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Introduction More than 50% of pregnant women experience dizziness frequently in the first two gestational trimesters. During pregnancy, the changes in the metabolism of hormones are responsible for the ovarian cycle resulting in either peripheral or central vestibular alterations. The need for the study is to focus on the effect of changes during pregnancy on the vestibular evoked myogenic potential, an electrophysiological measure that investigates functions of the otolith structures. Objectives The aim is to investigate the vestibular evoked myogenic potential responses during the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods A total of 17 pregnant women and 17 non-pregnant women with age matched took part in this study. The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential were recorded from the ipsilateral sternocleridomastoid muscle and the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential were recorded from contralateral extraocular muscle in both groups. Results Peak to peak amplitude of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential was found to be significantly reduced in the responses obtained from first-trimester pregnant women when compared to that of non-pregnant women. Conclusions Vestibular evoked myogenic potential tests exhibits a clinically significant reduced peak to peak amplitude in the first trimester of pregnancy, which indicates dysfunction in the otolith reflex pathway.

Purpose To evaluate the clinical characteristics of intraocular hemorrhages among babies screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and thereby their additional risk to the progression of ROP. Methods A descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital, which included 108 eyes of 60 neonates who were discovered to have retinal hemorrhages on retinal screening of 540 babies at risk for ROP. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal risk factors were assessed in neonates with retinal hemorrhages. Retinal hemorrhages were assessed in terms of type, area, and relation to different retinal zones. Results Among 540 neonates who were screened, retinal hemorrhages were found in 11.2% (n = 60 babies). Elderly primigravida mothers and spontaneous vaginal deliveries with prolonged second stage of labor were a common maternal risk factors for retinal hemorrhages. Low birth weight and preterm were fetal risk factors with neonatal retinal hemorrhages. These hemorrhages were more often bilateral (no. of babies = 48, 80%). Flame-shaped hemorrhages were more common than dot and blot ones. The majority of cases (no. of eyes = 74, 65%) resolved within 4 weeks, whereas four babies (8 eyes, 7.4%) progressed to ROP were treated with laser. Conclusion Retinal hemorrhages in neonates are commonly associated with prolonged duration of second stage of labor, advanced maternal age, and anemia. Although not all progress to ROP, recognizing preterm and low birth weight babies with junctional hemorrhages is crucial not to delay the treatment. Regular follow-up until the clearance of hemorrhages and monitoring systemic conditions in these babies of amblyogenic age-group are required.

Background: To prevent post-partum hemorrhage the concept of active management of third stage of labour has been proposed which decreases the blood loss by 40-68%. The best preventive strategy is active management of the third stage of labour. The objective of the study was to study risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage and indications for caesarean section. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out among 100 women at term for a period of one year. Pregnant women who are at term i.e. at 38-39 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Detailed history, clinical examination and investigations were carried out. Results: The mean pre pregnancy BMI in study group was 22.4±3.96. The majority of patients recruited were primiparous. Socio-demographic data shows that there was no statistical difference in place of residence, occupation and level of literacy between two groups. The prevalence of anemia among women at term was found to be 43%. The most common obstetric high risk factor was gestational diabetes mellitus in 10% followed by gestational hypertension in (6%). 71% of women underwent the emergency LSCS. The most common indication for LSCS was fetal distress in 29% of cases followed by mal-presentation in 12% of cases. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia among women at term was found to be 43%. The different medical high risk factors were human immunodeficiency virus positive (asymptomatic diagnosed during pregnancy), Hepatitis B antigen positive, cardiovascular risk, hypothyroidism, epilepsy observed in the groups. Other high risk factors included asthma, Crohns disease, and systemic sclerosis.