preterm birth

Changes in contemporary obstetric and gynaecological practice in relation to ultrasound cervical screening during pregnancy, the treatment of intra-epithelial cervical neoplasia and laparoscopic surgery have resulted in an increased utilization of trans-abdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage in an attempt to reduce the incidence of mid-trimester and early preterm birth in women with repeated pregnancy loss.

Deliveries prior to 28 weeks’ gestation (extreme preterm birth) pose a global health concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Extreme preterm birth is associated with several complications in the newborn and management in neonatal intensive care unit would incur high expenses. In parallel, advancements in in vitro fertilization will give an opportunity for women to conceive in cases of ovarian failure. At the same time, health providers also encourage patients to receive more than one embryo simultaneously during an embryo transfer. Here we report a case of a patient in coma condition of triplet pregnancy, post ovum donation with three-embryo transfer. Following stabilization, cranial computed tomography (CCT) was performed. The result showed bleeding in the brainstem and into intraventricular spaces at 25+4 gestation weeks. Furthermore, ICH during pregnancy is considered as a rare case in obstetrical field, especially involving the brainstem. This could lead to life-threatening conditions and serious disability in the future. On the fifth day of hospitalization, she suffered from pneumonia and pulmonary edema. On the eight day (26+5 gestations weeks), an emergency caesarean section was performed due to fully dilated of the cervix with breech presentation of all fetuses. Mother and the children survived with some non-life-threatening disabilities. This is the very first case reported of intracerebral hemorrhage in the brainstem in triplet pregnancy after receiving ovum donation. Heterologous conception could be an iceberg phenomenon of gestational complications among the population. Reproductive tourism could still become greater in the future. 

Background: Pregnant individuals with early cervical dilation have a high risk for preterm birth. The authors encountered cases where cervical dilation increased after anesthesia administration for a cerclage. Objective: The primary objective was to assess if a change in cervical dilation after anesthesia administration for a cerclage was associated with a shorter latency to delivery. Study design: This was a retrospective chart review of pregnancies from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, who had a cerclage and delivered at our institution. Maternal demographics, obstetrical history, operative details, and delivery information were collected. Multi-fetal gestations, un-indicated cerclages, and abdominal cerclages were excluded. The primary outcome was the difference in cervical dilation between the office and the operating room after spinal anesthesia administration. A multivariable regression was performed. Results: A total of 183 pregnancies were included. The mean gestational age at cerclage placement was 18 weeks (STDEV 3.6). Twenty-nine percent of patients (53/183) were more dilated in the operating room compared to the office The latency between cerclage and delivery was not different if there was a cervical change between these settings (p = 0.655). There was an increased risk for preterm delivery with dilation in the office (OR 1.01, CI 1.01 to 2.5), but not with dilation in the operating room (OR 1.4, CI 0.9 to 2.0). Conclusion: Cervical dilation between the office and the operating room is different. Pregnancies with more dilation delivered at earlier gestations. However, a change in dilation between the office and the operating room was not associated with a shorter latency. 

Introduction: Twin pregnancy, compared to a singleton pregnancy, is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and other neonatal complications. This study aimed to compare neonatal mortality rates and risk factors among births with the gestational age of 34 weeks - 37 weeks in twin and singleton pregnancies.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and population-based. We extracted the data from the birth information registry in Iran. Mothers' and neonates' information was removed from the registry systems between 2018 and 2020. We used Statistical R software to compare neonatal mortality rate, demographic variables, and risk factors between two groups of twin and singleton neonates.Results: Out of 579,873 live births with a gestational age of 34 weeks - 37 weeks, 729 (1.4/1000) singleton and 54(0.77/1000) twins (one out of two) neonates died in the delivery room in the first hour of life. Of the neonates who left the delivery room alive, 3129 (4.9 per 1000) neonates had died (5.7/1000 singleton and 3.04/1000 twin). The neonatal mortality rate in hospitalized singleton neonates (1.85%) was higher than twin group (1.06%). After adjustment of other variables, the mortality rate in twin pregnancy was significantly lower than in singletons (p value < 1/1000), with an odds ratio of 0.47 (CI: 0.39 - 0.55). Antenatal corticosteroid treatment in the twin group was significantly higher than in singletons.Conclusion: Twin neonatal mortality rate was lower than singletons in the neonates with gestational age 34 weeks - 37 weeks. Clinicians could consider these results for delivery timing in uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Antenatal corticosteroid therapy can be considered to reduce the mortality rate of late preterm neonates in resource-limited countries.

Pregnancy complications present significant challenges, impacting maternal health and fetal development. Oxidative stress, a key contributor to various pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preterm birth, has spurred interest in exploring antioxidant interventions. Antioxidants, known for their ability to counteract oxidative damage, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents to mitigate these complications. This paper synthesizes current knowledge on the role of antioxidants in pregnancy, elucidating their mechanisms of action, sources, and impact on oxidative stress-related complications. It examines diverse antioxidant compounds, including vitamins C and E, selenium, and natural phytochemicals, highlighting their potential to modulate oxidative stress pathways and promote maternal-fetal well-being. Furthermore, this paper critically analyzes clinical studies, meta-analyses, and preclinical research exploring the efficacy and safety of antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy. It discusses the complexities surrounding optimal dosages, timing, and formulations of antioxidants, aiming to delineate strategies for their integration into prenatal care. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the promising role of antioxidants as therapeutic strategies to alleviate pregnancy complications associated with oxidative stress. It highlights avenues for future research, advocating for a deeper understanding of antioxidant mechanisms and their optimal utilization in prenatal care to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

Background: Stillbirth (SB), either because of intrauterine or intrapartum fetal death, is amongst the most devastating pregnancy complications, hardest to predict, real challenge for health systems. India probably accounts for the highest SB numbers in the world.Objectives: A community-based prospective study was carried out to know the burden, and causes of SBs in rural women of remote region.Material methods: After approval of the ethics committee of the Institute in Maharashtra for broader research, which was service-oriented, the present study was conducted in 100 villages around the village with health facilities. These villages were included keeping in mind future services. After obtaining the consent of women, information was prospectively recorded on their predesigned tool (which was for broader work), by asking women and seeing their records of antenatal and intranatal care on a regular basis. The study subjects were selected after obtaining information from nurse midwives, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and Aaganwadi workers. As the plan was to serve, there was excellent cooperation. The tool was made for broader work. Villages were visited 5 days a week. Study was community-based in villages in remote, hilly region with various local issues so any information the women gave conclusion and was in the record was used.Results: A total of 3905 births occurred over two years, 3635 (93%) term, and 270 (7%) preterm. Amongst 3635 term births, 3474 (95.6%) were live births, 161 (4.4%) SBs, amongst 270 preterm births, 239 (88.5%) were live births, 31 (11.5%) SBs. Of 192 SBs, 48 (7.2%) SBs were amongst 2690 women with anaemia, (16 (2.4%) SBs amongst women with very severe anaemia, 12 (1.8%) SBs were amongst 667 women with severe anaemia, 12 (1.8%) SBs were amongst 664 women with moderate anaemia, 8 (1.2%) SBs were amongst 680 women with mild anaemia). Overall of 192 (4.9%) SBs, 31 (18.1%) SBs were among 517 women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDsP) 8 (4.4%) SBs amongst 280 women with moderate HDsP, 12 (6.9%) SBs amongst 175 women with severe HDsP, 11 (6.8%) SBs in 62 women with eclampsia. Overall of 192 SBs, 6 (3.1%) babies had weight < 1 kg, 8 (4.1%) of ≥ 1 to < 1.5 kg, 50 (26.0%) ≥ 1.5 to < 2 kg, 64 (33.3%) ≥ 2 to < 2.5 kg, 64 (33.3%) 2.5 kg and more, obviously fewer babies more deaths in birth weight less than 1. 5 kg, more so less than 1 kg.Conclusion: Overall SBs were in women with disorders but 4.5% SBs did occur in women with no disorder. SBs were significantly higher amongst babies weighing less than 1 kg, beyond this weight, numbers were similar.

Background: Preterm Birth (PTB) is the largest direct cause of neonatal mortality and the second leading cause of under-five mortality following pneumonia. Although there are studies conducted before, the magnitude of PTB remains a major issue in most developing countries including Yemen. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of premature birth among newborns delivered in Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb governorate, Yemen.Objectives: No studies have previously been conducted about preterm labour in Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb governorate, Yemen.Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb Governorate, from 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024.Results: A total of 1350 pregnancies, 252 (18.67%) were preterm deliveries and 1089 (80.66%) were full-term deliveries at Jiblah University Hospital, Ibb. Our study shows the distribution of participants based on socio-demographic factors. The data that out of the total 252 female participants, with ages mean ± std = 27.43 ± 6.34 roughly 18.67% experienced preterm deliveries. Our study demonstrates that several factors are significantly linked to preterm birth, including the number of siblings, blood pressure, gravida, and abortion number, where the Chi-square p - value was < 0.05. On the other hand, the results from the logistic regression analysis indicated the predictive potential of certain socio-demographic factors in relation to preterm birth. Conclusion: In this study, the number of siblings, blood pressure, gravida, and abortion number are the risk factors for premature delivery. Recognizing the most common risk factors for PTB will help to increase awareness about high-risk pregnancy, improve the preventive measures of preterm risk factors, and modify preterm care protocol in nurseries.