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INTRODUCTION: Addressing persistent racial inequities in preterm birth requires innovative health care approaches. The Los Angeles County Maternity Assessment and Management Access Service Synergy Neighborhood program (MAMAs) is a perinatal medical home program designed to alleviate the impacts of chronic stress by addressing social determinants of health. It reduced odds of preterm birth rates in Black participants, yet it is unclear which program components most contributed to this reduction. This study seeks to understand the experiences of staff and clients within the MAMAs program to identify what factors decrease stress, how the program addresses racism and the challenges and opportunities of optimizing health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: 21 staff and 34 clients completed semi-structured interviews from November 2020-December 2021. Separate interview guides for staff and clients explored experiences within the program, experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how racism affects clients. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Analysis used a phenomenologic framework. Coding was performed using grounded theory to identify themes. RESULTS: Analysis revealed six key themes: Stressors clients face, barriers for undocumented, Latina, and Spanish-speaking clients, exceptional care, emotional support, naming and responding to racism and discrimination, and impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. DISCUSSION: Staff and clients work together to address social needs in order to address chronic stress and racism in their lives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews revealed relationship building is a cornerstone of the programs success and plays a significant role in alleviating chronic stress in this population.

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Supported by remote signal processing techniques and wireless communication technology, remote electronic fetal monitoring (REFM) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional electronic fetal monitoring (TEFM) in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparability, accessibility, and clinical utility of REFM in contrast to TEFM.This was a multicenter prospective cohort study. A cohort of 2900 pregnant women were enrolled from three medical centers between June 1, 2021 and June 31, 2022. Among them, 800 utilized REFM, with 760 of them completing the self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self‐rating depression scale (SDS) assessments using the devices for 1 month. The control group comprised 2100 pregnant women who did not use REFM. Additionally, 80 pregnant women concurrently employed both REFM and TEFM, and their respective curve coincidence rates were determined through curve fitting. Primary outcomes encompassed pregnancy outcomes in both groups, average curve coincidence rates between REFM and TEFM, as well as SDS and SAS scores.Among the 760 pregnant women who completed SAS and SDS assessments, their average SAS scores before and after 1 month of REFM usage were 43.09 ± 8.04 and 41.58 ± 6.59, respectively. Concurrently, the average SDS scores before and after 1 month of REFM usage were 45.45 ± 9.60 and 44.80 ± 9.17, respectively. A statistically significant decrease was observed in SAS scores (P = 0.005), whereas no significant difference was noted in SDS scores (P = 0.340). Furthermore, a statistically significant difference in the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes (neonatal asphyxia) emerged between the two groups, those who employed REFM and those who did not (P = 0.021). In the subset of 80 pregnant women employing both REFM and TEFM, all 80 results showed precise congruence between the two methods. The average coincidence rate was determined to be 79.45% ± 12.64%.REFM contributes to improved pregnancy outcomes and exhibits a high level of concordance with TEFM, thereby accurately reflecting the quality of fetal heart monitoring. Additionally, REFM effectively mitigates pregnant women's anxiety. Thus, REFM demonstrates comparability, accessibility, and clinical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Discussion Weight bias toward individuals with higher body weights in healthcare settings is associated with adverse health behaviors, reduced healthcare utilization, and poor health outcomes. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore: (1) What has been measured and described regarding perinatal care providers' and students' weight bias toward pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals with higher body weights? (2) What has been measured and described regarding pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals' experiences of weight bias? (3) What is the association of experiences of weight bias with perinatal and mental health outcomes among pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals?We conducted a systematic search in CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases to identify relevant research publications related to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms weight prejudice (and related terms) and pregnancy (and related terms). The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence‐Based Practice model for study quality determination, and the Whittemore and Knafl integrative review framework for data extraction and analyses.Twenty‐two publications met inclusion criteria, representing six countries and varying study designs. This review found pervasive sources of explicit weight bias in the perinatal period, including care providers and close relationships. Experiences of weight bias among pregnant and postpartum individuals are associated with adverse perinatal and mental health outcomes.The findings address a knowledge gap regarding a summary of literature on weight bias in the perinatal period and elucidate its prevalence as well as its negative influence on perinatal and mental health outcomes. Future research efforts on this topic must examine the nature and extent of perinatal care providers' weight bias by demographic factors and explore its association with clinical decision‐making and perinatal and mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Elders Mentoring Program (EMP) is part of a strengths-based community-based participatory research partnership with the Cree communities of Maskwacîs, Alberta, Canada. The EMP objective is to promote maternal and child health through traditional Cree teachings and support from community Elders to pregnant women and their partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elders decided to shift the program to an online format in early 2021. The Elders continued to offer mentorship to program participants virtually by Zoom and telephone, and online workshops. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of women that took part in the virtual EMP. Methods: We utilized qualitative description as our method, informed by our overarching community-led research partnership. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted by Maskwacîs research assistants (RAs) with 11 women who participated in the virtual program. Interviews were conducted between December 2021 and June 2022. The participants were asked about their perceptions of the program and its benefits. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by four RAs using thematic analysis. Results: Although cultural teachings are traditionally offered in person, the shift to the virtual platform was greatly appreciated by all the women. Technology can be a useful tool for cultural teachings and language to be shared among community members when they cannot be physically together. Four main themes emerged from the data, representing the participants' experiences, and learning through their interactions with the Elders from the EMP. The themes are: Ohpikihâwasowin (grounding and guiding on the path to be a healthy parent); Indigenous ways of healing; On the path of cultural learning; and Identity for self and baby. Conclusion: The virtual adaptation of the EMP allowed a space for Elders to offer support to women living in and out of the community to provide guidance with their pregnancies and into motherhood. The workshops and one-on-one calls allowed for cultural revitalization which is critical for Indigenous well-being. All the participants found that the teachings and interactions positively impacted their pregnancy and parenthood. Overall, the virtual program demonstrated a venue for intergenerational healing and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore nurses' perspectives regarding the challenges of providing perinatal/neonatal end-of-life care in a regional hospital. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 20 nurses working in Turkey. Study data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews. The interviews were then submitted to thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from analyses of the interviews: (1) inadequate support for delivery of palliative care, (2) perceptions of family readiness, and (3) providing information/education to the family. The most prominent difficulties experienced by nurses were inadequacy of unit and equipment and lack of trained personnel. Another important issue that stood out was families' not accepting the end-of-life care decision for the fetus or the neonate and their having unrealistic expectations. Conclusion: Study results have provided important considerations for regional isolated neonatal and perinatal units, and they will be used to inform clinical practice improvements, staff education support, policies/procedures, family support, and further research relating to end-of-life care provision for the most vulnerable babies and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an account of using reflexive participatory methods including study advisory group membership to evaluate a perinatal wellbeing service in an economically deprived area of Scotland. There is little qualitative research that explores the experiences of women accessing perinatal mental health services. This article draws on feminist values and narrative theory to explore the practice, process and ethics of using participatory methods with women in the perinatal period. We explore the blurring of intervention and research group boundaries to consider the service and study advisory group as a space which provided the conditions for collective care and re-storying the self. We explore the study advisory group as an extension of the intervention itself, highlighting the role of community in research practices and in interventions, for women who experience perinatal mental health difficulties. We reflect on the 'sticky' practice of navigating epistemic and decision-making power in participatory research, including the dual positionalities of being two academic researchers who come to research with therapeutic training in counselling, psychotherapy and social work. We call for reflexive, community-oriented and flexible approaches when using participatory methods with populations that might be considered vulnerable, marginalised or stigmatised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research is limited to the role of African American (AA) fathers in maternal health. African American fathers are largely not included in perinatal care, and their contribution may be essential in addressing the Black maternal health disparity crisis. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the evidence of African American fathers involvement in supporting maternal health during the perinatal period. This conceptual paper will summarize research findings and will focus on 1) the evolution of the concept of fatherhood and the role of African American fathers; 2) the extent of African American fathers engagement during the perinatal period; and 3) the potential for African American fathers to play a key role in improving maternal health. Findings from this paper will enhance the evidence base on fathers' involvement in maternal health, highlight the research gaps, and opportunities to focus on African American fathers in addressing maternal morbidity and mortality among African American women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To synthesize evidence regarding the association between interpregnancy weight change (IPWC) in consecutive pregnancies and neonatal or infant outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. Search strategy was implemented in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library from their inception to 13 November 2023. The most adjusted odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio estimates provided by original studies were used to calculate pooled risk ratios and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) with the DerSimonian and Laird random effects method. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger's method, and risk of bias was assessed with The Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Thirty-seven observational studies were included. Interpregnancy weight loss or gain were associated with large for gestational age (OR: 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.84–0.94; I2 = 83.6 % and OR: 1.33; 95 % CI:1.26–1.40; I2 = 98.9 %), and stillbirth risk (OR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.01–1.18; I2 = 0.0 % and OR: 1.21; 95 % CI: 1.09–1.33; I2 = 60.2 %,). Findings highlight the importance of managing weight between interpregnancy periods, although these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the possible influence of social determinants of health and other factors. • Interpregnancy weight change is linked to risks of large and small for gestational age and stillbirth in the next pregnancy. • For women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 interpregnancy weight loss and gain are related to preterm birth risk in the next pregnancy. • Individualized manage of weight in interpregnancy periods could improve neonatal or infant outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing in-utero treatments to target specific conditions in the fetus is a relatively new approach in perinatal care, with the vast majority of these treatments being used off-label. The high degree of off-label medication use in the perinatal and neonatal settings raises concern for the safety of both the fetuses and expectant mothers. This report presents two examples of intra-amniotic drug administration based on reported clinical cases. From the ethical framework of medical principlism, we examine the competing ethical duties of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence in this setting. We then lay out three fundamental ethical principles for obtaining informed consent and maximizing clinical benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse is a life‐threatening event and may occur in any newborn infant. Safe skin‐to‐skin contact, and awareness of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse are key to its prevention. The aim of this study was to survey the presence of skin‐to‐skin contact and/or sudden unexpected postnatal collapse protocols in the 70 perinatal centres in the Netherlands. Methods: We performed a survey among Dutch paediatricians to examine the safe skin‐to‐skin contact and sudden unexpected postnatal collapse protocols. Results: We received data from 59/70 (85%) perinatal centres. At least one case of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse was reported in 35/59 (59%) of these centres. Nearly half the centres had safe skin‐to‐skin contact and/or sudden unexpected postnatal collapse protocols. Ultimately, 16 protocols were available for analysis. They showed considerable differences in the type of perinatal care provided. Most protocols lacked recently published insights on safe skin‐to‐skin contact. Besides, protocols failed to incorporate awareness of and knowledge on how to prevent sudden unexpected postnatal collapse. Conclusion: This study underlines the importance of drawing up uniform, multidisciplinary guidelines containing recommendations for the prevention of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perinatal care provides important health care opportunities for many individuals at risk for cervical cancer. Pregnancy does not alter cervical cancer screening regimens. ASCCP risk-based management has a colposcopy threshold of a 4% immediate risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or cancer, but the actual risk can be considerably higher based on current and past screening results. Improving cervical cancer outcomes with diagnosis during pregnancy rather than postpartum and facilitating further evaluation and treatment postpartum for lesser lesions are the perinatal management goals. Although colposcopy indications are unchanged in pregnancy, some individuals with lower risk of CIN 2--3 and reliable access to postpartum evaluation may defer colposcopy until after delivery. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed in pregnancy tends to be stable, with frequent regression postpartum, though this is not universal. Colposcopic inspection during pregnancy can be challenging. Although biopsies in pregnancy are subjectively associated with increased bleeding, they do not increase complications. Endocervical curettage and expedited treatment are unacceptable. Treatment of CIN 2--3 in pregnancy is not recommended. Excisional biopsies in pregnancy are reserved for suspicion of malignancy that cannot be confirmed by colposcopic biopsy and when excisional biopsy results would alter oncologic or pregnancy care. Surveillance of high-grade lesions in pregnancy uses human papillomavirus-based testing, cytology, and colposcopy, with biopsy of worsening lesions every 12--24 weeks from diagnosis until postpartum evaluation. Mode of delivery does not definitively affect persistence of CIN postpartum. Postpartum care may involve a full colposcopic evaluation or expedited excisional procedure if indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caring for persons with mental health diagnoses can be daunting, especially when the conditions are rare, and there is little evidence to guide nursing practice. There Is minimal information about caring for persons with dissociative disorders beyond the behavioral health literature, much less as in obstetric context. Women are more likely to experience dissociative disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders than men. Severe maternal morbidity is significantly more common in women with a history of stress and trauma-related conditions, highlighting the importance of providing guidance for clinicians caring for them. It is imperative that nurses caring for women who may dissociate understand the complexities of the disorders and advocate for early, interdisciplinary care. Dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder with dissociation, dissociative amnesia, depersonalization-derealization disorder, other specified dissociative disorders, and the care of pregnant persons with these conditions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal feminist theory and normative motherhood are influenced by a repronormativity that assumes all birthing people will breastfeed or chestfeed their infants. However, there is a predominant absence of a critical analysis of breast and chestfeeding from maternal theory and normative motherhood. Many new parents— for example, trans parents who have had chest masculinization surgery and parents who have had double mastectomies—do not have the privilege or ability to breast or chestfeed. For these breastless parents, the dilemma they face is intensified by normative motherhood discourses that essentialize good parenting as hetero-normative and repronormative, along with “breast is best” propaganda espousing erroneous health benefits. In this article, I argue that breastfeeding mandates are ubiquitous and misguided, in part due to an unspoken and assumed aspect of normative mothering, which has diluted the way health and perinatal care systems support breastless parents. This article centres repronormativity and transnormativity, ideologies entrenching the gender binary into its most rigid form, as intrinsic structures to normative motherhood. Understanding these concepts illustrates the harm inflicted on gender-nonconforming (or maternal nonconforming) identities embodying parenting. To combat this embodied shame and discrimination, I outline a conceptual framework for transnormative parenthood delineated by queer, intersectional, and ambivalent dictates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Several observational studies have revealed a potential relationship between menstrual reproductive factors (MRF) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, the precise causal relationship remains elusive. This study performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to provide deeper insights into this relationship. Methods: Utilizing summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we conducted univariate MR to estimate 2 menstrual factors (Age at menarche, AAM; Age at menopause, AMP) and 5 reproductive factors (Age at first live birth, AFB; Age at last live birth, ALB; Number of live births, NLB; Age first had sexual intercourse, AFSI; Age started oral contraceptive pill, ASOC) on OA (overall OA, OOA; knee OA, KOA and hip OA, HOA). The sample size of MRF ranged from 123846 to 406457, and the OA sample size range from 393873 to 484598. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary MR analysis methods, and MR Egger, weighted median was performed as supplements. Sensitivity analysis was employed to test for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Finally, multivariable MR was utilized to adjust for the influence of BMI on OA. Results: After conducting multiple tests (P<0.0023) and adjusting for BMI, MR analysis indicated that a lower AFB will increase the risk of OOA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.99, P = 3.39×10−4) and KOA (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47–0.78, P = 1.07×10−4). ALB (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45–0.84, P = 2.06×10−3) and Age AFSI (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53–0.82, P = 2.42×10−4) were negatively associated with KOA. In addition, our results showed that earlier AMP adversely affected HOA (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01–1.23, P = 0.033), and earlier ASOC promote the development of OOA (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–1.00, P = 0.032) and KOA (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.84, P = 4.49×10−3). ALB (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–1.00, P = 0.030) and AFSI (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, P = 2.66×10−3) also showed a negative association with OOA but they all did not pass multiple tests. The effects of AAM and NLB on OA were insignificant after BMI correction. Conclusion: This research Certificates that Early AFB promotes the development of OOA, meanwhile early AFB, ALB, and AFSI are also risk factors of KOA. Reproductive factors, especially those related to birth, may have the greatest impact on KOA. It provides guidance for promoting women's appropriate age fertility and strengthening perinatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Design Methods Results Conclusions Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care What Problem Did the Study Address? What Were the Main Findings? Where and on Whom Will the Research have an Impact? Reporting Method Patient or Public Contribution To explore the perceptions and experiences of midwives caring for couples who experience a stillbirth.Qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology.This study was conducted with midwives (n = 18) at the birth unit of a third‐level public hospital in Jaén (Spain) in 2023. Personal semi‐structured interviews were recorded in audio for later transcription by two researchers following steps described by Fleming.Two themes were identified as important aspects of the practise of midwives in a situation of the birth of a stillborn child: (1) the importance of each action of the midwife, and (2) the availability of resources determines the care provided.Having a stillbirth is a very complex experience, in which the psychological support and human and material resources involved are the basic tool for the care of these families. Acknowledging limitations of the available resources, the assistance and care provided by midwives are in line with the clinical practice guidelines, which can have an emotional impact on them.The care to be provided in stillbirth requires appropriate human and material resources for these families. Midwifery and nursing professionals are in a unique position for acting in cases of families with a stillbirth, updated protocols and, in general, the coordination of the different agents involved within the healthcare system.The midwives´ experiences in cases which end with the delivery of a stillborn.Each action of the midwife is as important as the availability of resources to offer the most appropriate care.In each woman who receives the care of a midwife who attends the birth of a stillborn.COREQ checklist.No patient or public contribution occurred for this study as this research focused on exploring staffs' perspectives from the specific viewpoint of their personal experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perinatal depression (PND) affects up to 20% of women and is associated with significant impairment and disability in affected women. In addition, perinatal depression is associated with broader public health and multigenerational consequences. Innovative approaches are needed to reduce the burden of perinatal depression through identification, tracking, and treatment of depressive symptoms during the perinatal period. This study is a randomized clinical trial comparing the relative efficacy of a multi-tiered system of care, Screening and Treatment of Anxiety and Depression (STAND) to perinatal care delivered by a reproductive psychiatrist in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. A sample of 167 individuals was randomized between week 28 of pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. A secondary aim compares the original online therapy intervention used in the first half of the study to a newer online therapy program used in the second half of the study for individuals assigned to the STAND treatment. The study measures, intervention groups, and analysis methods are described, as well as expected implications. The findings from this study may improve the methods for tracking symptom changes over time, monitoring treatment response, and providing personalized care for individuals with PND. As such, this study may improve the lives of patients with PND and their families and lower the related health care costs to society. Trial registration NCT: 9/24/2021 NCT direct link: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05056454?term=NCT05056454&rank=1&a=1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco retail outlet (TRO) density has been associated with increased cotinine levels in pregnant persons and their children. As such, the higher densities of TROs may represent higher levels of active smoking during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to simulate the reduction in cotinine (a biomarker of smoke exposure) and health care utilization that could occur in pregnant persons under enactment of several candidate TRO reduction policy recommendations. Using existing retail outlet data from the state of North Carolina and from the Newborn Epigenetic Study (NEST), the present study created hypothetical policy-informed datasets of TROs that a) limited the number of TROs to the same density as the 2014 San Francisco (SF) policy (Policy 1), b) set the minimum distance to 500 feet between TROs from a school and from other TROs (Policy 2), c) restricted the types of TROs to exclude pharmacies (Policy 3), and d) a combination of Policies 1–3 (Policy 4). We estimated the effects of each policy individually and in a separate model with their combined effects in terms of the reduction on cotinine levels and health care utilization, as measured by number of visits to the emergency department (ED). We found that the hypothetical policies were likely to be effective in reducing maternal cotinine and ED visits, with the majority of the mothers in the dataset demonstrating reductions in these outcomes after implementation of the policies. We found that Policy 1 led to moderate reductions in TRO exposure for the majority of the sample as well as stratified by race/ethnicity. Additionally, Policy 4 had slightly larger estimated effects than Policy 1, but could be more onerous to implement in practice. Overall, we identified evidence supporting the efficacy of TRO reduction strategies that could impact smoke exposure during pregnancy in our diverse sample in North Carolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Health-related quality of life(HRQoL) is essential for high-risk pregnant women and their spouses. This study aimed to explore the dyadic associations (including actor and partner effects) among self-efficacy, dyadic coping, and HRQoL of high-risk pregnant women and their spouses and examine the mediating effect of dyadic coping. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited participants from two Grade A tertiary hospitals in China from October 2022 to September 2023. A questionnaire including the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Dyadic Coping Inventory, and 12 Short Form Health Survey Scales was used for the survey. The actor-partner interdependence mediation model was constructed to test dyadic associations and mediating effects. Results: In the actor effects, self-efficacy was positively associated with dyadic coping and HRQoL (P < 0.05). Regarding partner effects, pregnant women's self-efficacy was positively associated with spouses' dyadic coping and physical health (P < 0.05). Dyadic coping partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and HRQoL for both groups(P < 0.05). Conclusion: The HRQoL of high-risk pregnant women and their spouses requires urgent attention. Enhancing self-efficacy and dyadic coping in these couples is related to their improved physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals should consider interactions between couples and include them together in perinatal care. Intervention programs for couples or families based on existing positive psychology and dyadic interventions may work together to improve the HRQoL of couples. Plain English summary: In the context of high-risk pregnancy, the physical and mental health of high-risk pregnant women and their spouses can be impacted. However prior studies and current prenatal care have focused less on the overall health of these couples, especially their spouses. This study overcame the drawback of focusing only on one party's health by involving both parties in a survey and evaluating their health-related quality of life(HRQoL).We explored the direct and indirect effects of personal psychological resources (self-efficacy) and coping behaviors (dyadic coping) on HRQoL. An analysis method suitable for paired data was used to validate the dyadic associations. We found that increasing self-efficacy and dyadic coping is crucial for improving HRQoL, whether for high-risk pregnant women, spouses, or both. Dyadic coping functions as an essential mediator that can provide new targets for interventions. Our findings confirmed the close correlation between high-risk pregnant women and their spouses, indicating that these couples should be intervened in perinatal care as a whole. The conclusions of this study also provide an important reference for the development of more comprehensive binary intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

History of childhood maltreatment (CM) is common and robustly associated with prenatal and postpartum (perinatal) depression. Given perinatal depression symptom heterogeneity, a transdiagnostic approach to measurement could enhance understanding of patterns between CM and perinatal depression. In two independently collected samples of women receiving care at perinatal psychiatry clinics (n = 523 and n = 134), we categorized longitudinal symptoms of perinatal depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep into transdiagnostic factors derived from the Research Domain Criteria and depression literatures. We split the perinatal period into four time points. We conducted a latent profile analysis of transdiagnostic factors in each period. We then used self-reported history of CM (total exposure and subtypes of abuse and neglect) to predict class membership. A three-class solution best fit our data. In relation to positive adaptive functioning, one class had relatively more positive symptoms (high adaptive), one class had average values (middle adaptive), and one class had fewer adaptive symptoms (low adaptive). More total CM and specific subtypes associated with threat/abuse increased an individual's likelihood of being in the Low Adaptive class in both samples (ORs: 0.90–0.97, p <.05). Generalizability of our results was curtailed by 1) limited racial/ethnic diversity and 2) missing data. Our results support taking a person-centered approach to characterize the relationship between perinatal depression and childhood maltreatment. Given evidence that increased exposure to childhood maltreatment is associated with worse overall symptoms, providers should consider incorporating preventative, transdiagnostic interventions for perinatal distress in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment. • Women with a history of childhood maltreatment (CM) had worse transdiagnostic mood and anxiety symptoms. • The pattern of results was consistent across pregnancy and the first year postpartum. • Retrospective total CM and abuse (not neglect) increased a person's likelihood of displaying the maladptive symptom pattern. • Results replicated in two independently collected samples with varying clinical and demographic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades dozens of randomized trials have shown that psychological treatments are more effective than care-as-usual (CAU). It could be expected that these treatments are implemented in routine care and that the response rates in usual care improve over time. The aim of the current meta-analysis is to examine if response and remission rates in usual care have improved over time. We used an existing meta-analytic database of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of psychological treatments of depression and selected CAU control groups from these trials. We only included CAU conditions in primary care, specialized mental health care, perinatal care and general medical care. The response rate (50 % symptom reduction) was the primary outcome. We included 125 CAU control groups (8542 participants). The response rate for all CAU control groups was 0.22 (95 % CI: 0.19; 0.24) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 83; 95 % CI: 80; 85), with somewhat higher rates in primary care (0.27; 95 % CI: 0.23; 0.31). We found hardly any indications that the outcomes have improved over the years. The meta-regression analysis with publication year as predictor in the full dataset resulted in a coefficient of 0.1 (SE = 0.01; p = 0.0.35). A series of sensitivity analyses supported the main findings. Remission rates and pre-post effect sizes also did not significantly improve over time. Response and remission rates in usual care are low, with the large majority of patients not responding or remitting, and the outcomes have probably not improved over time. • Response rates in usual mental health care have not improved over time. • Only about one in five patients in usual care respond. • Response rates are low in specialized mental health care, perinatal and general medical care. • Response rates are somewhat higher in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An arbitrary gestational age limit of viability cannot be set, and in clinical practice the focus should be on a periviability interval—the so‐called "gray zone" of prognostic uncertainty. For cases within this interval, the most appropriate decision‐making process remains debatable and periviability has emerged as one of the greatest challenges in bioethics. Universally recognized ethical principles may be interpreted differently due to socioeconomic, cultural, and religious aspects. In the case of periviability, there is considerable uncertainty over whether interventions result in a greater balance of clinical good over harm. Furthermore, the fetus or neonate is unable to exercise autonomy and the physicians and parents will act as patient surrogates. When parents and physicians disagree about the infant's best interest, a dialogue without paternalistic attitudes is essential, whereby physicians should only offer, but not recommend, perinatal interventions. Parental choice, based on thorough information, should be respected within the limits of what is medically feasible and appropriate. When disagreements between parents and physicians occur, how is consensus to be achieved? Professional guidelines can be helpful as a framework and starting point for discussion. In reality, however, guidelines only rarely draw categorical lines and in many cases remain vague and ambiguously worded. Local ethics committees can provide counseling and function as moderators during discussions, but ethics committees do not have decision precedence. Counseling assumes the most significant role in periviability discussions, taking into consideration the particular fetal and maternal characteristics, as well as parental values. Several caveats should be observed relative to counseling: message fragmentation or inconsistence should be minimized, prognosis should preferably be presented in a positive framing, and overreliance on statistics should be avoided. It is recommended that decisions regarding neonatal resuscitation in the periviability interval be made before birth and not conditional on the newborn's appearance at birth. Regardless of decision, it is important to assure pre‐ and postnatal coherence. The present article describes how individual physicians, centers, and countries differ in the approach to the decision to initiate or forgo intensive care in the periviability interval. It is impossible to provide a global consensus view and there can be no unifying ethical, moral, or practical strategy. Nevertheless, ethically justified, quality care comprises early involvement of the obstetric and neonatal team to enable a coherent, comprehensible, nonpaternalistic, and balanced plan of care. Ultimately, physicians will need to adjust the expectations to the local standards, local outcome data, and local neonatal support availability. Synopsis: Ethically justified, quality care comprises early involvement of the obstetric and neonatal team to enable a coherent, comprehensible, nonpaternalistic, and balanced plan of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine perinatal outcomes based on fasting bile acid concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and to assess pregnancy management according to fasting bile acid levels. Methods: This study is carried out with 160 patients who were diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and gave birth in the same clinic. The patients were divided into two groups based on their fasting bile acid concentrations: Group 1 (54 patients), with levels between 10 and 40 micromol/liter, defining mild ICP according to the literature, and Group 2 (106 patients), with levels above 40 micromol/liter, defining severe ICP. The birth weeks, delivery methods, indications for cesarean section if applicable, birth weights, 1st and 5th minute APGAR scores, neonatal intensive care unit admission, presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid at birth, and fetal death data of both groups were recorded and compared. Results: Patients with severe ICP were found to have statistically higher ALT and total bilirubin values than patients with mild ICP. (p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). The presence of meconium was significantly higher in group 2 patients compared to patients group 1 patients (26.4% and 9.3%, respectively; p=0.011). It was found that the weeks of diagnosis of cholestasis and weeks of labor were significantly greater in the patients with meconium in the amniotic fluid compared to the group without meconium (34,9±3,4; 33,0±3,5; p=0,002 ve 38,1±0,9; 36,9±1,5 respectively; p<0,001). Group 2 patients were found to have significantly higher incidence rates of ALT values above 75 and AST values above 130 compared to group 1 patients (p<0,001). Conclusion: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy causes unpredictable fetal complications. The patients with values of bile acid above 40 and ALT values above 75 and/or having meconium stained amniotic fluid during labor should evaluated carefully due to the association with poor perinatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that perinatal doula care can support maternal health and reduce racial inequities among low-income pregnant and postpartum people, prompting growing interest by state Medicaid agencies to reimburse for doula services. Emerging peer-reviewed and gray literature document factors facilitating or impeding that reimbursement. We conducted a scoping review of that literature (2012–2022) to distill key policy considerations for policymakers and advocates in the inclusion of doula care as a Medicaid-covered benefit. Fifty-three reports met the inclusion criteria. Most (53%) were published in 2021 or 2022. Their stated objectives were advocating for expanded access to doula care (17%), describing barriers to policy implementation, and/or offering recommendations to overcome the barriers (17%). A primary policy consideration among states was prioritizing partnership with doulas and doula advocates to inform robust and equitable policymaking to sustain the doula profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No consensus exists for the initial management of infants with gastroschisis. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Outcomes and Evidenced-based Practice Committee (OEBPC) developed three a priori questions about gastroschisis for a qualitative systematic review. We reviewed English-language publications between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 2019. This project describes the findings of a systematic review of the three questions regarding: 1) optimal delivery timing, 2) antibiotic use, and 3) closure considerations. 1339 articles were screened for eligibility; 92 manuscripts were selected and reviewed. The included studies had a Level of Evidence that ranged from 2 to 4 and recommendation Grades B-D. Twenty-eight addressed optimal timing of delivery, 5 pertained to antibiotic use, and 59 discussed closure considerations (Figure 1). Delivery after 37 weeks post-conceptual age is considered optimal. Prophylactic antibiotics covering skin flora are adequate to reduce infection risk until definitive closure. Studies support primary fascial repair, without staged silo reduction, when abdominal domain and hemodynamics permit. A sutureless repair is safe, effective, and does not delay feeding or extend length of stay. Sedation and intubation are not routinely required for a sutureless closure. Despite the large number of studies addressing the above-mentioned facets of gastroschisis management, the data quality is poor. A wide variation in gastroschisis management was documented, indicating a need for high quality RCTs to provide an evidence-based approach when caring for these infants. Qualitative systematic review of Level 1–4 studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women experiencing infertility tend to experience distinct emotions during pregnancy following infertility. Individuals in this population often struggle with psychological and social challenges during pregnancy. This qualitative phenomenological study determines how infertility experiences affect mothers' mental well-being during pregnancy as well as their experiences and emotions after becoming pregnant. A face-to-face, in-depth interview with 15 women with infertility was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, with informed written consent obtained prior to interviews and voice recordings. The COREQ checklist is applied to follow the EQUATOR guidelines for reporting research and the data were coded using MAXQDA.20 software. A thematic analysis revealed four main themes and 15 codes. Main themes included "Over Emotional Burden," "Overprotection," "Overthinking," and "Social Activity Changes." Pregnancy after infertility is a unique and emotionally charged experience for women, encompassing a spectrum of feelings that can be difficult to express. The importance of caring for these women and receiving support from their partners, families, and healthcare providers should not be overstated. Healthcare providers should be aware of these emotional challenges so they can provide better support and counselling to improve women's overall pregnancy experience. It is believed that empathetic communication and tailored support can significantly improve the psychological well-being of this population. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and midwives should also be more attentive to mothers' emotional challenges and integrate comprehensive emotional support and provide coping mechanisms in perinatal care programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a Global Position Paper on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which is applicable to all countries worldwide: from the moment of birth, every “small and sick” newborn should remain with mother in immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact (SSC), receiving all required clinical care in that place. This was prompted by the startling results of a randomized controlled trial published in 2021: in which 1,609 infants receiving immediate SSC were compared with 1,602 controls that were separated from their mothers but otherwise received identical conventional state-of-the-art care. The intervention infants showed a 25% reduction in mortality after 28  days. New perspectives: The new WHO guidelines are a significant change from earlier guidance and common clinical practice. The author presents that separating mothers and babies is assumed to be “normal” (a paradigm) but actually puts newborns at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. The author presents arguments and ethical perspectives for a new perspective on what is “normal,” keeping newborns with their mothers is the infant’s physiological expectation and critical requirement for healthy development. The author reviews the scientific rationale for changing the paradigm, based on synchronous interactions of oxytocin on both mother and infant. This follows a critique of the new policies that highlights the role of immediate SSC. Actionable recommendations: This critique strengthens the case for implementing the WHO guidelines on KMC for small and sick babies. System changes will be necessary in both obstetric and neonatal settings to ensure seamless perinatal care. Based on the role of oxytocin, the author identifies that many current routine care practices may actually contribute to stress and increased vulnerability to the newborn. WHO has actionable recommendations about family involvement and presence in newborn intensive care units. Discussion: The concepts of resilience and vulnerability have specific definitions well known in perinatal care: the key outcome of care should be resilience rather than merely the absence of vulnerability. Newborns in all settings and contexts need us to re-evaluate our paradigms and adopt and implement the new WHO guidelines on KMC in perinatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphoricmilk ejection reflex (D-MER) is characterized by a sudden onset of profoundly negative emotions that are temporally linked to milk letdown when breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. These affective experiences have no psychological precipitants and only last for minutes. D-MER is relatively underappreciated in the physician-oriented medical literature, although there are important clinical and public health consequences when a nursing parent experiences unwanted, negative emotions paired with breastfeeding. D-MER can undermine the parent's confidence and may affect bonding with their infant; it may also contribute to weaning earlier than planned. It is especially important for psychiatrists and other health care professionals who may be called upon to evaluate postpartum patients or nursing parents to be knowledgeable about D-MER. This perspective article aims to provide information about D-MER to the psychiatric and broader medical communities, and to underscore the need for additional research on this topic. Drawing on a literature search, the article first traces historical recognition of D-MER as a clinical entity, then summarizes the clinical characteristics of D-MER and recommends an assessment and management approach that emphasizes psychoeducation. The article also discusses factors that have contributed to the underappreciation of this condition, outlines gaps in our understanding, and suggests next steps for epidemiological and clinical research. D-MER is likely a neuroendocrine condition with psychiatric manifestations. Given that it is episodic but with predictable timing, this condition presents a unique opportunity for scientific investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the first year of COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal outcomes at a large military treatment facility in Southern California. Study Design and Methods: A retrospective review of maternal and neonatal medical records was conducted between January 1, 2019, and December 31,2020. Outcomes measured included necesstillbirth rate, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal death, cesarean birth, and postpartum hemorrhage. Results: A total of 4,425 records were analyzed. Rates of stillbirth between the years did not vary. The neonatal death rate decreased more than 50% in 2020 (p = .149). Cesarean births rose by 2.7% in 2020 Cp = .046) Rates of postpartum hemorrhage did not vary between years. Clinical Implications: The impact of COVID-19 on maternal and neonatal outcomes at a military treatment facility in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic provides guidance for optimizing perinatal health care. Vertical transmission of COVID-19 is low and routine testing of asymptomatic neonates of positive mothers may not be necesstillbirth sary. COVID-19 infections should not be an indication for cesarean birth and are not associated with neonatal deaths or NICU admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, significant numbers of women report obstetric violence (OV) during childbirth. The United Nations has identified OV as gendered violence. OV can be perpetrated by any healthcare professional (HCP) and is impacted by systemic issues such as HCP education, staffing ratios, and lack of access to continuity of care. The current study explored the experiences of OV reported in a national survey in 2021 by Australian women who had a baby in the previous 5 years. A content analysis of 626 open text comments found three main categories: "I felt dehumanised," "I felt violated," and "I felt powerless." Women reported bullying, coercion, non-empathic care, and physical and sexual assault. Disrespect and abuse and non-consented vaginal examinations were the subcategories with the most comments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The umbilical cord forms the connection between the fetus and the placenta at the feto-maternal interface and normally comprises two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. In some cases, only a single umbilical artery (SUA) is present. This study was conducted to evaluate associations between SUA and other congenital malformations discovered in perinatal autopsies and to ascertain the existence of preferential associations between SUA and certain anomalies. Methods We evaluated records of all fetuses sent for autopsy to the Department of Pathology during the 10-year period from 2013 through 2022 (n = 1,277). The data were obtained from the hospital’s pathology laboratory records. The congenital anomalies were grouped by organ or system for analysis and included cardiovascular, urinary tract, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal, and lung anomalies. Results A SUA was present in 8.61% of the autopsies. The gestational age of the affected fetuses ranged between 13 to 40 weeks. An SUA presented as an isolated single anomaly in 44 cases (3.4%). Of the 110 SUA cases, 60% had other congenital anomalies. There was a significant association between birth defects and SUAs (p < .001). Strong associations between SUA and urinary tract, lung, and musculoskeletal anomalies were observed. Conclusions A SUA is usually seen in association with other congenital malformations rather than as an isolated defect. Therefore, examination for associated anomalies when an SUA is detected either antenatally or postnatally is imperative. The findings of this study should be helpful in counseling expectant mothers and their families in cases of SUA.

Abstract Background The Elders Mentoring Program (EMP) is part of a strengths-based community-based participatory research partnership with the Cree communities of Maskwacîs, Alberta, Canada. The EMP objective is to promote maternal and child health through traditional Cree teachings and support from community Elders to pregnant women and their partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elders decided to shift the program to an online format in early 2021. The Elders continued to offer mentorship to program participants virtually by Zoom and telephone, and online workshops. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of women that took part in the virtual EMP. Methods We utilized qualitative description as our method, informed by our overarching community-led research partnership. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted by Maskwacîs research assistants (RAs) with 11 women who participated in the virtual program. Interviews were conducted between December 2021 and June 2022. The participants were asked about their perceptions of the program and its benefits. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by four RAs using thematic analysis. Results Although cultural teachings are traditionally offered in person, the shift to the virtual platform was greatly appreciated by all the women. Technology can be a useful tool for cultural teachings and language to be shared among community members when they cannot be physically together. Four main themes emerged from the data, representing the participants’ experiences, and learning through their interactions with the Elders from the EMP. The themes are: Ohpikihâwasowin (grounding and guiding on the path to be a healthy parent); Indigenous ways of healing; On the path of cultural learning; and Identity for self and baby. Conclusion The virtual adaptation of the EMP allowed a space for Elders to offer support to women living in and out of the community to provide guidance with their pregnancies and into motherhood. The workshops and one-on-one calls allowed for cultural revitalization which is critical for Indigenous well-being. All the participants found that the teachings and interactions positively impacted their pregnancy and parenthood. Overall, the virtual program demonstrated a venue for intergenerational healing and resilience.

BackgroundThere is a gap in knowledge about how perinatal eHealth programs function to support autonomy for new and expectant parents from pursuing wellness goals.ObjectivesTo examine patient engagement (access, personalization, commitment and therapeutic alliance) within the practice of perinatal eHealth.DesignScoping review.MethodsFive databases were searched in January 2020 and updated in April 2022. Reports were vetted by three researchers and included if they documented maternity/neonatal programs and utilized World Health Organization (WHO) person-centred digital health intervention (DHI) categories. Data were charted using a deductive matrix containing WHO DHI categories and patient engagement attributes. A narrative synthesis was conducted utilizing qualitative content analysis. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 'extension for scoping reviews' guidelines were followed for reporting.ResultsTwelve eHealth modalities were found across 80 included articles. The analysis yielded two conceptual insights: (1) The nature of perinatal eHealth programs: (1) emergence of a complex structure of practice and (2) practising patient engagement within perinatal eHealth.ConclusionResults will be used to operationalize a model of patient engagement within perinatal eHealth.

Objective: The study aims to examine maternal care among Hispanic birthing people by primary language and state policy environment. Data Sources and Study Setting: Pooled data from 2016 to 2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System surveys from 44 states and two jurisdictions. Study Design: Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated adjusted predicted probabilities of maternal care utilization (visit attendance, timeliness, adequacy) and quality (receipt of guideline‐recommended care components). We examined outcomes by primary language (Spanish, English) and two binary measures of state policy environment: (1) expanded Medicaid eligibility to those <133% Federal Poverty Level, (2) waived five‐year waiting period for pregnant immigrants to access Medicaid. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: Survey responses from 35,779 postpartum individuals with self‐reported Hispanic ethnicity who gave birth during 2016–2020. Principal Findings: Compared to English‐speaking Hispanic people, Spanish‐speaking individuals reported lower preconception care attendance and worse timeliness and adequacy of prenatal care. In states without Medicaid expansion and immigrant Medicaid coverage, Hispanic birthing people had, respectively, 2.3 (95% CI:0.6, 3.9) and 3.1 (95% CI:1.6, 4.6) percentage‐point lower postpartum care attendance and 4.2 (95% CI:2.1, 6.3) and 9.2 (95% CI:7.2, 11.2) percentage‐point lower prenatal care quality than people in states with these policies. In states with these policies, Spanish‐speaking Hispanic people had 3.3 (95% CI:1.3, 5.4) and 3.0 (95% CI:0.9, 5.1) percentage‐point lower prenatal care adequacy, but 1.3 (95% CI:−1.1, 3.6) and 2.7 (95% CI:0.2, 5.1) percentage‐point higher postpartum care quality than English‐speaking Hispanic people. In states without these policies, those same comparisons were 7.3 (95% CI:3.8, 10.8) and 7.9 (95% CI:4.6, 11.1) percentage‐points lower and 9.6 (95% CI:5.5, 13.7) and 5.3 (95% CI:1.8, 8.9) percentage‐points higher. Conclusions: Perinatal care utilization and quality vary among Hispanic birthing people by primary language and state policy environment. States with Medicaid expansion and immigrant Medicaid coverage had greater equity between Spanish‐speaking and English‐speaking Hispanic people in adequate prenatal care and postpartum care quality among those who gave birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the provision of maternal care. The IMAgiNE EURO study investigates the Quality of Maternal and Newborn Care during the pandemic in over 20 countries, including Switzerland. Aim This study aims to understand women’s experiences of disrespect and abuse in Swiss health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data were collected via an anonymous online survey on REDCap®. Women who gave birth between March 2020 and March 2022 and answered an open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO questionnaire were included in the study. A qualitative thematic analysis of the women’s comments was conducted using the International Confederation of Midwives’ RESPECT toolkit as a framework for analysis. Findings The data source for this study consisted of 199 comments provided by women in response to the open-ended question in the IMAgiNE EURO questionnaire. Analysis of these comments revealed clear patterns of disrespect and abuse in health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These patterns include non-consensual care, with disregard for women’s choices and birth preferences; undignified care, characterised by disrespectful attitudes and a lack of empathy from healthcare professionals; and feelings of abandonment and neglect, including denial of companionship during childbirth and separation from newborns. Insufficient organisational and human resources in health facilities were identified as contributing factors to disrespectful care. Empathic relationships with healthcare professionals were reported to be the cornerstone of positive experiences. Discussion Swiss healthcare facilities showed shortcomings related to disrespect and abuse in maternal care. The pandemic context may have brought new challenges that compromised certain aspects of respectful care. The COVID-19 crisis also acted as a magnifying glass, potentially revealing and exacerbating pre-existing gaps and structural weaknesses within the healthcare system, including understaffing. Conclusions These findings should guide advocacy efforts, urging policy makers and health facilities to allocate adequate resources to ensure respectful and high-quality maternal care during pandemics and beyond.

Abstract Background Assessing women’s perceptions of the care they receive is crucial for evaluating the quality of maternity care. Women’s perceptions are influenced by the care received during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum period, each of which with unique conditions, expectations, and requirements. In England, three Experience of Maternity Care (EMC) scales – Pregnancy, Labour and Birth, and Postnatal – have been developed to assess women’s experiences from pregnancy through the postpartum period. This study aimed to validate these scales within the Iranian context. Methods A methodological cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to August 2023 at selected health centers in Tabriz, Iran. A panel of 16 experts assessed the qualitative and quantitative content validity of the scales and 10 women assessed the face validity. A total of 540 eligible women, 1–6 months postpartum, participated in the study, with data from 216 women being used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 324 women for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and other analyses. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2 was employed to assess the convergent validity of the Labour and Birth Scale, whereas women’s age was used to assess the divergent validity of the scales. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were also examined. Results All items obtained an impact score above 1.5, with Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index exceeding 0.8. EFA demonstrated an excellent fit with the data (all Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measures > 0.80, and all Bartlett’s p 0.9) and test-retest reliability (all interclass correlation coefficient values > 0.8). Conclusions The Persian versions of all three EMC scales exhibit robust psychometric properties for evaluating maternity care experiences among urban Iranian women. These scales can be utilized to assess the quality of current care, investigate the impact of different care models in various studies, and contribute to maternal health promotion programs and policies.

Abstract Background The extraordinary growth in women’s incarceration over the past several decades has resulted in calls for expansion of research into their unique needs and experiences, including those related to pregnancy and perinatal care. However, while research into the health outcomes of women who are incarcerated while pregnant has grown, research on women’s custodial and perinatal care patterns has remained nearly non-existent. Here, we sought to describe (1) the characteristics of the population of women who came to be incarcerated in a state prison system during pregnancy and (2) the characteristics of women’s custodial and perinatal care patterns during and after incarceration. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of the population of women who received perinatal care while incarcerated in the Arkansas state prison system over a 5-year period from June 2014 to May 2019. Electronic medical records and state prison records were merged to form our study population. Data were from 212 women (Mage = 28.4 years; 75.0% non-Latina White) with a singleton pregnancy who received at least one obstetric care visit while incarcerated. Results Drug-related convictions were the most common crimes leading to women’s incarceration while pregnant, and violent crime convictions were rare. Nearly half (43.4%) of women who gave birth in custody did so within 90 days of admission and the great majority (80.4%) released within 1-year of giving birth, including 13.3% who released within 30 days. Discussion The frequency with which women who became incarcerated while pregnant released from prison either prior to or shortly after giving birth was a striking, novel finding of this study given the implications for perinatal care disruption among a high-risk population and the harms of forced separation from infants within hours of birth. Conclusions Diversionary programs for pregnant women convicted of crimes, particularly in states without current access, are urgently needed and should be a priority for future policy work.

Background: This review aimed to provide healthcare professionals with a scientific summary of best available research evidence on factors influencing respectful perinatal care. The review question was 'What were the perceptions of midwives and doctors on factors that influence respectful perinatal care?' Methods: A detailed search was done on electronic databases: EBSCOhost: Medline, OAlster, Scopus, SciELO, Science Direct, PubMed, Psych INFO, and SocINDEX. The databases were searched for available literature using a predetermined search strategy. Reference lists of included studies were analysed to identify studies missing from databases. The phenomenon of interest was factors influencing maternity care practices according to midwives and doctors. Pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used during selection of potential studies. In total, 13 studies were included in the data analysis and synthesis. Three themes were identified and a total of nine sub-themes. Results: Studies conducted in various settings were included in the study. Various factors influencing respectful perinatal care were identified. During data synthesis three themes emerged namely healthcare institution, healthcare professional and women-related factors. Alongside the themes were sub-themes human resources, medical supplies, norms and practices, physical infrastructure, healthcare professional competencies and attributes, women's knowledge, and preferences. The three factors influence the provision of respectful perinatal care; addressing them might improve the provision of this care. Conclusion: Addressing factors that influence respectful perinatal care is vital towards the prevention of compromised patient care during the perinatal period as these factors have the potential to accelerate or hinder provision of respectful care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transition to parenthood, which is influenced a lot by local parenting culture, is a dramatic stress for both men and women. Chinese social and cultural contexts form specific parental culture, shaping the unique experience of transition to parenthood. However, the understanding of the transition to parenthood in mainland China is limited. Additionally, few qualitative studies explored the transition to parenthood from both dyadic perspectives. Aim: To explore the first-time transition to parenthood experience among mothers and fathers in mainland China during pregnancy, and compare the similarities and differences between their experiences in this transition period. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 36 parents, including 18 primiparous women and their husbands. Data were analyzed by directed content analysis guided by the Transition Shock Model. The interview texts were first analyzed at individual levels and subsequently at the couple level to identify dyadic themes. Results: Five themes and thirteen sub-themes emerged from the data analysis, including role integration, health risk, dilemma of preparation, protective isolation, and multi-dimensional expectation. Unexpectedly, the experiences and perspectives of mothers and fathers regarding the transition to parenthood were found to be similar, with the exception of the sub-theme extra-care requirement. Conclusion: The findings shed light on the complex emotional journey and expectations of parents, as well as the challenges they face in terms of physical well-being, limited coping resources, and restricted social connections. Notably, fathers in China often shared the stress of the whole process during the transition period alongside mothers but often lacked accessible avenues for seeking and receiving support. These findings underscore the importance of actively involving fathers as a key support population in perinatal care, as well as the need for comprehensive support systems and tailored interventions to enhance the well-being and adaptation of parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although women often experience mental health comorbidities in the perinatal period, the evidence-base for psychological therapy across diagnostic boundaries in the perinatal period remains limited. As there is a need to understand experiences of therapy, irrespective of diagnosis, to inform intervention provision, the aims of this study were to explore women's experiences of psychological therapy for perinatal mental health difficulties and to identify the mechanisms that women attributed to the most significant therapeutic change for themselves and/or the mother-infant relationship. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 women who received therapy within specialist perinatal community mental health settings in the Northwest of England, the UK. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: One overarching theme entitled participant life stories were at the heart of therapy was identified alongside three other main themes: 1.) We're in this together - therapeutic bond and establishing a coherent sense of self, 2.) Surfing the urge to 'fix' feelings - Sitting with emotions improved regulation and 3.) Seeing myself in a new light - Shifting self-blame to self-compassion enhanced self-efficacy. Theme 1 consisted of three subthemes. Participants described the quality of the therapeutic relationship as the fundamental foundation to (re) connecting with their needs, values and boundaries, which improved their sense of agency, self-esteem, therapeutic engagement and self-understanding. Shifting emotional avoidance to emotional engagement improved their selfregulation. Considering alternative factors that could have contributed to their experiences helped them to defuse self-blame and enhance self-compassion. Finally, changes in their mental health led to positive relational changes in their relationship with their infant and improved communication with partners. Discussion: Sensitivity, engagement and responsivity experienced in the therapist-woman relationship was reported to be mirrored in the motherinfant relationship. Developing a coherent sense of self and self-regulation skills both appeared to heighten women's self-compassion and empathy for their infants, which also seemed to improve their ability to tolerate uncertainty and mixed emotions within themselves and their infants. The mechanisms of change in the perinatal period are important to consider at a stakeholder, therapist and service management level to parsimoniously and best meet the needs of women and the mother-infant relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life‐threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. The survival rate of neonates with severe CDH is reportedly only 10%–15%. However, prenatal prediction of severe cases is difficult, and the discovery of new predictive markers is an urgent issue. In this study, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) in amniotic fluid‐derived small EVs (AF‐sEVs). We identified four miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐127‐3p, hsa‐miR‐363‐3p, hsa‐miR‐493‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐615‐3p) with AUC > 0.8 to classify good prognosis group and poor prognosis group in human study. The AUC for hsa‐miR‐127‐3p and hsa‐miR‐615‐3p, for predicting the poor prognosis, were 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. In addition, in the in vivo study, the miRNA profiles of the lung tissues of CDH rats were different from those of control rats. Additionally, two elevated miRNAs (rno‐miR‐215‐5p and rno‐miR‐148a‐3p) in the lung tissues of CDH rats were increased in the AF‐sEVs of CDH rats. Our results suggest that severe CDH neonates can be predicted prenatally with high accuracy using miRNAs contained in AF‐sEVs. Furthermore, miRNA profile changes in AF‐sEVs reflected the lung status in CDH. Our findings may contribute to the development of advanced perinatal care for patients with CDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To demonstrate that successful health systems strengthening (HSS) projects have addressed disparities and inequities in maternal and perinatal care in low‐income countries. Methods: A comprehensive literature review covered the period between 1980 and 2022, focusing on successful HSS interventions within health systems' seven core components that improved maternal and perinatal care. Results: The findings highlight the importance of integrating quality interventions into robust health systems, as this has been shown to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. However, several challenges, including service delivery gaps, poor data use, and funding deficits, continue to hinder the delivery of quality care. To improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, a comprehensive HSS strategy is essential, which should include infrastructure enhancement, workforce skill development, access to essential medicines, and active community engagement. Conclusion: Effective health systems, leadership, and community engagement are crucial for a comprehensive HSS approach to catalyze progress toward universal health coverage and global improvements in maternal and newborn health. Synopsis: Comprehensive health systems strengthening has been demonstrated to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in low‐income countries by addressing service, workforce, and resource gaps while promoting respectful care and equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe utilization of prenatal care and outcomes of low birth weight and preterm birth among adolescent births in Mexico. Methods: We used birth certificate data and included live births to individuals 10–24 years, 2008–2019. Our outcomes were binary measures of adequate prenatal care, low birth weight, and preterm birth. We compared adolescents (10–14 years, 15–16, and 17–19) to those 20–24 years. We included individual‐, clinical‐, and municipality‐level variables, used multivariable logistic regression, and calculated adjusted predicted probabilities. We also tested whether receipt of prenatal care moderated the relationship of age with preterm birth and low birth weight. Results: We included a total of 12 106 710 births to women 10–24 years. The adjusted predicted probability of adequate prenatal care increased with age: 56.07% (95% CI 55.82–56.31%) adjusted probability among adolescents 10–14 years compared with 65.51% (95% CI 65.48%–65.55%) among individuals 20–24 years. Receipt of adequate prenatal care in part mitigated disparities in preterm birth and low birthweight across all age groups: 7.30% (95% CI 7.17%–7.43%) adjusted probability of delivering a preterm infant among those 10–14 years who received adequate prenatal care compared with 9.37% (95% CI 9.20%–9.53%) among those 10–14 years without adequate prenatal care. Conclusion: In Mexico, adolescent pregnancies are associated with inadequate prenatal care as well as higher odds of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Youngest adolescents (10–14 years) have the highest probability of adverse outcomes. Adequate prenatal care may help partially mitigate disparities in poor perinatal outcomes. Synopsis: In Mexico, adolescent pregnancies have higher odds of prematurity and low birthweight. Adequate prenatal care may partially mitigate these disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Perinatal mental health defines new mothers, their families, and the social, emotional, and cognitive development of their children. The factors contributing to Ukrainian mothers' mental health are not well-defined in the literature. This study aims to explore how Ukrainian women understand mental health and its psychosocial determinants through their perinatal experience. METHODS This qualitative analysis is part of a larger mixed-methods study exploring perinatal mental health in Ukraine. Five online focus groups (n=30) with Ukrainian mothers of children aged 0-5 years were conducted in June-July 2020. The participants were selected from a pool of 1634 women who completed an online questionnaire and agreed to participate in further research. Informed consent was obtained. The data collected from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using Dedoose software. RESULTS The study identified two themes. The first theme was: 'Understanding perinatal mental health through women's experience', which covers five subthemes. The second theme was 'Psychosocial determinants of maternal mental health', which includes six subthemes. Overall, women's feelings of guilt, blame, and shame during their perinatal journey are influenced by socio-cultural factors and can lead to mental health problems and reluctance to seek proper help. CONCLUSIONS The study has identified some factors that can contribute to the enhancement of mental health and well-being of mothers in Ukraine during their perinatal journey. Negative emotions such as guilt, blame, and shame can have a significant impact on their ability to seek the necessary support, and should be addressed by midwives and other healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The number of perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents (PHIVA) is increasing however many health care systems are not prepared for this population and their health challenges, specifically a model of care (MoC) is lacking. Thus the objective of this study was to develop and propose a MoC for PHIVA. Methods: Through a qualitative study design, a MoC was developed and ratified with two focus groups, consisting of PHIVA and healthcare professionals. Results: Seven participants were included in each focus group and the following themes were developed: relatable attributes; missing components; implementation and suggestions. Changes were made to the drafts of the MoC in response to the focus group results, leading to the finalisation of a MoC for PHIVA. The MoC focused on the importance of interprofessional health care and addressed the physical sequelae that PHIVA are likely to encounter. A schematic of the MoC was created for the use in general public education. Conclusion: It is important that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the specific needs of PHIVA. The interprofessional MoC developed in this study helps to address the requirements of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]