On Tuesday, November 21, we released an episode titled “Optimizing Postpartum HTN Care”. On Wednesday, November 22, I received notification that a new clinical opinion piece will be released in AJOG in December 2023 which also discusses whether or not mag sulfate, should be used in the late postpartum interval in these patients. Amazing timing! Our podcast, and this soon-to-be released clinical opinion, match 100% in the data and recommendations! 🎉🎉🎉 So in this episode, we will highlight the ...
Nov 23, 2023•23 min
Data has shown that more than half of maternal deaths occur past the traditional 6 week postpartum mark. This is why the ACOG recognized the “fourth trimester” in 2018 (ACOG CO 736), reflecting the fact that the patient is still at risk beyond the first 6 weeks after delivery. One of the main areas of focus postpartum is on hypertension care. Growing understanding of the long-term implications of HDP and other medical complications of pregnancy have led to an increasing focus on building transit...
Nov 22, 2023•56 min
ACOG’s last practice bulletin on asthma in pregnancy (ACOG PB 90) was back in February 2008. Yep, 2008. Sooo… No advances since then? There’s been big shifts in the management of asthma, of course. That’s why we’re doing this podcast- things move so fast, and it’s often hard for guidelines to keep pace at times. That’s why we’re here. And that’s why it’s important to always stay ahead of the data. are you aware of the new recommendations from the GINA? It has changed the way we view Short Acting...
Nov 20, 2023•49 min
It’s a universal nomenclature… The TPAL system. Despite its traditional and long-standing integration into obstetrical vernacular, there are significant gaps in this system. And, although we use these terms daily, there is controversy about what one of those elements actually means. What is the “L“ actually for? We’ve all learned it as “living children”. But what does that actually mean? Is that live births? Is it number of living children at time of the report? Or does it mean something entirel...
Nov 18, 2023•13 min
This episode is our NEWS BRIEF. Yesterday, on November 15, 2023, the FDA approved the first, patient self-collected, home test kits for GC and Chlamydia. This is a BIG advancement for women's health. But, this is actually not the first at home STI test to be approved. In this episode, we will review this new FDA approved test, the specifics of the product, and why this is not just a "direct to consumer" purchase item.
Nov 16, 2023•14 min
Recently, we released an episode regarding the limited utility of by BMEs; now, I mean, limited utility as a routine, annual exercise in the low-risk asymptomatic, and non-pregnant patient. And there’s plenty of evidence that has shown that just doing a bimanual exam because “that’s what we’ve always done” -without a real indication- is just not helpful. All to say, we received numerous comments regarding that episode with 99% saying, “this is great”, “thank you for sticking with the evidence”, ...
Nov 16, 2023•44 min
Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States and is more prevalent than chlamydia and gonorrhea combined. In the US, the southern states share a disproportionate burden of infection, with rates up to 14%. Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis increases risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and preterm premature rupture of membran...
Nov 14, 2023•42 min
The pelvic examination is a standard component of the annual gynecologic visit despite limited evidence supporting its utility. Pelvic examinations can be a source of discomfort and anxiety for some patients seeking routine health care, whereas, for others, they can offer reassurance. In 2018, the ACOG released CO 754 on "The Utility of and Indications for Routine Pelvic Examination". What does the AAFP, ACP, and ACOG say about "routine" pelvic examinations in low-risk, nonpregnant, and asymptom...
Nov 10, 2023•30 min
What do think about when I mention to you, Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS)? You would probably think placenta previa and prior C-section, right? You should! Those are the two most well-known risk factors. But placenta accrete can happen without either of those 2 factors, although less commonly. I was recently asked to provide insights on a real case of suspected PAS in a primiparous patient who was suspected of having placenta accrete at attempted placenta extraction at time of her primary C-Sec...
Nov 08, 2023•44 min
I received a very personal and impactful Facebook message today from one of our podcast family members. It was enough to stop me in my tracks, and issue this heartfelt response. For F. L.
Nov 07, 2023•22 min
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the World Health Organization all recommend universal topical ocular prophylaxis to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. In the United States, ophthalmia neonatorum caused by N. gonorrhoeae has an incidence of 0.3 per 1000 live births, while Chlamydia trachomatis represents 8.2 of 1000 cases. However, this prophylaxis is not a uniform GLOBAL stance. The Ca...
Nov 06, 2023•39 min
On September 26, 2023 we released an episode titled “LDA in Preg: the SAGA Continues”. Well, it continues still. In this episode, we will review a brand new publication (a Narrative Review) released ahead-of-print yesterday on November 2, 2023 covering “Aspirin in Pregnancy” (Obstet Gynecol). We will focus on 2 main areas: 1. Dose of aspirin best suited for preeclampsia prevention, and 2. support for universal adoption. PLUS, we will throw in one other clinical pearl regarding continuation until...
Nov 03, 2023•21 min
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVCC) is a highly burdensome, long-lasting medical condition that heavily compromises the activities of women and their quality of life. Recently, the prevalence of RVVC has increased, partly due to a rise in VVC caused by non-albicans species. Here's a real-world clinical dilemma (from a real case): What would you offer a patient who is allergic to fluconazole and terconazole, has taken 3 doses of Brexafemme, has used boric acid, and even tried vaginal probio...
Nov 03, 2023•41 min
In 2017, the ACOG released committee opinion (CO) 712 which described the 3 categories of intrapartum fever. One of those categories was “isolated intrapartum fever”. In that CO, the ACOG stated that practitioners “should consider” the use of antibiotics in patients with isolated intrapartum fever. However, there was no evidence to support or refute that. But that evidence has now arrived. In this episode, we will discuss an upcoming publication from the AJOG (November 2023) providing important ...
Nov 01, 2023•34 min
DiGeorge syndrome… what a complicated condition for such a little area of a single chromosome being affected. The condition’s descriptive and preferred name is 22q11.2. This is called a microdeletion. Along with microduplications, microdeletions are collectively known as copy number variants. Copy number variants can lead to disease when the change in copy number of a dose-sensitive gene or genes disrupts the ability of the gene(s) to function and affects the amount of protein produced. Other ex...
Oct 30, 2023•43 min
For years, herbalists have touted bee pollen as an exceptionally nutritious food. They've even claimed it is a cure for certain health problems. Bee pollen does contains vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids, and protein. It comes from the pollen that collects on the bodies of bees as they fly from one flower to another. Bee pollen may also include bee saliva. This is NOT the same as natural honey, honeycomb, bee venom, propolis, or royal jelly. These other products do not contain bee pollen...
Oct 27, 2023•41 min
Although there were some early reports of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the late 19th century, the 1st time that the disease was referenced in literature was in 1910. Then in 1957, a doctor studying protein chemistry in England discovers that a single genetic mutation causes the abnormal hemoglobin found in patients who inherit SCD. And our knowledge of SCD continues to grow. In this episode, we will review a soon-to-be released new SMFM Consult Series # 68 highlighting the data on management of ...
Oct 25, 2023•46 min
In November 2023, the ACOG will release Clinical Consensus #6, “Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy”. We have covered bioidentical hormones in past episodes. However, this ACOG clinical consensus sheds new light on an old topic. Is there ever a role for bioidentical hormone therapy? What about postmenopausal testosterone use? What does the College say about the marketing of these compounded options? And, were you aware that for the first time ever there is now a novel, bioavailabl...
Oct 24, 2023•37 min
On June 27, 2023, researchers published a population based analysis of the prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Females in the US who were aged 12-21 Years. This study spanned from 2003 to 2020. What they found was staggering: Almost 40% of American teenage girls and young women had iron deficiency. This was published in JAMA. It's the first research to look at iron deficiency in young women and adolescent girls. Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are both common, ...
Oct 21, 2023•35 min
In 2009, the ACOG released practice bulletin 106 which introduced the 3- tier fetal heart rate classification system. This was followed up in November 2010 with its sister practice bulletin, number 116, “Management of Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Tracings”. Yet now, 13 years later, management of the category II tracing remains a conundrum. How long can you watch/observe a category II tracing? Can category II tracings predict fetal acidemia? And what is a step-by-step, evidence-based algorithm fo...
Oct 20, 2023•55 min
In April 2023, both the ACOG and SMFM released their clinical updates regarding the use of progesterone for preterm birth prevention. While 17-OHP is gone, vaginal progesterone remains an option in the appropriate patient, with some slight differences between the opinions from ACOG and SMFM. A new expert commentary from October 2023 in the AJOG -MFM is calling for a reappraisal of those opinions. Is vaginal progesterone for PTB prevention coming back to treat ALL patients with a history of PTB, ...
Oct 17, 2023•39 min
Finding a nuchal cord (NC) at delivery is not rare. NCs occur anywhere from 25-30% of all deliveries. When encountered at time of vaginal delivery, the first line maneuver should be an attempt to "reduce" the loop of cord around the fetal head by gently pulling the cord up and around the presenting part. However, if the NC is tight, an attempt at reduction may not be successful- or may risk inadvertent cord rupture withs subsequent fetal blood loss. Historically, the next move described was the ...
Oct 16, 2023•40 min
Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy/Preeclampsia is a persistent problem, world-wide. Over the last decade, studies have highlighted the role of vitamin D in modulating several mechanisms associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including but not limited to vessel compliance, the maternal immune response, the renin angiotensin response, and placental implantation and angiogenesis. There has also been published concern that maternal vitamin D deficiency may be associated with childhoo...
Oct 13, 2023•53 min
The FDA’s approval of the first oral hormonal contraceptive pill, Enovid, in 1960 launched a revolution in women’s reproductive healthcare. From that one initial pill sprang a plethora of oral contraceptive choices, representing estrogen-progestin combinations in standard dose to ultra-low dose options, progesterone only pills, and cyclic or continuous use pre-packaged formulations. According to a survey conducted from 2017 to 2019 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around ...
Oct 11, 2023•31 min
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Oct 11, 2023•4 min
There is no controversy regarding the definition of the 2nd stage of labor: it is the phase of labor from 10 cm until complete delivery of the child. However, there has been persistent controversy about what defines a prolonged 2nd stage of labor. In other words, are the hour limits stated by the ACOG “active pushing” or “total duration” in 2nd stage? 🤔 Historically, this has been a very gray area. Even though we have guidance on this going back to 2014 with the ACOG Obstetric Care Consensus 1,...
Oct 08, 2023•42 min
Mirror Syndrome also known as “triple edema” or Ballantyne syndrome, is a rare disorder affecting pregnant women. Mirror Syndrome is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a general unawareness of the condition, and sometimes its preeclampsia-like manifestations. However, until now, the characteristics of Mirror Syndrome have not been fully elucidated. But medicine moves fast, and we now have a better understanding of its presentation, likely contributing factors, and outcomes. Still, some ...
Oct 06, 2023•34 min
Incorrect delivery technique can lead to fetal birth trauma. However, sometimes – despite proper technique and care – fetal birth injuries occur. As I was taught as an intern, “Mal-occurrences don’t always mean Mal-practice“. Does that rule hold true for fetal clavicular fracture? What about Erb’s palsy found at birth? Can these issues occur as part of normal labor and delivery? And at time of cesarean section, does meticulous surgical technique always prevent immediate postop bleeding complicat...
Oct 04, 2023•41 min
The ACOG released Clinical Consensus #4 in August 2023, covering Urinary Track Infections in Pregnancy. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the more common perinatal complications, affecting approximately 8% of pregnancies. These infections represent a spectrum, from asymptomatic bacteriuria, to symptomatic acute cystitis, to the most serious, pyelonephritis. In this episode we will summarize some the key points from this monograph, and we will tackle 3 common myths/misperceptions related to...
Oct 02, 2023•48 min
The age at which couples have children in the United States continues to increase. While it is well documented and known that maternal age directly impacts fetal and child outcomes, less attention has been given to advanced paternal age (APA). Medical and Genetic commentaries have stated that limited APA principles have been advocated for or disseminated into the medical communities and the general population. There may be considerations for the development and application of a couple-centered s...
Sep 30, 2023•44 min
