Volume 48, Issue 6

Exercise during pregnancy may be beneficial provided that there are no contraindications. The aim of this study was to summarize and compare recommendations regarding exercise in pregnancy. Thus, a comparative descriptive review was conducted and included guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. All compared guidelines recommend that pregnant women without contraindications should undertake physical activities regularly, however, the type of workout performed should be adjusted based on the previous exercise experience and the physical condition of each pregnant woman. A variation among the reviewed guidelines was identified on appropriate and inappropriate activities and on indications to interrupt exercise. To summarize, the adoption of an international up-to-date consensus regarding appropriate exercise during pregnancy may be beneficial in ensuring the safety of the pregnant women while promoting their physical and mental health.

Objectives To explore women’s decisional conflict in the pathway of prenatal screening and testing (PreST) in Finland and to evaluate a counseling service. Methods Self-completion surveys were conducted at two medical settings (screening and further testing) of PreST. Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) was the main measure. Different types of statistical tests were used to compare women’s decisional conflict at different medical settings of PreST, and before-after pre-test counseling. Multivariable linear regressions analyzed the influences of the medical settings and other factors on women’s decisional conflict. Results Compared to women in population-based screening, women in further testing (before pre-test counseling) were more likely to feel well informed (P < 0.001), had increased values clarity (P < 0.001), but more likely experienced uncertainty (P = 0.040). Besides medical settings, maternal age, gravidity and previous experience of fetal aneuploidy significantly influenced decisional conflict. After counseling, screen-positive women felt better informed (P < 0.001), had increased values clarity (P < 0.001), perceived more support (P < 0.001), and had better decision certainty (P < 0.001) than before counseling. Conclusions Medical settings influence women’s decisional conflict during PreST. Individual counseling is effective in improving screen-positive women’s decisional conflict. This research adds knowledge and experience on developing decision-making supports across the pathway of PreST.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of placental anastomoses on the intrauterine growth of monochorionic (MC) twins. Methods A prospective study was conducted in a group of 53 MC twins. Intrapartally umbilical cords were clamped to identify placental sides corresponding to each twin. The postnatal dye injection technique was administered to evaluate vascular anastomoses, their number and type and visualize placental territory sharing patterns. Data from digital analysis were correlated with obstetrical follow-up. Results Vascular anastomoses were revealed in 88.7% of cases. Arteriovenous (AV) anastomoses occurred in 75.4% and arterioarterial (AA) in 71.1% while venovenous (VV) in 26.4%. In the subgroup of MC twins without placental anastomoses, significantly higher birthweight difference and discordance were revealed when compared to MC twins without anastomoses (382.0 vs. 22 g; P = 0.03 and 49.14% vs. 16.02%; P = 0.03). On the other hand, in subgroups of MC twins with at least one AA anastomosis, twins’ birthweights were similar (p = ns) despite significantly higher placental territory sharing discordance (30.44% vs. 15.81%; P = 0.31). Conclusions Vascular anastomoses have a major impact on the intrauterine growth of MC twins. In certain cases, they may cause specific complications; however, in general, they regulate intertwin blood exchange and may compensate unequal placental territory.

Objectives Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy. Methods We considered 200 pregnancies attending our antenatal clinic. A questionnaire was sent to each woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID-19. Sectional was finalized to acquire in 18 items maternal characteristics and to test the women’s perception of infection. Section included the State–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAI-T) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAI-S). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when ≥40. Results The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAI-T was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAI-T score ≥40 was evidenced. STAI-S values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAI-T and STAI-S (Pearson=0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAI-S ≥ 40(p=0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic induces a doubling of the number of women who reached abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing the activation of support procedures.

Objectives Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is the method of choice for genetic work-up in cases of fetal malformations. We assessed the detection rate of CMA in cases of abnormal fetal head circumference (HC). Methods The study cohort was based on 81 cases of amniocenteses performed throughout Israel for the indication of microcephaly (53) or macrocephaly (28), from January 2015 through December 2018. We retrieved data regarding the clinical background, parental HCs and work-up during the pregnancy from genetic counseling summaries and from patients’ medical records. Results There was only one likely pathogenic CMA result (1.89%): a 400-kb microdeletion at 16p13.3 detected in a case of isolated microcephaly. No pathogenic results were found in the macrocephaly group. Most fetuses with microcephaly were female (87.8%), while the majority with macrocephaly were males (86.4%). Conclusions The results imply that CMA analysis in pregnancies with microcephaly may carry a small yield compared to other indications. Regarding macrocephaly, our cohort was too small to draw conclusions. In light of the significant gender effect on the diagnosis of abnormal HC, standardization of fetal HC charts according to fetal gender may normalize cases that were categorized outside the normal range and may increase the yield of CMA for cases of abnormal HC.

Objectives There are growing evidence that exercise improves sacroiliac dysfunction symptoms in pregnant women; but no data about the effect of expert advice regarding this matter. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of expert advice about therapeutic exercise on sacroiliac dysfunction in pregnancy. Methods A total of 500 women with sacroiliac dysfunction diagnosed in pregnancy were randomized in study and control group. Study group has conducted expert advice on therapeutic exercise; while control group continued with their normal lifestyle. Pain intensity by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and degree of functional disability by Quebec scale were assessed at enrolment and after 3 and 6 weeks. Results Significantly better reduction in pain intensity assessed by VAS (p=0.001) and degree of functional disability assessed by Quebec scale (p=0.001) was noted in study compared to control group. Better results for both outcome measures were obtained if intervention was implemented earlier i.e., in second (p=0.001; p=0.001) compared to third (p=0.005; p=0.001) trimester. Strong positive correlation was found between pain intensity and degree of functional disability in both groups. Conclusions Expert advice on therapeutic exercise is effective in reduction of sacroiliac dysfunction symptoms during pregnancy. Trial registration ACTRN12617000556347

Objectives Shoulder dystocia (SD) is an obstetrical emergency with well-recognized risk factors. We aimed to identify trends of changes in the specific contribution of risk factors for SD over time. Methods A nested case control study comparing all singleton deliveries with and without SD was undertaken. A multivariable logistic regression model was used in order to identify independent risk factors for SD and a comparison of the prevalence and the specific contribution (odds ratio (OR)) of the chosen risk factors in three consecutive eight-year intervals from 1988 to 2014 was performed. Results During the study period, there were 295,946 deliveries. Of them 514 (0.174%) were complicated with SD. Between 1988 and 2014 the incidence of SD has decreased from 0.3% in 1988 to 0.1% in 2014. Using a logistic regression model grandmultiparity, diabetes mellitus (DM), fetal weight, and large for gestational age (LGA) were found to be independent risk factors for SD (OR 1.25 95% CI 1.04–1.51, p=0.02; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.19–1.97, p=0.001; OR 1.002 95% CI 1.001–1.002, p < 0.001; OR 3.88 95% CI 3.09–4.87, p < 0.001; respectively). While the OR for grandmultiparity, fetal weight, and LGA has significantly changed during the study period with a mixed trend, the OR of DM has demonstrated a significant linear increase over time. Conclusions The individual contribution of selected risk factors for the occurrence of SD has significantly changed throughout the years. The contribution of DM has demonstrated a linear increase over time, emphasizing the great impact of DM on SD.

Objectives Birth tears are a common complication of vaginal childbirth. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of birth tears first by comparing the mode of vaginal birth (VB) and then comparing different vacuum cups in instrumental VBs in order to better advise childbearing women and obstetrical professionals. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed nulliparous and multiparous women with a singleton pregnancy in vertex presentation at ≥37 + 0 gestational weeks who gave birth vaginally at our tertiary care center between 06/2012 and 12/2016. We compared the distribution of tear types in spontaneous births (SBs) vs. vacuum-assisted VBs. We then compared the tear distribution in the vacuum group when using the Kiwi Omnicup or Bird’s anterior metal cup. Outcome parameters were the incidence and distribution of the different tear types dependent on the mode of delivery and type of vacuum cup. Results A total of 4549 SBs and 907 VBs were analyzed. Birth tear distribution differed significantly between the birth modes. In 15.2% of women with an SB an episiotomy was performed vs. 58.5% in women with a VB. Any kind of perineal tear was seen in 45.7% after SB and in 32.7% after VB. High-grade obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) appeared in 1.1% after SB and in 3.1% after VB. No significant changes in tear distribution were found between the two different VB modes. Conclusions There were more episiotomies, vaginal tears and OASIS after VB than after SB. In contrast, there were more low-grade perineal and labial tears after SB. No significant differences were found between different vacuum cup systems, just a slight trend toward different tear patterns.

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can cause severe maternal and fetal acute morbidity and mortality. Women with pre-eclampsia have been found to have alterations in calcium and vitamin D metabolism. There are conflicting results regarding the role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of pre-eclampsia. The aim was to compare 25 (OH) D level in patients with pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and normotensive pregnant women as well as to study the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among the 3 groups. Patients and methods Two hundred patients with pre-eclampsia, 100 with eclampsia and 200 normotensive pregnant controls were compared as regards vitamin D level. Results Mean 25(OH)D level was lower in the pre-eclampsia (14.8 ± 5.4 ng/mL) and in the eclampsia group (10.5 ± 1.6 ng/mL) than in the pregnant controls (19.5 ± 6.5 ng/mL) (P = 0.002). This difference was only significant between the eclampsia group and the pregnant controls (P = 0.02). All eclampsia cases had vitamin D insufficiency as compared to 17.5% in the pre-eclampsia group and 39.5% in the control group. Deficiency of vitamin D (<12 ng/mL) was 47.5% in the pre-eclampsia group, 80% in the eclampsia group and only 10.5% in the control group (P = 0.035). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among Egyptian pregnant females. Our study supports the hypothesis that low vitamin D level can play a role in the development of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Thus, supplementation might prevent or delay the development of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia especially in patients at a high risk.

Objectives Attitudes towards labour care and women’s choices for their preferred mode of delivery are documented in studies from the around the world, however less is known about women’s birth choices in the Middle East. This study was designed with the aim of exploring beliefs and attitudes in this region. Methods Voluntary participation in an ethics-approved survey was offered to pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Sidra Medicine from August 2018 to January 2019 with no exclusion criteria. Results Of the 346 respondents, 58.1% were Arabic and the remainder expatriates. This group composition allowed comparison between women native and non-native to the Gulf region. Arabic and non-Arabic women differed significantly in previous birth experiences: the Arabs had had more doctor-led deliveries (45 vs. 34%), epidurals (56.6 vs. 45%) and episiotomies (65.7 vs. 54%). 70.2% of the respondents chose a normal delivery as their preferred birth mode though a smaller majority of the Arabic subgroup did (63.2 %). 60.4% preferred delivery by doctors and longer hospital stays (47.6), more so Arabic participants (64.7 and 68.6 %). Significantly less Arabs, would choose husbands as birth partners (51.2 vs. 86.2%) and more expressed a gender preference for doctors. Other group choices are presented. Conclusions Though women in this region made comparable choices about mode of delivery as their Western counterparts, they demonstrated an expectation of a culturally distinct and more medicalized approach to care in labour. The findings highlight the need for further studies to inform regional obstetric care and health education interventions as well as tailoring maternity care services.

Objectives This study aimed to establish reference ranges for fetal mitral, tricuspid, and interventricular septum annular plane systolic excursions (MAPSE, TAPSE, and SAPSE) in normal pregnant women between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. Methods This prospective and cross-sectional study included 360 low-risk singleton pregnancies between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. MAPSE, TAPSE, and SAPSE were measured by M-mode in real time in an apical or basal four-chamber view through placing the cursor at the atrioventricular junction, marked by the valve rings at the tricuspid, mitral, and basal septum, respectively. A regression analysis was done to determine the appropriate polynomial equation model for both measurements and standard deviation (SD) values in relation to gestational age (GA). The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and limits of agreement (LoA). Results There was a significant positive correlation between MAPSE (r=0.705, p<0.0001), TAPSE (r=0.804, p<0.0001), and SAPSE (r=0.690, p<0.0001) and GA. The mean of each parameter ranged as follows: 2.87–5.56 mm, MAPSE; 3.98–8.07 mm, TAPSE; and 2.34–4.21 mm, SAPSE. Poor/moderate intra- and inter-observer reliability (CCC between 0.70 and 0.90) and poor/moderate agreement of all the tested parameters were evaluated (LoA between 10 and 50%). Conclusions Reference values were established for the fetal MAPSE, TAPSE, and SAPSE between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation in low-risk pregnant women. These parameters showed poor/moderate reproducibility.

Objectives Extubation failure is common in infants and associated with complications. Methods A prospective study was undertaken of preterm and term born infants. Diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) was measured transcutaneously for 15–60 min prior to extubation. The EMG results were related to tidal volume (Tve) to calculate the neuroventilatory efficiency (NVE). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed and areas under the ROCs (AUROC) calculated. Results Seventy-two infants, median gestational age 28 (range 23–42) weeks were included; 15 (21%) failed extubation. Infants successfully extubated were more mature at birth (p=0.001), of greater corrected gestational age (CGA) at extubation (p<0.001) and heavier birth weight (p=0.005) than those who failed extubation. The amplitude and area under the curve of the diaphragm EMG were not significantly different between those who were and were not successfully extubated. Those successfully extubated required a significantly lower inspired oxygen and had higher expiratory tidal volumes (Tve) and NVE. The CGA and Tve had AUROCs of 0.83. A CGA of >29.6 weeks had the highest combined sensitivity (86%) and specificity (80%) in predicting extubation success. Conclusions Although NVE differed significantly between those who did and did not successfully extubate, CGA was the best predictor of extubation success.

Objectives To compare a birth weight-derived (Brenner) and multiple ultrasound-derived [Hadlock, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium (INTERGROWTH)] classification systems’ frequency of assigning an antenatal estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10% and subsequent detection rate for abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (UAD). Methods We analyzed 569 consecutive non-anomalous singleton gestations identified by ultrasound with either an abdominal circumference (AC) <3% or EFW <10% at a tertiary medical center between 1/2012 and 12/2016. The biometric measurements were exported for all serial ultrasounds and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for the diagnosis of any abnormal UAD, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (AREDF), and small for gestational age (SGA) for each classification method. Results Brenner classified less patients with EFW <10% (49.7%) vs. the comparison methods (range: 84.2–85.0%; P < 0.001). The sensitivity was highest using Hadlock for detection of any abnormal UAD [96.6%; confidence interval (CI) 92.8–98.8%], AREDF (100%; CI 95.1–100%), and SGA (89.0%; CI 85.4–91.6%). However, there was minimal variation between the Hadlock, NICHD, and INTERGROWTH methods for detection of the studied outcomes. The AUCs for any abnormal UAD, AREDF, and SGA were highest for the Brenner method, but there were a substantial number of false-negative results with lower overall detection rates. Conclusions Use of a birth weight-derived method to assign a fetal weight <10% as the threshold to initiate UAD surveillance has a lower detection rate for abnormal UAD when compared to ultrasound-derived methods. Despite substantial methodological differences in the creation of the Hadlock, NICHD, and INTERGROWTH methods, there were no differences in the detection rates of abnormal UAD.

Objectives Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder associated with pregnancy and is the leading cause of both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Recent reports suggest that free radical-induced endothelial cell injury might be an etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of vitamins C and E for the prevention of preeclampsia. Methods This clinical trial was conducted in the year 2018 in the clinical centers of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. One hundred and sixty nulliparous women aged 18–38 years without any risk factors for preeclampsia were divided into two groups. The first group received a 400-IU/day dose of vitamin E orally and a 1000-mg/day dose of vitamin C with iron tablets during 20–24 weeks of pregnancy, while the control group received only iron tablets. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency distribution tables. Results The incidence of preeclampsia in the control group was 17.5% and in the intervention group was 5%, which was significantly different. The mean systolic pressures before and after intervention were 99.43 ± 7.8 and 12.44 ± 19.1, respectively, in the control group, and 99.3 ± 8.3 and 106.12 ± 13.25, respectively, in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The mean diastolic pressures before and after intervention in the control group were 62.7 ± 13.6 and 62.7 ± 4.7 (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion The results of this study show that vitamins C and E have protective effects against preeclampsia by alleviating the overall blood pressure.

Objectives Hyperglycaemia is a common metabolic disorder in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The objective is to describe the incidence, duration, episodes and distribution of hyperglycaemia during the first 7 days of life of VLBW infants. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 60 newborns weighing <1,500 g. Blood glucose levels were monitored with a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) during the first 7 days of life. Hyperglycaemia was defined as glucose ≥180 mg/dL (≥10 mmol/L). Results Incidence of hyperglycaemia recorded with the CGMS was 36.6% (95%CI: 24.6–50.1). In almost 74.6±5.48% of these cases the duration of the episode exceeded 30 min and in 45.25% (95%CI: 2.26–57.82) it exceeded 2 h. The condition occurred most frequently during the first 72 h of life. One-fifth of cases were not detected with scheduled capillary tests and 84.6% of these had hyperglycaemic episode durations of 30 min or more. Agreement between the two techniques was very good (r=0.90, p<0.001) and the CGMS proved to be reliable, accurate and safe. Hyperglycaemia detected by a CGMS is associated with lower gestational age (OR: 0.66, p=0.002), lower birth weight (OR: 0.99, p=0.003), the use of ionotropic drugs (OR: 11.07, p=0.005) and death (OR: 10.59, p=0.03), and is more frequent in preterm infants with sepsis (OR: 2.73, p=0.1). No other association was observed. Conclusions A CGMS could be useful during the first week of life in VLBW infants due to the high incidence and significant duration of hyperglycaemia and the high proportion of cases that remain undetected. The advantage of the CGMS is that it is able to detect hyperglycaemic episodes that the capillary test does not.