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Rates of perinatal depression and pregnancy hyperglycemia are higher in Hispanic women as compared to non-Hispanic white women. In turn, depressive symptoms may reduce a woman's ability to engage in lifestyle changes that could reduce their subsequent diabetes risk.We conducted a secondary analysis using data from Estudio Parto to evaluate sociodemographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and medical factors associated with perinatal depressive symptoms. Estudio Parto was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Western Massachusetts from 2013 to 17. Eligible participants had pregnancy hyperglycemia. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered at 24-28 weeks gestation and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. An EPDS cutpoint of 10 or greater defined the presence of depressive symptoms.In this sample of Puerto Rican women with pregnancy hyperglycemia, 32% and 27% showed prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms, respectively. Among participants, 35.5% were diagnosed with GDM, 44.3% with isolated hyperglycemia, and 20.2% with impaired glucose tolerance. In multivariable models, being unmarried (OR 3.87; 95% CI 1.51-9.94), prenatal substance use (smoking or alcohol consumption; OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.41-6.18), and maternal age (1.11 for each year; 95% CI 1.04-1.18) were associated with higher odds of prenatal depressive symptoms. None of the risk factors were associated with subsequent postpartum depression in adjusted analyses.Identifying factors associated with prenatal and postpartum depression in Puerto Rican women with pregnancy hyperglycemia can inform targeted lifestyle interventions in this at-risk group, increase the likely adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors, and thereby work to address health disparities.gov NCT01679210; date of registration 08/07/2012.

BACKGROUND Upwards of one in seven individuals experience perinatal depression and many individuals cannot access treatment. In response, perinatal depression is increasingly being managed in the obstetric setting. This study aimed to characterize the experiences of clinicians and clinician assistants to inform the extent to which clinician assistants can help address depression in obstetric settings. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis used data from an ongoing cluster randomized control trial: The PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM). Participants included clinicians (physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners) and clinician assistants (medical assistants, nursing assistants). Baseline data regarding practices and attitudes of clinicians and clinician assistants toward addressing depression in the obstetric setting were described. Logistic regressions were used to examine the association of clinician time to complete work and depression management. RESULTS Clinician assistants experienced significantly fewer time constraints than did clinicians. However, having adequate time to complete work was not significantly associated with increased depression management in clinicians. Clinician assistants reported feeling that addressing depression is an important part of their job, despite variation in doing so. CONCLUSION Clinician assistants are interacting with perinatal women extensively and are a vital part of obstetric care workflows. Clinician assistants report that they want to address depression and have time to do so. Thus, clinician assistants may be poised to help address the mental health needs of perinatal individuals.

Trauma is common among those seeking Ob-Gyn care and may have pervasive impact on obstetrical and gynecological health, social functioning, and healthcare engagement. While guidelines exist on the detection and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders within Ob-Gyn care, the role of Ob-gyn clinicians in identifying and addressing patients' traumatic experiences and related symptoms is less clearly delineated. This manuscript provides an overview of trauma-related symptoms in the context of Ob-Gyn care and practical guidance of clinicians aiming to improve their detection and response to trauma in their clinical practice.Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) describes a psychiatric illness which develops as a response to a traumatic event. Women who have experienced trauma are also at increased risk for borderline personality disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities. Postpartum PTSD has particular relevance to obstetrical care.Screening for trauma in Ob-Gyn care can provide an opportunity to address risk and offer targeted intervention. Several brief evidence-based screening tools are available. Individuals who screen positive require assessment of immediate safety and targeted referrals. Trauma informed care describes an approach to healthcare aimed to enhance physical and emotional safety for patients and clinicians.Given the prevalence and the potentially devastating and enduring impact of trauma and trauma-related symptoms, there is a critical need to address trauma within Ob-Gyn care. By recognizing the signs of trauma and initiating or referring to appropriate treatments, Ob-Gyn clinicians have a unique opportunity to better understand their patients and to improve their care.

Background Depression is the most commonly diagnosed medical condition among women veterans ages 18 to 44; however, depression symptoms occurring during pregnancy have not been well-studied in this population. Methods Pregnant veterans were recruited from 15 Veterans Health Administration sites across the United States; our sample included 501 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, military service, health status, and pregnancy related factors, as well as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), were collected as part of a telephone survey. Additional data were obtained from electronic health record data. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine factors associated with an EPDS score suggestive of clinically significant depressive symptoms (≥10). Findings Prenatal EPDS scores of 10 or greater were calculated for 28% of our sample. Our final model indicated that factors associated with decreased odds of an EPDS score of 10 or greater included spousal or partner support during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–0.77) and employment (aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24–0.67). A past diagnosis of anxiety (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.43–4.50), past antidepressant use (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.71–6.24), and active duty service (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.08–3.37) were associated with increased odds of having an EPDS score of 10 or greater. Conclusions This is the first quantitative estimate of depression symptoms in pregnant veterans across multiple Veterans Affairs facilities. The prevalence of depression symptomology was greater than the high end of prevalence estimates in the general pregnant population. Given that the risk of depression increases during the postpartum period, women who can be identified with depressive symptomatology during pregnancy can be offered critical resources and support before giving birth.

To describe national, state-specific, and sociodemographic trends in diagnoses of depressive disorders recorded during delivery hospitalizations.Data were analyzed from the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2015) and 31 publicly available State Inpatient Databases (2000-2015) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Delivery hospitalizations were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic and procedure codes for obstetric delivery. Depressive disorders were identified from ICD-9-CM diagnoses codes classified as depressive disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (291.89, 292.84, 293.83, 296.2-296.26, 296.3-296.36, 300.4, and 311). Prevalence rates and average annual rate change were calculated nationally and across 28 states with at least 3 years of data and age, payer source, and race or ethnicity.The U.S. rate of depressive disorders recorded during delivery hospitalizations increased from 4.1 diagnoses per 1,000 hospitalizations in 2000 to 28.7 in 2015. Rates significantly increased in 27 of the 28 states. Recent (2014-2015) rates were lowest in Hawaii and Nevada (less than 14/1,000) and highest in Vermont, Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin (greater than 49/1,000). Rates in 2015 were highest among those aged 35 years or older, public insurance recipients, and non-Hispanic white women (greater than 31/1,000). The highest annual rate increases were in Vermont and Maine (3.8/1,000 or greater). Non-Hispanic white women, those 35 years of age or older, and public insurance recipients showed the highest annual rate increases during 2000-2015 (1.7/1,000 or greater).During 2000-2015, rates of depressive disorders recorded during delivery hospitalizations increased nationally, in 27 states with available data, and across all sociodemographic categories.

This systematic review searched 4 databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsychINFO) and identified 21 articles eligible to evaluate the extent to which interventions that integrate depression care into outpatient obstetric practice are feasible, effective, acceptable, and sustainable. Despite limitations among the available studies including marked heterogeneity, there is evidence supporting feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability. In general, this is an emerging field with promise that requires additional research. Critical to its real-world success will be consideration for practice workflow and logistics, and sustainability through novel reimbursement mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the risk of postpartum hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits among U.S. women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). METHODS: We used the 2002–2012 Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal Data System and identified deliveries to women with and without IDD. Women with IDD (n=1,104) or case subjects were identified from the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 9th Revision (ICD-9 CM) codes. The study primary outcome measures were any postpartum hospital admission and any ED visit during three critical postpartum periods (1–42 days, 43–90 days, and 1–365 days). We conducted unadjusted and adjusted survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard models to compare the occurrence of first hospital admission or ED visits between women with and without IDD. RESULTS: We found that women with IDD had markedly higher rates of postpartum hospital admissions and ED visits during the critical postpartum periods (within 1–42 days, 43–90 days and 91–365 days) after a childbirth. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Given the heightened risk of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes and the findings of this study, there is an urgent need for clinical guidelines related to the frequency and timing of postpartum care among new mothers with IDD. Further, this study provides evidence of the need for evidence-based interventions for new mothers with IDD to provide preventive care and routine assessments that would identify and manage complications for both the mother and the infant outside of the traditional postpartum health care framework.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions encountered by women of reproductive age. When left untreated, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can have profound adverse effects on women and their children, ranging from increased risk of poor adherence to medical care, exacerbation of medical conditions, loss of interpersonal and financial resources, smoking and substance use, suicide, and infanticide. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are associated with increased risks of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and are recognized as a significant patient safety issue. In 2015, the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care convened an interdisciplinary work group to develop an evidence-based patient safety bundle to address maternal mental health. The focus of this bundle is perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The bundle is modeled after other bundles released by the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care and provides broad direction for incorporating perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, intervention, referral, and follow-up into maternity care practice across health care settings. This commentary provides information to assist with bundle implementation.

Study Objective To determine whether complications during pregnancy or at delivery influence postpartum contraception choices and rapid repeat pregnancy rates in adolescent women. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures This retrospective cohort study included 321 adolescents delivering at UMASS Memorial Healthcare. Complications during pregnancy and delivery along with subsequent contraception use were investigated. Postpartum contraception choice (long-acting reversible contraception [LARC] vs non-LARC) at either delivery, hospitalization discharge, or at postpartum outpatient appointment, and rapid repeat pregnancy rate (pregnancy confirmed within 12 months of index delivery), were analyzed according to pregnancy complications. Comparisons were made with χ 2 and Fisher exact tests for categorical variables, and with Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. Results Of the study population, 27.7% (n = 89/321) used LARC in the postpartum period. The LARC and non-LARC patient populations differed significantly regarding history of abortion ( P = .029), with no differences in obstetric complications between the groups. Of the population, 16.6% (n = 53/320) became pregnant again within 1 year of their index delivery. Those with a rapid repeat pregnancy had significantly increased gravidity ( P = .002), parity ( P = .003), number of previous spontaneous or therapeutic abortions ( P = .026); they were also more like to have nonlive birth as a complication ( P = .028), compared with those without repeat pregnancy. No other obstetrical complications were statistically significantly different between the compared groups. Conclusion Obstetrical complications seem to have little effect on postpartum contraception choice or repeat pregnancy rate with the notable exception of nonlive birth being associated with rapid repeat pregnancy.

Half of US pregnancies are unintended. Understanding risk factors is important for reducing unintended pregnancy rates.We examined a novel risk factor for unintended pregnancies, impulsivity. We hypothesized that non-planning impulsivity, but not motor or attentional impulsivity, would be related to pregnancy intention.Pregnant women (N = 116) completed self-report measures during their second or third trimester. Impulsivity was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-15); subscales measured motor, attentional and non-planning impulsivity (subscale range: 5-20). On each subscale, high impulsivity was indicated by a score of ≥11. Pregnancy intention was assessed by asking women whether they were trying to become pregnant at the time of conception (yes or no). Crude and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models estimated the cross-sectional association between impulsivity and unplanned pregnancy.Thirty-four percent of women reported that their current pregnancy was unplanned, and 32% had high non-planning impulsivity. Fifty-one percent of women with high non-planning impulsivity reported an unplanned pregnancy versus 25% of women with low impulsivity. Women with high non-planning impulsivity had 3.53 times the odds of unplanned pregnancy compared to women with low non-planning impulsivity (adjusted OR =3.53, 95% CI: 1.23-10.14). Neither motor (adjusted OR =0.55, 95% CI: 0.10-2.90) nor attentional (adjusted OR =0.84, 95% CI: 0.25-2.84) impulsivity were related to pregnancy intentionality.High non-planning impulsivity may be a risk factor for unplanned pregnancy. Further research should explore whether increasing the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives or integrating if-then planning into contraceptive counseling among women with higher non-planning impulsivity can lower unplanned pregnancy rates.

Background Care during pregnancy is multifaceted and often goes beyond traditional prenatal care from an obstetrical care provider. Coordinating care between multiple providers can be challenging, but is beneficial for providers and patients. Care coordination is associated with decreased costs, greater patient satisfaction, and a reduction in medical errors. To our knowledge, no previous review has examined maternity care coordination (MCC) programs and their association with pregnancy outcomes. Methods Using a search algorithm comprised of relevant MCC terminology, studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov , and Google Scholar. Studies meeting eligibility criteria (e.g., defining the care coordination components and examining at least one quantitative outcome) were fully abstracted and quality rated using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Main Findings Thirty-three observational studies of MCC were included in this review. Quality scores ranged from 27% to 100%. Most studies included strategies with a team approach to decision making and/or individual case management. Social service referrals to outside organizations were also common. Twenty-seven studies reported infant birth weight as a main outcome; 12 found a significant improvement in birth weights among care coordination participants. Conclusions Roughly one-third of the included studies reported improved birth weights among care coordination participants. However, it remains unknown what effect care coordination strategies have on patient and provider satisfaction in the prenatal care setting, two aspects of maternity care that may advance the quality and utilization of prenatal health services.

To evaluate the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism after gynecologic surgery by mode of incision.We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent gynecologic surgery from May 2006 to June 2015 at two tertiary care academic hospitals in Massachusetts. Billing and diagnosis codes were used to identify surgeries and cases of venous thromboembolism.A total of 43,751 surgical encounters among 37,485 individual patients were noted during the study. The overall incidence of venous thromboembolism is 0.2% for all gynecologic surgeries, 0.7% for hysterectomy, and 0.2% for myomectomy. Compared with patients undergoing laparotomy, patients who underwent minimally invasive gynecologic surgery were less likely to develop venous thromboembolism (laparoscopy risk ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.37; vaginal surgery risk ratio 0.07, 95% CI 0.04-0.12). This effect persisted when data were adjusted for other known venous thromboembolism risk factors such as age, race, cancer, medical comorbidities, use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, admission status, and surgical time.Minimally invasive surgery is associated with a decreased risk of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery, including hysterectomy and myomectomy. Although society guidelines and risk assessment tools do not currently account for mode of surgery when assessing venous thromboembolism risk and recommendations for prevention, there is a small but growing body of evidence in both general and gynecologic surgery literature that surgical approach affects a patient's risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism. Mode of surgery should be considered when assessing venous thromboembolism risk and planning venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for patients undergoing gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the utilization and quality assessment of a population-based program to help health care providers address mental health and substance use disorders among pregnant and postpartum women, the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms (MCPAP for Moms). METHOD: The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms builds health care providers’ capacity to address perinatal mental health and substance use disorders through: 1) trainings and toolkits; 2) telephonic access to perinatal psychiatric consultation; and, 3) facilitating referral to community resources. Clinical encounter data were collected during telephone consultations. Focus groups were conducted with health care providers and staff from enrolled practices. In-depth interviews were conducted with patients served by the practices that participated in the focus groups. Transcribed interviews were analyzed by two researchers using an iterative, interpretive process with a grounded theory framework. RESULTS: In the first 3.5 years, MCPAP for Moms enrolled 145 obstetric practices, conducted 145 trainings for 1,174 health care providers, and served 3,699 women. Of telephone consultations provided, 42% were with obstetric providers–midwives and 16% with psychiatrists. Health care providers perceived that MCPAP for Moms facilitates health care providers detecting and addressing depression and women disclosing symptoms, seeking help, and initiating treatment. Obstetric practices reported that they need additional support to more proactively address and further improve depression care. CONCLUSION: The high volume of encounters, sustained utilization over 3.5 years, and qualitative themes identified from health care providers and patients demonstrate that MCPAP for Moms is a feasible, acceptable, and sustainable approach to increasing access to evidence-based treatments for perinatal mental health and substance use disorders on a population-based level.

Background Perinatal depression, the most common pregnancy complication, is associated with negative maternal-offspring outcomes. Despite existence of effective treatments, it is under-recognized and under-treated. Professional organizations recommend universal screening, yet multi-level barriers exist to ensuring effective diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Integrating mental health and obstetric care holds significant promise for addressing perinatal depression. The overall study goal is to compare the effectiveness of two active interventions: (1) the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms, a state-wide, population-based program, and (2) the PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM) which includes MCPAP for Moms plus a proactive, multifaceted, practice-level intervention with intensive implementation support. Methods This study is conducted in two phases: (1) a run-in phase which has been completed and involved practice and patient participant recruitment to demonstrate feasibility for the second phase, and (2) a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is ongoing, and will compare two active interventions 1:1 with ten Ob/Gyn practices as the unit of randomization. In phase 1, rates of depressive symptoms and other demographic and clinical features among patients were examined to inform practice randomization. Patient participants to be recruited in phase 2 will be followed longitudinally until 13 months postpartum; they will have 3–5 total study visits depending on whether their initial recruitment and interview was at 4–24 or 32–40 weeks gestation, or 1–3 months postpartum. Sampling throughout pregnancy and postpartum will ensure participants with different depressive symptom onset times. Differences in depression symptomatology and treatment participation will be compared between patient participants by intervention arm. Discussion This manuscript describes the full two-phase study protocol. The study design is innovative because it combines effectiveness with implementation research designs and integrates critical components of participatory action research. Our approach assesses the feasibility, acceptance, efficacy, and sustainability of integrating a stepped-care approach to perinatal depression care into ambulatory obstetric settings; an approach that is flexible and can be tailored and adapted to fit unique workflows of real-world practices. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02760004, registered prospectively on May 3, 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2387-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PURPOSE: To elucidate: 1) the challenges associated with under-recognition of bipolar disorder in obstetric settings; 2) barriers pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder face when trying to access psychiatric care; and, 3) how obstetric settings can identify of such women and connect them with mental health services. METHODS: Structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 pregnant and postpartum women recruited from obstetric practices who scored ≥ 10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and met DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder I, II or not otherwise specified using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics. Interviews were transcribed, and resulting data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Most participants (n=19, 79.17%) did not have a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder documented in their medical records nor had received referral for treatment during pregnancy (n=15, 60%). Of participants receiving pharmacotherapy (n=14, 58.33%), most were treated with an antidepressant alone (n=10, 71.42%). Most medication was prescribed by an obstetric (n=4, 28.57%) or primary care provider (n=7, 50%). Qualitative interviews indicated that participants want their obstetric practices to proactively screen for, discuss, and help them obtain mental health treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Women face challenges in securing mental health treatment appropriate to their bipolar illness. Obstetric providers provide the bulk of medical care for these women and need supports in place to: 1) better recognize bipolar disorder 2) avoid inappropriate prescribing practices for women with undiagnosed bipolar disorder; and, 3) ensure women are referred to specialized treatment when needed.

This pilot study was designed to inform a larger effectiveness trial by: (1) assessing the feasibility of the PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM) and our study procedures; and, (2) determining the extent to which PRISM as compared to an active comparison group, the Massachusetts Child Access Psychiatry Program (MCPAP) for Moms alone, improves depression among perinatal women.Four practices were randomized to either PRISM or MCPAP for Moms alone, a state-wide telephonic perinatal psychiatry program. PRISM includes MCPAP for Moms plus implementation assistance with local champions, training, and implementation of office prompts and procedures to enhance depression screening, assessment and treatment. Patients with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scales (EPDS) ≥ 10 were recruited during pregnancy, and completed the EPDS and a structured interview at baseline and 3-12 weeks' postpartum.Among MCPAP for Moms alone practices, patients' (n = 9) EPDS scores improved from 15.22 to 10.11 (p = 0.010), whereas in PRISM practices patients' (n = 21) EPDS scores improved from 13.57 to 6.19 (p = 0.001); the between groups difference-of-differences was 2.27 (p = 0.341).PRISM was beneficial for patients, clinicians, and support staff. Both PRISM and MCPAP for Moms alone improve depression symptom severity and the percentage of women with an EPDS10. The improvement difference between groups was not statistically significant due to limited power associated with small sample size.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions encountered by women of reproductive age. When left untreated, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can have profound adverse effects on women and their children, ranging from increased risk of poor adherence to medical care, exacerbation of medical conditions, loss of interpersonal and financial resources, smoking and substance use, suicide, and infanticide. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are associated with increased risks of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and are recognized as a significant patient safety issue. In 2015, the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care convened an interdisciplinary workgroup to develop an evidence-based patient safety bundle to address maternal mental health. The focus of this bundle is perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The bundle is modeled after other bundles released by the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care and provides broad direction for incorporating perinatal mood and anxiety disorder screening, intervention, referral, and follow-up into maternity care practice across health care settings. This commentary provides information to assist with bundle implementation.

Objectives To examine clinical and demographic characteristics associated with availability of self-reported and measured pre-pregnancy weight, differences in these parameters, and characteristics associated with self-report accuracy. Methods Retrospective cohort of 7483 women who delivered at a large academic medical center between 2011 and 2014. Measured pre-pregnancy weights recorded within a year of conception and self-reported pre-pregnancy weights reported anytime during pregnancy were abstracted from electronic medical records. Difference in weights was calculated as self-reported minus measured pre-pregnancy weight. Logistic and linear regression models estimated associations between demographic and clinical characteristics, and presence of self-reported and measured weights, and weight differences. Results 42.2% of women had both self-reported and measured pre-pregnancy weight, 49.7% had only self-reported, and 2.8% had only measured. Compared to white women, black women and women of other races/ethnicities were less likely to have self-reported weight, and black, Asian, and Hispanic women, and women of other races/ethnicities were less likely to have measured weights. For 85%, pre-pregnancy BMI categorized by self-reported and measured weights were concordant. Primiparas and multiparas were more likely to underreport their weight compared to nulliparas (b = -1.32 lbs, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.41 lbs and b = -2.74 lbs, 95% CI -3.82 to -1.67 lbs, respectively). Discussion Utilization of self-reported or measured pre-pregnancy weight for pre-pregnancy BMI classification results in identical categorization for the majority of women. Providers may wish to account for underreporting for patients with a BMI close to category cutoff by recommending a range of gestational weight gain that falls within recommendations for both categories where feasible.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship of caste and class with perceived discrimination among pregnant women from rural western India. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 170 pregnant women in rural Gujarat, India, who were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study. The Everyday Discrimination Scale and the Experiences of Discrimination questionnaires were used to assess perceived discrimination and response to discrimination. Based on self-report caste, women were classified into three categories with increasing historical disadvantage: General, Other Backward Castes (OBC), and Scheduled Caste or Tribes (SC/ST). Socioeconomic class was determined using the standardized Kuppuswamy scale. Regression models for count and binomial data were used to examine association of caste and class with experience of discrimination and response to discrimination. Sixty-eight percent of women experienced discrimination. After adjusting for confounders, there was a consistent trend and association of discrimination with caste but not class. In comparison to General Caste, lower caste (OBC, SC/ST) women were more likely to (1) experience discrimination (OBC OR: 2.2, SC/ST: 4.1; p trend: 0.01); (2) have a greater perceived discrimination score (OBC IRR: 1.3, SC/ST: 1.5; p trend: 0.07); (3) accept discrimination (OBC OR: 6.4, SC/ST: 7.6; p trend

We explored whether a woman’s perceptions of the appropriateness of her gestational weight gain (GWG) in her most recent prior pregnancy was associated with the altered weight gain in her current pregnancy. Parous pregnant women reported GWG in their most recent previous pregnancy and their perceptions of the appropriateness of this gain. GWG from the current pregnancy was abstracted from the obstetric records. On average, women (N = 57) were 29.8 (SD: 4.4) years old and 24.5 (SD: 6.5) weeks of gestation; 28% were overweight and 16% were obese before the current pregnancy. The median differences in the GWG across the pregnancies was −5 pounds (inter-quartile range [IQR]: −24,+2) for the women who thought their previous GWG was too much, +1 pounds (IQR: −10,+8) for the women who thought they gained the right amount, and +10 pounds (IQR: +5,+18) for the women who thought they gained too little. Further research is needed to understand how perceptions about previous GWG influences weight gain during subsequent pregnancies.

Chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes mellitus, history of prior preeclampsia and obese nulliparity are maternal conditions associated with increased preeclampsia risk. Whether altered maternal angiogenic factor levels allow for prediction of pending disease is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate angiogenic factors for early preeclampsia prediction in high-risk women.Serial serum specimens were collected from 157 women at high preeclampsia risk and 50 low-risk controls between 23 and 36 weeks gestation in 3 windows (23-27.6, 28-31.6, and 32-35.6 weeks) in a two-center observational cohort. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1), placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble endoglin (sEng) were measured by ELISA.Multivariate parsimonious logistic regression analyses using backward elimination for prediction of early-preeclampsia (diagnosed 34 weeks) found the best-fitting model included the predictors (1) sFlt1 measured in the second window (28-31.6 weeks) with AUC 0.85, sensitivity 67% and specificity 96% and (2) sFlt1 measured in the first window (23-27.6 weeks) and sEng change between first and second window with AUC 0.91, sensitivity 86% and specificity 96%.Two-stage sampling screening protocol utilizing sFlt1 and sEng is promising for prediction of preeclampsia diagnosed before 34 weeks. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Objective to examine whether, among parous women, adherence to gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations in the most recent previous pregnancy is associated with adherence to GWG recommendations in the current pregnancy. Design retrospective cohort study. Setting review of labour and delivery records from a Massachusetts tertiary-care centre. Participants 1,325 women who delivered two consecutive singletons from April 2006 to March 2010. Measurements pre-pregnancy weight status and adherence to GWG recommendations were categorised using 1990 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Analyses were stratified by weight status before the second pregnancy. Findings 56% and 46% of women gained more than 1990 IOM recommendations during the first and second of consecutive pregnancies; 57% gained within the same adherence category in both pregnancies. Excessive GWG during the first pregnancy was strongly associated with excessive gain during the second pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=5.4 [95% CI: 1.7–16.4] for underweight, 3.7 [95% CI: 2.4–5.5] for normal weight, 3.0 [95% CI: 1.2–7.6] for overweight, and 5.3 [95% CI: 2.4–11.7] for obese women). Inadequate gain in the first of consecutive pregnancies was strongly associated with subsequent inadequate GWG for underweight women (AOR=13.7; 95% CI: 3.9–48.0), normal weight women (AOR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.7–5.1), and obese women (AOR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.4–9.3). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses using IOM 2009 guidelines. Key conclusions adherence to GWG recommendations in consecutive pregnancies is highly concordant. Implications for practice consideration of GWG during previous pregnancies may facilitate discussions about GWG during prenatal care.

Objective Only 9 % of women with young children consume a high quality diet. The association between sleep duration and health may be U-shaped. We examined diet quality in relation to sleep duration among US women within 5 years of childbirth. Methods Data were from non-pregnant women aged 20-44 years within 5 years of childbirth who completed two 24-h dietary recalls (N = 896) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2012. Self-reported weekday/workday sleep duration was categorized as short (≤6 h), adequate (7-8 h), or long (≥9 h). The Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010, range 0-100) estimated overall and components of diet quality. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models estimated the association between sleep duration and diet quality, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and education. Results Thirty-four percent of women reported short, 57.1 % adequate, and 8.6 % long sleep duration. The average diet quality total score was 47.4 out of 100. Short sleep duration was not associated with diet quality. Long sleep duration was associated with lower quality diet (β = -4.3; 95 % CI -8.1 to -0.4), lower consumption of total fruit (β = -0.7; 95 % CI -1.3 to -0.1), whole fruit (β = -0.9; 95 % CI -1.6 to -0.2), and total protein (β = -0.7; 95 % CI -1.3 to -0.03), and higher consumption of empty calories (β = 2.2; 95 % CI -4.3 to -0.1). Conclusions for practice Future studies should examine the longitudinal association between sleep duration and diet quality among women following childbirth and whether interventions to improve sleep can enhance diet quality.

Objective: To identify core barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression and review clinical, programmatic, and system level interventions that may optimize perinatal depression treatment. Method: Eighty-four MEDLINE/PubMed searches were conducted using the terms perinatal depression, postpartum depression, antenatal depression, and prenatal depression in association with 21 other terms. Of 7768 papers yielded in the search, we identified 49 papers on barriers and facilitators, and 17 papers on interventions in obstetric settings aimed to engage women and/or providers in treatment. Results: Barriers include stigma, lack of obstetric provider training, lack of resources and limited access to mental health treatment. Facilitators include validating and empowering women during interactions with health care providers, obstetric provider and staff training, standardized screening and referral processes, and improved mental health resources. Conclusion: Specific clinical, program, and system level changes are recommended to help change the culture of obstetric care settings to optimize depression treatment.

Objective: To explore perinatal health care professionals’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression. Background: Perinatal depression is common and associated with deleterious effects on mother, foetus, child and family. Although the regular contact between mothers and perinatal health care professionals may make the obstetric setting ideal for addressing depression, barriers persist, and depression remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Methods: Four 90-minute focus groups were conducted with perinatal health care professionals, including obstetric resident and attending physicians, licensed independent practitioners, nurses, patient care assistants, social workers and administrative support staff. Focus groups were transcribed, and resulting data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Results: Participants identified patient-, provider- and system-level barriers and facilitators to addressing perinatal depression. Provider-level barriers included lack of ...

To evaluate soluble endoglin (sEng) and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio for the prediction of preeclampsia in high-risk women, and to evaluate differences in sEng between women with high-risk singleton and multiple gestation pregnancies.We collected serial serum specimens from 119 women at high preeclampsia risk. sEng, sFlt1 and PlGF were measured by ELISA.Among subjects who did not develop preeclampsia, mean serum sEng was significantly higher in those with multiple gestation pregnancies vs. high-risk singletons. Among women with singleton gestations, mean serum sEng was higher in subjects who developed early-onset (34 weeks) and late-onset (or= 34 weeks) preeclampsia, as compared with subjects without preeclampsia, from 22 weeks and 28 weeks gestation onward, respectively. The within-woman rate of change of sEng was also higher in women who later developed preeclampsia.sEng is higher in women with multiple gestations vs. high-risk singleton pregnancies. In high-risk women, serum sEng is increased prior to preeclampsia onset.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate body mass index (BMI)-specific gestational weight gain recommendations and frequency of weight and gestational weight gain discussions and documentation. METHODS: Medical record review of 477 randomly selected patients who met inclusion criteria and who received care in faculty and resident clinics at a central Massachusetts tertiary care center. Patients started prenatal care at or before 14 weeks of gestation and delivered between April 2007 and March 2008. RESULTS: Our patients were mean (±standard deviation) 27.8 (±6.3) years, 69.8% multiparous, 45.3% white, 10.5% black, and 15.9% Hispanic. Mean gestational age at initial visit was 9.6 (±2.1) weeks and mean prenatal visits attended were 12.6 (±2.7). Using prenatal chart data alone, BMI was not calculable for 41.2% of patients due to missing height (27.7%), prepregnancy weight (27.9%), or both (14.5%). In the total sample, documentation was missing with regard to BMI (95.4%), gestational weight gain (85.3%), gestational weight gain goals (90.1%), and discussion of weight (88.9%). Supplemental data were obtained to calculate prepregnancy BMI for 469 patients. Per 1990 (BMI at least 26.1) and 2009 (BMI at least 25.0) guidelines, 42% and 49% of patients were overweight or obese, respectively, before pregnancy. Analysis of actual gestational weight gain by BMI revealed that 76% of overweight and 65% of obese patients gained excessively. CONCLUSION: Prenatal care providers should include recording height and weight to calculate BMI and to provide BMI-specific gestational weight gain guidelines.

We surveyed overweight or obese women receiving prenatal care for a singleton pregnancy at a large academic medical center in 2010. During late pregnancy, women reported pregnancy intentionality and pre-conception weight counseling. Participants (N = 82) had a mean age of 29.7 (SD: 6.3) years, 61% were non-Hispanic white, 47% were nulliparous. Before pregnancy, 45% were overweight and 55% were obese. Forty-eight percent reported that the current pregnancy was planned. Of these women, 36% reported a pre-conception visit. Of these, 29% reported pre-conception weight counseling (5% of sample). Unrealized opportunities exist in the clinical setting for promoting weight management during the childbearing years.

Background Prenatal care provider weight gain advice consistent with the Institute of Medicine recommendations is related to guideline-adherent gestational weight gain (GWG), yet many women may not receive guideline-congruent advice. We examined pregnant women's recall of prenatal care provider GWG advice in relation to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of women (n = 149) receiving prenatal care for a singleton pregnancy at a large academic medical center in 2010. Data were collected via a survey during late pregnancy and medical record abstraction. Results Thirty-three percent of women did not recall receiving the provider GWG advice; 33 percent recalled advice consistent with 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Recalled advice differed by prepregnancy BMI; 29 percent of normal weight, 26 percent of overweight, and 45 percent of obese women reported not receiving advice, and 6, 37, and 39 percent, respectively, recalled advice exceeding Institute of Medicine recommendations. Among the 62 percent who recalled that their provider had labeled their prepregnancy BMI, 100 percent of normal weight, 32 percent of overweight, and 23 percent of obese women recalled the labels “normal weight,” “overweight,” and “obese,” respectively. Conclusions Helping providers give their patients memorable and guideline-consistent GWG advice is an actionable step toward preventing excessive GWG and associated maternal and child health consequences.

We examined pregnant women's interest in using a website or mobile application to help them gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. Pregnant women (N = 64) completed a short questionnaire during routine prenatal care at hospital-based obstetric clinics in central Massachusetts during April–August 2012. Eighty-six percent reported interest in using a website or mobile application to help them gain a healthy amount of weight; interest ranged from 67% to 100% across demographics, clinical characteristics, and technology use. The Internet is a promising modality for delivering interventions to prevent excessive gestational weight gain and associated maternal and child health consequences.

Background Diabetes and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. with rates consistently higher among Hispanics as compared to non-Hispanic whites. Among Hispanic women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 50% will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years of the index pregnancy. Although randomised controlled trials among adults with impaired glucose tolerance have shown that diet and physical activity reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, such programs have not been tested in high-risk postpartum women. The overall goal of this randomised controlled trial is to test the efficacy of a culturally and linguistically modified, individually-tailored lifestyle intervention to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among postpartum Hispanic women with a history of abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Methods/Design Hispanic pregnant women who screen positive for GDM will be recruited and randomly assigned to a Lifestyle Intervention (n = 150) or a Health & Wellness (control) Intervention (n = 150). Multimodal contacts (i.e., in-person, telephone, and mailed materials) will be used to deliver the intervention from late pregnancy (29 weeks gestation) to 12 months postpartum. Targets of the intervention are to achieve Institute of Medicine Guidelines for postpartum weight loss; American Congress of Obstetrician and Gynecologist guidelines for physical activity; and American Diabetes Association guidelines for diet. The intervention draws from Social Cognitive Theory and the Transtheoretical Model and addresses the specific cultural and environmental challenges faced by low-income Hispanic women. Assessments will be conducted at enrollment, and at 6-weeks, 6-months, and 12-months postpartum by trained bicultural and bilingual personnel blinded to the intervention arm. Efficacy will be assessed via postpartum weight loss and biomarkers of insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. Changes in physical activity and diet will be measured via 7-day actigraph data and three unannounced 24-hour dietary recalls at each assessment time period. Discussion Hispanic women are the fastest growing minority group in the U.S. and have the highest rates of sedentary behavior and postpartum diabetes after a diagnosis of GDM. This randomised trial uses a high-reach, low-cost strategy that can readily be translated into clinical practice in underserved and minority populations. Trial registration NCT01679210

To compare classification of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) using self-reported pre-pregnancy weight versus weight measured at the first prenatal visit. Retrospective cohort of 307 women receiving prenatal care at the faculty and resident obstetric clinics at a Massachusetts tertiary-care center. Eligible women initiated prenatal care prior to 14 weeks gestation and delivered singleton infants between April 2007 and March 2008. On average, self-reported weight was 4 pounds lighter than measured weight at the first prenatal visit (SD 7.2 pounds; range: 19 pounds lighter to 35 pounds heavier). Using self-reported pre-pregnancy weight to calculate pre-pregnancy BMI, 4.2 % of women were underweight, 48.9 % were normal weight, 25.4 % were overweight, and 21.5 % were obese. Using weight measured at first prenatal visit, these were 3.6, 45.3, 26.4, and 24.8 %, respectively. Classification of pre-pregnancy BMI was concordant for 87 % of women (weighted kappa = 0.86; 95 % CI 0.81–0.90). Women gained an average of 32.1 pounds (SD 18.0 pounds) during pregnancy. Of the 13 % of the sample with discrepant BMI classification, 74 % gained within the same adherence category when comparing weight gain to Institute of Medicine recommendations. For the vast majority of women, self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and measured weight at first prenatal visit resulted in identical classification of pre-pregnancy BMI. In absence of measured pre-pregnancy weight, we recommend that providers calculate both values and discuss discrepancies with their pregnant patients, as significant weight loss or gain during the first trimester may indicate a need for additional oversight with potential intervention.

Background Cesarean sections are the most common surgical procedure for women in the United States. Of the over 4 million births a year, one in three are now delivered in this manner and the risk adjusted prevalence rates appear to vary by race and ethnicity. However, data from individual studies provides limited or contradictory information on race and ethnicity as an independent predictor of delivery mode, precluding accurate generalizations. This study sought to assess the extent to which primary, unscheduled cesarean deliveries and their indications vary by race/ethnicity in one academic medical center. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted of 4,483 nulliparous women with term, singleton, and vertex presentation deliveries at a major academic medical center between 2006–2011. Cases with medical conditions, risk factors, or pregnancy complications that can contribute to increased cesarean risk or contraindicate vaginal birth were excluded. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate differences in delivery mode and caesarean indications among racial and ethnic groups. Results The overall rate of cesarean delivery in our cohort was 16.7%. Compared to White women, Black and Asian women had higher rates of cesarean delivery than spontaneous vaginal delivery, (adjusted odds ratio {AOR}: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.91, and AOR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.17, respectively). Black women were also more likely, compared to White women, to undergo cesarean for fetal distress and indications diagnosed in the first stage as compared to the second stage of labor. Conclusions Racial and ethnic differences in delivery mode and indications for cesareans exist among low-risk nulliparas at our institution. These differences may be best explained by examining the variation in clinical decisions that indicate fetal distress and failure to progress at the hospital-level.

To assess women's knowledge, concerns, and willingness for adjunct high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing before and after an educational intervention.At the time of their annual gynecologic examination, women aged 30 years and older received an educational intervention about HR-HPV. Subjects completed preintervention and postintervention questionnaires. Demographic characteristics were summarized using frequency measures. Comparisons between the pre-education and posteducation questionnaires were performed using Fisher exact test.Fifty women completed the study. After the educational intervention, 77% of women were willing to be tested for HR-HPV. Sixty-seven percent of women would be likely to return for their annual gynecologic examination even if a Pap smear was not required for 3 years. Education statistically reduced concern regarding a positive HR-HPV result with 60% pre-education and 27% posteducation very concerned (p =.002). When surveyed about what their concerns would be if tested positive for HR-HPV, women associate future cervical cancer diagnosis (38% pre-education vs 48% posteducation, p =.903) but not partner infidelity (0%) with testing positive for HR-HPV. Knowledge concerning HPV, cervical cancer, and cervical cancer screening was statistically improved after the educational intervention in all but 2 questions.Women 30 years and older are willing to have adjunct HR-HPV testing, with education reducing their degree of concern about testing positive. Women who test positive would be most concerned about getting cervical cancer. Women would be willing to return for yearly gynecologic examinations, even if a Pap smear was not needed for 3 years. Education improves women's knowledge of HPV, cervical cancer, and cervical cancer screening, but did not allay the concern for getting cervical cancer.