CONTEXT Maternal serum human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) and Alpha Fetal Protein (AFP) were originally introduced to detect trisomy 21 and neural tube defects. However, in the absence of aneuploidy or neural tube defects, mid-trimester maternal serum hCG and/or maternal serum AFP associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancies with unexplained mid-trimester elevation in maternal serum ...

BACKGROUND Central nervous system malformations are the second most common congenital malformations after congenital heart diseases. These malformations are associated with many instances of morbidity and mortality which underline the importance of prevention and their early diagnosis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is the diagnosis of neural tube defect (NTDs) in the first trimester a...

This quantitative exploratory study analyzes the hemodynamic status of pregnant women attended at first level medical care in Lircay - Huancavelica, 2018. Methodology: observational, retrospective, and longitudinal research with a sample 85 women, document review was used as technique, descriptive statistics were used. Results: young aged 20 to 30 years (79%) adolescents 16 19 (31,76%), 50,59% ...

Objective: To establish the reference intervals of thyroid stimulating hormone and free Tetraiodothyronine in healthy pregnant women Quetta, Baluchistan.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Setting Duration: Combined Military Hospital, Quetta Pakistan, at Jun 2018 to 2019.Methodology: Consecutive blood samples (in all three trimesters) were taken analyse Tetra-iodothyronine by elec...

BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated as a causal factor in major depression and is critical to placental development during pregnancy. Longitudinal data on BDNF across the perinatal period are lacking. These data are of interest given the potential implications for maternal mood and fetal growth, particularly among Black women who show ∼2-fold greater risk for deliv...

OBJECTIVE To review the benefits of and requirements for a complete second trimester ultrasound and the documentation needed. OUTCOMES A complete second trimester ultrasound provides information about the number of fetuses, the gestational age, the location of the placenta, and fetal and maternal anatomy. EVIDENCE In the production of this document, the American Institute of Ultrasound in M...

BACKGROUND A major disadvantage of second trimester amniocentesis is that the result is usually available only after 18 weeks' gestation. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and early amniocentesis can be done between 9 and 14 weeks and offer an earlier alternative. OBJECTIVES The objective was to assess comparative safety and accuracy of second trimester amniocentesis, early amniocentesis, trans...

BACKGROUND Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. In non-pregnant populations, low leptin levels stimulate positive energy balance. In pregnancy, both the placenta and adipose tissue contribute to circulating leptin levels. We tested whether maternal leptin levels are associated with subsequent GWG and whether this association varies depending on ...

BACKGROUND The acceptability of prenatal screening and diagnosis of Down syndrome is dependent, in part, on the gestational age at which the testing is offered. First trimester screening could be advantageous if it has sufficient efficacy and can be effectively delivered. ISSUES Two first trimester maternal serum screening markers, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free beta-...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to assess the dynamics of autonomic nervous system(ANS) and hemodynamic activity changes during uncomplicated pregnancy. METHODS We enrolled 36 pregnant women (mean age 29 ± 4.8 years) and a control group of 10 non-pregnant women (mean age 25.9 ± 0.88 years). The examination was performed in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester. Continuous registration of...