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OBJECTIVE Mounting evidence indicates the detrimental impact of posttraumatic stress following childbirth (PTS-FC). Nevertheless, research on preventive strategies is scarce. We recently reported that ultrasound visual biofeedback during second stage of labor was associated with immediate beneficial medical outcomes (increased pushing efficacy, decreased perineal tearing), as well as greater feelings of maternal connectedness toward her newborn immediately postlabor. The current study assessed the potential longer-term psychological benefits of these outcomes in buffering risk for PTS-FC. The study follows up the previously reported sample to examine the longitudinal clinical effect of the visual biofeedback intervention on symptoms of acute stress at 2 days postpartum and subsequent symptoms of PTS-FC at 1 month postpartum. METHOD A sample of 26 nulliparous women received visual biofeedback and was compared to a group of women receiving standard obstetrical coaching. Maternal feelings of connectedness and acute stress symptoms were assessed 2 days postpartum and PTS-FC was assessed 1 month postpartum. RESULTS Double-mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect relation between visual biofeedback and decreased PTS-FC symptoms 1 month postpartum. The relation was significantly mediated by increased feelings of maternal connectedness immediately postpartum, which in turn was associated with decreased symptoms of acute stress 2 days postpartum. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the visual biofeedback intervention during childbirth may decrease risk for PTS-FC. Importantly, findings suggest the preventive potential of fostering feelings of maternal connectedness toward her newborn to reduce symptoms of PTS-FC. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

This case series describes our experience with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal perineal masses. We propose a clinical-sonographic approach for prenatal workup in cases presenting perineal findings based on imaging the target sign at the posterior perineal triangle, the fetal genitalia, and sacrum. Targeted, structured prenatal anatomical scan in fetuses presenting with perineal masses may aid in the prenatal differential diagnosis and enable appropriate genetic analysis, prenatal counseling, and postnatal treatment.

The study group consisted of 63 pregnant women admitted to the Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Inclusion criteria included patients with PGDM - 11 pregnancies, GDM1- 23 pregnancies, and GDM2 - 29 pregnancies. Exclusion criteria included pregnant women with gestational diabetes and history of other comorbidities as well as multiple pregnancies, fetal developmental abnormalities and genetic disorders. Each patient received a detailed fetal ultrasound performed by the team of ultrasound experts specialising in obstetric ultrasonography. Fetal thymus measurements were obtained between 14+5 and 40+0 weeks of gestational age. After the three-vessel view was clearly displayed we assessed longitudinal dimensions of the thymus. The obtained measurements were juxtaposed with nomograms for thymus size in healthy foetuses whose mothers had no history of diabetes. Prior to ultrasound examination the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their body weight status before 10 weeks of gestational age.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of two groups, i.e. diabetic pregnancies and non-diabetic pregnancies, whereas Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare multiple groups. A linear regression model was used to determine the correlation between the type of diabetes and fetal thymus size as well as between maternal BMI and fetal thymus size. The significance level α was set at 0.05. Thymus size is statistically smaller in foetuses of diabetic mothers when compared to healthy controls. Overweighted and obese pregnancy is not a factor affecting fetal thymus size.

The anxiety and anticipation that accompany pregnancy, labor, and delivery may be relieved by education, providing knowledge regarding the physiological process of childbirth. Intrapartum ultrasound is an available, simple, intuitive, real-time tool that enables visualization of the fetal head within the birth canal. Both the attending staff and expectant parent can assess its movements and descent in response to the pushing efforts during the active pushing phase. This review described the potential obstetrical and psychological advantages of intrapartum ultrasound in managing the active pushing phase.