Author Interviews, Cancer Research, NEJM, NIH, OBGYNE / 05.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Diana W. Bianchi, M.D. Senior Investigator Center for Precision Health Research Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The ability of prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing to incidentally detect maternal cancers has been demonstrated by several retrospective studies from commercial or national laboratories. However, there are no standardized approaches to the identification and medical management of prenatal screening results that might indicate a maternal cancer. We sought to prospectively identify DNA sequencing patterns and other biomarkers that could distinguish which women with nonreportable or unusual cfDNA sequencing results had cancer and to determine the best approach for diagnostic work-up of pregnant people who receive these results. (more…)
Author Interviews, OBGYNE / 04.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John W. AyersJohn W. Ayers, PhD, MA Altman Clinical Translational Research Institute University of California San Diego, La Jolla MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are frequently at the center of news and policy debates, yet little data exists about where they operate or what they actually do. To address this gap, we developed ChoiceWatch.org, a tool that systematically collected and analyzed over 470,000 webpages from CPC websites. In our study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, we used ChoiceWatch.org, to answer fundamental questions, such as how many crisis pregnancy centers operate in the U.S., where they are located, and what services they advertise. (more…)
OBGYNE, Supplements / 22.11.2024

Editor's note:  Most supplements, including  lactoferrin, are not FDA approved or tested and therefore should be used only under the supervision of your health care provider. Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it also brings its share of challenges, including keeping your immune system strong. Your immune system works overtime to protect both you and your growing baby, which makes it even more important to give it the support it needs. By adopting healthy habits and incorporating the right nutrients into your diet, you can boost your immune health and reduce the risks of common infections or illnesses during pregnancy. Here are 10 practical tips to strengthen your immune system while ensuring the safety and well-being of your little one.

1. Add Lactoferrin to Your Routine

A lactoferrin supplement  is a natural protein found in milk and other fluids that boosts immunity by supporting healthy gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. It also helps your body absorb iron more effectively, which is crucial during pregnancy. Before taking any supplements be sure to consult your healthcare provider. Lactoferrin is a dairy product and should not be taken in the case of suspected or diagnosed allergy to cow's milk proteins. (more…)
Cannabis, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 30.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sarah Keim, PhD Associate Professor, Epidemiology College of Public Health The Ohio State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Marijuana is the illicit substance most commonly used during pregnancy, and use is increasing. Some evidence suggests that marijuana is associated with deficits in executive function and increased delinquent behavior in school-age children and adolescents, with potential downstream impacts on achievement and social functioning. However, this evidence comes largely from only 2 studies several decades old. Today cannabis is more than 10 times more potent than it was several decades ago. (more…)
Chiropractic, OBGYNE / 23.10.2024

Editor's note:  Please check with your obstetrician before seeing a chiropractor. Pregnancy is an amazing adventure, but it comes with an honest proportion of bodily challenges for expecting mothers. From lower back aches and joint soreness to pelvic misalignment, the body undergoes massive changes that could affect routine lifestyle. Many mothers-to-be are searching out natural, scientific ways to alleviate those pregnancy-associated discomforts, and this is where prenatal chiropractic care comes in. A prenatal chiropractor focuses on assisting pregnant women through tailor-made chiropractic treatments that are gentle, secure, and, in particular, designed to address pregnancy-related issues. In this blog, we'll explore the potential benefits of prenatal chiropractic care and how it may help the general well-being of each mom and child during pregnancy. (more…)
Legal-Malpractice, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 19.10.2024

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain during or shortly after birth and can lead to lifelong disabilities. While there are many known causes of cerebral palsy, medical negligence during childbirth is one of them. When a child is born with cerebral palsy due to medical negligence, it can have devastating effects on both the child and their family. In such cases, seeking help from lawyers for a child's birth injury may be necessary in order to receive justice and compensation for the harm caused. Medical negligence refers to any act or failure to act by a healthcare professional that falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the case of cerebral palsy, several forms of medical negligence can occur during childbirth and lead to this condition. This is what is discussed in this article. (more…)
OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 19.10.2024

When a new baby is brought into the world, many parents have one of the happiest moments of their lives. However, for some parents, it is not a happy moment, as some babies are born with injuries that could alter their lives completely. Birth injuries are any physical wounds sustained during labor or delivery. These injuries can range in severity from minor cuts and bruises to more severe conditions, including brain damage or cerebral palsy. Birth injury is terrible enough for a child, but parents' lives are also affected, and this is something that should not be disregarded. Caring for a child with a birth injury entails enormous emotional, financial, and practical demands that can negatively impact parents' mental, physical, and financial health. You might need the help of lawyers experienced in birth injuries to fight for your rights.

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Nursing Homes, OBGYNE / 17.10.2024

  The postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging as new mothers navigate recovery while caring for their newborns. Creating a nurturing space at home is essential to support healing and emotional well-being.  As per the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum depression is a prevalent issue, with about 75% of new mothers experiencing the baby blues shortly after delivery. Of those, approximately 15% will go on to develop postpartum depression, which can significantly impact their recovery and overall well-being. In more severe cases, about one in 1,000 individuals may experience postpartum psychosis. This highlights the importance of support from qualified nursing professionals during this critical time. A comfortable, calming environment can significantly impact your recovery experience. From organizing your living area to incorporating elements that promote relaxation, small adjustments can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll explore how to design your postpartum space thoughtfully and practical tips to enhance your recovery journey at home. (more…)
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 16.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MSc Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Some infections during pregnancy have been associated with abnormal neurodevelopment in children. This is likely due to the infection itself, or the maternal immune system response to infection. We sought to determine whether maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, a now common occurrence, was associated with changes in children's neurodevelopment out to 24-months-old, compared to control children not exposed to maternal COVID-19 in utero. (more…)
Fertility, OBGYNE / 11.10.2024

Women are looking to freeze their eggs, which is an option that is gaining popularity and provides fertility preservation for a level of control over family planning. Medical advances have made the procedure more reliable, and it allows women to put off having children without diminishing their chances of being able to conceive using their eggs later on. In this post, let’s get into why egg freezing is a powerful and how it can potentially give women more options when it comes to the capacity of reproduction. Better Chances of Getting Pregnant The quality and number of eggs decline with age, which makes getting pregnant more challenging. Freezing eggs can up their odds, as long as they do it at a younger age. Because generally speaking, lower-quality eggs do not respond as well to fertility treatments. (more…)
OBGYNE, Sleep Disorders / 30.09.2024

sleep-during-pregnancy.jpg   Sleep deprivation is something all new parents go through, but for many women, it starts before the baby is born. As your belly is growing, the baby is kicking, and your hormone levels are fluctuating, you are very likely to experience insomnia, poor sleep quality, or nighttime awakenings. Even though there is no magic solution that can fix your problems entirely, there are some things you can do to get some good night's sleep during pregnancy:

Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine

Try to come up with a bedtime ritual that you can perform every night to signal your brain and your body that it is time to sleep. First, stop using screens because modern devices produce blue light that impedes your body’s production of melatonin. So instead of scrolling through your phone, consider reading a book before bedtime. Additionally, introduce some habits that can support and improve your mental health during pregnancy. For example, you can take a soothing, warm bath, sip on a cup of warm milk or a caffeine-free tea, or listen to a guided meditation. Also, you can introduce aromatherapy to your bedroom. Using a pillow spray or a diffuser can make you feel more relaxed in minutes. Finally, stick with a consistent routine that provides you with at least eight hours of sleep every night. (more…)
OBGYNE / 25.09.2024

The journey from conception to bringing a new life into the world is filled with anticipation, preparation, and a series of important healthcare services. Maternity services are designed to provide comprehensive care for women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. These services ensure that both mother and baby have the best possible outcomes with the support of specialized healthcare professionals. But navigating the world of maternity care can often be overwhelming for expectant parents. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of maternity services, helping soon-to-be parents to make informed decisions for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Integrating Pediatric Care Into Your Postpartum Plan

pregnancy-maternal-care.png A critical but sometimes overlooked aspect of postpartum care is establishing a pediatric care plan for the newborn. Early well-child visits are essential for monitoring growth, administering vaccinations, and addressing any health concerns that may arise. These appointments also guide parents on milestones and the general development of their child. One innovative example of integrative maternity services is the model provided by modern maternity care centers. Such centers focus on a seamless transition from pregnancy to pediatric care, ensuring continuity and a holistic approach to both mother and baby's health. They work under the philosophy that a well-cared-for mother raises a healthy and happy child. (more…)
Anemia, Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE / 23.08.2024

Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Iron is important to overall health, and people need more iron when they are pregnant. This can make pregnant people at increased risk for iron deficiency, which can progress to anemia and cause complications for both moms and their babies. After reviewing the latest available research, the Task Force found that there is not enough evidence on whether pregnant people who do not have signs or symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia should be screened—or take iron supplements—to improve their health or the health of their baby.   (more…)
Mental Health Research, OBGYNE / 29.07.2024

It’s no secret pregnancy causes many changes in a woman’s body - physically and emotionally. One of the most common changes occurs in the brain, a phenomenon known as the pregnancy brain.  Pregnancy Brain ExplainedThe pregnancy brain is often referred to as momnesia or baby brain. This condition underlies the cognitive struggles and difficulty associated with concentrating that some women experience during pregnancy and sometimes after giving birth.  Generally, pregnancy is characterized by an increase in steroid hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. These hormones will be discussed in detail in the following sections. Steroid hormones are responsible for handling metabolism, inflammation, immune functions, salt and water balance, the development of sexual characteristics, and the ability to withstand injury and illness during pregnancy.   The genesis of pregnancy brain stems at least partially from the influx of these steroid hormones. This, among other factors, will be mentioned in this article. (more…)
Author Interviews, OBGYNE, Radiology / 22.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Nicole Lamparello, M.D Interventional Radiologist Assistant Professor of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine Assistant Attending Radiologist NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of Uterine Fibroids? Response: A uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) is a type of tumor that grows in the uterus..  Most fibroids are benign growths that do not spread to other regions of the body.  However, fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms that severely impact a woman’s quality of life, including pelvic pressure or pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal bloating, urinary urgency/retention and infertility. Often, women with uterine fibroids are presented with hysterectomy as a treatment option, and are not informed about less-invasive options, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. (more…)
AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, OBGYNE / 29.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Emmanuel Bujold, Reproduction Mother and Child Health Unit CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center Université Laval Québec, QC Canada     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by preeclampsia? Response: Preeclampsia is a complication of the second half of pregnancy, manifesting as high blood pressure and renal dysfunction. The only current treatment is to deliver the baby before it becomes complicated by damage to maternal organs or fetal distress. A few years ago, we demonstrated that aspirin started in the 1st trimester can prevent the majority of preeclampsias in pregnant women at risk. It has therefore become urgent to identify pregnant women at risk as early as the 1st trimester. (more…)
Author Interviews, OBGYNE / 26.03.2024

Pelvic health is an underappreciated component of overall health. Many people suspect that only doctors can help with pelvic issues such as incontinence, painful intercourse or constipation. Physical therapy Gilbert AZ for the pelvis can address many of these issues and provide relief in tandem with medical therapies. Pelvic floor physical therapy is very common and can drastically improve patients' quality of life. (more…)
Author Interviews, OBGYNE / 19.03.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Chelsea A DeBolt, MD Assistant Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Significant immunological shifts, systemically and at the maternal-fetal interface, are required for a successful pregnancy. Yet, there is a paucity of comprehensive data investigating the systemic immune changes within the same individual transitioning from the non-pregnant to pregnant state. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, JAMA, OBGYNE, Surgical Research / 04.10.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Gabriele Martelli, MD Breast Unit, Surgery Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Milan, Italy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Approximately 8% of breast cancer cases are associated with pathogenic germline variants of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Women with a pathogenic BRCA1 variant have lifetime risks of breast or ovarian cancer of 45% to 80% and 30% to 60%, respectively. Women with a pathogenic BRCA2 variant have lifetime risks of breast or ovarian cancer of 35% to 60% and 10% to 25%, respectively. BRCA1 breast cancer is often more aggressive than sporadic disease, while BRCA2 breast cancer is often of similar aggressivity to sporadic disease. However, few studies have investigated outcomes of breast-conserving surgery, prophylactic mastectomy, or prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in patients with BRCA1/2 breast cancer. We conducted a cohort study to assess outcomes of breast-conserving surgery vs mastectomy, prophylactic mastectomy vs no prophylactic mastectomy, and prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy vs no prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in patients with BRCA1/2 breast cancer. (more…)
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, JAMA, OBGYNE, USPSTF / 26.09.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, are among the leading causes of serious complications and death for pregnant people in the United States. Pregnant women and pregnant people of all genders should have their blood pressure measured at each prenatal visit to help find and prevent serious health issues related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.  (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 03.09.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Robert Eves Research Associate at Universität Bielefeld Honorary research fellow at the University of Warwick Guest researcher at DIW Berlin MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: When an infant is born their birthweight percentile is often calculated. This indicates how big the infant is relative to other infants born at the same gestational age (weeks of pregnancy). In long-term follow-up of at-risk infants, being born below the 10th percentile has been considered a risk factor for later cognitive development. However, we thought that this above or below the 10th percentile cut-off was unlikely to reflect the true association between birthweight percentiles and later cognitive development. First of all, we thought that it was unlikely that there would be a dramatic difference between someone born at the 9th vs. 11th percentile. Secondly, we wanted to determine if there was a point when birthweight percentiles could get too large (i.e is there a Goldilocks effect, maybe you should not be too small but not too big either) (more…)
Author Interviews, Columbia, Gender Differences, JAMA, OBGYNE, Surgical Research / 24.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jason D. Wright, MD, FACOG, FACS Sol Goldman Associate Professor Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York, New York 10032 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There is growing recognition that gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is safe and that the procedures are associated with favorable long term outcomes. Prior work has explored the use of inpatient procedures and shown that the rates of GAS have risen, but there is little contemporaneous data to examine more recent inpatient and outpatient use of GAS. This is particularly important as changes in insurance regulations may have increased access for these procedures. We examined temporal trends in performance of inpatient and outpatient GAS and examined age-specific trends in the types of procedures performed over time. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics, USPSTF / 09.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:x Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor of Prevention and Community Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Vice chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Neural tube defects are when a baby’s spinal cord or brain don’t develop properly during pregnancy, which can cause serious complications including disability and death. The good news is that taking folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy is proven to help prevent this from happening. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Endocrinology, Fertility, Lancet, OBGYNE / 25.07.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Raymond M. Anchan, MD, Ph.D. Director, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Obstetrics/Gynecology Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery Brigham and Women's Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: As a reproductive endocrinologist, I have the privilege of caring for patients who unfortunately experience premature ovarian insufficiency- Some of these patients are as young as 17 yo. Additionally, a significant number of patients over the years have been reproductive age women who have breast cancer and ovarian failure from chemotherapy.  These patients have been my inspiration to try to find a treatment for them.  Since my earlier days as a neurobiologist and stem cell scientist, it was a natural course for me to seek cell-based therapies that are patient specific using autologous iPSCs. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Microbiome, Nature, OBGYNE, UCLA / 25.07.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Bridget Callaghan Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology UCLA Dr. Callahan studies interactions between mental and physical health across development.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: A growing body of evidence links the gut microbiome to brain and immune functioning, and changes to that community of microorganisms is likely among the ways that hardship affects children’s socioemotional development. Limited evidence in humans has demonstrated the adversities experienced prenatally and during early life influence the composition of the gut microbiome, but no studies had examined whether stress experienced in a mother's own childhood could influence the microbiome of the next generation of children. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE / 07.07.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dorothy A. Fink, MD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health Director, Office on Women's Health US Department of Health & Human Services Rockville, MD MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Delivery-related mortality in U.S. hospitals has decreased for all racial and ethnic groups, age groups, and modes of delivery while the prevalence of severe maternal mortality (SMM) increased for all patients, with higher rates for racial and ethnic minority patients of any age. This study specifically looked at inpatient delivery-related outcomes and found a 57% decrease from 2008-2021. The decreasing mortality rates within the inpatient delivery setting demonstrated as statistically significant and a welcome finding for all women. This study also looked with greater granularity at the impact of race, ethnicity, and age. Mortality for American Indian women decreased 92%, Asian women decreased 73%, Black women decreased 76%, Hispanic women decreased 60%, Pacific Islander women decreased 79%, and White women decreased 40% during the study period. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 26.06.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Alex P. Miller, PhD TranSTAR T32 Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Psychiatry Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Adolescent cannabis use is increasing in the United States. Prior research suggests that people who start using cannabis earlier are more likely to engage in problematic use and also experience greater mental health challenges and socioeconomic disadvantages overall. For example, children who begin using cannabis early are more likely to have behavioral problems and disorders and are more less likely to complete school. In our study, we used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is following nearly 12,000 kids across the nation to track behavior and brain development as well as health from middle childhood to young adulthood. We looked at what factors are associated with the initiation of cannabis use by age 12-14. (more…)
Author Interviews, Duke, OBGYNE / 26.04.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: TEAM FEMTECH Feng Yi Low, MD student (Class of 2024), Duke-NUS Medical School Casey Ang Fann Ting, Biomedical Engineering student, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS) Anar Sanjaykumar Kothary, MBA student, NUS Business School   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this innovation? What is the problem you sought to mitigate? Response: A safe and low cost solution to reduce the incidence of moderate to severe vaginal tears during childbirth. Vaginal tears are a serious complication during delivery. 90% of women will experience it during childbirth. It is even more prominent in the Asian context as Asian women are 74% more likely to experience tearing due to various factors such as their skin composition as well as stature to name a few. (more…)
Author Interviews, Infections, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 08.03.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Anna Roca PhD MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Fajara, The Gambia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Context specific interventions are needed to decrease the high burden of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Severe bacterial infections are a main cause of neonatal mortality in the continent. Oral intra-partum azithromycin is a cheap intervention easily scalable. Before embarking on this trial, we conducted a proof-of-concept trial that showed the intervention reduced maternal and neonatal bacterial carriage of the most prevalent bacteria causing neonatal sepsis in the continent. (more…)