Maternal cardiovascular health in early pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the predominant birth defect. This study aimed to explore the association between maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) and the CHD risk in offspring. METHODS: We used the prospective data from the Fujian Birth Cohort Study, collected from March 2019 to December 2022 on pregnant women within 14 weeks of gestation. Overall maternal CVH was assessed by seven CVH metrics (including physical activity, smoking, sleep duration, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose), with each metric classified as ideal, intermediate or poor with specific points. Participants were further allocated into high, moderate and low CVH categories based on the cumulative CVH score. The association with offspring CHD was determined with log-binominal regression models. RESULTS: A total of 19810 participants aged 29.7 (SD: 3.9) years were included, with 7846 (39.6%) classified as having high CVH, 10949 (55.3%) as having moderate CVH, and 1015 (5.1%) as having low CVH. The average offspring CHD rate was 2.52%, with rates of 2.35%, 2.52% and 3.84% across the high, moderate and low CVH categories, respectively (P = 0.02). Adjusted relative risks (RRs) of having offspring CHD were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P = 0.001) for high CVH and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48-0.93, P = 0.02) for moderate CVH compared to low CVH. For individual metrics, only ideal total cholesterol was significantly associated with lower offspring CHD (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women of high or moderate CVH categories in early pregnancy had reduced risks of CHD in offspring, compared to those of low CVH. It is important to monitor and improve CVH during pre-pregnancy counseling and early prenatal care.

The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy and haptonomy on fear of childbirth in primigravida women: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Considering the role of fear of childbirth (FOC) in the enhancement of unnecessary cesarean sections (CS), the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and haptonomy on the FOC (as primary outcome) and intended birth method and final birth method (as secondary outcomes) among primigravida women. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 99 primigravida women in Tabriz, Iran 2022. Participants were assigned to three groups with a ratio of 1:1:1 using stratified block randomization based on the fear intensity. One of the intervention groups (n = 33) received eight group sessions of CBT from 24 to 28 weeks of gestation and the other intervention group (n = 33) received haptonomy during seven sessions once a week. The control group (n = 33) received routine prenatal care. The Wijma questionnaire was completed by the participants before the intervention, after the intervention at 35-37 weeks of gestation, and after birth. The intended birth method was investigated before and after the intervention at 35-37 weeks of gestation. The final birth method and the reasons for CS were recorded based on the mother's medical profile. The one-way ANOVA was used before the intervention and RMANOVA after the intervention to compare the mean scores of FOC among the three groups. Further, chi-square test was applied to compare the intended and final birth method. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation: SD) of FOC in the CBT group changed from 74.09 (11.35) at 24-28 weeks of gestation to 46.50 (18.28) at 35-37 weeks and 48.78 (20.64) after birth (P < 0.001). The means (SDs) of FOC in the haptonomy group were 76.81 (13.09), 46.59 (15.81), and 45.09 (20.11), respectively (P < 0.001). The mean (SD) of FOC in the control group decreased from 70.31 (6.71) to 66.56 (18.92) and then, increased to 71.00 (21.14) after birth (P = 0.878). After the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in terms of the intended birth method (P = 0.278), and final birth method (P = 0.107). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study revealed that both CBT and haptonomy interventions reduce FOC. Although the desire for vaginal birth and final vaginal birth in the haptonomy group was more than that in the other two groups, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20170506033834N9. Date of registration: 02.01.2022. URL: http://en.irct.ir .

The relationship between pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment and mother-child bonding: a descriptive-analytical study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and childbirth experience can be important factors for a pleasant relationship between mother and baby. This study assessed the relationship between the pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and mother-child bonding. METHODS: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 228 pregnant women in Tabriz, Iran February 2022 to March 2023. Using cluster random sampling method, we included 228 women with gestational age 28-36 weeks and followed them up until six weeks postpartum. Data were collected in two stages using the following questionnaires: Pregnancy Experience Scale (hassles and uplifts), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Questionnaire (during the third trimester of pregnancy), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, and Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (six weeks postpartum). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and general linear model. RESULTS: The mean score of MFA was significantly higher among women with feelings of being uplifted during pregnancy [ß (95% CI) = 1.14 (0.87 to 1.41); p < 0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between pregnancy hassles and MFA and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between childbirth experience and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, pregnancy uplifts have a positive role in improving MFA. Therefore, it is recommended to plan interventions to make pregnancy period a pleasant experience for mothers.

Artificial neural network approaches to identify maternal and infant risk and asset factors using Peridata.Net: a WI-MIOS study.

Objective: To analyze PeriData.Net, a clinical registry with linked maternal-infant hospital data of Milwaukee County residents, to demonstrate a predictive analytic approach to perinatal infant risk assessment. Materials and Methods: Using unsupervised learning, we identified infant birth clusters with similar multivariate health indicator patterns, measured using perinatal variables from 2008 to 2019 from n = 43 969 clinical registry records in Milwaukee County, WI, followed by supervised learning risk-propagation modeling to identify key maternal factors. To understand the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and birth outcome cluster assignment, we recoded zip codes in Peridata.Net according to SES level. Results: Three self-organizing map clusters describe infant birth outcome patterns that are similar in the multivariate space. Birth outcome clusters showed higher hazard birth outcome patterns in cluster 3 than clusters 1 and 2. Cluster 3 was associated with lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min after birth, shorter infant length, and premature birth. Prediction profiles of birth clusters indicate the most sensitivity to pregnancy weight loss and prenatal visits. Majority of infants assigned to cluster 3 were in the 2 lowest SES levels. Discussion: Using an extensive perinatal clinical registry, we found that the strongest predictive performance, when considering cluster membership using supervised learning, was achieved by incorporating social and behavioral risk factors. There were inequalities in infant birth outcomes based on SES. Conclusion: Identifying infant risk hazard profiles can contribute to knowledge discovery and guide future research directions. Additionally, presenting the results to community members can build consensus for community-identified health and risk indicator prioritization for intervention development.

Does the immigration affect prenatal attachment levels?

Pregnancy is an important period in which mother-infant attachment begins, includes bio-psychological changes, and has physical and psychological effects on the future life of the fetus. This study aims to evaluate the prenatal attachment levels of Syrian refugee and Turkish mothers in Turkey and to determine the variables that affect these. This cross-sectional study conducted in the obstetric outpatient clinics with 397 pregnant women 197 Syrian and 200 native women. Inclusion criteria were a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks, no communication or mental disorders, no chronic diseases, no diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy, literacy in the pregnant Turkish women, Turkish language proficiency in the pregnant Syrian women, and residence in Turkey for at least three years. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic form and The Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). The data were analyzed by conducting independent t-tests, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. The mean prenatal attachment score of Turkish pregnant women (61.79 ± 8.55) was higher than Syrian women (48.38 ± 10.39) (p < .05). Education level, pre-pregnancy counseling, regular checkup, support from spouses, relatives, and friends, and being a refugee of pregnant women were determined as predictors of prenatal attachment. The results showed that 67 percent of the total variance in the prenatal attachment levels could be explained in model 2 (F = 35.524, R2 variation = .673, p = .001). The low prenatal attachment level of Syrian pregnant women was a result of the detrimental impacts of being a refugee on pregnancy. The integration of transcultural knowledge, culture-specific perspectives, and cross-cultural theories into clinical practices is essential for immigrant women.

Factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread widely throughout the world, causing psychological problems such as fear, anxiety, and stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women have been concerned about both their own health and the health of their fetuses, and these concerns could negatively affect maternal-fetal attachment. Thus, this study aimed to explore the level of COVID-19 stress, resilience, and maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment. METHODS: In total, 118 pregnant women past 20 weeks gestation were recruited from two maternity clinics in Daegu, Korea, to participate in this descriptive correlational study during COVID-19. The factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean scores for COVID-19 stress, resilience, and maternal-fetal attachment were 57.18±10.32 out of 84, 67.32±15.09 out of 100, and 77.23±9.00 out of 96, respectively. Nulliparous pregnant women reported greater maternal-fetal attachment than multiparous pregnant women (p=.003). Religious pregnant women also reported greater maternal-fetal attachment than non-religious pregnant women (p=.039). Resilience (ß=.29, p=.002), COVID-19 stress (ß=.20, p=.030) and parity (ß=-.17, p=.047) were factors influencing maternal-fetal attachment, and these factors explained 26.4% of the variance in maternal-fetal attachment (F=10.12, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Converse to common sense, COVID-19 stress exerted a positive influence on maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers need to recognize the positive influence of COVID-19 stress and implement intervention strategies to strengthen resilience in pregnant women to improve maternal-fetal attachment.

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions in Childbirth and Puerperium: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction (1): The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium. The objective of this study was to know the impact of visit restrictions, PCR performance and use of masks on delivery and puerperium care. Methods (2): A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A survey was used to assess the impact of COVID-19-related measures on women who had given birth in hospitals in the Region of Murcia, Spain, between March 2020 and February 2022. Results (3): The final sample size was 434 women. The average scores were 4.27 for dimension 1 (Visit restrictions), 4.15 for dimension 2 (PCR testing) and 3.98 for dimension 3 (Mask use). More specifically, we found that the restriction of visits was considered a positive measure for the establishment of the mother-newborn bond (mean score 4.37) and that the use of masks at the time of delivery should have been made more flexible (mean score 4.7). Conclusions (4): The policy of restricting hospital visits during the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has been considered beneficial by mothers, who expressed that they did not feel lonely during their hospital stay.

Sífilis congênita e recusa terapêutica da gestante: análise jurídica e bioética / Congenital syphilis and treatment refusal by pregnant women: a bioethical and legal analysis / Sífilis congénita y rechazo terapéutico por las mujeres embarazadas: análisis legal y bioético

Resumo A infecção congênita pela sífilis é uma doença que, apesar dos esforços públicos, ainda se mantém na rotina do sistema de saúde. Embora haja métodos de prevenção efetivos e muito disseminados, tratamento com alto custo-benefício e disponível no Sistema Único de Saúde, além de assistência pré-natal com alta cobertura, as taxas epidemiológicas da enfermidade continuam relevantes e preocupantes. Umas das barreiras à erradicação desse cenário é a recusa terapêutica da genitora. Com isso, indagações importantes são levantadas, como a responsabilidade médica em relação à recusa, a responsabilidade da gestante para com o nascituro e as implicações jurídicas que perpassam essa problemática. O propósito deste artigo é responder a essas questões e suas repercussões bioéticas e jurídicas.

Abstract Despite public policies, congenital syphilis infection remains a reality in the health system routine. Moreover, its epidemiological rates continue to be relevant and worrisome despite widespread and effective preventive methods, highly cost-effective treatments available in the Unified Health System, and high-coverage pre-natal care. A major obstacle to eradicating this scenario is treatment refusal by the progenitor. Important questions regarding medical responsibility in relation to refusal, the pregnant woman's responsibility towards the unborn child, and the legal implications involved arise from this context. This article seeks to answer these questions and their legal and bioethical repercussions.

Resumen La sífilis congénita es una enfermedad que aún sigue en la rutina del sistema de salud a pesar de los esfuerzos públicos. Aunque existen métodos de prevención efectivos y generalizados, los tratamientos con alto costo-beneficio y disponibles en el Sistema Único de Salud, además de la atención prenatal con alta cobertura, las tasas epidemiológicas de la enfermedad siguen siendo relevantes y preocupantes. Una de las barreras para su erradicación es el rechazo terapéutico de la madre. Por lo tanto, se plantean cuestiones importantes, como la responsabilidad médica con relación al rechazo, la responsabilidad de la mujer embarazada por el feto y las implicaciones legales que impregnan este problema. El propósito de este artículo es responder a estos interrogantes y sus repercusiones bioéticas y legales.

Crescimento no Primeiro Ano de Vida de Crianças Expostas ao HIV não Infectadas: um Estudo de Coorte Retrospectivo / Growth in the First Year of Life of HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Introdução: O crescimento de crianças expostas ao HIV não infectadas pode ser prejudicado pela exposição intrauterina à terapia antirretroviral. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o crescimento no primeiro ano de vida de crianças expostas ao HIV não infectadas. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo realizado com crianças expostas ao HIV não infectadas nascidas e acompanhadas no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Foram coletados dados referentes a condições socioeconômicas, perinatais, peso e comprimento no primeiro ano de vida. Para avaliação do crescimento, as médias de Escore-Z de peso, comprimento e índice de massa corporal para idade (P/I, C/I e IMC/I, respectivamente) ao nascimento, aos quatro e aos doze meses foram comparadas através da análise de Equações de Estimativas Generalizadas (GEE). Resultados: 39 crianças foram incluídas no estudo. A média de Escore-Z de IMC/I ao nascimento foi 0,03 (-0,24 a 0,30), aos quatro de 0,34 (0,00 a 0,68) e aos 12 meses de 0,73 (0,45 a 1,01). Houve diferença significativa entre o nascimento e aos doze meses (p=0,002). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que crianças expostas ao HIV não infectadas apresentam crescimento adequado no primeiro ano de vida e curva ascendente ao longo do tempo.

Introduction: The growth of uninfected HIV-exposed children can be impaired by intrauterine exposure to antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study is to describe the growth in the first year of life of uninfected HIV-exposed children. Methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted with uninfected HIV-exposed children born and followed up at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Data regarding socioeconomic status, perinatal information, and weight and length in the first year of life were collected. To assess growth, the Z-score means of weight, length and body mass index for age (W/A, L/A and BMI/A, respectively) at birth, at 4 months and at 12 months were compared through analysis of Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). Results: Thirty-nine children were included in the study. The mean Z-Score of BMI/A at birth was 0.03 (-0.24 to 0.30), at 4 months 0.34 (0.00 to 0.68) and at 12 months 0.73 (0.45 to 1.01). There was a significant difference between birth and at 12 months (p=0.002). Conclusion: The results suggest that uninfected HIV-exposed children show adequate growth in the first year of life and an ascending curve over time.

DNA methylation mediates a randomized controlled trial home-visiting intervention during pregnancy and the Bayley infant's cognitive scores at 12 months of age.

The crosstalk between maternal stress exposure and fetal development may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (DNAm). To address this matter, we collect 32 cord blood samples from low-income Brazilian pregnant adolescents participants of a pilot randomized clinical intervention study (ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02807818). We hypothesized that the association between the intervention and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months of age would be mediated by DNAm. First, we searched genome methylation differences between cases and controls using different approaches, as well as differences in age acceleration (AA), represented by the difference of methylation age and birth age. According to an adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05 we identified 3090 differentially methylated positions- CpG sites (DMPs), 21 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and one comethylated module weakly preserved between groups. The intervention group presented a smaller AA compared to the control group (p = 0.025). A logistic regression controlled by sex and with gestational age indicated a coefficient of -0.35 towards intervention group (p = 0.016) considering AA. A higher cognitive domain score from Bayley III scale was observed in the intervention group at 12 months of age. Then, we performed a potential causal mediation analysis selecting only DMPs highly associated with the cognitive domain (adj. R2 > 0.4), DMRs and CpGs of hub genes from the weakly preserved comethylated module and epigenetic clock as raw values. DMPs in STXBP6, and PF4 DMR, mediated the association between the maternal intervention and the cognitive domain at 12 months of age. In conclusion, DNAm in different sites and regions mediated the association between intervention and cognitive outcome.

Perfil clínico e psiquiátrico de gestantes atendidas em uma unidade de saúde de Criciúma, Santa Catarina / Clinical and psychiatric profile of pregnant women treated at a health unit in Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Introdução: A gestação é um período transacional, que faz parte do curso natural do desenvolvimento humano e da renovação geracional. Esse período representa, para a mulher, o enfrentamento de desafios diversos e pode desencadear ou exacerbar transtornos psiquiátricos, podendo ser considerada a fase de maior incidência de alterações psíquicas na mulher. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo é conhecer o perfil clínico e psiquiátrico de gestantes atendidas em uma unidade de saúde municipal do sul catarinense. Métodos: O presente estudo é do tipo observacional, retrospectivo, transversal, descritivo, com coleta de dados secundários e abordagem quantitativa, com registros que constam em prontuários de gestantes ali atendidas. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 179 gestantes com média de idade de 25,94 (± 6,43) anos e média de IMC pré-gestacional de 27,12 (± 6,01) kg/m² (sobrepeso), casadas (42,9%), escolaridade até o ensino médio (50,5%) e que possuíam alguma comorbidade clínica, principalmente hipertensiva (34,4%) ou diabetes mellitus (34,4%), exceto gestantes de baixo peso, nas quais há maior prevalência de asma. Sobre os transtornos psiquiátricos presentes, eram majoritariamente ansiosos e depressivos, sendo a fluoxetina o psicofármaco predominante. Conclusão: O perfil clínico e psiquiátrico de gestantes do presente estudo é de mulheres jovens, casadas, com sobrepeso, hipertensas ou diabéticas, que estudaram até o ensino médio, já possuem gestação prévia e não desejam a gestação atual. Entre as que possuem transtorno psiquiátrico, a maioria sofre de transtorno depressivo ou ansioso e são tratadas com ISRS. São sugeridos estudos para avaliar o desfecho do binômio mãe-feto e maior atenção à psicoterapia cognitivo-comportamental.

Introduction: Pregnancy, a transactional period, is part of the natural course of human development and generational renewal. This period represents different challenges for women and can trigger or exacerbate psychiatric disorders. It can be considered the phase with the highest incidence of psychiatric changes in women. Thus, this study's objective was to determine the clinical and psychiatric profile of pregnant women treated at a municipal health unit in the southern region of Santa Catarina state. Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective observational descriptive study involved secondary data and a quantitative approach, assessing medical records of pregnant women treated at the clinic. Results: A total of 179 pregnant women were included, whose mean age was 25.94 (SD, 6.43) years and mean pre-pregnancy BMI was 27.12 (SD, 6.01) kg/m² (ie, overweight). A total of 42.9 % were married and the education level of 50.5% was less than high school. Most had some clinical comorbidity, mainly hypertension (34.4%) or diabetes mellitus (34.4%); there was a higher prevalence of asthma among those with low weight. The psychiatric disorders were mostly anxiety and depression, with fluoxetine being the most prescribed psychotropic drug. Conclusion: The clinical and psychiatric profile of this sample of pregnant women was young, married, overweight, hypertensive or diabetic women, with a less than high school education, previous pregnancies, and an unwanted current pregnancy. Most suffered from depressexualsive or anxiety disorder and were being treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Studies are needed to assess the outcome of the mother-fetus pair, focusing on cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

Prenatal Attachment and the Relationship With Body Self-Perception.

OBJECTIVE: To explore prenatal attachment by sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and to determine the relationship between prenatal attachment and body self-perception among pregnant women. DESIGN: Descriptive correlational. SETTING: The obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-three healthy pregnant women at 20 weeks or more of pregnancy who visited the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of the university hospital between April 3 and July 6, 2019. METHODS: We collected data using a personal data collection form, the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants' mean PAI score was 67.74 (SD = 9.98). Participants younger than 20 years had the lowest mean PAI score of 57.20 (SD = 10.66). The level of prenatal attachment decreased as the number of pregnancies increased (p < .05). Participants' mean PAI score had a weak positive relationship with their total body self-perception score (r = .226) and the Appearance Evaluation, Fitness Evaluation, Health Orientation, Fitness Orientation, and Body Areas Satisfaction subscales (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Prenatal attachment levels were greater if participants were pleased with their appearances and bodies, approached their physical fitness positively, and engaged in practices to increase their health and physical capacity. We recommend conducting education programs concentrating on adaptation to pregnancy that enable women to evaluate their bodies more positively during pregnancy, to adopt behaviors to improve their health in pregnancy, and to increase prenatal attachment.

'A small person that we made' - Parental conceptualisation of the unborn child: A constructivist grounded theory.

BACKGROUND: The way that expectant parents think and feel about the fetus during pregnancy is thought to be somewhat predictive of their later relationship with the child. However, efforts to identify determinants, correlates and consequences of the parental-fetal tie have had conflicting results. This is likely to be partially attributable to issues in existing conceptualisations of the phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to construct substantive theory of expectant parents' fetal conceptual and relational experiences. METHODS: Constructivist grounded theory was used to explore data generated through individual, semi-structured interviews conducted with nine first-time expectant mothers and their male partners residing in Malta, in early, middle and late pregnancy. Analysis included techniques of coding, constant comparison and memo-writing. FINDINGS: Expectant mothers and fathers conceptualise and connect to the fetus through comparable processes, despite physical disparities in the pregnancy experience. Coming to think of the fetus as a known other and part of the intimate family is vital in achieving a sense of relatedness. An increasingly tangible fetus facilitates such an outlook. However, the extent of accessibility to fetal palpability and reciprocity consistently fail to satisfy parental yearnings. CONCLUSIONS: Given the convoluted and individualised nature of the parental-fetal tie, accurate measurement of this through the use of self-report instruments is likely to remain challenging. Instead, midwives can talk to expectant parents in-depth about their feelings regarding the unborn child and seek to address any concerns. Further longitudinal research spanning the transition to parenthood is needed to understand the postpartum sequelae of the processes observed antenatally.

Do taegyo practices, self-esteem, and social support affect maternal-fetal attachment in high-risk pregnant women? A cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: The incidence of high-risk pregnancies is increasing in Korea as the birth age increasesdue to late marriage. Maternal-fetal attachment is an important factor that affects children even afterchildbirth, but it is difficult for high-risk pregnant women to form maternal-fetal attachment. Thecurrent study aimed to explore whether taegyo practice (i.e., pregnant women's efforts for fetal goodgrowth and development), self-esteem, and social support influenced the degree of maternal-fetalattachment in women with high-risk pregnancies. METHODS: The participants included 226 pregnant Korean women at ≥20 gestational weeks, hospitalized with 15 high-risk pregnancy conditions as defined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.Recruitment via convenience sampling was done at four sites in Busan, Korea. Surveys were distributed and collected from February 1 to 28, 2022. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, the t-test, one-factor analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchicalmultiple regression. RESULTS: On average, participants were 33.97±4.23 years of age and at 31.65±6.23 gestational weeks.Preterm labor (35.4%) and gestational diabetes (21.0%) were the most common high-risk conditions. Maternal-fetal attachment was positively correlated with taegyo practice (r=.70, p<.001),self-esteem (r=.53, p<.001), and social support (r=.53, p<.001), all with statistical significance. Taegyo practice (ß=.50, p<.001) and social support (ß=.17, p=.030) explained 53% of variance in maternal-fetal attachment in women with high-risk pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Nurses caring for women with high-risk pregnancies during hospitalization can usethese findings by promoting taegyo practice and enhancing social support to increase maternal-fetalattachment.

Abbreviated Version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale: Evidence of Validity and Reliability / Versão Abreviada da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal: Evidências de Validade e Confiabilidade / Versión Corta de la Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale: Evidencia de Validez y Fiabilidad

Abstract The Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale has been widely applied in research on the subject. There are no known studies that have validated a shortened version of this instrument in Brazil. This study aimed to propose a shortened version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale and examine its evidence of validity and reliability. This methodological study was carried out on a sample of 937 pregnant women in the Primary Health Care of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brazil. Construct validity and reliability were measured. A trifactor version with 15 items was obtained, which presented satisfactory adjustment indexes. Convergent and discriminant validities were close to the recommended ones. The scale differentiated attachment scores according to different sample characteristics. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.878) and composite reliability (> 0.70) were appropriate. The abbreviated Brazilian version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale presented satisfactory psychometric attributes for application to pregnant women in Primary Health Care.

Resumo A Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal tem sido amplamente aplicada em pesquisas sobre a temática. Desconhecem-se investigações sobre a validade de uma versão reduzida desse instrumento no Brasil. Este estudo teve por objetivo propor uma versão abreviada da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal e examinar suas evidências de validade e confiabilidade. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico, realizado com uma amostra de 937 gestantes no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brasil. Obteve-se uma versão trifatorial com 15 itens, que apresentou índices satisfatórios de ajuste. As validades convergente e discriminante foram próximas do recomendado. A escala diferenciou os escores de apego segundo diferentes características da amostra. A consistência interna (α de Cronbach = 0,878) e a confiabilidade composta (> 0,70) foram apropriadas. A versão brasileira abreviada da Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal apresentou atributos psicométricos satisfatórios para aplicação a gestantes na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Resumen La Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale es ampliamente aplicada en estudios sobre la temática. No existen investigaciones sobre la validez de una versión corta de este instrumento en Brasil. Se pretende proponer una versión corta de esta escala y examinar su validez y fiabilidad. Estudio metodológico, realizado en la Atención Primaria de Salud de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brasil en una muestra de 937 mujeres embarazadas. Se midieron la validez y la fiabilidad del constructo. Se obtuvo una versión de tres factores, con 15 ítems, e índices de ajuste satisfactorios. La validez convergente y discriminante se acercó a lo recomendado. La escala diferenció las puntuaciones de vinculación según las distintas características de la muestra. La consistencia interna (α de Cronbach = 0,878) y la fiabilidad compuesta (> 0,70) fueron adecuadas. La versión corta de Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale para Brasil presentó atributos psicométricos satisfactorios para aplicarse a gestantes en Atención Primaria de Salud.

Prevalence and materno-fetal outcomes of preeclampsia/eclampsia amongst pregnant women at a teaching hospital in north-central Nigeria: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) contributes significantly to maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the prevalence, materno-fetal outcomes and sociodemographic factors associated with PE/E at Nigerian Teaching Hospital from September 2014 to August 2019. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that analyzed deidentified secondary data of women managed for PE/E at a teaching hospital in north-central, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were used to determine sample characteristics and study outcome estimates. Bivariate analysis was used to test for associations between sociodemographic factors and PE/E, materno-fetal outcomes while logistic regression analysis was used to test for the magnitude of these associations. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of PE/E in this study was 3.60%. Preeclampsia was diagnosed in 3.02% of cases while eclampsia was the diagnosis in 0.58%. Case fatality rate was 3.9% and still birth rate was 10.7%. Majority of women (85.4%) did not have any maternal complication nor unfavorable outcome. Majority (67.7%), of babies weighed less than 2500 g and birth weight was the only sociodemographic factor that was significantly associated with fetal outcome (X2 = 15.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PE/E in this study is high and is associated with high maternal and perinatal deaths. Majority of the cases of PE/E as well the fatalities occurred in women who had no formal education, unbooked and referred to the teaching hospital with worsening conditions. There is need for explorative research on community factors associated with PE/E and its outcome towards prevention and early management of cases.

Convertirse en madre durante la gestación: validación de un nuevo instrumento para su medición / Becoming a mother during pregnancy: validation of a new instrument for its measurement

Objetivo: Diseñar y validar un nuevo instrumento para la evaluación del compromiso con la maternidad, el apego maternofetal y la preparación para la maternidad durante el periodo de la gestación a partir de la teoría de Ramona Mercer. Metodología: Estudio metodológico psicométrico realizado con 200 mujeres gestantes de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, durante los años 2018 y 2019, en 3 fases: revisión de la literatura, diseño y validación de un instrumento. Se diseñó un instrumento a partir de los atributos identificados en la fase de revisión de la literatura, y se realizaron la validación de contenido con expertos, la validación facial a través de una prueba piloto, y para la validez de constructo se utilizó el análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE). Adicionalmente, se calculó la consistencia interna del instrumento. Resultados: La mediana de la edad y de las semanas de gestación de las mujeres participantes fue de 26 años y 26 semanas, respectivamente. En la validación de contenido, el 100% de los ítems obtuvieron una V de Aiken >0,7 y un intervalo de confianza del 95% >0,7. El modelo final del AFE obtuvo un índice de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) de 0,88 y mostró 3 factores que explicaron el 68,1% de la varianza y un total de 21 ítems: apoyo y presencia del compañero (11), preparación altruista (6) y apego cognitivo (4). La consistencia interna global obtenida a través del índice alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,90. Conclusiones: El instrumento «Convertirse en Madre» durante la gestación mostró ser válido y confiable, y permitió que emergiera la dimensión «apoyo y presencia del compañero», no contemplada por Mercer en su teoría, y que desapareciera la dimensión «compromiso con la maternidad». (AU)

Objective: To design and validate a new instrument to assess the commitment with the motherhood, the maternal-fetal bonding and the preparation for motherhood during pregnancy from Ramona Mercer’s theory. Methodology: Methodological psychometric study carried out with 200 pregnant women from the city of Medellín (Colombia) during the years 2018 and 2019 in three phases: literature review, design and validation of an instrument. An instrument was designed based on the attributes identified in the literature review phase and content validation was carried out with experts, facial validation through a pilot test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for the construct validity. Additionally, the calculation of the internal consistency of the instrument. Results: The median age and gestation weeks of the participating women was 26 years and 26 weeks respectively. In the content validation, 100% of the items obtained an Aiken V greater than 0.7 and a CI95% above 0.7. The final model of EFA obtained a Kaiser Meyer-Olkin of 0.88 and showed three factors that explained 68.1% of the variance and a total of 21 items: support and presence of the partner (11), altruistic preparation (6) and cognitive bondin (4). The overall internal consistency obtained through Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90. Conclusions: The instrument becoming a mother during pregnancy proved to be valid and reliable and allowed the dimension of support and presence of the partner not contemplated by Mercer to emerge in her theory and the commitment to motherhood to disappear. (AU)

Immune system: development and acquisition of immunological competence

Abstract Objectives: To describe the ontogeny of the immune system and the adaptive mechanisms of the immune system in the neonatal period, with an emphasis on transplacental antibody transport and breastfeeding. Source of data: Non-systematic literature review in the PubMed database. Summary of the findings: The last two decades have witnessed a great advance in the knowledge of the immune system since conception. Several investigation tools have provided insight on phenomena that were previously inadequately understood. Still expanding, the functional and molecular investigation of various aspects of the immune system will make it possible to understand how intra-uterus maternal-fetal exchanges, the maternal microbiota interacting with the fetus and newborn, and the acquisition of immunological competence occur in healthy and disease scenarios. Conclusions: In-depth knowledge of the development of the immune system and of the adaptive mechanisms that allow a safer transition to the extrauterine environment are fundamental components of optimizing maternal and young infant vaccination, as well as the strategies associated with full postnatal development, and the early diagnosis and treatment of innate errors of immunity.

Maternal-fetal attachment and anxiety in pregnant women who conceived through assisted reproductive technology: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a stressful experience that may affect prenatal attachment. However, maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and anxiety in pregnancy after ART are understudied in Iran. OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in MFA and pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) in the first and third trimester of pregnancy in women who conceived through ART compared to those who conceived naturally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted in 2019 with 187 pregnant women (ART conception = 43, natural conception = 144). Participants were recruited using the consecutive sampling method from a prenatal clinic in Tehran. The Cranley MFA Scale and the Van Den Bergh PRA Questionnaire were used to collect the data. RESULTS: The MFA score in the 12 th wk of gestation was lower in the women who conceived with ART compared to in the women who conceived naturally, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in wk 36. MFA in both groups was significantly higher at gestational wk 36 than wk 12 (p ≤ 0.001). The increase in MFA score was significantly higher in the women who conceived with ART than in those who conceived naturally (p ≤ 0.001). The anxiety score declined in the two groups and no statistically significant difference was observed in the changes of anxiety scores between the two groups (p = 0.84). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women who conceived through ART were as attached to their fetus in the third trimester of pregnancy as other women and did not experience more PRA.