Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Disorders of Amniotic Fluid?

OBJECTIVES: Prior studies show conflicting evidence as to whether obesity in the absence of other medical or pregnancy-related conditions contributes to amniotic fluid disorders. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between late-pregnancy obesity with oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index [AFI] ≤5 cm or maximum vertical pocket [MVP] <2 cm) and/or polyhydramnios (AFI ≥24 cm or MVP ≥8 cm). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 961 women with singleton gestations who had one or more obstetrical ultrasounds at a single institution at 36 0/7 weeks gestation or beyond between August 1, 2015, and May 1, 2020. Patients were included if they had valid pregnancy dating and a documented AFI and/or MVP. Patients were categorized based on body mass index or BMI (eg, normal, overweight, Class I Obesity, Class II Obesity, or Class III Obesity). RESULTS: A total of 6.2% of patients met criteria for oligohydramnios based on AFI, MVP or both (n = 60). There was no significant association between oligohydramnios and increasing BMI, regardless of obesity class (P = .21). In terms of polyhydramnios, 5.6% of patients met criteria based on AFI, MVP, or both (n = 54). Similarly, there was also no significant association between polyhydramnios and increasing BMI, regardless of obesity class (P = .66). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated maternal BMI was not significantly associated with disorders of amniotic fluid, regardless of the severity of obesity.

Is enhanced, structured prenatal counseling in third trimester associated with postpartum contraceptive uptake?

INTRODUCTION: Contraception is key for maternal well-being in the postpartum period. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal counseling on postpartum contraception uptake. METHODS: This cohort study assessed pregnant patients who received their prenatal care at our outpatient obstetrics clinic in 2021-2022. The intervention group received counseling at their 28- and 36-week prenatal visits with a language-congruent paper handout and a review of methods by the provider. The non-intervention group was seen in the outpatient clinic prior to implementation. Intervention patients were surveyed on postpartum days 1-3 to evaluate recollection of counseling and intent to start contraception. Data on uptake and type of contraception chosen was collected for both groups at 6- and 12-weeks postpartum. Our primary outcome was uptake of any type of contraception at the 6-week postpartum visit. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients over two five-month intervals (64 intervention and 62 non-intervention) were included in analysis. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between the groups, including predominance of public insurance. Groups differed by race/ethnicity, with higher rates of Hispanic patients in the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group had higher contraception uptake within six weeks of delivery (OR 2.61, p = 0.0287). Forty-three patients in the intervention group desired postpartum contraception (including permanent methods, such as tubal ligation), although only 21 (48.8 %) received their desired method. There were no differences in method chosen between the non-intervention and intervention groups (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Structured prenatal counseling regarding contraceptive options can improve the timely initiation of contraception.