“The Lotus Birth”… Although first described back in the 1970s, this birthing trend is gaining popularity today mainly because of social media. Is this practice evidence-based? Is it safe? There are real concerns here which have spurred several professional organizations and societies to issue HARSH warnings about this practice. In this episode, we will review the origins and current state of “the Lotus Birth”. We will also review the tragic case of Baby Harlow Eden. We will wrap up this episode ...
Nov 17, 2022•30 min
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis is several-fold more common in women than in men. As it primarily targets reproductive age women, identification of and proper management of patients with associated antiphospholipid antibodies is crucial to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. In this episode, we will review the 2019 ACR diagnostic criteria for SLE and review the management of SLE patients with/without antiphospholipid antibodies and with/without antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Nov 13, 2022•20 min
The idea of keeping women “Nil per os” (NPO) during labor traces back to the 1940s with the pivotal work of Dr. Curtis Mendelson. His work on “aspiration pneumonitis” has kept women NPO during labor up to present day. But is this still evidence-based? Is it risky to allow women to have PO intake during an otherwise uncomplicated labor course? In this episode we will walk through history and provide an updated view on the risks and benefits of this historic practice.
Nov 10, 2022•24 min
TXA was first found to reduce maternal morbidity at time of established postpartum hemorrhage in the WOMAN trial (2017). Since then, evidence has grown to include TXA as a prophylactic agent to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Despite its known effectiveness in BOTH the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, there is a renewed global warning regarding this medication. In this episode, we will review the WHO and FDA warning regarding the misapplication/inadvertent intrathecal use of TXA...
Nov 08, 2022•17 min
Maternal carrier screening (either pan-ethnic or expanded carrier panel) is recommended by the ACOG and SMFM. Ideally, this is done pre-conception or with the first pregnancy. Did you know that in August 2022 the ACOG added an additional test for universal maternal carrier screening? Does this maternal carrier screen include BRCA? In this episode we will cover what maternal carrier screening is, and what it is not.
Nov 05, 2022•18 min
Katie Couric recently described her path to her diagnosis of breast cancer, urging women with “dense breast tissue” to get supplemental breast imaging. Do these supplemental imaging tests improve overall survival? In this session, we will review the statements of 4 professional societies/organizations regarding the use of supplemental breast imaging for women with dense breasts who have no additional breast cancer risk factors and are asymptomatic.
Nov 01, 2022•12 min
Dense breasts can decrease the sensitivity of screening mammogram (MMG). Some US states have mandated reporting of breast density on MMG, while the rest of the states report on dense breasts voluntarily as a standardized reporting system. What supplemental breast imaging tools are advised as a follow up in these patients? Does the ACOG support supplemental breast imaging in average risk patients? What about the USPSTF? In this session we will do a deep dive into this common MMG description of “d...
Oct 30, 2022•23 min
The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guidelines were birthed (no pun intended) as a way to curb post-op morbidity from colorectal surgery. In 2019, CSection ERAS guidelines were published in the AJOG. Despite widespread agreement that ERAS is valuable, one aspect of the guideline is controversial: timing of Foley removal. Should the Foley be removed immediately after C-section? Should an indwelling bladder catheter be used at all? Let’s dive into this topic now.
Oct 26, 2022•21 min
The United States is currently facing an oxytocin shortage. How long this medication shortage is projected to continue is not clear. In an attempt to curb unnecessary use of oxytocin, is it safe to consider stopping oxytocin after induction, once the active phase of labor is reached? Is there data to support the practice? And what about using oxytocin for first trimester D&C? Is that evidence-based? In this session, we will review the data regarding discontinuation of oxytocin once the activ...
Oct 24, 2022•20 min
In 1964, John O’Sullivan published his original research describing abnormal cut off values following an oral glucose challenge in pregnancy. O’Sullivan laid the foundation for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes. We have learned a lot since that 1964 publication. In this session, we will review a new meta-analysis coming to print in November 2022 comparing the 1-step with the 2-step oral glucose tolerance test. We will also summarize data on point of care glucometers (capillary bloo...
Oct 21, 2022•22 min
Hattie… with these kind of insights, you are going to ROCK your oral boards in the next 72 hours! We are cheering you on! 👏👏👏👏
Oct 15, 2022•2 min
Recently, we reviewed the 3 vaccines generally recommended for every woman, in each pregnancy. But as they often say on late night commercials, “but wait… There’s more!” In this session, we will review 3 separate vaccinations which are applicable in special populations. Do you know which 3 they are? In this session our special guest, Carley Hager (3rd year medical student), will help us review the ACOG recommendations.
Oct 14, 2022•6 min
Fetal fibronectin was first reported as a possible biomarker for identifying those at risk of preterm birth back in 1991. Despite over 3 decades of ever evolving published data on FFN, underuse, misuse, and misunderstandings regarding what fetal fibronectin is and is not still persist. In the session we will review the SMFM recognized transvaginal ultrasound/FFN algorithm for preterm labor triage assessment. What is traditionally accepted as a “short cervix” on TVUS? Is it really safe to send pa...
Oct 14, 2022•28 min
In 2015, the ACOG included immediate release nifedipine as an intervention for acute, emergent hypertension in pregnancy. But what about extended release nifedipine? Is there a role for this medication in patients with preeclampsia with severe features intrapartum? Does this calcium channel blocker prevent uterine contractility? In this session we will review a new study from the American Heart Association reviewing the effectiveness of oral extended release nifedipine during labor induction for...
Oct 08, 2022•16 min
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. Currently, the ACOG recommends early screening for GDM for women “at risk”. However, other experts disagree with this approach. In this session, we will review the latest controversies regarding early screening for gestational diabetes. Is hemoglobin A1c an option for early testing? What about impaired glucose tolerance? We will cover all this and do a deep dive into the data in this episode. (For Dr. Kim! 😊)
Oct 06, 2022•26 min
Anticoagulation sure has come along way from warfarin. Although largely replaced by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), warfarin is still in use- mainly for patients with mechanical heart valves. For those on anticoagulation chronically, who require gynecological surgery, how/when is bridge therapy performed? In this episode, we will cover the ins and outs of anticoagulation bridge therapy. We will also review why bridge therapy is 100% not needed for a patient on DOACs.
Oct 04, 2022•23 min
Up to 70% of women who are anticoagulated will experience episodes of heavy menstrual bleeding. Traditionally, progestin only hormonal agents have been used in these cases. Can combination birth control pills be used in the anticoagulated patient? Is there data regarding their safety? In this episode, we will walk down the data timeline starting in 2009 and ending in 2021 regarding the use of combination birth control for menstrual/ovulation suppression in women who are anticoagulated. (For Elis...
Oct 02, 2022•21 min
A great podcast topic recommendation/suggestion: anticoagulation bridge therapy, and patients undergoing gynecological surgery. More to come…
Oct 01, 2022•3 min
In January 2022, the American Heart Association conducted a study and concluded that labetalol may be the best antihypertensive medication antepartum. However, the ACOG has not endorsed one antihypertensive medication over the other. But what about Postpartum? Is labetalol the best to prevent postpartum hypertensive readmissions? In this episode we will review a new publication being released October 2022 from Obstetrics and Gynecology (Green Journal). Which medication is best to prevent postpar...
Sep 28, 2022•14 min
This message is for Dr. Rob in Northern California preparing for his OBGYN oral boards. Rob, thank you for your voice memo on the app! Great question and absolutely fantastic clinical insights. With that kind of clinical inquiry and drive, I am sure you will ACE your upcoming OB/GYN oral boards. Dr. Rob’s question is which progesterone would be best for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding: a progestational agent or one that is more androgenic. Listen and find out.
Sep 25, 2022•6 min
Current ACOG/SMFM/CDC guidelines for the prevention of Group B Strep neonatal infection are aimed at prevention of early onset GBS neonatal disease. But late onset infections still occur worldwide and are devastating for the newborn. This is why there is a new Group B Strep (GBS6) vaccine in the pipeline! On September 22, 2022 the FDA granted this vaccine “Breakthrough Therapy designation”. In this session, we will review what that designation means, why this vaccine is needed, and where we are ...
Sep 24, 2022•12 min
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is the most common medication used in pregnancy. For several years now, observational studies have raised concern for use of this common OTC medication in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder/attention deficit disorder in children. Does acetaminophen cause these neurodevelopmental disorders? In this session we will highlight 3 recent publications that have gained national and international attention. We will also summarize the statements from the FDA, ACOG, SMFM, an...
Sep 19, 2022•21 min
There is a current trend advocating for women to do complete “hormone panels” for wellness. There is also persistent confusion surrounding the use of “bioidentical hormones” stemming mainly from the vast options of OTC and compounded “natural” hormone supplements. For women, compounded bioidentical hormones (cBHT) mainly takes the form of testosterone supplements/pellets. With decades of use of these products, what is the current state of opinion on them? In this episode we will review updated p...
Sep 14, 2022•26 min
Maternal mortality in the United States is among the highest of all industrialized nations. Shockingly, the top cause of obstetric death no longer belongs to pregnancy related factors; homicide is the most common cause of pregnancy associated death. And suicide is not far behind. In this episode we will review a new publication from the ACOG reviewing staggering statistics on pregnancy associated deaths. We will distinguish between “pregnancy related deaths” and “pregnancy associated deaths”, an...
Sep 11, 2022•13 min
Neonatal herpes infection can be devastating to the newborn. For patients with a history of known genital herpes, daily suppression beginning at 36 weeks until delivery has been the standard for over 2 decades. For the HSV2 negative pregnant patient with a HSV2 positive partner, is PREP an option? In this session, we were review management of the HSV2 discordant couple during pregnancy.
Sep 07, 2022•20 min
Gentian Violet has been used for over a century for a variety of conditions including vaginal candidiasis. Does it work? More importantly… is it safe? In this session we will review the medical history, current use of, and safety profile of Gentian Violet. We will discuss ACOG’s stance on ordering vaginal medications WITHOUT an examination and we will also cover the most recent antifungal medication which has been FDA approved, Brexafemme.
Sep 03, 2022•24 min
Progesterone has long been hoped to be a remedy for 1st trimester pregnancy loss. Does progesterone help reduce miscarriage risk? The data is ever evolving. In this session we will review 2 landmark studies that helped answer this question (PROMISE, PRISM). We will also cover a 2020 Cochran systematic review that helped change the 2021 NICE practice guidelines on the subject. Lastly, we will also cover the latest data on this from May 2022 (ACOG ACM).
Aug 28, 2022•23 min
Oh, the twisted love story of progesterone and pre-term birth! Ever since the Meis trial in 2003, we have been fascinated with the use of progesterone as a possible cure-all of all things preterm birth. But the data keeps piling in, with results just contrary to that. In this episode we will review the publication history of progesterone and it’s fight against PTB. We will also highlight a new publication from the AJOG coming out September 1, 2022 analyzing vaginal progesterone’s effectiveness a...
Aug 24, 2022•14 min
In 1949, Priscilla White published her landmark study on diabetes in pregnancy, launching the “White Classification”. This has been a staple of pre-pregnancy diabetes nomenclature since that time. However, despite its historical role in obstetrics, is this scale still relevant? In this episode we will review the history, definitions of, and proposed alternative nomenclature to the traditional White Classification.
Aug 20, 2022•19 min
Epilepsy/seizure disorders disproportionately affects women of reproductive age over men. The influence of sex hormones on seizure prevalence is well documented. As women’s healthcare providers, it’s vital for us to understand the influence of seizure disorders on women’s overall care. In this session, we will review important aspects regarding contraception and review the data on pregnancy outcomes in women with epilepsy.
Aug 17, 2022•15 min
