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Existing literature documents connections between short birth spacing (birth‐to‐conception interval of under 18 months) and the risk of child maltreatment, but explanations for this relation are understudied. We hypothesise that short birth spacing predicts child maltreatment, and it mediates the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment and their child's risk of abuse and neglect. We use data for second and higher parity children from the Prospective Study of Infant Development (n = 335) and fit logistic regression models with relevant covariates to examine the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment, her offspring's short birth spacing and her offspring's child maltreatment (CM) as measured by Child Protective Services (CPS) assessments. Findings demonstrate that children of mothers who reported experiencing any abuse or neglect during childhood have a higher likelihood of being born shortly spaced and a higher likelihood of CM. Additionally, short birth spacing is associated with increased likelihood of CM. No evidence for mediation from maternal history of maltreatment to CM operating through short birth spacing was detected. We conclude that maternal history of childhood maltreatment and short birth spacing are independent, additive factors for CM risk. Key Practitioner Messages: Maternal history of childhood maltreatment is a strong predictor of her children's birth spacing and her children's abuse and neglect risk.Maternal history of childhood maltreatment and birth spacing between her children serve as independent predictors of her children's abuse and neglect risk.Child maltreatment risk assessment models should incorporate historical information about parental childhood trauma, as well as prenatal indicators of wellbeing such as birth spacing.Child maltreatment prevention programmes should address parental childhood trauma as well as family planning to minimise risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child malnutrition remains a significant concern in the Asia‐Pacific region, with short birth intervals recognised as a potential risk factor. However, evidence of this association is inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically review the existing evidence and assess the summary effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition in the Asia‐Pacific region. Five electronic databases were searched in May 2023 to identify relevant studies reporting the association between short birth interval and child malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, underweight, anaemia and overall malnutrition, in Asia‐Pacific region between September 2000 and May 2023. Fixed‐effects or random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the summary effects of short birth interval on child malnutrition. Out of 56 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 48 were included in quantitative synthesis through meta‐analysis. We found a slightly higher likelihood of stunting (n = 25, odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97–1.32) and overall malnutrition (n = 3, OR = 2.42; 95% CI: 0.88–6.65) among children born in short birth intervals compared to those with nonshort intervals, although the effect was not statistically significant. However, caution is warranted due to identified heterogeneity across studies. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant effects of short birth intervals on child malnutrition in national‐level studies and studies with larger sample sizes. These findings underscore short birth intervals as a significant contributor to child malnutrition in the Asia‐Pacific region. Implementing effective policies and programs is vital to alleviate this burden, ultimately reducing child malnutrition and associated adverse outcomes, including child mortality. Key messages: Short interval pregnancies pose a persistent public health threat in the South Asian region.While a potential link with child malnutrition exists, reported associations often conflict.Our findings suggest that short interval births slightly increase the risk of child malnutrition.Addressing short interval pregnancies is crucial to mitigate the ongoing nutritional burden in South Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to investigate if structural and relational characteristics of sibling relationships moderated the association between known injury risk factors and child injuries. Prior to the pandemic, 80 Canadian parents of two school‐aged biological siblings completed standardized questionnaires concerning child risk‐taking behaviours and injury frequency; they also reported on sibling caregiving. Children reported on sibling warmth. Wider age spacing amplified injury risk for younger siblings who engaged in more risk‐taking, while warmer sibling relationships lessened injury risk for younger siblings cared for by older siblings. The importance of incorporating sibling characteristics into family‐centred injury prevention programs was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW), are leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to estimate the association between inter‐pregnancy interval (IPI) and the risks of adverse birth outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 630 mothers who delivered a singleton live infant at a leading tertiary hospital in northern Jordan from March to August 2021. Outcome variables were preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) and LBW (<2.5 kg). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between IPI and these two adverse birth outcomes was investigated. Results: The rates of preterm birth and LBW were 12.4% and 16.8%, respectively. Compared with an optimal IPI (24–36 months), a short IPI (<24 months) was positively associated with preterm birth (aOR: 4.09; 95% CI: 1.48–6.55) and LBW (aOR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.57–5.15). Infants conceived after a long IPI (≥ 60 months) had increased odds of preterm birth (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.12–5.78) and LBW (aOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.67–4.03). Preterm delivery was also significantly associated with the mother's age (aOR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04–1.17), history of multiple cesarean births (aOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.14–4.29), prolonged rupture of membranes (aOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.10–5.52), and perinatal death (aOR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.10–5.49). A mother's history of prior LBW (aOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 1.08–6.80), hypertensive disorders (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.03–3.89), and multiple cesarean births (aOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 2.10–6.99) was associated with LBW. Conclusions: Both short and long IPIs were related to preterm delivery and LBW. Optimal birth spacing is recommended to improve birth outcomes and must be considered when designing effective family planning programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The association between extreme birth spacing and adverse outcomes is controversial, and available evidence is fragmented into different classifications of birth spacing. Material and methods: We conducted a systematic review of observational studies to evaluate the association between birth spacing (i.e., interpregnancy interval and interoutcome interval) and adverse outcomes (i.e., pregnancy complications, adverse birth outcomes). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random‐effects model, and the dose–response relationships were evaluated using generalized least squares trend estimation. Results: A total of 129 studies involving 46 874 843 pregnancies were included. In the general population, compared with an interpregnancy interval of 18–23 months, extreme intervals (<6 months and ≥ 60 months) were associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birthweight, fetal death, birth defects, early neonatal death, and premature rupture of fetal membranes (pooled OR range: 1.08–1.56; p < 0.05). The dose–response analyses further confirmed these J‐shaped relationships (pnon‐linear < 0.001–0.009). Long interpregnancy interval was only associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes (pnon‐linear < 0.005 and pnon‐linear < 0.001, respectively). Similar associations were observed between interoutcome interval and risk of low birthweight and preterm birth (pnon‐linear < 0.001). Moreover, interoutcome interval of ≥60 months was associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery (pooled OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04–2.83). For pregnancies following preterm births, an interpregnancy interval of 9 months was not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, according to dose–response analyses (pnon‐linear = 0.008). Based on limited evidence, we did not observe significant associations between interpregnancy interval or interoutcome interval after pregnancy losses and risk of small for gestational age, fetal death, miscarriage, or preeclampsia (pooled OR range: 0.76–1.21; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Extreme birth spacing has extensive adverse effects on maternal and infant health. In the general population, interpregnancy interval of 18–23 months may be associated with potential benefits for both mothers and infants. For women with previous preterm birth, the optimal birth spacing may be 9 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpregnancy interval and adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnancies following miscarriages or induced abortions in Norway (2008-2016): a cohort study. Interpregnancy interval (IPI), or the time between the end of one pregnancy and the conception of the next pregnancy, has been associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The "ins" and "outs" of interpregnancy interval effects: Who contributes, and does it matter?. [Extracted from the article]

Issue addressed: To raise expectant fathers' awareness of risk factors for stillbirth. Methods: A set of brief text messages was developed addressing recognised risk factors for stillbirth: avoidance of maternal cigarette smoking, maternal going to sleep on side messaging, awareness of the importance of noticing and reporting changes in foetal movement and fathers' involvement in shared decision making for timing of birth. Eight messages were inserted into the SMS4dads pilot program being conducted by NSW Health. Feedback on the messages was requested. Participants rated the quality of the messages on a three‐point Likert scale and provided comments. Results: Overall, 2528 messages were sent to 626 fathers' mobile phones, 45% of fathers replied with 666 ratings and 115 comments evaluating the texts. The quantitative ratings indicated substantial overall approval of the messages. Within the coding category "Evaluation of Message Content," three themes described fathers' reactions and feelings about the smoking, movement, side sleeping and birth timing messages: "important‐good information," "not appropriate/anxiety provoking" and "not relevant‐obvious." Three themes reflecting the attributes of the messages within the "Service Quality" category were "need more information," "complements public health" and "child voice fit." Conclusions: Results indicate that the messages are an acceptable way to provide information and suggested actions addressing stillbirth risk factors to fathers‐to‐be. So what?: Fathers' awareness of the risk factors for stillbirth can assist mothers to take appropriate actions for a healthy birth. Information on risk factors can be provided to fathers via a father‐focused text messaging service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: To raise expectant fathers' awareness of risk factors for stillbirth. Methods: A set of brief text messages was developed addressing recognised risk factors for stillbirth: avoidance of maternal cigarette smoking, maternal going to sleep on side messaging, awareness of the importance of noticing and reporting changes in foetal movement and fathers' involvement in shared decision making for timing of birth. Eight messages were inserted into the SMS4dads pilot program being conducted by NSW Health. Feedback on the messages was requested. Participants rated the quality of the messages on a three‐point Likert scale and provided comments. Results: Overall, 2528 messages were sent to 626 fathers' mobile phones, 45% of fathers replied with 666 ratings and 115 comments evaluating the texts. The quantitative ratings indicated substantial overall approval of the messages. Within the coding category "Evaluation of Message Content," three themes described fathers' reactions and feelings about the smoking, movement, side sleeping and birth timing messages: "important‐good information," "not appropriate/anxiety provoking" and "not relevant‐obvious." Three themes reflecting the attributes of the messages within the "Service Quality" category were "need more information," "complements public health" and "child voice fit." Conclusions: Results indicate that the messages are an acceptable way to provide information and suggested actions addressing stillbirth risk factors to fathers‐to‐be. So what?: Fathers' awareness of the risk factors for stillbirth can assist mothers to take appropriate actions for a healthy birth. Information on risk factors can be provided to fathers via a father‐focused text messaging service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Short and long intervals between successive births are associated with adverse birth outcomes, especially in low‐income and middle‐income countries, yet the birth intervals in high‐income countries remain relatively understudied. The aim was to examine maternal factors associated with birth intervals in Australia. Methods: The sample comprised 6130 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who were born in 1973‐1978, had two or more births, and responded to regular surveys between 1996 and 2018. Interbirth interval (IBI) was defined as the time between successive live births. Maternal factors were examined using accelerated failure time models. Results: For women with only two births (n = 3802), the median time to the second birth was 34.0 months (IQR 23.1, 46.2) with shorter IBI associated with higher socioeconomic status (eg, university education (31.9 months), less income stress (31.1)), and longer IBI associated with age over 35 (39.7), fair/poor health (43.0), untreated fertility problems (45.5), miscarriage (39.4), or abortion (41.0). For women with three or more births (n = 2328), the median times to the second and third births were 31.2 months (19.9, 42.1) and 36.5 months (25.3, 50.1), respectively; some factors were consistent between the first IBI and second IBI (eg, university education and being married were associated with shorter IBI), whereas income stress was associated with longer first IBI but not with second IBI. Conclusions: Understanding maternal factors associated with birth intervals in a high‐income country like Australia may enable more nuanced tailoring of guidelines for prepregnancy care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-Saharan Africa will account for most of the growth of the world's population over the coming decades, while several other regions will begin to experience decreasing population numbers. As illustrated in Figure 2, the trends in global population size associated with the high- and low-fertility scenarios diverge considerably from the trajectory of the medium scenario and imply a range of future outcomes that is much broader than the prediction intervals of the probabilistic analysis. Long-range population projections are highly uncertain, especially for high-fertility countries still in the early stages of the demographic transition.... [T]here is a probability of 95 percent that the size of the global population will lie between 9.4 and 10.0 billion in 2050 and between 8.9 and 12.4 billion in 2100. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To compare the reproductive outcome after early miscarriage between women managed expectantly and those treated with vaginal misoprostol.Methods: This study was a planned secondary analysis of data collected prospectively in a randomized controlled trial comparing expectant management with vaginal misoprostol treatment (single dose of 800 µg) in women with early embryonic or anembryonic miscarriage and vaginal bleeding. The outcome measures were the number of women with a clinical pregnancy conceived within 14 months after complete miscarriage and the outcome of these pregnancies in terms of live birth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and legal termination of pregnancy. The participants replied to a questionnaire sent by post covering their reproductive history ≤ 14 months after the index miscarriage was complete. Supplementary information and data for women who did not return their questionnaire were retrieved from medical records.Results: Of 94 women randomized to misoprostol treatment and 95 allocated to expectant management, 94 and 90 women, respectively, were included for analysis. Information on reproductive outcome was available for 89/94 (95%) and 83/90 (92%) women, respectively. Complete miscarriage without surgical evacuation was achieved within 31 days in 85% (76/89) of the women in the misoprostol group and in 65% (54/83) of those managed expectantly. The proportion of women treated with surgical evacuation was 33% (27/83) in the expectant-management group vs 12% (11/89) in the misoprostol group. At 14 months after the index miscarriage was complete, 75% (67/89) of women treated with misoprostol and 75% (62/83) of those managed expectantly had achieved at least one clinical pregnancy, while 40% (36/89) and 35% (29/83), respectively, had had at least one live birth (mean difference, 5.5% (95% CI, -9.7 to 20.3%)). When considering the outcome of all pregnancies conceived within 14 months after the index miscarriage was complete, 63% (56/89) of women in the misoprostol group and 55% (46/83) of those in the expectant-management group delivered a live baby after a pregnancy (mean difference, 7.5% (95% CI, -7.9 to 22.4%)).Conclusion: Women with early miscarriage can be reassured that fertility is similar after misoprostol treatment and expectant management. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID‐19 lockdown, parents and caregivers were asked to take greater responsibility for their children's education while they were unable to attend school. In this commentary, we report on data sourced from 243 participants in the Tasmania Project in Australia about their experiences of learning from home during COVID‐19 lockdown. We engage with ideas about boundaries and bounding processes to understand how participants perceived challenges to their children's learning from home. They identified a lack of physical space for children's work to be performed and a lack of time, skill, and confidence to support them. We explore the bounding processes inherent to understanding and constituting education through identity, space, and place making and consider the ways in which these processes were revealed in the challenges identified by respondents. We argue that home learning disrupted known practices associated with education and schooling and challenged accepted categories and socio‐spatial divisions created by institutionalisation. We anticipate that exploring the challenges of home learning during COVID‐19 from the perspectives of parents and caregivers will inform future home–school partnerships. Home learning, as it was enacted due to COVID‐19, disrupted known practices and identities associated with schooling, and challenged accepted socioe‐spatial divisions created through the historical and contemporary institutionalisation of education and schooling. Survey data (n=243) from the Tasmania Project in Australia revealed how parents and carers' experienced a lack of physical space for children's work to be performed while in the home and a lack of time, skill, and confidence to support them. It is anticipated that exploring the challenges of home learning during COVID‐19 from the perspectives of parents and caregivers will inform future home‐school partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unclear in which periods of life lung function deficits develop, and whether these are affected by risk factors such as asthma, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) and allergic comorbidity. The goal of this systematic review was to identify temporal associations of asthma, BHR and allergic comorbidity with large and small lung function development from birth until peak function in early adulthood. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL for papers published before 01.01.2020 on risk factors and lung function measurements of large and small airways. Studies were required to report lung function at any time point or interval from birth until peak lung function (age 21‐26) and include at least one candidate risk factor. Results: Of the 45 papers identified, 44 investigated cohorts and one was a clinical trial with follow‐up. Asthma, wheezing, BHR and allergic sensitization early in life and to multiple allergens were associated with a lower lung function growth of large and small airways during early childhood compared with the control populations. Lung function development after childhood in subjects with asthma or persistent wheeze, although continuing to grow at a lower level, largely tracked parallel to non‐affected individuals until peak function was attained. Clinical implications and future research: Deficits in lung function growth develop in early childhood, and children with asthma, BHR and early‐life IgE (poly)sensitization are at risk. This period is possibly a critical window of opportunity to identify at‐risk subjects and provide treatment aimed at preventing long‐term sequelae of lung function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPI) are associated with increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, yet whether this association is modified by maternal age remains unclear. Objectives: To examine if the association between IPI and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy varies by maternal age at birth prior to IPI. Methods: We conducted a population‐based cohort study of all mothers who had their first two (n = 169 896) consecutive births in Western Australia (WA) between 1980 and 2015. We estimated the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension for 6 to 60 months of IPI according to maternal age at birth prior to IPI (<20 years, 20‐24, 25‐29, 30‐34 and ≥35 years). We modelled IPI using restricted cubic splines and reported adjusted relative risk (RRs) with 95% CI at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, with 18 months as reference. Results: The risk of preeclampsia was increased at longer IPIs (60 months) compared to 18 months for mothers 35 years or older (RR 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14, 4.18) and to a lesser extent for mothers 30‐ to 34 years old (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.10, 1.84). Compared to 18 months, the risk of preeclampsia was lower at 12 months of IPI for mothers younger than 20 years (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57, 0.96), but not for mothers 35 years or older (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.36, 1.07). There was insufficient evidence for increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at shorter IPIs of <18 months for mothers of all ages. Conclusions: Our findings challenge the "one size fits all" recommendation for an optimal IPI, and a more tailored approach to family planning counselling may be required to improve health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is much interest in how the length of the previous birth interval affects various child outcomes, and it has become increasingly common to estimate such effects from sibling models. This is because one then controls for unobserved determinants of the outcome that are shared between the siblings and linked to the birth interval length. However, it is a common idea that such effects can only be estimated from data on families with three or more children. Objective: The goal of this paper is to show, through an intuitive argument and a simulation experiment, that it is possible to estimate effects of birth interval only from families with two children. Methods: Observations are simulated from two equations for fertility and one equation for child mortality. The fertility equations include a random term that is assumed to be correlated with the random term in the mortality equation. Mortality models are then estimated from the simulated observations. This is done 1000 times, and the averages of the 1000 sets of estimates are calculated. Results: The simulation experiment illustrates that it is indeed possible (by using a model specification that takes into account that no birth interval is defined for the first birth) to estimate birth interval effects in sibling models even when the data include only families with two children. Conclusion: It is good news that families with only two children can contribute to the estimation of birth interval effects. This is because, with a broader basis for the estimation, the precision is improved and there is less reason for concern about the general relevance of the estimates. An important limitation, however, is that it is potentially problematic to control for maternal age in a sibling model estimated only for the first and second child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of interpregnancy interval (IPI) on preterm birth (PTB) according to whether the previous birth was preterm or term. Design: Cohort study. Setting: USA (California), Australia, Finland, Norway (1980–2017). Population: Women who gave birth to first and second (n = 3 213 855) singleton livebirths. Methods: Odds ratios (ORs) for PTB according to IPIs were modelled using logistic regression with prognostic score stratification for potential confounders. Within‐site ORs were pooled by random effects meta‐analysis. Outcome measure: PTB (gestational age <37 weeks). Results: Absolute risk of PTB for each IPI was 3–6% after a previous term birth and 17–22% after previous PTB. ORs for PTB differed between previous term and preterm births in all countries (P‐for‐interaction ≤ 0.001). For women with a previous term birth, pooled ORs were increased for IPI <6 months (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.43–1.58); 6–11 months (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.16); 24–59 months (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.13–1.18); and ≥ 60 months (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.60–1.86), compared with 18–23 months. For previous PTB, ORs were increased for <6 months (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.18–1.42) and ≥60 months (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.42), but were less than ORs among women with a previous term birth (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Associations between IPI and PTB are modified by whether or not the previous pregnancy was preterm. ORs for short and long IPIs were higher among women with a previous term birth than a previous PTB, which for short IPI is consistent with the maternal depletion hypothesis. Given the high risk of recurrence and assuming a causal association between IPI and PTB, IPI remains a potentially modifiable risk factor for women with previous PTB. Short versus long interpregnancy intervals associated with higher ORs for preterm birth (PTB) after a previous PTB. Short versus long interpregnancy intervals associated with higher ORs for preterm birth (PTB) after a previous PTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contraceptive prevalence in Pakistan has plateaued near 34 percent for over a decade, suggesting that fertility levels are likely to stay high unless effective interventions are designed. We evaluate the Family Advancement for Life and Health 2007–2012 (FALAH), a family planning project implemented in 31 districts of Pakistan. Deviating from previous programs, FALAH emphasized birth spacing—as opposed to limiting family size—as the primary purpose of contraceptive use. We use Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey to evaluate FALAH's impact on continuous and binary measures of birth intervals. To estimate the causal effects of the project, we compare the outcomes for multiple children born to the same mother before and after the project. We find that FALAH increased interbirth intervals by 2.4 months on average and reduced the proportion of short birth intervals by approximately 7.1 percentage points. This finding suggests that birth spacing as a goal of contraceptive use may resonate better with Pakistani couples than limiting family size. The project's effects were more pronounced for women with high education, in rural areas, and in the middle of the wealth distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birth timing is a key life‐history characteristic that influences fitness and population performance. For migratory animals, however, appropriately timing birth on one seasonal range may be constrained by events occurring during other parts of the migratory cycle. We investigated how the use of capital and income resources may facilitate flexibility in reproductive phenology of migratory mule deer in western Wyoming, USA, over a 5‐yr period (2015–2019). Specifically, we examined how seasonal interactions affected three interrelated life‐history characteristics: fetal development, birth mass, and birth timing. Females in good nutritional condition at the onset of winter and those that migrated short distances had more developed fetuses (measured as fetal eye diameter in March). Variation in parturition date was explained largely by fetal development; however, there were up to 16 d of plasticity in expected birth date. Plasticity in expected birth date was shaped by income resources in the form of exposure to spring green‐up. Although individuals that experienced greater exposure to spring green‐up were able to advance expected birth date, being born early or late with respect to fetal development had no effect on birth mass of offspring. Furthermore, we investigated the trade‐offs migrating mule deer face by evaluating support for existing theory that predicts that births should be matched to local peaks in resource availability at the birth site. In contrast to this prediction, only long‐distance migrants that paced migration with the flush of spring green‐up, giving birth shortly after ending migration, were able to match birth with spring green‐up. Shorter‐distance migrants completed migration sooner and gave birth earlier, seemingly trading off more time for offspring to grow and develop over greater access to resources. Thus, movement tactic had profound downstream effects on birth timing. These findings highlight a need to reconsider classical theory on optimal birth timing, which has focused solely on conditions at the birth site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Enterovirus is a common pathogen. Although mostly asymptomatic, this infection has the potential to be life-threatening in neonates. This article aims to describe the early neonatal outcomes in peripartum infection.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital between 1/2014 and 5/2019. The enterovirus infection was established by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results: Out of 161 neonates tested for the enterovirus infection 13 (8%) were positive. Maternal fever was the most common sign (n = 8, 66.7%). The mean gestational age at delivery was 36 + 5 (range 30 + 5 to 40 + 6 weeks). The mean time interval from birth to neonatal manifestations of infection was 5.2 (0-9) days. The most common presenting sign in the neonates was fever (n = 8, 61.5%). All neonates required the neonatal intensive care unit. The neonatal mortality rate was 3/13 (23%).Conclusion: The neonatal morbidity and mortality from the enterovirus infection may have been associated with the severity of maternal presentation at the time of admission. Enterovirus real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis should be considered as part of the maternal evaluation in cases of maternal fever of unknown origin. Deferral of the induction of delivery for term pregnancies with confirmed enterovirus infections should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maresh data are commonly used in bioarcheological growth studies as a representation of diaphyseal growth in a modern and healthy group of children. However, several problems with the way the data were reported have limited its use in quantitative analyses of growth. In this paper, we present updated and interpolated values for long bone length for age for use in calculating z‐scores, percentages of expected length, and other quantitative measures of growth. The Maresh mean and mean + 1 standard deviation values for the sexes separately and combined were first corrected for radiographic magnification. Several modeling approaches were then evaluated. This testing suggested that the best fit was provided by two third‐order polynomials fit to data ≤24 and ≥24 months, respectively. The resulting regressions were used to calculate age‐specific mean and standard deviation values in 1‐month intervals from birth until 12 years (0–144 months). Differences between the original and new values are minimal and do not exceed 1 mm. However, as the old Maresh values required rounding age down to the last attained threshold by as much as 5 months, there are differences between z‐scores calculated with original versus new values of up to 2 z‐score units, especially in children under 3 years of age where growth velocity is highest. Although these updated values do not solve the problems that made age estimation from the Maresh data unadvisable, they will be of use to researchers in conducting more precise growth studies in bioarcheological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mr. Malthus confesses that his proposal to exclude them would not remove the evil, and both he and Mr. Godwin have declared that the true remedy can alone be found in preventives. I The right of couples "to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children", long taken for granted in most of the world, was formally declared at the 1968 International Conference on Human Rights. [Extracted from the article]

A popular method for simultaneously modeling of correlated count response with excess zeros and time to event is by means of the joint models. In these models, the likelihood‐based methods (such as expectation‐maximization algorithm and Newton‐Raphson) are used for estimating the parameters, but in the presence of contaminations, these methods are unstable. To overcome this challenge, we extend the M‐estimator methods and propose a robust estimator approach to obtain a robust estimation of the regression parameters in the joint model. Our proposed algorithm has two steps (Expectation and Solution). In the expectation step, the likelihood function is expected by conditioning on the observed data and in the solution step, the parameters are computed, with solving robust estimating equations. Therefore, this algorithm achieves robustness by applying robust estimating equations and weighted likelihood in the S‐step. Simulation studies under various situations of contaminations show that the robust algorithm gives us consistent estimates with a smaller bias than likelihood‐based methods. The application section uses data on factors affecting fertility and birth spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Reducing Enteropathy, Undernutrition, and Contamination in the Environment (REDUCE) program focuses on identifying exposure pathways to faecal pathogens for young children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and on developing scalable interventions to reduce faecal contamination from these pathways.Methods: A prospective cohort study of 690 participants was conducted to investigate the association between hand, food, and environmental faecal contamination and diarrhoeal disease prevalence among young children in Walungu Territory, South Kivu, DRC. A total of 1923 hand rinse, soil, food, object, surface, stored water and water source samples were collected during unannounced spot checks after baseline enrolment and analysed for Escherichia coli. Caregiver reports of diarrhoea were obtained from children < 5 years at a 6-month follow-up.Results: E.coli was detected in 73% of child and caregiver hand-rinse samples, 69% of soil samples from child play spaces, 54% of child food samples, 38% of objects and surfaces children were observed putting in their mouths, 74% of stored water samples, and 40% of source water samples. Children < 5 years with E. coli on their hands had significantly higher odds of diarrhoea at the 6-month follow-up (odds ratio: 2.03 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 3.92)).Conclusion: The cohort study findings from the REDUCE program have shown that child hand contamination is associated with diarrhoeal disease in rural DRC, and that there is high faecal contamination in child plays spaces and food. These findings provide evidence demonstrating the urgent need to provide clean play spaces for young children and interventions targeting hand hygiene to reduce paediatric exposure to faecal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interpregnancy interval (IPI) <6 months is a potentially modifiable risk factor for adverse perinatal health outcomes.Objective: This systematic review evaluated the international literature on the risk of perinatal death associated with IPI.Search Strategy: Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts identified in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus from inception to 4 April 2019 (Prospero Registration #CRD42018092792).Selection Criteria: Studies were included if they provided a description of IPI measurement and perinatal death, including stillbirth and neonatal death.Data Collection and Analysis: A narrative review was performed for all included studies. Random effects meta-analysis was used to compare unadjusted odds of perinatal death associated with IPI <6 months and IPI ≥6 months. Analyses were performed by outcome of the preceding pregnancy and study location.Main Results: Of the 624 unique articles identified, 26 met the inclusion criteria. The pooled unadjusted odds ratio of perinatal death for IPI <6 months was 1.34 (95% CI 1.17-1.53) following a previous live birth, 0.85 (95% CI 0.73-0.99) following a previous miscarriage and 1.07 (95% CI 0.84-1.36) following a previous stillbirth compared with IPI ≥6 months. However, few high-income country studies reported an association after adjustment. Fewer studies evaluated the impact of long IPI on perinatal death and what evidence was available showed mixed results.Conclusions: Results suggest a possible association between short IPI and risk of perinatal death following a live birth, particularly in low- to middle-income countries.Tweetable Abstract: Short IPI <6 months after a live birth was associated with greater risk of perinatal death than IPI ≥6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Causal evidence links modifiable maternal exposures during the periconceptional period with offspring obesity. The interconception period may be an important time to intervene. We systematically identified studies examining change in modifiable maternal exposures between pregnancies and offspring adiposity. We searched for longitudinal studies published between 1990 and 2019, which included measurements taken on at least two occasions in the period from 1 year prior to the conception of the first birth to the time of the second birth, and which included a measure of adiposity in second, or higher order, siblings. Age, ethnicity and genetics were not considered modifiable; all other factors including length of the interpregnancy interval were. Eleven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Higher interpregnancy weight gain or loss, maternal smoking inception, mothers smoking in their first pregnancy and quitting, increasing the number of cigarettes smoked and longer interpregnancy intervals were positively associated with adiposity in second or higher order children. Vaginal birth after caesarean delivery was protective. Further research is needed to ascertain whether the risk of adiposity is fixed based on first pregnancy exposures or if interpregnancy change alters the risk for a subsequent child. This can inform the type and effectiveness of interventions for mothers prior to a subsequent pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of social cues in the reproduction of social mammals, particularly carnivores, has been thoroughly studied and documented in literature. However, environmental cues such as resources of water, food, and shelter have been identified to a lesser extent. Pregnant lions (Panthera leo) are notoriously secretive during the final stages of pregnancy and postpartum. Behavioral indicators depicted by movement patterns obtained by remote detection of collared female lions in the Kruger National Park were necessary for the monitoring of birth timing. Over the study period, eight plus a potential three parturition incidences of collared females were recorded. Of the variables measured (step length, range size, duration, prey biomass, and rainfall), range size during the month of parturition was the most indicative movement pattern of a successful birth. By backdating the potential birth month of the litters, date of conception was calculated and our results revealed a correlation between the birthing peaks of preferred prey during the month of conception. Birth timing in conjunction with remote sensing and ecological factors were thus identified behaviors associated with denning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate potential risk factors for growth faltering among children under 5 years of age.Method: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 553 children under 5 years from diarrhoea patient households in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. Height and weight measurements were obtained at baseline and at a 12-month follow-up. Caregivers of young children were administered a monthly questionnaire on household sociodemographic characteristics and hygiene practices.Results: Children with caregiver reports of mouthing soil at the majority of household visits had a significant reduction in their height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) from baseline to the 12-month follow-up (ΔHAZ: -0.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.51, -0.05)). A significant reduction in HAZ was also observed for children in households with animals in their sleeping space (ΔHAZ: -0.37 (95% CI: -0.71, -0.04)).Conclusion: These findings provide further evidence to support the hypothesis that child mouthing of soil and the presence of animals in the child's sleeping space are potential risk factors for growth faltering among young children. Interventions are urgently needed to provide clean play and sleeping spaces for young children to reduce exposure to faecal pathogens through child mouthing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a population‐based estimate on the prevalence of infantile nystagmus and to describe the causes in the Capital Region of Denmark. Methods: Review of medical records of children with infantile nystagmus born in the period 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2017 and living in the Capital Region of Denmark. We used birth registry data from Statistics Denmark and the National Danish Birth Registry to calculate the prevalence of nystagmus in children born at term and prematurely. Results: A total of 103 patients (52 males/51 females) with infantile nystagmus were included. The overall prevalence of infantile nystagmus was 6.1 per 10 000 live births. It was higher in premature children (28.4/10 000 live births) than children born at term (4.4/10 000), p < 0.0001, and highest in children born extremely preterm, (97.3/10 000). The most common cause of infantile nystagmus was ocular disease (44%) followed by idiopathic nystagmus (32%), neurological disorders and genetic syndromes (20%) and prematurity without retinopathy of prematurity as the only cause (4%). Conclusions: In this study, we provide the prevalence of infantile nystagmus based on national medical records in which all residents are accounted for. Our findings show a prevalence of 6.1 per 10 000 live births but six times higher among children born preterm than born at term. Ocular disease was the leading cause of infantile nystagmus with albinism and ocular malformations as the most frequent. In 1/3 of patients, no cause could be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hopkins' Bioclimatic Law predicts geographical patterns in phenological timing by establishing a correspondence between latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. First proposed for key phenological events of plants, such as leaf sprouting or flowering dates, this law has rarely been used to assess the geographical equivalence of key life‐history traits of mammals.We hypothesize that (H1) parturition dates of European roe deer Capreolus capreolus are delayed and more synchronized at higher latitudes and altitudes, (H2) parturition timing varies along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients in a way that matches the Hopkins' Bioclimatic Law and (H3) females adjust parturition timing to match the period of high energy demand with peak resource availability.We used parturition dates of 7,444 European roe deer from Switzerland to assess altitudinal variation in birth timing and synchrony from 288 to 2,366 m a.s.l. We then performed a literature survey to compare altitudinal results with those from different populations along the species' latitudinal range of distribution. Finally, we performed spatial analysis combining our highly resolved altitudinal data on parturition dates with plant phenology data.As expected, parturition dates were delayed with increasing latitude and altitude. This delay matched the Bioclimatic Law, as the effect of 1º increase in latitude was similar to 120 m increase in altitude. However, while parturitions were more synchronized with increasing altitude, we did not detect any trend along the latitudinal gradient. Finally, plant phenology explained altitudinal variation in parturition timing better than a linear effect of altitude.Our findings clearly demonstrate the ability of a large herbivore to match parturition timing with phenological conditions across the altitudinal gradient, even at the smallest spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on associations between interpregnancy interval and severe maternal morbidity types. Topics discussed include impact of factors such as maternal age, pregnancy intention, socioeconomic status or outcome of the index pregnancy on adverse outcomes; role of heterogeneity in birth spacing counselling; and impact on analyses of interpregnancy interval and severe maternal morbidity due to limitations of the U.S. vital statistics data.

An editorial is presented on advancing the methodological quality of studies on short birth spacing and discussing key areas for future work. Topics include an assessment of the methodological quality of existing studies on short birth spacing and adverse pregnancy outcomes; arising through mis-timed measurement of time-varying confounders such as maternal age, socio-economic status, or smoking.

We explore the demand-side factors associated with the use of implants in Kenya given the notable rapid increase in uptake of the method in the country. Data are from a longitudinal study conducted among married or cohabiting women aged 15-39 years at the time of recruitment in one rural (2,424 women) and one urban (2,812 women) site. Analysis entails descriptive statistics and estimation of multivariate logistic regression models. The results show that the key demand-side factors associated with the use of implants were low discontinuation of the method compared with alternatives and strong motivation on the part of the women for long-term spacing of births. However, implants had no perceived advantages over the main alternative methods in terms of beliefs about possible damage to health or unpleasant side effects or in terms of satisfaction with use. The findings suggest that addressing concerns about safety for long-term use and for health may increase demand for implants in particular and long-acting reversible contraceptives in general in the study settings or in similar contexts, especially among women who desire long-term spacing of births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using longitudinal data on a cohort of over 4,000 children from four low‐ and middle‐income countries, we document the association between birth spacing and child growth trajectories. We find declines in child height at age 1 among children who are born within three years of an older sibling. However, we also observe catch‐up growth for closely spaced children as they age. We find no evidence that catch‐up growth is driven by remedial health investments after birth, suggesting substitutability in underlying biological processes. We also find that very widely spaced children (preceding birth interval of more than seven years) are similar in height at age 1 as children who are spaced three to seven years apart, but outgrow their more closely spaced counterparts as they age. However, further sibling comparisons suggest that the growth premium that is observed for very widely spaced children may be driven by unobserved confounding factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the trends and estimate the long‐term effects of age, period and birth cohort on the incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer (LC) in an urban district of Shanghai, China. Methods: Crude and age‐standardized rates of the incidence and mortality of LC were calculated from 1973 to 2013 annually by sex, and the direction and magnitude of the trends were estimated by the average annual percentage change (AAPC) using the Joinpoint Regression Model. An age–period–cohort (APC) model was also used to evaluate the non‐linear effects of calendar time and birth cohort on LC incidence and mortality. Results: In 1973‐1977 and 2008‐2013 the age‐standardized rates of LC incidence and mortality (per 100 000) were 24.27 and 22.60 in men, and 7.50 and 7.26 in women, respectively. Declining trends of LC incidence and mortality rates were observed for both sexes (AAPC; P < 0.05 for both). The APC models indicated that the rates of LC incidence and mortality were significantly influenced both by calendar time and birth cohort effects. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality rates of LC have decreased in both sexes in the Changning District of Shanghai over the past four decades. Although obvious descending trends of LC incidence and mortality were detected, attention should also be paid to the LC burden for a long time in the future because of huge population size in China and the continuity of population aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This article aims to determine whether different patterns of mortality occurred among children born during the day and the night respectively, between 1830 and 1929. Methods: The data include the time of birth and death of 9814 individuals from 10 villages in rural Spain between 1830 and 1929, within a context of natural births at home with little medical support. These data were subjected to a comparative analysis relating to the time of birth and the age at death. Results: Neonatal, infant, and child mortality was higher for children born during daytime. The day‐to‐night mortality pattern diverged until children were at least 5 years old. Conclusions: The results confirm that the mortality patterns differed according to the time of birth. Possibly some of these children experienced longer or problematic deliveries that, in the absence of good medical assistance, had health consequences during the following days and years of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A change in how children were treated and valued occurred in premodern Japan, as popularized ideas of an inheritance‐based family system led to more careful and affectionate child‐rearing practices by lower social‐status groups. A number of books were written, advising that breastfeeding should last approximately 3 years. The objective of this study is to reconstruct and compare breastfeeding and weaning practices before and after the transition, to illuminate the impact of documented changes in child‐rearing practices on subadults' lived experience. Materials and Methods: Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic data were obtained from 40 subadult skeletons excavated from the Sakai Kango Toshi 871 (SKT871) site (late 17th–19th century, Osaka, Japan). Isotopic results from SKT871 were compared with previously reported results from the Hitotsubashi site (AD 1657–1683, Tokyo, Japan). Hitotsubashi and SKT871 represent urban populations of lower status before and after the transition of societal perception of subadults. Results: The most probable age at the end of weaning reconstructed in SKT871 was 1.9 years (1.4–2.7 years with a 95% credible interval) and was lower than that in Hitotsubashi (2.1–4.1 years with a 95% credible interval). Discussion: The age at the end of weaning became younger after the transition of societal perception toward subadults, and this younger weaning age is inconsistent with written recommendations for the duration of weaning in premodern Japan. It is possible that an increased need for inheritors under the inheritance‐based family system led to earlier weaning and shorter inter‐birth intervals, but authorities recommended an ideal practice of a longer breastfeeding period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the association between birth spacing and subsequent pregnancy outcomes after cesarean delivery.Objectives: To summarize the effects of birth spacing after previous caesarean on maternal and perinatal outcomes.Search Strategy: Four online databases were searched via a multistage search strategy.Selection Criteria: Studies assessing the effects of birth spacing on any adverse pregnancy outcome after cesarean were included.Data Collection and Analysis: A narrative synthesis was completed.Main Results: Fifteen studies were included. Eight reported that interpregnancy interval (IPI) shorter than 6 months or birth interval (BI) shorter than 16-18 months increased the risk of uterine rupture during trial of labor after previous cesarean. Most studies found no association of birth spacing with vaginal delivery success following spontaneous labor, but the association with vaginal delivery after induced labor was less certain. BI shorter than 12 months was associated with increased risk of placenta previa and placental abruption. Few studies examined the effect of birth spacing after previous cesarean on perinatal outcomes.Conclusions: IPI longer than 6-8 months or BI longer than 18 months was related to decreased risk of maternal morbidity and failed vaginal delivery after previous cesarean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have examined the association between IPI and birth outcomes, but few have explored the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and postnatal outcomes.Objective: We examined the association between IPI and injury-related infant mortality, a leading cause of postneonatal mortality.Methods: We used 2011-2015 US period-linked birth-infant death vital statistics data to generate a multiyear birth cohort of non-first-born singleton births (N = 9 782 029). IPI was defined as the number of months between a live birth and the start of the pregnancy leading to the next live birth. Causes of death in the first year of life were identified using ICD-10 codes. Hazard ratios (HR) for IPI categories were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for birth order, county poverty level, and maternal characteristics (marital status, race/ethnicity, education, age at previous birth).Results: After adjustment, overall infant mortality (48.1 per 10 000 births) was higher for short and long IPIs compared with IPI 18-23 months (reference): <6, aHR 1.61, 95% CI 1.54, 1.68; 6-11, aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17, 1.26; and 60+ months, aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08, 1.16. In comparison, the risk of injury-related infant mortality (4.4 per 10 000 births) decreased with longer IPIs: <6, aHR 1.77, 95% CI 1.55, 2.01; 6-11, aHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.25, 1.59; 12-17, aHR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10, 1.41; 24-59, aHR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69, 0.87; and 60+ months, aHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.48, 0.62.Conclusion: Unlike overall infant mortality, injury-related infant mortality decreased with IPI length. While injury-related deaths are rare, these patterns suggest that the timing between births may be a marker of risk for fatal infant injuries. The first year postpartum may be an ideal time for the delivery of evidence-based injury prevention programmes as well as family planning services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raltegravir readily crosses the placenta to the fetus with maternal use during pregnancy. After birth, neonatal raltegravir elimination is highly variable and often extremely prolonged, with some neonates demonstrating rising profiles after birth despite removal from the source of extrinsic raltegravir. To establish an appropriate dosing regimen, an integrated maternal–neonatal pharmacokinetics model was built to predict raltegravir plasma concentrations in neonates with in utero raltegravir exposure. Postnatal age and body weight were used as structural covariates. The model predicted rising or decreasing neonatal elimination profiles based on the time of maternal drug administration relative to time of birth and degree of in utero drug disposition into the central and peripheral compartments. Based on this model, it is recommended to delay the first oral dose of raltegravir until 1–2 days of age in those neonates born to mothers who received raltegravir during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can children's maps shed light on legacies of structural inequality? This article presents a participatory mapping project with rural youth in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The analysis of the maps demonstrates that intergenerational legacies of racial oppression are critical to children's conceptions of space and place. Through a visual analysis of recurring features in the maps, I argue that rural South African children experience a racialized environment that informs their mapmaking and is a product of apartheid's linking of race, space, and territory. Contributing a case study within the larger field of participatory mapping, I offer a visual methodology to access worldviews of youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: Since civil unrest broke out in Somalia in the 1990s, large numbers of Somalis have immigrated to Western countries, including the United States. It is unknown whether these immigrants maintain their cultural norms of low contraceptive use and high fertility when they live in settings with different norms. METHODS: In 2016, interviews were conducted in Minnesota with Somali immigrants and refugees to explore couple communication and decision making regarding child spacing. Nineteen married men and women aged 25–51 were interviewed. After a coding scheme was developed, key themes were identified and examined by participants' sex, number of children and age of arrival in the United States. RESULTS: Most participants discussed child spacing with their spouse and had positive or neutral experiences. Some participants, especially those with multiple children, stated that living in their new country had influenced their fertility desires. Only those who had arrived after the age of 20 mentioned that experiencing closely spaced births had motivated them to discuss child spacing. Participants emphasized the importance of information sharing, compromise and joint decision making with their spouse. Priority for child‐spacing decision making was granted to women, largely because of their primary role in childbirth. Men who had arrived in the United States before turning 20 were more definitive about giving women decision‐making priority. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insight into how Somali immigrant and refugee couples communicate and make decisions about child spacing, and may be helpful in informing the development of culturally specific reproductive health programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association between inter‐twin delivery interval and short‐term perinatal outcomes of the second twin after vaginal delivery of the first twin. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including twin pregnancies with a vaginal delivery of the first twin between January 2011 and September 2017 in a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The main outcome measure was a composite of adverse neonatal outcome (at least one of perinatal death, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), endotracheal intubation, Apgar <7 at five minutes and cord lactate >4.0 mmol/L). Proportions of adverse outcomes for the second twin were compared between groups of intervals ≤ or >10 and ≤ or >30 min. Results: The composite adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 201 (58.2%) and a caesarean section occurred in seven cases (2%) of the 345 pregnancies included. Delivery interval was associated with higher cord lactate. Low Apgar scores were more frequent with intervals >30 min (17.9% vs 6.6%, P = 0.03), as well as caesarean section for the second twin (10.7% vs 1.3%, P = 0.01). Composite adverse outcome and admission to NICU were not significantly influenced by the delivery interval. Predictors of adverse outcome were gestational age, abnormal cardiotocography and breech delivery of the second twin. Conclusion: The inter‐twin delivery interval is associated with higher rates of low Apgar scores and higher cord lactate for the second twin. These associations do not translate into higher rates of admission to NICU and their long‐term clinical implications are uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymolipoma is a rare disease among benign tumors. We herein report the case of a child who underwent thoracoscopic resection of a large thymolipoma. A 3‐year‐old boy was diagnosed with an anterior mediastinal solid tumor. Thoracic imaging revealed a fat density mass that was 8.0 × 5.0 × 3.5 cm in size. Given the MRI findings of the tumor, we suspected that the lesion was a teratoma. We decided to perform thoracoscopic exploration and, if possible, resection of the solid tumor sequentially. We successfully resected the tumor thoracoscopically. A histological examination revealed thymolipoma. For large mediastinal tumors in the intrathoracic space in children, the thoracoscopic approach is recommended when the tumor is preoperatively considered to be benign and resectable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The presence of a previous uterine scar is a strong risk factor for developing abnormally invasive placentation (AIP). We sought to determine whether a short interpregnancy interval predisposes to AIP. We hypothesized that a short interpregnancy interval after a previous cesarean delivery increases the risk of AIP in comparison with a longer interpregnancy interval.Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with a histological diagnosis of AIP and a history of a previous cesarean section. Women were included in the control group if they had a previous cesarean section with a placenta underlying the previous uterine scar or an anterior previa. The time interval between pregnancy and AIP data was analyzed using the chi-square test and two-tailed Fisher's exact test.Results: There was no statistical difference in the interpregnancy interval between women who had AIP vs the control group. Gravidity and parity were found to be significantly higher in the women with AIP vs the controls.Conclusions: These results suggest that a short interpregnancy interval may not increase the risk of developing AIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effects of short pregnancy spacing on maternal nutrition and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth for women in the U.S. According to the author, the use of contraception has been recommended to women and family planning providers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background: Numerous studies use birth certificate data to examine the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and maternal and perinatal health outcomes. Substantive changes from the latest birth certificate revision have implications for examining this relationship.Methods: We provide an overview of the National Vital Statistics System and recent changes to the national birth certificate data file, which have implications for assessing IPI and perinatal health outcomes. We describe the calculation of IPI using birth certificate information and related measurement issues. Missing IPI values by maternal age, race and education using 2016 birth certificate data were also compared. Finally, we review and summarise data quality studies of select covariate and outcome variables (sociodemographic, maternal health and health behaviours, and infant health) conducted after the most recent 2003 birth certificate revision.Results: Substantive changes to data collection, dissemination and quality have occurred since the 2003 revision. These changes impact IPI measurement, trends and associations with perinatal health outcomes. Missing values of IPI were highest for older ages, lower education and non-Hispanic black women. Minimal differences were found when comparing IPI using different gestational age measures. Recent data quality studies pointed to substantial variation in data quality by item and across states.Conclusion: Future studies examining the association of IPI with maternal and perinatal data using vital records should consider these aspects of the data in their research plan, sensitivity analyses and interpretation of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]