Congenital anomalies during Covid-19: artifact of surveillance or a real TORCH?

Infections in the first trimester of pregnancy can be teratogenic, but the possibility that Covid-19 could lead to birth defects is unclear. We examined whether SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or exposure to pandemic conditions were associated with the risk of congenital anomalies. We carried out a retrospective study of 420,222 neonates born in Quebec, Canada in two time periods: prepandemic (January 1, 2017 to March 12, 2020) vs. pandemic (March 13, 2020 to March 31, 2022). We classified pandemic births as early (first trimester completed before the pandemic) or late (first trimester during the pandemic), and identified patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy. We applied (1) adjusted log-binomial regression models to assess the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and congenital anomalies, and (2) autoregressive interrupted time series regression to analyze temporal trends in the monthly number of defects in all patients regardless of infection. In total, 29,263 newborns (7.0%) had a congenital anomaly. First trimester SARS-CoV-2 infections were not associated with a greater risk of birth defects compared with no infection (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.59-1.95). However, births during the late pandemic period were more likely to be diagnosed with congenital microcephaly compared with prepandemic births (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.21-1.71). Interrupted time series analysis confirmed that the frequency of microcephaly increased during the late pandemic period, whereas other anomalies did not. We conclude that Covid-19 is likely not teratogenic, but enhanced surveillance of anomalies among late pandemic births may have heightened the detection of infants with microcephaly.

Prevalence and influencing factors of anemia among pregnant women across first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy in monitoring areas, from 2016 to 2020: a population-based multi-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across their entire pregnancy and the factors affecting it in the monitoring areas. METHODS: A total of 108,351 pregnant women who received antenatal health care and delivered from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 in 15 monitoring counties of 8 provinces in the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring Program (MNHMP) of National Center for Women and Children's Health (NCWCH) were selected as the study subjects. The anemia status among the subjects across their first, second and third trimester of pregnancy and the influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2020, the prevalence of anemia at any stage during pregnancy in the monitoring areas was 43.59%. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across all three trimesters was 3.95%, and the prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe anemia was 1.04% and 2.90%, respectively. Protective factors were living in the northern area (OR = 0.395) and being a member of an ethnic minority (OR = 0.632). The risk factors were residing in rural areas (OR = 1.207), with no more than junior high school education (OR = 1.203), having ≥ 3 gravidities (OR = 1.195) and multiple fetuses (OR = 1.478). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across all trimesters in the monitoring area was low, the severity of anemia was high. Since the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across their entire pregnancy in the monitoring area is affected by many different factors, more attention should be paid to pregnant women living in rural areas, with low literacy, ≥ 3 gravidities and multiple fetuses for early intervention.

Use of medication in pregnancy on the rise: Study on 1.4 million Danish pregnancies from 1998 to 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal demographics have evolved, and more women than ever enter pregnancy with preexisting comorbidity and with potentially complex medication exposure, including polypharmacy (concomitant intake of multiple medications). This study aims to describe the evolution of medication use in pregnancy in Denmark from 1998 to 2018 with special focus on polypharmacy, patterns of use, and underlying demographics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Danish nationwide historical registry study based on all clinically recognized pregnancies with a gestation ≥10 weeks between 1998 and 2018. Medication use was estimated by redemption of prescriptions during pregnancy. RESULTS: Among a total of 1 402 327 clinically recognized pregnancies, redemption of at least one prescription medication during pregnancy increased from 56.9% in 1998 to 63.3% in 2018, coinciding with an increased use of polypharmacy (from 24.8% in 1998 to 35.2% in 2018). The prevalence of pregnant women who used medications for chronic conditions increased more than the prevalence of women treated for occasional or short-time conditions. Redemption of one or multiple prescription medications during pregnancy was mostly seen among pregnant women ≥35 years of age. However, pregnant women <25 years old exhibited the largest increase in medication use during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Medication use in general, and polypharmacy in particular, increased from 1998 to 2008, possibly as the result of an increased prevalence of pregnant women with chronic conditions requiring pharmacological treatment. Notably, a marked maternal age-based discrepancy in usage pattern was observed, highlighting the need for further research in this area. The rise in the prevalence of polypharmacy during pregnancy underscores the need for pharmacovigilance to monitor adverse effects. Future studies should investigate the patterns of polypharmacy and the accompanying maternal and fetal risks.

Pregnant women's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the trimester of pregnancy.

AIM: This study aimed to analyse the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women according to the pregnancy trimester, comparing their psychopathological symptomatology, pregnancy-specific stress, resilience and perceived stress to those of women pregnant before the pandemic. METHODS: A total of 797 pregnant women participated in the study, one group of 393 women pregnant before the pandemic and the other of 404 women pregnant during the pandemic. Student-t test was used to analyse continuous data and the Chi-square test was used for categorical data. RESULTS: Psychopathological symptomatology was significantly higher in six subscales of the SCL-90-R in pregnant women during COVID-19: somatisation, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, obsessions-compulsions, mainly on the first two trimesters. There is also a higher level of pregnancy-specific stress in pregnant women during the pandemic on the first two trimesters, most likely due to the hypervigilance and fears related to the COVID-19 disease. Nevertheless, perceived stress, usually elevated during pregnancy, was lower in women pregnant during the pandemic in comparison to those pregnant before, as a positive consequence of being on lockdown and diminishing the exposure to daily stressful situations. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the struggles these women go through during each trimester of pregnancy can be the key to a better health professional-patient relationship, consequently having a positive impact on their mental and physical health.

Establishing Trimester-Specific Haemoglobin A1c Reference Intervals in Pregnant Women: A retrospective study of healthy South Asian women with normal pregnancy outcomes.

Objectives: This study aimed to define trimester-specific haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reference intervals in healthy, pregnant South Asian women. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at St. Stephen's Hospital, Delhi, India, between January 2011 and December 2016. Healthy pregnant women were compared to a control group of healthy non-pregnant women. Pregnant participants had term deliveries of babies with appropriate gestational weights. The HbA1c levels were calculated in terms of non-parametric 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles for women in first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) trimester groups. Statistical tests were used to obtain the normal HbA1c reference values and were considered significant when P <0.05. Results: This study included a total of 1,357 healthy pregnant women and a control group of 67 healthy, non-pregnant women. Pregnant women had a median HbA1c of 4.8% (4-5.5%) or 32 mmol/mol (20-39 mmol/mol); non-pregnant women had a median HbA1c of 5.1% (4-5.7%) or 29 mmol/mol (20-37 mmol/mol; P <0.001). The HbA1c levels for the T1, T2 and T3 groups were 4.9% (4.1-5.5%) or 30 mmol/mol (21-37 mmol/mol), 4.8% (4.5-5.3%) or 29 mmol/mol (20-34 mmol/mol) and 4.8% (3.9-5.6%) or 29 mmol/mol (19-38 mmol/mol), respectively. The HbA1c values were significant when comparing T1 versus T2 (P <0.001), T1 versus T3 (P = 0.002) and T1 versus the non-pregnant group (P = 0.001). However, T2 versus T3 was not significant (P = 0.111). Conclusion: Compared to non-pregnant women, HbA1c levels were lower in pregnant women, despite women in the T2 and T3 groups having a higher body mass index than the women in the T1 and non-pregnant groups. Further research is recommended to understand the factors responsible and validate these findings.

Compositional Changes in the Vaginal Bacterial Microbiome of Healthy Pregnant Women across the Three Gestational Trimesters in Ismailia, Egypt.

The composition of the vaginal microbiome may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Normal pregnancy is associated with changes in the vaginal bacterial community composition, which tend to be more enriched with one or two Lactobacillus species promoting a healthy vagina and favorable birth outcomes. The aim of the current study was to determine compositional changes in the healthy vaginal microbiome composition during the three trimesters of pregnancy in Ismailia, Egypt using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA. The phylum Firmicutes and the genus Lactobacillus dominated across the three trimesters of pregnancy. L. iners was the most abundant species. However, L. coleohominis and L. reuteri represented the least dominant vaginal lactobacilli. Core microbiome analyses showed the Lactobacillus genus and L. iners species to have the highest prevalence in all the samples of our study groups. The phylum Firmicutes was found to be negatively correlated with almost all other vaginal phyla during pregnancy. Likewise, a negative correlation between Lactobacillus and almost all other genera was detected, including significant negative correlations with Dialister and Prevotella. Furthermore, negative correlations of L. iners were detected with almost all other species, including a significant negative correlation with L. helveticus, G. vaginalis, S. anginosus, and S. agalactiae.

Apoyo social percibido por mujeres gestantes de Santa Marta, Colombia: un análisis comparativo / Social support perceived by pregnant women in Santa Marta, Colombia: A comparative analysis / Apoio social percebido por gestantes de Santa Marta, Colômbia: uma análise comparativa

Introducción: El apoyo social percibido durante la gestación es importante para la salud mental perinatal. Sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre estas variables en la población colombiana.Objetivo: Comparar el apoyo social percibido según variables sociodemográficas, ginecobstétricas y afecto positivo en mujeres gestantes de Santa Marta, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Participaron 40 mujeres entre 19 y 41 años (M=26.48; DE=5.03), que se encontraban en su tercer trimestre de embarazo, beneficiarias de un programa de promoción de la lactancia materna exclusiva. Las participantes diligenciaron una ficha de información sociodemográfica y ginecobstétrica, la Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (α=0.88) y una subescala de la Escala de Afectos Positivos y Negativos (α=0.82). Se aplicó la prueba U de Mann-Whitney para los análisis estadísticos comparativos y se siguieron los lineamientos éticos en investigación con humanos. Resultados: 67% de las participantes fueron de estrato socioeconómico bajo, 87.5% tenía pareja, 67.5% contaba con estudios superiores, 42.5% tenía trabajo y 47.5% eran madres primerizas. Las mujeres de estrato socioeconómico alto percibieron mayor apoyo social por parte de sus amigos (p=0.01). El apoyo social familiar fue significativamente más alto en las madres primerizas (p=0.01) y en las que reportaron mayor afecto positivo (p=0.03). Por último, el apoyo social por parte de personas significativas fue mayor cuando era el primer embarazo de la mujer (p=0.02). Conclusión: Se encontraron diferencias significativas en algunas dimensiones del apoyo social percibido según el estrato socioeconómico, ser madre primeriza y el afecto positivo. Se recomienda realizar otros estudios con mayor tamaño muestral.

Introduction: Perceived social support during gestation is important for perinatal mental health. However, little is known about these variables in the Colombian population. Objetive: To compare perceived social support with sociodemographic and gynaeco-obstetric variables and positive affect in pregnant women in Santa Marta, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Forty women between 19 and 41 years of age (M=26.48; SD=5.03), in their third trimester of pregnancy and beneficiaries of a program to promote exclusive breastfeeding, participated. The participants filled out a sociodemographic and gynaeco-obstetric form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) (α=0.88), and a subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) (α=0.82). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparative statistical analyses. Ethical guidelines for human research were followed. Results: 67% of the participants belonged to a low socioeconomic status, 87.5% had a partner, 67.5% had a higher education, 42.5% were employed, and 47.5% were new mothers. Women of higher socioeconomic status perceived greater social support from their friends (p = 0.01). Family social support was significantly higher in first-time mothers (p=0.01) and mothers who reported higher positive affect (p = 0.03). Finally, social support from significant others was higher when it was the woman's first pregnancy (p=0.02). Conclusions: Significant differences were found in some dimensions of perceived social support according to socioeconomic status, being a first-time mother, and positive affect. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.

Introdução: O apoio social percebido durante a gravidez é importante para a saúde mental perinatal. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre essas variáveis na população colombiana. Objetivo: Comparar o apoio social percebido segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, ginecológicas e de afeto positivo em gestantes de Santa Marta, Colômbia. Materiais e Métodos: Participaram 40 mulheres entre 19 e 41 anos (M=26,48; DP=5,03), que estavam no terceiro trimestre de gestação, beneficiárias de um programa de promoção do aleitamento materno exclusivo. As participantes preencheram uma ficha sociodemográfica e ginecológica, a Escala Multidimensional de Suporte Social Percebido (α=0,88) e uma subescala da Escala de Afetos Positivos e Negativos (α=0,82). O teste U de Mann-Whitney foi aplicado para análise estatística comparativa e foram seguidas as diretrizes éticas para pesquisa em humanos. Resultados: 67% das participantes eram de baixo nível socioeconômico, 87,5% tinham companheiro, 67,5% tinham ensino superior, 42,5% trabalhavam e 47,5% eram mães de primeira viagem. As mulheres de nível socioeconômico alto perceberam maior apoio social dos amigos (p=0,01). O apoio social familiar foi significativamente maior nas novas mães (p=0,01) e naquelas que relataram maior afeto positivo (p=0,03). Por fim, o apoio social de pessoas significativas foi maior quando se tratava da primeira gravidez da mulher (p=0,02). Conclusões: Foram encontradas diferenças significativas em algumas dimensões do suporte social percebido de acordo com o nível socioeconômico, ser mãe de primeira viagem e afeto positivo. Outros estudos com tamanho amostral maior são recomendados.

Changes in Sleep Patterns during Pregnancy and Predictive Factors: A Longitudinal Study in Saudi Women.

This study aimed to assess sleep patterns during the three trimesters of pregnancy and whether vitamin D concentrations, along with other risk factors, are associated with these alterations. In a longitudinal study, 140 pregnant women (age 18 to 39 years) were followed throughout their first, second, and third trimesters. Sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at each trimester, along with an assessment of biochemical parameters, including serum vitamin D levels. The information that was collected included anthropometric data, socio-economic status, dietary intake, and physical activity. The PSQI was higher in mid and late pregnancy than in early pregnancy (both p = 0.001), and the sleep duration was also higher in late versus early pregnancy. Linear regression analyses revealed independent predictors of deteriorating sleep quality from early to late pregnancy, including low income (B ± SE -0.60 ± 0.26, p = 0.03) and low serum vitamin D levels in the second trimester (B ± SE -0.20 ± 0.01, p = 0.04). Energy intake and sitting in the second half of pregnancy were positively associated with changes in the PSQI score from the second to third trimesters (B ± SE 0.15 ± 0.07, p = 0.048) and (B ± SE 0.01 ± 0.00, p = 0.044), respectively. Low socio-economic status, low serum vitamin D levels, greater energy intake, and sitting time were associated with worsening patterns of sleep quality from early to late pregnancy.

Posthemithyroidectomy Pregnancy Thyroid Function Surveillance: Frequency, Adherence, and Guideline Impact.

OBJECTIVE: Posthemithyroidectomy women are at an increased risk for gestational subclinical hypothyroidism. Therefore, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends increased thyroid function surveillance for this subgroup of pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of thyroid function surveillance during pregnancy in posthemithyroidectomy women and to evaluate the adherence to the 2017 ATA guidelines and its possible impact since being published on thyroid function surveillance rates. METHODS: A retrospective study of pregnant posthemithyroidectomy women operated at our institution between 1997 and 2020 was performed. The study cohort was subdivided by pregnancy dates before 2018 and 2018 onward to evaluate the impact of the 2017 ATA guidelines. Adherence to the guidelines was defined as at least 1 thyroid-stimulating hormone test in each trimester. RESULTS: After exclusions, a total of 120 pregnancies conceived by 66 women who underwent hemithyroidectomy surgeries were included in this study. Overall, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone examinations were performed during the first, second, and third pregnancy trimesters in 86.6%, 40%, and 16.6% of pregnancies, respectively (P <.005). The examination rate since 2018 was 88%, 40%, and 8% for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively (P <.005). CONCLUSION: Adherence to the latest ATA guidelines is low, and its publication in 2017 did not increase the thyroid function surveillance rate in posthemithyroidectomy women. Better patient education regarding the risks of gestational hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy and improved communications among treating surgeons, obstetricians, and endocrinologists may improve these rates.

Referencias locales de valores de variables biométricas fetales por trimestre de gestación / Local references of values of fetal biometric variables in each trimester of pregnancy

RESUMEN Introducción: Las tablas de crecimiento y la ecografía de rutina son el estándar de oro para valorar adecuadamente al feto. Se consideran óptimas y adecuadas las tablas de biometría fetal que se crean con datos propios de cada población con el fin de usarlas como referencia, para identificar oportunamente malformaciones, o desviaciones del crecimiento. Objetivo: Identificar desviaciones de la norma de incremento en variables biométricas: diámetro biparietal, circunferencia cefálica, circunferencia abdominal y longitud del fémur. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación con diseño analítico longitudinal retrospectivo en la provincia Villa Clara, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2013 a diciembre de 2017. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por 6050 gestantes. La selección de la muestra se realizó a través de un muestreo no probabilístico intencional por criterios y quedó constituida por 3910 gestantes. Se obtuvieron datos de libros de registros de consultas de genética de áreas de salud seleccionadas. Se utilizaron medidas de resumen para variables cuantitativas, medias y percentiles (10, 50 y 90). Resultados: En el diámetro biparietal, la circunferencia cefálica y longitud del fémur, los valores reales obtenidos fueron inferiores a Hadlock en la mayoría de las semanas; la circunferencia abdominal cambió el comportamiento que llevaban las variables, ya que en esta predominaron los valores superiores entre los reales obtenidos, sobre todo en el percentil 10. Conclusiones: Los percentiles bajos de todas las variables en las primeras semanas, presentaron valores superiores a los de la tabla de Hadlock, pero en la circunferencia abdominal fetal, la muestra local tiene valores superiores mayoritarios a través de las semanas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: growth charts and routine ultrasound are the gold standard to adequately assess the fetus. Fetal biometry tables, created with data from each population, are considered optimal and appropriate in order to use them as a reference and to timely identify malformations or growth deviations. Objective: to identify deviations from the increase norm in the following biometric variables: biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length. Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal and analytical study was conducted in Villa Clara province between January 2013 and December 2017. The study population consisted of 6050 pregnant women. The selection of the sample was carried out through an intentional non-probabilistic sampling and was made up of 3910 pregnant women who meet the criteria established for the study. Data were obtained from genetic consultation record books from selected health areas. Summary measures were used for quantitative variables, means and percentiles (10, 50 and 90). Results: the real values obtained in the biparietal diameter, head circumference and femur length were lower than Hadlock in most weeks; abdominal circumference changed the behavior of the variables, since in this the superior values prevailed between the real ones obtained, mainly in the10th percentile. Conclusions: low percentiles of all variables in the first weeks had higher values than those of the Hadlock table, but in the fetal abdominal circumference, the local sample had higher values throughout the weeks.

Development and validation across trimester of the Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening tool.

Rapid screening tools are useful for identifying at-risk patients and referring them for further assessment and treatment, but none exist that consider the unique medical needs of pregnant women with eating disorders (EDs). There is a need for a rapid, sensitive, and specific screening tool that can be used to identify a potential ED in pregnancy. We started with a set of 25 questions, developed from our qualitative work along with other ED screening tools, and tested on a development (n = 190) and validation sample (n = 167). Statistical analysis included factor analysis and logistic regressions with ROC curves. Development and validation samples were combined for trimester analysis (n = 357). Refining the tool to 12 items demonstrated strong internal reliability (development alpha = 0.95, validation alpha = 0.91). With correlated errors, questions demonstrated acceptable CFA fit (development: GFI: 0.91, RMSEA: 0.10, NNFI: 0.95; validation: GFI: 0.85, RMSEA: 0.14, NNFI: 0.86). Similar fits were seen by trimester: first trimester n = 127, GFI: 0.89, RMSEA: 0.12, NNFI: 0.94; second trimester n = 150, GFI: 0.83, RMSEA: 0.14, NNFI: 0.88; third trimester n = 80, GFI: 0.99, NNFI: 0.99. Validation against current ED diagnosis demonstrated acceptable sensitivity and specificity using a cutoff of 39 (development sensitivity = 80.7%, specificity = 79.7%, OR = 16.42, 95% CI: 7.51, 35.88; validation sensitivity = 69.2%, specificity = 86.5%, OR: 17.43, 95% CI: 6.46, 47.01). Findings suggest the PEBS tool can reliably and sensitively detect EDs across pregnancy trimesters with 12 questions. A further implication of this work is to reduce health and mental health treatment disparities through this standard and rapid screening measure to ensure early identification and treatment.

COVID-19 in pregnant women: An evaluation of clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters based on the 3 trimesters.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the hospitalization rates, symptoms, and laboratory parameters of pregnant women diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the gestational week, and determine their symptoms or laboratory parameters predictive of the need for possible admission in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the symptoms, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 175 pregnant women with COVID-19 who were admitted to a tertiary referral hospital between March 2020 and March 2021 and investigated their association with pregnancy trimesters. RESULTS: The COVID-19-related hospitalization rates in the first trimester was 24.1%, second trimesters was 36%, and third trimester was 57.3%. Cough and shortness of breath were significantly higher in the pregnant women in their third trimester than those in the first 2 trimesters (p=0.042 and p=0.026, respectively). No significant relationship was found between pregnancy trimesters and the need for ICU admission. Shortness of breath at the first admission increased the need for ICU by 6.95 times, and a 1 unit increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) level increased the risk of ICU by 1.003 times. CONCLUSION: The presence of respiratory symptoms and the need for hospitalization increased significantly with later trimesters in pregnant women with COVID-19. The presence of shortness of breath or high CRP level at the time of admission could predict the need for ICU admission.

Management of pregnant women with COVID-19: A tertiary pandemic center experience on 1416 cases.

The aim of this study is to share the comprehensive experience of a tertiary pandemic center on pregnant women with COVID-19 and to compare clinical outcomes between pregnancy trimesters. The present prospective cohort study consisted of pregnant women with COVID-19 who were followed up at Ankara City Hospital between March 11, 2020 and February 20, 2021. Clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between the pregnancy trimesters. A total of 1416 pregnant women (1400 singletons and 16 twins) with COVID-19 were evaluated. Twenty-six (1.8%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and maternal mortality was observed in six (0.4%) cases. Pregnancy complications were present in 227 (16.1%) cases and preterm labor was the most common one (n = 42, 2.9%). There were 311, 433, and 672 patients in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Rates of mild and severe/critic COVID-19 were highest in the first and second trimesters, respectively. The hospitalization rate was highest in the third trimester. Pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, and NICU admission rates were similar between the groups. The course of the disease and obstetric outcomes may be different among pregnancy trimesters. A worse course of the disease may be observed even in pregnant women without any coexisting health problems.

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria using the complete Amsel's diagnostic criteria

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women remains a cause for clinical concern among clinicians and health care professionals. BV has been linked to prenatal, antenatal and postnatal challenges in pregnant women. Information on prevalence of BV across trimesters of pregnancy is expected to give better clinical insight into the pathophysiology of this polymicrobial disorder. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of BV in pregnant women attending the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women (40 in each trimester of pregnancy) who had symptoms suggestive of BV, selected by systematic random sampling from among the women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) clinic of NAUTH, Nnewi. Each subject participant was examined by the attending clinician, and high vaginal swab (HVS) sample was collected for diagnostic analysis of BV using with complete Amsel's clinical criteria, which consists of three of the four criteria; (i) adherent and homogenous vaginal discharge, (ii) vaginal pH > 4.5, (iii) detection of clue cells on saline wet mount, and (iv) amine odor after the addition of potassium hydroxide (positive Whiff test). Results: The mean age of the 120 selected participants was 27.25±6.09 years. The age groups 25-29 (36.7%) and 20-24 years (33.3%) constituted the largest proportion, while age groups <20 (5.0%) and 40-45 years (5.0%) constituted the least. Of the 120 participants, 26 (21.7%) were positive for BV by the Amsel's criteria. Pregnant women in age group <20 years had the highest prevalence of BV (100%, 6/6), followed by those in the age groups 20-24 (27.5%), 40-45 (16.7%), 25-29 (15.9%), 30-34 (9.1%) and 35-39 years (0%) (X 2=28.063, p=0.0001). Prevalence of BV was significantly higher in single (unmarried) pregnant women (45.5%, X 2=4.038, p=0.045), women with primary school education level (66.7%, X 2=14.530, p=0.001), unemployed women (36.1%, X 2=13.278, p=0.0013), and nulliparous women [36.4%, X 2 (for trend) = 4.805, p=0.0274), while there was no significant difference in the prevalence of BV with relation to trimester of pregnancy (X 2=2.750, p=0.253). Conclusion: This study reveals a relatively high prevalence of BV and significant association with factors such as age group, education and occupational status among pregnant women attending NAUTH Nnewi. Regular screening of women for BV prenatally may enable appropriate interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes

Long-term infant outcomes after hyperbaric oxygen treatment for acute carbon monoxide poisoning during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in pregnant women is linked to foetal mortality of 36-67%. This study assessed long-term fetal outcomes following hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for acute CO poisoning in pregnant women. The effects of clinical severity parameters and pregnancy trimester were also analysed. METHODS: A retrospective review of 28 pregnant patients who received HBOT for acute CO poisoning between January 2013-June 2016 was made. Adverse events, birth week, birth weight-height, birth complications, and the age of crawling, walking independently, talking (first words) of their children were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-eight singleton pregnancies were included. One fetus was dead before HBOT. Three adverse events were reported: abortion, premature birth, and limb malformation. All remaining patients (n = 24) delivered healthy term infants and reported normal neurophysiological development. At final interview the median age of babies was 34 (8-44) months and none had any diagnosed disease. There was no relationship between clinical severity parameters and long-term outcomes. However, the pregnancy trimester at the time of CO poisoning had a significant relationship to birth weight (P = 0.029). Also, the week of pregnancy at the time of the incident correlated with the age of walking independently (P = 0.043, r = 0.436). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest relevant series and longest follow-up to date. Adverse outcomes were likely incidental because the mothers' medical histories revealed alternative aetiologies. There was no definite evidence of fetal morbidity or mortality after HBOT in this study. HBOT may improve long-term fetal outcomes after in-utero CO poisoning without complications.

Somnolencia diurna excesiva identificada con la escala de Epworth en gestantes que acuden a consulta prenatal ambulatoria / Excessive daytime sleepiness identified with the Epworth scale in pregnant women attending an outpatient prenatal consultation

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante el embarazo se reportan a menudo trastornos del sueño, pero son poco explorados en el control prenatal. El objetivo fue estimar la frecuencia e identificar los factores asociados a somnolencia diurna excesiva (SDE) en gestantes de bajo riesgo obstétrico que acudieron a consulta prenatal. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal dentro del proyecto «Salud biopsicosocial en gestantes», aprobado por el comité de ética de la Clínica Santa Cruz de Bocagrande, Cartagena, Colombia. Se estudiaron mujeres con 12 o más semanas de gestación. Se aplicó un formulario que incluía las escalas de somnolencia diurna de Epworth (ESE), de estrés percibido de 10 ítems (EPP-10) y revisada de depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos (CESD-R10). Se realizó regresión logística ajustada y no ajustada de SDE con las otras escalas y variables cualitativas. Se buscó correlación entre variables cuantitativas y la escala de Epworth. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 683 mujeres de 28,3 ± 6,3 años y 31,5 ± 6,9 semanas de gestación. Puntuación en la escala de Epworth: 3,82 ± 3,45. En el 4,9% se identificó SDE: 50% leve, 32,2% moderada y 17,6% importante. No se observó en el primer trimestre de gestación y la frecuencia fue similar en los otros; la SDE importante solo se observó en el tercer trimestre. Depresión: odds ratio [OR]: 3,69, intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]:1,83-7,43. Anemia: OR 3,10, IC95%:1,50-6,38. Fatiga: OR 3,22, IC95%:1,23-8,44. Nerviosismo: OR 2,49, IC95%:1,22-5,12. Estrés: OR: 2,38, IC95%:1,12-5,05. Gran paridad: OR: 2,64, IC95%: 1,01-6,89. Trabajar fuera de casa: OR: 2,33, IC95%: 1,05-5,15. Todas estas variables se asociaron con SDE. En el modelo ajustado, la anemia (OR: 3,05, IC95%: 1,44-6,45) y la depresión (OR: 2,72, IC95%: 1,26-5,85) conservaron la asociación. Se observó correlación positiva, despreciable y estadísticamente significativa, de la ESE con la CESD-R10 y con la EPP-10; y ausencia de correlación con la edad materna, la edad gestacional, el número de abortos y el número de cesáreas. CONCLUSIONES: En una de cada 20 gestantes de bajo riesgo obstétrico se identificó SDE, y varias situaciones biopsicosociales se asociaron con mayor presencia.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disturbances are constantly reported during pregnancy, although they are not often taken care of in prenatal care. The aim was to estimate the regularity and identify factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in pregnant women at low obstetric risk who attended prenatal consultation. METHOD: Cross-sectional study belonging to the project “Biopsychosocial health in pregnant women”, approved by the ethics committee of the Santa Cruz de Bocagrande Clinic, Cartagena, Colombia. Pregnant women with 12 or more weeks of gestation were studied. A form including: Epworth Daytime Sleepiness Scale, 10-item Perceived Stress and the Revised Depression Scale of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies was applied. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression was performed between EDS with the other scales and qualitative variables. In addition, correlation between quantitative variables and the Epworth scale. P<0.05 was significant. RESULTS: 683 pregnant women were studied, maternal age 28.3 ± 6.3 years and gestational age 31.5±6.9 weeks. Epworth Scale score: 3.82 ± 3.45. EDS was identified in 4.9%, 50% mild, 32.2% moderate and 17.6% severe. It was not observed in the first gestational trimester and the frequency was similar in the others, severe EDS only in the third trimester. Depression OR: 3.69 [95% CI: 1.83-7.43], anemia OR: 3.10 [95% CI: 1.50-6.38], fatigue OR: 3.22 [95% CI: 1.23-8.44], nervousness OR: 2.49 [95% CI: 1.22-5.12, stress OR: 2.38 [95% CI: 1.12-5.05], high parity OR: 2.64 [95% CI: 1.01-6.89] and working outside the home OR: 2.33 [95% CI: 1.05-5.15, were associated with EDS. In the adjusted model, anemia OR: 3.05 [95% CI: 1.44-6.45] and depression OR: 2.72 [95% CI: 1.26-5.85] retained the association. CONCLUSIONS: In one out of every twenty low obstetric risk pregnant women EDS was identified and several biopsychosocial situations were associated with more presence.

Vitamin C and IL-6 level during third trimester of pregnancy with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between vitamin C intake and IL-6 level as a biomarker of oxidative stress during pregnancy. METHODS: Fourty pregnant women during third trimester were grouped into preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia, and surveyed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The ELISA assay for IL-6 expression was performed. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS software ver. 20. RESULTS: Subjects in preeclampsia group were shown to consume slightly more vitamin C than the non-preeclampsia group, with median values of 76.37 (28.05 - 96.88) mg and 68.87 (8.57 - 198.53) mg, respectively (p = 0.36). A nonparametric correlation test showed no significant association between vitamin C and total IL-6 level, with p = 0.36 and r = -0.15. There was also no difference between vitamin C consumption and IL-6 level for each group, with r = -0.14 and r = -0.20, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant association between vitamin C intake and IL-6 level in women during third trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.36).

Validez de contenido de lineamientos de ejercicio físico para mujeres embarazadas / Content validity of guidelines for physical exercise for pregnant

Objetivo: determinar la validez de contenido del procedimiento ejercicio físico para mujeres embarazadas 2018. La prescripción del ejercicio físico en mujeres embarazadas es una de las actividades que mayores beneficios fisiológicos y psicosociales trae a la mujer y al niño. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo. Valoración de contenido con la técnica de juicio de expertos. Resultados: se obtuvo un valor promedio de coeficientes kappa para la dimensión de examen de 0,64 y para la dimensión de intervención de 0,75. El índice kappa para el instrumento fue de 0,69 (acuerdo sustancial).Adicionalmente, para la dimensión de examen fisioterapéutico se obtuvieron valores de proporción de acuerdo medio (̅P a) que superan el umbral de concordancia sustancial, excepto la propiedad de claridad. En la dimensión de intervención los valores de (̅Pa) indican que todas las propiedades de la intervención fisioterapéutica superan el umbral de concordancia sustancial. Conclusiones: el ejercicio físico es una práctica fundamental durante el embarazo, su aplicación requiere de un examen riguroso que conlleve a una intervención individualizada donde se reconozcan los antecedentes de la mujer para así determinar la intensidad adecuada de la prescripción. A partir del procedimiento "lineamientos de ejercicio físico en mujeres embarazadas" los profesionales contarán con una herramienta basada en evidencia científica que incluye una fase de examen y una fase de intervención..Au

Objective: to determine the content validity of the procedure guidelines for physical exercise for pregnant women 2018. Prescribing physical exercise in pregnant women is one of the recommendations that brings the greatest physiological and psychosocial benefits to women and children. Materials and methods: descriptive study. Content validity with expert judgment technique. Results: an average value of kappa coefficients was obtained for the examination dimension of 0.64 and for the intervention dimension of 0.75. The Kappa index for the instrument was 0.69 (substantial agreement). Additionally, for the physiotherapeutic examination dimension, mean agreement ratio (̅P a) values were obtained that exceed the threshold of substantial agreement except the property of clarity. In the intervention dimension, the values of (̅Pa) indicate that all the properties of the physiotherapeutic intervention exceed the threshold of substantial agreement. Conclusions: physical exercise is a fundamental practice during pregnancy, its application requires a rigorous examination that leads to an individualized intervention where the woman's history is recognized in order to determine the appropriate intensity of the prescription. Starting with the procedure "Guidelines for physical exercise in pregnant women", professionals will have a tool based on scientific evidence that includes an examination phase and an intervention phase..Au

The psychological burden of routine prenatal ultrasound on women's state anxiety across the three trimesters of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Although obstetric ultrasound examination has recognizable clinical and psychological benefits, it also involves some psychological burdens, mainly in terms of the woman's state anxiety, the level of which can change during pregnancy. This research aimed to study the influence of routine ultrasound examination on the woman's state anxiety and its relation with her personality background in the three trimesters of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This work was a prospective interventional study. Women who underwent routine-screening ultrasound examinations in the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy were recruited. The state anxiety level was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - subscale S (S-Anxiety), administered immediately before and after the exams. More stable personality characteristics were evaluated before ultrasound, assessing trait anxiety by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - subscale T (T-Anxiety) and psychological coping by Coping Orientations to Problem Experienced (COPE). The S-Anxiety scores, collected immediately before and after the exams, were compared by two-tailed paired t-test. Moreover, S-Anxiety scores collected in each one of the three-trimester groups immediately before and after the exams were compared by one-way between groups ANOVA. Relations among S-Anxiety scores with more stable aspects of personality (T-Anxiety and COPE scores) were also studied, by correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 285 women were recruited. In all trimesters, S-Anxiety scores decreased significantly after the exam (P < 0.001), with a more relevant reduction in women with higher T-Anxiety scores (P < 0.001). A gradual decrease in S-Anxiety scores before the examination was seen across the three trimesters, with significantly higher scores in the first trimester (P = 0.016). Before ultrasound, S-Anxiety score resulted positively correlated with avoidance coping strategies (P < 0.001), while it was inversely related to active coping style (P < 0.001) and positive aptitude (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The psychological burden of prenatal ultrasound in the different trimesters of pregnancy was studied. Clinicians should be sensitive to women's state anxiety during prenatal routine-screening ultrasound examination, using a personalized approach. Particular attention should be paid to the psychological burden associated with ultrasound evaluation of the first trimester, when the level of the anxiety state is higher.

Quantitative systematic review: Methods used for the in vivo measurement of body composition in pregnancy.

AIMS: Because of the increased overall prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity among racial-ethnic groups, we conducted a review of published methods for body composition measurement during pregnancy considering at present there is no consensus on the best practices and type of study design that researchers should use for this purpose. DESIGN: Quantitative systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Library of Health. Search dates from 1997-2016. REVIEW METHODS: Search of articles indexed in selected databases from 1997-2016. Studies were published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Graphs were carried out using data visualization software. RESULTS: From the 112 included studies, 70 were prospective cohorts, 30 cross-sectional studies, 10 randomized controlled trial, and two retrospective studies. Cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled trial depicted a positive correlation with significant trend. CONCLUSIONS: Although several methods for body composition measurement exist, only bioelectrical impedance analysis, displacement plethysmography, and displacement plethysmography show a significant growing trend. Use of data visualization allows understanding various associations among categorical variables, with a graphical display of their multidimensional behaviour. IMPACT: Public and private health-care institution evaluating pregnancy women. Health-care personnel, including nursing professional, dealing with measurements of body composition during pregnancy will find reading this manuscript beneficial.