. The same cell-free fetal DNA technology that enables prenatal paternity testing has also demonstrated the ability to detect other clinically significant findings during pregnancy — as explored in this research overview of how prenatal cell-free DNA can detect occult maternal cancer.

[caption id="attachment_75019" align="aligncenter" width="500"]why-parents-choosing-prenatal-paternity-tests-pexels Photo by cottonbro studio[/caption]

03 Jul

Posted at 09:18h in Legal-Malpractice, OBGYNE

The vast majority of births proceed safely, but childbirth is a complex medical event, and occasionally something goes wrong. When a baby or mother is harmed during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the result is called a birth injury, and the experience can be frightening and bewildering for families. Understanding what birth injuries are, how they happen, and when they raise legitimate questions about the care provided can help parents make sense of a difficult situation.

Birth injuries cover a wide range of conditions, from minor and temporary to serious and lasting. Some resolve on their own with little intervention; others have profound, lifelong implications that can influence a child's healthcare and longevity for years to come. What they have in common is that they raise a natural and important question for affected families: was this harm an unavoidable risk of childbirth, or did something about the care fall short of what it should have been? Answering that question is rarely simple, but understanding the landscape helps families know what to ask.

parents_holding_their_newborn_baby_at_home

28 May

Posted at 13:31h in OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_74016" align="aligncenter" width="500"]surrogacy-ukraine-program.jpg Photo by freestocks.org[/caption] Most people researching surrogacy expect the hard part to be finding a surrogate. It isn't. The hard part is everything that comes after — the waiting, the legal maze, the emotional whiplash that nobody includes in the brochure. Ukraine has become one of the more serious destinations for intended parents in recent years — and for a specific reason. It's among the few countries where gestational surrogacy is explicitly legal, and where the intended parents are named on the birth certificate from day one. That's not a small detail; it eliminates an entire layer of post-birth legal exposure that families face in other jurisdictions. For anyone weighing options, working with an established surrogacy agency Ukraine means operating inside a framework that actually protects you — not around one that merely tolerates you. What draws most families toward surrogacy in Ukraine isn't just the legal clarity, though. It's the combination of cost, medical infrastructure, and program structure that's hard to find elsewhere at the same level. That part gets covered in the research phase. What doesn't get covered — what almost nobody prepares you for — is almost everything else.

11 May

Posted at 16:06h in OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73653" align="alignleft" width="150"]Bailey MilnePhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON Bailey Milne[/caption] Bailey Milne PhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON A large population-based study using health administrative data from Ontario examines whether endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in offspring — with findings that suggest increased monitoring may be warranted for affected pregnancies.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? The study was conducted using health administrative data in Ontario. The data was from 2006 to 2021, which resulted in over 1.4 million mother-baby pairs. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, which can result in painful menstruation, intercourse and bowel movements. Roughly 10% of reproductive aged patients have endometriosis, and of those, 30–60% have infertility.

11 May

Posted at 12:53h in OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_73644" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Image by Magnific Image by Magnific[/caption] Pregnancy affects nearly every system in the body. While public conversations often focus on major milestones such as fetal development, nutrition, and delivery preparation, many of the day-to-day physical changes experienced during pregnancy receive far less attention despite having a significant impact on overall well-being. As the body adapts to support fetal growth, hormonal shifts, weight redistribution, circulation changes, and musculoskeletal adjustments can all influence how a person moves, rests, and functions throughout everyday life. Increasingly, healthcare professionals and wellness experts are emphasizing the importance of supporting maternal comfort throughout pregnancy rather than focusing exclusively on clinical milestones alone.

29 Apr

Posted at 10:20h in Fertility, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_73525" align="aligncenter" width="333"]IVF and Emotional Wellbeing.jpg Image source[/caption] Infertility and IVF treatment can bring a whirlwind of emotions and challenges for couples. As you progress through IVF, it's common to swing between hope, excitement, and moments of worry. The emotional ups and downs are real, and coping well often means finding practical ways to support both your mental and physical health along the way. Women and men might feel the strain differently. The uncertainty, the persistence needed for multiple treatment cycles, the financial pressure, and the way all of this can affect your relationship—it's a lot to juggle. Yet, it's a journey rooted in hope. That's why so many turn to clinics where compassionate professionals understand the process. Millennium IVF in Thailand offers experienced infertility support, known for its genuine care that extends beyond just the latest medical treatments; they prioritise emotional wellbeing, too. The team is on hand for every phase, bringing both expertise and encouragement. At Millennium IVF Clinic, looking after how you feel is just as important as the clinical care, so you don't have to face it all alone.

27 Apr

Posted at 05:36h in Global Health, Health and Wellness, OBGYNE
choosing-maternity-care-in-dubai.jpg Finding the right maternity care in a cosmopolitan city like Dubai can be challenging. Everybody's busy — the clinics, the doctors, and even you. As such, the standard clinical experience can often feel a bit like a conveyor belt. Efficient, maybe, but rarely personal. For many families, however, the goal isn't just to find a doctor but to find a healthcare partner in Dubai. They want a team that listens with empathy, understands what is being said as well as the unexpressed concerns, and respects their privacy and time. These are the things that are frequently lost in the shuffle of a busy hospital.

08 Apr

Posted at 18:29h in Laboratories, OBGYNE
hCG Levels Can Help Estimate Early Pregnancy Timing Finding out you are pregnant often comes with one immediate question: How far along am I? In the earliest days of pregnancy, before an ultrasound can confirm dating, many people look to blood work for clues. One of the most talked-about markers is human chorionic gonadotropin, better known as hCG. Because hCG levels in early pregnancy usually rise in a predictable way, they can sometimes offer a rough estimate of early pregnancy timing. That is why tools such as an hCG gestational age calculator can be helpful as a starting point. Still, hCG is only one piece of the picture. hCG values can vary widely from one healthy pregnancy to another, and a single test result may suggest a possible range but cannot confirm exact dating, viability, or whether a pregnancy is progressing normally on its own.

02 Feb

Posted at 15:25h in Author Interviews, OBGYNE
Editor's note: Please let your health care provider know if you are experiencing night sweats, whether you or not you are pregnant. Experiencing night sweats early pregnancy sign symptoms can be surprising and uncomfortable, especially if you’re still waiting for that positive test or just beginning your first trimester. Many women wake up drenched, overheated, or restless during early pregnancy without realizing that this very common symptom is often linked to hormonal changes. While uncomfortable, night sweats at this stage are usually harmless and reflect your body’s rapid adjustments as pregnancy begins. As your hormones shift, the right sleep setup can make a huge difference. A supportive maternity pillow can help regulate airflow around your body, improve sleep posture, and reduce overheating caused by restless sleep. Understanding why night sweats happen and how to manage them can help you stay comfortable and confident through these early changes. Night Sweats as an Early Pregnancy Sign The Hormonal Rollercoaster: Why Progesterone and Estrogen Cause Temperature Swings Hormones are the most common reason for early pregnancy night sweats. Right after conception, your body rapidly increases its production of progesterone and estrogen, both of which directly influence your temperature regulation.

Here’s how hormones trigger night sweats:

  • Progesterone naturally raises body temperature
  • Estrogen fluctuations affect heat sensitivity
  • These hormones stimulate your metabolism
  • Your body works harder to support the uterine lining
This creates a warming effect that becomes more noticeable at night when your body is naturally trying to cool down. Hormone-driven temperature swings are perfectly normal and often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

09 Jan

Posted at 16:39h in Health and Wellness, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_71975" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pregnancy-wellness-self-care.jpg Photo by Garon Piceli[/caption] Pregnancy has a strange way of making time feel elastic. Your body is working harder than it ever has, your emotions are doing things you didn't expect, and your days have this new density to them. And right in the middle of all that, someone inevitably tells you to "make sure you're taking care of yourself." As if it's that simple. The advice is well-meaning, but it starts to pile up like homework. And honestly? The last thing most pregnant women need is another checklist. Here's what I think: self-care doesn't have to be effortful. It doesn't need to look good on Instagram or take up half your afternoon. The version that actually nourishes you during pregnancy is usually quieter than that. It slips in between other things, settles your nervous system, and helps you feel like yourself even when everything is shifting. This isn't another productivity guide. It's an invitation to rethink what self-care can be when you're growing a human.

23 Sep

Posted at 10:45h in Author Interviews, Autism, OBGYNE, Pain Research, Pediatrics
[caption id="attachment_70749" align="alignleft" width="150"]Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhDDean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Dr. Baccarelli[/caption] Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD Dean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Colleagues and I recently conducted a rigorous review, funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We reviewed 46 previously published human studies worldwide. We found evidence of an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.

01 Jul

Posted at 18:18h in OBGYNE, Pediatrics, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_69170" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr-Davis_Esa Dr. Davis[/caption] Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H. Vice chair, USPSTF Professor of Family and Community Medicine Senior Associate Dean of Population and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Breastfeeding can improve the health of babies, including reducing their risk of infections and chronic diseases, and can have health benefits for nursing mothers too. To help those who choose to, and are able to, breastfeed, the Task Force continues to recommend that healthcare professionals provide interventions or referrals during pregnancy and after birth that support breastfeeding. These interventions can include education and direct guidance on how to breastfeed.

16 Jun

Posted at 18:13h in OBGYNE, Plastic Surgery, Surgical Research
Labiaplasty has become an increasingly standard procedure, helping many women address both aesthetic concerns and functional discomfort. While much of the public discussion centers on appearance, the clinical perspective emphasizes the importance of functional outcomes in determining patient satisfaction. This surgery is not just about how patients look, but how they feel, physically and emotionally, in their daily lives. Understanding the balance between form and function is key to achieving results that truly enhance quality of life. [caption id="attachment_69051" align="aligncenter" width="500"]labial-cosmetic-surgery Photo by FounderTips [/caption]

Beyond Aesthetics

The most successful labiaplasty procedures are those guided by both clinical expertise and individual goals. According to board-certified professionals, a labiaplasty procedure that prioritizes patient anatomy, safety, and minimal recovery time can lead to high satisfaction rates. Many patients report reduced pain, improved hygiene, and greater ease in everyday activities just weeks after surgery. Key functional improvements often include:
  • Reduced chafing and friction during movement, exercise, or sexual activity
  • Improved comfort when wearing tight clothing, such as leggings, swimsuits, or jeans
  • Better personal hygiene, with fewer issues related to moisture or irritation
  • Enhanced sexual confidence, as physical discomfort is minimized
  • Improved body image, especially when patients feel their concerns were heard and addressed
Functional outcomes also impact long-term satisfaction. When patients no longer experience the physical symptoms that once disrupted their lives, the emotional relief can be just as profound. Providers are increasingly focusing on understanding patient motivations during consultations to help align surgical plans with real-world needs.

12 Jun

Posted at 13:45h in Genetic Research, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_68999" align="aligncenter" width="500"]down-syndrome-genetic-testing Photo by RDNE Stock project[/caption] Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, wonder, and countless choices that shape the health and future of both the baby and the parents. As expectant families navigate this new chapter, one of the most critical aspects of early care involves understanding the options available for monitoring a baby’s development. Among these, prenatal screening plays a key role. These screenings help identify potential health conditions, providing valuable insights that can inform decisions and prepare families for the journey ahead.

Prenatal Screening Basics: Why They Matter

The journey of pregnancy is filled with questions, milestones, and decisions that shape the path ahead. One critical aspect of prenatal care is understanding the various screening options available to expectant parents. Prenatal screenings help assess the health and development of a baby, including identifying conditions like down syndrome, the most common chromosomal disorder. Today, screening for down syndrome pregnancy is considered a standard part of medical guidance, regardless of parental age or background. These screenings are not just about numbers—they serve as tools to prepare families for all possibilities, offer reassurance, or signal when closer attention is needed. For many, the opportunity to gather information early fosters a sense of control, turning what could be an anxious experience into an empowering one. The decision to undergo prenatal screening is a profoundly personal one. While these tests can provide clarity and valuable insights, they also raise new questions about values, hopes, and resources. Choices made during pregnancy have a long-lasting impact on family dynamics, and it’s natural for parents to feel a blend of hope, anxiety, and excitement about what comes next. Arming oneself with knowledge from the start and engaging in open conversations with obstetric care providers can help ensure that the screening process aligns with the unique needs and expectations of the family.

07 Jun

Posted at 10:42h in Fertility, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_68954" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Yan Krukau[/caption] Knowing the process timeline of an egg donation agency will enable aspiring egg donors and parents to understand what to expect so there are no bad surprises, and to determine how much time they may need for a particular journey. Although actual timelines will differ depending on the agency and situation, the steps in the process can be expected. Initial Consultation and Application In your initial consultation, we will discuss your wants and needs, and you will fill out some paperwork and tell us your medical and social history. The agency will describe its process, fees, and services. You will also fill out lots of application forms, including medical questionnaires and consent forms. During this phase, financial matters are discussed and contracts are reviewed. Most programs need psychological clearance at this stage to make sure you’re ready for the emotional side of egg donation. You’ll also get educational materials on the process and what to expect in the months ahead.

25 Apr

Posted at 23:56h in Author Interviews, Genetic Research, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67888" align="alignleft" width="200"]Prof. Hermona Soreq The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) and The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science at the Hebrew University Prof. Hermona Soreq[/caption] Prof. Hermona Soreq Professor of Molecular Neuroscience The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences Department of Biological Chemistry The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences The Hebrew University of Jerusalem The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram Jerusalem Israel and [caption id="attachment_68187" align="alignleft" width="125"]Shani Vaknine, Ph.D. candidateBrain and Behavioral Sciences The Hebrew University Shani Vaknine[/caption] Shani Vaknine, Ph.D. candidate Brain and Behavioral Sciences The Hebrew University     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve long known that maternal stress during pregnancy can affect her baby’s development, but the molecular mechanisms behind this remained unclear. In our study, we explored how psychosocial stress experienced by the mother in late pregnancy influences tiny molecular fragments in the newborn’s blood. These fragments, called transfer RNA fragments or tRFs, were considered for many years to be disposable, but have recently been shown to have important biological functions.

15 Apr

Posted at 13:30h in Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67904" align="alignleft" width="150"]Samson Nivins PhDPost-doc | Neonatology Karolinska Institutet Developmental Neuroscientist Liggins Institute Dr. Nivins[/caption] Samson Nivins PhD Post-doc | Neonatology Karolinska Institutet Developmental Neuroscientist Liggins Institute   [caption id="attachment_67905" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ulrika Ådén PhDProfessor of Neonatology Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska Dr. Ådén[/caption] Ulrika Ådén PhD Professor of Neonatology Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Children born preterm are at higher risk of cognitive impairment during childhood and later in life. However, an important unresolved question is whether these impairments primarily reflect genetic susceptibility or are driven by the biological consequences of being born too early. Cognitive development is known to have a strong heritable component (~70 %), and previous studies have attempted to disentangle genetic and environmental contributions, for example through sibling comparison designs. Although informative, such approaches have inherent limitations. In this study, we aimed to investigate long-term cognitive outcomes across a range of gestational age groups including very preterm, moderately preterm, late preterm, and early term, compared to children born full term. Importantly, we accounted for genetic influences as well as a range of potential confounding factors, including prenatal risks and child-specific factors. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the extent to which cognitive outcomes associated with preterm birth reflect biological versus inherited risk.

10 Apr

Posted at 12:54h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, Medical Imaging, OBGYNE, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67865" align="alignleft" width="200"]Sam (Seyedmehdi) Payabvash, MD Associate Professor of Radiology  Columbia University Medical Center Dr. Payabvash[/caption] Sam (Seyedmehdi) Payabvash, MD Associate Professor of Radiology Columbia University Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prenatal marijuana use is on the rise, largely due to increasing legalization and shifting public perception of its safety during pregnancy. Although prior studies have linked prenatal marijuana exposure to adverse neonatal and behavioral outcomes, the long-term neurodevelopmental effects, especially as assessed through advanced neuroimaging techniques, remain underexplored.