A prospective analysis of sexual functions during pregnancy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the sexual functions during pregnancy using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Pregnancies were recorded in a prospective cohort study comprising 40 healthy pregnant women. Pregnant women who had a stable relationship with their partner were enrolled in the study when were first diagnosed to be pregnant. During their antenatal visits, subjects were asked to complete the FSFI questionnaire and other information about their sexual life in each trimester. Each FSFI domain score was calculated and mean scores in each domain were compared according to the trimesters of pregnancy. Data of 37 subjects for the first, 36 for the second and 34 for the third trimesters of pregnancy were eligible for the analysis. The mean age was 25.5+/-4.5 y; mean parity was 0.4+/-0.7 and mean gravity was 1.6+/-0.9. The frequency of intercourse attempts during the last 4 weeks was 8.6+/-3 before pregnancy, and 6.9+/-2.5, 5.4+/-2.6 and 2.5+/-1.4 in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. In all domains of FSFI, significant decline in domain scores was determined during pregnancy. The comparison of satisfaction and pain domain scores between first and second trimesters showed significant differences. All of the domain scores significantly decreased in the third trimester of pregnancy. Our results showed that sexual functions are significantly decreased during pregnancy and worsen as the pregnancy progresses. Childbearing couples should be given information about the sexual problems and fluctuations in the patterns of sexuality during pregnancy.

Activated protein C resistance in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Recently. hereditary and acquired diseases that lead to thromboembolic events by changing the hemostatic balance have attracted interest as a cause of preeclampsia. In this study the incidence of activated protein C resistance (APCR) in preeclamptic women was evaluated. METHODS: Activated protein C sensitivity ratio (APC-SR) was measured by the modified activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) method in 19 preeclamptic and 12 healthy pregnant women and 26 normal women as the controls. Results below the levels of 2 were accepted as the presence of APCR. RESULTS: Median APC-SR values of 2.12 and 2.01 in preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women, respectively, were found significantly lower than the normal control values of 2.31 (p = 0.0005, p = 0.001). APCR was detected in 31% of preeclamptic patients, 16.6% of healthy pregnant women and 7.6% of normal controls. CONCLUSION: APCR was found significantly higher in preeclamptic women and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Maternal carriage and antimicrobial resistance profile of group B Streptococcus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profile in women in the third trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 310 pregnant women, referred in weeks 35 to 37 of gestation, were screened for GBS colonization during a 10-month period. Samples were collected from the vagina and the rectum. RESULTS: The colonization rate was 10.6% and 22 women (66.7%) had both positive vaginal and rectal cultures. Rates of GBS colonization were significantly lower in patients aged 24 years or older and in those with a third or later pregnancy. None of the isolates were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, whereas 21.2% and 9.1% showed resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively. CONCLUSION: Screening and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of GBS during pregnancy are important to guide appropriate therapy.