28 CFR 551.21 - Birth control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Birth control. 551.21 Section 551.21... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.21 Birth control. Medical staff shall provide an inmate with advice and consultation about methods for birth control and, where medically...

28 CFR 551.21 - Birth control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Birth control. 551.21 Section 551.21... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.21 Birth control. Medical staff shall provide an inmate with advice and consultation about methods for birth control and, where medically...

28 CFR 551.21 - Birth control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Birth control. 551.21 Section 551.21... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.21 Birth control. Medical staff shall provide an inmate with advice and consultation about methods for birth control and, where medically...

28 CFR 551.21 - Birth control.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Birth control. 551.21 Section 551.21... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.21 Birth control. Medical staff shall provide an inmate with advice and consultation about methods for birth control and, where medically...

Eugenics discourse and racial improvement in Republican China (1911-1949).

PubMed

Sihn, Kyu-hwan

2010-12-31

This paper aimed to examine the advent of eugenics and its characteristics in republican China. Although eugenics was introduced into China as a discourse to preserve and improve race by the 1898 reformers such as Yan Fu (1854-1921) and Yi Nai (1875-?) in the late imperial period, it was not until the republican period that eugenics discourse started to combine with the discourse and movement related to social reform. The May 4th intellectuals put forward criticisms of Confucian patriarchy, propagating science and democracy. They pointed out that the large family system was a source of every social evil, and argued the need for a small family system based on monogamy. The aim of the small family system was to improve both the race and the environment. Such thinkers argued that freedom of love and the liberation of individuality were necessary for this end. Zhou Jianren (1888-1984), Lu Xun's youngest brother and representative eugenicist in the May 4th period, combined eugenics with freedom of love and the liberation of individuality. Pan Guangdan (1899-1967) and Zhou Jianren debated the eugenics controversy in the 1920s. They raised the freedom of love and the liberation of individuality as central issues related to the eugenics controversy. The eugenics debate was developed into the controversy between biological determinism and environmentalism in the late 1920s. However, these issues did not continue to be brought up in the 1930s. The main issues concerning the eugenics controversy in the 1930s were cultural identity and the population problem. Particularly in the 1930s, the scope of birth control as the solution to the population problem was extended from the individual person and family to nation and race. For eugenicists like Pan Guangdan, birth control violated the aim of eugenics and brought about the degeneration of the race. However, such theorists did not deny the value of birth control itself. The supporters of birth control thought that selecting superior descendents and eliminating inferior descendents fit with the ideals of eugenics. They thought that the propagation of contraception could suppress the increase of inferior and weak descendents, and result in the improvement of the race. Physicians suggested the necessity of birth control and organized birth control clinic, Chinese society did not pay attention to their arguments and activities in 1920s. After birth control made at issue from the 1930s, physicians started to discuss eugenics and play the important role in the medical practice. Chinese physicians passed a resolution of birth control for mothers and children's happiness and health and public health in 1930s.As a result, Chinese intellectuals supported eugenics and supported the proposition that eugenics could improve the race. On the basis of this situation, the Guomindang government legislated eugenic laws related to contraception, eugenic marriage, and sterilization and the isolation of hereditary defaulters in 1945.

Intimate partner violence and postpartum contraceptive use: the role of race/ethnicity and prenatal birth control counseling.

PubMed

Cha, Susan; Chapman, Derek A; Wan, Wen; Burton, Candace W; Masho, Saba W

2015-09-01

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major problem that could affect reproductive decision making. The aim of this study is to examine the association between IPV and contraceptive use and assess whether the association varies by receipt of prenatal birth control counseling and race/ethnicity. This study analyzed the 2004-2008 national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) that included 193,310 women with live births in the United States. IPV was determined by questions that asked about physical abuse by a current or former partner in the 12 months before or during pregnancy. The outcome was postpartum contraceptive use (yes vs. no). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the influence of experiencing IPV at different periods (preconception IPV, prenatal IPV, both preconception and prenatal IPV, preconception and/or prenatal IPV). Data were stratified to assess differential effects by race/ethnicity and receipt of birth control counseling. Approximately 6.2% of women reported IPV, and 15.5% reported no postpartum contraceptive use. Regardless of the timing of abuse, IPV-exposed women were significantly less likely to report contraceptive use after delivery. This was particularly true for Hispanic women who reported no prenatal birth control counseling and women of all other racial/ethnic groups who received prenatal birth control counseling. IPV victimization adversely affects the use of contraceptive methods following delivery in women with live births. Birth control counseling by health providers may mitigate these effects; however, the quality of counseling needs further investigation. Better integration of violence prevention services and family planning programs is greatly needed. Consistent with national recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, clinicians and public health workers are strongly encouraged to screen for IPV. Health providers should educate women on effective contraceptive options and discuss long-acting reversible contraceptives that are not partner dependent within the context of abusive relationships. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Iron deficiency anemia: pregnancy outcomes with or without iron supplementation.

PubMed

Bánhidy, Ferenc; Acs, Nándor; Puhó, Erzsébet H; Czeizel, Andrew E

2011-01-01

To estimate the efficacy of iron supplementation in anemic pregnant women on the basis of occurrence of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes. Comparison of the occurrence of medically recorded pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in pregnant women affected with medically recorded iron deficiency anemia and iron supplementation who had malformed fetuses/newborns (cases) and who delivered healthy babies (controls) in the population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance System of Congenital Abnormalities. Of 22,843 cases with congenital abnormalities, 3242 (14.2%), while of 38,151 controls, 6358 (16.7%) had mothers with anemia. There was no higher rate of preterm births and low birth weight in the newborns of anemic pregnant women supplemented by iron. However, anemic pregnant women without iron treatment had a significantly shorter gestational age at delivery with a somewhat higher rate of preterm births but these adverse birth outcomes were prevented with iron supplementation. The rate of total and some congenital abnormalities was lower than expected and explained mainly by the healthier lifestyle and folic acid supplements. The secondary findings of the study showed a higher risk of constipation-related hemorrhoids and hypotension in anemic pregnant women with iron supplementation. A higher rate of preterm birth was found in anemic pregnant women without iron treatment but this adverse birth outcome was prevented with iron supplementation. There was no higher rate of congenital abnormalities in the offspring of anemic pregnant women supplemented with iron and/or folic acid supplements. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Why Exercise?

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... Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids ... Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids ...

Urination Problems

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Hearing Problems

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The role of progesterone in prevention of preterm birth

PubMed Central

Dodd, Jodie M; Crowther, Caroline A

2010-01-01

Preterm birth continues to provide an enormous challenge in the delivery of perinatal health care, and is associated with considerable short and long-term health consequences for surviving infants. Progesterone has a role in maintaining pregnancy, by suppression of the calcium–calmodulin–myosin light chain kinase system. Additionally, progesterone has recognized anti-inflammatory properties, raising a possible link between inflammatory processes, alterations in progesterone receptor expression and the onset of preterm labor. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of intramuscular and vaginal progesterone in women considered to be at increased risk of preterm birth have been published, with primary outcomes of perinatal death, preterm birth <34 weeks, and neurodevelopmental handicap in childhood. Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review, involving 2714 women and 3452 infants, with results presented according to the reason women were considered to be at increased risk of preterm birth. While there is a potential beneficial effect in the use of progesterone for some women considered to be at increased risk of preterm birth, primarily in the reduction in the risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks gestation, it remains unclear if the observed prolongation of pregnancy translates into improved health outcomes for the infant. PMID:21072277

Health Beliefs of Active Duty Army Women: Barriers to Well Woman Examinations

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-05-01

Birth control pill” was next. “ Birth control other than pills” was fourth, and the fifth option was “No problems with breast, only routine...detection examination 43 (28) Birth control pills 32 (21) Problems with female organs 22 (14) Problems with breast 12 (8) Birth control other than pills 8 (5...organs,” “ Birth control pills,” or “ Birth control other than pills” Health Beliefs 32 as the reason for seeking care. Twenty three, or 35%,

Essure Permanent Birth Control

MedlinePlus

... Prosthetics Essure Permanent Birth Control Essure Permanent Birth Control Share Tweet Linkedin Pin it More sharing options ... Print Essure is a a permanently implanted birth control device for women (female sterilization). Implantation of Essure ...

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

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Peripheral Arterial Disease and Claudication

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Understanding Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

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Protocol: systematic review and meta-analyses of birth outcomes for women who intend at the onset of labour to give birth at home compared to women of low obstetrical risk who intend to give birth in hospital.

PubMed

Hutton, Eileen K; Reitsma, Angela; Thorpe, Julia; Brunton, Ginny; Kaufman, Karyn

2014-05-29

There has been a renewed interest in the place of birth, including intended home birth, for low risk women. In the absence of adequately-sized randomised controlled trials, a recent Cochrane review recommended that a systematic review and meta-analysis, including observational studies, be undertaken to inform this topic. The objective of this review is to determine if women intending at the onset of labour to give birth at home are more or less likely to experience a foetal or neonatal loss compared to a cohort of women who are comparable to the home birth cohort on the absence of risk factors but who intend to give birth in a hospital setting. We will search using Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED and the Cochrane Library to find studies published since 1990 that compare foetal, neonatal and maternal outcomes for women who intended at the onset of labour to give birth at home to a comparison cohort of low risk women who intended at the onset of labour to give birth in hospital. We will obtain pooled estimates of effect using Review Manager. Because of the likelihood of differences in outcomes in settings where home birth is integrated into the health care system, we will stratify our results according to jurisdictions that have a health care system that integrates home birth and those where home birth is provided outside the usual health care system. Since parity is known to be associated with birth outcomes, only studies that take parity into account will be included in the meta-analyses. We will provide results by parity to the extent possible. This protocol was registered with PROSPERO at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero/ (Registration number: CRD42013004046).

Birth Control Explorer

MedlinePlus

... STIs Media Facebook Twitter Tumblr Shares · 0 Birth Control Explorer Sort by all methods most effective methods ... You are here Home » Birth Control Explorer Birth Control Explorer If you’re having sex —or if ...

Birth Control

MedlinePlus

Birth control, also known as contraception, is designed to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods may work in a number of different ... eggs that could be fertilized. Types include birth control pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, and emergency contraceptive ...

Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica

MedlinePlus

... Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids ... Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids ...

The role of obstetrical rituals in the resolution of cultural anomaly.

PubMed

Davis-Floyd, R E

1990-01-01

To a technological society like that of the United States, the natural process of childbirth presents special conceptual dilemmas, as it calls into perpetual question any boundaries American culture tries to delineate between itself and nature. The author builds on previous works in which she has argued that the American core value system centers around science and technology, the institutions through which these are disseminated into society, and the patriarchal system through which these institutions are managed. A constant reminder that babies come from women and nature, not from technology and culture, childbirth confronts American society with practical, procedural dilemmas: How to create a sense of cultural control over birth, a natural process resistant to such control? How to make birth, a powerfully female phenomenon, reinforce, instead of undermine, the patriarchal system upon which American society is still based? How to turn the natural and individual birth process into a cultural rite of passage which successfully inculcates the dominant core value system into the initiates? In the absence of universal baptism, how to enculturate a non-cultural baby? Some of the dilemmas discussed in this article are universal problems presented by the birth process to all human societies; others are specific to American culture. Each contains within it a fundamental paradox, an opposition which must be culturally reconciled lest the anomaly of its existence undermine the fragile technology-based conceptual system in terms of which American society organizes itself. After a brief discussion of the history of this technological paradigm, the author analyzes eight of the dilemmas presented by childbirth to American society, demonstrating how they have been neatly resolved by obstetrical rituals specifically designed to removed birth's conceptual threat to the technological model by making birth appear, through technological means, to confirm instead of challenge the basic tenets of that model. From this perspective, routinely used obstetrical procedures such as electronic fetal monitoring, episiotomies, the lithotomy position, and even the Cesarean section emerge as rational ritual responses to the conflicts between reality as American society has constructed it, and the physiological realities of birth.

Examining the inter-correlated effects of low income, life stress, and race on birth outcomes: A representative state study.

PubMed

Lefmann, Tess; Combs-Orme, Terri; Orme, John G

2017-07-01

Programming of the stress response system during gestation has lifelong effects that put the infant at risk for multiple stress-related pathologies. Populations most vulnerable to prenatal stress are African-Americans and individuals of low socioeconomic status. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) research project, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and individual state health departments, was employed for this study. Tennessee data from 2009 were compiled from individual birth certificates and PRAMS questionnaire responses to examine the influence of maternal stressors, race and low income on birth outcomes. The number of stressors was only a significant predictor of having an infant small for gestational age when moderated by Medicaid status. Medicaid status was a positive predictor of both problematic birth and preterm delivery, but did not predict small or large for gestational age. The relationship between race and birth outcomes overall was moderated by age, with young African-American mothers less likely than European-Americans and older African-American mothers to have adverse birth outcomes.

Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Treatment for Muscle Spasms

MedlinePlus

... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and ... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control ...

Birth Control Ring

MedlinePlus

... Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Birth Control Ring KidsHealth / For Teens / Birth Control Ring What's in this article? What Is It? ... Anillo vaginal anticonceptivo What Is It? The birth control ring is a soft, flexible, doughnut-shaped ring ...

Cerebral Palsy. NICHCY Disability Fact Sheet #2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, 2010

2010-01-01

Cerebral palsy--also known as CP--is a condition caused by injury to the parts of the brain that control the body's ability to use muscles effectively. Often the injury happens before birth, sometimes during delivery or soon after birth. The symptoms will differ from person to person and change as children and their nervous systems mature. This…

Birth order and Risk of Childhood Cancer: A Pooled Analysis from Five U.S. States

PubMed Central

Von Behren, Julie; Spector, Logan G.; Mueller, Beth A.; Carozza, Susan E.; Chow, Eric J.; Fox, Erin E.; Horel, Scott; Johnson, Kimberly J.; McLaughlin, Colleen; Puumala, Susan E.; Ross, Julie A.; Reynolds, Peggy

2010-01-01

The causes of childhood cancers are largely unknown. Birth order has been used as a proxy for prenatal and postnatal exposures, such as frequency of infections and in utero hormone exposures. We investigated the association between birth order and childhood cancers in a pooled case-control dataset. The subjects were drawn from population-based registries of cancers and births in California, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Washington. We included 17,672 cases less than 15 years of age who were diagnosed from1980-2004 and 57,966 randomly selected controls born 1970-2004, excluding children with Down syndrome. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression, adjusted for sex, birth year, maternal race, maternal age, multiple birth, gestational age, and birth weight. Overall, we found an inverse relationship between childhood cancer risk and birth order. For children in the fourth or higher birth order category compared to first-born children, the adjusted OR was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.93) for all cancers combined. When we examined risks by cancer type, a decreasing risk with increasing birth order was seen in the central nervous system (CNS) tumors, neuroblastoma, bilateral retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma. We observed increased risks with increasing birth order for acute myeloid leukemia but a slight decrease in risk for acute lymphoid leukemia. These risk estimates were based on a very large sample size which allowed us to examine rare cancer types with greater statistical power than in most previous studies, however the biologic mechanisms remain to be elucidated. PMID:20715170

Birth Control Patch

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... Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Birth Control Patch KidsHealth / For Teens / Birth Control Patch What's in this article? What Is It? ... It Cost? Print What Is It? The birth control patch is a thin, beige, 1¾-inch (4½- ...

Birth Control Shot

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... Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Birth Control Shot KidsHealth / For Teens / Birth Control Shot What's in this article? What Is It? ... La inyección anticonceptiva What Is It? The birth control shot is a long-acting form of progesterone, ...

Birth Control Pill

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... Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Birth Control Pill KidsHealth / For Teens / Birth Control Pill What's in this article? What Is It? ... La píldora anticonceptiva What Is It? The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily ...

A Translational Approach to Validate in Vivo Anti-tumor Effects of Chloroquine on Breast Cancer Risk

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

Birth   Control     The next section is about the use of birth control pills and...Question 50. r Refuse to answer Skip to Question 50. 48. How old were you when you started taking birth control pills/hormonal contraceptives? r...years OR total number of months Birth control pills Currently Formerly No ___ Years Months Don’t recall Birth control

Birth Control: How to Use Your Diaphragm

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49 CFR 383.73 - State procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... endorsement knowledge tests; (iv) Allow only a group-specific passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsement and... must verify the name, date of birth, and Social Security Number provided by the applicant with the...-domiciled CDL. (n) Computer system controls. The State must establish computer system controls that will: (1...

Sterilization: women fit to be tied.

PubMed

Caress, B

1975-01-01

Sterilization abuse is both systematic and widespread. Frequently, women are misled about the dangers of surgery, misinformed about its permanence, and coerced while under the stress of labor or abortion. Generally, instances of abuses in the health system are treated as illegitimate, illegal aberations of an otherwise decent health care system. Careful examination of these so called abuses would reveal that each can be causally connected to particular aspects of the care of America's health system. Sterilization abuse stems from a combination of factors inherent in the health system plus 1 critical additional factor. Besides resulting from teaching and research imperatives, profit making, and the fee for service systems, such abuse is the most widespread example of medicine as an instrument of social control. Sterilization is the most extreme form of birth control and birth control is official US government policy. There were about 500,000 sterilizations performed on American women in 1973. None of the sterilization methods is innocuous, and each is associated with some physical and psychological side effects. General agreement exists in the medical literature that some risk is attendant to each procedure. Sterilization is the most dangerous and the fastest growing method of birth control. Since 1970 the figures show an almost 3-fold increase in the incidence of female sterilization, from 192,000 in 1970 to 548,000 in 1974. Much evidence exists to suggest that the increase in the number of sterilizations has fueled a trend toward the sterilization of younger women with fewer children. Official accommodation to liberalization of sterilization practices in the US came in 1969, when the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) withdrew its age parity formula. This liberalization of sterilization guidelines opened the floodgates to abuse. Some of the increase in the number of operations performed is due to increased demand, some of it is the result of misinformation and coercion. Training imperatives and political attitudes account for some of the increase in hysterectomies. Many young gynecologists in training have united their professional needs for training and their political ideas. Another reason for an increase in operations is greed. Doctors' attitudes toward sterilization and the misinformation about its impact stem from the same source: a change in government attitude toward population control. Although budget tightening is the byword for most government financed health care at this time, this is not the case for contraceptive services. Between 1967 and 1973 federal support for family planning services increased more than 1300%, from $11 million to $149 million. The growth of US spending for its birth control program abroad has been just as spectacular. Providing birth control services is population control. The line between voluntary and involuntary sterilization becomes thinner all the time.

Formative Evaluation of a University Birth Control Education Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huettman, Julie K. Doidge; Sarvela, Paul D.

1992-01-01

A university birth control education program was created to improve student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Students attended a birth control class before visiting the health clinic for prescriptions. Pre- and posttest questionnaires and clinician assessments indicated knowledge of birth control improved significantly, and students became…

Oxidative stress markers in saliva and periodontal disease status: modulation during pregnancy and postpartum.

PubMed

Gümüş, Pınar; Emingil, Gülnur; Öztürk, Veli-Özgen; Belibasakis, Georgios N; Bostanci, Nagihan

2015-07-08

Periodontal diseases may affect local and systemic inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This systemic health burden could compromise the outcome of pregnancy in expectant mothers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative stress markers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and total bacterial loads in the saliva of pregnant and postpartum women, and to investigate their association with periodontal disease severity. A total of 187 women were originally recruited for this case-control study, assigned to the following groups a) pregnant group, b) postpartum group: the pregnant group re-evaluated 6 months after giving birth, c) control group: systemically healthy and non-pregnant women. The levels of the studied oxidative stress markers in saliva were measured by commercially available kits. The levels of salivary 8-OHdG were significantly elevated in the pregnant, compared with the control group. Although salivary 8-OHdG levels slightly decreased after giving birth (postpartum group), the difference did not reach significance. In contrast, the activity of antioxidant enzyme GPx in saliva was significantly lower in the pregnant than the control group. Although no differences in lipid peroxidation (represented by TBARS) were observed between the pregnant and control groups, after giving birth TBARS levels were significantly lowered. Only in the postpartum and control groups did clinical measurements of periodontal disease severity correlate with oxidative stress markers. Interestingly, there were no such correlations with TBARS in the pregnant and postpartum groups. The present study shows changes in the oxidant/antioxidant balance in saliva during pregnancy and after birth, which may be affected by periodontal health status in the latter case. Whether this is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, or not, remains to be elucidated. Early identification of ROS markers in saliva may be of clinical value in the periodontal management of pregnant women.

Mobile phone base stations and early childhood cancers: case-control study.

PubMed

Elliott, Paul; Toledano, Mireille B; Bennett, J; Beale, L; de Hoogh, K; Best, N; Briggs, D J

2010-06-22

To investigate the risk of early childhood cancers associated with the mother's exposure to radiofrequency from and proximity to macrocell mobile phone base stations (masts) during pregnancy. Case-control study. Cancer registry and national birth register data in Great Britain. 1397 cases of cancer in children aged 0-4 from national cancer registry 1999-2001 and 5588 birth controls from national birth register, individually matched by sex and date of birth (four controls per case). Incidence of cancers of the brain and central nervous system, leukaemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and all cancers combined, adjusted for small area measures of education level, socioeconomic deprivation, population density, and population mixing. Mean distance of registered address at birth from a macrocell base station, based on a national database of 76,890 base station antennas in 1996-2001, was similar for cases and controls (1107 (SD 1131) m v 1073 (SD 1130) m, P=0.31), as was total power output of base stations within 700 m of the address (2.89 (SD 5.9) kW v 3.00 (SD 6.0) kW, P=0.54) and modelled power density (-30.3 (SD 21.7) dBm v -29.7 (SD 21.5) dBm, P=0.41). For modelled power density at the address at birth, compared with the lowest exposure category the adjusted odds ratios were 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.18) in the intermediate and 1.02 (0.88 to 1.20) in the highest exposure category for all cancers (P=0.79 for trend), 0.97 (0.69 to 1.37) and 0.76 (0.51 to 1.12), respectively, for brain and central nervous system cancers (P=0.33 for trend), and 1.16 (0.90 to 1.48) and 1.03 (0.79 to 1.34) for leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (P=0.51 for trend). There is no association between risk of early childhood cancers and estimates of the mother's exposure to mobile phone base stations during pregnancy.

Mobile phone base stations and early childhood cancers: case-control study

PubMed Central

Toledano, Mireille B; Bennett, J; Beale, L; de Hoogh, K; Best, N; Briggs, D J

2010-01-01

Objective To investigate the risk of early childhood cancers associated with the mother’s exposure to radiofrequency from and proximity to macrocell mobile phone base stations (masts) during pregnancy. Design Case-control study. Setting Cancer registry and national birth register data in Great Britain. Participants 1397 cases of cancer in children aged 0-4 from national cancer registry 1999-2001 and 5588 birth controls from national birth register, individually matched by sex and date of birth (four controls per case). Main outcome measures Incidence of cancers of the brain and central nervous system, leukaemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and all cancers combined, adjusted for small area measures of education level, socioeconomic deprivation, population density, and population mixing. Results Mean distance of registered address at birth from a macrocell base station, based on a national database of 76 890 base station antennas in 1996-2001, was similar for cases and controls (1107 (SD 1131) m v 1073 (SD 1130) m, P=0.31), as was total power output of base stations within 700 m of the address (2.89 (SD 5.9) kW v 3.00 (SD 6.0) kW, P=0.54) and modelled power density (−30.3 (SD 21.7) dBm v −29.7 (SD 21.5) dBm, P=0.41). For modelled power density at the address at birth, compared with the lowest exposure category the adjusted odds ratios were 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.18) in the intermediate and 1.02 (0.88 to 1.20) in the highest exposure category for all cancers (P=0.79 for trend), 0.97 (0.69 to 1.37) and 0.76 (0.51 to 1.12), respectively, for brain and central nervous system cancers (P=0.33 for trend), and 1.16 (0.90 to 1.48) and 1.03 (0.79 to 1.34) for leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (P=0.51 for trend). Conclusions There is no association between risk of early childhood cancers and estimates of the mother’s exposure to mobile phone base stations during pregnancy. PMID:20570865

Risk of congenital anomalies around a municipal solid waste incinerator: a GIS-based case-control study

PubMed Central

Vinceti, Marco; Malagoli, Carlotta; Fabbi, Sara; Teggi, Sergio; Rodolfi, Rossella; Garavelli, Livia; Astolfi, Gianni; Rivieri, Francesca

2009-01-01

Background Waste incineration releases into the environment toxic substances having a teratogenic potential, but little epidemiologic evidence is available on this topic. We aimed at examining the relation between exposure to the emissions from a municipal solid waste incinerator and risk of birth defects in a northern Italy community, using Geographical Information System (GIS) data to estimate exposure and a population-based case-control study design. By modelling the incinerator emissions, we defined in the GIS three areas of increasing exposure according to predicted dioxins concentrations. We mapped the 228 births and induced abortions with diagnosis of congenital anomalies observed during the 1998–2006 period, together with a corresponding series of control births matched for year and hospital of birth/abortion as well as maternal age, using maternal address in the first three months of pregnancy to geocode cases and controls. Results Among women residing in the areas with medium and high exposure, prevalence of anomalies in the offspring was substantially comparable to that observed in the control population, nor dose-response relations for any of the major categories of birth defects emerged. Furthermore, odds ratio for congenital anomalies did not decrease during a prolonged shut-down period of the plant. Conclusion Overall, these findings do not lend support to the hypothesis that the environmental contamination occurring around an incineration plant such as that examined in this study may induce major teratogenic effects. PMID:19208225

The role of public insurance and the public delivery system in improving birth outcomes for low-income pregnant women.

PubMed

Susan Marquis, M; Long, Stephen H

2002-11-01

Insurance expansions and service delivery system expansions are alternative policy instruments used to try to improve birth outcomes for low-income women. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of expansions of public insurance on access and birth outcomes for pregnant women and the role of different delivery systems in these outcomes. The experience in Florida during the years 1989-1994 is studied. Data are from linked birth certificates, hospital discharge data, Medicaid eligibility and claims files, and county health department records. Use of prenatal care and birthweight for low-income women is compared under different financing for prenatal care and for those using different delivery systems. Several approaches to control for self-selection are adopted, and similar results are obtained with each. Women enrolled in Medicaid have more prenatal care visits than the uninsured. Outcomes for those on Medicaid and the uninsured are significantly better if they receive care in the public health system than if they receive care in the private system-including private offices, clinics, and HMOs. Over time, the gap in outcomes between those in the public system and those receiving prenatal care from private physicians has diminished. Public insurance improves access to services, but the delivery system is a key factor in improving outcomes.

Separate Influences of Birth Order and Gravidity/Parity on the Development of Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

COCKRILL, TONYA; del JUNCO, DEBORAH J.; ARNETT, FRANK C.; ASSASSI, SHERVIN; TAN, FILEMON K.; McNEARNEY, TERRY; FISCHBACH, MICHAEL; PERRY, MARILYN; MAYES, MAUREEN D.

2010-01-01

Objective Birth order has been valuable in revealing the role of environmental influences on the risk of developing certain diseases such as allergy and atopy. In addition, pregnancy has profound effects on the immune system such as short-term effects that permit fetal survival as well as longer-term effects that could influence late-onset diseases. In order to better evaluate these influences, we studied the association of birth order and gravidity/parity as risk factors for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Methods Data regarding SSc cases and their unaffected sibling controls were obtained from the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository. The case-sibling design was used to minimize confounding due to differences in age, race, ethnicity, or calendar time. The gravidity/parity analysis was based on sibships with at least one SSc-affected and one unaffected sister. Results Birth order was examined in 974 sibships, comparing SSc cases (n = 987) with their unaffected siblings (n = 3,088). The risk of scleroderma increased with increasing birth order (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06–1.50 for birth order 2–5; OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.57–3.15 for birth order 6–9; and OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.68–7.45 for birth order 10–15). Gravidity/parity was analyzed in 168 sibships (256 unaffected sisters, 172 SSc cases). We found an association between a history of one or more pregnancies and SSc (OR 2.8). Conclusion Birth order and pregnancy were independently associated with a higher risk of developing SSc. These findings suggest that immune development in early childhood and/or pregnancy-associated events, including but not limited to microchimerism, plays a role in SSc susceptibility. PMID:20391489

Separate influences of birth order and gravidity/parity on the development of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Cockrill, Tonya; del Junco, Deborah J; Arnett, Frank C; Assassi, Shervin; Tan, Filemon K; McNearney, Terry; Fischbach, Michael; Perry, Marilyn; Mayes, Maureen D

2010-03-01

Birth order has been valuable in revealing the role of environmental influences on the risk of developing certain diseases such as allergy and atopy. In addition, pregnancy has profound effects on the immune system such as short-term effects that permit fetal survival as well as longer-term effects that could influence late-onset diseases. In order to better evaluate these influences, we studied the association of birth order and gravidity/parity as risk factors for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Data regarding SSc cases and their unaffected sibling controls were obtained from the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository. The case-sibling design was used to minimize confounding due to differences in age, race, ethnicity, or calendar time. The gravidity/parity analysis was based on sibships with at least one SSc-affected and one unaffected sister. Birth order was examined in 974 sibships, comparing SSc cases (n = 987) with their unaffected siblings (n = 3,088). The risk of scleroderma increased with increasing birth order (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06-1.50 for birth order 2-5; OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.57-3.15 for birth order 6-9; and OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.68-7.45 for birth order 10-15). Gravidity/parity was analyzed in 168 sibships (256 unaffected sisters, 172 SSc cases). We found an association between a history of one or more pregnancies and SSc (OR 2.8). Birth order and pregnancy were independently associated with a higher risk of developing SSc. These findings suggest that immune development in early childhood and/or pregnancy-associated events, including but not limited to microchimerism, plays a role in SSc susceptibility.

Optimal control of a rabies epidemic model with a birth pulse.

PubMed

Clayton, Tim; Duke-Sylvester, Scott; Gross, Louis J; Lenhart, Suzanne; Real, Leslie A

2010-01-01

A system of ordinary differential equations describes the population dynamics of a rabies epidemic in raccoons. The model accounts for the dynamics of a vaccine, including loss of vaccine due to animal consumption and loss from factors other than racoon uptake. A control method to reduce the spread of disease is introduced through temporal distribution of vaccine packets. This work incorporates the effect of the seasonal birth pulse in the racoon population and the attendant increase in new-borns which are susceptible to the diseases, analysing the impact of the timing and length of this pulse on the optimal distribution of vaccine packets. The optimization criterion is to minimize the number of infected raccoons while minimizing the cost of distributing the vaccine. Using an optimal control setting, numerical results illustrate strategies for distributing the vaccine depending on the timing of the infection outbreak with respect to the birth pulse.

Optimal Control of a Rabies Epidemic Model with a Birth Pulse

PubMed Central

Clayton, Tim; Duke-Sylvester, Scott; Gross, Louis J.; Lenhart, Suzanne; Real, Leslie A.

2011-01-01

A system of ordinary differential equations describes the populuation dynamics of a rabies epidemic in raccoons. The model accounts for the dynamics of vaccine, including loss of vaccine due to animal consumption and loss from factors other than racoon uptake. A control method to reduce the spread of disease is introduced through temporal distribution of vaccine packets. This work incorporates the effect of the seasonal birth pulse in the racoon population and the attendant increase in new-borns which are susceptible to the diseases, analysing the impact of the timing and length of this pulse on the optimal distribution of vaccine packets. The optimization criterion is to minimize the number of infected raccoons while minimizing the cost of distributing the vaccine. Using an optimal control setting, numerical results illustrate strategies for distributing vaccine depending on the timing of the infection outbreak with respect to the birth pulse. PMID:21423822

Those Dirty Ads! Birth Control Advertising in the 1920s and 1930s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sarch, Amy

1997-01-01

Examines how, in the 1920s and 1930s, birth control advertisements (prolific and illegal) conflicted with the arguments for birth-control legalization. Applies M. Bakhtin's grotesque and classical categories and M. Douglas's pollution metaphors to analyze the language birth-control advocates used to distinguish between medical and nonmedical…

Birth in the United States: an overview of trends past and present.

PubMed

McCool, William F; Simeone, Sara A

2002-12-01

The picture of birth in the United States today is complex and, as the data above indicates, difficult to describe in simplistic terms. Though many women today have come to believe that there are choices surrounding pregnancy and birth, the beliefs and practices of providers, insurers, and hospital administrators play a major role in either influencing those choices or dictating how they will be manifested. On one hand, technological advances have given women greater options with regard to the outcomes of pregnancy and birth. On the other hand, these very same technological advances place limits on the choices available to the individual. For example, increased efficiency in the placement and use of epidural anesthesia has made this a pain-control option for most of the childbearing women in the United States. The use of an epidural, however, puts limits on the choice of an institution at which to give birth and on the movements/activities of the woman during labor. Twentieth-century developments led to the almost complete demise of midwifery practice in the United States, thus taking birth away from the control of the individual woman and her close, matriarchal support system, and placing it in the hands of the patriarchal world of medicine and the institutions (i.e., hospitals) at which this approach to health care is practiced. Most births went from being normal, home-based events to becoming illness-oriented, hospital-based procedures. Just as some steps were being taken in the latter part of the twentieth century to return some of the control of birth back to pregnant women (e.g., childbirth education classes, the modern home-birth movement, increases in the number of midwifery-tended births), technological advances contributed to continued control by physicians and the hospitals of their practice (e.g., fetal monitoring, epidural anesthesia). Advances in technology have made birth possible for many individuals who otherwise would not have had the opportunity for this experience or a chance for a positive outcome (e.g., sufferers of infertility or the woman whose fetus has congenital yet repairable problems). But the widespread application of many of these advances to almost all pregnant and laboring women has raised questions as to just what is necessary for a healthy pregnancy, and are there limits to the role that technology should play in the course of what is viewed by many as a normal, nonmedical event. Just as the characters in 2001: A Space Odyssey recognized the incredible power of change that occurred in their lives as a result of the monolith being "born" into their world, so too do many women acknowledge the prodigious nature of giving birth in terms of the experience itself and the resulting effect on their lives [14]. But, as with the acknowledgment of Dr. Dave Bowman in 2001: A Space Odyssey that the technology of the fictitious future still could be wrong, thoughts of U.S. women giving birth today tend to be "in-between" a belief in the integrity of nature and a trust in the power of technology [14]. One can certainly conjecture that birth in the United States today, more than any other time in history, is at a crossroads, one in which the mostly natural, matriarchal community system of the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries is intersecting with the mostly technological, patriarchal system of the twentieth century. Will birth return to the home under the guidance of midwives, as was the case for most of America's past and as remains the case throughout much of the world? [32] Or will technology take birth to the other extreme, making it possible to eventually gestate outside the womb and rendering "delivery" a term not referring to passage through the birth canal, but to the dropping off a healthy term baby at the respective mother's doorstep? Certainly no one can predict what is to occur, but whatever that may be, hindsight will likely point to the start of the twenty-first century as the beginning of a new paradigm for birth in the United States. It should make for an interesting future.

A randomized controlled trial of pre-conception treatment for periodontal disease to improve periodontal status during pregnancy and birth outcomes.

PubMed

Jiang, Hong; Xiong, Xu; Su, Yi; Zhang, Yiming; Wu, Hongqiao; Jiang, Zhijun; Qian, Xu

2013-12-09

Evidence has suggested that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of various adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. However, several large clinical randomized controlled trials failed to demonstrate periodontal therapy during pregnancy reduced the incidence of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. It has been suggested that the pre-conception period may be an optimal period for periodontal disease treatment rather than during pregnancy. To date, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has examined if treating periodontal disease before pregnancy reduces adverse birth outcomes. This study aims to examine if the pre-conception treatment of periodontal disease will lead to improved periodontal status during late pregnancy and subsequent birth outcomes. A sample of 470 (235 in each arm of the study) pre-conception women who plan to conceive within one year and with periodontal disease will be recruited for the study. All participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group will receive free therapy including dental scaling and root planning (the standard therapy), supragingival prophylaxis, and oral hygiene education. The control group will only receive supragingival prophylaxis and oral hygiene education. Women will be followed throughout their pregnancy and then to childbirth. The main outcomes include periodontal disease status in late pregnancy and birth outcomes measured such as mean birth weight (grams), and mean gestational age (weeks). Periodontal disease will be diagnosed through a dental examination by measuring probing depth, clinical attachment loss and percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) between gestational age of 32 and 36 weeks. Local and systemic inflammatory mediators are also included as main outcomes. This will be the first RCT to test whether treating periodontal disease among pre-conception women reduces periodontal disease during pregnancy and prevents adverse birth outcomes. If the effect of pre-pregnancy periodontal treatment is confirmed, this intervention could be recommended for application in low- or middle-income countries to improve both oral health and maternal and child health. This trial is registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR-TRC-12001913.

Family Change and Continuity in Iran: Birth Control Use Before First Pregnancy.

PubMed

Abbasi-Shavazi, Mohammad Jalal; Morgan, S Philip; Hossein-Chavoshi, Meimanat; McDonald, Peter

2009-12-01

Using data from the 2002 Iran Fertility Transition Survey, we examined birth control use between marriage and first pregnancy. We focused on the post-1990 increase in birth control use and develop two explanations. The first posits that birth control use reflects a new marriage form, the conjugal marriage, which places a heightened value on the spousal relationship while deemphasizing the centrality of parenthood. A second explanation stresses the use of a new resource, effective birth control, within an Iranian-Islamist view of marriage. Key to this explanation is the role of the state-Iranian political/religious actors encourage early marriage and the use of birth control. Although the explanations could be complementary, evidence provides more support for the latter.

Family Change and Continuity in Iran: Birth Control Use Before First Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Abbasi-Shavazi, Mohammad Jalal; Morgan, S. Philip; Hossein-Chavoshi, Meimanat; McDonald, Peter

2010-01-01

Using data from the 2002 Iran Fertility Transition Survey, we examined birth control use between marriage and first pregnancy. We focused on the post-1990 increase in birth control use and develop two explanations. The first posits that birth control use reflects a new marriage form, the conjugal marriage, which places a heightened value on the spousal relationship while deemphasizing the centrality of parenthood. A second explanation stresses the use of a new resource, effective birth control, within an Iranian-Islamist view of marriage. Key to this explanation is the role of the state—Iranian political/religious actors encourage early marriage and the use of birth control. Although the explanations could be complementary, evidence provides more support for the latter. PMID:20376280

The role of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in the evolution of the control of pulmonary surfactant maturation during development in the amniotes.

PubMed

Sullivan, Lucy C; Orgeig, Sandra; Daniels, Christopher B

2003-01-01

Pulmonary surfactant is a mixture of lipids and proteins that is secreted by alveolar Type II cells. It reduces alveolar surface tension and hence the work of breathing. Despite the tremendous diversity of lung structures amongst the vertebrates, the composition of surfactant is highly conserved. Conserved elements of the surfactant system amongst distantly related species are likely to be crucial factors for successful lung development. Understanding the mechanisms by which the surfactant system becomes operational in animals with dramatically different birthing strategies and in distantly related species will provide important information about the role of the surfactant system in the commencement of air breathing and the processes regulating surfactant maturation and secretion. In mammals, the embryonic maturation of the surfactant system is controlled by a host of factors, including glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and autonomic neurotransmitters. Here we review the mechanisms controlling the maturation of surfactant production, including birthing strategy, phylogeny, lung structure, and posthatching environment. Using four species of egg-laying amniote (chicken, dragon lizard, sea turtle, and crocodile) previously described in detail and the large amount of information available for mammals, we examine the hypothesis that the control of surfactant production is dependent on glucocorticoids (dexamethasone [Dex]), thyroid hormones (T3), and autonomic neurotransmitters (epinephrine and carbachol). We also examine whether the overall intrinsic pattern of the control of surfactant maturation is conserved throughout the vertebrate radiation and then how the environment (extrinsic factors) may account for the observed differences in the patterns of development. We also discuss the utility of a coculture system of embryonic Type II cells and fibroblasts to determine the evolutionary pattern behind the control of surfactant and to demonstrate that the surfactant system matures under multihormonal control. We demonstrate that Dex and T3 are stimulators of surfactant production during embryonic development, but they lose their efficacy closer to hatching or birth. Epinephrine stimulates surfactant secretion beyond 75% of development and also after hatching or birth. Carbachol stimulates surfactant secretion in the bearded dragon and saltwater crocodile but not in the sea turtle, chicken, or mammals. It is likely that the differences in control of surfactant development are likely to be primarily related to metabolic activity and the duration of incubation (i.e., the "speed" of development). Moreover, the hormones examined appear important in promoting development and therefore appear conserved within the amniotes. However, the autonomic neurotransmitters induced different responses in different species. Hence, some factors are crucial for the proper maturation of the surfactant system, whereas others vary throughout evolution without being detrimental to the overall function of the system.

Epidemiologic study of residential proximity to transmission lines and childhood cancer in California: description of design, epidemiologic methods and study population

PubMed Central

Kheifets, Leeka; Crespi, Catherine M; Hooper, Chris; Oksuzyan, Sona; Cockburn, Myles; Ly, Thomas; Mezei, Gabor

2015-01-01

We conducted a large epidemiologic case-control study in California to examine the association between childhood cancer risk and distance from the home address at birth to the nearest high-voltage overhead transmission line as a replication of the study of Draper et al. in the United Kingdom. We present a detailed description of the study design, methods of case ascertainment, control selection, exposure assessment and data analysis plan. A total of 5788 childhood leukemia cases and 3308 childhood central nervous system cancer cases (included for comparison) and matched controls were available for analysis. Birth and diagnosis addresses of cases and birth addresses of controls were geocoded. Distance from the home to nearby overhead transmission lines was ascertained on the basis of the electric power companies’ geographic information system (GIS) databases, additional Google Earth aerial evaluation and site visits to selected residences. We evaluated distances to power lines up to 2000 m and included consideration of lower voltages (60–69 kV). Distance measures based on GIS and Google Earth evaluation showed close agreement (Pearson correlation >0.99). Our three-tiered approach to exposure assessment allowed us to achieve high specificity, which is crucial for studies of rare diseases with low exposure prevalence. PMID:24045429

The politics of birth control, 1920-1940: the impact of professionals.

PubMed

Gordon, L

1975-01-01

Before the 1920s, a birth control movement arose in the United States out of socialist, feminist, and other radical groups concerned with women's rights and sexual freedom. After 1920 the birth control movement became gradually transformed into a respectable, nonradical reform cause, the recipient of large grants from big business, with women's rights secondary to an overriding concern with medical health and population control. This transformation was achieved through the professionalization of the birth control movement-that is, its takeover by professional experts, almost all male, in place of the radical amateur women, fighting for their own interests, who initiated it. The article examines two groups of professionals who were particularly influential in this transformation: doctors and academic eugenists. The former made birth control a medical issue, held back the development of popular sex education, and stifled a previously developing feminist approach to women's birth control needs. The later contributed racism to the birth control movement, helping to transform it into a population control movement with racist and anti-feminist overtones. Both groups, while they made contributions to the technology of contraception, simultaneously held back the spread of birth control by transforming the campaign for it from a popular, participatory cause to a professional staff lobbying operation.

Family Change and Continuity in Iran: Birth Control Use before First Pregnancy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbasi-Shavazi, Mohammad Jalal; Morgan, S. Philip; Hossein-Chavoshi, Meimanat; McDonald, Peter

2009-01-01

Using data from the 2002 Iran Fertility Transition Survey, we examined birth control use between marriage and first pregnancy. We focused on the post-1990 increase in birth control use and develop two explanations. The first posits that birth control use reflects a new marriage form, the conjugal marriage, which places a heightened value on the…

Fetal Growth and Childhood Cancer: A Population-Based Study

PubMed Central

Sørensen, Henrik Toft; Grotmol, Tom; Engeland, Anders; Stephansson, Olof; Gissler, Mika; Tretli, Steinar; Troisi, Rebecca

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The etiology of childhood cancers is largely unknown. Studies have suggested that birth characteristics may be associated with risk. Our goal was to evaluate the risk of childhood cancers in relation to fetal growth. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study nested within Nordic birth registries. The study included cancer cases diagnosed in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden among children born from 1967 to 2010 and up to 10 matched controls per case, totaling 17 698 cases and 172 422 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were derived from conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Risks of all childhood cancers increased with increasing birth weight (Ptrend ≤ .001). Risks of acute lymphoid leukemia and Wilms tumor were elevated when birth weight was >4000 g and of central nervous system tumors when birth weight was >4500 g. Newborns large for gestational age were at increased risk of Wilms tumor (OR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.2–3.6]) and connective/soft tissue tumors (OR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.1–4.4]). In contrast, the risk of acute myeloid leukemia was increased among children born small for gestational age (OR: 1.8 [95% CI: 1.1–3.1]). Children diagnosed with central nervous system tumors at <1 year of age had elevated risk with increasing head circumference (Ptrend < .001). Those with head circumference >39 cm had the highest risk (OR: 4.7 [95% CI: 2.5–8.7]). CONCLUSIONS: In this large, Nordic population-based study, increased risks for several childhood tumors were associated with measures of fetal growth, supporting the hypothesis that tumorigenesis manifesting in childhood is initiated in utero. PMID:24167169

Linear Quantum Systems: Non-Classical States and Robust Stability

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-29

has a history going back some 50 years, to the birth of modern control theory with Kalman’s foundational work on filtering and LQG optimal control ...information   if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ORGANIZATION. 1. REPORT DATE (DD...analysis and control of quantum linear systems and their interactions with non-classical quantum fields by developing control theoretic concepts exploiting

Neonatal factors among subjects diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder in the US.

PubMed

Geier, David; Kern, Janet; Geier, Mark

2018-07-01

Contradictory studies suggest that some neonatal factors may be associated with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) diagnosis, but limited data is available from longitudinal, prospective medical record assessments. The present hypothesis-testing longitudinal, case-control study evaluated birth characteristics among cases diagnosed with a PDD in comparison to controls by examining prospectively collected automated medical records within the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database. Cases were Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)-enrolled from birth until diagnosed with International Classification of Disease, 9th revision (ICD-9) PDD (299.xx) and controls were HMO-enrolled from birth for at least 4.75 years without a PDD diagnosis. The birth characteristics examined included: gender, gestational age in weeks at birth, mean birth weight in grams, Appearance-Pulse-Grimace-Activity-Respiration (APGAR) scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes, and maternal age in years at birth. Cases had a significantly increased male/female ratio relative to controls. By contrast, mean gestational age at birth, mean birth weight, mean maternal age at birth, and mean APGAR scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes were not statistically different among cases compared to controls. This study indicates that cases diagnosed with a PDD as compared to controls do not have significant differences in neonatal factors.

Encyclopedia of Birth Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rengel, Marian

This encyclopedia brings together in more than 200 entries, arranged in A-to-Z format, a portrait of the complex modern issue that birth control has become with advances in medicine and biochemistry during the 20th century. It is aimed at both the student and the consumer of birth control. Entries cover the following topics: birth control…

Birth control pill - slideshow

MedlinePlus

... page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100108.htm Birth control pill - series—Normal female anatomy To use the ... produce a successful pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy, birth control pills affect how these organs normally function. Review ...

[Incidence and risk factors for congenital syphilis in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2001-2008].

PubMed

Lima, Marina Guimarães; Santos, Rejane Ferreira Reis dos; Barbosa, Guilherme José Antonini; Ribeiro, Guilherme de Sousa

2013-02-01

Congenital syphilis continues to be a public health problem in Brazil. The scope of this study is to describe the trends in the incidence of congenital syphilis in Belo Horizonte between 2001 and 2008 and determine risk factors associated with disease diagnosis. Data on cases of congenital syphilis and on the population of live births were obtained from the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and from the National Live Birth Information System (SINASC), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis used the population of live births as the reference group to identify independent risk factors for congenital syphilis. The annual incidence of congenital syphilis revealed a rising trend from 0.9 to 1.6 cases per 1,000 live births between 2001 and 2008. Independent risk factors for congenital syphilis included: maternal schooling <8 years (OR: 1,3; 95% CI: 1,2-1,4); black or mixed maternal race (2,1; 1,5-2,8) and lack of antenatal care (11,4; 8,5-15,4). The strong association between the lack of antenatal care and congenital syphilis indicates that universalization of antenatal care is critical for the control of congenital syphilis. The effective control of the disease in Brazil will depend on actions to reduce social inequities in health.

Health Beliefs of Active Duty Army Women: Barriers To Well Woman Examinations

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-05-01

control pill” was next. “ Birth control other than pills” was fourth, and the fifth option was “No problems with breast, only routine early Health...28) Birth control pills 32 (21) Problems with female organs 22 (14) Problems with breast 12 (8) Birth control other than pills 8 (5) Other 5 (3) N=65... control pills,” or “ Birth control other than pills” Health Beliefs 32 as the reason for seeking care. Twenty three, or 35%, circled “No problem with

[Transition in the midwifery profession. 25. The prewar birth control movement and the concept of eugenics].

PubMed

Obayashi, M

1987-08-01

The concept of eugenics played a significant role in the pre-war birth control movement. Some favored birth control from the standpoint of an individual's right to happiness, while others were against it from the standpoint of preservation of good stock for the nation. Yamamoto, Nobuharu (1889-1929), who translated Margaret Sanger's speech and her book in 1922, advocated birth control purely from a biologist's point of view. Birth control is necessary for the survival of strong healthy human beings capable of overcoming all the difficulties in their lives. Birth control is a form of natural selection consciously done to avoid overburdening and wasting individual lives. Nagai, Sen (1876-1957) was opposed to birth control from eugenicc' point of view. He became the 1st president of Japan Racial Hygiene Society in 1930 and founded Eugenics/Marriage Counseling Clinic in 1933. In his book on eugenics published in 1936 he stressed the importance of continuation of race by protecting good stock and eliminating poor stock by sterilization. Birth control was opposed because it will shorten the life of an ethnic group or a race. Furuya, Yoshio (1890-1974), also a racial hygiene major, supported population policies based on eugenics. He studied a trend in childbirth among women of different professions and geographical areas. Educated and cultured urban upper-middle class women showed a sudden decline in childbirth in their later years of marriage, suggesting the prevalence of birth control among them, while less educated low-income women continued to reproduce. He opposed to birth control but was in favor of sterilization for eliminating poor stock.

[Work, schooling, and reproductive health: an ethno-epidemiological study of adolescent women belonging to a birth cohort].

PubMed

Gonçalves, Helen; Gigante, Denise

2006-07-01

An ethno-epidemiological study was carried out with adolescent women who have been studied since birth. In 2001, all female adolescents from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort were identified in 27% of all census tracts in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. Risk factors for childbearing during adolescence were investigated using a case-control approach. Cases (n = 420) were identified through the local live birth information system, and controls included 408 women who had not given birth by 2001. To understand social and cultural factors related to childbearing during adolescence, an ethnographic study focused on 23 young women from the case group. Work, schooling, sexuality, and reproductive health were analyzed using an ethno-epidemiological approach. Socioeconomic variables like work and schooling were strongly associated with childbearing in adolescence. An inverse linear association was observed between age at first dating and childbearing during adolescence (p < 0.001). Focusing on the contexts and social values (traditional and/or modern), pregnancy was: a positive consequence of an affective relationship with the partner; a way of exposing adolescent sexuality; and a means to achieve a certain social autonomy and other forms of social status within the age group.

Condom

MedlinePlus

... couples use condoms along with another method of birth control, like birth control pills or an IUD . For condoms to have ... against STDs even when using another method of birth control. Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method ...

Barrier methods of birth control - slideshow

MedlinePlus

... ency/presentations/100107.htm Barrier methods of birth control - series—Female normal anatomy To use the sharing ... M. Editorial team. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics Birth Control A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by ...

Birth control and family planning

MedlinePlus

... page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001946.htm Birth control and family planning To use the sharing features ... please enable JavaScript. Your choice of a birth control method depends on a number of factors, including ...

Poor Immune Responses to a Birth Dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

PubMed Central

Halasa, Natasha B.; O’Shea, Alice; Shi, Jian R.; Lafleur, Bonnie J.; Edwards, Kathryn M.

2013-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an additional birth dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). Study design Fifty infants between 2 to 14 days of age were randomly assigned to receive either DTaP and hepatitis B vaccines (experimental) or hepatitis B alone (control) at birth. At 2, 4, 6, and 17 months of age, DTaP and routine vaccines were administered to both groups. Safety data were collected after each dose, and sera were obtained at birth, 6, 7, 17, and 18 months. Immune responses to pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbriae were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; responses to other vaccines were assessed. Results No differences were seen between the 2 groups in either local or systemic reactions; all vaccines were well tolerated. Compared with the control group, infants in the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower geometric mean antibody concentrations for pertussis toxin and pertactin 6, 7, and 18 months, for fimbrae at 6, 7, 17, and 18 months, and for FHA at 18 months, and lower geometric mean antibody concentrations for diphtheria at 7 months. Immune responses to all other vaccine antigens were comparable. Conclusion Administration of an additional dose of DTaP at birth was safe but was associated with a significantly lower response to diphtheria and 3 of 4 pertussis antigens compared with controls. PMID:18534242

Investigating Birth Control: Comparing Oestrogen Levels in Patients Using the Ortho Evra[R] Patch versus the Ortho-Cyclen[R] Pill

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laurent, Theresa A.

2008-01-01

Recent drug studies have investigated the incidence of blood clots among patients using the Ortho Evra[R] birth control patch. In this article, the author describes an investigation of oestrogen levels in the body resulting from the application of the Ortho Evra[R] birth control patch versus daily use of Ortho-Cyclen[R] birth control pills.…

Adolescents' reports of communication with their parents about sexually transmitted diseases and birth control: 1988, 1995, and 2002.

PubMed

Robert, Anna C; Sonenstein, Freya L

2010-06-01

We examine trends in adolescents' reports of discussion with parents about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and birth control methods from 1988 to 2002. Data from the 1988 and 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males, and the 1988, 1995, and 2002 National Survey of Family Growth were analyzed to evaluate changes in discussions of female adolescents with parents about birth control methods and STDs, and changes in male adolescent discussions with parents about birth control methods. The sample includes never married males and females aged 15-17 years. In 2002, fewer female adolescents reported discussion with a parent about STD or birth control methods than in 1995. The share of female adolescents in 2002 reporting no discussion of either topic with their parents increased by almost half compared to 1995. Patterns across time in male adolescents' discussions of birth control methods with their parents appear stable. The recent decline in female adolescent reports of parent-communication about birth control and STDs, and the increase in female adolescent reports of no discussion of either topic suggest that public health officials, educators, and clinicians should invigorate their efforts to encourage parents to talk with their children about STDs and birth control. Copyright 2010 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Birth setting, transfer and maternal sense of control: results from the DELIVER study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background In the Netherlands, low risk women receive midwife-led care and can choose to give birth at home or in hospital. There is concern that transfer of care during labour from midwife-led care to an obstetrician-led unit leads to negative birth experiences, in particular among those with planned home birth. In this study we compared sense of control, which is a major attribute of the childbirth experience, for women planning home compared to women planning hospital birth under midwife-led care. In particular, we studied sense of control among women who were transferred to obstetric-led care during labour according to planned place of birth: home versus hospital. Methods We used data from the prospective multicentre DELIVER (Data EersteLIjns VERloskunde) cohort-study, conducted in 2009 and 2010 in the Netherlands. Sense of control during labour was assessed 6 weeks after birth, using the short version of the Labour Agentry Scale (LAS-11). A higher LAS-11 score indicates a higher feeling of control. We considered a difference of a minimum of 5.5 points as clinically relevant. Results Nulliparous- and parous women who planned a home birth had a 2.6 (95% CI 1.0, 4.3) and a 3.0 (1.6, 4.4) higher LAS score during first stage of labour respectively and during second stage a higher score of 2.8 (0.9, 4.7) and 2.3 (0.6, 4.0), compared with women who planned a hospital birth. Overall, women who were transferred experienced a lower sense of control than women who were not transferred. Parous women who planned a home birth and who were transferred had a 4.3 (0.2, 8.4) higher LAS score in 2nd stage, compared to those who planned a hospital birth and who were transferred. Conclusion We found no clinically relevant differences in feelings of control among women who planned a home or hospital birth. Transfer of care during labour lowered feelings of control, but feelings of control were similar for transferred women who planned a home or hospital birth. As far as their expected sense of control is concerned, low risk women should be encouraged to give birth at the location of their preference. PMID:24438469

Birth control pills - progestin only

MedlinePlus

... pregnant right away. When to Use a Backup Method Use a backup method of birth control, such as a condom, diaphragm, ... body may not absorb it. Use a backup method of birth control, and call your provider. You ...

Birth control pills - combination

MedlinePlus

... or mood swings. When to Use a Backup Method Use a backup method of birth control, such as condom, diaphragm, or ... body may not absorb it. Use a backup method of birth control for the rest of that ...

Ulipristal

MedlinePlus

... unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [ ... g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Ulipristal ...

Levonorgestrel

MedlinePlus

... unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [ ... g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Levonorgestrel ...

HEALTH STATUS OF EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT CHILDREN AT AGE 8 YEARS: CHILD AND PARENT PERSPECTIVE

PubMed Central

Hack, Maureen; Forrest, Christopher B; Schluchter, Mark; Taylor, H. Gerry; Drotar, Dennis; Holmbeck, Grayson; Andreias, Laura

2013-01-01

Context Parental proxy reports have indicated poorer health for preterm children as compared to normal birth weight controls. The perspective of their children may however differ. Objective To compare the self reported health of preterm children to normal birth weight controls and the children’s perspective to that of their parents. Design Study of extremely low birth weight (<1kg) and normal birth weight children and their parents conducted 2006–2009. Setting Children’s hospital. Participants Eight year old extremely low birth weight (n=202) and normal birth weight (n=176) children of similar sociodemographic status. Main Outcome Measures The Child Health and Illness Profile child and parent reports. Results There was poor agreement between the parent and child ratings of health for both the extremely low birth weight and normal birth weight cohorts. Extremely low birth weight children rated their health similar to normal birth weight children. In contrast parents of extremely low birth weight children reported significantly poorer health for their children than parents of normal birth weight controls including poorer Satisfaction with health, Comfort and Achievement and less Risk avoidance. Conclusion There is poor agreement between child and parent reports of health. Eight year old extremely low birth weight children rate their health similar to that of normal birth weight controls. Their parents however report significantly poorer health. Both child and parent perspective needs to be considered when making health care decisions. PMID:21969395

Linear Quantum Systems: Non-Classical States and Robust Stability

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-29

quantum linear systems subject to non-classical quantum fields. The major outcomes of this project are (i) derivation of quantum filtering equations for...derivation of quantum filtering equations for systems non-classical input states including single photon states, (ii) determination of how linear...history going back some 50 years, to the birth of modern control theory with Kalman’s foundational work on filtering and LQG optimal control

Exploring prenatal outdoor air pollution, birth outcomes and neonatal health care utilization in a nationally representative sample

PubMed Central

Trasande, Leonardo; Wong, Kendrew; Roy, Angkana; Savitz, David A.; Thurston, George

2015-01-01

The impact of air pollution on fetal growth remains controversial, in part, because studies have been limited to sub-regions of the United States with limited variability. No study has examined air pollution impacts on neonatal health care utilization. We performed descriptive, univariate and multivariable analyses on administrative hospital record data from 222,359 births in the 2000, 2003 and 2006 Kids Inpatient Database linked to air pollution data drawn from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Aerometric Information Retrieval System. In this study, air pollution exposure during the birth month was estimated based on birth hospital address. Although air pollutants were not individually associated with mean birth weight, a three-pollutant model controlling for hospital characteristics, demographics, and birth month identified 9.3% and 7.2% increases in odds of low birth weight and very low birth weight for each µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 (both P<0.0001). PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with −3.0% odds/p.p.m. and +2.5% odds/p.p.b. of preterm birth, respectively (both P<0.0001). A four-pollutant multivariable model indicated a 0.05 days/p.p.m. NO2 decrease in length of the birth hospitalization (P=0.0061) and a 0.13 days increase/p.p.m. CO (P=0.0416). A $1166 increase in per child costs was estimated for the birth hospitalization per p.p.m. CO (P=0.0002) and $964 per unit increase in O3 (P=0.0448). A reduction from the 75th to the 25th percentile in the highest CO quartile for births predicts annual savings of $134.7 million in direct health care costs. In a national, predominantly urban, sample, air pollutant exposures during the month of birth are associated with increased low birth weight and neonatal health care utilization. Further study of this database, with enhanced control for confounding, improved exposure assessment, examination of exposures across multiple time windows in pregnancy, and in the entire national sample, is supported by these initial investigations. PMID:23340702

Midwife and Public Health Nurse Tatsuyo Amari and a State-Endorsed Birth Control Campaign in 1950s Japan.

PubMed

Homei, Aya

2016-01-01

Mrs. Tatsuyo Amari, a qualified midwife and nurse, served Japan's state-endorsed birth control campaign as a "birth control field instructor" in rural Minamoto Village of Yamanashi Prefecture just west of Tokyo. Her work sheds light on the role of female health-care workers in health and population governance in 1950s Japan. Amari not only facilitated the "top-down" transfer of the state-sanctioned idea of birth control and contraceptives, as did other birth control field instructors, but also enabled the "bottom-up" flow of knowledge about people's reproductive lives through her participation in the policy-oriented birth control research called the "three model-village study." Contextualizing Amari's engagement with the study elucidates how the state relied on the established role of female health-care workers as intermediaries between the state and the people. Finally, Amari's contribution to the scientific aspect of the campaign may motivate historians to recognize the politics around the participation of female health-care workers in the science of birth control.

Midwife and Public Health Nurse Tatsuyo Amari and a State-Endorsed Birth Control Campaign in 1950s Japan

PubMed Central

Homei, Aya

2016-01-01

Mrs. Tatsuyo Amari, a qualified midwife and nurse, served Japan’s state-endorsed birth control campaign as a “birth control field instructor” in rural Minamoto Village of Yamanashi Prefecture just west of Tokyo. Her work sheds light on the role of female health care workers in health and population governance in 1950s Japan. Amari not only facilitated the “top-down” transfer of the state-sanctioned idea of birth control and contraceptives, as did other birth control field instructors, but also enabled the “bottom-up” flow of knowledge about people’s reproductive lives through her participation of in the policy-oriented birth control research called the “three model-village study.” Contextualizing Amari’s engagement with the study elucidates how the state relied on the established role of female health care workers as intermediaries between state and people. Finally, Amari’s contribution to the scientific aspect of the campaign may motivate historians to recognize the politics around female health care workers’ participation in the science of birth control. PMID:26297588

[Not Available].

PubMed

Ackerman, E

1977-01-01

Acceptance of birth control increased greatly among the inhabitants of Bonnieres, a French community situated on the left bank of the Seine, immediately following the 1789-1799 French Revolution. Increased acceptance of birth control was attributed to the general questioning of traditional values and beliefs which occurred during and immediately following the revolution. The revolutionary spirit allowed individuals to feel a greater sense of control over their own destiny. Prior to the revolution, Catholic teaching concerning sexual matters were followed by almost all of the inhabitants of Bonnieres. During the period 1736-1785 there was some increase in birth control acceptance, but the changes were slight compared to those which occurred following the revolution. During 1736-1785, average completed family size decreased slight from 5.8-5.6; however during 1786-1815, average completed family size was 3.9 and during the period 1816-1845, it was 2.9. An examination of changes in birth intervals suggested that during the period 1756-1785, 9.2-18.0% of the population practiced some form of birth control while 37.8-42.8% of the population practiced birth control during the period 1786-1815. An examination of age specific fertility rates further demonstrated that the major increase in birth control practice occurred immediately following the revolution. Birth control acceptance occurred despite a continuing infant mortality rate of 123-195/1000 throughout the 1700s and 1800s. Tables provided data on age specific fertility rates and on birth intervals for females in Bonnieres for 1736-1845.

Birth Control - Multiple Languages

MedlinePlus

... Burmese (myanma bhasa) Expand Section Birth Control Methods - English PDF Birth Control Methods - myanma bhasa (Burmese) PDF ... Mandarin dialect) (简体中文) Expand Section Before Your Vasectomy - English PDF Before Your Vasectomy - 简体中文 (Chinese, Simplified (Mandarin ...

An Analysis of Chinese Communist Economic Power

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-04-08

figures, the Govern- ment initiated a birth control program. Birth control was first advocated in the National People’s Congress in 1954 by Shao Li-tze...and was vigorously encouraged in 1955-56, with a full-scale campaign for encouragement of birth control methods being instituted in late 1956. The...Minister of Health, Mrs. Li Le-chuan, stated that without effective birth control , China could not free itself from poverty and become prosperous

Conditioning Military Women for Optimal Performance: Effects of Contraceptive Use

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-10-01

female soldier with three months of uncomplicated birth control . This contraceptive technique is worthy of study because it is used by an ever...of birth control (EU-OV) B. time: pre-training/heat acclimation post-training/heat acclimation 10 Null Hypotheses A. Null Hypotheses Associated with...IgG = immunoglobulin G birth control = eight subjects using either oral contraceptive (n = 7) or Depo Provera (n = 1) combined no birth control = eumenorrheic

Alien or American? Immigration Laws and Amerasian People.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-01

of birth control . The basic fabric of . individual morality underlies these strongly held . .. . . . . . . * . . - . .*.~-,’..-i*--., 55...intent of this paper to explore the ethical and moral questions that permeate the controversy over birth control . The ethical problem that does...unplanned and unwanted births. Safe, effective birth control would theoretically have the potential to reduce the problem of unwanted ethnically-mixed

Effect of training traditional birth attendants on neonatal mortality (Lufwanyama Neonatal Survival Project): randomised controlled study

PubMed Central

Phiri-Mazala, Grace; Guerina, Nicholas G; Kasimba, Joshua; Mulenga, Charity; MacLeod, William B; Waitolo, Nelson; Knapp, Anna B; Mirochnick, Mark; Mazimba, Arthur; Fox, Matthew P; Sabin, Lora; Seidenberg, Philip; Simon, Jonathon L; Hamer, Davidson H

2011-01-01

Objective To determine whether training traditional birth attendants to manage several common perinatal conditions could reduce neonatal mortality in the setting of a resource poor country with limited access to healthcare. Design Prospective, cluster randomised and controlled effectiveness study. Setting Lufwanyama, an agrarian, poorly developed district located in the Copperbelt province, Zambia. All births carried out by study birth attendants occurred at mothers’ homes, in rural village settings. Participants 127 traditional birth attendants and mothers and their newborns (3559 infants delivered regardless of vital status) from Lufwanyama district. Interventions Using an unblinded design, birth attendants were cluster randomised to intervention or control groups. The intervention had two components: training in a modified version of the neonatal resuscitation protocol, and single dose amoxicillin coupled with facilitated referral of infants to a health centre. Control birth attendants continued their existing standard of care (basic obstetric skills and use of clean delivery kits). Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the proportion of liveborn infants who died by day 28 after birth, with rate ratios statistically adjusted for clustering. Secondary outcomes were mortality at different time points; and comparison of causes of death based on verbal autopsy data. Results Among 3497 deliveries with reliable information, mortality at day 28 after birth was 45% lower among liveborn infants delivered by intervention birth attendants than control birth attendants (rate ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.90). The greatest reductions in mortality were in the first 24 hours after birth: 7.8 deaths per 1000 live births for infants delivered by intervention birth attendants compared with 19.9 per 1000 for infants delivered by control birth attendants (0.40, 0.19 to 0.83). Deaths due to birth asphyxia were reduced by 63% among infants delivered by intervention birth attendants (0.37, 0.17 to 0.81) and by 81% within the first two days after birth (0.19, 0.07 to 0.52). Stillbirths and deaths from serious infection occurred at similar rates in both groups. Conclusions Training traditional birth attendants to manage common perinatal conditions significantly reduced neonatal mortality in a rural African setting. This approach has high potential to be applied to similar settings with dispersed rural populations. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00518856. PMID:21292711

Effect of training traditional birth attendants on neonatal mortality (Lufwanyama Neonatal Survival Project): randomised controlled study.

PubMed

Gill, Christopher J; Phiri-Mazala, Grace; Guerina, Nicholas G; Kasimba, Joshua; Mulenga, Charity; MacLeod, William B; Waitolo, Nelson; Knapp, Anna B; Mirochnick, Mark; Mazimba, Arthur; Fox, Matthew P; Sabin, Lora; Seidenberg, Philip; Simon, Jonathon L; Hamer, Davidson H

2011-02-03

To determine whether training traditional birth attendants to manage several common perinatal conditions could reduce neonatal mortality in the setting of a resource poor country with limited access to healthcare. Prospective, cluster randomised and controlled effectiveness study. Lufwanyama, an agrarian, poorly developed district located in the Copperbelt province, Zambia. All births carried out by study birth attendants occurred at mothers' homes, in rural village settings. 127 traditional birth attendants and mothers and their newborns (3559 infants delivered regardless of vital status) from Lufwanyama district. Using an unblinded design, birth attendants were cluster randomised to intervention or control groups. The intervention had two components: training in a modified version of the neonatal resuscitation protocol, and single dose amoxicillin coupled with facilitated referral of infants to a health centre. Control birth attendants continued their existing standard of care (basic obstetric skills and use of clean delivery kits). The primary outcome was the proportion of liveborn infants who died by day 28 after birth, with rate ratios statistically adjusted for clustering. Secondary outcomes were mortality at different time points; and comparison of causes of death based on verbal autopsy data. Among 3497 deliveries with reliable information, mortality at day 28 after birth was 45% lower among liveborn infants delivered by intervention birth attendants than control birth attendants (rate ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.90). The greatest reductions in mortality were in the first 24 hours after birth: 7.8 deaths per 1000 live births for infants delivered by intervention birth attendants compared with 19.9 per 1000 for infants delivered by control birth attendants (0.40, 0.19 to 0.83). Deaths due to birth asphyxia were reduced by 63% among infants delivered by intervention birth attendants (0.37, 0.17 to 0.81) and by 81% within the first two days after birth (0.19, 0.07 to 0.52). Stillbirths and deaths from serious infection occurred at similar rates in both groups. Training traditional birth attendants to manage common perinatal conditions significantly reduced neonatal mortality in a rural African setting. This approach has high potential to be applied to similar settings with dispersed rural populations. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00518856.

Women and postfertilization effects of birth control: consistency of beliefs, intentions and reported use.

PubMed

Dye, Huong M; Stanford, Joseph B; Alder, Stephen C; Kim, Han S; Murphy, Patricia A

2005-11-28

This study assesses the consistency of responses among women regarding their beliefs about the mechanisms of actions of birth control methods, beliefs about when human life begins, the intention to use or not use birth control methods that they believe may act after fertilization or implantation, and their reported use of specific methods. A questionnaire was administered in family practice and obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Participants included women ages 18-50 presenting for any reason and women under age 18 presenting for family planning or pregnancy care. Analyses were based on key questions addressing beliefs about whether specific birth control methods may act after fertilization, beliefs about when human life begins, intention to use a method that may act after fertilization, and reported use of specific methods. The questionnaire contained no information about the mechanism of action of any method of birth control. Responses were considered inconsistent if actual use contradicted intentions, if one intention contradicted another, or if intentions contradicted beliefs. Of all respondents, 38% gave consistent responses about intention to not use or to stop use of any birth control method that acted after fertilization, while 4% gave inconsistent responses. The corresponding percentages for birth control methods that work after implantation were 64% consistent and 2% inconsistent. Of all respondents, 34% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization and would not use any birth control method that acts after fertilization (a consistent response), while 3% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization but would use a birth control method that acts after fertilization (inconsistent). For specific methods of birth control, less than 1% of women gave inconsistent responses. A majority of women (68% or greater) responded accurately about the mechanism of action of condoms, abstinence, sterilization, and abortion, but a substantial percentage of women (between 19% and 57%) were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or natural family planning. Women who believe that life begins at fertilization may not intend to use a birth control method that could have postfertilization effects. More research is needed to understand the relative importance of postfertilization effects for women in other populations, and in relation to other properties of and priorities for birth control methods. However, many women were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of specific methods. To respect the principles of informed consent, some women may need more education about what is known and not known about the mechanisms of action of birth control methods.

Effective birth control use among women at risk for unintended pregnancy in Los Angeles, California.

PubMed

Phares, Tanya M; Cui, Yan; Baldwin, Susie

2012-01-01

Identifying sociodemographic and health-related risk factors associated with more effective versus less effective birth control use can help to identify barriers to effective birth control use and decrease risk for unintended pregnancy. Data used were from the 2007 Los Angeles County Health Survey. More effective birth control use was assessed among women ages 18 to 49, who were at risk for unintended pregnancy, residing in Los Angeles County. The study population consisted of 849 women. Multivariate associations of more effective birth control use with sociodemographic and health factors were assessed in logistic regression models. All analyses used weighted data. Women who used a more effective birth control method at last act of coitus were less likely to be Black (odds ratio [OR], 0.33) or Asian/Pacific Islander (OR, 0.49), have less than a high school education (OR, 0.33), be a smoker (OR, 0.52), and have public insurance (OR, 0.47) than women using a less effective birth control method. They were more likely to have received a pap test (OR, 2.66), describe their health as fair or poor (OR, 2.39), and have a household income of 200% to 299% of the federal poverty level (OR, 2.25) than women using a less effective birth control method. Sociodemographic factors, some of which underlie cultural diversity, predict the use of more effective birth control methods and should be considered when providing family planning services and preconception health counseling to unique populations. Copyright © 2012 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Developmental origins of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a case control study comparing birth weight in women with PCOS and control group.

PubMed

Sadrzadeh, Sheda; Painter, Rebecca C; Lambalk, Cornelis B

2016-10-01

Evidence from various epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies has linked adverse intrauterine circumstances with health problems in adult life. This field of investigation is known as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Studies investigating the relation between developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adulthood and birth weight have yielded inconsistent results: PCOS is described more often in women with low birth weight and high birth weight, while other studies have failed to establish any relation. In this retrospective case-control study, we evaluated whether women diagnosed with PCOS had lower birth weight compared to women with a regular menstrual cycle (controls). Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the data and correct for known confounders. About 65 women with PCOS and 96 controls were recruited for this purpose. The average birth weight of PCOS women (3357 g) did not differ from the average birth weight of controls (3409 g). Mean age at menarche differed significantly between groups, 13.7  years and 12.8  years (p = 0.006), respectively, for PCOS women and controls. In conclusion, we could not confirm the effect of adverse intrauterine conditions, reflected in birth weight, on developing PCOS.

Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and Cervical Cap

MedlinePlus

... Education & Events Advocacy For Patients About ACOG Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and ... Cervical Cap FAQ022, March 2018 PDF Format Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and ...

[Effects of a Customized Birth Control Program for Married Immigrant Postpartum Mothers].

PubMed

Kim, So Young; Choi, So Young

2016-12-01

This study was conducted to develop a customized birth control program and identify its effects on attitude, subjective norm, behavioral control, intention, and behavior of contraception among immigrant postpartum mothers. In this experimental study, Vietnamese, Filipino or Cambodian married immigrant postpartum mothers were recruited. They were assigned to the experiment group (n=21) or control group (n=21). The customized birth control program was provided to the experimental group for 4 weeks. The experimental group showed a significant increase in the score of attitude, subjective norm, behavioral control, intention, and behavior of contraception. Findings in this study indicate that the customized postpartum birth control program, a systematic and integrative intervention program composed of customized health education, counseling and telephone monitoring, is able to provide effective planning for postpartum health promotion and birth control behavior practice in married immigrant women.

Female Gynecologists and Their Birth Control Clinics: Eugenics in Practice in 1920s-1930s China.

PubMed

David, Mirela

2018-01-01

Yang Chao Buwei, the first Chinese translator of Margaret Sanger's What Every Girl Should Know, was the first female gynecologist to open up a birth control clinic in China. By the 1930s, other female gynecologists, like Guo Taihua, had internalized and combined national and eugenic concerns of race regeneration to focus on the control of women's reproduction. This symbiosis between racial regeneration and birth control is best seen in Yang Chongrui's integration of birth control into her national hygiene program. This article traces the efforts of pioneer gynecologists in giving contraceptive advice at their birth control clinics, which they framed as a humanitarian effort to ease the reproductive burden of working-class women. It also examines their connections with Sanger's international birth control movement, and their advocacy of contraception as practitioners, translators, and educators. The author argues that these Chinese female gynecologists not only borrowed, but adapted, Western scientific knowledge to Chinese social conditions through their writings and translations and in their clinical work.

Marriage structure and contraception in Niger.

PubMed

Peterson, S A

1999-01-01

Analysis of the 1992 Niger Demographic and Health Survey showed that although roughly two-thirds of both polygamous and monogamous women approve of birth control, polygamous wives are less likely than monogamous wives to discuss family size or birth control with their husband or to plan on using birth control. The study suggests that characteristics of polygamous couples have caused polygamous women to be more resistant to birth control use than monogamous women. The polygamous women tended to be married to older men who had not gone to primary school and who desired more children than monogamous husbands. The influence of marital structure is not significantly associated with intention to use birth control when the husband's age and the wife's ideal number of children were controlled for in the multivariate logistic regression model suggesting that background social factors may be more influential. In fact, educational level and age at first marriage were significantly associated with attitudes towards birth control and also with marital structure.

Initial Asian experience in hysteroscopic sterilisation using the Essure permanent birth control device.

PubMed

Chern, Bernard; Siow, Anthony

2005-09-01

To present our initial experience in the use of the Essure permanent birth control device in a predominately Asian population. A retrospective study. Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore. Eighty women seeking permanent birth control. From 22 June 2001, women who sought sterilisation were counselled with regards to the various options of permanent birth control. Informed consent for hysteroscopic sterilisation was obtained only after the woman met the criteria for Essure permanent birth control. The sterilisation procedure was carried out without the need for general anaesthesia in a day surgery centre using the Essure permanent birth control device. The surgical details and post procedure follow up were analysed. Feasibility and safety of the Essure permanent birth control device in Asians and its non-placement rate. No serious adverse events or complications were encountered in using the Essure device. No pregnancies have been reported in our series to date. A significant reduction in the Essure device non-placement rate (20.0%vs 4.0%, P= 0.021) and mean operation time (27.3 vs 19.6 minutes, P= 0.006) were seen when patients were pre-medicated with spasmolytic agent and analgesia. The Essure permanent birth control device is safe and suitable for Asians. Its non-placement rate may be improved with pre-medication of spasmolytic agent and analgesia.

Fertility effects of abortion and birth control pill access for minors.

PubMed

Guldi, Melanie

2008-11-01

This article empirically assesses whether age-restricted access to abortion and the birth control pill influence minors' fertility in the United States. There is not a strong consensus in previous literature regarding the relationship between laws restricting minors' access to abortion and minors' birth rates. This is the first study to recognize that state laws in place prior to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision enabled minors to legally consent to surgical treatment-including abortion-in some states but not in others, and to construct abortion access variables reflecting this. In this article, age-specific policy variables measure either a minor's legal ability to obtain an abortion or to obtain the birth control pill without parental involvement. I find fairly strong evidence that young women's birth rates dropped as a result of abortion access as well as evidence that birth control pill access led to a drop in birth rates among whites.

A Translational Approach to Validate In Vivo Anti-Tumor Effects of Chloroquine on Breast Cancer Risk

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-01

Type of Cancer Drop Down Number/DK Drop Down   29 Birth   Control     The next section is about the use of birth control pills and... birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives for at least one month for any reason? These include pills, injections, implants, and patches...Question 50. r Refuse to answer Skip to Question 50. 48. How old were you when you started taking birth control pills/hormonal contraceptives

Impact of the population implosion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kilpatrick, J.J.

Mr. Kilpatrick evaluates Paul R. Ehrlich's thesis that mankind will breed itself into oblivion. Mr. Ehrlich in his book, ''The Population Bomb,'' sees population control as the only answer to mass starvation in such countries as India, Africa, Central America, and China. Mr. Kilpatrick says the U.S. has drifted toward the goal of zero population growth, where the total births per woman have dropped to 1.8. In Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, West Germany, Great Britain, and Austria, the births per woman have dropped even lower than in the U.S. The decline in births is attributed to women joining the workforce,more » advancement of birth control measures, and high costs of medical care, housing, and education. Women marrying later and fashion are also factors. Zero population growth will have gross implications on the financial markets in the U.S. Pension systems will be directly affected. The author cites the dilemma of the Social Security system when a smaller proportion of young people are contributing to it. Household savings trends will alter; new construction, new plant and equipment investment, and consumer loans will have to be reconsidered. If the trend toward implosion continues and social services demand an increasing share of the Federal budget, other interests will have to yield and the author cites the budget for national defense as declining. Some prophets feel the population decline is nothing of concern, the author concludes. (MCW)« less

Socioeconomic Status and Childhood Cancer Incidence: A Population-Based Multilevel Analysis.

PubMed

Kehm, Rebecca D; Spector, Logan G; Poynter, Jenny N; Vock, David M; Osypuk, Theresa L

2018-05-01

The etiology of childhood cancers remains largely unknown, especially regarding environmental and behavioral risk factors. Unpacking the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and incidence may offer insight into such etiology. We tested associations between SES and childhood cancer incidence in a population-based case-cohort study (source cohort: Minnesota birth registry, 1989-2014). Cases, ages 0-14 years, were linked from the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System to birth records through probabilistic record linkage. Controls were 4:1 frequency matched on birth year (2,947 cases and 11,907 controls). We tested associations of individual-level (maternal education) and neighborhood-level (census tract composite index) SES using logistic mixed models. In crude models, maternal education was positively associated with incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.19), central nervous system tumors (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.21), and neuroblastoma (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.30). Adjustment for established risk factors-including race/ethnicity, maternal age, and birth weight-substantially attenuated these positive associations. Similar patterns were observed for neighborhood-level SES. Conversely, higher maternal education was inversely associated with hepatoblastoma incidence (adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.98). Overall, beyond the social patterning of established demographic and pregnancy-related exposures, SES is not strongly associated with childhood cancer incidence.

An Implication of Health Sector Reform for Disadvantaged Women's Struggle for Birth Control: A Case of Kurdish Rural-Urban Migrant Women in Van, Turkey.

PubMed

Him, Miki Suzuki; Hoşgör, Ayşe Gündüz

2015-09-01

In this article, we examine how socioeconomically disadvantaged women are affected by health sector reform and family planning policy changes in Turkey through a case study of Kurdish women's struggles for birth control. In Turkey, a family planning program became relatively marginalized in primary health care services as a result of health sector reform as well as a shift of population policy toward a moderately pronatal approach. We argue that an emerging health care system would leave disadvantaged women unable to benefit from contraceptives and would perpetuate reproductive health inequalities between women in the country.

The effect of sodium thiopental as a GABA mimetic drug in neonatal period on expression of GAD65 and GAD67 genes in hippocampus of newborn and adult male rats.

PubMed

Naseri, Masoud; Parham, Abbas; Moghimi, Ali

2017-09-01

Development of the nervous system in human and most animals is continued after the birth. Critical role of this period in generation and specialization of the neuronal circuits is confirmed in numerous studies. Any pharmacological intervention in this period may result in structural, functional or behavioral abnormalities. In this study, sodium thiopental a GABA mimetic drug was administrated to newborn rats and their GAD65 and GAD67 expression in hippocampus was evaluated before and after puberty. Newborn male Wistar rats were received sodium thiopental (35 mg/kg) daily for 11 days (from 4 to 14 days after birth). Expression of GAD65 and GAD67 in their hippocampus was compared with control groups in 15 and 45 days after birth with RT-qPCR method. Significant down regulation of GAD65 and GAD67 gene expression was observed in treated rats compared with control group in 45 days after birth animals. But no significant difference was shown between experimental and control groups 15 days after birth animals. The effect of sodium thiopental on GAD65 and GAD67 expression only at adult rats showed a latent period of influence which can be attributed to dosage or intension of sodium thiopental neurotoxicity. Significant down regulation of GAD65 and GAD67 showed unwanted effect of sodium thiopental as GABA mimetic drug in critical period of development.

An economic evaluation of planned immediate versus delayed birth for preterm prelabour rupture of membranes: findings from the PPROMT randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Lain, S J; Roberts, C L; Bond, D M; Smith, J; Morris, J M

2017-03-01

This study is an economic evaluation of immediate birth compared with expectant management in women with preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes near term (PPROMT). A cost-effectiveness analysis alongside the PPROMT randomised controlled trial. Obstetric departments in 65 hospitals across 11 countries. Women with a singleton pregnancy with ruptured membranes between 34 +0 and 36 +6 weeks gestation. Women were randomly allocated to immediate birth or expectant management. Costs to the health system were identified and valued. National hospital costing data from both the UK and Australia were used. Average cost per recruit in each arm was calculated and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using bootstrap re-sampling. Averages costs during antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care, and by country were estimated. Total mean cost difference between immediate birth and expectant management arms of the trial. From 11 countries 923 women were randomised to immediate birth and 912 were randomised to expectant management. Total mean costs per recruit were £8852 for immediate birth and £8740 for expectant delivery resulting in a mean difference in costs of £112 (95% CI: -431 to 662). The expectant management arm had significantly higher antenatal costs, whereas the immediate birth arm had significantly higher delivery and neonatal costs. There was large variation between total mean costs by country. This economic evaluation found no evidence that expectant management was more or less costly than immediate birth. Outpatient management may offer opportunities for cost savings for those women with delayed delivery. For women with preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes, the relative benefits and harms of immediate and expectant management should inform counselling as costs are similar. © 2016 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Adolescent perceptions of maternal approval of birth control and sexual risk behavior.

PubMed

Jaccard, J; Dittus, P J

2000-09-01

This study examined the relationship between adolescent perceptions of maternal approval of the use of birth control and sexual outcomes across a 12-month period. A subsample of the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health database was used in the context of a prospective design. Approximately 10,000 students in grades 7 to 11 were interviewed twice, 1 year apart. Adolescent perceptions of maternal approval of birth control were associated with an increased likelihood of sexual intercourse over the next 12 months for virgins at wave 1. The perceptions also were related to an increase in birth control use but showed an ambiguous relation to the probability of pregnancy. High relationship satisfaction between adolescents and mothers was associated with a higher probability of birth control use and a lower probability of both sexual intercourse and pregnancy. The results suggest that perceived parental approval of birth control may increase the probability of sexual activity in some adolescents. "Safer sex" messages must be conveyed by parents with thought and care.

No reduction in instrumental vaginal births and no increased risk for adverse perineal outcome in nulliparous women giving birth on a birth seat: results of a Swedish randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The WHO advises against recumbent or supine position for longer periods during labour and birth and states that caregivers should encourage and support the woman to take the position in which she feels most comfortable. It has been suggested that upright positions may improve childbirth outcomes and reduce the risk for instrumental delivery; however RCTs of interventions to encourage upright positions are scarce. The aim of this study was to test, by means of a randomized controlled trial, the hypothesis that the use of a birthing seat during the second stage of labor, for healthy nulliparous women, decreases the number of instrumentally assisted births and may thus counterbalance any increase in perineal trauma and blood loss. Methods A randomized controlled trial in Sweden where 1002 women were randomized to birth on a birth seat (experimental group) or birth in any other position (control group). Data were collected between November 2006 and July 2009. The primary outcome measurement was the number of instrumental deliveries. Secondary outcome measurements included perineal lacerations, perineal edema, maternal blood loss and hemoglobin. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results The main findings of this study were that birth on the birth seat did not reduce the number of instrumental vaginal births, there was an increase in blood loss between 500 ml and 1000 ml in women who gave birth on the seat but no increase in bleeding over 1000 ml and no increase in perineal lacerations or perineal edema. Conclusions The birth seat did not reduce the number of instrumental vaginal births. The study confirmed an increased blood loss 500 ml - 1000 ml but not over 1000 ml for women giving birth on the seat. Giving birth on a birth seat caused no adverse consequences for perineal outcomes and may even be protective against episiotomies. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov.ID: NCT01182038 PMID:21435238

Impact of preimplantation genetic screening on donor oocyte-recipient cycles in the United States.

PubMed

Barad, David H; Darmon, Sarah K; Kushnir, Vitaly A; Albertini, David F; Gleicher, Norbert

2017-11-01

Our objective was to estimate the contribution of preimplantation genetic screening to in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcomes in donor oocyte-recipient cycles. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of US national data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System between 2005 and 2013. Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting relies on voluntarily annual reports by more than 90% of US in vitro fertilization centers. We evaluated pregnancy and live birth rates in donor oocyte-recipient cycles after the first embryo transfer with day 5/6 embryos. Statistical models, adjusted for patient and donor ages, number of embryos transferred, race, infertility diagnosis, and cycle year were created to compare live birth rates in 392 preimplantation genetic screening and 20,616 control cycles. Overall, pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly lower in preimplantation genetic screening cycles than in control cycles. Adjusted odds of live birth for preimplantation genetic screening cycles were reduced by 35% (odds ratio, 0.65, 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.80; P < .001). Preimplantation genetic screening, as practiced in donor oocyte-recipient cycles over the past 9 years, has not been associated with improved odds of live birth or reduction in miscarriage rates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Women and postfertilization effects of birth control: consistency of beliefs, intentions and reported use

PubMed Central

Dye, Huong M; Stanford, Joseph B; Alder, Stephen C; Kim, Han S; Murphy, Patricia A

2005-01-01

Background This study assesses the consistency of responses among women regarding their beliefs about the mechanisms of actions of birth control methods, beliefs about when human life begins, the intention to use or not use birth control methods that they believe may act after fertilization or implantation, and their reported use of specific methods. Methods A questionnaire was administered in family practice and obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Participants included women ages 18–50 presenting for any reason and women under age 18 presenting for family planning or pregnancy care. Analyses were based on key questions addressing beliefs about whether specific birth control methods may act after fertilization, beliefs about when human life begins, intention to use a method that may act after fertilization, and reported use of specific methods. The questionnaire contained no information about the mechanism of action of any method of birth control. Responses were considered inconsistent if actual use contradicted intentions, if one intention contradicted another, or if intentions contradicted beliefs. Results Of all respondents, 38% gave consistent responses about intention to not use or to stop use of any birth control method that acted after fertilization, while 4% gave inconsistent responses. The corresponding percentages for birth control methods that work after implantation were 64% consistent and 2% inconsistent. Of all respondents, 34% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization and would not use any birth control method that acts after fertilization (a consistent response), while 3% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization but would use a birth control method that acts after fertilization (inconsistent). For specific methods of birth control, less than 1% of women gave inconsistent responses. A majority of women (68% or greater) responded accurately about the mechanism of action of condoms, abstinence, sterilization, and abortion, but a substantial percentage of women (between 19% and 57%) were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or natural family planning. Conclusion Women who believe that life begins at fertilization may not intend to use a birth control method that could have postfertilization effects. More research is needed to understand the relative importance of postfertilization effects for women in other populations, and in relation to other properties of and priorities for birth control methods. However, many women were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of specific methods. To respect the principles of informed consent, some women may need more education about what is known and not known about the mechanisms of action of birth control methods. PMID:16313677

Determinants and consequences of short birth interval in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

de Jonge, Hendrik C C; Azad, Kishwar; Seward, Nadine; Kuddus, Abdul; Shaha, Sanjit; Beard, James; Costello, Anthony; Houweling, Tanja A J; Fottrell, Ed

2014-12-24

Short birth intervals are known to have negative effects on pregnancy outcomes. We analysed data from a large population surveillance system in rural Bangladesh to identify predictors of short birth interval and determine consequences of short intervals on pregnancy outcomes. The study was conducted in three districts of Bangladesh - Bogra, Moulavibazar and Faridpur (population 282,643, 54,668 women of reproductive age). We used data between January 2010 and June 2011 from a key informant surveillance system that recorded all births, deaths and stillbirths. Short birth interval was defined as an interval between consecutive births of less than 33 months. Initially, risk factors of a short birth interval were determined using a multivariate mixed effects logistic regression model. Independent risk factors were selected using a priori knowledge from literature review. An adjusted mixed effects logistic regression model was then used to determine the effect of up to 21-, 21-32-, 33-44- and 45-month and higher birth-to-birth intervals on pregnancy outcomes controlling for confounders selected through a directed acyclic graph. We analysed 5,571 second or higher order deliveries. Average birth interval was 55 months and 1368/5571 women (24.6%) had a short birth interval (<33 months). Younger women (AOR 1.11 95% CI 1.08-1.15 per year increase in age), women who started their reproductive life later (AOR 0.95, 0.92-0.98 per year) and those who achieve higher order parities were less likely to experience short birth intervals (AOR 0.28, 0.19-0.41 parity 4 compared to 1). Women who were socioeconomically disadvantaged were more likely to experience a short birth interval (AOR 1.42, 1.22-1.65) and a previous adverse outcome was an important determinant of interval (AOR 2.10, 1.83-2.40). Very short birth intervals of less than 21 months were associated with increased stillbirth rate (AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.28-3.53) and neonatal mortality (AOR 2.28 95% CI 1.28-4.05). Birth spacing remains a reproductive health problem in Bangladesh. Disadvantaged women are more likely to experience short birth intervals and to have increased perinatal deaths. Research into causal pathways and strategies to improve spacing between pregnancies should be intensified.

[Birth defects in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: an evaluation through birth certificates (2000-2004)].

PubMed

Guerra, Fernando Antônio Ramos; Llerena, Juan Clinton; Gama, Silvana Granado Nogueira da; Cunha, Cynthia Braga da; Theme Filha, Mariza Miranda

2008-01-01

To evaluate the occurrence of birth defects in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using the Live Birth Information System (SINASC), we performed a cross-sectional study on all live newborns with birth defects from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2004. The variables referred to birth defects (presence and system affected), type of health service, mothers, gestations, live births, and deliveries. Prevalence of birth defects was 83/10,000 live births. The most frequent birth defects involved the musculoskeletal system, central nervous system, cleft lip and palate, and chromosomal anomalies. The majority of cases were born in public (municipal) and private maternity hospitals, with the highest prevalence in the Fernandes Figueira Insitute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Older women and those with less schooling had more live born infants with birth defects. The proportion of reports with missing information was high, reaching 21% in some institutions. Wider dissemination of SINASC data on birth defects should be encouraged. Reliability studies are recommended for better use of these reports.

Male Adolescent Birth Control Behavior: The Importance of Developmental Factors and Sex Differences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Donald D.; Rose, Ryda D.

1984-01-01

A survey of sex and birth control behavior of 51 male adolescents aged 15-17 was conducted using structured interviews. Based on research with teenage females, three social influences were examined for their possible impact on male birth control behavior. (Author/BW)

Birth Control and Low-Income Mexican-American Women: The Impact of Three Values.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ortiz, Silvia; Casas, Jesus Manuel

1990-01-01

Assesses relationship between Mexican-American women's birth-control attitudes, knowledge, and usage, and values of motherhood, male dominance, and sexual expression. Multiple regression analysis links contraception attitudes with traditional values, regardless of acculturation. Establishes positive link between birth-control use and traditional…

Male and Female Performance on Military Related Tasks

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

three studies, we tested groups of men, women taking birth control pills, and normally cycling women not taking birth control pills. In Experiments...The subject groups are males and females. Because the military population used for these experiments yielded very few women using birth control pills

The potential value of sibling controls compared with population controls for association studies of lifestyle-related risk factors: an example from the Breast Cancer Family Registry.

PubMed

Milne, Roger L; John, Esther M; Knight, Julia A; Dite, Gillian S; Southey, Melissa C; Giles, Graham G; Apicella, Carmel; West, Dee W; Andrulis, Irene L; Whittemore, Alice S; Hopper, John L

2011-10-01

A previous Australian population-based breast cancer case-control study found indirect evidence that control participation, although high, was not random. We hypothesized that unaffected sisters may provide a more appropriate comparison group than unrelated population controls. Three population-based case-control-family studies of breast cancer in women of white European origin were carried out by the Australian, Ontario and Northern California sites of the Breast Cancer Family Registry. We compared risk factors between 3643 cases, 2444 of their unaffected sisters and 2877 population controls and conducted separate case-control analyses based on population and sister controls using unconditional multivariable logistic regression. Compared with sister controls, population controls were more highly educated, had an earlier age at menarche, fewer births, their first birth at a later age and their last birth more recently. The established breast cancer associations detected using sister controls, but not detected using population controls, were decreasing risk with each of later age at menarche, more births, younger age at first birth and greater time since last birth. Since participation of population controls might be unintentionally related to some risk factors, we hypothesize that sister controls could provide more valid relative risk estimates and be recruited at lower cost. Given declining study participation by population controls, this contention is highly relevant to epidemiologic research.

Links between motor control and classroom behaviors: Moderation by low birth weight

PubMed Central

Razza, Rachel A.; Martin, Anne; Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne

2016-01-01

It is unclear from past research on effortful control whether one of its components, motor control, independently contributes to adaptive classroom behaviors. The goal of this study was to identify associations between early motor control, measured by the walk-a-line task at age 3, and teacher-reported learning-related behaviors (approaches to learning and attention problems) and behavior problems in kindergarten classrooms. Models tested whether children who were vulnerable to poorer learning behaviors and more behavior problems due to having been born low birth weight benefited more, less, or the same as other children from better motor control. Data were drawn from the national Fragile Families and Child-Wellbeing Study (n = 751). Regression models indicated that motor control was significantly associated with better approaches to learning and fewer behavior problems. Children who were low birth weight benefitted more than normal birth weight children from better motor control with respect to their approaches to learning, but equally with respect to behavior problems. Additionally, for low but not normal birth weight children, better motor control predicted fewer attention problems. These findings suggest that motor control follows a compensatory model of development for low birth weight children and classroom behaviors. PMID:27594776

Bed rest in singleton pregnancies for preventing preterm birth.

PubMed

Sosa, C; Althabe, F; Belizán, J; Bergel, E

2004-01-01

Bed rest in hospital or at home is widely recommended for the prevention of preterm birth. This advice is based on the observation that hard work and hard physical activity during pregnancy could be associated with preterm birth and with the idea that bed rest could reduce uterine activity. However, bed rest may have some adverse effects on other outcomes. To evaluate the effect of prescription of bed rest in hospital or at home for preventing preterm birth in pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (July 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2003), MEDLINE (July 2003), LILACS (July 2003), EMBASE (July 2003), POPLINE (July 2003) and bibliographies of relevant papers. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials with reported data that assess clinical outcomes in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth who were prescribed bed rest in hospital or at home for preventing preterm birth, and their babies. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. One study met the inclusion criteria (1266 women). This trial has uncertain methodological quality due to lack of reporting. Four hundred and thirty-two women were prescribed bed rest at home and a total of 834 women received a placebo (412) or no intervention (422). Preterm birth before 37 weeks was similar in both groups (7.9% in the intervention group versus 8.5% in the control group), and the relative risk was 0.92 with a 95% confidence interval from 0.62 to 1.37. No other results were available. There is no evidence, either supporting or refuting the use of bed rest at home or in hospital, to prevent preterm birth. Although bed rest in hospital or at home is widely used as the first step of treatment, there is no evidence that this practice could be beneficial. Due to the potential adverse effects that bed rest could have on women and their families, and the increased costs for the healthcare system, clinicians should not routinely advise women to rest in bed to prevent preterm birth. Potential benefits and harms should be discussed with women facing an increased risk of preterm birth. Appropriate research is mandatory. Future trials should evaluate both the effectiveness of bed rest, and the effectiveness of the prescription of bed rest, to prevent preterm birth.

Correlates of Young Men’s Intention to Discuss Birth Control with Female Partners

PubMed Central

Masters, N. Tatiana; Morrison, Diane M.; Querna, Katherine; Casey, Erin A.; Beadnell, Blair

2016-01-01

CONTEXT Heterosexually active men who wish to prevent conception, but are not willing to use condoms consistently, need to discuss birth control with female partners. Improving the understanding of correlates of men’s intention to have such discussions is one step toward supporting this health-facilitating behavior. METHODS A sample of 372 heterosexually active men aged 18–25 were recruited and surveyed online between December 2010 and June 2011. Men answered questions on attitudes toward, norms regarding and self-efficacy about discussing birth control, and about endorsement of two sexual scripts. Multiple regression analyses tested these measures’ associations with intention to discuss birth control, controlling for age and relationship status. RESULTS Attitudes, norms and self-efficacy were each positively associated with men’s intention to discuss birth control, accounting for 34% of variance. The more strongly men endorsed a traditional masculinity sexual script, the less likely they were to intend to discuss birth control (coefficient, −0.2). Endorsement of an alternative, gender-equitable “sex-positive woman” script, which emphasizes sexual pleasure and emotional connection as goals for both partners, had no association with intention. CONCLUSION Strategies that merit further exploration as potential supports for men’s intention to discuss birth control include improving men’s self-efficacy and positive attitudes and norms pertaining to such discussions, and reducing belief in traditionally masculine sexual scripts or transforming them to include discussing birth control. Future research should work both experimentally and longitudinally to document each element of the process that ends with men’s full participation in effective contraceptive use. PMID:27802365

Correlates of Young Men's Intention to Discuss Birth Control with Female Partners.

PubMed

Masters, N Tatiana; Morrison, Diane M; Querna, Katherine; Casey, Erin A; Beadnell, Blair

2017-03-01

Heterosexually active men who wish to prevent conception, but are not willing to use condoms consistently, need to discuss birth control with female partners. Improving the understanding of correlates of men's intention to have such discussions is one step toward supporting this health-facilitating behavior. A sample of 372 heterosexually active men aged 18-25 were recruited and surveyed online between December 2010 and June 2011. Men answered questions on attitudes toward, norms regarding and self-efficacy about discussing birth control, and about endorsement of two sexual scripts. Multiple regression analyses tested these measures' associations with intention to discuss birth control, controlling for age and relationship status. Attitudes, norms and self-efficacy were each positively associated with men's intention to discuss birth control, accounting for 34% of variance. The more strongly men endorsed a traditional masculinity sexual script, the less likely they were to intend to discuss birth control (coefficient, -0.2). Endorsement of an alternative, gender-equitable "sex-positive woman" script, which emphasizes sexual pleasure and emotional connection as goals for both partners, had no association with intention. Strategies that merit further exploration as potential supports for men's intention to discuss birth control include improving men's self-efficacy and positive attitudes and norms pertaining to such discussions, and reducing belief in traditionally masculine sexual scripts or transforming them to include discussing birth control. Future research should work both experimentally and longitudinally to document each element of the process that ends with men's full participation in effective contraceptive use. Copyright © 2016 by the Guttmacher Institute.

Fertility and pregnancy outcome in women with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Steen, V D; Medsger, T A

1999-04-01

To determine fertility and pregnancy outcome in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) who had disease onset before age 45 years. All living women with scleroderma who had first been evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Clinic after January 1, 1972 were sent a detailed self-administered questionnaire in 1986 specifically concerning pregnancy outcomes and infertility. This group was compared with 2 race- and age-matched control groups, one comprising women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and one comprising healthy neighborhood women identified by random-digit dialing. We determined the number, history, treatment, and outcome of women who either had never been pregnant or had attempted to become pregnant unsuccessfully for more than 1 year. We also obtained data regarding pregnancy outcomes, including the frequency of miscarriage, premature births, small full-term infants, perinatal deaths, and births of live healthy infants. The study group comprised 214 women with SSc, 167 with RA, and 105 neighborhood controls. There were no significant differences in the overall rates of miscarriage, premature births, small full-term births, or neonatal deaths between the 3 groups. Women with SSc were more likely than those without SSc to have adverse outcomes of pregnancy after the onset of their rheumatic disease, particularly premature births (also seen in RA women after disease onset) and small full-term infants. Although a significantly greater number of women with SSc had never been pregnant, there were no significant differences in the frequency of never having been pregnant or of infertility in the 3 groups after adjustment for contributing factors. This study indicates that women with SSc have acceptable pregnancy outcomes compared with those of women with other rheumatic disease and healthy neighborhood controls. Infertility was not a frequent problem. We believe that there are no excessive pregnancy risks to women with SSc or their infants. However, a well-timed pregnancy with careful obstetric monitoring will maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Results of the 2003 Pregnancy and Parenthood Survey

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-08-01

survey indicate that the knowledge of emergency contraception is increasing in the Navy, and most men and women have had training about birth control , sexually...Family Care Program compliance assessment. 4. Improve General Military Training (GMT) to increase awareness (e.g., birth control , unplanned...27 Birth Control ................................................................................................................................28

Student Volunteers as Birth Control Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanders, Raymond S.; And Others

1978-01-01

A one-year project on birth control education that used students as birth control educators was initiated to increase student awareness of the need for contraception. Support for this method of disseminating information was demonstrated. The project facilitated student use of the Gynecological Clinic of the Student Health Center. (Author)

[Reliability of birth defect data on birth certificates of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2004].

PubMed

Guerra, Fernando Antônio Ramos; Llerena, Juan Clinton; Gama, Silvana Granado Nogueira da; Cunha, Cynthia Braga da; Theme Filha, Mariza Miranda

2008-02-01

This study assessed the reliability of birth certificate data related to birth defects in Brazil's Live Birth Information System (SINASC). We selected 24 maternity hospitals in the Unified National Health System (SUS) and compared the reports of birth defects from birth certificates with medical records of mothers and live born infants in the city of Rio de Janeiro for the year 2004. After transposing the data to a specific form, the birth defects were coded by types and organ systems and compared to the SINASC data. The most commonly affected organs involved the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Agreement was more than 50% for the digestive, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems and chromosomal anomalies. Prevalence-adjusted kappa varied according to 2 or 3-digit ICD-10 analysis, with better results for the musculoskeletal, digestive, and genitourinary systems and congenital anomalies, and worse for the central nervous and cardio-circulatory systems, eye, neck, and ear malformations, and cleft lip and palate. The results were unsatisfactory, suggesting the need for more investments to train the persons responsible for completing birth certificates in maternity hospitals and develop a model for coding birth defects on these documents.

Nursing, social contexts, and ideologies in the early United States birth control movement.

PubMed

Lagerwey, M D

1999-12-01

Using historical discourse analysis, this study provides a thematic analysis of writings of nursing and birth control as found in The Birth Control Review from 1917 to 1927. The author contrasts this publication with the official journal of the American Nurses Association, the American Journal of Nursing from the same years to explore nursing voices and silences in early birth control stories. In dialogue with social contexts, nursing endeavors and inactivity have played important yet conflicting roles in the birth control movement in the United States. Nursing writings from the early twentieth century reflect eugenic beliefs, national fears of immigrants, and ambivalence about women's roles in society and the home. Nurses simultaneously empowered women to choose when to become pregnant and reinforced nativist and paternalistic views of the poor.

[Relationship between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and birth weight of term singleton live-birth newborns].

PubMed

Guo, L Q; Zhang, Q; Zhao, D D; Wang, L L; Chen, Y; Mi, B B; Dang, S N; Yan, H

2017-10-10

Objective: This study explored the association between air pollution exposure and birth weight by using the multilevel linear model, after controlling related meteorological factors and individual differences of both mothers and babies. Methods: Women of childbearing age who were pregnant in Xi'an from 2010 to 2013, were selected as objects of this study. Multistage random sampling method was used to select 4 631 subjects followed by a self-designed questionnaire survey. Data related to quality of air and meteorology were gathered from routine monitoring system. Gestational age and date of birth, together with the average levels of air pollution were calculated for each trimester on each mother, and then the impact of air pollution on birth weight was assessed. A multilevel linear model was employed to investigate the association between the levels of exposure to air pollution by birth weight. Confounding factors were under control. We established three models in this study: Model 1 which involving the variable of air pollution exposure. Model 2 was adjusted for variables in Model 1 plus some other individual differences of both mother and baby. Model 3 was adjusted for variables in Model 2 plus meteorological factors. Results: There were significant differences seen in birth weight within the subgroups of gender, gestational age, mother's reproductive age, maternal education, residential areas and family incomes ( P <0.01) of the infants. However, there was no difference found in Model 1 ( P >0.05). Data from Model 3 indicated that a decrease of 13.3 g(10.9 g in Model 2) and 6.6 g (5.9 g in Model 2) in birth weight that were associated with an increase of 10 μg/m(3) in the average level of NO(2) and PM(10) during the second trimester; A decrease of 13.7 g (9.8 g in Model 2) in birth weight was associated with an increase of 10 μg/m(3) in the average level of NO(2) during the third trimester. Conclusion: After controlling for meteorological factors, the levels of exposure to NO(2) and PM(10) during the second trimester and NO(2) during the third trimester were negatively associated with birth weight.

Postural control in man: the phylogenetic perspective.

PubMed

Gramsbergen, Albert

2005-01-01

Erect posture in man is a recent affordance from an evolutionary perspective. About eight million years ago, the stock from which modern humans derived split off from the ape family, and from around sixty-thousand years ago, modern man developed. Upright gait and manipulations while standing pose intricate cybernetic problems for postural control. The trunk, having an older evolutionary history than the extremities, is innervated by medially descending motor systems and extremity muscles by the more recent, laterally descending systems. Movements obviously require concerted actions from both systems. Research in rats has demonstrated the interdependencies between postural control and the development of fluent walking. Only 15 days after birth, adult-like fluent locomotion emerges and is critically dependent upon postural development. Vesttibular deprivation induces a retardation in postural development and, consequently, a retarded development of adult-like locomotion. The cerebellum obviously has an important role in mutual adjustments in postural control and extremity movements, or, in coupling the phylogenetic older and newer structures. In the human, the cerebellum develops partly after birth and therefore is vulnerable to adverse perinatal influences. Such vulnerability seems to justify focusing our scientific research efforts onto the development of this structure.

Risk factors for congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the Bogota birth defects surveillance and follow-up program, Colombia.

PubMed

García, Ana M; Machicado, S; Gracia, G; Zarante, I M

2016-03-01

The mortality rate for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains high and prevention efforts are limited by the lack of known risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence, risk factors, and neonatal results associated with CDH on a surveillance system hospital-based in Bogotá, Colombia. The data used in this study were obtained from The Bogota Birth Defects Surveillance and Follow-up Program (BBDSFP), between January 2001 and December 2013. With 386,419 births, there were 81 cases of CDH. A case-control methodology was conducted with 48 of the total cases of CDH and 192 controls for association analysis. The prevalence of CDH was 2.1 per 10,000 births. In the case-control analysis, risk factors found were maternal age ≥35 years (OR, 33.53; 95 % CI, 7.02-160.11), infants with CDH were more likely to be born before 37 weeks of gestation (OR, 5.57; 95 % CI, 2.05-15.14), to weigh less than 2500 g at birth (OR, 9.05; 95 % CI, 3.51-23.32), and be small for gestational age (OR, 5.72; 95 % CI, 2.18-14.99) with a high rate of death before hospital discharge in the CDH population (CDH: 38 % vs BBDSFP: <1 %; p < 0.001). The prevalence of CDH calculated was similar to the one reported in the literature. CDH is strongly associated with a high rate of death before hospital discharge and the risk factors found were maternal age ≥35 years, preterm birth, be small for gestational age, and have low weight at birth. These neonatal characteristics in developing countries would help to identify early CDH. Prevention efforts have been limited by the lack of known risk factors and established epidemiological profiles, especially in developing countries.

An intervention involving traditional birth attendants and perinatal and maternal mortality in Pakistan.

PubMed

Jokhio, Abdul Hakeem; Winter, Heather R; Cheng, Kar Keung

2005-05-19

There are approximately 4 million neonatal deaths and half a million maternal deaths worldwide each year. There is limited evidence from clinical trials to guide the development of effective maternity services in developing countries. We performed a cluster-randomized, controlled trial involving seven subdistricts (talukas) of a rural district in Pakistan. In three talukas randomly assigned to the intervention group, traditional birth attendants were trained and issued disposable delivery kits; Lady Health Workers linked traditional birth attendants with established services and documented processes and outcomes; and obstetrical teams provided outreach clinics for antenatal care. Women in the four control talukas received usual care. The primary outcome measures were perinatal and maternal mortality. Of the estimated number of eligible women in the seven talukas, 10,114 (84.3 percent) were recruited in the three intervention talukas, and 9443 (78.7 percent) in the four control talukas. In the intervention group, 9184 women (90.8 percent) received antenatal care by trained traditional birth attendants, 1634 women (16.2 percent) were seen antenatally at least once by the obstetrical teams, and 8172 safe-delivery kits were used. As compared with the control talukas, the intervention talukas had a cluster-adjusted odds ratio for perinatal death of 0.70 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.82) and for maternal mortality of 0.74 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.45 to 1.23). Training traditional birth attendants and integrating them into an improved health care system were achievable and effective in reducing perinatal mortality. This model could result in large improvements in perinatal and maternal health in developing countries. Copyright 2005 Massachusetts Medical Society.

China Report: Political, Sociological and Military Affairs, No. 469

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-02

responsibility sys- tem on an individual household basis was put into effect; the birth control ap- proaches devised earlier had by then lost their constraining...party members and cadres who work with enthusiasm, exhibit sound thinking and char- acter, have carried out birth control work well, have acquired...34two decreases" and "three increases" will emerge in the birth control work of this commune, compared to that of last year. That is, the birth rate

Maternal systemic or cord blood inflammation is associated with birth anthropometry in a Tanzanian prospective cohort.

PubMed

Wilkinson, A L; Pedersen, S H; Urassa, M; Michael, D; Andreasen, A; Todd, J; Kinung'hi, S M; Changalucha, J; McDermid, J M

2017-01-01

HIV infection is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, with or without antiretroviral therapy. Consequences for foetal growth are not understood, particularly in settings where multiple maternal infections and malnutrition are common. The study was designed to examine maternal systemic circulating and umbilical cord blood cytokine concentrations in relation to birth anthropometry in a Tanzanian prospective cohort. A 9-plex panel of maternal plasma cytokines in HIV-positive (n = 44) and HIV-negative (n = 70) mothers and the same cytokines in umbilical cord blood collected at delivery was assayed. Linear regression modelled associations between maternal or cord blood cytokines and birth anthropometry. Health indicators (haemoglobin, mid-upper-arm circumference, body mass index) in HIV-positive mothers without considerable immunosuppression did not differ from HIV-negative women. Despite this, HIV-exposed infants had lower birthweight and length. Subgroup analyses indicated that HIV management using HAART was associated with lower plasma TNF-α, as were longer durations of any antiretroviral therapy (≥2 months). Greater maternal plasma TNF-α was associated with earlier delivery (-1.7 weeks, P = 0.039) and lower birthweights (-287 g; P = 0.020), while greater umbilical cord TNF-α (-1.43 cm; P = 0.036) and IL-12p70 (-2.4 cm; P = 0.008) were associated with shorter birth length. Birthweight was inversely associated with cord IL-12p70 (-723 g; P = 0.001) and IFN-γ (-482 g, P = 0.007). Maternal cytokines during pregnancy did not correlate with umbilical cord cytokines at delivery. Systemic inflammation identified in maternal plasma or umbilical cord blood was associated with poorer birth anthropometrics in HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed infants. Controlling maternal and/or foetal systemic inflammation may improve birth anthropometry. © 2016 The Authors. Tropical Medicine & International Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cost comparisons of raising a child from birth to 17 years among samples of abused, delinquent, violent, and homicidal youth using victimization and justice system estimates.

PubMed

Zagar, Agata Karolina; Zagar, Robert John; Bartikowski, Boris; Busch, Kenneth G

2009-02-01

Data from youth studied by Zagar and colleagues were randomly sampled to create groups of controls and abused, delinquent, violent, and homicidal youth (n=30 in each). Estimated costs of raising a nondelinquent youth from birth to 17 yr. were compared with the average costs incurred by other youth in each group. Estimates of living expenses, direct and indirect costs of victimization, and criminal justice system expenditures were summed. Groups differed significantly on total expenses, victimization costs, and criminal justice expenditures. Mean total costs for a homicidal youth were estimated at $3,935,433, while those for a control youth were $150,754. Abused, delinquent, and violent youth had average total expenses roughly double the total mean costs of controls. Prevention of dropout, alcoholism, addiction, career delinquency, or homicide justifies interception and empirical treatment on a cost-benefit basis, but also based on the severe personal costs to the victims and to the youth themselves.

Folic Acid

MedlinePlus

... help prevent other types of birth defects and early pregnancy loss (miscarriage). Since about half of all pregnancies ... correctly every time you have sex. In a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and ... pregnancies were using birth control. 8 Birth defects of ...

A Model for Determining Information Diffusion in a Family Planning Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Audrey R.

1972-01-01

Knowledge of the existence of birth control clinics is seen as a function of proximity to clinics, friendliness of neighborhood, and propensity to discuss birth control with neighbors. A conceptual model is developed to illustrate variables contributing to the diffusion of birth control information in a public health family planning program.…

Contrasting Municipal Responses to the Provision of Birth Control Services in Halifax and Exeter before 1948

PubMed Central

Dale, Pamela; Fisher, Kate

2010-01-01

Research exploring the development of the birth control movement in Britain continues to reveal new insights. Local case studies highlight the contentious nature of birth control debates and the significant obstacles that had to be overcome before services could be provided. Moving away from a focus on the activities of birth control campaigners and organisations, such as the Family Planning Association, this paper highlights other local actors in the statutory and voluntary sectors to map why clinics emerged when and where they did. The contrasting examples, provided by Exeter and Halifax, demonstrate the importance of multiple points of contact between local authorities and supporters and opponents of birth control. They also suggest that the attitude of local medical and political elites is not sufficient to explain the success or failure of any clinic.

Risk Factors for premature birth in a hospital 1

PubMed Central

Ahumada-Barrios, Margarita E.; Alvarado, German F.

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: to determine the risk factors for premature birth. Methods: retrospective case-control study of 600 pregnant women assisted in a hospital, with 298 pregnant women in the case group (who gave birth prematurely <37 weeks) and 302 pregnant women who gave birth to a full-term newborn in the control group. Stata software version 12.2 was used. The Chi-square test was used in bivariate analysis and logistic regression was used in multivariate analysis, from which Odds Ratios (OR) and Confidence Intervals (CI) of 95% were derived. Results: risk factors associated with premature birth were current twin pregnancy (adjusted OR= 2.4; p= 0.02), inadequate prenatal care (< 6 controls) (adjusted OR= 3.2; p <0.001), absent prenatal care (adjusted OR= 3.0; p <0.001), history of premature birth (adjusted OR= 3.7; p <0.001) and preeclampsia (adjusted OR= 1.9; p= 0.005). Conclusion: history of premature birth, preeclampsia, not receiving prenatal care and receiving inadequate prenatal care were risk factors for premature birth. PMID:27463110

Optimal birth control of age-dependent competitive species III. Overtaking problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ze-Rong; Cheng, Ji-Shu; Zhang, Chun-Guo

2008-01-01

A study is made of an overtaking optimal problem for a population system consisting of two competing species, which is controlled by fertilities. The existence of optimal policy is proved and a maximum principle is carefully derived under less restrictive conditions. Weak and strong turnpike properties of optimal trajectories are established.

A Study to Determine the Feasibility of Establishing a Wellness Center at Martin Army Community Hospital

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-06

problem during a visit to the wellness center would be referred to ADAPCP. Pap smears, birth control counselling, and breast self-examination classes...examinations Proctosigmoldoscope examinations Well-baby clinics Birth control counselling Immunizations Nutrition and weight counselling Stress management...Proctosigmoldoscopic examinations Physical examinations ---- Health risk appraisals Immun Izat ions Birth control counselling Nutrition and weight control

Possible association of first and high birth order of pregnant women with the risk of isolated congenital abnormalities in Hungary - a population-based case-matched control study.

PubMed

Csermely, Gyula; Susánszky, Éva; Czeizel, Andrew E; Veszprémi, Béla

2014-08-01

In epidemiological studies at the estimation of risk factors in the origin of specified congenital abnormalities in general birth order (parity) is considered as confounder. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible association of first and high (four or more) birth order with the risk of congenital abnormalities in a population-based case-matched control data set. The large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities included 21,494 cases with different isolated congenital abnormality and their 34,311 matched controls. First the distribution of birth order was compared of 24 congenital abnormality groups and their matched controls. In the second step the possible association of first and high birth order with the risk of congenital abnormalities was estimated. Finally some subgroups of neural-tube defects, congenital heart defects and abdominal wall's defects were evaluated separately. A higher risk of spina bifida aperta/cystica, esophageal atresia/stenosis and clubfoot was observed in the offspring of primiparous mothers. Of 24 congenital abnormality groups, 14 had mothers with larger proportion of high birth order. Ear defects, congenital heart defects, cleft lip± palate and obstructive defects of urinary tract had a linear trend from a lower proportion of first born cases to the larger proportion of high birth order. Birth order showed U-shaped distribution of neural-tube defects and clubfoot, i.e. both first and high birth order had a larger proportion in cases than in their matched controls. Birth order is a contributing factor in the origin of some isolated congenital abnormalities. The higher risk of certain congenital abnormalities in pregnant women with first or high birth order is worth considering in the clinical practice, e.g. ultrasound scanning. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between antibiotic use among pregnant women with urinary tract infections in the first trimester and birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study 1997 to 2011.

PubMed

Ailes, Elizabeth C; Gilboa, Suzanne M; Gill, Simerpal K; Broussard, Cheryl S; Crider, Krista S; Berry, Robert J; Carter, Tonia C; Hobbs, Charlotte A; Interrante, Julia D; Reefhuis, Jennita

2016-11-01

Previous studies noted associations between birth defects and some antibiotics (e.g., nitrofurantoin, sulfonamides) but not others (e.g., penicillins). It is unclear if previous findings were due to antibiotic use, infections, or chance. To control for potential confounding by indication, we examined associations between antibiotic use and birth defects, among women reporting urinary tract infections (UTIs). The National Birth Defects Prevention Study is a multi-site, population-based case-control study. Case infants/fetuses have any of over 30 major birth defects and controls are live-born infants without major birth defects. We analyzed pregnancies from 1997 to 2011 to estimate the association between maternally reported periconceptional (month before conception through the third month of pregnancy) use of nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or cephalosporins and specific birth defects, among women with periconceptional UTIs. Women with periconceptional UTIs who reported penicillin use served as the comparator. Periconceptional UTIs were reported by 7.8% (2029/26,068) of case and 6.7% (686/10,198) of control mothers. Most (68.2% of case, 66.6% of control mothers) also reported antibiotic use. Among 608 case and 231 control mothers reporting at least one periconceptional UTI and certain antibiotic use, compared with penicillin, nitrofurantoin use was associated with oral clefts in the offspring (adjusted odds ratio, 1.97 [95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.53]), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use with esophageal atresia (5.31 [1.39-20.24]) and diaphragmatic hernia (5.09 [1.20-21.69]), and cephalosporin use with anorectal atresia/stenosis (5.01 [1.34-18.76]). Periconceptional exposure to some antibiotics might increase the risk for certain birth defects. However, because individual birth defects are rare, absolute risks should drive treatment decisions.Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:940-949, 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Highly Effective Birth Control Use Before and After Women's Incarceration

PubMed Central

Chen, Hsiang-Feng; Cropsey, Karen L.; Clarke, Jennifer G.; Kelly, Patricia J.

2015-01-01

Abstract Background: We examined factors associated with women's use of highly effective birth control before and after incarceration, since women with ongoing criminal justice involvement bear a disproportionate burden of sexual and reproductive health problems, including high rates of unintended pregnancy and inconsistent contraceptive use. Methods: Using a longitudinal study design, we conducted surveys with 102 women in an urban midwestern jail and then followed up with 66 of them 6 months after incarceration. We used stepwise logistic regression to assess individual, interpersonal, resource-based, organizational, and environmental factors associated with utilizing highly effective birth control. Results: Forty-two percent of women reported utilizing highly effective birth control (e.g., sterilization or other highly effective reversible methods) prior to incarceration, and 54% reported using these methods after release from jail (p<0.001). Ninety percent of women reported not wanting to get pregnant. Consistent use of birth control (p=0.001) and alcohol problems (p=0.027) were associated with utilization of highly effective birth control prior to incarceration. Previous pregnancies (p=0.012) were the only factor associated with utilization of highly effective birth control after release from jail. Conclusions: Clinicians and public health practitioners can use findings from this study to develop clinical and intervention efforts aimed at improving unintended-pregnancy prevention among incarcerated women both during their confinement and during the tumultuous period after their release from jail. PMID:25555175

Highly Effective Birth Control Use Before and After Women's Incarceration.

PubMed

Ramaswamy, Megha; Chen, Hsiang-Feng; Cropsey, Karen L; Clarke, Jennifer G; Kelly, Patricia J

2015-06-01

We examined factors associated with women's use of highly effective birth control before and after incarceration, since women with ongoing criminal justice involvement bear a disproportionate burden of sexual and reproductive health problems, including high rates of unintended pregnancy and inconsistent contraceptive use. Using a longitudinal study design, we conducted surveys with 102 women in an urban midwestern jail and then followed up with 66 of them 6 months after incarceration. We used stepwise logistic regression to assess individual, interpersonal, resource-based, organizational, and environmental factors associated with utilizing highly effective birth control. Forty-two percent of women reported utilizing highly effective birth control (e.g., sterilization or other highly effective reversible methods) prior to incarceration, and 54% reported using these methods after release from jail (p<0.001). Ninety percent of women reported not wanting to get pregnant. Consistent use of birth control (p=0.001) and alcohol problems (p=0.027) were associated with utilization of highly effective birth control prior to incarceration. Previous pregnancies (p=0.012) were the only factor associated with utilization of highly effective birth control after release from jail. Clinicians and public health practitioners can use findings from this study to develop clinical and intervention efforts aimed at improving unintended-pregnancy prevention among incarcerated women both during their confinement and during the tumultuous period after their release from jail.

Malthus in the Bedroom: Birth Spacing as Birth Control in Pre-Transition England.

PubMed

Cinnirella, Francesco; Klemp, Marc; Weisdorf, Jacob

2017-04-01

We use duration models on a well-known historical data set of more than 15,000 families and 60,000 births in England for the period 1540-1850 to show that the sampled families adjusted the timing of their births in accordance with the economic conditions as well as their stock of dependent children. The effects were larger among the lower socioeconomic ranks. Our findings on the existence of parity-dependent as well as parity-independent birth spacing in England are consistent with the growing evidence that marital birth control was present in pre-transitional populations.

The Relevance of Maternal Socioeconomic Characteristics for Low Birth Weight – a Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Altenhöner, T.; Köhler, M.; Philippi, M.

2016-01-01

Introduction: The number of children born underweight (low birth weight, LBW) is increasing despite extensive prevention and screening programmes. The cost is high for the health system, and affected children are burdened with health predictors that can affect them negatively throughout their lives. This study investigates to what extent socioeconomic factors, in addition to known medical causes and the health behaviour of pregnant women, influence LBW. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study 131 mothers of singletons with a birth weight ≤ 2500 g (cases) and 323 mothers of normal birth weight babies (controls) were interviewed with respect to socioeconomic status, health behaviour and stress in the workplace. Medical data were collected by specialist staff using a questionnaire. Results: Independent of medical diagnosis and health behaviour, women with lower level education (OR [95 % CI] = 2.24 [1.12; 4.51]) and those who were not working (OR [95 % CI] = 1.82 [1.10; 3.00]) were more likely to have an LBW baby. No effect was shown for immigrant background (OR [95 % CI] = 1.14 [0.59; 2.21]) or stress in the workplace (OR [95 % CI] = 1.17 [0.90; 1.51]). Discussion and Conclusion: These results show that the association between social and health inequalities starts from before birth. In order to reduce the rising number of babies born underweight, socioeconomic determinants in the care and supervision of pregnant women should systematically receive more attention to enable appropriate early preventive strategies to be implemented. PMID:27065486

The Relevance of Maternal Socioeconomic Characteristics for Low Birth Weight - a Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Altenhöner, T; Köhler, M; Philippi, M

2016-03-01

Introduction: The number of children born underweight (low birth weight, LBW) is increasing despite extensive prevention and screening programmes. The cost is high for the health system, and affected children are burdened with health predictors that can affect them negatively throughout their lives. This study investigates to what extent socioeconomic factors, in addition to known medical causes and the health behaviour of pregnant women, influence LBW. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study 131 mothers of singletons with a birth weight ≤ 2500 g (cases) and 323 mothers of normal birth weight babies (controls) were interviewed with respect to socioeconomic status, health behaviour and stress in the workplace. Medical data were collected by specialist staff using a questionnaire. Results: Independent of medical diagnosis and health behaviour, women with lower level education (OR [95 % CI] = 2.24 [1.12; 4.51]) and those who were not working (OR [95 % CI] = 1.82 [1.10; 3.00]) were more likely to have an LBW baby. No effect was shown for immigrant background (OR [95 % CI] = 1.14 [0.59; 2.21]) or stress in the workplace (OR [95 % CI] = 1.17 [0.90; 1.51]). Discussion and Conclusion: These results show that the association between social and health inequalities starts from before birth. In order to reduce the rising number of babies born underweight, socioeconomic determinants in the care and supervision of pregnant women should systematically receive more attention to enable appropriate early preventive strategies to be implemented.

Pregnancy and Parenthood: Results of the 2001 Survey

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-04-01

responsibility to discuss birth control with their partner and most say they usually use birth control ; less than half of female officers and 59 percent of...enlisted women would feel comfortable going to a corpsman about birth control . Point-in-time pregnancy rates for E-5 to E-6 and 0-4 and 0-5 have increased

Update on the Essure System for Permanent Birth Control.

PubMed

Fantasia, Heidi Collins

In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Essure system for permanent birth control. Implantation with this device offers a minimally invasive option for permanent female contraception that is placed during a brief office visit. Unlike laparoscopic tubal sterilization, the Essure procedure requires no hospitalization or general anesthesia, resulting in minimal recovery time. After a decade of stability in the report of adverse effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration noted a sharp increase in patient-reported adverse events, including chronic pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, allergic reactions, and autoimmune-like reactions. In response to this increase in complaints, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued updated guidelines for patient education and counseling. This article discusses those updates, as well as implications for nurses who provide health care to women seeking permanent contraception. © 2017 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

Birth order and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus: a case-control study in The Gambia.

PubMed

Shimakawa, Yusuke; Lemoine, Maud; Bottomley, Christian; Njai, Harr Freeya; Ndow, Gibril; Jatta, Abdoulie; Tamba, Saydiba; Bojang, Lamin; Taal, Makie; Nyan, Ousman; D'Alessandro, Umberto; Njie, Ramou; Thursz, Mark; Hall, Andrew J

2015-10-01

Early age at infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) increases the risk of chronic infection. Moreover, early HBV infection may further independently increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond its effect on chronicity. The distribution of birth order, a proxy for mode and timing of HBV transmission, was compared in The Gambia between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive HCC cases recruited from hospitals (n = 72) and two HBsAg-positive control groups without HCC: population-based controls from a community HBV screening (n = 392) and hospital-based controls (n = 63). HCC risk decreased with increasing birth order in the population-based case-control analysis. Using first birth order as the reference, the odds ratios were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.20-1.36), 0.52 (0.17-1.56), 0.57 (0.16-2.05) and 0.14 (0.03-0.64) for second, third, fourth and greater than fourth birth order respectively (P = 0.01). A similar inverse association was observed in the hospital-based case-control comparison (P = 0.04). Compared to controls, HCC cases had earlier birth order, a proxy for young maternal age and maternal HBV viraemia at birth. This finding suggests that in chronic HBV carriers perinatal mother-to-infant transmission may increase HCC risk more than horizontal transmission. Providing HBV vaccine within 24 h of birth to interrupt perinatal transmission might reduce the incidence of HCC in The Gambia. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Home birth integration into the health care systems of eleven international jurisdictions.

PubMed

Comeau, Amanda; Hutton, Eileen K; Simioni, Julia; Anvari, Ella; Bowen, Megan; Kruegar, Samantha; Darling, Elizabeth K

2018-02-13

The purpose of this study was to develop assessment criteria that could be used to examine the level of integration of home birth within larger health care systems in developed countries across 11 international jurisdictions. An expert panel developed criteria and a definition to assess home birth integration within health care systems. We selected jurisdictions based on the publications that were eligible for inclusion in our systematic review and meta-analysis on planned place of birth. We sent the authors of the included publications a questionnaire about home birth practitioners and practices in their respective health care system at the time of their studies. We searched published peer-reviewed, non-peer-reviewed, and gray literature, and the websites of professional bodies to document information about home birth integration in each jurisdiction based on our criteria. Where information was lacking, we contacted experts in the field from the relevant jurisdiction. Home birth is well integrated into the health care system in British Columbia (Canada), England, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ontario (Canada), and Washington State (USA). Home birth is less well integrated into the health care system in Australia, Japan, Norway, and Sweden. This paper is the first to propose criteria for the evaluation of home birth integration within larger maternity care systems. Application of these criteria across 11 international jurisdictions indicates differences in the recognition and training of home birth practitioners, in access to hospital facilities, and in the supplies and equipment available at home births, which give rise to variation in the level of integration across different settings. Standardized criteria for the evaluation of systems integration are essential for interpreting planned home birth outcomes that emerge from contextual differences. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Maternal and birth characteristics and childhood rhabdomyosarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

PubMed

Lupo, Philip J; Danysh, Heather E; Skapek, Stephen X; Hawkins, Douglas S; Spector, Logan G; Zhou, Renke; Okcu, M Fatih; Papworth, Karin; Erhardt, Erik B; Grufferman, Seymour

2014-07-01

Previous assessments of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma have indicated maternal and birth characteristics may be associated with tumor development; however, much work remains to identify novel and confirm suspected risk factors. Our objective was to evaluate the associations between maternal and birth characteristics and childhood rhabdomyosarcoma. This case-control study included 322 cases and 322 pair-matched controls. Cases were enrolled in a trial run by the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group. Population-based controls were identified using random digit dialing and were individually matched to cases on race, sex, and age. Families of the case and control subjects participated in a telephone interview, which captured information on maternal characteristics (birth control use, number of prenatal visits, anemia, and abnormal bleeding during pregnancy) and birth characteristics [birth weight, preterm birth, and type of delivery (vaginal vs. cesarean)]. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each exposure, adjusted for age, race, sex, household income, and parental education. As the two most common histologic types of rhabdomyosarcoma are embryonal (n = 215) and alveolar (n = 66), we evaluated effect heterogeneity of these exposures. The only characteristic that was associated with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma, and statistically significant, was abnormal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.12-2.74). Birth control use (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.96-2.18), anemia during pregnancy (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.81-1.99), and preterm birth (OR 2.51, 95% CI 0.74-8.49) were positively associated with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma, but were not statistically significant. Low birth weight [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 4.46, 95% CI 1.41-14.1] and high birth weight (aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.09-5.35) were strongly associated with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. However, these factors did not display significant effect heterogeneity between histologic types (p > 0.15 for all characteristics). Overall, we found little evidence that these maternal and birth characteristics are strongly associated with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma.

Pain Control After Surgery: Pain Medicines

MedlinePlus

... Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids and Teens ... Improving Your Health Home Prevention and Wellness Pain Control After Surgery: Pain Medicines Pain Control After Surgery: ...

Changes in Birth Weight between 2002 and 2012 in Guangzhou, China

PubMed Central

Xia, Xiao-Yan; Mo, Wei-Jian; Wang, Ping; Feng, Qiong; Larson, Charles P.; Xia, Hui-Min; Qiu, Xiu

2014-01-01

Background Recent surveillance data suggest that mean birth weight has begun to decline in several developed countries. The aim of this study is to examine the changes in birth weight among singleton live births from 2002 to 2012 in Guangzhou, one of the most rapidly developed cities in China. Methods We used data from the Guangzhou Perinatal Health Care and Delivery Surveillance System for 34108 and 54575 singleton live births with 28–41 weeks of gestation, who were born to local mothers, in 2002 and 2012, respectively. The trends in birth weight, small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age and gestational length were explored in the overall population and gestational age subgroups. Results The mean birth weight decreased from 3162 g in 2002 to 3137 g in 2012 (crude mean difference, −25 g; 95% CI, −30 to −19). The adjusted change in mean birth weight appeared to be slight (−6 g from 2002 to 2012) after controlling for maternal age, gestational age, educational level, parity, newborn's gender and delivery mode. The percentages of SGA and LGA in 2012 were 0.6% and 1.5% lower than those in 2002, respectively. The mean gestational age dropped from 39.2 weeks in 2002 to 38.9 weeks in 2012. In the stratified analysis, we observed the changes in birth weight differed among gestational age groups. The mean birth weight decreased among very preterm births (28–31 weeks), while remained relatively stable among other gestational age subcategories. Conclusions Among local population in Guangzhou from 2002 to 2012, birth weight appeared to slightly decrease. The percentage of SGA and LGA also simultaneously dropped, indicating that newborns might gain a healthier weight for gestational age. PMID:25531295

49 CFR 383.73 - State procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... endorsement knowledge tests; (iv) Allow only a group-specific passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsement and... verification. (1) Prior to issuing a CLP or a CDL to a person the State must verify the name, date of birth... of issuance of the CLP or CDL. (n) Computer system controls. The State must establish computer system...

49 CFR 383.73 - State procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... endorsement knowledge tests; (iv) Allow only a group-specific passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsement and... verification. (1) Prior to issuing a CLP or a CDL to a person the State must verify the name, date of birth... of issuance of the CLP or CDL. (n) Computer system controls. The State must establish computer system...

[Case-control study on influence factors of birth defects].

PubMed

Xiu, Xin-hong; Yuan, Li; Wang, Xiao-ming; Chen, Yu-hua; Wan, Ai-hua; Fu, Ping

2011-07-01

To investigate the influence factors of birth defects. The congenital malformational fetuses born from 13 week of gestation to 7 days after birth were selected as the study group between April 1st, 2009 and March 31st, 2010. The health born fetuses were set as control in the same period. Case-control and the three-level of monitor network of birth defects were used in the study in the participating 75 hospitals (Qingdao Women and Children's Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, etc.). The study and control group's parents were interviewed by an uniformed questionnaire which was designed specially with influence factors of birth defects. (1) There are 466 congenital malformational fetuses in the total of 77 231 fetuses collected in 75 hospitals. The congenital malformational rate accounts for about 6.034‰. The top six defect diseases were congenital heart disease (112 cases), total harelip (cleft lip; cleft lip with palate: 85 cases), polydactyly (53 cases), neural tube defects (38 cases), congenital hydrocephalus (37 cases) and limb reduction defect (27 cases) in turn, which amounts to 353 cases (54.48%, 353/648). (2) Their mother education level in the birth-defect group (25.6%) were significantly lower than that in control group (30.0%, P<0.05). (3) The rate of passive smoking, drinking, raising pets of the parents in birth-defect group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). (4) The rate of exposure to harmful chemical and physical factors of mothers in birth defects group (13.9% and 20.5%, respectively) was higher than that in control group (1.1% and 11.7%, respectively), the difference between which were significant (P<0.01). The rate of disease (34.3%), fever (13.1%), taking drugs (33.8%) in pregnancy period in birth defect group were higher than that in control group (13.5%, 1.5% and 9.9%, respectively), the difference between which were significant (P<0.01). The rate of bad moral irritation to the mother in pregnancy in birth defect group (11.3%) was significantly higher than that in control group (1.4%, P<0.01). (5) There were 19 cases (2.9%, 19/648) with family heredity medical history in birth defect group, but there were none in the control group, the difference between which were significant (P<0.01). There were 89 cases (13.7%, 89/648) with unusual birth history of their mothers in birth defect group, but there were 31 cases (4.8%, 31/650) in control group, the difference between which were significant (P<0.01). (6) Conditional Logistic Regression model was used for univalent and multivariate analysis. The results showed that main influence factors were identified as having important effect on birth defects, including mothers' exposure to harmful chemical factors (OR=13.46), disease (OR=3.37), taking drugs (OR=2.20), exposure to bad moral irritation (OR=5.44), food-choosy (OR=1.90), anemia (OR=1.52) in gestational period, polyembryony (OR=4.40), father drinking (OR=1.55). While it was protective factors to supplement microelements such as the calcium iron and nutrient, etc.in pregnancy period (OR=0.45). First, the main birth defects were congenital heart disease, total harelip(cleft lip; cleft lip with palate), polydactyly, neural tube defects, congenital hydrocephalus and limb reduction defect in turn. Second, the main influence factors identified as having important effect on birth defects were mothers' exposure to harmful chemical factors, ill, taking drugs, exposure to bad moral irritation, food-choosy, anemia in gestational period, polyembryony, father drinking. But it is protective factors to supplement microelements such as the calcium iron and nutrient, etc. in pregnancy period. Finally, it is the important part to prevent the birth defects by reducing and controlling dangerous factors in pregnancy period.

Associations of caesarean delivery and the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood based on Taiwan birth cohort study

PubMed Central

Chen, Ginden; Chiang, Wan-Lin; Shu, Bih-Ching; Guo, Yue Leon; Chiou, Shu-Ti; Chiang, Tung-liang

2017-01-01

Objectives Whether birth by caesarean section (CS) increases the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood is controversial. We tried to demonstrate the association between children born by CS and the occurrence of the above three diseases at the age of 5.5 years. Methods The database of the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study which was designed to assess the developmental trajectories of 24 200 children born in 2005 was used in this study. Associations between children born by CS and these three diseases were evaluated before and after controlling for gestational age (GA) at birth, children’s characteristics and disease-related predisposing factors. Results Children born by CS had significant increases in neurodevelopmental disorders (20%), asthma (14%) and obesity (18%) compared with children born by vaginal delivery. The association between neurodevelopmental disorders and CS was attenuated after controlling for GA at birth (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.34). Occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders steadily declined with increasing GA up to ≤40–42 weeks. CS and childhood asthma were not significantly associated after controlling for parental history of asthma and GA at birth. Obesity in childhood remained significantly associated with CS (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24) after controlling for GA and disease-related factors. Conclusions Our results implied that the association between CS birth and children’s neurodevelopmental disorders was significantly influenced by GA. CS birth was weakly associated with childhood asthma since parental asthma and preterm births are stronger predisposing factors. The association between CS birth and childhood obesity was robust after controlling for disease-related factors. PMID:28963295

A randomized controlled study comparing internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and counselling by standard care for fear of birth - A study protocol.

PubMed

Ternström, Elin; Hildingsson, Ingegerd; Haines, Helen; Karlström, Annika; Sundin, Örjan; Ekdahl, Johanna; Segeblad, Birgitta; Larsson, Birgitta; Rondung, Elisabet; Rubertsson, Christine

2017-10-01

Fear of birth is a concern that requires evidence based treatment. The aim of this study is to present the protocol of a randomized controlled multi-center trial to compare internet-based cognitive therapy with counseling as standard care for pregnant women reporting fear of birth. Participants will be recruited in mid-pregnancy. Women who score 60 or above on the Fear of Birth Scale will be offered to participate in this study. Data will be collected by questionnaires including validated instruments at baseline and follow-ups at gestational weeks 30 and 36, two months and one year after birth. The primary outcome will be level of fear of birth measured with the Fear of Birth Scale at 36 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcome measures are level of fear of birth at two months and one year after giving birth, preferences for mode of birth, requests for elective cesarean section, compliance and satisfaction with treatment and birth outcomes. A power calculation based on a 20% reduction of fear implies that approximately 200 will be included in the trial. The study outlined in this protocol will be the first randomized controlled trial comparing internet-based cognitive therapy with counseling for women reporting fear of birth. An effective treatment may result in better overall health for women with fear of birth and a reduction in cesarean sections for non-medical reasons. Evidence regarding treatment options of fear of birth will also provide a greater choice for women. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sudden birth versus sudden death of entanglement for the extended Werner-like state in a dissipative environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Chuan-Jia; Chen, Tao; Liu, Ji-Bing; Cheng, Wei-Wen; Liu, Tang-Kun; Huang, Yan-Xia; Li, Hong

2010-06-01

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical behaviour of entanglement in terms of concurrence in a bipartite system subjected to an external magnetic field under the action of dissipative environments in the extended Werner-like initial state. The interesting phenomenon of entanglement sudden death as well as sudden birth appears during the evolution process. We analyse in detail the effect of the purity of the initial entangled state of two qubits via Heisenberg XY interaction on the apparition time of entanglement sudden death and entanglement sudden birth. Furthermore, the conditions on the conversion of entanglement sudden death and entanglement sudden birth can be generalized when the initial entangled state is not pure. In particular, a critical purity of the initial mixed entangled state exists, above which entanglement sudden birth vanishes while entanglement sudden death appears. It is also noticed that stable entanglement, which is independent of different initial states of the qubits (pure or mixed state), occurs even in the presence of decoherence. These results arising from the combination of the extended Werner-like initial state and dissipative environments suggest an approach to control and enhance the entanglement even after purity induced sudden birth, death and revival.

The Radical Press and the Beginning of the Birth Control Movement in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldstein, Cynthia

The American birth control movement was born among radicals, mostly socialist women, early in the twentieth century. Although some information about birth control had circulated in medical journals, books and advertising in the nineteenth century, the passage in 1873 of a federal obscenity law known as the Comstock law resulted in the absence of…

Birth control sabotage and forced sex: experiences reported by women in domestic violence shelters.

PubMed

Thiel de Bocanegra, Heike; Rostovtseva, Daria P; Khera, Satin; Godhwani, Nita

2010-05-01

Women who experience intimate partner violence often experience birth control sabotage, forced sex, and partner's unwillingness to use condoms. We interviewed 53 women at four domestic violence shelters. Participants reported that their abusive partners frequently refused to use condoms, impeded them from accessing health care, and subjected them to birth control sabotage, infidelity, and forced sex. However, women also reported strategies to counteract these actions, particularly against birth control sabotage and attempts to force them to abort or continue a pregnancy. Domestic violence counselors can focus on these successful strategies to validate coping skills and build self-esteem.

The Effect of Activity Restriction on Infant's Birth Weight and Gestational Age at Birth: PRAMS Data Analysis.

PubMed

Omar, Abeer

2018-01-01

Activity restriction is extensively prescribed for pregnant women with major comorbidities despite the lack of evidence to support its effectiveness in preventing preterm birth or low birth weight. To determine the moderation effect of home activity restriction for more than a week on infant's birth weight and gestational age at birth for high-risk women with obstetrical and medical comorbidities. A secondary analysis of 2004-2008 New York Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System was conducted with 1426 high-risk women. High-risk group included 41% of women treated with activity restriction and 59% of those not treated with activity restriction. Women with preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) who were treated with activity restriction had a lower infant birth weight ( b = -202.85, p = ≤.001) and gestational age at birth ( b = -.91, p = ≤.001) than those without activity restriction. However, women with preterm labor and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who were not treated with activity restriction had lower infant gestational age at birth ( b = -96, p = ≤.01) and ( b = -92, p = ≤.001), respectively, compared to those who were treated with activity restriction. Findings suggest a contrary effect of activity restriction on infants born to women with PPROM, which is a major reason for prescribing activity restriction. The current study results may trigger the need to conduct randomized control trials to determine the effect of severity of activity restriction on maternal and infant outcomes.

Mothers with alcoholic liver disease and the risk for preterm and small-for-gestational-age birth.

PubMed

Stokkeland, Knut; Ebrahim, Fereshte; Hultcrantz, Rolf; Ekbom, Anders; Stephansson, Olof

2013-01-01

To study pregnancy outcome in women with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Using the Swedish nation-wide Patient and Medical Birth Registers, we investigated risk of adverse pregnancy outcome in 720 women diagnosed with ALD before and 1720 diagnosed after birth and compared them with 24 460 population-based control births. Women with ALD diagnosed before or after birth were generally of higher age and body mass index, more likely to smoke cigarettes during pregnancy and to have a low socio-economic status compared with controls. Women diagnosed with ALD before birth had an increased risk of moderately and very preterm birth, adjusted odd ratio (OR) = 1.53 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-1.72 and 1.15-2.06 95%), respectively. Infants of mothers with ALD before birth were more often small-for-gestational age, adjusted OR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.05-1.43), and were at increased risk for low Apgar scores (<7) at 5 min, adjusted OR = 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15-1.92) compared with controls. Similar associations with slightly lower-risk estimates were found among women diagnosed with ALD after birth. ALD is associated with adverse-birth outcomes, highlighting the importance of screening women for alcohol dependence in antenatal care.

[Socio-demographic aspects of the rural household in Iran (author's transl)].

PubMed

Mohseni, M

1980-01-01

Explores the dynamics of sociodemographic aspects of rural Iranian households and the effects on economic, demographic and social structures of rural areas where there has been rapid development. The rural population is characterized by early and high fertility and rapid population growth. The patrilinear kinship system contributes to the high birth rate, while judicial, economic and social factors limit women's rights to birth control. Rights and duties towards children, and their rights and duties towards their parents, have a strong influence on decisions concerning fertility. (author's modified)

Spontaneous vaginal delivery in the birth-chair versus in the conventional dorsal position: a matched controlled comparison.

PubMed

Scholz, H S; Benedicic, C; Arikan, M G; Haas, J; Petru, E

2001-09-17

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a birth-chair on obstetric outcome. We reviewed the hospital records of 220 consecutive pregnant women who gave birth on a birth-chair at our institution. The control group consisted of 440 pregnant women who preceded and followed the index cases and who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries in the conventional dorsal supine position. The controls were matched for parity and for the attending mid-wife. Patients who delivered in the birth-chair had significantly lower rates of episiotomy and manual separation of the placenta. The umbilical blood cord pH was significantly higher in neonates of the birth-chair group. The duration of labour, rate of perineal and vaginal injury, Apgar scores and rate of admission to a neonatal intermediate care unit were not influenced by the mode of delivery. Our data support previous studies that a birth-chair delivery may be a safe alternative to conventional delivery in the supine position.

The influence of patriarchal behavior on birth control access and use among recent Hispanic immigrants.

PubMed

Gonzalez, Eleazar U; Sable, Marjorie R; Campbell, James D; Dannerbeck, Anne

2010-08-01

It is commonly assumed that Hispanic immigrants in the United States subscribe to a patriarchal ideology that keeps women subordinated to men, often through violence and exploitative reproductive behaviors. If this assumption is true, we might expect to find that in the Hispanic culture patriarchal males control decision-making about access to and use of birth control. Structured interviews of 100 Hispanic men and 100 Hispanic women who were recent immigrants to a Midwest community were conducted to examine this assumption. Results did not support this assumption among this study population. We found no patriarchal ideology supporting women's subordination to men, violence as a mechanism of control, reproduction as a way of exploitation, or cultural influences discouraging access to and use of birth control in the Hispanic community. Rather, these immigrants revealed adequate knowledge of birth control use and positive perceptions of gender equality. Gaining a better understanding of the limited influence of patriarchal ideology on the use of birth control and family planning services among this Hispanic community may inform the development of family planning services tailored for new Hispanic immigrants.

Effect of dexamethasone on intelligence and hearing in preterm infants: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruolin; Bo, Tao; Shen, Li; Luo, Senlin; Li, Jian

2014-03-15

A meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials investigating the long-term effect of dexamethasone on the nervous system of preterm infants. Online literature retrieval was conducted using The Cochrane Library (from January 1993 to June 2013), EMBASE (from January 1980 to June 2013), MEDLINE (from January 1963 to June 2013), OVID (from January 1993 to June 2013), Springer (from January 1994 to June 2013) and Chinese Academic Journal Full-text Database (from January 1994 to June 2013). Key words were preterm infants and dexamethasone in English and Chinese. Selected studies were randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of intravenous dexamethasone in preterm infants. The quality of the included papers was evaluated and those without the development of the nervous system and animal experiments were excluded. Quality assessment was performed through bias risk evaluation in accordance with Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 software in the Cochrane Collaboration. The homogeneous studies were analyzed and compared using Revman 5.2.6 software, and then effect model was selected and analyzed. Those papers failed to be included in the meta-analysis were subjected to descriptive analysis. Nervous system injury in preterm infants. Ten randomized controlled trials were screened, involving 1,038 subjects. Among them 512 cases received dexamethasone treatment while 526 cases served as placebo control group and blank control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of cerebral palsy, visual impairment and hearing loss in preterm infants after dexamethasone treatment within 7 days after birth was similar to that in the control group (RR = 1.47, 95%CI: 0.97-2.21; RR = 1.46, 95%CI: 0.97-2.20; RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.54-1.18; P > 0.05), but intelligence quotient was significantly decreased compared with the control group (MD = -3.55, 95%CI: -6.59 to -0.51; P = 0.02). Preterm infants treated with dexamethasone 7 days after birth demonstrated an incidence of cerebral palsy and visual impairment, and changes in intelligence quotient similar to those in the control group (RR = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.89-1.79; RR = 1.37, 95%CI: 0.73-2.59; RR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32-0.89; RR = 1.66, 95%CI: -4.7 to 8.01; P > 0.05). However, the incidence of hearing loss was significantly increased compared with that in the control group (RR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32-0.89; P = 0.02). Dexamethasone may affect the intelligence of preterm infants in the early stages after birth, but may lead to hearing impairment at later stages after birth. More reliable conclusions should be made through large-size, multi-center, well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Contraceptive Behavior in Young Women

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

They found the sample of teens perceived birth control as being dangerous to their health. Other important reasons included postponement until the...contraceptive services were fear of parents knowledge, fear of a pelvic exam and the belief that CONTRACEPTIVE BEHAVIOR 14 birth control was dangerous to their...experimentation generally precedes formation and acceptance of gender identity (Kastner, 1984). Kastner observed that teens using birth control more effectively

Comparison of Norethindrone-Containing OCPs to Desogestrel OCPs and Depro-Provera in Women

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-01

servicewomen requesting contraception have been prescribed a monophasic norethindrone-containing birth control pill (NOCA). In 1992, injectable depot...medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) received approval and more recently, birth control pills using the new progestin, desogestrel (DOCA), have been made...an injectable progestational agent that offers a highly effective, safe, convenient, reversible and almost user-independent method of birth control (12

Analyses of Recruit Training Practices Related to the Military Performance of Enlisted Navy Women

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

currently addresses pregnancy and child care issues indirectly through instruction in birth control . 20 Technical Note 10-83 policy change will increase...recruit, lacking sufficient experience, is unlikely to associate the information, and a learning opportunity is diminished. BIRTH CONTROL . This...hygiene practices necessary in communal living environments, venereal diseases, birth control , and cancer detection. Two training periods are allotted

Perinatal Risks in "Late Motherhood" Defined Based On Parity and Preterm Birth Rate - an Analysis of the German Perinatal Survey (20th Communication).

PubMed

Schure, V; Voigt, M; Schild, R L; Hesse, V; Carstensen, M; Schneider, K T M; Straube, S

2012-01-01

Aim: "Late motherhood" is associated with greater perinatal risks but the term lacks precise definition. We present an approach to determine what "late motherhood" associated with "high risk" is, based on parity and preterm birth rate. Materials and Methods: Using data from the German Perinatal Survey of 1998-2000 we analysed preterm birth rates in women with zero, one, or two previous live births. We compared groups of "late" mothers (with high preterm birth rates) with "control" groups of younger women (with relatively low preterm birth rates). Data of 208 342 women were analysed. For women with zero (one; two) previous live births, the "control" group included women aged 22-26 (27-31; 29-33) years. Women in the "late motherhood" group were aged > 33 (> 35; > 38) years. Results: The "late motherhood" groups defined in this way were also at higher risk of adverse perinatal events other than preterm birth. For women with zero (one; two) previous live births, normal cephalic presentation occurred in 89 % (92.7 %; 93.3 %) in the "control" group, but only in 84.5 % (90 %; 90.4 %) in the "late motherhood" group. The mode of delivery was spontaneous or at most requiring manual help in 71.3 % (83.4 %; 85.8 %) in the "control" group, but only in 51.4 % (72.2 %; 76.4 %) in the "late motherhood" group. Five-minute APGAR scores were likewise worse for neonates of "late" mothers and the proportion with a birth weight ≤ 2499 g was greater. Conclusion: "Late motherhood" that is associated with greater perinatal risks can be defined based on parity and preterm birth rate.

Black women in double jeopardy: a perspective on birth control.

PubMed

Gould, K H

1984-01-01

The thesis that attitudes relating family planning to racism and genocide have historical roots in the birth control and the women's movements and that black women were the targets of racist and anti working class attitudes prevalent among the conservative forces in both movements is explored. The issue of genocide is limited to black women only, because the historical material on the genocide question and the findings of current studies on minorities are generally based on data collected from the black population. The 1st stage of the birth control movement failed to address any issues that were pertinent to black women. Early in the 20th century, with the advent of the 2nd stage of the birth control movement, a public controversy demonstrated the racist and anti working class attitudes that were dominant among feminists and advocates of birth control. The issue in question was "race suicide." Many viewpoints were advocated by those using this slogan, but the most pertinent was the fear that individuals of Yankeee stock, who had lower birth rates than other groups, would be numerically overwhelmed as a result of the fertility of immigrants, nonwhites, and the poor. The leaders of the birth control and women's movements failed to examine the facts that might have convinced them of the irrationality of their position. Overall, the beginning of this century saw birth control, a valuable tool, become a weapon with which to attack the poor and those who were nonwhite. In the 1920s the professionalization of the birth control movement finally crystallized the conservative trend, as women lost their leadership positions in the movement to men. This began the movement's 3rd stage. It set the pattern of physician-dominated clinic programs that still constitute the model for the delivery of birth control services. The stage was set for accusations concerning black genocide when the federal government's entry into the field of subsidized family planning services was tied to the coercive features of the 1967 amendments to the Social Security Act. Little empirical data exist on which segments of the black community agree with the genocide indictment. Steps social workers need to take in developing an appropriate response to clients' concerns are identified.

Birth control pills overdose

MedlinePlus

... page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002599.htm Birth control pill overdose To use the sharing features on ... the medicine was prescribed for the person Poison Control Your local poison center can be reached directly ...

Maternal hypertension, medication use, and hypospadias in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

PubMed

Van Zutphen, Alissa R; Werler, Martha M; Browne, Marilyn M; Romitti, Paul A; Bell, Erin M; McNutt, Louise-Anne; Druschel, Charlotte M; Mitchell, Allen A

2014-02-01

To investigate whether antihypertensive classes and specific medications in early pregnancy increase the risk of severe hypospadias and to assess prior associations detected for late-treated and untreated hypertension in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Using telephone interviews from mothers of 2,131 children with severe hypospadias and 5,129 nonmalformed male control children for 1997-2009 births in a population-based case-control study, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with multivariable logistic regression. We adjusted P values to account for multiple testing. Forty-eight (2.3%) case and 70 (1.4%) control mothers reported early pregnancy antihypertensive treatment, 45 (2.1%) case and 31 (0.6%) control mothers reported late treatment, and 315 (14.8%) case and 394 (7.7%) control mothers reported untreated hypertension. Selective β-blockers, centrally acting agents, renin-angiotensin system-acting agents, diuretics, and specific medications, methyldopa and atenolol, were not associated with hypospadias. Nonselective β-blockers (adjusted OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.47-7.05) were associated with hypospadias; however, P values adjusted for multiple testing were not statistically significant. We confirmed prior findings for associations between hypospadias and untreated hypertension (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.76-2.48) and late initiation of treatment (adjusted OR 3.98, 95% CI 2.41-6.55). The increased risks would translate to severe hypospadias prevalences of 11.5, 17.7, and 21.9 per 10,000 births for women with untreated hypertension, nonselective β-blocker use, and late initiation of treatment, respectively. Our study suggests a relationship between hypospadias and the severity of hypertension. II.

What Are Women Told When Requesting Family Planning Services at Clinics Associated with Catholic Hospitals? A Mystery Caller Study.

PubMed

Guiahi, Maryam; Teal, Stephanie B; Swartz, Maryke; Huynh, Sandy; Schiller, Georgia; Sheeder, Jeanelle

2017-12-01

Catholic Church directives restrict family planning service provision at Catholic health care institutions. It is unclear whether obstetrics and gynecology clinics that are owned by or have business affiliations with Catholic hospitals offer family planning appointments. Mystery callers phoned 144 clinics nationwide that were found on Catholic hospital websites between December 2014 and February 2016, and requested appointments for birth control generally, copper IUD services specifically, tubal ligation and abortion. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests assessed potential correlates of appointment availability, and multivariable logistic regressions were computed if bivariate testing suggested multiple correlates. Although 95% of clinics would schedule birth control appointments, smaller proportions would schedule appointments for copper IUDs (68%) or tubal ligation (58%); only 2% would schedule an abortion. Smaller proportions of Catholic-owned than of Catholic-affiliated clinics would schedule appointments for birth control (84% vs. 100%), copper IUDs (4% vs. 97%) and tubal ligation (29% vs. 72%); for birth control and copper IUD services, no other clinic characteristics were related to appointment availability. Multivariable analysis confirmed that tubal ligation appointments were less likely to be offered at Catholic-owned than at Catholic-affiliated clinics (odds ratio. 0.1); location and association with one of the top 10 Catholic health care systems also were significant. Adherence to church directives is inconsistent at Catholic-associated clinics. Women visiting such clinics who want highly effective methods may need to rely on less effective methods or delay method uptake while seeking services elsewhere. Copyright © 2017 by the Guttmacher Institute.

[Evaluation of isometric force in lower limbs and body composition in preterm infants].

PubMed

Mata Zubillaga, D; Rodríguez Fernández, C; Rodríguez Fernández, L M; de Paz Fernández, J A; Arboleda Franco, S; Alonso Patiño, F

2015-10-01

Strength is a physical quality with a clear influence on quality of life. It is determined by the structure of the musculoskeletal system, and depends on the muscular structure. It has been described that prematurity conditions both qualities. The aims of this study are to determine whether prematurity is associated with strength or body composition and evaluate the relationship between prematurity, strength and muscle mass. Case-control study. Participants were premature 7-to-11 year-old children and full-term birth controls. Strength was measured by a strength gauge and body composition from DEXA (duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans. A total of 89 subjects were included and divided into three groups: 30 prematures with birth-weight ≤ 1500g, 29 prematures with birth-weight 1500-2000g, and 30 controls. Weight and BMI z-score was lower in the premature group. No differences were found in muscular mass or strength between groups. A ratio was established between strength and weight or muscular mass. It was observed that it was possible for them to move four times their weight, without finding any differences between groups or a relationship with birth-weight. Between 7 and 11 years of age, children who were premature have lower weight and BMI than the rest of the children. However, there were no differences in body composition or strength between preterm children and controls. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

"Pictures with a purpose": the birth control debate on the big screen.

PubMed

Parry, Manon

2011-01-01

In the first half of the twentieth century, birth control advocates used the mass media to reframe contraception from a private, secret matter to an acceptable part of life fit for public discussion. Although their campaign began in print, they quickly embraced the more far-reaching medium of film to deliver their message. This article argues that birth control advocates circumvented the Comstock Act in the early decades of the twentieth century by taking up this new medium as part of a long-running strategy to publicize the birth control movement. Their efforts shaped both the public debate on the topic and the development of motion picture censorship.

Automated microfluidic devices integrating solid-phase extraction, fluorescent labeling, and microchip electrophoresis for preterm birth biomarker analysis.

PubMed

Sahore, Vishal; Sonker, Mukul; Nielsen, Anna V; Knob, Radim; Kumar, Suresh; Woolley, Adam T

2018-01-01

We have developed multichannel integrated microfluidic devices for automated preconcentration, labeling, purification, and separation of preterm birth (PTB) biomarkers. We fabricated multilayer poly(dimethylsiloxane)-cyclic olefin copolymer (PDMS-COC) devices that perform solid-phase extraction (SPE) and microchip electrophoresis (μCE) for automated PTB biomarker analysis. The PDMS control layer had a peristaltic pump and pneumatic valves for flow control, while the PDMS fluidic layer had five input reservoirs connected to microchannels and a μCE system. The COC layers had a reversed-phase octyl methacrylate porous polymer monolith for SPE and fluorescent labeling of PTB biomarkers. We determined μCE conditions for two PTB biomarkers, ferritin (Fer) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). We used these integrated microfluidic devices to preconcentrate and purify off-chip-labeled Fer and CRF in an automated fashion. Finally, we performed a fully automated on-chip analysis of unlabeled PTB biomarkers, involving SPE, labeling, and μCE separation with 1 h total analysis time. These integrated systems have strong potential to be combined with upstream immunoaffinity extraction, offering a compact sample-to-answer biomarker analysis platform. Graphical abstract Pressure-actuated integrated microfluidic devices have been developed for automated solid-phase extraction, fluorescent labeling, and microchip electrophoresis of preterm birth biomarkers.

Association of the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Provision With Prenatal Care Use and Birth Outcomes.

PubMed

Daw, Jamie R; Sommers, Benjamin D

2018-02-13

The effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent coverage provision on pregnancy-related health care and health outcomes is unknown. To determine whether the dependent coverage provision was associated with changes in payment for birth, prenatal care, and birth outcomes. Retrospective cohort study, using a differences-in-differences analysis of individual-level birth certificate data comparing live births among US women aged 24 to 25 years (exposure group) and women aged 27 to 28 years (control group) before (2009) and after (2011-2013) enactment of the dependent coverage provision. Results were stratified by marital status. The dependent coverage provision of the ACA, which allowed young adults to stay on their parent's health insurance until age 26 years. Primary outcomes were payment source for birth, early prenatal care (first visit in first trimester), and adequate prenatal care (a first trimester visit and 80% of expected visits). Secondary outcomes were cesarean delivery, premature birth, low birth weight, and infant neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. The study population included 1 379 005 births among women aged 24-25 years (exposure group; 299 024 in 2009; 1 079 981 in 2011-2013), and 1 551 192 births among women aged 27-28 years (control group; 325 564 in 2009; 1 225 628 in 2011-2013). From 2011-2013, compared with 2009, private insurance payment for births increased in the exposure group (36.9% to 35.9% [difference, -1.0%]) compared with the control group (52.4% to 51.1% [difference, -1.3%]), adjusted difference-in-differences, 1.9 percentage points (95% CI, 1.6 to 2.1). Medicaid payment decreased in the exposure group (51.6% to 53.6% [difference, 2.0%]) compared with the control group (37.4% to 39.4% [difference, 1.9%]), adjusted difference-in-differences, -1.4 percentage points (95% CI, -1.7 to -1.2). Self-payment for births decreased in the exposure group (5.2% to 4.3% [difference, -0.9%]) compared with the control group (4.9% to 4.3% [difference, -0.5%]), adjusted difference-in-differences, -0.3 percentage points (95% CI, -0.4 to -0.1). Early prenatal care increased from 70% to 71.6% (difference, 1.6%) in the exposure group and from 75.7% to 76.8% (difference, 0.6%) in the control group (adjusted difference-in-differences, 0.6 percentage points [95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8]). Adequate prenatal care increased from 73.5% to 74.8% (difference, 1.3%) in the exposure group and from 77.5% to 78.8% (difference, 1.3%) in the control group (adjusted difference-in-differences, 0.4 percentage points [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.6]). Preterm birth decreased from 9.4% to 9.1% in the exposure group (difference, -0.3%) and from 9.1% to 8.9% in the control group (difference, -0.2%) (adjusted difference-in-differences, -0.2 percentage points (95% CI, -0.3 to -0.03). Overall, there were no significant changes in low birth weight, NICU admission, or cesarean delivery. In stratified analyses, changes in payment for birth, prenatal care, and preterm birth were concentrated among unmarried women. In this study of nearly 3 million births among women aged 24 to 25 years vs those aged 27 to 28 years, the Affordable Care Act dependent coverage provision was associated with increased private insurance payment for birth, increased use of prenatal care, and modest reduction in preterm births, but was not associated with changes in cesarean delivery rates, low birth weight, or NICU admission.

Translations on People’s Republic of China, Number 379

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-05-03

TECHNOLOGICAL Family Planning, Birth Control Linked to Learning- From-Ta-chai (Various sources, various dates) 18 Family Planning Work Well Done in...Nan-kung-hsien Female Labor Force Liberated Through Birth Control Two Counties Hailed for Good Family Planning Work Careful Records Kept on Women...CSO: 4006 17 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FAMILY PLANNING, BIRTH CONTROL LINKED TO LEARNING-FROM-TA-CHAI Family Planning Work Well Done in Nan-kung

Reasoning from Incomplete Knowledge

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-03-01

control , and the copulation explosion. T Why didn’t that haonen in Siberia? S Yeah, there’s probably a pretty stronq interaction between the birth ...some parts are predominantly Hindu but most I think is Moslem. Neither of those sects are particularly strong on birth control . Climate differences...the West Coast, birth control from China, climate and food supplies from the difference between Siberia and China, soil and terrain (the latter was

Induced abortion on demand and birth rate in Sami-speaking municipalities and a control group in Finnmark, Norway

PubMed Central

Norum, Jan; Svee, Tove E.; Heyd, Anca; Nieder, Carsten

2013-01-01

Objectives The objective of this study was to analyze the birth and induced abortion on demand (IAD) rate among women in Sami-speaking communities and a control group in Finnmark County, Norway. Methods The 6 northern municipalities included in the administration area of the Sami language law (study group) were matched with a control group of 9 municipalities. Population data (numbers, sex and age) were accessed from Statistics Norway. Data on birth rate and IAD during the time period 1999–2009 were derived from the Medical Birth Registry (MBR) of Norway. Data on number of women in fertile age (15–44 years) were obtained from Statistics Norway. Between 2001 and 2008, this age group was reduced by 12% (Sami) and 23% (controls), respectively. Results Finnmark County has a high IAD rate and 1 in 4 pregnancies (spontaneous abortions excluded) ended in IAD in the study and control groups. The total fertility rate per woman was 1.94 and 1.87 births, respectively. There was no difference between groups with regard to the IAD/birth ratio (P=0.94) or general fertility rate GFR (P=0.82). Conclusions Women in the Sami-majority area and a control group in Finnmark County experienced a similar frequency of IAD and fertility rate. PMID:23687638

Cost analysis of the Dutch obstetric system: low-risk nulliparous women preferring home or short-stay hospital birth--a prospective non-randomised controlled study.

PubMed

Hendrix, Marijke Jc; Evers, Silvia Maa; Basten, Marloes Cm; Nijhuis, Jan G; Severens, Johan L

2009-11-19

In the Netherlands, pregnant women without medical complications can decide where they want to give birth, at home or in a short-stay hospital setting with a midwife. However, a decrease in the home birth rate during the last decennium may have raised the societal costs of giving birth. The objective of this study is to compare the societal costs of home births with those of births in a short-stay hospital setting. This study is a cost analysis based on the findings of a multicenter prospective non-randomised study comparing two groups of nulliparous women with different preferences for where to give birth, at home or in a short-stay hospital setting. Data were collected using cost diaries, questionnaires and birth registration forms. Analysis of the data is divided into a base case analysis and a sensitivity analysis. In the group of home births, the total societal costs associated with giving birth at home were euro3,695 (per birth), compared with euro3,950 per birth in the group for short-stay hospital births. Statistically significant differences between both groups were found regarding the following cost categories 'Cost of contacts with health care professionals during delivery' (euro138.38 vs. euro87.94, -50 (2.5-97.5 percentile range (PR)-76;-25), p < 0.05), 'cost of maternity care at home' (euro1,551.69 vs. euro1,240.69, -311 (PR -485; -150), p < 0.05) and 'cost of hospitalisation mother' (euro707.77 vs. 959.06, 251 (PR 69;433), p < 0.05). The highest costs are for hospitalisation (41% of all costs). Because there is a relatively high amount of (partly) missing data, a sensitivity analysis was performed, in which all missing data were included in the analysis by means of general mean substitution. In the sensitivity analysis, the total costs associated with home birth are euro4,364 per birth, and euro4,541 per birth for short-stay hospital births. The total costs associated with pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care are comparable for home birth and short-stay hospital birth. The most important differences in costs between the home birth group and the short-stay hospital birth group are associated with maternity care assistance, hospitalisation, and travelling costs.

Cost Analysis of the Dutch Obstetric System: low-risk nulliparous women preferring home or short-stay hospital birth - a prospective non-randomised controlled study

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background In the Netherlands, pregnant women without medical complications can decide where they want to give birth, at home or in a short-stay hospital setting with a midwife. However, a decrease in the home birth rate during the last decennium may have raised the societal costs of giving birth. The objective of this study is to compare the societal costs of home births with those of births in a short-stay hospital setting. Methods This study is a cost analysis based on the findings of a multicenter prospective non-randomised study comparing two groups of nulliparous women with different preferences for where to give birth, at home or in a short-stay hospital setting. Data were collected using cost diaries, questionnaires and birth registration forms. Analysis of the data is divided into a base case analysis and a sensitivity analysis. Results In the group of home births, the total societal costs associated with giving birth at home were €3,695 (per birth), compared with €3,950 per birth in the group for short-stay hospital births. Statistically significant differences between both groups were found regarding the following cost categories 'Cost of contacts with health care professionals during delivery' (€138.38 vs. €87.94, -50 (2.5-97.5 percentile range (PR)-76;-25), p < 0.05), 'cost of maternity care at home' (€1,551.69 vs. €1,240.69, -311 (PR -485; -150), p < 0.05) and 'cost of hospitalisation mother' (€707.77 vs. 959.06, 251 (PR 69;433), p < 0.05). The highest costs are for hospitalisation (41% of all costs). Because there is a relatively high amount of (partly) missing data, a sensitivity analysis was performed, in which all missing data were included in the analysis by means of general mean substitution. In the sensitivity analysis, the total costs associated with home birth are €4,364 per birth, and €4,541 per birth for short-stay hospital births. Conclusion The total costs associated with pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care are comparable for home birth and short-stay hospital birth. The most important differences in costs between the home birth group and the short-stay hospital birth group are associated with maternity care assistance, hospitalisation, and travelling costs. PMID:19925673

Exploring Genitoanal Injury and HIV Risk Among Women: Menstrual Phase, Hormonal Birth Control, and Injury Frequency and Prevalence.

PubMed

Brawner, Bridgette M; Sommers, Marilyn S; Moore, Kendra; Aka-James, Rose; Zink, Therese; Brown, Kathleen M; Fargo, Jamison D

2016-02-01

Genital, anal, and oral injuries sustained from sexual intercourse may explain HIV transmission among women. We determined the variability in genitoanal injury frequency and prevalence in women after consensual sexual intercourse, exploring the role of menstrual phase and hormonal birth control. We used a longitudinal observational design with a convenience sample of 393 women aged 21 years and older. Participants had a baseline interview with gynecological examination, followed by consensual sexual intercourse with a male partner and a second gynecological examination. We analyzed injury prevalence with logistic regression and injury frequency with negative binomial regression among women who were (1) menstrual, not using hormonal birth control, (2) menstrual, using hormonal birth control, or (3) menopausal. We also compared injury among menstrual women in the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Women using hormonal birth control had 38% more external genitalia injuries [adjusted rate ratio (ARR) = 1.38, P = 0.030] and more than twice the anal injuries (ARR = 2.67, P = 0.005) as the nonhormonal birth control menstruating group. Menopausal women had more than 3 times the anal injuries (ARR = 3.36, P = 0.020) than those in the nonhormonal menstrual group. Among menstrual women, those in the follicular phase had a greater prevalence and frequency of external genitalia injuries than those in other phases. Increased rates of postcoital genitoanal injuries are noted among women using hormonal birth control and/or in the follicular phase of menstruation. Biological factors that influence women's risk for HIV warrant further investigation.

Exploring genitoanal injury and HIV risk among women: Menstrual phase, hormonal birth control, and injury frequency and prevalence

PubMed Central

Brawner, Bridgette M.; Sommers, Marilyn S.; Moore, Kendra; Aka-James, Rose; Zink, Therese; Brown, Kathleen M.; Fargo, Jamison D.

2015-01-01

Background Genital, anal and oral injuries sustained from sexual intercourse may explain HIV transmission among women. We determined the variability in genitoanal injury frequency and prevalence in women following consensual sexual intercourse, exploring the role of menstrual phase and hormonal birth control. Methods We used a longitudinal, observational design with a convenience sample of 393 women aged 21 and older. Participants had a baseline interview with gynecologic examination, followed by consensual sexual intercourse with a male partner and a second gynecologic examination. We analyzed injury prevalence with logistic regression and injury frequency with negative binomial regression among women who were: a) menstrual, not using hormonal birth control, b) menstrual, using hormonal birth control, or c) menopausal. We also compared injury among menstrual women in the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases. Findings Women using hormonal birth control had 38% more external genitalia injuries (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] = 1.38, p = 0.030) and more than twice the anal injuries (ARR = 2.67, p = 0.005) as the non-hormonal birth control menstruating group. Menopausal women had more than three times the anal injuries (ARR = 3.36, p = 0.020) than those in the non-hormonal menstrual group. Among menstrual women, those in the follicular phase had a greater prevalence and frequency of external genitalia injuries than those in other phases. Interpretation Increased rates of post-coital genitoanal injuries are noted among women using hormonal birth control and/or in the follicular phase of menstruation. Biological factors that influence women's risk for HIV warrant further investigation. PMID:26334741

[Women's behavior and knowledge concerning family planning in the region of the Park Health Center].

PubMed

Ozyurda, F; Durmusoglu, M

1989-01-01

1390 women aged 15-44 were surveyed between February-June 1988 in the vicinity of the Park Health Education Center by the Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health. Within this sample, the survey focused on the knowledge, attitude and behavior of the 1082 married women, regarding birth control. Birth control pills, IUDs, and condoms were classified as effective modern birth control methods. Other less effective traditional methods were classified as ineffective. Analysis of the data indicated 74.2% of the subjects resort to some form of birth control while 66.2% use an effective modern method. Age, education, work status, number of children and type and location of housing influence family planning decisions. In general, the women using birth control are primary school graduates aged between 25-39, living in urban areas for at least 5 years. Most have 2 to 3 children and have had an abortion. The most frequently used method of birth control is the IUD. It is notable that 29.5% use the ineffective withdrawal method. 58.62% of the women who do not use birth control, avoid family planning because of their husbands. These women have 2 or more children and are illiterate or primary school graduates between the ages of 25-35 when they are most likely to become pregnant. Family planning services should be geared towards educating these families, especially the husbands. Education services should also target families using the withdrawal method and the 35-44 age group of women who show a low percentage of contraceptive use.

Effects of birth asphyxia on neonatal hippocampal structure and function in the spiny mouse.

PubMed

Fleiss, B; Coleman, H A; Castillo-Melendez, M; Ireland, Z; Walker, D W; Parkington, H C

2011-11-01

Studies of human neonates, and in animal experiments, suggest that birth asphyxia results in functional compromise of the hippocampus, even when structural damage is not observable or resolves in early postnatal life. The aim of this study was to determine if changes in hippocampal function occur in a model of birth asphyxia in the precocial spiny mouse where it is reported there is no major lesion or infarct. Further, to assess if, as in human infants, this functional deficit has a sex-dependent component. At 37 days gestation (term=39 days) spiny mice fetuses were either delivered immediately by caesarean section (control group) or exposed to 7.5min of in utero asphyxia causing systemic acidosis and hypoxia. At 5 days of age hippocampal function was assessed ex vivo in brain slices, or brains were collected for examination of structure or protein expression. This model of birth asphyxia did not cause infarct or cystic lesion in the postnatal day 5 (P5) hippocampus, and the number of proliferating or pyknotic cells in the hippocampus was unchanged, although neuronal density in the CA1 and CA3 was increased. Protein expression of synaptophysin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the inositol trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP(3)R1) were all significantly increased after birth asphyxia, while long-term potentiation (LTP), paired pulse facilitation (PPF), and post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) were all reduced at P5 by birth asphyxia. In control P5 pups, PPF and synaptic fatigue were greater in female compared to male pups, and after birth asphyxia PPF and synaptic fatigue were reduced to a greater extent in female vs. male pups. In contrast, the asphyxia-induced increase in synaptophysin expression and neuronal density were greater in male pups. Thus, birth asphyxia in this precocial species causes functional deficits without major structural damage, and there is a sex-dependent effect on the hippocampus. This may be a clinically relevant model for assessing treatments delivered either before or after birth to protect this vulnerable region of the developing brain. Copyright © 2011 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimüllerian hormone as a predictor of live birth following assisted reproduction: an analysis of 85,062 fresh and thawed cycles from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database for 2012-2013.

PubMed

Tal, Reshef; Seifer, David B; Wantman, Ethan; Baker, Valerie; Tal, Oded

2018-02-01

To determine if serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) is associated with and/or predictive of live birth assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Retrospective analysis of Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database from 2012 to 2013. Not applicable. A total of 69,336 (81.8%) fresh and 15,458 (18.2%) frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles with AMH values. None. Live birth. A total of 85,062 out of 259,499 (32.7%) fresh and frozen-thawed autologous non-preimplantation genetic diagnosis cycles had AMH reported for cycles over this 2-year period. Of those, 70,565 cycles which had embryo transfers were included in the analysis. Serum AMH was significantly associated with live birth outcome per transfer in both fresh and FET cycles. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that AMH is an independent predictor of live birth in fresh transfer cycles and FET cycles when controlling for age, body mass index, race, day of transfer, and number of embryos transferred. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the areas under the curve (AUC) for AMH as predictors of live birth in fresh cycles and thawed cycles were 0.631 and 0.540, respectively, suggesting that AMH alone is a weak independent predictor of live birth after ART. Similar ROC curves were obtained also when elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) cycles were analyzed separately in either fresh (AUC 0.655) or FET (AUC 0.533) cycles, although AMH was not found to be an independent predictor in eSET cycles. AMH is a poor independent predictor of live birth outcome in either fresh or frozen embryo transfer for both eSET and non-SET transfers. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between prenatal care utilization and risk of preterm birth among Chinese women.

PubMed

Zhang, Bin; Yang, Rong; Liang, Sheng-Wen; Wang, Jing; Chang, Jen Jen; Hu, Ke; Dong, Guang-Hui; Hu, Rong-Hua; Flick, Louise H; Zhang, Yi-Ming; Zhang, Dan; Li, Qing-Jie; Zheng, Tong-Zhang; Xu, Shun-Qing; Yang, Shao-Ping; Qian, Zheng-Min

2017-08-01

It is recognized that prenatal care plays an important role in reducing adverse birth. Chinese pregnant women with medical condition were required to seek additional health care based on the recommended at least 5 times health care visits. This study was to estimate the association between prenatal care utilization (PCU) and preterm birth (PTB), and to investigate if medical conditions during pregnancy modified the association. This population-based case control study sampled women with PTB as cases; one control for each case was randomly selected from women with term births. The Electronic Perinatal Health Care Information System (EPHCIS) and a questionnaire were used for data collection. The PCU was measured by a renewed Prenatal Care Utilization (APNCU) index. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Totally, 2393 women with PTBs and 4263 women with term births were collected. In this study, 695 (10.5%) women experienced inadequate prenatal care, and 5131 (77.1%) received adequate plus prenatal care. Inadequate PCU was associated with PTB (adjusted OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.32-1.84); the similar positive association was found between adequate plus PCU and PTB. Among women with medical conditions, these associations still existed; but among women without medical conditions, the association between inadequate PCU and PTB disappeared. Our data suggests that women receiving inappropriate PCU are at an increased risk of having PTB, but it does depend on whether the woman has a medical condition during pregnancy.

The association between major birth defects and preterm birth.

PubMed

Honein, Margaret A; Kirby, Russell S; Meyer, Robert E; Xing, Jian; Skerrette, Nyasha I; Yuskiv, Nataliya; Marengo, Lisa; Petrini, Joann R; Davidoff, Michael J; Mai, Cara T; Druschel, Charlotte M; Viner-Brown, Samara; Sever, Lowell E

2009-03-01

To evaluate the association between preterm birth and major birth defects by maternal and infant characteristics and specific types of birth defects. We pooled data for 1995-2000 from 13 states with population-based birth defects surveillance systems, representing about 30% of all U.S. births. Analyses were limited to singleton, live births from 24-44 weeks gestational age. Overall, birth defects were more than twice as common among preterm births (24-36 weeks) compared with term births (37-41 weeks gestation) (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.62-2.68), and approximately 8% of preterm births had a birth defect. Birth defects were over five times more likely among very preterm births (24-31 weeks gestation) compared with term births (PR = 5.25, 95% CI 5.15-5.35), with about 16% of very preterm births having a birth defect. Defects most strongly associated with very preterm birth included central nervous system defects (PR = 16.23, 95% CI 15.49-17.00) and cardiovascular defects (PR = 9.29, 95% CI 9.03-9.56). Birth defects contribute to the occurrence of preterm birth. Research to identify shared causal pathways and risk factors could suggest appropriate interventions to reduce both preterm birth and birth defects.

Women's experiences of planning a vaginal breech birth in Australia.

PubMed

Homer, Caroline Se; Watts, Nicole P; Petrovska, Karolina; Sjostedt, Chauncey M; Bisits, Andrew

2015-04-11

In many countries, planned vaginal breech birth (VBB) is a rare event. After the Term Breech Trial in 2000, VBB reduced and caesarean section for breech presentation increased. Despite this, women still request VBB. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and decision-making processes of women who had sought a VBB. A qualitative study using descriptive exploratory design was undertaken. Twenty-two (n = 22) women who planned a VBB, regardless of eventual mode of birth were recruited. The women had given birth at one of two maternity hospitals in Australia that supported VBB. In-depth, semi-structured interviews using an interview guide were conducted. Interviews were analysed thematically. Twenty two women were interviewed; three quarters were primiparous (n = 16; 73%). Nine (41%) were already attending a hospital that supported VBB with the remaining women moving hospitals. All women actively sought a vaginal breech birth because the baby remained breech after an external cephalic version - 12 had a vaginal birth (55%) and 10 (45%) a caesarean section after labour commenced. There were four main themes: Reacting to a loss of choice and control, Wanting information that was trustworthy, Fighting the system and seeking support for VBB and The importance of 'having a go' at VBB. Women seeking a VBB value clear, consistent and relevant information in deciding about mode of birth. Women desire autonomy to choose vaginal breech birth and to be supported in their choice with high quality care.

A Vicarious Experience of the Actions of Contraceptive Devices in Birth Control and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Yeung Chung

2002-01-01

Describes how self-constructed models of the male and female reproductive systems are used to simulate sexual intercourse and the actions of contraceptive devices in preventing conception and sexually transmitted diseases. (Author/YDS)

A cost effectiveness analysis of midwife psycho-education for fearful pregnant women - a health system perspective for the antenatal period.

PubMed

Toohill, J; Callander, E; Gamble, J; Creedy, D K; Fenwick, J

2017-07-11

Psycho-education can reduce childbirth fear and caesarean section numbers. This study determines the cost-effectiveness of a midwife-led psycho-education intervention for women fearful of birth. One thousand four hundred ten pregnant women in south-east Queensland, Australia were screened for childbirth fear (W-DEQ A ≥ 66). Women with high scores (n = 339) were randomised to the BELIEF Study (Birth Emotions and Looking to Improve Expectant Fear) to receive psycho-education (n = 170) at 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy or to the control group (n = 169). Women in both groups were surveyed 6 weeks postpartum with total cost for health service use during pregnancy calculated. Logistic regression models assessed the odds ratio of having vaginal birth or caesarean section in the study groups. Of 339 women randomised, 184 (54%) women returned data at 6 weeks postpartum (Intervention Group n = 91; Control Group n = 93). Women receiving psycho-education had a higher likelihood of vaginal birth compared to controls (n = 60, 66% vs. n = 54, 58%; OR 2.34). Mean 'treatment' cost for women receiving psycho-education was AUS$72. Mean cost for health services excluding the cost of psycho-education, was less in the intervention group (AUS$1193 vs. AUS$1236), but not significant (p = 0.78). For every five women who received midwife counselling, one caesarean section was averted. The incremental healthcare cost to prevent one caesarean section using this intervention was AUS$145. Costs of delivering midwife psycho-education to women with childbirth fear during pregnancy are offset by improved vaginal birth rates and reduction in caesarean section numbers. Australian New Zealand Controlled Trials Registry ACTRN12612000526875 , 17th May 2012 (retrospectively registered one week after enrolment of first participant).

Fetal macrosomia related to maternal poorly controlled type 1 diabetes strongly impairs serum lipoprotein concentrations and composition

PubMed Central

Merzouk, H; Bouchenak, M; Loukidi, B; Madani, S; Prost, J; Belleville, J

2000-01-01

Aims—To determine the effects of fetal macrosomia related to maternal type 1 diabetes on the lipid transport system. Methods—Serum lipoprotein concentrations and composition and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity were investigated in macrosomic newborns (mean birth weight, 4650 g; SEM, 90) and their mothers with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, in appropriate for gestational age newborns (mean birth weight, 3616 g; SEM, 68) and their mothers with well controlled type 1 diabetes, and macrosomic (mean birth weight, 4555 g; SEM, 86) or appropriate for gestational age (mean birth weight, 3290 g; SEM, 45) newborns and their healthy mothers. Results—In mothers with well controlled type 1 diabetes, serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and lipoproteins were comparable with those of healthy mothers. Similarly, in their infants, these parameters did not differ from those of appropriate for gestational age newborns. Serum triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), apolipoprotein B100 (apo B100), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) triglyceride concentrations were higher, whereas serum apo A-I and HDL3 concentrations were lower in mothers with diabetes and poor glycaemic control than in healthy mothers. Their macrosomic newborns had higher concentrations in all serum lipids and lipoproteins, with high apo A-I and apo B100 values compared with appropriate for gestational age newborns. In macrosomic infants of healthy mothers, there were no significant differences in lipoprotein profiles compared with those of appropriate for gestational age infants. LCAT activity was similar in both groups of mothers and newborns. Conclusion—Poorly controlled maternal type 1 diabetes and fetal macrosomia were associated with lipoprotein abnormalities. Macrosomic lipoprotein profiles related to poor metabolic control of type 1 diabetes appear to have implications for later metabolic diseases. Key Words: apolipoproteins • lipids • lipoproteins • lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase • fetal macrosomia • maternal type 1 diabetes PMID:11265176

Associations of caesarean delivery and the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood based on Taiwan birth cohort study.

PubMed

Chen, Ginden; Chiang, Wan-Lin; Shu, Bih-Ching; Guo, Yue Leon; Chiou, Shu-Ti; Chiang, Tung-Liang

2017-09-27

Whether birth by caesarean section (CS) increases the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood is controversial. We tried to demonstrate the association between children born by CS and the occurrence of the above three diseases at the age of 5.5 years. The database of the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study which was designed to assess the developmental trajectories of 24 200 children born in 2005 was used in this study. Associations between children born by CS and these three diseases were evaluated before and after controlling for gestational age (GA) at birth, children's characteristics and disease-related predisposing factors. Children born by CS had significant increases in neurodevelopmental disorders (20%), asthma (14%) and obesity (18%) compared with children born by vaginal delivery. The association between neurodevelopmental disorders and CS was attenuated after controlling for GA at birth (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.34). Occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders steadily declined with increasing GA up to ≤40-42 weeks. CS and childhood asthma were not significantly associated after controlling for parental history of asthma and GA at birth. Obesity in childhood remained significantly associated with CS (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24) after controlling for GA and disease-related factors. Our results implied that the association between CS birth and children's neurodevelopmental disorders was significantly influenced by GA. CS birth was weakly associated with childhood asthma since parental asthma and preterm births are stronger predisposing factors. The association between CS birth and childhood obesity was robust after controlling for disease-related factors. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Transition probabilities for general birth-death processes with applications in ecology, genetics, and evolution

PubMed Central

Crawford, Forrest W.; Suchard, Marc A.

2011-01-01

A birth-death process is a continuous-time Markov chain that counts the number of particles in a system over time. In the general process with n current particles, a new particle is born with instantaneous rate λn and a particle dies with instantaneous rate μn. Currently no robust and efficient method exists to evaluate the finite-time transition probabilities in a general birth-death process with arbitrary birth and death rates. In this paper, we first revisit the theory of continued fractions to obtain expressions for the Laplace transforms of these transition probabilities and make explicit an important derivation connecting transition probabilities and continued fractions. We then develop an efficient algorithm for computing these probabilities that analyzes the error associated with approximations in the method. We demonstrate that this error-controlled method agrees with known solutions and outperforms previous approaches to computing these probabilities. Finally, we apply our novel method to several important problems in ecology, evolution, and genetics. PMID:21984359

Birth Order and Sibling Sex Ratio in a Population with High Fertility: Are Turkish Male to Female Transsexuals Different?

PubMed

Bozkurt, Ali; Bozkurt, Ozlem Hekim; Sonmez, Ipek

2015-07-01

Western studies have consistently found that androphilic (sexually attracted to men) male-to-female transsexuals have a later birth order and a relative excess of brothers compared with appropriate control participants. However, non-Western studies on birth order and sibling sex ratio in androphilic males (transsexual or non-transsexual) are rare. The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that androphilic male-to-female transsexuals have a late birth order and a relative excess of brothers in a non-Western culture with a higher fertility rate. The participants were 60 androphilic male-to-female transsexuals and 61 male heterosexual controls. The transsexual participants had significantly more older brothers than the control participants, but the groups did not differ in their numbers of older sisters, younger brothers, or younger sisters. The foregoing pattern is usually referred to as the "fraternal birth order effect." Slater's and Berglin's Indexes both showed that the mean birth order of the control participants was very close to that expected from a random sample drawn from a demographically stable population whereas the mean birth order of the transsexual participants was later. A measure of sibship composition, brothers/all siblings, showed that the transsexual group had a higher proportion of male siblings compared with the control group. In conclusion, the present study found that Turkish androphilic male-to-female transsexuals show the same high fraternal birth order that has been found in comparable androphilic samples in Western Europe, North America, and the South Pacific, which suggests a common underlying biological causal mechanism.

A Study to Determine the Nature, If Any, of the Differences in Physician Assistants’ Perceptions, Their Training, and Their Utilization

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

catheterization prescribing birth control pills prescribing narcotics treating hypertension delivering babies treating post surgical cases assisting in surgery...catheterization -3 prescribing birth control 1;i 11 -4 treating victims of poisoning -5 doing physical exams for nuclear surety -6 prescribing narcotics -7...narrative summaries. o__ physica, exams for reieet o.. do urinary tract catheterization. administer local anesthesia. prescribe birth control pills

Analysis of Chinese Power: The Economic Base and Potential for Military and Political Power

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-04-08

projection .... 23 Birth control . 27 4. AGRICULTURE 29 Arable land 30 Production 34 Fertilizer - irrigation - tractors ...... 36 Food grain...32chandrasekhar, op. cit., p. 151. 26 I BIRTH CONTROL A discussion of Communist China’s tremendous population and the threat of a billion...people around 1980 would be incomplete with- out a word about birth control measures. The traditional official Communist line with respect to

Military Physician and Advanced Practice Nurses’ Knowledge and Use of Modern Natural Family Planning

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-05-01

NIT* to artificial birth control methods for cultural, personal, religious, or health reasons (Lethbridge, D. J., 1991). A health care provider well...Mormonism, Catholicism, and Orthodox Judaism are specific religious denominations that proscribe artificial means of birth control (Spector, 1991...she value the "natural", for example, and thus reject chemical methods of birth control ? Does she have certain religious beliefs that make some meUiods

GENDER ISSUES: Medical Support for Female Soldiers Deployed to Bosnia

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-03-01

indicate how many visits were for health services such as obtaining birth control refill prescriptions or for specific medical problems such as pelvic...as yeast infections and urinary tract infections. They could also test for pregnancy and dispense birth control . The clinics, however, were not...these briefings were (1) birth control and sexually transmitted diseases; (2) female hygiene in 8Not all 234 women taking our survey responded to our

JPRS Report, China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-09

Birth Control Measures [RENKOU YU JINGJI25 Oct] 37 Conference on Population Problems in Southwest [RENKOU YU JINGJI 25 Oct] -. 38 Southern JiangsU... Birth Control Measures 93CE0171A Beijing RENKOU YU JINGJI [POPULATION AND ECONOMICS] in Chinese No 74, 25 Oct 92 pp 43-45 [Article by Deng Guosheng...6772 0948 0524), affiliated with the Population Department of Jiangxi Teachers College: "More Attention Needs To Be Paid to Our Poor Birth Control Results

An Analysis of Chinese Communist National Power

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-04-08

they initiated a birth control program in 1955. By 1957 this program had become an intense and determined campaign with the objective of reaching every...outspoken advocacy of birth control . The success of this short program is not known. There have been indications that the leaders in Peking have...again reversed their stand and once more are advocating forms of birth control . This may be the answer to the problem, but it has always been

Military Couples’ Experiences with Natural Family Planning

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-05-01

deliberate coital use of fertile days. Heath and Sulik (1997) stated that women who were interested and motivated in their birth control would probably...This article maintains women who are not satisfied with the form of birth control they choose will not use it, or more likely use it incorrectly...so at some future time to avoid pregnancy or become pregnant. In Oddens’ 1999 research on women’s satisfaction with birth control , surveys were

Lateral Semicircular Canal Asymmetry in Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Early Link between Biomechanical, Hormonal and Neurosensory Theories?

PubMed Central

Hitier, Martin; Hamon, Michèle; Denise, Pierre; Lacoudre, Julien; Thenint, Marie-Aude; Mallet, Jean-François; Moreau, Sylvain; Quarck, Gaëlle

2015-01-01

Introduction Despite its high incidence and severe morbidity, the physiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is still unknown. Here, we looked for early anomalies in AIS which are likely to be the cause of spinal deformity and could also be targeted by early treatments. We focused on the vestibular system, which is suspected of acting in AIS pathogenesis and which exhibits an end organ with size and shape fixed before birth. We hypothesize that, in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, vestibular morphological anomalies were already present at birth and could possibly have caused other abnormalities. Materials and Methods The vestibular organ of 18 adolescents with AIS and 9 controls were evaluated with MRI in a prospective case controlled study. We studied lateral semicircular canal orientation and the three semicircular canal positions relative to the midline. Lateral semicircular canal function was also evaluated by vestibulonystagmography after bithermal caloric stimulation. Results The left lateral semicircular canal was more vertical and further from the midline in AIS (p = 0.01) and these two parameters were highly correlated (r = -0.6; p = 0.02). These morphological anomalies were associated with functional anomalies in AIS (lower excitability, higher canal paresis), but were not significantly different from controls (p>0.05). Conclusion Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis exhibit morphological vestibular asymmetry, probably determined well before birth. Since the vestibular system influences the vestibulospinal pathway, the hypothalamus, and the cerebellum, this indicates that the vestibular system is a possible cause of later morphological, hormonal and neurosensory anomalies observed in AIS. Moreover, the simple lateral SCC MRI measurement demonstrated here could be used for early detection of AIS, selection of children for close follow-up, and initiation of preventive treatment before spinal deformity occurs. PMID:26186348

Impact of routine fluconazole prophylaxis for premature infants with birth weights of less than 1250 grams in a developing country.

PubMed

Rueda, Kathia; Moreno, Maria Teresa; Espinosa, Manuel; Sáez-Llorens, Xavier

2010-11-01

Systemic fungal infections are associated with substantial case-morbidity and fatality rates in premature infants. Considerable evidence indicates that prophylaxis with fluconazole given to premature infants reduces the risk of invasive fungal infection. There is scant information from developing countries. A comparative study of 2 years, one with fluconazole prophylaxis and the other without was conducted in all premature babies weighing less than 1250 g at birth. Fluconazole was administered in 3 mg/kg doses, given every 48 hours, starting on day 3 of life, for a period of 6 weeks. Documented systemic Candida infection was the primary outcome. A total of 271 and 252 patients, respectively, were evaluated during the year before (control group) and after (treatment group) routine fluconazole prophylaxis. The control group developed 21 Candida infections (7.7%) while the treatment group had only 3 Candida infections (1.1%). This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.007; odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.47). The number needed to treat to prevent one case was 7. Although case-fatality rates for documented Candida infection were similar in both periods (76% vs. 67%), fewer deaths attributed to the fungal infection were noted in the prophylaxis year (6% vs. 1%, P = 0.003). Routine fluconazole prophylaxis given to premature infants of less than 1250 g at birth is associated with a significant impact on frequency of documented systemic Candida infections.

Birth outcomes of cases with conotruncal defects of heart - a population-based case-control study.

PubMed

Vereczkey, Attila; Kósa, Zsolt; Csáky-Szunyogh, Melinda; Gerencsér, Balázs; Czeizel, Andrew E

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the birth outcomes of cases with four types of conotruncal defects (CTDs), i.e. common truncus, transposition of great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot and double-outlet right ventricle. Birth outcomes of 597 live-born cases with CTD and 38,151 population controls without any defects were compared in the population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities completed by socio-demographic variables of their mothers. There was a male excess in cases with CTD (56.8%) with the same mean gestational age (39.4 versus 39.4 weeks) and preterm birth rate (8.2 versus 9.2%), but their mean birth weight was smaller (3077 versus 3276 g) with a high rate of low birthweight (14.6 versus 5.7%) compared to the birth outcomes of population controls. These data indicate intrauterine growth restriction of fetuses affected with transposition of great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot and double-outlet right ventricle particularly in females, while there were a shorter mean gestational age and smaller mean birth weigh in cases with common truncus. In general CTD, except common truncus, had no effect for gestational age but associated with a high risk for intrauterine fetal growth restriction particularly in female cases.

Bed rest in singleton pregnancies for preventing preterm birth.

PubMed

Sosa, Claudio G; Althabe, Fernando; Belizán, José M; Bergel, Eduardo

2015-03-30

Bed rest in hospital or at home is widely recommended for the prevention of preterm birth. This advice is based on the observation that hard work and hard physical activity during pregnancy could be associated with preterm birth and with the idea that bed rest could reduce uterine activity. However, bed rest may have some adverse effects on other outcomes. To evaluate the effect of prescription of bed rest in hospital or at home for preventing preterm birth in pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (18 December 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2014, Issue 12), MEDLINE (December 2014), EMBASE (December 2014), LILACS (December 2014), and bibliographies of relevant papers. Randomized, cluster-randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials with reported data that assess clinical outcomes in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth who were prescribed bed rest in hospital or at home for preventing preterm birth, and their babies. Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Two studies met the inclusion criteria. One study was not considered for the meta-analysis, since data combined singleton and multiple pregnancies. No differences in any maternal and perinatal outcomes were reported by the authors. This study was at low risk of selection, performance, detection and attrition bias. Only data from one study were included in the meta-analysis (1266 women). This study was at unclear risk of bias for most domains due to lack of reporting. Four hundred and thirty-two women were prescribed bed rest at home and a total of 834 women received a placebo (412) or no intervention (422). Preterm birth before 37 weeks was similar in both groups (7.9% in the intervention group versus 8.5% in the control group; risk ratio (RR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.37). No other results were reported for any of the other primary or secondary outcomes. There is no evidence, either supporting or refuting the use of bed rest at home or in hospital, to prevent preterm birth. Although bed rest in hospital or at home is widely used as the first step of treatment, there is no evidence that this practice could be beneficial. Due to the potential adverse effects that bed rest could have on women and their families, and the increased costs for the healthcare system, clinicians should discuss the pros and cons of bed rest to prevent preterm birth. Potential benefits and harms should be discussed with women facing an increased risk of preterm birth. Appropriate research is mandatory. Future trials should evaluate both the effectiveness of bed rest, and the effectiveness of the prescription of bed rest, to prevent preterm birth.

Birth attendance and magnitude of obstetric complications in Western Kenya: a retrospective case-control study.

PubMed

Liambila, Wilson N; Kuria, Shiphrah N

2014-09-08

Skilled birth attendance is critical in the provision of child birth related services. Yet, literature is scanty on the outcomes of child birth related complications in situations where majority of women deliver under the care of non-skilled birth attendants compared to those who are assisted by skilled providers. The study sought to assess the nature of childbirth related complications among the skilled and the non-skilled birth attendants in Western Kenya. A case-control study was conducted among women aged 15-49 years at the household. Controls were individually matched to cases on the basis of age and socio-economic status. A total of 294 cases and 291 controls were interviewed. Data were collected on various demographic and socio-economic characteristics and women's perception on the quality of care. All independent variables were analysed initially in bivariate models and those that were significantly associated with obstetric complications were included in multiple logistic regression model in order to control for confounding factors. Odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals, were computed to show the association between the occurrence, magnitude and the extent to which child birth related complications were managed. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the cases and controls were similar. About 52% of the deliveries were assisted by skilled birth attendants while non-skilled providers attended to 48% of them. The odds of the occurrence of obstetric complications were greater among the women who were attended to by skilled providers in health facilities: adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.32 (CI 0.95, 1.84) than among those who were assisted by unskilled birth attendants, AOR 0.76 (CI 0.55, 1.06). Undignified care, high delivery and transport costs and fear of hospital procedures such as HIV tests and mishandling of the placenta were cited as some of the barriers to facility deliveries. Skilled birth attendants in facilities were associated with higher odds of the occurrence of obstetric complications compared to deliveries that were assisted by non-skilled attendants at home. Women cited many barriers which need to be addressed in order to improve their access to skilled providers for delivery and in managing obstetric complications.

Emergency contraception

MedlinePlus

Morning-after pill; Postcoital contraception; Birth control - emergency; Plan B; Family planning - emergency contraception ... pregnancy in the same way as regular birth control pills: By preventing or delaying the release of ...

U.S. Foreign Assistance: Creating a Toolbox for the Twenty-First Century

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

can presumably afford unsubsidized birth control , likely to be affected? Was rt in the U.S. interest for Nigeria’s birth rate to ciimb? Under pressure...most challenging type of foreign aid to I2 Atd promoting birth control has proved successful as noted n Carol Graham and Michael O’Hanlon, “Making

77 FR 29619 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-18

... system: Name, Social Security Number (SSN), gender, race/ethnicity, birth date, place of birth, home..., spouse information, marital status, dependent child information (citizenship, gender, date of birth..., accessing, retaining, and disposing of records in the system: Storage: Electronic storage media...

A multinational case-control study on childhood brain tumours, anthropogenic factors, birth characteristics and prenatal exposures: A validation of interview data.

PubMed

Vienneau, Danielle; Infanger, Denis; Feychting, Maria; Schüz, Joachim; Schmidt, Lisbeth Samsø; Poulsen, Aslak Harbo; Tettamanti, Giorgio; Klæboe, Lars; Kuehni, Claudia E; Tynes, Tore; Von der Weid, Nicolas; Lannering, Birgitta; Röösli, Martin

2016-02-01

Little is known about the aetiology of childhood brain tumours. We investigated anthropometric factors (birth weight, length, maternal age), birth characteristics (e.g. vacuum extraction, preterm delivery, birth order) and exposures during pregnancy (e.g. maternal: smoking, working, dietary supplement intake) in relation to risk of brain tumour diagnosis among 7-19 year olds. The multinational case-control study in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland (CEFALO) included interviews with 352 (participation rate=83.2%) eligible cases and 646 (71.1%) population-based controls. Interview data were complemented with data from birth registries and validated by assessing agreement (Cohen's Kappa). We used conditional logistic regression models matched on age, sex and geographical region (adjusted for maternal age and parental education) to explore associations between birth factors and childhood brain tumour risk. Agreement between interview and birth registry data ranged from moderate (Kappa=0.54; worked during pregnancy) to almost perfect (Kappa=0.98; birth weight). Neither anthropogenic factors nor birth characteristics were associated with childhood brain tumour risk. Maternal vitamin intake during pregnancy was indicative of a protective effect (OR 0.75, 95%-CI: 0.56-1.01). No association was seen for maternal smoking during pregnancy or working during pregnancy. We found little evidence that the considered birth factors were related to brain tumour risk among children and adolescents. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Racial and Ethnic Discrimination, Medical Mistrust, and Satisfaction with Birth Control Services among Young Adult Latinas.

PubMed

Oakley, Lisa P; Harvey, S Marie; López-Cevallos, Daniel F

2018-05-02

Racial/ethnic discrimination and medical mistrust contribute to disparities in use of and satisfaction with health care services. Previous work examining the influence of discrimination and medical mistrust on health care experiences has focused primarily on African Americans. Despite the finding that Latinas report lower rates of contraceptive use than White women, little is known about the influence of these factors on health care satisfaction, specifically satisfaction with contraceptive services, among Latina women. We conducted computer-assisted interviews with 254 Latina women aged 18 to 25 living in rural communities in Oregon. Only the 211 women who reported ever receiving birth control services answered the question regarding satisfaction with birth control services and were included in the analytic sample. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we explored the relationship between medical mistrust and everyday discrimination on satisfaction with birth control services, accounting for relevant factors. More than 80% of the total sample reported ever seeing a health care provider for birth control services and of these women, 75% reported being very or extremely satisfied with their birth control services. Latinas who reported higher levels of medical mistrust and racial/ethnic discrimination reported being less satisfied with birth control services. After adjusting for perceived barriers to accessing contraceptive services and other relevant factors, only perceived barriers and racial/ethnic discrimination remained significantly associated with satisfaction. This study contributes to the growing understanding of the pervasive effects that racial/ethnic discrimination and medical mistrust have on satisfaction with health services among Latinas in the United States. Copyright © 2018 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy prevention among American Indian men ages 18 to 24: the role of mental health and intention to use birth control.

PubMed

Rink, Elizabeth; FourStar, Kris; Medicine Elk, Jarrett; Dick, Rebecca; Jewett, Lacey; Gesink, Dionne

2012-01-01

The Fort Peck Sexual Health Project: A Contextual Analysis of Native American Men is a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project that explores the extent to which knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about sex, intimate relationships, and mental health influence sexual and reproductive health. For the purpose of this study, the influence of age, fatherhood, and mental health factors related to historical trauma and loss on young American Indian (AI) men's intention to use birth control was examined. In-depth interviews were conducted with 112 Native American men between the ages of 18 and 24 years. The mean age reported was 21 years. Thirty-eight percent of the young men reported having children. The young men reported experiences of historical trauma during their lifetime as well as emotional responses due to historical losses. Ninety-five percent reported that it was very important that they use some form of birth control to prevent their partner from getting pregnant within the next year. Logistic regression analysis indicated that, as age increased, young men were less likely to use birth control to prevent pregnancy. The young men who reported feelings of loss due to experiences related to historical trauma and loss were more likely to use birth control. Findings from this study suggest that public health efforts to educate AI men about planned pregnancies and the use of birth control may be most effective in adolescence. Public health programs that address mental health concerns such as the emotional responses due to historical losses may assist young AI men in their decision to use birth control.

Birth-Preparedness for Maternal Health: Findings from Koupéla District, Burkina Faso

PubMed Central

Sangli, Gabriel; Dineen, Rebecca; Rawlins, Barbara; Yaméogo, Mathias; Baya, Banza

2006-01-01

Maternal mortality is a global burden, with more than 500,000 women dying each year due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Birth-preparedness and complication readiness is a comprehensive strategy to improve the use of skilled providers at birth, the key intervention to decrease maternal mortality. Birth-preparedness and complication readiness include many elements, including: (a) knowledge of danger signs; (b) plan for where to give birth; (c) plan for a birth attendant; (d) plan for transportation; and (e) plan for saving money. The 2003 Burkina Faso Demographic and Health Survey indicated that only 38.5% of women gave birth with the assistance of a skilled provider. The Maternal and Neonatal Health Program of JHPIEGO implemented a district-based model service-delivery system in Koupéla, Burkina Faso, during 2001–2004, to increase the use of skilled providers during pregnancy and childbirth. In 2004, a cross-sectional survey with a random sample of respondents was conducted to measure the impact of birth-preparedness and complication readiness on the use of skilled providers at birth. Of the 180 women who had given birth within 12 months of the survey, 46.1% had a plan for transportation, and 83.3% had a plan to save money. Women with these plans were more likely to give birth with the assistance of a skilled provider (p=0.07 and p=0.03 respectively). Controlling for education, parity, average distance to health facility, and the number of antenatal care visits, planning to save money was associated with giving birth with the assistance of a skilled provider (p=0.05). Qualitative interviews with women who had given birth within 12 months of the survey (n=30) support these findings. Most women saved money for delivery, but had less concrete plans for transportation. These findings highlight how birth-preparedness and complication readiness may be useful in increasing the use of skilled providers at birth, especially for women with a plan for saving money during pregnancy. PMID:17591346

Contraceptive Equity

PubMed Central

Temkin, Elizabeth

2007-01-01

The Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act, introduced in Congress in 1997 and still unpassed, seeks to redress health insurers’ failure to pay for birth control as they pay for other prescription drugs, most paradoxically Viagra. In 1936 the International Workers Order (IWO), a fraternal society, became the first insurer to include contraception in its benefits package. A forerunner in the movement for prepaid medical care, the IWO offered its members primary care and contraceptive services for annual flat fees. Founded at a time when the legal status of contraception was in flux, the IWO’s Birth Control Center was the only such clinic to operate on an insurance system. Recent state laws and judicial actions have revived the IWO’s groundbreaking view of contraception as a basic preventive service deserving of insurance coverage. PMID:17761562

Predictors of Stress Fracture Susceptibility in Young Female Recruits

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-02

fracture as women who ran 4 or more times a week (OR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.0-4.5). Among measures of reproductive history and birth control pill use, only...the analyses on menstrual function. No significant associations were found for birth control pill use. After adjusting for age and other potential...and Odds Ratios by Measures of Self-Reported Reproductive History, and Birth Control Use, Female Marine Corps Recruits, Parris Island, March 1995 to

The Effectiveness of Sex Education in the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

avoid pregnancy and parenthood in its recruits until they are emotionally and financially ready for such commitments. In addition, birth control should...become pregnant, that a woman won’t get pregnant if she really doesn’t want a baby even if she has sex without taking precautions, that birth control is...intercourse without using a birth control method were asked to indicate their pregnancy intention and reason for nonuse of contraception. Sixty-five percent of

Military Couples’ Experiences with Natural Family Planning

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-05-01

Heath and Sulik (1997) stated that women who were interested and motivated in their birth control would probably use NFP well, as demonstrated by the...not satisfied with the form of birth control they choose will not use it, or more likely use it incorrectly. Stanford and co-investigators (1998...pregnancy or become pregnant. In Oddens’ 1999 research on women’s satisfaction with birth control , surveys were obtained from 1303 German women who used

The incidence of histological chorioamnionitis in IVF/GIFT preterm births.

PubMed

Williams, H; Jeffery, H

1994-08-01

A retrospective case control study was designed to investigate the role of subclinical infection as a risk factor for the high rate of preterm deliveries in IVF/GIFT pregnancies. The cases and the controls were identified from the records of consecutive livebirths of < 35 weeks' gestational age (GA), at King George V Hospital from 1987-1993. Fifty one singleton and 58 twin IVF/GIFT preterm births were matched for GA, year of birth, plurality, maternal age, parity, preclampsia and antepartum haemorrhage. As a marker of subclinical infection, the incidence of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in the 2 groups (as defined by the standardized, semiquantitative method of Benirschke) was compared. The matched variables did not differ significantly between the IVF/GIFT group and the control group. No significant difference in the incidence of HCA was detected between IVF/GIFT and control groups for singletons or twins. Overall 24% of IVF/GIFT and 30% of controls showed evidence of HCA, odds ratio (95% confidence intervals), 0.72 (0.40-1.31). This study showed no evidence that the incidence of HCA, is significantly increased in IVF/GIFT preterm births compared with other matched, preterm births. Therefore, we conclude that subclinical infection/inflammation cannot explain the 4-fold increase in preterm births in the IVF/GIFT population.

Birth control - slow release methods

MedlinePlus

Contraception - slow-release hormonal methods; Progestin implants; Progestin injections; Skin patch; Vaginal ring ... might want to consider a different birth control method. SKIN PATCH The skin patch is placed on ...

Endometriosis

MedlinePlus

... Z health topics Reproductive Health Breastfeeding Menopause Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy Popular topics Bacterial vaginosis Birth control methods ... Z health topics Reproductive Health Breastfeeding Menopause Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy Popular topics Bacterial vaginosis Birth control methods ...

A Case-Control Study on Intimate Partner Violence during Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight, Southeast Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Demelash, Habtamu; Nigatu, Dabere; Gashaw, Ketema

2015-01-01

Introduction. Violence against women has serious consequences for their reproductive and sexual health including birth outcomes. In Ethiopia, though the average parity of pregnant women is much higher than in other African countries, the link between intimate partner violence with low birth weight is unknown. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the association between intimate partner violence and low birth weight among pregnant women. Method. Hospital based case-control study was conducted among 387 mothers (129 cases and 258 controls). Anthropometric measurements were taken both from mothers and their live births. The association between intimate partner violence and birth weight was computed through bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses and statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. Result. Out of 387 interviewed mothers, 100 (25.8%) had experienced intimate partner violence during their index pregnancy period. Relatively more mothers of low birth weight infants were abused (48%) compared with controls (16.4%). Those mothers who suffered acts of any type of intimate partner violence during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a newborn with low birth weight (95% CI; (1.57 to 7.18)). The association between overall intimate partner violence and LBW was adjusted for potential confounder variables. Conclusion. This research result gives insight for health professional about the importance of screening for intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Health care providers should consider violence in their practice and try to identify women at risk. PMID:26798345

The Effect of Birthrate Granularity on the Release- to- Birth Ratio for the AGR-1 In-core Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dawn Scates; John Walter

The AGR-1 Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) tristructural-isotropic-particle fuel experiment underwent 13 irradiation intervals from December 2006 until November 2009 within the Idaho National Laboratory Advanced Test Reactor in support of the Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant program. During this multi-year experiment, release-to-birth rate ratios were computed at the end of each operating interval to provide information about fuel performance. Fission products released during irradiation were tracked daily by the Fission Product Monitoring System using 8-hour measurements. Birth rates calculated by MCNP with ORIGEN for as-run conditions were computed at the end of each irradiation interval. Each time step in MCNPmore » provided neutron flux, reaction rates and AGR-1 compact composition, which were used to determine birth rates using ORIGEN. The initial birth-rate data, consisting of four values for each irradiation interval at the beginning, end, and two intermediate times, were interpolated to obtain values for each 8-hour activity. The problem with this method is that any daily changes in heat rates or perturbations, such as shim control movement or core/lobe power fluctuations, would not be reflected in the interpolated data and a true picture of the system would not be presented. At the conclusion of the AGR-1 experiment, great efforts were put forth to compute daily birthrates, which were reprocessed with the 8-hour release activity. The results of this study are presented in this paper.« less

The effect of birthrate granularity on the release-to-birth ratio for the AGR-1 in-core experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D. M. Scates; J. B. Walter; J. T. Maki

The AGR-1 Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) tristructural-isotropic-particle fuel experiment underwent 13 irradiation intervals from December 2006 until November 2009 within the Idaho National Laboratory Advanced Test Reactor in support of the Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant program. During this multi-year experiment, release-to-birth rate ratios were computed at the end of each operating interval to provide information about fuel performance. Fission products released during irradiation were tracked daily by the Fission Product Monitoring System using 8-h measurements. Birth rate calculated by MCNP with ORIGEN for as-run conditions were computed at the end of each irradiation interval. Each time step in MCNPmore » provided neutron flux, reaction rates and AGR-1 compact composition, which were used to determine birth rate using ORIGEN. The initial birth-rate data, consisting of four values for each irradiation interval at the beginning, end, and two intermediate times, were interpolated to obtain values for each 8-h activity. The problem with this method is that any daily changes in heat rates or perturbations, such as shim control movement or core/lobe power fluctuations, would not be reflected in the interpolated data and a true picture of the system would not be presented. At the conclusion of the AGR-1 experiment, great efforts were put forth to compute daily birthrates, which were reprocessed with the 8-h release activity. The results of this study are presented in this paper.« less

Increased prevalence of some birth defects in Korea, 2009-2010.

PubMed

Lamichhane, Dirga Kumar; Leem, Jong-Han; Park, Myungsook; Kim, Jung Ae; Kim, Hwan Cheol; Kim, Jin Hee; Hong, Yun-Chul

2016-03-22

Birth defects are a leading cause of neonatal and infant mortality, and several studies have indicated an increase in the prevalence of birth defects; more recent investigations have suggested that the trends of some defects are increasing in rapidly industrialized areas. This study estimates the prevalence rate and types of birth defects in Korea. This study used medical insurance benefit data of 403,250 infants aged less than one year from the National Health Insurance Corporation from seven metropolitan areas in Korea for 2009 and 2010. The prevalence rate of birth defects was 548.3 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 541.1-555.6), 306.8 among boys and 241.5 among girls. Anomalies of the circulatory system (particularly septal defects) were the most common (180.8 per 10,000), followed by defects of the genitourinary tract (130.1 per 10,000) (particularly obstructive genitourinary and undescended testis), musculoskeletal system (105.7 per 10,000), digestive system (24.7 per 10,000), and central nervous system (15.6 per 10,000). Relatively higher rates of some birth defects were found in the metropolitan areas. The high differences of birth prevalences for septal heart defects and undescended testis are probably due in part to progress in clinical management and more frequent prenatal diagnosis. Environmental exposure might play a critical role in the development of some birth defects. In attempting to describe the prevalence and spatio-temporal variations of birth defects in Korea, establishment of a registry system of birth defects and environmental surveillance are needed.

The Korean Neonatal Network: An Overview

PubMed Central

Chang, Yun Sil; Park, Hyun-Young

2015-01-01

Currently, in the Republic of Korea, despite the very-low-birth rate, the birth rate and number of preterm infants are markedly increasing. Neonatal deaths and major complications mostly occur in premature infants, especially very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). VLBWIs weigh less than 1,500 g at birth and require intensive treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The operation of the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) officially started on April 15, 2013, by the Korean Society of Neonatology with support from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The KNN is a national multicenter neonatal network based on a prospective web-based registry for VLBWIs. About 2,000 VLBWIs from 60 participating hospital NICUs are registered annually in the KNN. The KNN has built unique systems such as a web-based real-time data display on the web site and a site-visit monitoring system for data quality surveillance. The KNN should be maintained and developed further in order to generate appropriate, population-based, data-driven, health-care policies; facilitate active multicenter neonatal research, including quality improvement of neonatal care; and ultimately lead to improvement in the prognosis of high-risk newborns and subsequent reduction in health-care costs through the development of evidence-based neonatal medicine in Korea. PMID:26566355

The Korean Neonatal Network: An Overview.

PubMed

Chang, Yun Sil; Park, Hyun-Young; Park, Won Soon

2015-10-01

Currently, in the Republic of Korea, despite the very-low-birth rate, the birth rate and number of preterm infants are markedly increasing. Neonatal deaths and major complications mostly occur in premature infants, especially very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs). VLBWIs weigh less than 1,500 g at birth and require intensive treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The operation of the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) officially started on April 15, 2013, by the Korean Society of Neonatology with support from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The KNN is a national multicenter neonatal network based on a prospective web-based registry for VLBWIs. About 2,000 VLBWIs from 60 participating hospital NICUs are registered annually in the KNN. The KNN has built unique systems such as a web-based real-time data display on the web site and a site-visit monitoring system for data quality surveillance. The KNN should be maintained and developed further in order to generate appropriate, population-based, data-driven, health-care policies; facilitate active multicenter neonatal research, including quality improvement of neonatal care; and ultimately lead to improvement in the prognosis of high-risk newborns and subsequent reduction in health-care costs through the development of evidence-based neonatal medicine in Korea.

Dynamic complexities in a pest control model with birth pulse and harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goel, A.; Gakkhar, S.

2016-04-01

In this paper, an impulsive model is discussed for an integrated pest management approach comprising of chemical and mechanical controls. The pesticides and harvesting are used to control the stage-structured pest population. The mature pest give birth to immature pest in pulses at regular intervals. The pest is controlled by spraying chemical pesticides affecting immature as well as mature pest. The harvesting of both immature and mature pest further reduce the pest population. The discrete dynamical system obtained from stroboscopic map is analyzed. The threshold conditions for stability of pest-free state as well as non-trivial period-1 solution is obtained. The effect of pesticide spray timing and harvesting on immature as well as mature pest are shown. Finally, by numerical simulation with MATLAB, the dynamical behaviors of the model is found to be complex. Above the threshold level there is a characteristic sequence of bifurcations leading to chaotic dynamics. Route to chaos is found to be period-doubling. Period halving bifurcations are also observed.

Head Injuries

MedlinePlus

... contusion: This is a bruise of your brain. Minor bleeding in your brain causes swelling. Skull fracture: ... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control ...

Ovarian Cysts

MedlinePlus

... Z health topics Reproductive Health Breastfeeding Menopause Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy Popular topics Bacterial vaginosis Birth control methods ... Z health topics Reproductive Health Breastfeeding Menopause Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy Popular topics Bacterial vaginosis Birth control methods ...

Hashimoto's Disease

MedlinePlus

... Z health topics Reproductive Health Breastfeeding Menopause Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy Popular topics Bacterial vaginosis Birth control methods ... Z health topics Reproductive Health Breastfeeding Menopause Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy Popular topics Bacterial vaginosis Birth control methods ...

Minority attitudes toward contraception.

PubMed

Mitchell, J O

1974-12-01

The training division of the Los Angeles Regional Family Planning Council conducted a seminar for minority members to discover attitudes toward birth control. Indian-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Black-Americans participated. Some fears and misunderstandings relative to birth control were voiced. The timidity of recent Chinese immigrants was mentioned. Male reluctance to use birth control out of a sense of machismo was mentioned in relation to Black- and Mexican-Americans. The conclusion was that, when birth control methods are adequately explained, women of all ethnic groups are willing to use them. To allay fears, suspicions, and concerns, family planning should be presented to minority communities as a health service and not a social service. Family planning clinics would be more accepted in these communities if they expanded their work into other health areas.

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Among Youths Living in Group Care Homes: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Vesely, Sara K.; Green, Jennifer; Clements-Nolle, Kristen; Lu, Minggen

2018-01-01

Objectives. To determine if the Power Through Choices (PTC) intervention can increase the use of birth control and reduce pregnancy among system-involved youths living in group care homes. Methods. We performed a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial involving group care homes operated by child welfare or juvenile justice systems in California, Maryland, and Oklahoma with assessments immediately before and after the intervention, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. We collected data from 2012 to 2014 via self-administered questionnaires. Participants (n = 1036) were young (mean age = 16.1 years), predominantly male (79%), racially/ethnically diverse (37% Hispanic, 20% Black, 21% White, 17% multiracial), and sexually experienced (88%). Results. At 6-month follow-up, participants in the intervention group had significantly lower odds of having recent sexual intercourse without using birth control (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52, 0.98). At 12-month follow-up assessment, participants in the intervention group had significantly lower odds of ever being pregnant or getting someone pregnant (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.46, 0.99). Conclusions. The results suggest that PTC is an effective sexual health education intervention that can be implemented with system-involved youths who represent a sexually experienced multiracial youth population. PMID:29443557

KMC facilitates mother baby attachment in low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Gathwala, Geeta; Singh, Bir; Balhara, Bharti

2008-01-01

To determine whether Kangaroo mother care (KMC) facilitates mother baby attachment in low birth weight infants. Over 16 month period 110 neonates were randomized into kangaroo mother care group and control group using a random number table. The kangaroo group was subjected to Kangaroo mother care for at least 6 hours per day. The babies also received kangaroo care after shifting out from NICU and at home. The control group received standard care (incubator or open care system). After 3 months followup, structured maternal interview was conducted to assess attachment between mothers and their babies. Mean birth weight was 1.69 +/- 0.11 Kg in KMC group compared to 1.690 +/- 0.12 Kg in control group (p>0.05). Mean gestational age was 35.48 +/- 1.20 week in KMC group and 35.04+/-1.09 week in the control group (p>0.05). KMC was initiated at a mean age of 1.72+/-0.45 days. The duration of KMC in first month was 10.21+/-1.50 hour, in the 2nd month was 10.03+/-1.57 hour and in the 3rd month was 8.97+/-1.37 hours. The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the KMC group (3.56+/-0.57 days) compared to control group (6.80+/-1.30 days). The total attachment score (24.46+/-1.64) in the KMC group was significantly higher than that obtained in control group (18.22+/-1.79, p< 0.001). In KMC group, mother was more often the main caretaker of the baby. Mothers were significantly more involved in care taking activities like bathing, diapering, sleeping with their babies and spent more time beyond usual care taking. They went out without their babies less often and only for unavoidable reasons. They derived greater pleasure from their babies. KMC facilitates mother baby attachment in low birth weight infants.

Birth order and sibship size: evaluation of the role of selection bias in a case-control study of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PubMed

Mensah, F K; Willett, E V; Simpson, J; Smith, A G; Roman, E

2007-09-15

Substantial heterogeneity has been observed among case-control studies investigating associations between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and familial characteristics, such as birth order and sibship size. The potential role of selection bias in explaining such heterogeneity is considered within this study. Selection bias according to familial characteristics and socioeconomic status is investigated within a United Kingdom-based case-control study of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed during 1998-2001. Reported distributions of birth order and maternal age are each compared with expected reference distributions derived using national birth statistics from the United Kingdom. A method is detailed in which yearly data are used to derive expected distributions, taking account of variability in birth statistics over time. Census data are used to reweight both the case and control study populations such that they are comparable with the general population with regard to socioeconomic status. The authors found little support for an association between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and birth order or family size and little evidence for an influence of selection bias. However, the findings suggest that between-study heterogeneity could be explained by selection biases that influence the demographic characteristics of participants.

Study protocol for reducing childbirth fear: a midwife-led psycho-education intervention.

PubMed

Fenwick, Jennifer; Gamble, Jenny; Creedy, Debra K; Buist, Anne; Turkstra, Erika; Sneddon, Anne; Scuffham, Paul A; Ryding, Elsa L; Jarrett, Vivian; Toohill, Jocelyn

2013-10-20

Childbirth fear has received considerable attention in Scandinavian countries, and the United Kingdom, but not in Australia. For first-time mothers, fear is often linked to a perceived lack of control and disbelief in the body's ability to give birth safely, whereas multiparous women may be fearful as a result of previous negative and/or traumatic birth experiences. There have been few well-designed intervention studies that test interventions to address women's childbirth fear, support normal birth, and diminish the possibility of a negative birth experience. Pregnant women in their second trimester of pregnancy will be recruited and screened from antenatal clinics in Queensland, Australia. Women reporting high childbirth fear will be randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The psycho-educational intervention is offered by midwives over the telephone at 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. The intervention aims to review birth expectations, work through distressing elements of childbirth, discuss strategies to develop support networks, affirm that negative childbirth events can be managed and develop a birth plan. Women in the control group will receive standard care offered by the public funded maternity services in Australia. All women will receive an information booklet on childbirth choices. Data will be collected at recruitment during the second trimester, 36 weeks of pregnancy, and 4-6 weeks after birth. This study aims to test the efficacy of a brief, midwife-led psycho-education counselling (known as BELIEF: Birth Emotions - Looking to Improve Expectant Fear) to reduce women's childbirth fear. 1) Relative to controls, women receiving BELIEF will report lower levels of childbirth fear at term; 2) less decisional conflict; 3) less depressive symptoms; 4) better childbirth self-efficacy; and 5) improved health and obstetric outcomes. Australian New Zealand Controlled Trials Registry ACTRN12612000526875.

Autopsy

MedlinePlus

... Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids and Teens Pregnancy and Childbirth Women Men Seniors Your Health Resources Healthcare Management End-of-Life Issues Insurance & Bills Self Care ...

Multiple Myeloma Overview

MedlinePlus

... in whites. Some studies suggest that workers in agriculture or petroleum-based industries may be at greater ... Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health ...

Vaginal sponge and spermicides

MedlinePlus

Birth control - over the counter; Contraceptives - over the counter; Family planning - vaginal sponge; Contraception - vaginal sponge ... preventing pregnancy as some other forms of birth control. However, using a spermicide or sponge is much ...

Physiological Influences upon the Work Performance of Men and Women.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

participate in the study. She was a normal cycling female and not taking birth control pills. The sub- ject began menstruating on 24 January 1978 (prior to...participate in the study. She was taking birth control pills. The subject began menstruating on 6 January 1978 and 1 February 1978 (prior to beginning of...Her height was 5𔃼", her weight was 101 ibs, and she was unmarried. She was a normal cycling female not taking birth control pills. The subject began

Factors Affecting Use of Natural Planning in Utah

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

hospital in the U.S. The update discussed all the latest methods of birth control except for natural family planning. At the question and comment...Sexuality Class Other health professional 13. Did you use some other method of birth control (contraception) prior to finding out about NFP? YES NO 14...but every time I thought about using it, I would decide to get pregnant. I nurse, and this was a natural method of birth control for us for about 14

Sexual experience and responses to a birth control film.

PubMed

Herold, E S; Thomas, R E

1980-02-01

The objective of this research was to examine the relationship between sexual experience and sexual and contraceptive attitudinal responses to a birth control film. A questionnaire was administered immediately before and after showing a birth control film to 103 college females. Subjects were classified into three groups according to their sexual and contraceptive experience. With perceived change measures, it was found that the film reinforced sexual and contraceptive beliefs. Significant group differences were found regarding reinforcement of sexual attitudes but not for contraceptive attitudes.

Effect of dexamethasone on intelligence and hearing in preterm infants: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ruolin; Bo, Tao; Shen, Li; Luo, Senlin; Li, Jian

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials investigating the long-term effect of dexamethasone on the nervous system of preterm infants. DATA SOURCES: Online literature retrieval was conducted using The Cochrane Library (from January 1993 to June 2013), EMBASE (from January 1980 to June 2013), MEDLINE (from January 1963 to June 2013), OVID (from January 1993 to June 2013), Springer (from January 1994 to June 2013) and Chinese Academic Journal Full-text Database (from January 1994 to June 2013). Key words were preterm infants and dexamethasone in English and Chinese. STUDY SELECTION: Selected studies were randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of intravenous dexamethasone in preterm infants. The quality of the included papers was evaluated and those without the development of the nervous system and animal experiments were excluded. Quality assessment was performed through bias risk evaluation in accordance with Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 software in the Cochrane Collaboration. The homogeneous studies were analyzed and compared using Revman 5.2.6 software, and then effect model was selected and analyzed. Those papers failed to be included in the meta-analysis were subjected to descriptive analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nervous system injury in preterm infants. RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials were screened, involving 1,038 subjects. Among them 512 cases received dexamethasone treatment while 526 cases served as placebo control group and blank control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of cerebral palsy, visual impairment and hearing loss in preterm infants after dexamethasone treatment within 7 days after birth was similar to that in the control group (RR = 1.47, 95%CI: 0.97–2.21; RR = 1.46, 95%CI: 0.97–2.20; RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.54–1.18; P > 0.05), but intelligence quotient was significantly decreased compared with the control group (MD = −3.55, 95%CI: −6.59 to −0.51; P = 0.02). Preterm infants treated with dexamethasone 7 days after birth demonstrated an incidence of cerebral palsy and visual impairment, and changes in intelligence quotient similar to those in the control group (RR = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.89–1.79; RR = 1.37, 95%CI: 0.73–2.59; RR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32–0.89; RR = 1.66, 95%CI: −4.7 to 8.01; P > 0.05). However, the incidence of hearing loss was significantly increased compared with that in the control group (RR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32–0.89; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone may affect the intelligence of preterm infants in the early stages after birth, but may lead to hearing impairment at later stages after birth. More reliable conclusions should be made through large-size, multi-center, well-designed randomized controlled trials. PMID:25206867

A comparison of efficiency of birth control input between China and India.

PubMed

Liang, J; Wang, H

1994-01-01

Global world population in mid-1991 would have been 6.9% higher (an additional 366 million births) without the effective birth control programs in India and China. 260 million births in China and 110 million births in India were averted. These averted births relieved population pressure on the food supply. Without birth control, output would have decreased by 20% in China to 302 kg in 1991 and by 12% in India to 189 kg in 1991. Both India and China have between 1000 and 2000 married and fertile women per birth control worker. The manpower-input efficiency is higher by 2 times in China than in India, but the gap is closing. In China, public expenses for birth control include family planning operating expenses, family planning workers, and bonuses for single child families. World Bank estimation has determined the ratio of government to grassroots investment to be 1:2. Total investment in 1980 was RMB 1.4596 billion or about $10.00 per person. In 1980 the allowance was RMB 60.00 per year per single child family, and in 1989 the allowance should have been RMB 120.00 per year per family but was actually RMB 48.00 due to local poverty areas and low economic performance. Data were provided annually between 1971 and 1991 on total revenue, grassroots revenue, bonuses, foreign aid, and expenses per person. The expenses per person increased from RMB 2.46 in 1971 to 5.23 in 1991 or US $6.53 in 1990. Investment in birth control totaled over 21 years RMB 50.10186 billion (US $16.6557 billion), which included RMB 49.9696 from China and $40 million in foreign aid. The cost of preventing 259.585 births over this period was RMB 193.01 or US $64.16 per birth. Savings would also accrue from child rearing costs. Government savings would have amounted to RMB 3,461 billion in rural and urban areas, or 2 times China's gross national product in 1988. State costs amount to 36.5% and family costs amount to 63.5% of child rearing until 16 years of age in urban areas; the proportion in rural areas would be 20.03% and 79.97%. The prevention of 260 million births would have saved RMB 932.1 billion for the state and collectives and RMB 2,528.9 billion for families. Over 21 years, savings were RMB 50.1 billion by the state and RMB 932.1 billion by collectives. The efficiency yield would be 1:18.60 and including family savings 1:69.08. The ratio was computed for shadow prices and with a discount factor. For India, the efficiency yield was 1:57.37.

Thyroid Medication Use and Birth Defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

PubMed

Howley, Meredith M; Fisher, Sarah C; Van Zutphen, Alissa R; Waller, Dorothy K; Carmichael, Suzan L; Browne, Marilyn L

2017-11-01

Thyroid disorders are common among reproductive-aged women, with hypothyroidism affecting 2 to 3% of pregnancies, and hyperthyroidism affecting an additional 0.1 to 1%. We examined associations between thyroid medications and individual birth defects using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). The NBDPS is a multisite, population-based, case-control study that included pregnancies with estimated delivery dates from 1997 to 2011. We analyzed self-reported thyroid medication use from mothers of 31,409 birth defect cases and 11,536 unaffected controls. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression for birth defects with five or more exposed cases, controlling for maternal age, race/ethnicity, and study center. Crude ORs and exact 95% CIs were estimated for defects with 3 to 4 exposed cases. Thyroid hormone was used by 738 (2.3%) case and 237 (2.1%) control mothers, and was associated with anencephaly (OR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.03-2.73), holoprosencephaly (OR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.13-5.44), hydrocephaly (1.77; 95% CI, 1.07-2.95) and small intestinal atresia (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.04-3.15). Anti-thyroid medication was used by 34 (0.1%) case and 10 (<0.1%) control mothers, and was associated with aortic valve stenosis (OR = 6.91; 95% CI, 1.21-27.0). While new associations were identified, our findings are relatively consistent with previous NBDPS analyses. Our findings suggest thyroid medication use is not associated with most birth defects studied in the NBDPS, but may be associated with some specific birth defects. These results should not be interpreted to suggest that medications used to treat thyroid disease are teratogens, as the observed associations may reflect effects of the underlying thyroid disease. Birth Defects Research 109:1471-1481, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Maternal residential exposure to agricultural pesticides and birth defects in a 2003 to 2005 North Carolina birth cohort.

PubMed

Rappazzo, Kristen M; Warren, Joshua L; Meyer, Robert E; Herring, Amy H; Sanders, Alison P; Brownstein, Naomi C; Luben, Thomas J

2016-04-01

Birth defects are responsible for a large proportion of disability and infant mortality. Exposure to a variety of pesticides have been linked to increased risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study to estimate the associations between a residence-based metric of agricultural pesticide exposure and birth defects. We linked singleton live birth records for 2003 to 2005 from the North Carolina (NC) State Center for Health Statistics to data from the NC Birth Defects Monitoring Program. Included women had residence at delivery inside NC and infants with gestational ages from 20 to 44 weeks (n = 304,906). Pesticide exposure was assigned using a previously constructed metric, estimating total chemical exposure (pounds of active ingredient) based on crops within 500 meters of maternal residence, specific dates of pregnancy, and chemical application dates based on the planting/harvesting dates of each crop. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for four categories of exposure (<10(th) , 10-50(th) , 50-90(th) , and >90(th) percentiles) compared with unexposed. Models were adjusted for maternal race, age at delivery, education, marital status, and smoking status. We observed elevated ORs for congenital heart defects and certain structural defects affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and musculoskeletal systems (e.g., OR [95% confidence interval] [highest exposure vs. unexposed] for tracheal esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia = 1.98 [0.69, 5.66], and OR for atrial septal defects: 1.70 [1.34, 2.14]). Our results provide some evidence of associations between residential exposure to agricultural pesticides and several birth defects phenotypes. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:240-249, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Do perinatal and early life exposures influence the risk of malignant melanoma? A Northern Ireland birth cohort analysis.

PubMed

O'Rorke, M A; Black, C; Murray, L J; Cardwell, C R; Gavin, A T; Cantwell, M M

2013-03-01

Intrauterine, early life and maternal exposures may have important consequences for cancer development in later life. The aim of this study was to examine perinatal and birth characteristics with respect to Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) risk. The Northern Ireland Child Health System database was used to examine gestational age adjusted birth weight, infant feeding practices, parental age and socioeconomic factors at birth in relation to CMM risk amongst 447,663 infants delivered between January 1971 and December 1986. Follow-up of histologically verified CMM cases was undertaken from the beginning of 1993 to 31st December 2007. Multivariable adjusted unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of CMM risk. A total of 276 CMM cases and 440,336 controls contributed to the final analysis. In reference to normal (gestational age-adjusted) weight babies, those heaviest at birth were twice as likely to develop CMM OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.1-5.1). Inverse associations with CMM risk were observed with younger (<25 years) parental age at birth and both a higher birth order and greater household density OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.37-0.99) and OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.30-1.0) respectively. This large study of early onset melanoma supports a positive association with higher birth weight (imperatively gestational age adjusted) and CMM risk which may be related to factors which drive intrauterine foetal growth. Strong inverse associations observed with higher birth order and household density suggest that early-life immune modulation may confer protection; findings which warrant further investigation in prospective analyses. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medroxyprogesterone Injection

MedlinePlus

... Medroxyprogesterone injection is a very effective method of birth control but does not prevent the spread of human ... you have been using a different method of birth control and are switching to medroxyprogesterone injection, your doctor ...

Fertility Awareness

MedlinePlus

... time the couple using only fertility awareness for birth control who does not want to get pregnant should ... period. In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. ...

28 CFR 551.20 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.20 Purpose and scope. The Bureau of Prisons provides an inmate with medical and social services related to birth control, pregnancy, child...

28 CFR 551.20 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.20 Purpose and scope. The Bureau of Prisons provides an inmate with medical and social services related to birth control, pregnancy, child...

28 CFR 551.20 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.20 Purpose and scope. The Bureau of Prisons provides an inmate with medical and social services related to birth control, pregnancy, child...

28 CFR 551.20 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.20 Purpose and scope. The Bureau of Prisons provides an inmate with medical and social services related to birth control, pregnancy, child...

28 CFR 551.20 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Birth Control, Pregnancy, Child Placement, and Abortion § 551.20 Purpose and scope. The Bureau of Prisons provides an inmate with medical and social services related to birth control, pregnancy, child...

Impact of infertility characteristics and treatment modalities on singleton pregnancies after assisted reproduction.

PubMed

Poikkeus, P; Unkila-Kallio, L; Vilska, S; Repokari, L; Punamäki, R-L; Aitokallio-Tallberg, A; Sinkkonen, J; Almqvist, F; Tulppala, M; Tiitinen, A

2006-07-01

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes of assisted reproduction and control singletons were evaluated after taking into account treatment characteristics and infertility background. The elective single embryo transfer (eSET) group (n = 45) was compared with the compulsory single embryo transfer (cSET; n = 52), double embryo transfer (DET; n = 227) and control (n = 304) groups. Infertility-related prognostic factors for neonatal outcomes were also analysed. Data were collected with structured questionnaires at gestational week 20 and 8 weeks after delivery. Spontaneous onset of delivery was more typical of the eSET group than of cSET and DET groups (68.9 versus 52.0%, P = 0.02). Mean (+/-SD) gestation at birth (39.3 +/- 1.6 weeks) and mean birth weight (3,470 +/- 505 g) of eSET singletons were comparable with other assisted reproduction groups, but gestational duration was lower than in the eSET group than in the control group (39.9 +/- 1.4; P < 0.05). However, numbers of preterm births and low birth weight infants were similar between groups. History of induced abortion increased risk of preterm birth (OR 4.5 and 95% CI 1.2-17.1) in assisted reproduction singletons. A small though clinically unimportant difference in gestational age at birth and birth weight between assisted reproduction and control singletons was found regardless of the number of embryos transferred.

Interpretation of ambiguities by schoolchildren with low birth weight from Embu das Artes, São Paulo state, Brazil.

PubMed

Pessoa, Rebeca Rodrigues; Araújo, Sarah Cueva Cândido Soares de; Isotani, Selma Mie; Puccini, Rosana Fiorini; Perissinoto, Jacy

To assess the development of language regarding the ability to recognize and interpret lexical ambiguity in low-birth-weight schoolchildren enrolled at the school system in the municipality of Embu das Artes, Sao Paulo state, compared with that of schoolchildren with normal birth weight. A case-control, retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted with 378 schoolchildren, both genders, aged 5 to 9.9 years, from the municipal schools of Embu das Artes. Study Group (SG) comprising 210 schoolchildren with birth weight < 2500 g. Control Group (CG) composed of 168 school children with birth weight ≥ 2500 g. Participants of both groups were compared with respect to the skills of recognition and verbal interpretation of sentences containing lexical ambiguity using the Test of Language Competence. Variables of interest: Age and gender of children; age and schooling of mothers. Statistical analysis: Descriptive analysis to characterize the sample and score per group; Student's t test for comparison between the total scores of each skill/subtest; Chi-square test to compare items within each subtest; multiple regression analysis for the intervening variables. Participants of the SG presented lower scores for ambiguous sentences compared with those of participants of the CG. Multiple regression analysis showed that child's current age was a predictor for all metalinguistic skills regarding interpretation of ambiguities in both groups. Participants of the SG presented lower specific and total scores than those of participants of the CG for ambiguity skills. The child's current age factor positively influenced the ambiguity skills in both groups.

State Insurance Mandates and Multiple Birth Rates After In Vitro Fertilization.

PubMed

Provost, Meredith P; Thomas, Samantha M; Yeh, Jason S; Hurd, William W; Eaton, Jennifer L

2016-12-01

To examine the association between state-mandated insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the incidence of multiple birth while controlling for differences in baseline patient characteristics. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcomes Reporting System from 2007 to 2011 to examine the association between state-mandated insurance coverage for IVF and the incidence of multiple birth while controlling for differences in baseline patient characteristics. Analyses were stratified according to patient age and day of embryo transfer (3 or 5). Of the 173,968 cycles included in the analysis, 45,011 (25.9%) were performed in mandated states and 128,957 (74.1%) in nonmandated states. The multiple birth rate was significantly lower in mandated states (29.0% compared with 32.8%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.87, 99.95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.94). After stratification, this association remained statistically significant only in women younger than 35 years old who underwent transfer on day 5 (33.1% compared with 38.6%, adjusted OR 0.81, 99.95% CI 0.71-0.92). Among women younger than 35 years with day 5 transfer, the elective single embryo transfer rate was significantly higher in mandated states (21.8% compared with 13.1%, adjusted OR 2.36, 99.95% CI 2.09-2.67). State-mandated insurance coverage for IVF is associated with decreased odds of multiple birth. This relationship is driven by increased use of elective single embryo transfer among young women undergoing day 5 transfer.

Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives)

MedlinePlus

... from entering. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent ... tell you whether you need to use another method of birth control during the first 7 to ...

Healthy Eating and Pregnancy

MedlinePlus

... more complicated delivery for baby and for you. Mom’s health Having a baby takes a toll on ... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control ...

Servo-control for maintaining abdominal skin temperature at 36C in low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Sinclair, J C

2000-01-01

Randomized trials have shown that the neonatal mortality rate of low birth-weight babies can be reduced by keeping them warm. For low birth-weight babies nursed in incubators, warm conditions may be achieved either by heating the air to a desired temperature, or by servo-controlling the baby's body temperature at a desired set-point. In low birth weight infants, to determine the effect on death and other important clinical outcomes of targeting body temperature rather than air temperature as the end-point of control of incubator heating. Standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Collaborative Review Group. Randomized or quasi-randomized trials which test the effects of having the heat output of the incubator servo-controlled from body temperature compared with setting a constant incubator air temperature. Trial methodologic quality was systematically assessed. Outcome measures included death, timing of death, cause of death, and other clinical outcomes. Categorical outcomes were analyzed using relative risk and risk difference. Meta-analysis assumed a fixed effect model. Compared to setting a constant incubator air temperature of 31.8C, servo-control of abdominal skin temperature at 36C reduces the neonatal death rate among low birth weight infants: relative risk 0.72 (95% CI 0.54, 0.97); risk difference -12.7% (95% CI -1.6, -23.9). This effect is even greater among VLBW infants. During at least the first week after birth, low birth weight babies should be provided with a carefully regulated thermal environment that is near the thermoneutral point. For LBW babies in incubators, this can be achieved by adjusting incubator temperature to maintain an anterior abdominal skin temperature of at least 36C, using either servo-control or frequent manual adjustment of incubator air temperature.

Perceptions of Zika Virus Prevention Among College Students in Florida.

PubMed

Thompson, Erika L; Vamos, Cheryl A; Jones, Julianna; Liggett, Langdon G; Griner, Stacey B; G Logan, Rachel; Daley, Ellen M

2018-01-29

Zika virus in Florida prompted a strong public health response, due to its causal association with birth defects. While primarily spread by mosquitos, Zika can be transmitted sexually. The spread of Zika may influence reproductive behaviors among sexually active persons in Florida. This study examined factors associated with willingness to change birth control method use in response to Zika virus among college women and men in Florida. Women and men ages 18-44 at a Florida university (N = 328) were surveyed about Zika knowledge, beliefs about Zika, use of contraceptives and condoms, and socio-demographics between November 2016-April 2017. The outcome variable was willingness to change birth control method were Zika in their area. Logistic regression models in SAS 9.4 were used. Most participants were women (80%), and 47% were 20-22 years old. Only 27% of participants said they would change their birth control method if Zika were in their area. Participants who knew that Zika was sexually transmitted were more likely to be willing to change their birth control method (aOR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.01-2.91). Participants who agreed or strongly agreed that they were fearful of being infected with Zika virus were more likely to be willing to change their birth control methods (aOR = 1.98, 95%CI 1.07-3.67). This study found that, among Florida college students, Zika beliefs and knowledge were associated with a willingness to change birth control method in response to Zika. Understanding the factors that motivate individuals to change reproductive behaviors during an emerging health issue can help tailor preventative messages.

Vital signs: births to teens aged 15-17 years--United States, 1991-2012.

PubMed

Cox, Shanna; Pazol, Karen; Warner, Lee; Romero, Lisa; Spitz, Alison; Gavin, Lorrie; Barfield, Wanda

2014-04-11

Teens who give birth at age 15-17 years are at increased risk for adverse medical and social outcomes of teen pregnancy. To examine trends in the rate and proportion of births to teens aged 15-19 years that were to teens aged 15-17 years, CDC analyzed 1991-2012 National Vital Statistics System data. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data from 2006-2010 were used to examine sexual experience, contraceptive use, and receipt of prevention opportunities among female teens aged 15-17 years. During 1991-2012, the rate of births per 1,000 teens declined from 17.9 to 5.4 for teens aged 15 years, 36.9 to 12.9 for those aged 16 years, and 60.6 to 23.7 for those aged 17 years. In 2012, the birth rate per 1,000 teens aged 15-17 years was higher for Hispanics (25.5), non-Hispanic blacks (21.9), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (17.0) compared with non-Hispanic whites (8.4) and Asians/Pacific Islanders (4.1). The rate also varied by state, ranging from 6.2 per 1,000 teens aged 15-17 years in New Hampshire to 29.0 in the District of Columbia. In 2012, there were 86,423 births to teens aged 15-17 years, accounting for 28% of all births to teens aged 15-19 years. This percentage declined from 36% in 1991 to 28% in 2012 (p<0.001). NSFG data for 2006-2010 indicate that although 91% of female teens aged 15-17 years received formal sex education on birth control or how to say no to sex, 24% had not spoken with parents about either topic; among sexually experienced female teens, 83% reported no formal sex education before first sex. Among currently sexually active female teens (those who had sex within 3 months of the survey) aged 15-17 years, 58% used clinical birth control services in the past 12 months, and 92% used contraception at last sex; however, only 1% used the most effective reversible contraceptive methods. Births to teens aged 15-17 years have declined but still account for approximately one quarter of births to teens aged 15-19 years. These data highlight opportunities to increase younger teens exposure to interventions that delay initiation of sex and provide contraceptive services for those who are sexually active; these strategies include support for evidence-based programs that reach youths before they initiate sex, resources for parents in talking to teens about sex and contraception, and access to reproductive health-care services.

Neurogenetics and Epigenetics in Impulsive Behaviour: Impact on Reward Circuitry

PubMed Central

Archer, Trevor; Oscar-Berman, Marlene; Blum, Kenneth; Gold, Mark

2012-01-01

Adverse, unfavourable life conditions, particularly during early life stages and infancy, can lead to epigenetic regulation of genes involved in stress-response, behavioral disinhibition, and cognitive-emotional systems. Over time, the ultimate final outcome can be expressed through behaviors bedeviled by problems with impulse control, such as eating disorders, alcoholism, and indiscriminate social behavior. While many reward gene polymorphisms are involved in impulsive behaviors, a polymorphism by itself may not translate to the development of a particular behavioral disorder unless it is impacted by epigenetic effects. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) affects the development and integrity of the noradrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems, and plasma levels of the neurotrophin are associated with both cognitive and aggressive impulsiveness. Epigenetic mechanisms associated with a multitude of environmental factors, including premature birth, low birth weight, prenatal tobacco exposure, non-intact family, young maternal age at birth of the target child, paternal history of antisocial behavior, and maternal depression, alter the developmental trajectories for several neuropsychiatric disorders. These mechanisms affect brain development and integrity at several levels that determine structure and function in resolving the final behavioral expressions. PMID:23264884

The Association between Autism Spectrum Disorders and Congenital Anomalies by Organ Systems in a Finnish National Birth Cohort

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Timonen-Soivio, Laura; Sourander, Andre; Malm, Heli; Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki, Susanna; Gissler, Mika; Brown, Alan; Vanhala, Raija

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with and without intellectual disability (ID) and congenital anomalies (CAs) by organ system. The sample included all children diagnosed with ASD (n = 4441) from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register during 1987-2000 and a total of four controls per…

Vertebroplasty for Spine Fracture Pain

MedlinePlus

... Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids and Teens Pregnancy and Childbirth Women Men Seniors Your Health Resources Healthcare Management End-of-Life Issues Insurance & Bills Self Care ...

Caring for Your Premature Baby

MedlinePlus

... being born premature increase my baby’s risk of cerebral palsy or other chronic health conditions? Resources March of ... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control ...

Ethinyl Estradiol and Etonogestrel Vaginal Ring

MedlinePlus

... entering. The contraceptive ring is a very effective method of birth control but does not prevent the ... cases, you may need to use an additional method of birth control for the first seven days ...

Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives

MedlinePlus

... oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of ... on another day, use a backup method of birth control (such as a condom and/or a spermicide) ...

Sexual Experience and Responses to a Birth Control Film.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herold, Edward S.; Thomas, Roger E.

1980-01-01

The relationship between sexual experience and contraceptive attitudinal responses to a birth control film is examined. Significant group differences were found regarding reinforcement of sexual attitudes but not for contraceptive attitudes. (JMF)

Morning-After Pill

MedlinePlus

... morning-after pill is a type of emergency birth control (contraception). Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy for women who've had unprotected sex or whose birth control method has failed. The morning-after pill is ...

Birthing experience of adolescents at the Ottawa General Hospital Perinatal Centre.

PubMed Central

Lena, S M; Marko, E; Nimrod, C; Merritt, L; Poirier, G; Shein, E

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To study the experiences of prenatal care, prenatal classes and birthing among adolescents. DESIGN: Anonymous self-report questionnaire survey. SETTING: Ottawa General Hospital Perinatal Centre. PATIENTS: A total of 100 adolescents (aged less than 20 years) and 100 control subjects (aged over 19 years) who gave birth at the Perinatal Centre from June 1989 to August 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prenatal experiences, attendance at prenatal classes, experiences in labour and delivery, postpartum care. RESULTS: Only 26% of the adolescent patients sought prenatal care in the first trimester, and only 27% attended prenatal classes, as compared with 87% and 91% of the control subjects (p < 0.001). Most of the adolescents felt uncomfortable in the same waiting room as adult women. During labour and delivery 50% of the adolescents had their mothers with them for support, whereas 83% of the adults had their husbands with them (p < 0.001). Over half (59%) of the adolescents stated that they were not prepared for labour and delivery, as compared with 26% of the adults (p < 0.001). Of the adolescents 85% opted to care for their babies after birth. CONCLUSION: Pregnant adolescents do not avail themselves adequately of the medical and psychosocial services available to them through the health care system. Our findings suggest features of prenatal clinics that would make them attractive and accessible to such patients. PMID:8324689

Maternal social support and neighborhood income inequality as predictors of low birth weight and preterm birth outcome disparities: analysis of South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System survey, 2000-2003.

PubMed

Nkansah-Amankra, Stephen; Dhawain, Ashish; Hussey, James Robert; Luchok, Kathryn J

2010-09-01

Effects of income inequality on health and other social systems have been a subject of considerable debate, but only a few studies have used multilevel models to evaluate these relationships. The main objectives of the study were to (1) Evaluate the relationships among neighborhood income inequality, social support and birth outcomes (low birth weight, and preterm delivery) and (2) Assess variations in racial disparities in birth outcomes across neighborhood contexts of income distribution and maternal social support. We evaluated these relationships by using South Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey for 2000-2003 geocoded to 2000 US Census data for South Carolina. Multilevel analysis was used to simultaneously evaluate the association between income inequality (measured as Gini), maternal social relationships and birth outcomes (low birth weight and preterm delivery). The results showed residence in neighborhoods with medium levels of income inequality was independently associated with low birth weight (OR: 2.00; 95% CI 1.14-3.26), but not preterm birth; low social support was an independent risk for low birth weight or preterm births. The evidence suggests that non-Hispanic black mothers were at increased risks of low birth weight or preterm birth primarily due to greater exposures of neighborhood deprivations associated with low income and reduced social support and modified by unequal income distribution.

Economic implications of home births and birth centers: a structured review.

PubMed

Henderson, Jane; Petrou, Stavros

2008-06-01

It is widely perceived that home births and birth centers may help decrease the costs of maternity care for women with uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries. This structured review examines the literature relating to the economic implications of home births and birth center care compared with hospital maternity care. The bibliographic databases MEDLINE (from 1950), CINAHL (from 1982), EMBASE (from 1980), and an "in-house" database, Econ2, were searched for relevant English language publications using MeSH and free text terms. Data were extracted with respect to the study design, inclusion criteria, clinical and cost results, and details of what was included in the cost calculations. Eleven studies were included from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada. Two studies focused on home births versus other forms and locations of care, whereas nine focused on birth centers versus other forms and locations of care. Resource use was generally lower for women cared for at home and in birth centers due to lower rates of intervention, shorter lengths of stay, or both. However, this fact did not always translate into lower costs because, in the U.K. where many studies were conducted, more midwives of a higher grade were employed to manage the birth centers than are usually employed in maternity units, and because of costs of converting existing facilities into delivery rooms. The quality of much of the literature was poor, although no studies were excluded for this reason. Selection bias was likely to be a problem in those studies not based on randomized controlled trials because, even where birth center eligibility was applied throughout, women who choose to deliver at home or in a birth center are likely to be different in terms of expectations and approach from women choosing to deliver in hospital. This review highlights the paucity of economic literature relating to home births and birth centers. Differences in results between studies may be attributed to differences in health care systems, differences in methods used, and differences in costs included. Further economic research that involves detailed bottom-up costing of alternative options for place of birth and measures multiple outcomes, including women's preferences, would help address the question of whether out-of-hospital birth is beneficial in economic terms.

Employment, working conditions, and preterm birth: results from the Europop case-control survey.

PubMed

Saurel-Cubizolles, M J; Zeitlin, J; Lelong, N; Papiernik, E; Di Renzo, G C; Bréart, G

2004-05-01

To analyse the relation between preterm birth and working conditions in Europe using common measures of exposure and to test whether employment related risks varied by country of residence. A case-control study in which cases included all consecutive singleton preterm births and controls included one of every ten singleton term births in each participating maternity unit. Data about working conditions were obtained by interview from women after delivery. Sixteen European countries. The analysis included 5145 preterm and 7911 term births of which 2369 preterm and 4098 term births were to women employed during pregnancy. Analyses of working conditions were carried out for women working through at least the third month of pregnancy. Employed women did not have an excess risk of preterm birth. Among working women, a moderate excess risk was observed for women working more than 42 hours a week (OR = 1.33, CI = 1.1 to 1.6), standing more than six hours a day (OR = 1.26, CI = 1.1 to 1.5), and for women with low job satisfaction (OR = 1.27, CI = 1.1 to 1.5). There were stronger links in countries with a lower overall level of perinatal health and a common practice of long prenatal leaves. These findings show that specific working conditions affect the risk of preterm birth. They also suggest employment related risks could be mediated by the social and legislative context.

Multiple births associated with assisted human reproduction in Canada.

PubMed

Cook, Jocelynn L; Geran, Leslie; Rotermann, Michelle

2011-06-01

Assisted human reproduction has been associated with increased rates of multiple births. Data suggest that twins and higher order multiple pregnancies are at risk for pre- and postnatal health complications that contribute to stress on both the family and the Canadian health care system. No published Canadian data estimate the contribution of assisted human reproduction to multiple birth rates. This study was designed to determine the contributions of age and assisted human reproduction to multiple birth rates in Canada. We performed analyses of existing Canadian databases, using a mathematical model from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More specifically, data from the Canadian Vital Statistics: Births and Stillbirths database were combined with data from the Canadian Assisted Reproductive Technologies Register collected by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society. Datasets were standardized to age distributions of mothers in 1978. RESULTS suggest that in vitro fertilization, ovulation induction, and age each contribute more to the rates of triplets than to twins. As expected, the contribution of natural factors was higher to twins than to triplets. These are the first Canadian data analyzed to separate and measure the contributions of age and assisted reproductive technologies to multiple birth rates. Our findings are important for guiding physician and patient education and informing the development of treatment protocols that will result in lower-risk pregnancies and improved long-term health for women and their offspring.

Determinants of skilled attendance for delivery in Northwest Ethiopia: a community based nested case control study.

PubMed

Mengesha, Zelalem Birhanu; Biks, Gashaw Andargie; Ayele, Tadesse Awoke; Tessema, Gizachew Assefa; Koye, Digsu Negesse

2013-02-12

The fifth Millennium Development Goal calls for a reduction of maternal mortality ratio by 75% between 1990 and 2015. A key indicator to measure this goal is the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel. The maternal mortality ratio of Ethiopia is 676 deaths per 100,000 live births. Skilled birth attendance is correlated with lower maternal mortality rates globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the proportion of births with a skilled attendant is only 10% in Ethiopia. Therefore identifying the determinants of skilled attendance for delivery is a priority area to give policy recommendations. A community based nested case control study was conducted from October 2009 - August 2011 at the University of Gondar health and demographic surveillance systems site located at Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were obtained from the infant mortality prospective follow up study conducted to identify the determinants of infant survival. A pretested and structured questionnaire via interview was used to collect data on the different variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of skilled birth attendance. Strength of the association was assessed using odds ratio with 95% CI. A total of 1065 mothers (213 cases and 852 controls) were included in the analysis. Among the cases, 166 (77.9%) were from urban areas. More than half (54%) of the cases have secondary and above level of education. Secondary and above level of education [AOR (95%CI) = 2.8 (1.29, 3.68)] and urban residence [AOR (95%CI) = 8.8 (5.32, 14.46)] were associated with skilled attendance for delivery. Similarly, women who had ANC during their pregnancy four or more times [AOR (95%CI) = 2.8 (1.56, 4.98)] and who own TV [AOR (95%CI) = 2.5 (1.32, 4.76)] were more likely to deliver with the assistance of a skilled attendant. Women's education, place of residence, frequency of antenatal care visit and ever use of family planning were found to be determinants of skilled birth attendance. Encouraging women to complete at least secondary education and to have antenatal care frequently are important to increase skilled attendance during delivery.

Trunk motion and gait characteristics of pregnant women when walking: report of a longitudinal study with a control group

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background A longitudinal repeated measures design over pregnancy and post-birth, with a control group would provide insight into the mechanical adaptations of the body under conditions of changing load during a common female human lifespan condition, while minimizing the influences of inter human differences. The objective was to investigate systematic changes in the range of motion for the pelvic and thoracic segments of the spine, the motion between these segments (thoracolumbar spine) and temporospatial characteristics of step width, stride length and velocity during walking as pregnancy progresses and post-birth. Methods Nine pregnant women were investigated when walking along a walkway at a self-selected velocity using an 8 camera motion analysis system on four occasions throughout pregnancy and once post birth. A control group of twelve non-pregnant nulliparous women were tested on three occasions over the same time period. The existence of linear trends for change was investigated. Results As pregnancy progresses there was a significant linear trend for increase in step width (p = 0.05) and a significant linear trend for decrease in stride length (p = 0.05). Concurrently there was a significant linear trend for decrease in the range of motion of the pelvic segment (p = 0.03) and thoracolumbar spine (p = 0.01) about a vertical axis (side to side rotation), and the pelvic segment (p = 0.04) range of motion around an anterio-posterior axis (side tilt). Post-birth, step width readapted whereas pelvic (p = 0.02) and thoracic (p < 0.001) segment flexion-extension range of motion decreased and increased respectively. The magnitude of all changes was greater than that accounted for with natural variability with re testing. Conclusions As pregnancy progressed and post-birth there were significant linear trends seen in biomechanical changes when walking at a self-determined natural speed that were greater than that accounted for by natural variability with repeated testing. Not all adaptations were resolved by eight weeks post birth. PMID:23514204

Laterality defects in the national birth defects prevention study 1998-2007 birth prevalence and descriptive epidemiology

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Little is known epidemiologically about laterality defects. Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a large multi-site case-control study of birth defects, we analyzed prevalence and selected characteristics in children born with laterality defects born from 1998 to 2007...

Maternal Residential Exposure to Agricultural Pesticides and Birth Defects in a 2003 to 2005 North Carolina Birth Cohort

EPA Science Inventory

Birth defects are responsible for a large proportion of disability and infant mortality. Exposure to a variety of pesticides have been linked to increased risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study to estimate the associations between a residence-based metric of agr...

76 FR 24081 - 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-10, Birth Affidavit, 1405-0132

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-29

..., Birth Affidavit, 1405-0132 ACTION: Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of... the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Birth Affidavit. OMB Control... those who are to respond, Abstract of Proposed Collection The Birth Affidavit is submitted in...

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... expand properly). A radiant warmer to control his temperature. Frequent blood tests to see if he’s getting ... Related ArticlesBirthing ClassesRead Article >>Pregnancy and ChildbirthBirthing ClassesBirthing classes are an important part of preparing to have ...

Perceived Fertility Control and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Abused Women.

PubMed

Liu, Fuqin; McFarlane, Judith; Maddoux, John A; Cesario, Sandra; Gilroy, Heidi; Nava, Angeles

2016-01-01

To describe the degree of perceived fertility control and associated likelihood of unintended pregnancy and poor pregnancy outcomes among women who report intimate partner violence. Cross-sectional cohort study design. Five domestic violence shelters and one district attorney's office in a large urban metropolis in the United States. A total of 282 women who reported intimate partner violence and reached out for the first time to a shelter or district attorney's office for assistance. This 7-year prospective longitudinal study began in 2011. Participants in the overarching study are being interviewed every 4 months. During the 32-month interview period, participants responded to a one-time, investigator-developed, fertility control questionnaire in addition to the ongoing repeated measures. Almost one third (29%) of the participants reported at least one unintended pregnancy attributed to their abusers' refusal to use birth control, and 14.3% of the participants reported at least one unintended pregnancy as a result of their abusers' refusal to allow them to use birth control. Participants were 28 times more likely to have abuse-induced miscarriages if their pregnancies resulted because their abusers did not use birth control (OR = 28.70, p < .05). Finally, participants were 8 times more likely to report premature births if they were abused because of their use of birth control (OR = 8.340, p < .05). Women in abusive relationships reported compromised fertility control associated with abuse and increased risk for unintended pregnancy as well as the adverse pregnancy outcomes of premature birth and miscarriage. Copyright © 2016 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Linear trends and seasonality of births and perinatal outcomes in Upper East Region, Ghana from 2010 to 2014.

PubMed

Osei, Eric; Agbemefle, Isaac; Kye-Duodu, Gideon; Binka, Fred Newton

2016-03-04

Seasonal variations greatly influence birth patterns differently from country to country. In Ghana, there is paucity of information on birth seasonal patterns. This retrospective study described the trends and seasonality of births and perinatal outcomes in Upper East Region of Ghana. Births occurring in each month of the calendar years (2010-2014; inclusive) were extracted from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2) database of the Bolgatanga Municipal Health Directorate and exported into Microsoft Excel spread sheet and Epi Ifo for analysis. Analysis was carried out by calculating average number of births per month correcting for unequal month length using 30 days. A Chi-square test for trend was performed to check for statistical significance (p < 0.05) in trends and seasonality of birth and perinatal outcomes. There were 24,171 health facility deliveries, of which 97.7% were singleton deliveries and 2.3% were multiple (two or three) deliveries. There was a consistent rise in the annual health facility deliveries controlled for the number of fertile women, from 4169 in 2010 to 5474 in 2014 (p < 0.0001). Monthly birth distribution displayed a periodic pattern with peaks in May, September and October and troughs during the months of January, February and July (p < 0.0001). Women were likely to give birth during the raining season than the dry season. Caesarean Section (CS) rate showed a steady rise over the years (124 per 1000 births in 2010 to 185 per 1000 births in 2014 (p < 0.0001) with overall rate of 14.6%. Stillbirth (SB) rate, however decreased slightly over the years from 29 per 1000 births to 23 per 1000 births (p = 0.197) with overall SB rate of 2.6%. Similarly, Low Birth Weight (LBW) declined from 77 per 1000 live births to 71 per 1000 live births from 2010 to 2014 (p < 0.0001). Seasonal (rainy and dry) distributions did not show a clear difference in birth frequencies. Health facility delivery was persistently high in the Bolgatanga Municipality with birth peaking in May, September and October. Despite the rising rate of caesarean section, stillbirth rate did not significantly improved over the years. A prospective study may reveal the reasons for the increasing caesarean section rate. Additionally, understanding the factors that affect the decreasing trends of low birth weight in the municipality is crucial to public health policy makers in Ghana.

Birth Characteristics and Childhood Leukemia Risk: Correlations With Genetic Markers.

PubMed

Kennedy, Amy E; Kamdar, Kala Y; Lupo, Philip J; Okcu, Mehmet F; Scheurer, Michael E; Dorak, Mehmet T

2015-07-01

Birth characteristics such as birth order, birth weight, birth defects, and Down syndrome showed some of the first risk associations with childhood leukemia. Examinations of correlations between birth characteristics and leukemia risk markers have been limited to birth weight-related genetic polymorphisms. We integrated information on nongenetic and genetic markers by evaluating the relationship of birth characteristics, genetic markers for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) susceptibility, and ALL risk together. The multiethnic study consisted of cases with childhood ALL (n=161) and healthy controls (n=261). Birth characteristic data were collected through questionnaires, and genotyping was achieved by TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. We observed risk associations for birth weight over 4000 g (odds ratios [OR]=1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-3.19), birth length (OR=1.18 per inch; 95% CI, 1.01-1.38), and with gestational age (OR=1.10 per week; 95% CI, 1.00-1.21). Only the HFE tag single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9366637 showed an inverse correlation with a birth characteristic, gestational age, with a gene-dosage effect (P=0.005), and in interaction with a transferrin receptor rs3817672 genotype (Pinteraction=0.05). This correlation translated into a strong association for rs9366637 with preterm birth (OR=5.0; 95% CI, 1.19-20.9). Our study provides evidence for the involvement of prenatal events in the development of childhood ALL. The inverse correlation of rs9366637 with gestational age has implications on the design of HFE association studies in birth weight and childhood conditions using full-term newborns as controls.

Cushing's Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests take a picture of your insides. Looking at these pictures, your doctor will be able to tell whether ... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control ...

The Status of State Policies Concerning Birth Control Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parcel, Guy S.; Kenepp, Diana L.

1972-01-01

This study tried to determine the nature of existing policies concerning birth control education in each of the 50 states and District of Columbia and to obtain an interpretation of these policies. (Author)

Dyspareunia: Painful Sex for Women

MedlinePlus

... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and ... Share Print What is dyspareunia? Dyspareunia is painful sex for women. Also, it causes pain during tampon ...

National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

MedlinePlus

... Support Birth Control Use and Access Press Release Innovation Next Awards Announces Open Call for Entries Press ... know about the new birth control rules Blog Innovation Next 2016 Winners Launch App Blog Health Insurance ...

The impact of the legalisation of abortion on birth outcomes in Uruguay.

PubMed

Antón, José-Ignacio; Ferre, Zuleika; Triunfo, Patricia

2018-07-01

This study investigates the short-term impact on the quantity and quality of births of an abortion reform in Uruguay that legalised termination of pregnancy until the 12 th week of pregnancy in the short run. We employ a differences-in-differences approach, comprehensive administrative records of births, and a novel identification strategy based on the planned or unplanned nature of pregnancies that came to term. Our results suggest that this policy change has led to an 8% decline in the number of births from unplanned pregnancies, driven by the group of mothers aged between 20 and 34 years old who have secondary education. This decline has triggered an increase in the average quality of births in terms of more intensive prenatal control care and a lower probability of births among single mothers. Furthermore, we document a positive selection process of births because of the reform, as adequate prenatal control care and Apgar scores rose among the affected demographic group. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preterm birth and adolescent bone mineral content.

PubMed

Erlandson, Marta C; Sherar, Lauren B; Baxter-Jones, Adam D G; Jackowski, Stefan A; Ludwig-Auser, Heidi; Arnold, Chris; Sankaran, Koravangattu

2011-02-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of preterm low birth weight on bone mineral content in adolescence. In 2007 to 2008, data on adolescents were obtained for study, including 16 females and 25 males who were born preterm (≤37 weeks' gestation) between October 1, 1989, and December 31, 1995, with a birth weight of less than 1850 g. Preterm low-birth-weight individuals were age- and sex-matched to full-term (>37 weeks) normal-birth-weight (>2500 g) controls. Total body, hip, and spine bone mineral content (BMC) was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Male preterm individuals had less BMC at the proximal femur in adolescence compared with controls ( p < 0.05). However, once adjusted for age, maturity, height, weight, physical activity, and diet, there were no differences between groups ( p < 0.05) in any bone parameters. These findings suggest that preterm birth and low birth weight did not influence bone accrual in these individuals at adolescence. © Thieme Medical Publishers.

Birth order has no effect on intelligence: a reply and extension of previous findings.

PubMed

Wichman, Aaron L; Rodgers, Joseph Lee; Maccallum, Robert C

2007-09-01

We address points raised by Zajonc and Sulloway, who reject findings showing that birth order has no effect on intelligence. Many objections to findings of null birth-order results seem to stem from a misunderstanding of the difference between study designs where birth order is confounded with true causal influences on intelligence across families and designs that control for some of these influences. We discuss some of the consequences of not appreciating the nature of this difference. When between-family confounds are controlled using appropriate study designs and techniques such as multilevel modeling, birth order is shown not to influence intelligence. We conclude with an empirical investigation of the replicability and generalizability of this approach.

The Association of Self-Reported Measures With Poor Training Outcomes Among Male and Female U.S. Navy Recruits

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

birth - control hormone use (No as the reference group), and months since last...Months Without Menstrual Cycle in Past 12 Months" Used Birth Control in Past 12 Months Category ឃ 19-23 >23 គ.4 18.5-24.9 >25.0 ក >16 >10 1-9...secondary amenorrhea, irregular menstrual activity (oligomenorrhea), and birth control use.̂ "’"’’*’̂ ’̂̂ ’*’̂ ’̂̂ ^"’’’ Female recruits in our study

Control of fertility in the People's Republic of China.

PubMed

Blayo, Y

1993-06-01

The nature of the changing family planning and population control policies in China and their impact on fertility are discussed. The basic trust of policy was to destroy traditional structures and replace them with social institutions and a new administrative systems. During the 1950s, the Marriage Law was implemented and communes, brigades, and teams in rural areas and work units and district and residents' committees effectively administered the means of population control. The means were political involving mass campaigns and permanent mobilization and administrative involving registration of households. This system was shocked by the Great Leap Forward in 1958 and the after effects and the Cultural Revolution in 1966. State machinery was restored and in place for the third campaign of birth quotas and standards of procreation. Quotas were determined by year and by province, then by municipalities and districts. Meetings were held and women selected to bear children. The legal minimum marriage for males to marry was 20 years and 18 years for females; however, it was strongly urged that females not marry until 23 years in rural areas and 25 years in urban areas males; 25 or 28 years). Rural areas stipulated a birth interval of 3 years and urban areas required 4-5 years. The limit on births was 2 in urban areas. In rural areas it was 3 until 1977 when the number was reduced to 2. Unplanned pregnancies should be terminated. By 1975-76, the program was universally applied, but fertility decline still did not meet the goals of the Four Modernizations for 1978. The single-child campaign was then established in 1979. Incentives and bonuses were offered to those bearing only 1 child and disincentives and penalties were applied to those who had additional children. The Modernization campaign returned productivity to the family unit and children became more valuable; communes were abolished and administrative means of control were limited. A floating population with mobility was able to escape the control of family planning workers. The Marriage Act of 1981 reduced the marriage age to 20 years for females and 22 years for males; the result was increased fertility. The new mobilization of 1983 attempted to restrict births to 1 more vigorously; abortions became compulsory and sterilizations were introduced. Coercion was deemed necessary. The campaign was relaxed in 1984, but by then the floating population had increased.

Anthropometrics at birth and risk of a primary central nervous system tumour: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Georgakis, Marios K; Kalogirou, Eleni I; Liaskas, Athanasios; Karalexi, Maria A; Papathoma, Paraskevi; Ladopoulou, Kyriaki; Kantzanou, Maria; Tsivgoulis, Georgios; Petridou, Eleni Th

2017-04-01

The aetiology of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours remains largely unknown, but their childhood peak points to perinatal parameters as tentative risk factors. In this meta-analysis, we opted to quantitatively synthesise published evidence on the association between birth anthropometrics and risk of primary CNS tumour. Eligible studies were identified via systematic literature review; random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for the effect of birth weight and size-for-gestational-age on childhood and adult primary CNS tumours; subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression and dose-response by birth weight category analyses were also performed. Forty-one articles, encompassing 53,167 CNS tumour cases, were eligible. Birth weight >4000 g was associated with increased risk of childhood CNS tumour (OR: 1.14, [1.08-1.20]; 22,330 cases). The risk was higher for astrocytoma (OR: 1.22, [1.13-1.31]; 7456 cases) and embryonal tumour (OR: 1.16, [1.04-1.29]; 3574 cases) and non-significant for ependymoma (OR: 1.12, [0.94-1.34]; 1374 cases). Increased odds for a CNS tumour were also noted among large-for-gestational-age children (OR: 1.12, [1.03-1.22]; 10,339 cases), whereas insufficient data for synthesis were identified for other birth anthropometrics. The findings remained robust across subgroup and sensitivity analyses controlling for several sources of bias, whereas no significant heterogeneity or publication bias were documented. The limited available evidence on adults (4 studies) did not reveal significant associations between increasing birth weight (500-g increment) and overall risk CNS tumour (OR: 0.99, [0.98-1.00]; 1091 cases) or glioma (OR: 1.03, [0.98-1.07]; 2052 cases). This meta-analysis confirms a sizeable association of high birth weight, with childhood CNS tumour risk, particularly astrocytoma and embryonal tumour, which seems to be independent of gestational age. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms, especially modifiable determinants of infant macrosomia, such as gestational diabetes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The significance of placental ratios in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Kim, Hee Sun; Cho, Soo Hyun; Kwon, Han Sung; Sohn, In Sook; Hwang, Han Sung

2014-09-01

This study aimed to evaluate the placental weight, volume, and density, and investigate the significance of placental ratios in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Two hundred and fifty-four pregnant women were enrolled from August 2005 through July 2013. Participants were divided into four groups: control (n=82), SGA (n=37), PE (n=102), and GDM (n=33). The PE group was classified as PE without intrauterine growth restriction (n=65) and PE with intrauterine growth restriction (n=37). Birth weight, placental weight, placental volume, placental density, and placental ratios including birth weight/placental weight ratio (BPW) and birth weight/placental volume ratio (BPV) were compared between groups. Birth weight, placental weight, and placental volume were lower in the SGA group than in the control group. However, the BPW and BPV did not differ between the two groups. Birth weight, placental weight, placental volume, BPW, and BPV were all significantly lower in the PE group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, birth weight, BPW, and BPV were higher in the GDM group, whereas placental weight and volume did not differ in the two groups. Placental density was not significantly different among the four groups. Placental ratios based on placental weight, placental volume, placental density, and birth weight are helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of complicated pregnancies. Moreover, they can be used as predictors of pregnancy complications.

Servo-control for maintaining abdominal skin temperature at 36C in low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Sinclair, J C

2002-01-01

Randomized trials have shown that the neonatal mortality rate of low birth-weight babies can be reduced by keeping them warm. For low birth-weight babies nursed in incubators, warm conditions may be achieved either by heating the air to a desired temperature, or by servo-controlling the baby's body temperature at a desired set-point. In low birth weight infants, to determine the effect on death and other important clinical outcomes of targeting body temperature rather than air temperature as the end-point of control of incubator heating. Standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. Searches were made of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR) (Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2001) and MEDLINE, 1966 to November 2001. Randomized or quasi-randomized trials which test the effects of having the heat output of the incubator servo-controlled from body temperature compared with setting a constant incubator air temperature. Trial methodologic quality was systematically assessed. Outcome measures included death, timing of death, cause of death, and other clinical outcomes. Categorical outcomes were analyzed using relative risk and risk difference. Meta-analysis assumed a fixed effect model. Two eligible trials were found. In total, they included 283 babies and 112 deaths. Compared to setting a constant incubator air temperature of 31.8C, servo-control of abdominal skin temperature at 36C reduces the neonatal death rate among low birth weight infants: relative risk 0.72 (95% CI 0.54, 0.97); risk difference -12.7% (95% CI -1.6, -23.9). This effect is even greater among VLBW infants. During at least the first week after birth, low birth weight babies should be provided with a carefully regulated thermal environment that is near the thermoneutral point. For LBW babies in incubators, this can be achieved by adjusting incubator temperature to maintain an anterior abdominal skin temperature of at least 36C, using either servo-control or frequent manual adjustment of incubator air temperature.

Birth weight and risk of childhood acute leukaemia.

PubMed

Gholami, A; Salarilak, S; Hejazi, S; Khalkhali, H R

2013-02-01

Studies of risk factors for acute leukaemia are inconclusive. This case-control study was done in West Azerbaijan province, Islamic Republic of Iran, to determine the relationship between birth weight and acute leukaemia in children aged under 15 years. For every patient 2 age- and sex-matched controls were selected from hospital and community populations. Of 130 cases diagnosed over the period 2003-2009,108 (83.1%) had lymphoblastic and 22 (16.9%) myloblastic type. Significantly more of them were male than female (55.4% versus 44.6%). In a multivariate logistic regression model variables significantly associated with acute leukaemia were: birth weight (OR = 2.25), birth order (OR = 2.25), birth place (OR = 7.93), history of chickenpox (OR = 0.46) and mothers' education (OR = 3.23). The risk of acute leukaemia increased significantly with increasing birth weight in the total group and among girls, but not among boys.

Neuroprotective properties of melatonin in a model of birth asphyxia in the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus).

PubMed

Hutton, Lisa C; Abbass, Mahila; Dickinson, Hayley; Ireland, Zoe; Walker, David W

2009-01-01

Birth asphyxia is associated with disturbed development of the neonatal brain. In this study, we determined if low-dose melatonin (0.1 mg/kg/day), administered to the mother over 7 days at the end of pregnancy, could protect against the effects of birth asphyxia in a precocial species - the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus). At 37 days of gestation (term is 38-39 days), pups were subjected to birth asphyxia (7.5 min uterine ischemia) and compared to Cesarean section-delivered controls. At 24 h of age, birth asphyxia had increased markers of CNS inflammation (microglia, macrophage infiltration) and apoptosis (activated caspase-3, fractin) in cortical gray matter, which were reduced to control levels by prior maternal melatonin treatment. Melatonin may be an effective prophylactic agent for use in late pregnancy to protect against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury at birth. (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Birth order and sibling sex ratio in homosexual transsexual South Korean men: Effects of the male-preference stopping rule.

PubMed

Zucker, Kenneth J; Blanchard, Ray; Kim, Tae-Suk; Pae, Chi-Un; Lee, Chul

2007-10-01

Two biodemographic variables - birth order and sibling sex ratio - have been examined in several Western samples of homosexual transsexual men. The results have consistently shown that homosexual transsexuals have a later birth order and come from sibships with an excess of brothers to sisters; the excess of brothers has been largely driven by the number of older brothers and hence has been termed the fraternal birth order effect. In the present study the birth order and sibling sex ratio were examined in an Asian sample of 43 homosexual transsexual men and 49 heterosexual control men from South Korea. Although the transsexual men had a significantly late birth order, so did the control men. Unlike Western samples, the Korean transsexuals had a significant excess of sisters, not brothers, as did the control men, and this was largely accounted for by older sisters. It is concluded that a male-preference stopping rule governing parental reproductive behavior had a strong impact on these two biodemographic variables. Future studies that examine birth order and sibling sex ratio in non-Western samples of transsexuals need to be vigilant for the influential role of stopping rules, including the one identified in the present study.

Maternal autoimmune disease and birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

PubMed

Howley, Meredith M; Browne, Marilyn L; Van Zutphen, Alissa R; Richardson, Sandra D; Blossom, Sarah J; Broussard, Cheryl S; Carmichael, Suzan L; Druschel, Charlotte M

2016-11-01

Little is known about the association between maternal autoimmune disease or its treatment and the risk of birth defects. We examined these associations using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multi-site, population-based, case-control study. Analyses included 25,116 case and 9897 unaffected control infants with estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2009. Information on autoimmune disease, medication use, and other pregnancy exposures was collected by means of telephone interview. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for birth defects with five or more exposed cases; crude ORs and exact 95% CIs were estimated for birth defects with three to four exposed cases. Autoimmune disease was reported by 373 mothers (279 case and 94 control mothers). The majority of birth defects evaluated were not associated with autoimmune disease; however, a statistically significant association between maternal autoimmune disease and encephalocele was observed (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.95-11.04). Eighty-two mothers with autoimmune disease used an immune modifying/suppressing medication during pregnancy; this was associated with encephalocele (OR, 7.26; 95% CI, 1.37-24.61) and atrial septal defects (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.16-7.80). Our findings suggest maternal autoimmune disease and treatment are not associated with the majority of birth defects, but may be associated with some defects, particularly encephalocele. Given the low prevalence of individual autoimmune diseases and the rare use of specific medications, we were unable to examine associations of specific autoimmune diseases and medications with birth defects. Other studies are needed to confirm these findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:950-962, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preventive Effects on Birth Outcomes: Buffering Impact of Maternal Stress, Depression, and Anxiety.

PubMed

Feinberg, Mark E; Jones, Damon E; Roettger, Michael E; Hostetler, Michelle L; Sakuma, Kari-Lyn; Paul, Ian M; Ehrenthal, Deborah B

2016-01-01

Although maternal stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to negative birth outcomes, few studies have investigated preventive interventions targeting maternal mental health as a means of reducing such problems. This randomized controlled study examines whether Family Foundations (FF)-a transition to parenthood program for couples focused on promoting coparenting quality, with previously documented impact on maternal stress, depression, and anxiety-can buffer the negative effects of maternal mental health problems. To assess the effects of FF, we used a randomized block design with a sample of 259 expectant mothers assigned to FF or a control condition and analyzed using propensity score models. We examine two-way interactions of condition (intervention vs. control) with maternal mental health problems (financial stress, depression, and anxiety) on birth outcomes (birth weight, days in hospital for mothers and infants). For birth weight, we assess whether intervention effects depend on length of gestation by including a third interaction term. FF buffered (p < 0.05) the negative impact of maternal mental health problems on birth weight and both mother and infant length of post-partum hospital stay. For birth weight, assignment to FF was associated with higher birth weight for infants born before term. These results demonstrate that a psycho-educational program for couples focused on enhancing mutual coparental support, with preventive effects on maternal mental health, can reduce incidence of birth problems among women at elevated risk. Such improvements in birth outcomes could translate into substantial reductions in public and personal healthcare costs. Future work should assess mediating mechanisms of intervention impact and cost-benefit ratio of the intervention. The Family Foundations follow-up intervention study is currently registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov . The study identifier is NCT01907412.

IOC Rescinds Ban on Birth Control Drug.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duda, Marty

1988-01-01

A review of the International Olympic Committee's ban and subsequent reinstatement of a certain drug found in birth-control pills points out the need for careful analysis of drugs and their effects before they are banned. (CB)

Talking to Your Kids about Sex

MedlinePlus

... Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and ... Kids and Teens Talking to Your Kids About Sex Talking to Your Kids About Sex Share Print ...

Having a Baby (Especially for Teens)

MedlinePlus

... healing and in good health. This is a good time to ask questions about your future health, breastfeeding, birth control , weight loss, sex, or your emotions. Glossary Birth Control: Methods to prevent pregnancy. Listeriosis: A type of food- ...

Estimating the impact of birth control on fertility rate in sub-Saharan Africa.

PubMed

Ijaiya, Gafar T; Raheem, Usman A; Olatinwo, Abdulwaheed O; Ijaiya, Munir-Deen A; Ijaiya, Mukaila A

2009-12-01

Using a cross-country data drawn from 40 countries and a multiple regression analysis, this paper examines the impact of birth control devices on the rate of fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. Our a-priori expectations are that the more women used birth control devices, the less will be the fertility rate in sub-Saharan Africa. The result obtained from the study indicates that except for withdrawal method that fall contrary to our expectation other variables (methods) like the use of pills, injection, intra uterine device (IUD), condom/diaphragm and cervical cap, female sterilization and periodic abstinence/rhythm fulfilled our a-priori expectations. These results notwithstanding, the paper suggests measures, such as the need for massive enlightenment campaign on the benefit of these birth control devices, the frequent checking of the potency of the devices and good governance in the delivery of the devices

Fertility Effects of Abortion and Birth Control Pill Access for Minors

PubMed Central

GULDI, MELANIE

2008-01-01

This article empirically assesses whether age-restricted access to abortion and the birth control pill influence minors’ fertility in the United States. There is not a strong consensus in previous literature regarding the relationship between laws restricting minors’ access to abortion and minors’ birthrates. This is the first study to recognize that state laws in place prior to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision enabled minors to legally consent to surgical treatment—including abortion—in some states but not in others, and to construct abortion access variables reflecting this. In this article, age-specific policy variables measure either a minor’s legal ability to obtain an abortion or to obtain the birth control pill without parental involvement. I find fairly strong evidence that young women’s birthrates dropped as a result of abortion access as well as evidence that birth control pill access led to a drop in birthrates among whites. PMID:19110899

Guidelines to birth control counselling of the physically handicapped.

PubMed Central

Szasz, G.; Miller, S.; Anderson, L.

1979-01-01

Birth control counselling of well motivated physically handicapped men and women is discussed in a series of suggested steps: (1) preappointment arrangements are made to ensure physical access to the office, and the partner or a helper may be invited to the visit; (2) the patient is encouraged to name the desired birth control method; (3) the patient's fertility is established from the history and the results of physical examination and laboratory tests; (4) methods of birth control are matched to the patient's physical and mental capabilities; (5) potential side effects of the proposed methods are considered in the light of the handicap; (6) a method is finally recommended that may be a trade-off, with ease of use balanced against efficacy, and living with side effects balanced against the risks of pregnancy; and (7) rechecks are necessary to ensure that the patient is using the method with skill and satisfaction. PMID:156579

Incidence, risk factors and perinatal outcomes for placenta accreta in Australia and New Zealand: a case-control study.

PubMed

Farquhar, Cynthia M; Li, Zhuoyang; Lensen, Sarah; McLintock, Claire; Pollock, Wendy; Peek, Michael J; Ellwood, David; Knight, Marian; Homer, Caroline Se; Vaughan, Geraldine; Wang, Alex; Sullivan, Elizabeth

2017-10-05

Estimate the incidence of placenta accreta and describe risk factors, clinical practice and perinatal outcomes. Case-control study. Sites in Australia and New Zealand with at least 50 births per year. Cases were women giving birth (≥20 weeks or fetus ≥400 g) who were diagnosed with placenta accreta by antenatal imaging, at operation or by pathology specimens between 2010 and 2012. Controls were two births immediately prior to a case. A total of 295 cases were included and 570 controls. Data were collected using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System. Incidence, risk factors (eg, prior caesarean section (CS), maternal age) and clinical outcomes of placenta accreta (eg CS, hysterectomy and death). The incidence of placenta accreta was 44.2/100 000 women giving birth (95% CI 39.4 to 49.5); however, this may overestimated due to the case definition used. In primiparous women, an increased odds of placenta accreta was observed in older women (adjusted OR (AOR) women≥40 vs <30: 19.1, 95% CI 4.6 to 80.3) and current multiple birth (AOR: 6.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 34.1). In multiparous women, independent risk factors were prior CS (AOR ≥2 prior sections vs 0: 13.8, 95% CI 7.4 to 26.1) and current placenta praevia (AOR: 36.3, 95% CI 14.0 to 93.7). There were two maternal deaths (case fatality rate 0.7%).Women with placenta accreta were more likely to have a caesarean section (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 7.6) to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (AOR: 46.1, 95% CI 22.3 to 95.4) and to have a hysterectomy (AOR: 209.0, 95% CI 19.9 to 875.0). Babies born to women with placenta accreta were more likely to be preterm, be admitted to neonatal ICU and require resuscitation. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Incidence, risk factors and perinatal outcomes for placenta accreta in Australia and New Zealand: a case–control study

PubMed Central

Farquhar, Cynthia M; Li, Zhuoyang; McLintock, Claire; Pollock, Wendy; Peek, Michael J; Ellwood, David; Knight, Marian; Vaughan, Geraldine; Wang, Alex; Sullivan, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

Objective Estimate the incidence of placenta accreta and describe risk factors, clinical practice and perinatal outcomes. Design Case–control study. Setting Sites in Australia and New Zealand with at least 50 births per year. Participants Cases were women giving birth (≥20 weeks or fetus ≥400 g) who were diagnosed with placenta accreta by antenatal imaging, at operation or by pathology specimens between 2010 and 2012. Controls were two births immediately prior to a case. A total of 295 cases were included and 570 controls. Methods Data were collected using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System. Primary and secondary outcome measures Incidence, risk factors (eg, prior caesarean section (CS), maternal age) and clinical outcomes of placenta accreta (eg CS, hysterectomy and death). Results The incidence of placenta accreta was 44.2/100 000 women giving birth (95% CI 39.4 to 49.5); however, this may overestimated due to the case definition used. In primiparous women, an increased odds of placenta accreta was observed in older women (adjusted OR (AOR) women≥40 vs <30: 19.1, 95% CI 4.6 to 80.3) and current multiple birth (AOR: 6.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 34.1). In multiparous women, independent risk factors were prior CS (AOR ≥2 prior sections vs 0: 13.8, 95% CI 7.4 to 26.1) and current placenta praevia (AOR: 36.3, 95% CI 14.0 to 93.7). There were two maternal deaths (case fatality rate 0.7%). Women with placenta accreta were more likely to have a caesarean section (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 7.6) to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (AOR: 46.1, 95% CI 22.3 to 95.4) and to have a hysterectomy (AOR: 209.0, 95% CI 19.9 to 875.0). Babies born to women with placenta accreta were more likely to be preterm, be admitted to neonatal ICU and require resuscitation. PMID:28982832

Alpha-Hydroxylation of lignoceric and nervonic acids in the brain. Effects of altered thyroid function on postnatal development of the hydroxylase activity.

PubMed

Murad, S; Strycharz, G D; Kishimoto, Y

1976-09-10

Rat brain postnuclear preparations catalyzed the alpha-hydroxylation of nervonic acid with an apparent Km of 3 muM. Evidence has been presented which suggests that nervonic acid in the brain is hydroxylated by the same enzyme system which hydroxylates lignoceric acid. The hydroxylase activity in brains of normal (euthyroid) rats increased rapidly from a low in the period immediately following birth to a maximum at the 23rd day and then declined to a low level characteristic of the mature brain. Neonatal hypothyroidism retarded the development of the activity and shifted its peak to the 39th day after birth. Conversely, neonatal hyperthyroidism accelerated the entire developmental pattern and shifted the peak to the 16th day after birth. The hydroxylase activity in mouse brain was also increased by thyroid hormone administration from the 13th through the 18th day after birth. Unlike normal mice, the low activity in jimpy mice was not affected by this treatment. It is concluded that thyroid hormones play an important role in the control of brain fatty acid alpha-hydroxylation. The stimulation of alpha-hydroxy fatty acid synthesis in response to hyperthyroidism during the early postnatal period may be one of the major effects of thyroid hormones in accelerating myelination of the central nervous system.

The Cost of Morbidities in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PubMed Central

Johnson, Tricia J.; Patel, Aloka L.; Jegier, Briana; Engstrom, Janet L.; Meier, Paula

2013-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the association between direct costs for the initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization and four potentially preventable morbidities in a retrospective cohort of very low birth weight infants (VLBW; <1500g birth weight). Methods The sample included 425 VLBW infants born alive between July 2005 and June 2009 at Rush University Medical Center. Morbidities included brain injury, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and late onset sepsis. Clinical and economic data were retrieved from the institution’s system-wide data warehouse and cost accounting system. A general linear regression model was fit to determine incremental direct costs associated with each morbidity. Results After controlling for birth weight, gestational age, and socio-demographic characteristics, the presence of brain injury was associated with a $12,048 (p=0.005) increase in direct costs; necrotizing enterocolitis with a $15,440 (p=0.005) increase; bronchopulmonary dysplasia with a $31,565 (p<0.001) increase; and late onset sepsis with a $10,055 (p<0.001) increase in direct costs. The absolute number of morbidities was also associated with significantly higher costs. Conclusions This study provides the first collective estimates of the direct costs during the NICU hospitalization for these four morbidities in VLBW infants. The incremental costs associated with these morbidities were high, and these data can inform future studies evaluating interventions to prevent or reduce these costly morbidities. PMID:22910099

Neonatal medical exposures and characteristics of low birth weight hepatoblastoma cases: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

PubMed

Turcotte, Lucie M; Georgieff, Michael K; Ross, Julie A; Feusner, James H; Tomlinson, Gail E; Malogolowkin, Marcio H; Krailo, Mark D; Miller, Nicole; Fonstad, Rachel; Spector, Logan G

2014-11-01

Hepatoblastoma is a malignancy of young children. Low birth weight is associated with significantly increased risk of hepatoblastoma and neonatal medical exposures are hypothesized as contributors. This study represents the largest case-control study of hepatoblastoma to date and aimed to define the role of neonatal exposures in hepatoblastoma risk among low birth weight children. Incident hepatoblastoma cases who were born <2,500 g (N = 60), diagnosed between 2000 and 2008, were identified through the Children's Oncology Group. Controls were recruited through state birth registries (N = 51). Neonatal medical exposures were abstracted from medical records. Subjects from the Vermont Oxford Network were used for further comparisons, as were existing reports on neonatal medical exposures. Case-control comparisons were hindered by poor matching within birth weight strata. Cases were smaller and received more aggressive neonatal treatment compared to controls, and reflected high correlation levels between birth weight and treatments. Similar difficulty was encountered when comparing cases to Vermont Oxford Network subjects; cases were smaller and required more aggressive neonatal therapy. Furthermore, it appears hepatoblastoma cases were exposed to a greater number of diagnostic X-rays than in case series previously reported in the neonatal literature. This study presents the largest case series of hepatoblastoma in <2,500 g birth weight infants with accompanying neonatal medical exposure data. Findings confirm that birth weight is highly correlated with exposure intensity, and neonatal exposures are themselves highly correlated, which hampers the identification of a causal exposure among hepatoblastoma cases. Experimental models or genetic susceptibility testing may be more revealing of etiology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Neonatal Medical Exposures and Characteristics of Low Birth Weight Hepatoblastoma Cases: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

PubMed Central

Turcotte, Lucie M.; Georgieff, Michael K.; Ross, Julie A.; Feusner, James H.; Tomlinson, Gail E.; Malogolowkin, Marcio H.; Krailo, Mark D.; Miller, Nicole; Fonstad, Rachel; Spector, Logan G.

2015-01-01

Background Hepatoblastoma is a malignancy of young children. Low birth weight is associated with significantly increased risk of hepatoblastoma and neonatal medical exposures are hypothesized as contributors. This study represents the largest case–control study of hepatoblastoma to date and aimed to define the role of neonatal exposures in hepatoblastoma risk among low birth weight children. Procedure Incident hepatoblastoma cases who were born <2,500 g (N = 60), diagnosed between 2000 and 2008, were identified through the Children's Oncology Group. Controls were recruited through state birth registries (N = 51). Neonatal medical exposures were abstracted from medical records. Subjects from the Vermont Oxford Network were used for further comparisons, as were existing reports on neonatal medical exposures. Results Case–control comparisons were hindered by poor matching within birth weight strata. Cases were smaller and received more aggressive neonatal treatment compared to controls, and reflected high correlation levels between birth weight and treatments. Similar difficulty was encountered when comparing cases to Vermont Oxford Network subjects; cases were smaller and required more aggressive neonatal therapy. Furthermore, it appears hepatoblastoma cases were exposed to a greater number of diagnostic X-rays than in case series previously reported in the neonatal literature. Conclusions This study presents the largest case series of hepatoblastoma in <2,500 g birth weight infants with accompanying neonatal medical exposure data. Findings confirm that birth weight is highly correlated with exposure intensity, and neonatal exposures are themselves highly correlated, which hampers the identification of a causal exposure among hepatoblastoma cases. Experimental models or genetic susceptibility testing may be more revealing of etiology. PMID:25044669

Psychiatric Disorders and General Functioning in Low Birth Weight Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Lærum, Astrid M W; Reitan, Solveig Klæbo; Evensen, Kari Anne I; Lydersen, Stian; Brubakk, Ann-Mari; Skranes, Jon; Indredavik, Marit S

2017-02-01

To examine psychiatric morbidity and overall functioning in adults born with low birth weight compared with normal birth weight controls at age 26 years and to study longitudinal trajectories of psychiatric morbidity from early adolescence to adulthood. Prospective cohort study wherein 44 preterm very low birth weight (≤1500 g), 64 term small for gestational age (SGA; <10th percentile), and 81 control adults were examined using the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview: M.I.N.I. Plus, Norwegian version, the Global Assessment of Functioning, and questions on daily occupation and level of education. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders from previous follow-ups at age 14 and 19 years were included for longitudinal analysis. From adolescence to adulthood, the term SGA group had a marked increase in the estimated probability of psychiatric disorders from 9% (95% confidence interval, 4-19) to 39% (95% confidence interval, 28-51). At 26 years, psychiatric diagnoses were significantly more prevalent in the preterm very low birth weight group (n = 16, 36%; P = .003) and the term SGA group (n = 24, 38%; P = .019) compared with the control group (n = 11, 14%). Both low birth weight groups had lower educational level and functioning scores than controls and a higher frequency of unemployment and disability benefit. Low birth weight was a substantial risk factor for adult psychiatric morbidity and lowered overall functioning. The results underscore the need for long-term follow-up of low birth weight survivors through adolescence and adulthood, focusing on mental health. The longitudinal increase in psychiatric morbidity in the term SGA group calls for additional investigation. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Birth outcomes of cases with isolated atrial septal defect type II--a population-based case-control study.

PubMed

Vereczkey, Attila; Kósa, Zsolt; Csáky-Szunyogh, Melinda; Urbán, Róbert; Czeizel, Andrew E

2013-07-01

In general, epidemiological studies have evaluated cases with congenital cardiovascular abnormalities together. The aim of this study is to describe the birth outcomes of cases with isolated/single atrial septal defect type II (ASD-II, i.e. only a fossa ovalis defect) after surgical correction or lethal outcome in the light of maternal sociodemographic data. Comparison of birth outcomes and maternal characteristics of cases with ASD-II and controls without defect. The population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities. Hungarian newborn infants with or without ASD-II. Medically recorded birth outcomes, maternal age and birth order were evaluated. Marital and employment status was based on maternal information. The lifestyle factors were analyzed in a subsample of mothers visited at home based on a personal interview with mothers and their close relatives, and the family consensus was accepted. Mean gestational age at delivery and birthweight, rate of preterm birth and low birthweight, maternal age, birth order, marital and employment status. The evaluation of 471 cases with ASD-II and 38,151 controls without any defects showed a female excess in cases with ASD-II, having shorter gestational age and lower mean birthweight, and thus a higher rate of preterm births and low birthweight. Intrauterine growth restriction and shorter gestational age were found in cases with ASD-II, particularly in female children. These factors may have a general developmental process in which there was not closure of the foramen ovale, thus echocardiographic screening of these babies might be of value. © 2012 The Authors Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica © 2012 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Unconventional Natural Gas Development and Birth Outcomes in Pennsylvania, USA.

PubMed

Casey, Joan A; Savitz, David A; Rasmussen, Sara G; Ogburn, Elizabeth L; Pollak, Jonathan; Mercer, Dione G; Schwartz, Brian S

2016-03-01

Unconventional natural gas development has expanded rapidly. In Pennsylvania, the number of producing wells increased from 0 in 2005 to 3,689 in 2013. Few publications have focused on unconventional natural gas development and birth outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data on 9,384 mothers linked to 10,946 neonates in the Geisinger Health System from January 2009 to January 2013. We estimated cumulative exposure to unconventional natural gas development activity with an inverse-distance squared model that incorporated distance to the mother's home; dates and durations of well pad development, drilling, and hydraulic fracturing; and production volume during the pregnancy. We used multilevel linear and logistic regression models to examine associations between activity index quartile and term birth weight, preterm birth, low 5-minute Apgar score and small size for gestational age birth, while controlling for potential confounding variables. In adjusted models, there was an association between unconventional natural gas development activity and preterm birth that increased across quartiles, with a fourth quartile odds ratio of 1.4 (95% confidence interval = 1.0, 1.9). There were no associations of activity with Apgar score, small for gestational age birth, or term birth weight (after adjustment for year). In a posthoc analysis, there was an association with physician-recorded high-risk pregnancy identified from the problem list (fourth vs. first quartile, 1.3 [95% confidence interval = 1.1, 1.7]). Prenatal residential exposure to unconventional natural gas development activity was associated with two pregnancy outcomes, adding to evidence that unconventional natural gas development may impact health.See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/EDE/B14.

Distribution of maternal age and birth order groups in cases with unclassified multiple congenital abnormalities according to the number of component abnormalities: a national population-based case-control study.

PubMed

Csermely, Gyula; Czeizel, Andrew E; Veszprémi, Béla

2015-02-01

Multiple congenital abnormalities are caused by chromosomal aberrations, mutant major genes and teratogens. A minor proportion of these patients are identified as syndromes but the major part belonging to the group of unclassified multiple CAs (UMCAs). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal age and birth order in pregnant women who had offspring affected with UMCA. The strong association between numerical chromosomal aberrations, e.g., Down syndrome and advanced maternal age is well-known and tested here. The Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980 to 1996, yielded a large population-based national data set with 22,843 malformed newborns or fetuses ("informative cases") included 1349 UMCA cases with their 2407 matched controls. Case-control comparison of maternal age and birth order was made for cases with UMCA, stratified by component numbers and their controls. In addition, 834 cases with Down syndrome were compared to 1432 matched controls. The well-known advanced maternal age with the higher risk for Down syndrome was confirmed. The findings of the study suggest that the young age of mothers associates with the higher risk of UMCA, in addition birth order 4 or more associates with the higher risk for UMCA with 2 and 3 component CAs. This study was the first to analyze the possible maternal and birth order effect for cases with UMCA, and the young age and higher birth order associated with a higher risk for UMCA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How the integration of traditional birth attendants with formal health systems can increase skilled birth attendance.

PubMed

Byrne, Abbey; Morgan, Alison

2011-11-01

Forty years of safe motherhood programming has demonstrated that isolated interventions will not reduce maternal mortality sufficiently to achieve MDG 5. Although skilled birth attendants (SBAs) can intervene to save lives, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are often preferred by communities. Considering the value of both TBAs and SBAs, it is important to review strategies for maximizing their respective strengths. To describe mechanisms to integrate TBAs with the health system to increase skilled birth attendance and examine the components of successful integration. A systematic review of interventions linking TBAs and formal health workers, measuring outcomes of skilled birth attendance, referrals, and facility deliveries. Thirty-three articles met the selection criteria. Mechanisms used for integration included training and supervision of TBAs, collaboration skills for health workers, inclusion of TBAs at health facilities, communication systems, and clear definition of roles. Impact on skilled birth attendance depended on selection of TBAs, community participation, and addressing barriers to access. Successful approaches were context-specific. The integration of TBAs with formal health systems increases skilled birth attendance. The greatest impact is seen when TBA integration is combined with complementary actions to overcome context-specific barriers to contact among SBAs, TBAs, and women. Copyright © 2011 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study protocol for reducing childbirth fear: a midwife-led psycho-education intervention

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Childbirth fear has received considerable attention in Scandinavian countries, and the United Kingdom, but not in Australia. For first-time mothers, fear is often linked to a perceived lack of control and disbelief in the body’s ability to give birth safely, whereas multiparous women may be fearful as a result of previous negative and/or traumatic birth experiences. There have been few well-designed intervention studies that test interventions to address women’s childbirth fear, support normal birth, and diminish the possibility of a negative birth experience. Methods/design Pregnant women in their second trimester of pregnancy will be recruited and screened from antenatal clinics in Queensland, Australia. Women reporting high childbirth fear will be randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. The psycho-educational intervention is offered by midwives over the telephone at 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. The intervention aims to review birth expectations, work through distressing elements of childbirth, discuss strategies to develop support networks, affirm that negative childbirth events can be managed and develop a birth plan. Women in the control group will receive standard care offered by the public funded maternity services in Australia. All women will receive an information booklet on childbirth choices. Data will be collected at recruitment during the second trimester, 36 weeks of pregnancy, and 4–6 weeks after birth. Discussion This study aims to test the efficacy of a brief, midwife-led psycho-education counselling (known as BELIEF: Birth Emotions - Looking to Improve Expectant Fear) to reduce women’s childbirth fear. 1) Relative to controls, women receiving BELIEF will report lower levels of childbirth fear at term; 2) less decisional conflict; 3) less depressive symptoms; 4) better childbirth self-efficacy; and 5) improved health and obstetric outcomes. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Controlled Trials Registry ACTRN12612000526875. PMID:24139191

Mother and child characteristics at birth and early age leukemia: a case-cohort population-based study.

PubMed

Reis, Rejane de Souza; Silva, Neimar de Paula; Santos, Marceli de Oliveira; Oliveira, Julio Fernando Pinto; Thuler, Luiz Claudio Santos; de Camargo, Beatriz; Pombo-de-Oliveira, Maria S

The population-based cancer registries (PBCR) and the Information System on Live Births in Brazil (Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos [SINASC]) have information that enables the test for risk factors associated with leukemia at an early age. The aim of this study was to identify maternal and birth characteristics associated with early-age acute leukemia (EAL) in Brazil. A case-cohort study was performed using secondary dataset information of PBCR and SINASC. The risk association variables were grouped into (i) characteristics of the child at birth and (ii) characteristics of maternal exposure during pregnancy. The case-control ratio was 1:4. Linkage was performed using R software; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by logistic regression models. EAL was associated with maternal occupational exposure to chemicals (agricultural, chemical, and petrochemical industry; adjOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.16-4.10) and with birth defects (adjOR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.19-11.00). The results of this study, with the identification of EAL risk factors in population-based case-cohort study, strengthen the knowledge and improve databases, contributing to investigations on risk factors associated with childhood leukemia worldwide. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

MedlinePlus

... Talking to Your Kids About VirginityTalking to Your Kids About Sex Home Diseases and Conditions Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Condition ... Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control ... and Toddlers Kids and Teens Pregnancy and Childbirth Women Men Seniors ...

Other Factors That Affect Heart Disease: Birth Control Pills

MedlinePlus

... Heart Handbook for Women Other Factors That Affect Heart Disease Birth Control Pills Studies show that women who ... t had any more complications because of my heart disease." — Diane Pay attention to diabetes. Levels of glucose, ...

Iron Supplements Reduce Behavior Problems in Low Birth Weight Infants

MedlinePlus

... low birth weight groups and the normal-weight control group. However, for behavioral problems, there was a significant ... percent of the 2-mg group. In the control group, 3.2 percent of children showed signs of ...

Health Information on the Web: Finding Reliable Information

MedlinePlus

... NutritionBalancing Your Food PlateFollow the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate and other guidelines to get a balanced ... Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health ...

Sexuality in Older Adults

MedlinePlus

... and Sugar Substitutes Exercise and Fitness Exercise Basics Sports Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids and Teens Pregnancy and Childbirth Women Men Seniors Your Health Resources ...

Hysteroscopic Sterilization

MedlinePlus

... sterilization? Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control. What is tubal sterilization? Sterilization procedures for women are ... is quicker than from other types of sterilization. What are the risks of ... on for birth control. • There is a risk of injury to the ...

Understanding diabetic teratogenesis: where are we now and where are we going?

PubMed

Zabihi, Sheller; Loeken, Mary R

2010-10-01

Maternal pregestational diabetes (type 1 or type 2) poses an increased risk for a broad spectrum of birth defects. To our knowledge, this problem first came to the attention of the Teratology Society at the 14th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, B.C. in 1974, with a presentation by Lewis Holmes, "Etiologic heterogeneity of neural tube defects". Although advances in the control of diabetes in the decades since the discovery of insulin in the 1920's have reduced the risk for birth defects during diabetic pregnancy, the increasing incidence of diabetes among women of childbearing years indicates that this cause of birth defects is a growing public health concern. Major advances in understanding how a disease of maternal fuel metabolism can interfere with embryogenesis of multiple organ systems have been made in recent years. In this review, we trace the history of the study of diabetic teratogenesis and discuss a model in which tissue-specific developmental control genes are regulated at specific times in embryonic development by glucose metabolism. The major function of such genes is to suppress apoptosis, perhaps to preserve proliferative capability, and inhibit premature senescence. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Relationships between Adaptive Behaviours, Personal Factors, and Participation of Young Children.

PubMed

Killeen, Hazel; Shiel, Agnes; Law, Mary; O'Donovan, Donough J; Segurado, Ricardo; Anaby, Dana

2017-12-19

To examine the extent to which personal factors (age, socioeconomic grouping, and preterm birth) and adaptive behaviour explain the participation patterns of young children. 65 Children 2-5 years old with and without a history of preterm birth and no physical or intellectual disability were selected by convenience sampling from Galway University Hospital, Ireland. Interviews with parents were conducted using the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II) and the Assessment of Preschool Children's Participation (APCP). Linear regression models were used to identify associations between the ABAS-II scores, personal factors, and APCP scores for intensity and diversity of participation. Adaptive behaviour explained 21% of variance in intensity of play, 18% in intensity of Skill Development, 7% in intensity of Active Physical Recreation, and 6% in intensity of Social Activities controlling for age, preterm birth, and socioeconomic grouping. Age explained between 1% and 11% of variance in intensity of participation scores. Adapted behaviour (13%), Age (17%), and socioeconomic grouping (5%) explained a significant percentage of variance in diversity of participation controlling for the other variables.  Adaptive behaviour had a unique contribution to children's intensity and diversity of participation, suggesting its importance.

Migration and its influence on the knowledge and usage of birth control methods among Afghan women who stay behind.

PubMed

Roosen, I; Siegel, M

2018-05-01

The objective of this article is to investigate the link between migration and knowledge and use of birth control methods among female household members (of migrants) who stay behind in Afghanistan. Migrants can remit birth control information received in the destination country to non-migrants staying in the origin country, who may as a consequence adjust their health behaviour accordingly. The consequences of this interaction for knowledge and use are what we aim to test. Population-based secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. This study used cross-sectional data from the Afghan Mortality Survey (2010). Using ordinary least squares regression and propensity score matching, this research studies to what extent having a migrant in the household influences the knowledge and use of birth control among non-migrant Afghan women. Women who stay behind are defined in this research as those with a migrant household member who moved between 2005 and 2010. Results indicated that non-Pashtun women with a migrant household member showed greater knowledge of contraceptive methods using injectables, birth control pill and lactational amenorrhea method compared to those women without a migrant household member. Less knowledge of male sterilisation and emergency contraception is observed for all women (both Pashtun and non-Pashtun) with a migrant in their household on male sterilisation and emergency contraception compared to the women without a migrant in the household. In addition, we show that Pashtun women with a migrant in the household had lower levels of overall knowledge and were less likely to use birth control methods than women without a migrant household member. In Afghanistan, given the proximity, religious similarity and sociocultural customs mainly men migrate either to Pakistan or Iran. The findings suggest that migrants in different destination countries transfer different information (or fail to successfully transfer information) about birth control methods to members of their transnational networks, compounding disparities in knowledge and use of birth control methods among women staying in the origin country. Migrants have the potential to be health-related development agents, but the health information migrants receive while abroad and remit back to their home countries varies by destination country context. Copyright © 2018 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Who and where are the uncounted children? Inequalities in birth certificate coverage among children under five years in 94 countries using nationally representative household surveys.

PubMed

Bhatia, Amiya; Ferreira, Leonardo Zanini; Barros, Aluísio J D; Victora, Cesar Gomes

2017-08-18

Birth registration, and the possession of a birth certificate as proof of registration, has long been recognized as a fundamental human right. Data from a functioning civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system allows governments to benefit from accurate and universal data on birth and death rates. However, access to birth certificates remains challenging and unequal in many low and middle-income countries. This paper examines wealth, urban/rural and gender inequalities in birth certificate coverage. We analyzed nationally representative household surveys from 94 countries between 2000 and 2014 using Demographic Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Birth certificate coverage among children under five was examined at the national and regional level. Absolute measures of inequality were used to measure inequalities in birth certificate coverage by wealth quintile, urban/rural residence and sex of the child. Over four million children were included in the analysis. Birth certificate coverage was over 90% in 29 countries and below 50% in 36 countries, indicating that more than half the children under five surveyed in these countries did not have a birth certificate. Eastern & Southern Africa had the lowest average birth certificate coverage (26.9%) with important variability among countries. Significant wealth inequalities in birth certificate coverage were observed in 74 countries and in most UNICEF regions, and urban/rural inequalities were present in 60 countries. Differences in birth certificate coverage between girls and boys tended to be small. We show that wealth and urban/rural inequalities in birth certificate coverage persist in most low and middle income countries, including countries where national birth certificate coverage is between 60 and 80%. Weak CRVS systems, particularly in South Asia and Africa lead rural and poor children to be systematically excluded from the benefits tied to a birth certificate, and prevent these children from being counted in national health data. Greater funding and attention is needed to strengthen CRVS systems and equity analyses should inform such efforts, especially as data needs for the Sustainable Development Goals expand. Monitoring disaggregated data on birth certificate coverage is essential to reducing inequalities in who is counted and registered. Strengthening CRVS systems can enable a child's right to identity, improve health data and promote equity.

49 CFR 383.73 - State procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... endorsement knowledge tests; (iv) Allow only a group-specific passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsement and... issuing a CLP or a CDL to a person the State must verify the name, date of birth, and Social Security... the CLP, Non-domiciled CLP, CDL or Non-domiciled CDL. (n) Computer system controls. The State must...

Social class at birth and risk of psychosis.

PubMed

O'Donoghue, Brian; Fanning, Felicity; Lyne, John; Renwick, Laoise; Madigan, Kevin; Kinsella, Anthony; Lane, Abbie; Turner, Niall; O'Callaghan, Eadbhard; Clarke, Mary

2015-12-01

Individuals with psychotic disorders are represented more in the lower social classes, yet there is conflicting evidence to whether these individuals drift into the lower social classes or whether lower social class is a risk factor for developing psychosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether the social class at birth is a risk factor for developing psychosis. We included individuals with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) whose social class at birth was determined from birth records. We employed a case-control study design and also compared the distribution of the social classes at birth of the cases to that of the general population. A total of 380 individuals with an FEP and 760 controls were included in the case-control study. The odds ratio for developing an FEP associated with social class (low vs high) was .62 (95% confidence interval (CI): .46-.85, p < .001), indicating that individuals from a lower social class at birth have a reduced risk of psychosis. Individuals born between 1961 and 1980 with an FEP were more likely to be from a higher social class at birth compared to the general population (60.8% vs 36.7%, χ(2) = 60.85, df = 1, p < .001). However, this association was not observed for those born between 1981 and 1990. A higher social class at birth is associated with a greater risk for developing a psychotic disorder; however, this effect may show temporal variation. © The Author(s) 2015.

Maternal characteristics and birth outcomes of pregnant women who had offspring with congenital ear abnormalities - a population-based case-control study.

PubMed

Paput, László; Bánhidy, Ferenc; Czeizel, Andrew E

2011-09-01

To describe the maternal characteristics and birth outcomes of newborn infants affected with isolated ear congenital abnormalities (IECA), mainly isolated anotia/microtia and unclassified multiple congenital abnormalities (CAs) including anotia/microtia (UMAM). Cases with IECA and UMAM were compared with their matched controls and all controls without any defect and malformed controls affected with other defects in the population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities. The mothers of 354 cases with IECA did not show significant difference in age, but their mean birth order was higher while their socio-economic status based on the maternal employment status was lower compared to the figures of their matched controls. There was a male excess among cases with microtia and mainly with UMAM. The evaluation of birth outcomes of newborns affected with IECA indicated intrauterine fetal growth retardation. Newborn infants with isolated microtia had intrauterine growth retardation and the association of this developmental defect localized for a small region of head with the general fetal development raises interesting theoretical question.

Birth order in girls with gender identity disorder.

PubMed

Zucker, K J; Lightbody, S; Pecore, K; Bradley, S J; Blanchard, R

1998-03-01

This study examined the birth order of girls with gender identity disorder (N = 22). Each proband was matched to 3-7 clinical control girls for age at assessment and number of siblings (the mode number of controls per proband was 7) (total N = 147). The number of older brothers, older sisters, younger brothers, and younger sisters was recorded. Slater's birth order index showed that the probands were significantly more likely to be early born than were the controls. A modified Slater's index also compared the birth order of the probands and the controls only to their brothers (when they had one or more) and only to their sisters (when they had one or more). Compared to the controls, the probands were born early compared to their sisters, but not to their brothers. These findings are the inverse of two previous studies of boys with gender identity disorder, who were later born relative to clinical control boys, an effect that appeared to be accounted for primarily by being born later relative to older brothers, but not to older sisters.

Birth order and risk of non-hodgkin lymphoma--true association or bias?

PubMed

Grulich, Andrew E; Vajdic, Claire M; Falster, Michael O; Kane, Eleanor; Smedby, Karin Ekstrom; Bracci, Paige M; de Sanjose, Silvia; Becker, Nikolaus; Turner, Jenny; Martinez-Maza, Otoniel; Melbye, Mads; Engels, Eric A; Vineis, Paolo; Costantini, Adele Seniori; Holly, Elizabeth A; Spinelli, John J; La Vecchia, Carlo; Zheng, Tongzhang; Chiu, Brian C H; Franceschi, Silvia; Cocco, Pierluigi; Maynadié, Marc; Foretova, Lenka; Staines, Anthony; Brennan, Paul; Davis, Scott; Severson, Richard K; Cerhan, James R; Breen, Elizabeth C; Birmann, Brenda; Cozen, Wendy

2010-09-15

There is inconsistent evidence that increasing birth order may be associated with risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The authors examined the association between birth order and related variables and NHL risk in a pooled analysis (1983-2005) of 13,535 cases and 16,427 controls from 18 case-control studies within the International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph). Overall, the authors found no significant association between increasing birth order and risk of NHL (P-trend = 0.082) and significant heterogeneity. However, a significant association was present for a number of B- and T-cell NHL subtypes. There was considerable variation in the study-specific risks which was partly explained by study design and participant characteristics. In particular, a significant positive association was present in population-based studies, which had lower response rates in cases and controls, but not in hospital-based studies. A significant positive association was present in higher-socioeconomic-status (SES) participants only. Results were very similar for the related variable of sibship size. The known correlation of high birth order with low SES suggests that selection bias related to SES may be responsible for the association between birth order and NHL.

Sleep duration, vital exhaustion, and odds of spontaneous preterm birth: a case-control study.

PubMed

Kajeepeta, Sandhya; Sanchez, Sixto E; Gelaye, Bizu; Qiu, Chunfang; Barrios, Yasmin V; Enquobahrie, Daniel A; Williams, Michelle A

2014-09-27

Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in a pressing need to identify risk factors leading to effective interventions. Limited evidence suggests potential relationships between maternal sleep or vital exhaustion and preterm birth, yet the literature is generally inconclusive. We examined the relationship between maternal sleep duration and vital exhaustion in the first six months of pregnancy and spontaneous (non-medically indicated) preterm birth among 479 Peruvian women who delivered a preterm singleton infant (<37 weeks gestation) and 480 term controls who delivered a singleton infant at term (≥37 weeks gestation). Maternal nightly sleep and reports of vital exhaustion were ascertained through in-person interviews. Spontaneous preterm birth cases were further categorized as those following either spontaneous preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes. In addition, cases were categorized as very (<32 weeks), moderate (32-33 weeks), and late (34- <37 weeks) preterm birth for additional analyses. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After adjusting for confounders, we found that short sleep duration (≤6 hours) was significantly associated with preterm birth (aOR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.11-2.19) compared to 7-8 hours of sleep. Vital exhaustion was also associated with increased odds of preterm birth (aOR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.79-3.23) compared to no exhaustion (Ptrend <0.001). These associations remained significant for spontaneous preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes. We also found evidence of joint effects of sleep duration and vital exhaustion on the odds of spontaneous preterm birth. The results of this case-control study suggest maternal sleep duration, particularly short sleep duration, and vital exhaustion may be risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth. These findings call for increased clinical attention to maternal sleep and the study of potential intervention strategies to improve sleep in early pregnancy with the aim of decreasing risk of preterm birth.

Periodontal treatment during pregnancy and birth outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomised trials.

PubMed

George, Ajesh; Shamim, Simin; Johnson, Maree; Ajwani, Shilpi; Bhole, Sameer; Blinkhorn, Anthony; Ellis, Sharon; Andrews, Karen

2011-06-01

The objective of this review was to conduct a meta-analysis of all up-to-date randomised control trials to determine whether periodontal treatment during pregnancy has the potential of reducing preterm birth and low birth weight incidence. Bibliographic databases MEDLINE (1966-present), EMBASE (1980-present), CINAHL (1982-present) and the Cochrane library up to and including 2010 Issue 10 were searched. The reference list of included studies and reviews were also searched for additional literature. Eligible studies were, published and ongoing randomised control trials that compared pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women who received periodontal treatment during the prenatal period. Two of the investigators independently assessed the studies and then extracted and summarised data from eligible trials. Extracted data were entered into Review Manager software and analysed. A total of 5645 pregnant women participated in the 10 eligible trials. Meta-analysis found that periodontal treatment significantly lowered preterm birth (odd ratio 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.93; P = 0.02) and low birth weight (odd ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.92; P = 0.02) rates while no significant difference was found for spontaneous abortion/stillbirth (odd ratio 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-1.16; P = 0.17). Moderate heterogeneity was observed among the studies for preterm birth and low birth weight. Subgroup analysis showed significant effect of periodontal treatment in pregnant women with low rate of previous preterm birth/low birth weight (odd ratio 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 017-0.70; P = 0.003) and less severe periodontal disease (odd ratio 0.49; confidence interval, 028-0.87; P = 0.01) as defined by probing depth. The cumulative evidence suggests that periodontal treatment during pregnancy may reduce preterm birth and low birth weight incidence. However, these findings need to be further validated through larger more targeted randomised control trials. © 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare © 2011 The Joanna Briggs Institute.

Birth weight and risk of paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: Findings from a population-based record linkage study in California.

PubMed

Triebwasser, Corey; Wang, Rong; DeWan, Andrew T; Metayer, Catherine; Morimoto, Libby; Wiemels, Joseph L; Kadan-Lottick, Nina; Ma, Xiaomei

2016-12-01

To evaluate the relationship between birth weight (along with a variety of pre and perinatal characteristics) and the risk of paediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) diagnosed at age <20 years. We linked California statewide birth records from 1978-2009 and cancer diagnosis data from 1988-2011 to conduct a population-based case-control study with 1216 cases and 4485 controls (matched on birth month and year, sex, and race/ethnicity). Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of paediatric HL overall and by age of diagnosis, controlling for other perinatal factors. Compared to children with a normal birth weight (2500-3999 g), those who had a high birth weight (≥4000 g) had an increased risk of paediatric HL overall (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48) after adjusting for birth order, maternal age at the time of delivery, and paternal age at the time of delivery. The magnitude of association appeared larger for subgroups of children whose age of diagnosis was 0-10 years (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.04-2.24) or 15-19 years (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.11-1.83), while no association was observed in 11-14 year olds. Compared with firstborn children, those who were third or higher in birth order had a reduced risk of paediatric HL overall (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95), and this association also varied by age of diagnosis. In this study with the largest number of paediatric HL cases, high birth weight was associated with an increased disease risk for most but not all ages of diagnosis. The different findings by age of diagnosis regarding both birth weight and birth order underscore the importance to stratify paediatric HL by age at diagnosis in future etiological investigations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamic complexities in a pest control model with birth pulse and harvesting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goel, A., E-mail: goelanju23@gmail.com; Gakkhar, S., E-mail: sungkfma@iitr.ernet.in

In this paper, an impulsive model is discussed for an integrated pest management approach comprising of chemical and mechanical controls. The pesticides and harvesting are used to control the stage-structured pest population. The mature pest give birth to immature pest in pulses at regular intervals. The pest is controlled by spraying chemical pesticides affecting immature as well as mature pest. The harvesting of both immature and mature pest further reduce the pest population. The discrete dynamical system obtained from stroboscopic map is analyzed. The threshold conditions for stability of pest-free state as well as non-trivial period-1 solution is obtained. Themore » effect of pesticide spray timing and harvesting on immature as well as mature pest are shown. Finally, by numerical simulation with MATLAB, the dynamical behaviors of the model is found to be complex. Above the threshold level there is a characteristic sequence of bifurcations leading to chaotic dynamics. Route to chaos is found to be period-doubling. Period halving bifurcations are also observed.« less

Improving women's diet quality preconceptionally and during gestation: effects on birth weight and prevalence of low birth weight—a randomized controlled efficacy trial in India (Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project)12345

PubMed Central

Potdar, Ramesh D; Sahariah, Sirazul A; Gandhi, Meera; Kehoe, Sarah H; Brown, Nick; Sane, Harshad; Dayama, Monika; Jha, Swati; Lawande, Ashwin; Coakley, Patsy J; Marley-Zagar, Ella; Chopra, Harsha; Shivshankaran, Devi; Chheda-Gala, Purvi; Muley-Lotankar, Priyadarshini; Subbulakshmi, G; Wills, Andrew K; Cox, Vanessa A; Taskar, Vijaya; Barker, David JP; Jackson, Alan A; Margetts, Barrie M; Fall, Caroline HD

2014-01-01

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is an important public health problem in undernourished populations. Objective: We tested whether improving women's dietary micronutrient quality before conception and throughout pregnancy increases birth weight in a high-risk Indian population. Design: The study was a nonblinded, individually randomized controlled trial. The intervention was a daily snack made from green leafy vegetables, fruit, and milk (treatment group) or low-micronutrient vegetables (potato and onion) (control group) from ≥90 d before pregnancy until delivery in addition to the usual diet. Treatment snacks contained 0.69 MJ of energy (controls: 0.37 MJ) and 10–23% of WHO Reference Nutrient Intakes of β-carotene, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B-12, calcium, and iron (controls: 0–7%). The primary outcome was birth weight. Results: Of 6513 women randomly assigned, 2291 women became pregnant, 1962 women delivered live singleton newborns, and 1360 newborns were measured. In an intention-to-treat analysis, there was no overall increase in birth weight in the treatment group (+26 g; 95% CI: −15, 68 g; P = 0.22). There was an interaction (P < 0.001) between the allocation group and maternal prepregnant body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) [birth-weight effect: −23, +34, and +96 g in lowest (<18.6), middle (18.6–21.8), and highest (>21.8) thirds of BMI, respectively]. In 1094 newborns whose mothers started supplementation ≥90 d before pregnancy (per-protocol analysis), birth weight was higher in the treatment group (+48 g; 95% CI: 1, 96 g; P = 0.046). Again, the effect increased with maternal BMI (−8, +79, and +113 g; P-interaction = 0.001). There were similar results for LBW (intention-to-treat OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.05; P = 0.10; per-protocol OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.98; P = 0.03) but no effect on gestational age in either analysis. Conclusions: A daily snack providing additional green leafy vegetables, fruit, and milk before conception and throughout pregnancy had no overall effect on birth weight. Per-protocol and subgroup analyses indicated a possible increase in birth weight if the mother was supplemented ≥3 mo before conception and was not underweight. This trial was registered at www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/ as ISRCTN62811278. PMID:25332324

Time from cervical conization to pregnancy and preterm birth.

PubMed

Himes, Katherine P; Simhan, Hyagriv N

2007-02-01

To estimate whether the time interval between cervical conization and subsequent pregnancy is associated with risk of preterm birth. Our study is a case control study nested in a retrospective cohort. Women who underwent colposcopic biopsy or conization with loop electrosurgical excision procedure, large loop excision of the transformation zone, or cold knife cone and subsequently delivered at our hospital were identified with electronic databases. Variables considered as possible confounders included maternal race, age, marital status, payor status, years of education, self-reported tobacco use, history of preterm delivery, and dimensions of cone specimen. Conization was not associated with preterm birth or any subtypes of preterm birth. Among women who underwent conization, those with a subsequent preterm birth had a shorter conization-to-pregnancy interval (337 days) than women with a subsequent term birth (581 days) (P=.004). The association between short conization-to-pregnancy interval and preterm birth remained significant when controlling for confounders including race and cone dimensions. The effect of short conization-to-pregnancy interval on subsequent preterm birth was more persistent among African Americans when compared with white women. Women with a short conization-to-pregnancy interval are at increased risk for preterm birth. Women of reproductive age who must have a conization procedure can be counseled that conceiving within 2 to 3 months of the procedure may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. II.

Ecological feedbacks can reduce population-level efficacy of wildlife fertility control

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ransom, Jason I.; Powers, Jenny G.; Hobbs, N. Thompson; Baker, Dan L.

2014-01-01

1. Anthropogenic stress on natural systems, particularly the fragmentation of landscapes and the extirpation of predators from food webs, has intensified the need to regulate abundance of wildlife populations with management. Controlling population growth using fertility control has been considered for almost four decades, but nearly all research has focused on understanding effects of fertility control agents on individual animals. Questions about the efficacy of fertility control as a way to control populations remain largely unanswered. 2. Collateral consequences of contraception can produce unexpected changes in birth rates, survival, immigration and emigration that may reduce the effectiveness of regulating animal abundance. The magnitude and frequency of such effects vary with species-specific social and reproductive systems, as well as connectivity of populations. Developing models that incorporate static demographic parameters from populations not controlled by contraception may bias predictions of fertility control efficacy. 3. Many population-level studies demonstrate that changes in survival and immigration induced by fertility control can compensate for the reduction in births caused by contraception. The most successful cases of regulating populations using fertility control come from applications of contraceptives to small, closed populations of gregarious and easily accessed species. 4. Fertility control can result in artificial selection pressures on the population and may lead to long-term unintentional genetic consequences. The magnitude of such selection is dependent on individual heritability and behavioural traits, as well as environmental variation. 5. Synthesis and applications. Understanding species' life-history strategies, biology, behavioural ecology and ecological context is critical to developing realistic expectations of regulating populations using fertility control. Before time, effort and funding are invested in wildlife contraception, managers may need to consider the possibility that many species and populations can compensate for reduction in fecundity, and this could minimize any reduction in population growth rate.

Ecological feedbacks can reduce population-level efficacy of wildlife fertility control

PubMed Central

Ransom, Jason I; Powers, Jenny G; Thompson Hobbs, N; Baker, Dan L

2014-01-01

Anthropogenic stress on natural systems, particularly the fragmentation of landscapes and the extirpation of predators from food webs, has intensified the need to regulate abundance of wildlife populations with management. Controlling population growth using fertility control has been considered for almost four decades, but nearly all research has focused on understanding effects of fertility control agents on individual animals. Questions about the efficacy of fertility control as a way to control populations remain largely unanswered. Collateral consequences of contraception can produce unexpected changes in birth rates, survival, immigration and emigration that may reduce the effectiveness of regulating animal abundance. The magnitude and frequency of such effects vary with species-specific social and reproductive systems, as well as connectivity of populations. Developing models that incorporate static demographic parameters from populations not controlled by contraception may bias predictions of fertility control efficacy. Many population-level studies demonstrate that changes in survival and immigration induced by fertility control can compensate for the reduction in births caused by contraception. The most successful cases of regulating populations using fertility control come from applications of contraceptives to small, closed populations of gregarious and easily accessed species. Fertility control can result in artificial selection pressures on the population and may lead to long-term unintentional genetic consequences. The magnitude of such selection is dependent on individual heritability and behavioural traits, as well as environmental variation. Synthesis and applications. Understanding species' life-history strategies, biology, behavioural ecology and ecological context is critical to developing realistic expectations of regulating populations using fertility control. Before time, effort and funding are invested in wildlife contraception, managers may need to consider the possibility that many species and populations can compensate for reduction in fecundity, and this could minimize any reduction in population growth rate. PMID:25558083

Short communication: Supplementation of colostrum and milk with 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan affects immune factors but not growth performance in newborn calves.

PubMed

Hernández-Castellano, Lorenzo E; Özçelik, Ranya; Hernandez, Laura L; Bruckmaier, Rupert M

2018-01-01

In ruminants, colostrum is the main source of immunoglobulins for the newborn animal, conferring immune protection until the immune system becomes active and able to synthesize its own immunoglobulins. Serotonin (5-HT), a biogenic amine derived from tryptophan, has stimulatory effects on many physiological processes, including components of the innate (mastocytes, eosinophils, and natural killer cells) and adaptive (T and B lymphocytes) immune systems. Based on the known effects of 5-HT on the immune system, we hypothesized that increased concentrations of 5-HT, through administration of its precursor 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan (5-HTP), may positively affect development of the calf's immune system and therefore support health and growth performance during the first weeks of life. Eighteen calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups (control and 5-HTP), resulting in n = 9 per treatment group. Both groups received 2 colostrum meals from a common pool of colostrum. Thereafter, calves were fed milk replacer twice daily for 30 d. In the 5-HTP group, colostrum and milk replacer were supplemented with 1.5 mg of 5-HTP/kg of birth weight during the first 15 d after birth. Body weight was recorded at birth and on d 5, 10, 15, and 30 after birth. Blood samples were collected every morning (0800 h) before feeding from birth until d 5 and then on d 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 30 after birth. Serum 5-HT concentrations were increased as a consequence of the 5-HTP supplementation. Plasma immunoglobulin G concentrations did not differ between groups throughout the experimental period. The blood mRNA abundance of several factors related to the innate and adaptive immune system [nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), serum amyloid A-1 (SAA1), chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5), cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2), haptoglobin (HP), and IL-1β] were increased in calves supplemented with 5-HTP. Supplementation of 5-HTP did not affect any of the measured metabolites (fatty acids and glucose) or minerals (calcium and magnesium) or milk feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and growth. In conclusion, 5-HTP supplementation induced an increase of 5-HT concentrations in blood and caused an increase in mRNA abundance of several factors related to the innate and adaptive immune systems, which might increase the protection of the calf against external agents. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Birth Control Practices and Levels of Development in India.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karan, P.P.; And Others

1978-01-01

Analyzes the spatial patterns of acceptance of birth control practices in India and examines the relationship between these patterns and levels of economic development. Suggests implications of the area differences in acceptance patterns for family planning program policymakers. (Author)

Exercising Your Finger After an Injury

MedlinePlus

... and Sugar Substitutes Exercise and Fitness Exercise Basics Sports Safety Injury Rehabilitation Emotional Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids and Teens Pregnancy and Childbirth Women Men Seniors Your Health Resources ...

Colds and the Flu

MedlinePlus

... bulb syringe to suction mucus out of your baby or child’s nose. What over-the-counter medicines can I ... Well-Being Mental Health Sex and Birth Control Sex and Sexuality Birth Control Family Health Infants and Toddlers Kids and Teens Pregnancy and Childbirth ...

Effects of a dairy product fortified with multiple micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids on birth weight and gestation duration in pregnant Chilean women.

PubMed

Mardones, Francisco; Urrutia, Maria-Teresa; Villarroel, Luis; Rioseco, Alonso; Castillo, Oscar; Rozowski, Jaime; Tapia, Jose-Luis; Bastias, Gabriel; Bacallao, Jorge; Rojas, Ivan

2008-01-01

To test the hypothesis that maternal food fortification with omega-3 fatty acids and multiple micronutrients increases birth weight and gestation duration, as primary outcomes. Non-blinded, randomised controlled study. Pregnant women received powdered milk during their health check-ups at 19 antenatal clinics and delivered at two maternity hospitals in Santiago, Chile. Pregnant women were assigned to receive regular powdered milk (n = 477) or a milk product fortified with multiple micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids (n = 495). Intention-to-treat analysis showed that mean birth weight was higher in the intervention group than in controls (65.4 g difference, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5-126 g; P = 0.03) and the incidence of very preterm birth (0.80 just for mean birth weight and birth length in the on-treatment analysis; birth length in that analysis had a difference of 0.57 cm (95% CI 0.19-0.96 cm; P = 0.003). The new intervention resulted in increased mean birth weight. Associations with gestation duration and most secondary outcomes need a larger sample size for confirmation.

Injury Reduction Effectiveness of Prescribing Running Shoes Based on Foot Shape in Air Force Basic Military Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

weight, body mass index age, arch height, smoking, education, race, marital status, prior injuries, menstrual history, pregnancy, birth control , push...0.26 Q24. Gone ≥ 6 Months without Menstrual Cycle Women E=258 Women C=245 No Yes 90.3 9.7 91.4 8.6 0.66 Q25. Used Birth Control in Past...Last Year No Yes 455 46 1.00 1.02 (0.66–1.56) --- 0.94 Q25. Taken Birth Control Pills, Last 12 Months No Yes 264 232 1.00 0.97

Paternal education and adverse birth outcomes in Canada.

PubMed

Shapiro, Gabriel D; Bushnik, Tracey; Sheppard, Amanda J; Kramer, Michael S; Kaufman, Jay S; Yang, Seungmi

2017-01-01

Research on predictors of adverse birth outcomes has focused on maternal characteristics. Much less is known about the role of paternal factors. Paternal education is an important socioeconomic marker that may predict birth outcomes over and above maternal socioeconomic indicators. Using data from the 2006 Canadian Birth-Census Cohort, we estimated the associations between paternal education and preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth, stillbirth and infant mortality in Canada, controlling for maternal characteristics. Binomial regression was used to estimate risk ratios and risk differences for adverse birth outcomes associated with paternal education, after controlling for maternal education, age, marital status, parity, ethnicity and nativity. A total of 131 285 singleton births were included in the present study. Comparing the lowest to the highest paternal education category, adjusted risk ratios (95% CIs) were 1.22 (1.10 to 1.35) for preterm birth, 1.13 (1.03 to 1.23) for SGA birth, 1.92 (1.28 to 2.86) for stillbirth and 1.67 (1.01 to 2.75) for infant mortality. Consistent patterns of associations were observed for absolute risk differences. Our study suggests that low paternal education increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, and especially of fetal and infant mortality, independently from maternal characteristics. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Effect of periodontal therapy on pregnancy outcome in women affected by periodontitis.

PubMed

Tarannum, Fouzia; Faizuddin, Mohamed

2007-11-01

There is convincing evidence to suggest that infections affecting the mother during pregnancy may produce alterations in the normal cytokine- and hormone-regulated gestation, which could result in preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm birth (PTB). Studies in the late 1990s associated periodontitis with preterm low birth weight (PLBW) deliveries, and this may have similar pathogenic mechanisms as other maternal infections. This study determined the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on pregnancy outcome. A total of 200 pregnant women with periodontitis were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Detailed data about previous and current pregnancies were obtained. All women received a full-mouth periodontal examination, including oral hygiene index-simplified, bleeding index, and clinical attachment level. The women in the treatment group received non-surgical periodontal therapy during the gestational period, and those in the control group received periodontal treatment after delivery. Periodontal therapy included plaque control instructions and scaling and root planing performed under local anesthesia. The outcome measures assessed were gestational age and birth weight of the infant. PTB was recorded when delivery occurred at <37 weeks of gestation, and low birth weight (LBW) was recorded when the infant weighed<2,500 g. There were 53 PTBs in the treatment group and 68 PTBs in the control group. Twenty-six LBW infants were recorded in the treatment group, and 48 LBW infants were noted in the control group. The mean gestational ages were 33.8+/-2.8 weeks and 32.7+/-2.8 weeks in the treatment and control groups, respectively. The difference was statistically significant at P<0.006. The mean birth weight was 2,565.3+/-331.2 g in the treatment group and 2,459.6+/-380.7 g in the control group, with the difference being statistically significant at P<0.044. A multiple regression model showed a significant effect of periodontal treatment on birth outcomes. Non-surgical periodontal therapy can reduce the risk for preterm births in mothers who are affected by periodontitis. Additional multicentered, randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to confirm this link between periodontitis and PLBW.

Determinants of infant mortality in the Jequitinhonha Valley and in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil

PubMed Central

Leal, Maria do Carmo; Bittencourt, Sonia Duarte de Azevedo; Torres, Raquel Maria Cardoso; Niquini, Roberta Pereira; de Souza, Paulo Roberto Borges

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the social and demographic determinants, in addition to the determinants of reproductive health and use of health services, associated with infant mortality in small and medium-sized cities of the North, Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil. METHODS This is a case-control study with 803 cases of death of children under one year and 1,969 live births (controls), whose mothers lived in the selected cities in 2008. The lists of the names of cases and controls were extracted from the Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM – Mortality Information System) and the Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC – Live Birth Information System) and supplemented by data obtained by the research of “active search of death and birth”. Data was collected in the household using a semi-structured questionnaire, and the analysis was carried out using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS The final model indicates that the following items are positively and significantly associated with infant mortality: family working in agriculture, mother having a history of fetal and infant losses, no prenatal or inadequate prenatal, and not being associated to the maternity hospital during the prenatal period. We have observed significant interactions to explain the occurrence of infant mortality between race and socioeconomic score and between high-risk pregnancy and pilgrimage for childbirth. CONCLUSIONS The excessive number of home deliveries and pilgrimage for childbirth indicates flaws in the line of maternity care and a lack of collaboration between the levels of outpatient and hospital care. The study reinforces the need for an integrated management of the health care networks, leveraging the capabilities of cities in meeting the needs of pregnancy, delivery and birth with quality. PMID:28273228

Determinants of neonatal death with emphasis on health care during pregnancy, childbirth and reproductive history.

PubMed

Kassar, Samir B; Melo, Ana M C; Coutinho, Sônia B; Lima, Marilia C; Lira, Pedro I C

2013-01-01

To identify risk factors for neonatal mortality, focusing on factors related to assistance care during the prenatal period, childbirth, and maternal reproductive history. This was a case-control study conducted in Maceió, Northeastern Brazil. The sample consisted of 136 cases and 272 controls selected from official Brazilian databases. The cases consisted of all infants who died before 28 days of life, selected from the Mortality Information System, and the controls were survivors during this period, selected from the Information System on Live Births, by random drawing among children born on the same date of the case. Household interviews were conducted with mothers. The logistic regression analysis identified the following as determining factors for death in the neonatal period: mothers with a history of previous children who died in the first year of life (OR=3.08), hospitalization during pregnancy (OR=2.48), inadequate prenatal care (OR=2.49), lack of ultrasound examination during prenatal care (OR=3.89), transfer of the newborn to another unit after birth (OR=5.06), admittance of the newborn at the ICU (OR=5.00), and low birth weight (OR=2.57). Among the socioeconomic conditions, there was a greater chance for neonatal mortality in homes with fewer residents (OR=1.73) and with no children younger than five years (OR=10.10). Several factors that were associated with neonatal mortality in this study may be due to inadequate care during the prenatal period and childbirth, and inadequate newborn care, all of which can be modified. Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

[Characteristics of pregnancy and delivery of fetuses affected by either central nervous system malformations or chromosomal abnormalities].

PubMed

Friedler, Jordana Mashiach; Mazor, Moshe; Shoham-Vardi, Ilana; Bashiri, Asher

2011-11-01

To determine whether fetuses affected by either chromosomal abnormalities or central nervous system (CNS) malformations are prone to complications during pregnancy and delivery. In this study, 320 singleton pregnancies with CNS malformations and 133 singleton pregnancies with chromosomal abnormaLities were compared with 149,112 singleton births without any known congenital anomalies. Exclusion criteria were: births with other congenital anomalies or malformations, pregnancies Lacking prenatal care and multiple pregnancies. Data was obtained using the computerized birth discharge records. The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS package. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal age, ethnicity, uterine anomalies or parity. The ratio of general anesthesia was almost double in the study groups compared to the control group: 25% in the CNS malformation group (RR 2.617, CI 2.031-3.372) and 25.6% in the chromosomal abnormality group (RR 2.696, CI 1.825-3.982) and 11.3% in the control group (p < 0.001). There were nearly double cesarean sections (CS) rates in both study groups: 21.5% in the CNS malformation group, 20.3% in the chromosomal abnormaLity group and 12% in the control group. A logistic regression model that included previous CS, maLpresentation, non-reassuring fetal heart monitor (NRFHR) and presence of a malformation, concluded that the presence of a malformation was not an independent risk factor for CS. However, indirect causes, such as malpresentation (4.34 OR), were independently associated with the malformations. Fetuses affected by either CNS malformations or chromosomal abnormalities have a higher rate of pregnancy and delivery complications, including those which increase the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Nonresponse to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth prevention: clinical prediction and generation of a risk scoring system.

PubMed

Manuck, Tracy A; Stoddard, Gregory J; Fry, Rebecca C; Esplin, M Sean; Varner, Michael W

2016-11-01

Spontaneous preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality among nonanomalous neonates in the United States. Spontaneous preterm birth tends to recur at similar gestational ages. Intramuscular 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces the risk of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth. Unfortunately, one-third of high-risk women will have a recurrent spontaneous preterm birth despite 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate therapy; the reasons for this variability in response are unknown. We hypothesized that clinical factors among women treated with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate who suffer recurrent spontaneous preterm birth at a similar gestational age differ from women who deliver later, and that these associations could be used to generate a clinical scoring system to predict 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate response. Secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial enrolling women with ≥1 previous singleton spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks' gestation. Participants received daily omega-3 supplementation or placebo for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth; all were provided 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate. Women were classified as a 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate responder or nonresponder by calculating the difference in delivery gestational age between the 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate-treated pregnancy and her earliest previous spontaneous preterm birth. Responders were women with pregnancy extending ≥3 weeks later compared with the delivery gestational age of their earliest previous preterm birth; nonresponders delivered earlier or within 3 weeks of the gestational age of their earliest previous preterm birth. A risk score for nonresponse to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate was generated from regression models via the use of clinical predictors and was validated in an independent population. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. A total of 754 women met inclusion criteria; 159 (21%) were nonresponders. Responders delivered later on average (37.7±2.5 weeks) than nonresponders (31.5±5.3 weeks), P<.001. Among responders, 27% had a recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (vs 100% of nonresponders). Demographic characteristics were similar between responders and nonresponders. In a multivariable logistic regression model, independent risk factors for nonresponse to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate were each additional week of gestation of the earliest previous preterm birth (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.30, P<.001), placental abruption or significant vaginal bleeding (odds ratio, 5.60; 95% confidence interval, 2.46-12.71, P<.001), gonorrhea and/or chlamydia in the current pregnancy (odds ratio, 3.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-9.48, P=.010), carriage of a male fetus (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.24, P=.040), and a penultimate preterm birth (odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-4.25, P=.041). These clinical factors were used to generate a risk score for nonresponse to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate as follows: black +1, male fetus +1, penultimate preterm birth +2, gonorrhea/chlamydia +4, placental abruption +5, earliest previous preterm birth was 32-36 weeks +5. A total risk score >6 was 78% sensitive and 60% specific for predicting nonresponse to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (area under the curve=0.69). This scoring system was validated in an independent population of 287 women; in the validation set, a total risk score >6 performed similarly with a 65% sensitivity, 67% specificity and area under the curve of 0.66. Several clinical characteristics define women at risk for recurrent preterm birth at a similar gestational age despite 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate therapy and can be used to generate a clinical risk predictor score. These data should be refined and confirmed in other cohorts, and women at high risk for nonresponse should be targets for novel therapeutic intervention studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Birth preparedness, complication readiness and other determinants of place of delivery among mothers in Goba District, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia.

PubMed

Belda, Semere Sileshi; Gebremariam, Mulugeta Betre

2016-04-06

Ethiopia is one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio 676/100,000 LB and the lowest skilled delivery at birth (10%) in 2011. Skilled delivery care and provision of emergency obstetric care prevents many of these deaths. Despite implementation of birth preparedness and complication readiness packages to antenatal care users since 2007 in the study area, yet an overwhelming proportion of births take place at home. The effect of birth preparedness and complication readiness on place of delivery is not well known and studied in this context. A community based case control study preceded by initial census was conducted on a total of 358 sampled respondents (119 cases and 239 controls) who were selected using stratified two stage sampling technique. A pre-tested and standardized questionnaire with a face-to-face interview was used to collect the data, and then data was cleaned, coded and entered in to SPSS version-21 for analysis. Binary logistic regression models were run to identify predictors of place of delivery and Odds ratio with 95% CI was used to assess presence of associations at a 0.05 level of significance. The mean (± Standard Deviation) age of respondents was; 27.41(±5.8) and 28.84(±5.7) years for the cases and the controls respectively. Two third (67.1%) of the childbirths took place in the respondents house while only (32.9%) gave birth in health facilities. Great proportion (79.7%) of the cases and two third (34.0%) of the controls were well-prepared for birth and complication. Maternal education, religion, distance from health facility, knowledge of availability of ambulance transport and history of obstetric complication were significantly associated with place of delivery (P-value <0.01). Birth preparedness and complication readiness practice had an independent effect on place of delivery (AOR =2.55, 95% CI: 1.12, 5.84). The study identified better institutional delivery service utilization by mothers who were well-prepared for birth and complication. Strategies that increase the preparedness of mothers for birth and complication ahead of childbirth are recommended to improve institutional delivery service utilization.

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study: a review of the methods

PubMed Central

Reefhuis, Jennita; Gilboa, Suzanne M.; Anderka, Marlene; Browne, Marilyn L.; Feldkamp, Marcia L.; Hobbs, Charlotte A.; Jenkins, Mary M.; Langlois, Peter H.; Newsome, Kimberly B.; Olshan, Andrew F.; Romitti, Paul A.; Shapira, Stuart K.; Shaw, Gary M.; Tinker, Sarah C.; Honein, Margaret A.

2015-01-01

Background The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) is a large population-based multi-center case-control study of major birth defects in the United States. Methods Data collection took place from 1998 through 2013 on pregnancies ending between October 1997 and December 2011. Cases could be live born, stillborn or induced terminations, and were identified from birth defects surveillance programs in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Utah. Controls were live born infants without major birth defects identified from the same geographical regions and time periods as cases via either vital records or birth hospitals. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed with women between 6 weeks and 24 months after the estimated date of delivery. After completion of interviews, families received buccal cell collection kits for the mother, father and infant (if living). Results There were 47,832 eligible cases and 18,272 eligible controls. Among these, 32,187 (67%) and 11,814 (65%) respectively, provided interview information about their pregnancies. Buccal cell collection kits with a cytobrush for at least one family member were returned by 19,065 case and 6,211 control families (65% and 59% of those who were sent a kit). More than 500 projects have been proposed by the collaborators and over 200 manuscripts published using data from the NBDPS through December 2014. Conclusion The NBDPS has made substantial contributions to the field of birth defects epidemiology through its rigorous design, including case classification, detailed questionnaire and specimen collection, large study population, and collaborative activities across Centers. PMID:26033852

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study: A review of the methods.

PubMed

Reefhuis, Jennita; Gilboa, Suzanne M; Anderka, Marlene; Browne, Marilyn L; Feldkamp, Marcia L; Hobbs, Charlotte A; Jenkins, Mary M; Langlois, Peter H; Newsome, Kimberly B; Olshan, Andrew F; Romitti, Paul A; Shapira, Stuart K; Shaw, Gary M; Tinker, Sarah C; Honein, Margaret A

2015-08-01

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) is a large population-based multicenter case-control study of major birth defects in the United States. Data collection took place from 1998 through 2013 on pregnancies ending between October 1997 and December 2011. Cases could be live born, stillborn, or induced terminations, and were identified from birth defects surveillance programs in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Controls were live born infants without major birth defects identified from the same geographical regions and time periods as cases by means of either vital records or birth hospitals. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed with women between 6 weeks and 24 months after the estimated date of delivery. After completion of interviews, families received buccal cell collection kits for the mother, father, and infant (if living). There were 47,832 eligible cases and 18,272 eligible controls. Among these, 32,187 (67%) and 11,814 (65%), respectively, provided interview information about their pregnancies. Buccal cell collection kits with a cytobrush for at least one family member were returned by 19,065 case and 6,211 control families (65% and 59% of those who were sent a kit). More than 500 projects have been proposed by the collaborators and over 200 manuscripts published using data from the NBDPS through December 2014. The NBDPS has made substantial contributions to the field of birth defects epidemiology through its rigorous design, including case classification, detailed questionnaire and specimen collection, large study population, and collaborative activities across Centers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Does WIC work? The effects of WIC on pregnancy and birth outcomes.

PubMed

Bitler, Marianne P; Currie, Janet

2005-01-01

Support for WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is based on the belief that "WIC works." This consensus has lately been questioned by researchers who point out that most WIC research fails to properly control for selection into the program. This paper evaluates the selection problem using rich data from the national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. We show that relative to Medicaid mothers, all of whom are eligible for WIC, WIC participants are negatively selected on a wide array of observable dimensions, and yet WIC participation is associated with improved birth outcomes, even after controlling for observables and for a full set of state-year interactions intended to capture unobservables that vary at the state-year level. The positive impacts of WIC are larger among subsets of even more disadvantaged women, such as those who received public assistance last year, single high school dropouts, and teen mothers.

Neonatal encephalopathy and socioeconomic status: population-based case-control study.

PubMed

Blume, Heidi K; Loch, Christian M; Li, Christopher I

2007-07-01

To investigate the association between maternal socioeconomic status and the risk of encephalopathy in full-term newborns. Population-based case-control study. Washington State births from 1994 through 2002 recorded in the linked Washington State Birth Registry and Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Cases (n = 1060) were singleton full-term newborns with Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnoses of seizures, birth asphyxia, central nervous system dysfunction, or cerebral irritability. Control cases (n = 5330) were singleton full-term newborns selected from the same database. Main Exposures Socioeconomic status was defined by median income of the census tract of the mother's residence, number of years of maternal educational achievement, or maternal insurance status. Odds ratios estimating the risk of encephalopathy associated with disadvantaged socioeconomic status were calculated in 3 separate analyses using multivariate adjusted logistic regression. Newborns of mothers living in neighborhoods in which residents have a low median income were at increased risk of encephalopathy compared with newborns in neighborhoods in which residents have a median income more than 3 times the poverty level (adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.3). There was also a trend for increasing risk of encephalopathy associated with decreasing neighborhood income (P<.001). Newborns of mothers with less than 12 years of educational achievement had a higher risk of encephalopathy compared with newborns of mothers with more than 16 years of educational achievement (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.3). Newborns of mothers receiving public insurance also had a higher risk of encephalopathy compared with newborns of mothers who have commercial insurance (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.7). Disadvantaged socioeconomic status was independently associated with an increased risk of encephalopathy in full-term newborns. These findings suggest that a mother's socioeconomic status may influence the risk of encephalopathy for her full-term newborn.

Vital Signs: Births to Teens Aged 15–17 Years — United States, 1991–2012

PubMed Central

Cox, Shanna; Pazol, Karen; Warner, Lee; Romero, Lisa; Spitz, Alison; Gavin, Lorrie; Barfield, Wanda

2014-01-01

Background Teens who give birth at age 15–17 years are at increased risk for adverse medical and social outcomes of teen pregnancy. Methods To examine trends in the rate and proportion of births to teens aged 15–19 years that were to teens aged 15–17 years, CDC analyzed 1991–2012 National Vital Statistics System data. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data from 2006–2010 were used to examine sexual experience, contraceptive use, and receipt of prevention opportunities among female teens aged 15–17 years. Results During 1991–2012, the rate of births per 1,000 teens declined from 17.9 to 5.4 for teens aged 15 years, 36.9 to 12.9 for those aged 16 years, and 60.6 to 23.7 for those aged 17 years. In 2012, the birth rate per 1,000 teens aged 15–17 years was higher for Hispanics (25.5), non-Hispanic blacks (21.9), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (17.0) compared with non-Hispanic whites (8.4) and Asians/Pacific Islanders (4.1). The rate also varied by state, ranging from 6.2 per 1,000 teens aged 15–17 years in New Hampshire to 29.0 in the District of Columbia. In 2012, there were 86,423 births to teens aged 15–17 years, accounting for 28% of all births to teens aged 15–19 years. This percentage declined from 36% in 1991 to 28% in 2012 (p<0.001). NSFG data for 2006–2010 indicate that although 91% of female teens aged 15–17 years received formal sex education on birth control or how to say no to sex, 24% had not spoken with parents about either topic; among sexually experienced female teens, 83% reported no formal sex education before first sex. Among currently sexually active female teens (those who had sex within 3 months of the survey) aged 15–17 years, 58% used clinical birth control services in the past 12 months, and 92% used contraception at last sex; however, only 1% used the most effective reversible contraceptive methods. Conclusions Births to teens aged 15–17 years have declined but still account for approximately one quarter of births to teens aged 15–19 years. Implications for public health practice These data highlight opportunities to increase younger teens exposure to interventions that delay initiation of sex and provide contraceptive services for those who are sexually active; these strategies include support for evidence-based programs that reach youths before they initiate sex, resources for parents in talking to teens about sex and contraception, and access to reproductive health-care services. PMID:24717819

Transcervical Sterilization: A Comparison of Essure® Permanent Birth Control System and Adiana® Permanent Contraception System

PubMed Central

Palmer, Sophia N; Greenberg, James A

2009-01-01

Transcervical sterilization has moved female sterilization from a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, which requires entry into the abdominal cavity, to a less invasive hysteroscopic procedure. Along with the decreased potential for complications, its ease of performance with minimal anesthesia has facilitated a move from the operating room to the office. This review compares the available data on transcervical sterilization procedures to better understand the strengths and weakness of each system. PMID:19609402

Birth characteristics and the risk of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma based on histological subtype.

PubMed

Ognjanovic, S; Carozza, S E; Chow, E J; Fox, E E; Horel, S; McLaughlin, C C; Mueller, B A; Puumala, S; Reynolds, P; Von Behren, J; Spector, L

2010-01-05

Little is known about risk factors for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and the histology-specific details are rare. Case-control studies formed by linking cancer and birth registries of California, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Washington, which included 583 RMS cases (363 embryonal and 85 alveolar RMS) and 57 966 randomly selected control subjects, were analysed using logistic regression. The associations of RMS (overall, and based on embryonal or alveolar histology) with birth weight across five 500 g categories (from 2000 to 4500 g) were examined using normal birth weight (2500-3999 g) as a reference. Large (>90th percentile) and small (<10th percentile) size for gestational age were calculated based on birth weight distributions in controls and were similarly examined. High birth weight increased the risk of embryonal RMS and RMS overall. Each 500 g increase in birth weight increased the risk of embryonal RMS (odds ratio (OR)=1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.14-1.42) and RMS overall (OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.09-1.29). Large size for gestational age also significantly increased the risk of embryonal RMS (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.03-1.96). These data suggest a positive association between accelerated in utero growth and embryonal RMS, but not alveolar RMS. These results warrant cautious interpretation owing to the small number of alveolar RMS cases.

Does Neighborhood Risk Explain Racial Disparities in Low Birth Weight among Infants Born to Adolescent Mothers?

PubMed Central

Nichols, Tracy R.; Rulison, Kelly L.; Aronson, Robert E.; Brown-Jeffy, Shelly L.; Morrison, Sharon D.

2015-01-01

Study objective To test associations and interactions between racial identification, neighborhood risk, and low birth weight disparities between infants born to African-American and White adolescent mothers. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Birth cases were geocoded and linked to census-tract information from the 2010 United States Census and the 2007-2011 American Community Survey. A “neighborhood risk” index was created through principal component analysis, and mothers were grouped into three neighborhood risk levels (low, medium, high). Multilevel models with cross-level interactions were used to identify variation in racial differences in low birth weight outcomes across neighborhood risk levels when controlling for maternal demographics and pregnancy behaviors (smoking, prenatal care use). Setting North Carolina, United States. Participants 7,923 cases of singleton infants born to non-Hispanic African-American and White adolescent mothers from the North Carolina State Center of Health Statistics for 2011. Main outcome measures Low birth weight. Results African-American mothers were significantly more likely to have infants of low birth weight than White mothers in this sample [OR 1.89, CI (1.53, 2.34)]. Mothers that resided in areas of high neighborhood risk were significantly more likely to have infants of low birth weight than mothers residing in areas of low neighborhood risk [OR 1.55, 95% CI (1.25, 1.93)]. Even when controlling for confounding factors, racial disparities in low birth weight odds did not significantly vary by neighborhood risk level. Conclusions Racial disparities can remain in low birth weight odds among infants born to adolescent mothers when controlling for maternal characteristics, pregnancy behaviors, and neighborhood risk. PMID:26307240

Maternal Autoimmune Disease and Birth Defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

PubMed Central

Howley, Meredith M.; Browne, Marilyn L.; Van Zutphen, Alissa R.; Richardson, Sandra D.; Blossom, Sarah J.; Broussard, Cheryl S.; Carmichael, Suzan L.; Druschel, Charlotte M.

2017-01-01

Background Little is known about the association between maternal autoimmune disease or its treatment and the risk of birth defects. We examined these associations using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multi-site, population-based, case–control study. Methods Analyses included 25,116 case and 9897 unaffected control infants with estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2009. Information on autoimmune disease, medication use, and other pregnancy exposures was collected by means of telephone interview. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for birth defects with five or more exposed cases; crude ORs and exact 95% CIs were estimated for birth defects with three to four exposed cases. Results Autoimmune disease was reported by 373 mothers (279 case and 94 control mothers). The majority of birth defects evaluated were not associated with autoimmune disease; however, a statistically significant association between maternal autoimmune disease and encephalocele was observed (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.95–11.04). Eighty-two mothers with autoimmune disease used an immune modifying/suppressing medication during pregnancy; this was associated with encephalocele (OR, 7.26; 95% CI, 1.37–24.61) and atrial septal defects (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.16–7.80). Conclusion Our findings suggest maternal autoimmune disease and treatment are not associated with the majority of birth defects, but may be associated with some defects, particularly encephalocele. Given the low prevalence of individual autoimmune diseases and the rare use of specific medications, we were unable to examine associations of specific autoimmune diseases and medications with birth defects. Other studies are needed to confirm these findings. PMID:27891777

Maternal reproductive experience enhances early postnatal outcome following gestation and birth of rats in hypergravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ronca, A. E.; Baer, L. A.; Daunton, N. G.; Wade, C. E.

2001-01-01

A major goal of space life sciences research is to broaden scientific knowledge of the influence of gravity on living systems. Recent spaceflight and centrifugation studies demonstrate that reproduction and ontogenesis in mammals are amenable to study under gravitational conditions that deviate considerably from those typically experienced on Earth (1 x g). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that maternal reproductive experience determines neonatal outcome following gestation and birth under increased (hyper) gravity. Primigravid and bigravid female rats and their offspring were exposed to 1.5 x g centrifugation from Gestational Day 11 either through birth or through the first postnatal week. On the day of birth, litter sizes were identical across gravity and parity conditions, although significantly fewer live neonates were observed among hypergravity-reared litters born to primigravid dams than among those born to bigravid dams (82% and 94%, respectively; 1.0 x g controls, 99%). Within the hypergravity groups, neonatal mortality was comparable across parity conditions from Postnatal Day 1 through Day 7, at which time litter sizes stabilized. Maternal reproductive experience ameliorated neonatal losses during the first 24 h after birth but not on subsequent days, and neonatal mortality was associated with changes in maternal care patterns. These results indicate that repeated maternal reproductive experience affords protection against neonatal losses during exposure to increased gravity. Differential mortality of neonates born to primigravid versus bigravid dams denotes gravitational load as one environmental mechanism enabling the expression of parity-related variations in birth outcome.

A comparison of Israeli Jewish and Arab women's birth perceptions.

PubMed

Halperin, Ofra; Sarid, O; Cwikel, J

2014-07-01

birth is a normal physiological process, but can also be experienced as a traumatic event. Israeli Jewish and Arab women share Israeli residency, citizenship, and universal access to the Israeli medical system. However, language, religion, values, customs, symbols, and lifestyle differ between the groups. to examine Israeli Arab and Jewish women's perceptions of their birth experience, and to assess the extent to which childbirth details and perceptions predict satisfaction with the birth experience and the extent of assessing the childbirth as traumatic. this study was conducted in two post partum units of two major public hospitals in the northern part of Israel. The sample included 171 respondents, including 115 Jewish Israeli and 56 Arab Israeli women who gave birth to their first (33%) or second (67%) child. Respondents described their childbirth experiences using a self-report questionnaire 24-48 hours after childbirth. the Arab women were much less likely to attend childbirth preparation classes than the Jewish women (5% versus 24%). Forty-three per cent of the respondents reported feeling helpless, and 68% reported feeling lack of control during childbirth. Twenty per cent of the women rated their childbirth experience as traumatic, a rate much lower than the rate of medical indicators of traumatic birth (39%). The rate of self-reported traumatic birth was significantly higher among the Arab women than among the Jewish women (32% versus 14%). A higher percentage of the Arab women reported being afraid during labour (χ(2)=4.97, p<.05), expressed fear for their newborn's safety (χ(2)=12.44, p<.001), and reported that the level of medical intervention was excessive in their opinion, as compared to the Jewish women (χ(2)=5.09, p<.05; χ(2)=7.33, p<.01). However, both the Arab and Jewish women reported similar numbers of medical interventions and levels of satisfaction with their medical treatment. despite universal access to the Israeli health care system, Arab Israeli women use fewer perinatal medical resources and subjectively report more birth trauma than Jewish Israeli women. Yet, they give birth in the same hospitals with the same practitioners and report similarly high levels of satisfaction with the medical services. Taking into account the fact that perceptions of the birth experience differ between ethno-cultural groups will enable professionals to better tailor intervention and support throughout childbirth in order to increase satisfaction and minimise trauma from the experience. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Establishing of National Birth Defects Registry in Thailand.

PubMed

Pangkanon, Suthipong; Sawasdivorn, Siraporn; Kuptanon, Chulaluck; Chotigeat, Uraiwan; Vandepitte, Warunee

2014-06-01

Deaths attributed to birth defects are a major cause of infant and under-five mortality as well as lifetime disabilities among those who survive. In Thailand, birth defects contribute to 21% of neonatal deaths. There is currently no systematic registry for congenital anomalies in Thailand. Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health has initiated a Thailand Birth Defects Registry to capture birth defects among newborn infants. To establish the national birth defects registry in order to determine the burden of birth defects in Thailand. The birth defects data come from four main sources: National Birth Registry Database; National Health Security Office's reimbursement database; Online Birth Defect Registry Database designed to capture new cases that were detected later; and birth defects data from 20 participated hospitals. All data are linked by unique 13-digit national identification number and International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. This registry includes 19 common structural birth defects conditions and pilots in 20 hospitals. The registry is hospital-based, hybrid reporting system, including only live births whose information was collected up to 1 year of age. 3,696 infants out of 67,813 live births (8.28% of total live births in Thailand) were diagnosed with congenital anomalies. The prevalence rate of major anomalies was 26.12 per 1,000 live births. The five most common birth defects were congenital heart defects, limb anomalies, cleft lip/cleft palate, Down syndrome, and congenital hydrocephalus respectively. The present study established the Birth Defects Registry by collecting data from four databases in Thailand. Information obtained from this registry and surveillance is essential in the planning for effective intervention programs for birth defects. The authors suggest that this program should be integrated in the existing public health system to ensure sustainability.

Birth Control Pills and Nonprofessional Voice: Acoustic Analyses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amir, Ofer; Biron-Shental, Tal; Shabtai, Esther

2006-01-01

Purpose: Two studies are presented here. Study 1 was aimed at evaluating whether the voice characteristics of women who use birth control pills that contain different progestins differ from the voice characteristics of a control group. Study 2 presents a meta-analysis that combined the results of Study 1 with those from 3 recent studies that…

Birth Control as Obscenity: Margaret Sanger and "The Woman Rebel."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Masel-Walters, Lynne

In spite of the negative aspects of her determination to be the sole motivator, controller, and martyr for the birth control movement, Margaret Sanger was a positive social force in testing and denouncing the Comstock law. The law, named for Anthony Comstock, a postal inspector who had lobbied Congress to forbid the distribution of obscene…

Associations between maternal periconceptional exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and major birth defects.

PubMed

Hoyt, Adrienne T; Canfield, Mark A; Romitti, Paul A; Botto, Lorenzo D; Anderka, Marlene T; Krikov, Sergey V; Tarpey, Morgan K; Feldkamp, Marcia L

2016-11-01

While associations between secondhand smoke and a few birth defects (namely, oral clefts and neural tube defects) have been noted in the scientific literature, to our knowledge, there is no single or comprehensive source of population-based information on its associations with a range of birth defects among nonsmoking mothers. We utilized data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a large population-based multisite case-control study, to examine associations between maternal reports of periconceptional exposure to secondhand smoke in the household or workplace/school and major birth defects. The multisite National Birth Defects Prevention Study is the largest case-control study of birth defects to date in the United States. We selected cases from birth defect groups having >100 total cases, as well as all nonmalformed controls (10,200), from delivery years 1997 through 2009; 44 birth defects were examined. After excluding cases and controls from multiple births and whose mothers reported active smoking or pregestational diabetes, we analyzed data on periconceptional secondhand smoke exposure-encompassing the period 1 month prior to conception through the first trimester. For the birth defect craniosynostosis, we additionally examined the effect of exposure in the second and third trimesters as well due to the potential sensitivity to teratogens for this defect throughout pregnancy. Covariates included in all final models of birth defects with ≥5 exposed mothers were study site, previous live births, time between estimated date of delivery and interview date, maternal age at estimated date of delivery, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, nativity, household income divided by number of people supported by this income, periconceptional alcohol consumption, and folic acid supplementation. For each birth defect examined, we used logistic regression analyses to estimate both crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for both isolated and total case groups for various sources of exposure (household only; workplace/school only; household and workplace/school; household or workplace/school). The prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure only across all sources ranged from 12.9-27.8% for cases and 14.5-15.8% for controls. The adjusted odds ratios for any vs no secondhand smoke exposure in the household or workplace/school and isolated birth defects were significantly elevated for neural tube defects (anencephaly: adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.25; and spina bifida: adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.86); orofacial clefts (cleft lip without cleft palate: adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.81; cleft lip with or without cleft palate: adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.46; cleft palate alone: adjusted odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.63); bilateral renal agenesis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.75); amniotic band syndrome-limb body wall complex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.51); and atrial septal defects, secundum (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.72). There were no significant inverse associations observed. Additional studies replicating the findings are needed to better understand the moderate positive associations observed between periconceptional secondhand smoke and several birth defects in this analysis. Increased odds ratios resulting from chance (eg, multiple comparisons) or recall bias cannot be ruled out. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Family Characteristics and Achievement: Effects of Birth Order and Family Size of the Kalamazoo Brothers Sample. Discussion Papers No. 431-77.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olneck, Michael R.; Bills, David B.

Research on the effects of birth order on cognitive ability often fails to control relevant variables related to family background and does not usually investigate the effects of birth order among members of the same family. Consequently, apparently significant birth order effects may in fact be spurious. This study uses a sample of brothers…

Birth spacing and fertility limitation: a behavioral analysis of a nineteenth century frontier population.

PubMed

Anderton, D L; Bean, L L

1985-05-01

Our analysis of changing birth interval distributions over the course of a fertility transition from natural to controlled fertility has examined three closely related propositions. First, within both natural fertility populations (identified at the aggregate level) and cohorts following the onset of fertility limitation, we hypothesized that substantial groups of women with long birth intervals across the individually specified childbearing careers could be identified. That is, even during periods when fertility behavior at the aggregate level is consistent with a natural fertility regime, birth intervals at all parities are inversely related to completed family size. Our tabular analysis enables us to conclude that birth spacing patterns are parity dependent; there is stability in CEB-parity specific mean and birth interval variance over the entire transition. Our evidence does not suggest that the early group of women limiting and spacing births was marked by infecundity. Secondly, the transition appears to be associated with an increasingly larger proportion of women shifting to the same spacing schedules associated with smaller families in earlier cohorts. Thirdly, variations in birth spacing by age of marriage indicate that changes in birth intervals over time are at least indirectly associated with age of marriage, indicating an additional compositional effect. The evidence we have presented on spacing behavior does not negate the argument that parity-dependent stopping behavior was a powerful factor in the fertility transition. Our data also provide evidence of attempts to truncate childbearing. Specifically, the smaller the completed family size, the longer the ultimate birth interval; and ultimate birth intervals increase across cohorts controlling CEB and parity. But spacing appears to represent an additional strategy of fertility limitation. Thus, it may be necessary to distinguish spacing and stopping behavior if one wishes to clarify behavioral patterns within a population (Edlefsen, 1981; Friedlander et al., 1980; Rodriguez and Hobcraft, 1980). Because fertility transition theories imply increased attempts to limit family sizes, it is important to examine differential behavior within subgroups achieving different family sizes. It is this level of analysis which we have attempted to achieve in utilizing parity-specific birth intervals controlled by children ever born.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Serum zinc levels of cord blood: relation to birth weight and gestational period.

PubMed

Gómez, Tahiry; Bequer, Leticia; Mollineda, Angel; González, Olga; Diaz, Mireisy; Fernández, Douglas

2015-04-01

Zn-deficiency has been associated with numerous alterations during pregnancy including low birth weight; however, the research relating neonatal zinc status and birth weight has not produced reliable results. To compare the serum Zn-levels of cord blood in healthy newborns and low birth weight newborns, and to assess a possible relationship between zinc concentration and neonatal birth weight and gestational age. 123 newborns divided in "study group" (n=50) with <2500g birth weight neonates and "control group" (n=73) with ≥2500g birth weight neonates were enrolled. Study group was subdivided according to gestational age in preterm (<37 weeks) and full-term (≥37 weeks). Serum cord blood samples were collected and the Zn-levels were analyzed using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method and the result was expressed in μmol/L. The Zn-levels were compared between the groups (Mann-Whitney-U test) and the Zn-levels were correlated with the birth weight and gestational age (Spearman's rank correlations). Statistically significant low positive correlation between Zn-levels and birth weight (ρ=0.283; p=0.005) was found. No statistically significant difference between Zn-levels of study and control groups [17.00±0.43 vs. 18.16±0.32 (p=0.053)] was found. Statistically significant low positive correlation between Zn-levels and gestational age (ρ=0.351; p=0.001) was found. No statistically significant difference between Zn-levels of preterm as compare to full-term newborns [16.33±0.42 vs. 18.43±0.93 (p=0.079)] was found. Zn-level of preterm subgroup was significantly lower compared to control group (p=0.001). Despite low birth weight preterm neonates had significantly lower serum zinc levels of cord blood than healthy term neonates, the correlation between cord blood zinc levels and birth weight and gestational age was lower. The results are not enough to relate the change in cord blood zinc concentration to the birth weight values or gestational period. In relation to complicated pregnancies, further studies regarding zinc levels in blood in our population are required. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The BetterBirth Program: Pursuing Effective Adoption and Sustained Use of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist Through Coaching-Based Implementation in Uttar Pradesh, India.

PubMed

Kara, Nabihah; Firestone, Rebecca; Kalita, Tapan; Gawande, Atul A; Kumar, Vishwajeet; Kodkany, Bhala; Saurastri, Rajiv; Pratap Singh, Vinay; Maji, Pinki; Karlage, Ami; Hirschhorn, Lisa R; Semrau, Katherine Ea

2017-06-27

Shifting childbirth into facilities has not improved health outcomes for mothers and newborns as significantly as hoped. Improving the quality and safety of care provided during facility-based childbirth requires helping providers to adhere to essential birth practices-evidence-based behaviors that reduce harm to and save lives of mothers and newborns. To achieve this goal, we developed the BetterBirth Program, which we tested in a matched-pair, cluster-randomized controlled trial in Uttar Pradesh, India. The goal of this intervention was to improve adoption and sustained use of the World Health Organization Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC), an organized collection of 28 essential birth practices that are known to improve the quality of facility-based childbirth care. Here, we describe the BetterBirth Program in detail, including its 4 main features: implementation tools, an implementation strategy of coaching, an implementation pathway (Engage-Launch-Support), and a sustainability plan. This coaching-based implementation of the SCC motivates and empowers care providers to identify, understand, and resolve the barriers they face in using the SCC with the resources already available. We describe important lessons learned from our experience with the BetterBirth Program as it was tested in the BetterBirth Trial. For example, the emphasis on relationship building and respect led to trust between coaches and birth attendants and helped influence change. In addition, the cloud-based data collection and feedback system proved a valuable asset in the coaching process. More research on coaching-based interventions is required to refine our understanding of what works best to improve quality and safety of care in various settings.Note: At the time of publication of this article, the results of evaluation of the impact of the BetterBirth Program were pending publication in another journal. After the impact findings have been published, we will update this article with a reference to the impact findings. © Kara et al.

Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Early Elective Deliveries and Improve Birth Registry Accuracy.

PubMed

Kaplan, Heather C; King, Eileen; White, Beth E; Ford, Susan E; Fuller, Sandra; Krew, Michael A; Marcotte, Michael P; Iams, Jay D; Bailit, Jennifer L; Bouchard, Jo M; Friar, Kelly; Lannon, Carole M

2018-04-01

To evaluate the success of a quality improvement initiative to reduce early elective deliveries at less than 39 weeks of gestation and improve birth registry data accuracy rapidly and at scale in Ohio. Between February 2013 and March 2014, participating hospitals were involved in a quality improvement initiative to reduce early elective deliveries at less than 39 weeks of gestation and improve birth registry data. This initiative was designed as a learning collaborative model (group webinars and a single face-to-face meeting) and included individual quality improvement coaching. It was implemented using a stepped wedge design with hospitals divided into three balanced groups (waves) participating in the initiative sequentially. Birth registry data were used to assess hospital rates of nonmedically indicated inductions at less than 39 weeks of gestation. Comparisons were made between groups participating and those not participating in the initiative at two time points. To measure birth registry accuracy, hospitals conducted monthly audits comparing birth registry data with the medical record. Associations were assessed using generalized linear repeated measures models accounting for time effects. Seventy of 72 (97%) eligible hospitals participated. Based on birth registry data, nonmedically indicated inductions at less than 39 weeks of gestation declined in all groups with implementation (wave 1: 6.2-3.2%, P<.001; wave 2: 4.2-2.5%, P=.04; wave 3: 6.8-3.7%, P=.002). When waves 1 and 2 were participating in the initiative, they saw significant decreases in rates of early elective deliveries as compared with wave 3 (control; P=.018). All waves had significant improvement in birth registry accuracy (wave 1: 80-90%, P=.017; wave 2: 80-100%, P=.002; wave 3: 75-100%, P<.001). A quality improvement initiative enabled statewide spread of change strategies to decrease early elective deliveries and improve birth registry accuracy over 14 months and could be used for rapid dissemination of other evidence-based obstetric care practices across states or hospital systems.

Vital signs: teen pregnancy--United States, 1991--2009.

PubMed

2011-04-08

In 2009, approximately 410,000 teens aged 15-19 years gave birth in the United States, and the teen birth rate remains higher than in other developed countries. To describe U.S. trends in teen births and related factors, CDC used data on 1) teen birth rates during 1991-2009 from the National Vital Statistics System, 2) sexual intercourse and contraceptive use among high school students during 1991-2009 from the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and 3) sex education, parent communication, use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and receipt of reproductive health services among teens aged 15-19 years from the 2006-2008 National Survey of Family Growth. In 2009, the national teen birth rate was 39.1 births per 1,000 females, a 37% decrease from 61.8 births per 1,000 females in 1991 and the lowest rate ever recorded. State-specific teen birth rates varied from 16.4 to 64.2 births per 1,000 females and were highest among southern states. Birth rates for black and Hispanic teens were 59.0 and 70.1 births per 1,000 females, respectively, compared with 25.6 for white teens. From 1991 to 2009, the percentage of high school students who ever had sexual intercourse decreased from 54% to 46%, and the percentage of students who had sexual intercourse in the past 3 months but did not use any method of contraception at last sexual intercourse decreased from 16% to 12%. From 1999 to 2009, the percentage of students who had sexual intercourse in the past 3 months and used dual methods at last sexual intercourse (condoms with either birth control pills or the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera) increased from 5% to 9%. During 2006-2008, 65% of female teens and 53% of male teens received formal sex education that covered saying no to sex and provided information on methods of birth control. Overall, 44% of female teens and 27% of male teens had spoken with their parents about both topics, but among teens who had ever had sexual intercourse, 20% of females and 31% of males had not spoken with their parents about either topic. Only 2% of females who had sexual intercourse in the past 3 months used LARCs at last sexual intercourse. Teen birth rates in the United States have declined but remain high, especially among black and Hispanic teens and in southern states. Fewer high school students are having sexual intercourse, and more sexually active students are using some method of contraception. However, many teens who have had sexual intercourse have not spoken with their parents about sex, and use of LARCs remains rare. Teen childbearing is associated with adverse consequences for mothers and their children and imposes high public sector costs. Prevention of teen pregnancy requires evidence-based sex education, support for parents in talking with their children about pregnancy prevention and other aspects of sexual and reproductive health, and ready access to effective and affordable contraception for teens who are sexually active.

Lack of periconceptional vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid and diabetes mellitus-associated birth defects.

PubMed

Correa, Adolfo; Gilboa, Suzanne M; Botto, Lorenzo D; Moore, Cynthia A; Hobbs, Charlotte A; Cleves, Mario A; Riehle-Colarusso, Tiffany J; Waller, D Kim; Reece, E Albert

2012-03-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the risk of birth defects in relation to diabetes mellitus and the lack of use of periconceptional vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid. The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997-2004) is a multicenter, population-based case-control study of birth defects (14,721 cases and 5437 control infants). Cases were categorized into 18 types of heart defects and 26 noncardiac birth defects. We estimated odds ratios for independent and joint effects of preexisting diabetes mellitus and a lack of periconceptional use of vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid. The pattern of odds ratios suggested an increased risk of defects that are associated with diabetes mellitus in the absence vs the presence of the periconceptional use of vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid. The lack of periconceptional use of vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid may be associated with an excess risk for birth defects due to diabetes mellitus. Published by Mosby, Inc.

Effect of the Uganda Newborn Study on care-seeking and care practices: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Waiswa, Peter; Pariyo, George; Kallander, Karin; Akuze, Joseph; Namazzi, Gertrude; Ekirapa-Kiracho, Elizabeth; Kerber, Kate; Sengendo, Hanifah; Aliganyira, Patrick; Lawn, Joy E.; Peterson, Stefan

2015-01-01

Background Care for women and babies before, during, and after the time of birth is a sensitive measure of the functionality of any health system. Engaging communities in preventing newborn deaths is a promising strategy to achieve further progress in child survival in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To assess the effect of a home visit strategy combined with health facility strengthening on uptake of newborn care-seeking, practices and services, and to link the results to national policy and scale-up in Uganda. Design The Uganda Newborn Study (UNEST) was a two-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial in rural eastern Uganda. In intervention villages volunteer community health workers (CHWs) were trained to identify pregnant women and make five home visits (two during pregnancy and three in the first week after birth) to offer preventive and promotive care and counselling, with extra visits for sick and small newborns to assess and refer. Health facility strengthening was done in all facilities to improve quality of care. Primary outcomes were coverage of key essential newborn care behaviours (breastfeeding, thermal care, and cord care). Analyses were by intention to treat. This study is registered as a clinical trial, number ISRCTN50321130. Results The intervention significantly improved essential newborn care practices, although many interventions saw major increases in both arms over the study period. Immediate breastfeeding after birth and exclusive breastfeeding were significantly higher in the intervention arm compared to the control arm (72.6% vs. 66.0%; p=0.016 and 81.8% vs. 75.9%, p=0.042, respectively). Skin-to-skin care immediately after birth and cord cutting with a clean instrument were marginally higher in the intervention arm versus the control arm (80.7% vs. 72.2%; p=0.071 and 88.1% vs. 84.4%; p=0.023, respectively). Half (49.6%) of the mothers in the intervention arm waited more than 24 hours to bathe the baby, compared to 35.5% in the control arm (p<0.001). Dry umbilical cord care was also significantly higher in intervention areas (63.9% vs. 53.1%, p<0.001). There was no difference in care-seeking for newborn illness, which was high (around 95%) in both arms. Skilled attendance at delivery increased in both the intervention (by 21%) and control arms (by 19%) between baseline and endline, but there was no significant difference in coverage across arms at endline (79.6% vs. 78.9%; p=0.717). Home visits were pro-poor, with more women in the poorest quintile visited by a CHW compared to families in the least poor quintile, and more women who delivered at home visited by a CHW after birth (73.6%) compared to those who delivered in a hospital or health facility (59.7%) (p<0.001). CHWs visited 62.8% of women and newborns in the first week after birth, with 40.2% receiving a visit on the critical first day of life. Conclusion Consistent with results from other community newborn care studies, volunteer CHWs can be effective in changing long-standing practices around newborn care. The home visit strategy may provide greater benefit to poorer families. However, CHW strategies require strong linkages with and concurrent improvement of quality through health system strengthening, especially in settings with high and increasing demand for facility-based services. PMID:25843498

Cumulative live-birth rate in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or isolated polycystic ovaries undergoing in-vitro fertilisation treatment.

PubMed

Li, Hang Wun Raymond; Lee, Vivian Chi Yan; Lau, Estella Yee Lan; Yeung, William Shu Biu; Ho, Pak Chung; Ng, Ernest Hung Yu

2014-02-01

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the cumulative live birth rate in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and isolated polycystic ovaries (PCO) undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. We studied 104 women with PCOS, 184 with PCO and 576 age-matched controls undergoing the first IVF treatment cycle between 2002 and 2009. The main outcome measure was cumulative live birth in the fresh plus all the frozen embryo transfers combined after the same stimulation cycle. Women in both the PCOS (n = 104) and isolated PCO groups (n = 184) had higher ovarian response parameters compared to age-matched controls (n = 576), and higher rates of withholding fresh embryo transfer for risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The actual incidence of moderate to severe OHSS was significantly higher in the PCOS (11.5 %) but not the isolated PCO group (8.2%) compared to controls (4.9%). The live birth rates in the fresh cycle were comparable among the 3 groups, but the PCOS group had a significantly higher miscarriage rate compared to the other 2 groups. Cumulative live birth rate was significantly higher in the isolated PCO group (60.3%), but not the PCOS group (50.0%), compared to controls (47.5%). Women in the isolated PCO group, but not the PCOS group, had a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate compared to controls. This could be explained by the quantitative effect of the higher number of transferable embryos obtained per stimulation cycle, which is uncompromised by the unfavourable embryo competence otherwise observed in PCOS.

Premarital Sexual Guilt and Contraceptive Attitudes and Behavior.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herold, Edward S.; Goodwin, Marilyn Shirley

1981-01-01

Studied the relationship between premarital sexual guilt and contraceptive attitudes and behavior among young single women. High-guilt subjects were significantly more embarrassed about coming to the birth control clinics and were more likely to believe that it was difficult to obtain birth control. (Author)

Family Planning: Bosnian, Russian, Spanish, Nuer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services, Coon Rapids, MN.

This guide provides information in English, Bosnian, Russian, Spanish, and Nuer on family planning. Topics covered include a variety of birth control methods: abstinence, condoms, contraceptive foam, birth control pills, the Depo-Provera shot, the Norplant implant, diaphragms, intrauterine devices, natural family planning, sterilization, and the…

Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Birth Control Pills for My Acne?

MedlinePlus

... Health Food & Fitness Diseases & Conditions Infections Drugs & Alcohol School & Jobs Sports Expert Answers (Q&A) Staying Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Why Did My Doctor Prescribe Birth Control Pills for My Acne? KidsHealth / For Teens / Why ...

Community-Academic Partnership to Investigate Low Birth Weight Deliveries and Improve Maternal and Infant Outcomes at a Baltimore City Hospital.

PubMed

Harvey, Elizabeth M; Strobino, Donna; Sherrod, Leslie; Webb, Mary Catherine; Anderson, Caroline; White, Jennifer Arice; Atlas, Robert

2017-02-01

Purpose Mercy Medical Center (MMC), a community hospital in Baltimore Maryland, has undertaken a community initiative to reduce low birth weight (LBW) deliveries by 10 % in 3 years. MMC partnered with a School of Public Health to evaluate characteristics associated with LBW deliveries and formulate collaborations with obstetricians and community services to improve birth outcomes. Description As part of the initiative, a case control study of LBW was undertaken of all newborns weighing <2500 grams during June 2010-June 2011 matched 2:1 with newborns ≥2500 grams (n = 862). Assessment Logistic regression models including maternal characteristics prior to and during pregnancy showed an increased odds of LBW among women with a previous preterm birth (aOR 2.48; 95 % CI: 1.49-4.13), chronic hypertension (aOR: 2.53; 95 % CI: 1.25-5.10), hospitalization during pregnancy (aOR: 2.27; 95 % CI:1.52-3.40), multiple gestation (aOR:12.33; 95 % CI:5.49-27.73) and gestational hypertension (aOR: 2.81; 95 % CI: 1.79-4.41). Given that both maternal pre-existing conditions and those occurring during pregnancy were found to be associated with LBW, one strategy to address pregnant women at risk of LBW infants is to improve the intake and referral system to better triage women to appropriate services in the community. Meetings were held with community organizations and feedback was operationalized into collaboration strategies which can be jointly implemented. Conclusion Education sessions with providers about the referral system are one ongoing strategy to improve birth outcomes in Baltimore City, as well as provision of timely home visits by nurses to high-risk women.

Maternal antibodies against tetanus toxoid do not inhibit potency of antibody responses to autologous antigen in newborn rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Veazey, Ronald S; Lu, Yingjie; Xu, Huanbin; Ziani, Widade; Doyle-Meyers, Lara A; Ratterree, Marion S; Wang, Xiaolei

2018-02-01

Our previous study suggested newborns have competent immune systems with the potential to respond to foreign antigens and vaccines. In this study, we examined infant immune responses to tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination in the presence of maternal antibody to TT. We examined changes in plasma levels of tetanus toxoid-specific IgG1 (anti-TT IgG1) in a total of eight infant rhesus macaques from birth through 6 months of age using a commercial Monkey Anti-TT IgG1 ELISA kit. A significant correlation between anti-TT IgG1 levels in vaccinated dams and their paired newborn infants was detected in control (non-vaccinated) infants as previously reported. Maternal anti-TT IgG1 levels declined rapidly within 1 month of birth in non-vaccinated infants (n=4). In four infants vaccinated with TT at birth, we found two had rapid and robust antibody responses to vaccination. Interestingly, the other two first showed declining TT antibody levels for 2 weeks followed by increasing levels without additional vaccine boosts, indicating all four had good antibody responses to primary TT vaccination at birth, despite the presence of high levels of maternal antibodies to TT in all four infants. Our data indicate that newborn macaques have competent immune systems that are capable of generating their own primary antibody responses to vaccination, at least to tetanus antigens. Maternal antibodies thus do not significantly impair antibody response to the vaccination, even when received on the day of birth in infant rhesus macaques. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Infectious exposure in the first years of life and risk of central nervous system tumours in children: analysis of birth order, childcare attendance and seasonality of birth

PubMed Central

Schmidt, L S; Kamper-Jørgensen, M; Schmiegelow, K; Johansen, C; Lähteenmäki, P; Träger, C; Stokland, T; Grell, K; Gustafson, G; Kogner, P; Sehested, A; Schüz, J

2010-01-01

Background: An infective, mostly viral basis has been found in different human cancers. To test the hypothesis of a possible infectious aetiology for central nervous system (CNS) tumours in children, we investigated the associations with proxy measures of exposure to infectious disease. Methods: In a large case–control study nested in the populations of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland of 4.4 million children, we studied the association of birth order and seasonal variation of birth with subsequent risk for CNS tumours. We identified 3983 children from the national cancer registries, and information on exposure was obtained from the high-quality national administrative health registries. We investigated the association between childcare attendance during the first 2 years of life and the risk for CNS tumours in a subset of Danish children with CNS tumours, using information from the Danish Childcare database. Results: We observed no association between birth order and risk of CNS tumours overall (odds ratio (OR) for second born or later born vs first born, 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.96–1.10) or by histological subgroup, and children with CNS tumours did not show a seasonal variation of birth that was distinct from that of the background population. Childcare attendance compared with homecare showed a slightly increased OR (1.29; 95% CI, 0.90–1.86) for CNS tumours, with the highest risk observed in children attending a crèche. The strongest association was observed for embryonal CNS tumours. We found no effect of age at enrolment or duration of enrolment in childcare. Conclusion: These results do not support the hypothesis that the burden of exposure to infectious disease in early childhood has an important role in the aetiology of paediatric CNS tumours. PMID:20461079

Infectious exposure in the first years of life and risk of central nervous system tumours in children: analysis of birth order, childcare attendance and seasonality of birth.

PubMed

Schmidt, L S; Kamper-Jørgensen, M; Schmiegelow, K; Johansen, C; Lähteenmäki, P; Träger, C; Stokland, T; Grell, K; Gustafson, G; Kogner, P; Sehested, A; Schüz, J

2010-05-25

An infective, mostly viral basis has been found in different human cancers. To test the hypothesis of a possible infectious aetiology for central nervous system (CNS) tumours in children, we investigated the associations with proxy measures of exposure to infectious disease. In a large case-control study nested in the populations of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland of 4.4 million children, we studied the association of birth order and seasonal variation of birth with subsequent risk for CNS tumours. We identified 3983 children from the national cancer registries, and information on exposure was obtained from the high-quality national administrative health registries. We investigated the association between childcare attendance during the first 2 years of life and the risk for CNS tumours in a subset of Danish children with CNS tumours, using information from the Danish Childcare database. We observed no association between birth order and risk of CNS tumours overall (odds ratio (OR) for second born or later born vs first born, 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.96-1.10) or by histological subgroup, and children with CNS tumours did not show a seasonal variation of birth that was distinct from that of the background population. Childcare attendance compared with homecare showed a slightly increased OR (1.29; 95% CI, 0.90-1.86) for CNS tumours, with the highest risk observed in children attending a crèche. The strongest association was observed for embryonal CNS tumours. We found no effect of age at enrolment or duration of enrolment in childcare. These results do not support the hypothesis that the burden of exposure to infectious disease in early childhood has an important role in the aetiology of paediatric CNS tumours.

Feminism, biomedicine and the 'reproductive destiny' of women in clinical texts on the birth control pill.

PubMed

Carson, Andrea

2018-07-01

The birth control pill is one of the most popular forms of contraception in North America and has been a key player in women's rights activism for over 50 years. In this paper, I conduct a feminist deconstructive analysis of 12 biomedical texts on the birth control pill, published between 1965 and 2016. This study is situated amongst the feminist scholarship that challenges the representation of women's bodies in biomedicine. Findings suggest that clinical texts on the birth control pill continue to universalise women's lives and experiences, and essentialise them based on their reproductive capacities. One way the texts accomplish this is by making women absent or passive in the literature thereby losing concern for the diversity of their lives, interpretations and identities as more than reproductive beings. The consequence of such representations is that biomedical texts disseminate limited forms of knowledge, in particular concerning definitions of 'natural' and 'normal' behaviour, with important consequences for the embodied experiences of women.

Improving Birth Control Service Utilization By Offering Services Prerelease Vs Postincarceration

PubMed Central

Clarke, Jennifer G.; Rosengard, Cynthia; Rose, Jennifer S.; Hebert, Megan R.; Peipert, Jeffrey; Stein, Michael D.

2006-01-01

Objectives. We examined whether incarcerated women would substantially increase birth control initiation if contraceptive services were available within the prison compared with after their release back into the community. Methods. During phase 1 of the study, a nurse educator met with women at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute and offered them referrals for contraceptive services at a community health clinic after their release. During phase 2, contraceptive services were offered to women during their incarceration. Results. The majority of the participants (77.5%) reported a desire to initiate use of birth control methods. Within 4 weeks of their release, 4.4% of phase 1 participants initiated use of a contraceptive method, compared with 39.1% of phase 2 participants (odds ratio [OR]=14.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]=5.5, 38.8). Conclusions. Provision of contraceptive services to women during their incarceration is feasible and greatly increases birth control initiation compared to providing services only in the community. PMID:16571698

Imaging gene and environmental effects on cerebellum in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and typical development☆

PubMed Central

de Zeeuw, Patrick; van Belle, Janna; van Dijk, Sarai; Weusten, Juliette; Koeleman, Bobby; Janson, Esther; van Engeland, Herman; Durston, Sarah

2012-01-01

This study investigates the effects of XKR4, a recently identified candidate gene for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), birth weight, and their interaction on brain volume in ADHD. XKR4 is expressed in cerebellum and low birth weight has been associated both with changes in cerebellum and with ADHD, probably due to its relation with prenatal adversity. Anatomical MRI scans were acquired in 58 children with ADHD and 64 typically developing controls and processed to obtain volumes of cerebrum, cerebellum and gray and white matter in each structure. DNA was collected from saliva. Analyses including data on birth weight were conducted in a subset of 37 children with ADHD and 51 controls where these data were retrospectively collected using questionnaires. There was an interaction between genotype and birth weight for cerebellum gray matter volume (p = .020). The combination of homozygosity for the G-allele (the allele previously found to be overtransmitted in ADHD) and higher birth weight was associated with smaller volume. Furthermore, birth weight was positively associated with cerebellar white matter volume in controls, but not ADHD (interaction: p = .021). The interaction of genotype with birth weight affecting cerebellum gray matter is consistent with models that emphasize increased influence of genetic risk-factors in an otherwise favorable prenatal environment. The absence of an association between birth weight and cerebellum white matter volume in ADHD suggests that other genetic or environmental effects may be at play, unrelated to XKR4. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental effects in imaging genetics studies. PMID:24179763

Preterm birth and maternal country of birth in a French district with a multiethnic population.

PubMed

Zeitlin, J; Bucourt, M; Rivera, L; Topuz, B; Papiernik, E

2004-08-01

This analysis explores the association between preterm birth and maternal country of birth in a French district with a multiethnic population. Prospective observational study. District of Seine-Saint-Denis in France 48,746 singleton live births from a population-based birth register between October 1998 and December 2000. We compare preterm birth rates by mother's country of birth controlling for demographic and obstetric factors as well as insurance coverage and timing of initiation of antenatal care. Overall preterm birth rates and preterm birth rates by timing of delivery (<33 weeks versus 33-36 weeks of gestation), mode of onset (spontaneous or indicated preterm birth) and the presence of hypertension in pregnancy. Women born in Northern Africa, Southern Europe and South/East Asia did not have higher preterm birth rates than women born in continental France. Rates were significantly higher for women born in the overseas French districts in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean and Sub-Saharan Africa. Excess risk was greatest for early preterm births, medically indicated births and preterm births associated with hypertension. Patterns of preterm birth with relation to timing, mode of onset and medical complications among of Afro-Caribbean origin should be confirmed in future research.

Factors associated with birth defects in the region of Corpus Christi, Texas

EPA Science Inventory

In recent years, the Birth Defects Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has documented a high prevalence of certain birth defects in the Corpus Christi, TX region. We conducted a case-control study to evaluate associations...

Birth Outcomes Among U.S. Women With Hearing Loss.

PubMed

Mitra, Monika; Akobirshoev, Ilhom; McKee, Michael M; Iezzoni, Lisa I

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study is to estimate the national occurrence of deliveries in women with hearing loss and to compare their birth outcomes to women without hearing loss. This study examined the 2008-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project in 2015 to compare birth outcomes in women with hearing loss and without. Birth outcomes included preterm birth and low birth weight. Multivariate regression analyses compared birth outcomes between women with and without hearing loss, controlling for maternal age, racial and ethnic identity, type of health insurance, comorbidity, region of hospital, location and teaching status of the hospital, ownership of the hospital, and median household income for mother's ZIP code. Of an estimated 17.9 million deliveries, 10,462 occurred in women with hearing loss. In adjusted regression analyses controlling for demographic characteristics, women with hearing loss were significantly more likely than those without hearing loss to have preterm birth (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.08, 1.52, p<0.001) and low birth weight (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.09, 1.90, p<0.05). This study provides a first examination of the pregnancy outcomes among women with hearing loss in the U.S. This analysis demonstrates significant disparities in birth outcomes between women with and without hearing loss. Understanding and addressing the causes of these disparities is critical to improving pregnancy outcomes among women with hearing loss. Copyright © 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compairing Picture Exchange and Voice Output Communication Aids in Young Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorah, Elizabeth R.

2012-01-01

The Center for Disease Control estimates that one in 88 births result in a diagnosis of autism (CDC, 2012). Of those individuals diagnosed with autism approximately 25-61% fail to develop vocal output capabilities (Weitxz, Dexter, & Moore, 1997). The use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, such as Picture Exchange (PE)…

Effect of antenatal corticosteroids on fetal growth and gestational age at birth.

PubMed

Murphy, Kellie E; Willan, Andrew R; Hannah, Mary E; Ohlsson, Arne; Kelly, Edmond N; Matthews, Stephen G; Saigal, Saroj; Asztalos, Elizabeth; Ross, Susan; Delisle, Marie-France; Amankwah, Kofi; Guselle, Patricia; Gafni, Amiram; Lee, Shoo K; Armson, B Anthony

2012-05-01

To estimate the effect of multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids on neonatal size, controlling for gestational age at birth and other confounders, and to determine whether there was a dose-response relationship between number of courses of antenatal corticosteroids and neonatal size. This is a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study, a double-blind randomized controlled trial of single compared with multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk for preterm birth and in which fetuses administered multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids weighed less, were shorter, and had smaller head circumferences at birth. All women (n=1,858) and children (n=2,304) enrolled in the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study were included in the current analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were undertaken. Compared with placebo, neonates in the antenatal corticosteroids group were born earlier (estimated difference and confidence interval [CI]: -0.428 weeks, CI -0.10264 to -0.75336; P=.01). Controlling for gestational age at birth and confounding factors, multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids were associated with a decrease in birth weight (-33.50 g, CI -66.27120 to -0.72880; P=.045), length (-0.339 cm, CI -0.6212 to -0.05676]; P=.019), and head circumference (-0.296 cm, -0.45672 to -0.13528; P<.001). For each additional course of antenatal corticosteroids, there was a trend toward an incremental decrease in birth weight, length, and head circumference. Fetuses exposed to multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids were smaller at birth. The reduction in size was partially attributed to being born at an earlier gestational age but also was attributed to decreased fetal growth. Finally, a dose-response relationship exists between the number of corticosteroid courses and a decrease in fetal growth. The long-term effect of these findings is unknown. ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00187382. II.

Effect of periodontal treatment on preterm birth rate: a systematic review of meta-analyses.

PubMed

López, Néstor J; Uribe, Sergio; Martinez, Benjamín

2015-02-01

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Preterm birth is a highly complex syndrome that includes distinct clinical subtypes in which many different causes may be involved. The results of epidemiological, molecular, microbiological and animal-model studies support a positive association between maternal periodontal disease and preterm birth. However, the results of intervention studies carried out to determine the effect of periodontal treatment on reducing the risk of preterm birth are controversial. This systematic review critically analyzes the methodological issues of meta-analyses of the studies to determine the effect of periodontal treatment to reduce preterm birth. The quality of the individual randomized clinical trials selected is of highest relevance for a systematic review. This article describes the methodological features that should be identified a priori and assessed individually to determine the quality of a randomized controlled trial performed to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on pregnancy outcomes. The AMSTAR and the PRISMA checklist tools were used to assess the quality of the six meta-analyses selected, and the bias domain of the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool was applied to evaluate each of the trials included in the meta-analyses. In addition, the methodological characteristics of each clinical trial were assessed. The majority of the trials included in the meta-analyses have significant methodological flaws that threaten their internal validity. The lack of effect of periodontal treatment on preterm birth rate concluded by four meta-analyses, and the positive effect of treatment for reducing preterm birth risk concluded by the remaining two meta-analyses are not based on consistent scientific evidence. Well-conducted randomized controlled trials using rigorous methodology, including appropriate definition of the exposure, adequate control of confounders for preterm birth and application of effective periodontal interventions to eliminate periodontal infection, are needed to confirm the positive association between periodontal disease and preterm birth. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The influences on women who choose publicly-funded home birth in Australia.

PubMed

Catling, Christine; Dahlen, Hannah; Homer, Caroline S E

2014-07-01

to explore the influences on women who chose a publicly-funded home birth in one Australian state. a constructivist grounded theory methodology was used. a publicly-funded home birth service located within a tertiary referral hospital in the southern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. data were collected though semi-structured interviews of 17 women who chose to have a publicly-funded home birth. six main categories emerged from the data. These were feeling independent, strong and confident, doing it my way, protection from hospital related activities, having a safety net, selective listening and telling, and engaging support. The core category was having faith in normal. This linked all the categories and was an overriding attitude towards themselves as women and the process of childbirth. The basic social process was validating the decision to have a home birth. women reported similar influences to other studies when choosing home birth. However, the women in this study were reassured by the publicly-funded system׳s 'safety net' and apparent seamless links with the hospital system. The flexibility of the service to permit women to change their minds to give birth in hospital, and essentially choose their birthplace at any time during pregnancy or labour was also appreciated. women that choose a publicly-funded home birth service describe strong influences that led them to home birth within this model of care. Service managers and health professionals need to acknowledge the importance of place of birth choice for women. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Planned hospital birth versus planned home birth

PubMed Central

Olsen, Ole; Clausen, Jette A

2014-01-01

Background Observational studies of increasingly better quality and in different settings suggest that planned home birth in many places can be as safe as planned hospital birth and with less intervention and fewer complications. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1998. Objectives To assess the effects of planned hospital birth compared with planned home birth in selected low-risk women, assisted by an experienced midwife with collaborative medical back up in case transfer should be necessary. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (30 March 2012) and contacted editors and authors involved with possible trials. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials comparing planned hospital birth with planned home birth in low-risk women as described in the objectives. Data collection and analysis The two review authors as independently as possible assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. Main results Two trials met the inclusion criteria but only one trial involving 11 women provided some outcome data and was included. The evidence from this trial was of moderate quality and too small to allow conclusions to be drawn. Authors’ conclusions There is no strong evidence from randomised trials to favour either planned hospital birth or planned home birth for low-risk pregnant women. However, the trials show that women living in areas where they are not well informed about home birth may welcome ethically well-designed trials that would ensure an informed choice. As the quality of evidence in favour of home birth from observational studies seems to be steadily increasing, it might be as important to prepare a regularly updated systematic review including observational studies as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions as to attempt to set up new randomised controlled trials. PMID:22972043

Preterm Birth and Prenatal Maternal Occupation: The Role of Hispanic Ethnicity and Nativity in a Population-Based Sample in Los Angeles, California

PubMed Central

Wilhelm, Michelle; Wang, Anthony; Ritz, Beate

2014-01-01

Objectives. We investigated preterm birth (PTB) in relation to maternal occupational exposure and whether effect measures were modified by Hispanic ethnicity and nativity in a population-based sample with high proportion of Hispanics. Methods. We used a case-control study (n = 2543) nested within a cohort of 58 316 births in Los Angeles County, California, in 2003. We categorized prenatal occupations using the US Census Occupation Codes and Classification System and developed a job exposure matrix. Odds ratios for PTB were estimated using logistic regression. Results. Odds ratios for PTB were increased for all women in health care practitioner and technical occupations, but the 95% confidence intervals included the null value; effects were more pronounced among Hispanics. We estimated elevated odds ratios for foreign-born Hispanic women in building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations. Shift work and physically demanding work affected births among US-born but not foreign-born Hispanics. Conclusions. Hispanic women are at particular risk for PTB related to adverse prenatal occupational exposure. Nativity may moderate these effects on PTB. Maternal occupational exposures likely contribute to ethnic disparities in PTB. PMID:24354840

Public Health and Midwifery in Indonesia.

DTIC Science & Technology

1961-03-21

Diagnosis of the progress of the Pregnancy must be made and nurse, the mother cared for during pregnancy and axter and where necessary, birth control knowledge...in hospitals. Prenatal and postnatal care and birth control as devices to reduce the death rate have not yet received wide acceptance. Before

Birth control pills - overview

MedlinePlus

... of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Birth Control Read more NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Read more Health ...

Cognitive Outcomes for Extremely Preterm/Extremely Low Birth Weight Children in Kindergarten

PubMed Central

Orchinik, Leah J.; Taylor, H. Gerry; Espy, Kimberly Andrews; Minich, Nori; Klein, Nancy; Sheffield, Tiffany; Hack, Maureen

2012-01-01

Our objectives were to examine cognitive outcomes for extremely preterm/extremely low birth weight (EPT/ELBW, gestational age <28 weeks and/or birth weight <1000 g) children in kindergarten and the associations of these outcomes with neonatal factors, early childhood neurodevelopmental impairment, and socioeconomic status (SES). The sample comprised a hospital-based 2001-2003 birth cohort of 148 EPT/ELBW children (mean birth weight 818 g; mean gestational age 26 weeks) and a comparison group of 111 term-born normal birth weight (NBW) classmate controls. Controlling for background factors, the EPT/ELBW group had pervasive deficits relative to the NBW group on a comprehensive test battery, with rates of cognitive deficits that were 3 to 6 times higher in the EPT/ELBW group. Deficits on a measure of response inhibition were found in 48% versus 10%, OR (95% CI) = 7.32 (3.32, 16.16), p <.001. Deficits on measures of executive function and motor and perceptual-motor abilities were found even when controlling for acquired verbal knowledge. Neonatal risk factors, early neurodevelopmental impairment, and lower SES were associated with higher rates of deficits within the EPT/ELBW group. The findings document both global and selective cognitive deficits in EPT/ELBW children at school entry and justify efforts at early identification and intervention. PMID:21923973

Sexual health information seeking on the Internet: comparisons between White and African American college students.

PubMed

Fogel, Joshua; Fajiram, Sandra; Morgan, Phyllis D

2010-01-01

College students are often interested in information about sexual health topics. A study of 149 college students and their use of the Internet for sexual health information was conducted. The study findings indicated that African American college students, as compared to White college students, and women, as compared to men, had greater odds for searching on the Internet for birth control information. Among male college students, a higher internal locus of control was associated with lower odds for looking at birth control information on the Internet. Nurses and healthcare providers working in college settings can use these findings to develop strategies for identifying those who are more likely to reference the Internet to obtain birth control and sexual health information.

Effect of anti-smoking health education on infant size at birth: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

MacArthur, C; Newton, J R; Knox, E G

1987-04-01

The effects of anti-smoking health education during pregnancy on smoking behaviour and the subsequent infant's size at birth were investigated in a controlled trial. It was found that the planned educational intervention was incompletely carried out and was given more effectively to primigravidae in whom subsequent reduction of smoking was more evident. The effects of educative intervention on size at birth were therefore analysed for first and later pregnancies separately. The differences in birthweight and length between the intervention and control groups were concentrated almost entirely among the first born infants who were 68 g heavier and 0.75 cm longer in the intervention group than the first born infants in the control group.

The Effects of Chewing Betel Nut with Tobacco and Pre-pregnancy Obesity on Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Palauan Women.

PubMed

Berger, Katherine E; Masterson, James; Mascardo, Joy; Grapa, Jayvee; Appanaitis, Inger; Temengil, Everlynn; Watson, Berry Moon; Cash, Haley L

2016-08-01

The small Pacific Island nation of Palau has alarmingly high rates of betel nut with tobacco use and obesity among the entire population including pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the effects of betel nut with tobacco use and pre-pregnancy obesity on adverse birth outcomes. This study used retrospective cohort data on 1171 Palauan women who gave birth in Belau National Hospital in Meyuns, Republic of Palau between 2007 and 2013. The exposures of interest were pre-pregnancy obesity and reported betel nut with tobacco use during pregnancy. The primary outcomes measured were preterm birth and low birth weight among full-term infants. A significantly increased risk for low birth weight among full-term infants was demonstrated among those women who chewed betel nut with tobacco during pregnancy when other known risk factors were controlled for. Additionally, pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with a significantly increased risk for preterm birth when other known risk factors were controlled for. Both betel nut with tobacco use and pre-pregnancy obesity were associated with higher risks for adverse birth outcomes. These findings should be used to drive public health efforts in Palau, as well as in other Pacific Island nations where these studies are currently lacking.

Residential Agricultural Pesticide Exposures and Risks of Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

PubMed

Shaw, Gary M; Yang, Wei; Roberts, Eric M; Kegley, Susan E; Stevenson, David K; Carmichael, Suzan L; English, Paul B

2018-01-01

Pesticides exposures are aspects of the human exposome that have not been sufficiently studied for their contribution to risk for preterm birth. We investigated risks of spontaneous preterm birth from potential residential exposures to 543 individual chemicals and 69 physicochemical groupings that were applied in the San Joaquin Valley of California during the study period, 1998-2011. The study population was derived from birth certificate data linked with Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development maternal and infant hospital discharge data. After exclusions, the analytic study base included 197,461 term control births and 27,913 preterm case births. Preterm cases were more narrowly defined as 20-23 weeks (n = 515), 24-27 weeks (n = 1,792), 28-31 weeks (n = 3,098), or 32-36 weeks (n = 22,508). The frequency of any (versus none) pesticide exposure was uniformly lower in each preterm case group relative to the frequency in term controls, irrespective of gestational month of exposure. All odds ratios were below 1.0 for these any versus no exposure comparisons. The majority of odds ratios were below 1.0, many of them statistically precise, for preterm birth and exposures to specific chemical groups or chemicals. This study showed a general lack of increased risk of preterm birth associated with a range of agriculture pesticide exposures near women's residences.

VAGINAL PROGESTERONE VERSUS CERVICAL CERCLAGE FOR THE PREVENTION OF PRETERM BIRTH IN WOMEN WITH A SONOGRAPHIC SHORT CERVIX, SINGLETON GESTATION, AND PREVIOUS PRETERM BIRTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND INDIRECT COMPARISON META-ANALYSIS

PubMed Central

CONDE-AGUDELO, Agustin; ROMERO, Roberto; NICOLAIDES, Kypros; CHAIWORAPONGSA, Tinnakorn; O'BRIEN, John M.; CETINGOZ, Elcin; DA FONSECA, Eduardo; CREASY, George; SOMA-PILLAY, Priya; FUSEY, Shalini; CAM, Cetin; ALFIREVIC, Zarko; HASSAN, Sonia S.

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVE No randomized controlled trial has directly compared vaginal progesterone and cervical cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix in the midtrimester, singleton gestation, and previous spontaneous preterm birth. We performed an indirect comparison of vaginal progesterone versus cerclage, using placebo/no cerclage as the common comparator. STUDY DESIGN Adjusted indirect meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. RESULTS Four studies evaluating vaginal progesterone versus placebo (158 patients) and five evaluating cerclage versus no cerclage (504 patients) were included. Both interventions were associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth <32 weeks of gestation and composite perinatal morbidity and mortality compared with placebo/no cerclage. Adjusted indirect meta-analyses did not show statistically significant differences between vaginal progesterone and cerclage in reducing preterm birth or adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION Based on state-of-the-art methodology for indirect comparisons, either vaginal progesterone or cerclage are equally efficacious in the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix in the midtrimester, singleton gestation, and previous preterm birth. The selection of the optimal treatment may depend upon adverse events, cost and patient/clinician preferences. PMID:23157855

Benzene and childhood acute leukemia in Oklahoma.

PubMed

Janitz, Amanda E; Campbell, Janis E; Magzamen, Sheryl; Pate, Anne; Stoner, Julie A; Peck, Jennifer D

2017-10-01

Although childhood cancer is a leading cause of childhood mortality in the US, evidence regarding the etiology is lacking. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between benzene, a known carcinogen, and childhood acute leukemia. We conducted a case-control study including cases diagnosed with acute leukemia between 1997 and 2012 (n = 307) from the Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry and controls matched on week of birth from birth certificates (n = 1013). We used conditional logistic regression to evaluate the association between benzene, measured with the 2005 National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) at census tract of the birth residence, and childhood acute leukemia. We observed no differences in benzene exposure overall between cases and controls. However, when stratified by year of birth, cases born from 2005 to 2010 had a three-fold increased unadjusted odds of elevated exposure compared to controls born in this same time period (4th Quartile OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.35, 9.27). Furthermore, the estimates for children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were stronger than those with acute lymphoid leukemia, though not statistically significant. While we did not observe an association between benzene and childhood leukemia overall, our results suggest that acute leukemia is associated with increased benzene exposure among more recent births, and children with AML may have increased benzene exposure at birth. Using the NATA estimates allowed us to assess a specific pollutant at the census tract level, providing an advantage over monitor or point source data. Our study, however, cannot rule out the possibility that benzene may be a marker of other traffic-related exposures and temporal misclassification may explain the lack of an association among earlier births. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of mandibular bone mineral density using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique in edentulous subjects living in an endemic fluorosis region.

PubMed

Buyukkaplan, U S; Guldag, M U

2012-07-01

Fluoride is one of the biological trace elements with a strong affinity for osseous, cartilaginous and dental tissue. The dental and skeletal effects of high fluoride intake have already been studied in the literature, but little is known about the effects of high fluoride intake on edentulous mandibles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of high fluoride intake on mandibular bone mineral density (BMD) measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique in edentulous individuals with systemic fluorosis. 32 people who were living in an endemic fluorosis area since birth and 31 people who were living in a non-endemic fluorosis area since birth (control group) participated in this study. Systemic fluorosis was diagnosed in the patients using the sialic acid (NANA)/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) ratio. The BMDs of the mandibles were determined by the DXA technique. The serum NANA/GAG ratios in the fluorosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in mandibular BMD measurements (p < 0.05) between the systemic fluorosis and control groups, as measured by the DXA technique. Mandibular body BMD measurements were higher in the fluorosis group (1.25 ± 0.24 g cm(-2)) than in the control group (1.01 ± 0.31 g cm(-2)). The results of the study showed that fluoride intake higher than the optimum level causes increased mandibular BMD in edentulous individuals. Further dose-related studies are needed to determine the effects of high fluoride intake on bony structures of the stomatognathic system.

Childhood cancer and magnetic fields from high-voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case–control study

PubMed Central

Kroll, M E; Swanson, J; Vincent, T J; Draper, G J

2010-01-01

Background: Epidemiological evidence suggests that chronic low-intensity extremely-low-frequency magnetic-field exposure is associated with increased risk of childhood leukaemia; it is not certain the association is causal. Methods: We report a national case–control study relating childhood cancer risk to the average magnetic field from high-voltage overhead power lines at the child's home address at birth during the year of birth, estimated using National Grid records. From the National Registry of Childhood Tumours, we obtained records of 28 968 children born in England and Wales during 1962–1995 and diagnosed in Britain under age 15. We selected controls from birth registers, matching individually by sex, period of birth, and birth registration district. No participation by cases or controls was required. Results: The estimated relative risk for each 0.2 μT increase in magnetic field was 1.14 (95% confidence interval 0.57 to 2.32) for leukaemia, 0.80 (0.43–1.51) for CNS/brain tumours, and 1.34 (0.84–2.15) for other cancers. Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, the estimate for childhood leukaemia resembles results of comparable studies. Assuming causality, the estimated attributable risk is below one case per year. Magnetic-field exposure during the year of birth is unlikely to be the whole cause of the association with distance from overhead power lines that we previously reported. PMID:20877338

Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Smith, Caroline A; de Lacey, Sheryl; Chapman, Michael; Ratcliffe, Julie; Norman, Robert J; Johnson, Neil P; Boothroyd, Clare; Fahey, Paul

2018-05-15

Acupuncture is widely used by women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the evidence for efficacy is conflicting. To determine the efficacy of acupuncture compared with a sham acupuncture control performed during IVF on live births. A single-blind, parallel-group randomized clinical trial including 848 women undergoing a fresh IVF cycle was conducted at 16 IVF centers in Australia and New Zealand between June 29, 2011, and October 23, 2015, with 10 months of pregnancy follow-up until August 2016. Women received either acupuncture (n = 424) or a sham acupuncture control (n = 424). The first treatment was administered between days 6 to 8 of follicle stimulation, and 2 treatments were administered prior to and following embryo transfer. The sham control used a noninvasive needle placed away from the true acupuncture points. The primary outcome was live birth, defined as the delivery of 1 or more living infants at greater than 20 weeks' gestation or birth weight of at least 400 g. Among 848 randomized women, 24 withdrew consent, 824 were included in the study (mean [SD] age, 35.4 [4.3] years); 371 [45.0%] had undergone more than 2 previous IVF cycles), 607 proceeded to an embryo transfer, and 809 (98.2%) had data available on live birth outcomes. Live births occurred among 74 of 405 women (18.3%) receiving acupuncture compared with 72 of 404 women (17.8%) receiving sham control (risk difference, 0.5% [95% CI, -4.9% to 5.8%]; relative risk, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.38]). Among women undergoing IVF, administration of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture at the time of ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer resulted in no significant difference in live birth rates. These findings do not support the use of acupuncture to improve the rate of live births among women undergoing IVF. anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12611000226909.

Can community-based, low-cost antenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy reduce the incidence of low birth weight newborns?

PubMed

Chaudhary, A K; Chaudhary, Asha; Tiwari, S C; Dwivedi, R

2012-06-01

To determine if community-based, low-cost interventions during third trimester of pregnancy can reduce the incidence of low birth weight babies. In a case control study, 290 pregnant women from a slum area were registered in the beginning of third trimester of pregnancy and provided full antenatal care comprising fortnightly check up, one IFA tablet daily, counseling for minimum one-and-a-half hour post-lunch rest in left lateral position, additional diet to ensure minimum 2,200 kcal per day, and management of clinical conditions, if any. An equal number of pregnant women belonging to the same slum area were registered as control who received routine antenatal services from the existing health care facilities. The birth weight of the babies in the two groups were recorded and compared. Test of significance and correlation coefficient were applied to the data. Mean birth weight of the babies of the Subjects was 2.76 kg (SD 0.39) compared to mean birth weight of 2.57 kg (SD 0.36) of the babies in the Control group. Incidence of low birth weight babies among subjects who consumed minimum 2,400 kcal per day, had one-and-a-half hour post-lunch rest in left lateral position and who consumed one tablet of IFA (100 mg iron and 5 mg folic acid) per day during the last trimester of pregnancy was lower (17.6 %) as compared with women in the Control group (36.2 %). The difference in the mean birth weight of newborns of the two groups was statistically significant (t = 2.52, p < 0.01). Incidence of low birth weight babies can be significantly reduced by providing simple, low-cost care to pregnant women during the last trimester of pregnancy in the community setting.

[Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia in infants aged 6 to 12 months and its effects on neuropsychological development].

PubMed

Xu, Kang; Zhang, Cui-Mei; Huang, Lian-Hong; Fu, Si-Mao; Liu, Yu-Ling; Chen, Ang; Ou, Jun-Bin

2015-08-01

To study the risk factors for moderate and severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in infants aged 6-12 months, and to preliminarily investigate the effects of IDA on the neuromotor development and temperament characteristics of infants. A total of 326 infants aged 6-12 months with IDA were classified into three groups: mild IDA (n=176), moderate IDA (n=111), and severe IDA (n=39) according to the severity of anemia. The risk factors for moderate or severe IDA were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Three hundred and forty-six infants without IDA who showed matched age, sex, and other backgrounds were selected as the control group. The Gesell Development Diagnosis Scale was used to evaluate children's mental development. The Temperament Scale for infants was used for evaluating children's temperament. The univariate analysis showed that the severity of IDA was associated with sex, birth weight, gestational age, multiple birth, maternal anemia during pregnancy, and mother's lack of knowledge about IDA (P<0.05). Setting the mild IDA group as control, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple birth, premature birth, low birth weight (<2500 g), maternal anemia during pregnancy, breast feeding, and mother's lack of knowledge about IDA were the risk factors for severe IDA (OR>1; P<0.05); premature birth, breast feeding, and mixed feeding were the risk factors for moderate IDA (OR>1; P<0.05). The IDA group had significantly lower scores in Gesell general development quotient, gross motor, adaptive behavior, and fine motor than the control group (P<0.05). The IDA group had higher percentages of children with difficulty and intermediate difficulty temperaments than the control group (P<0.05). The IDA group had significantly higher scores in activity level, rhythmicity, adaptability, and perseverance than the control group (P<0.05). The severity of IDA is associated with premature birth, multiple birth, low birth weight, feeding pattern, maternal anemia during pregnancy and mother's lack of knowledge about IDA in infants aged 6-12 months. Infants with IDA have delayed neuromotor development and most of them have negative temperaments. More attention should be paid to mental and behavior problems for the infants. It is necessary to provide guidance for their parents in feeding and education.

Effects of infants' birth order, maternal age, and socio-economic status on birth weight.

PubMed

Ghaemmaghami, Seyed J; Nikniaz, Leila; Mahdavi, Reza; Nikniaz, Zeinab; Razmifard, Farzad; Afsharnia, Farzaneh

2013-09-01

To determine the effects of infants' birth order, maternal age, and socioeconomic status (SES) on birth weight. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 858 mothers recruited over a 6-month period in 2010, in a defined population of 9 urban health centers, and who were admitted for their infants' first vaccination. Maternal clinical data, demographic data, and infants' birth weight were obtained from the interview and maternal hospital files. Multiple regression and analysis of variance were used for data analysis. First and fourth births had lower birth weights compared with second and third births in all maternal ages in controlling parity, birth weight increases with maternal age up to the early 24, and then tends to level off. Male gender, maternal age 20-24 years, second and third births had a significant positive effect on birth weight. Lower family economic status and higher educational attainment were significantly associated with lower birth weight. For women in the 15-19 and 40-44 years age groups, the second birth order was associated with the most undesirable effect on birth weight. Accessibility of health care services, parity, maternal age, and socioeconomic factors are strongly associated with infants' birth weight.

Agricultural Compounds in Water and Birth Defects.

PubMed

Brender, Jean D; Weyer, Peter J

2016-06-01

Agricultural compounds have been detected in drinking water, some of which are teratogens in animal models. The most commonly detected agricultural compounds in drinking water include nitrate, atrazine, and desethylatrazine. Arsenic can also be an agricultural contaminant, although arsenic often originates from geologic sources. Nitrate has been the most studied agricultural compound in relation to prenatal exposure and birth defects. In several case-control studies published since 2000, women giving birth to babies with neural tube defects, oral clefts, and limb deficiencies were more likely than control mothers to be exposed to higher concentrations of drinking water nitrate during pregnancy. Higher concentrations of atrazine in drinking water have been associated with abdominal defects, gastroschisis, and other defects. Elevated arsenic in drinking water has also been associated with birth defects. Since these compounds often occur as mixtures, it is suggested that future research focus on the impact of mixtures, such as nitrate and atrazine, on birth defects.

[Clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoantibody before 20 weeks pregnancy and risk of preterm birth: a systematic review].

PubMed

Wang, Shaowei; Li, Min; Chu, Defa; Liang, Lin; Zhao, Xiaodong; Zhang, Junrong

2014-11-01

To evaluate the relationship between clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism and positive thyroid autoantibody before 20 weeks pregnancy and risk of preterm birth. Literature search was done in PubMed, EMBASE, Wanfang Medical Database, China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database and China Biology Medicine disc databases from January 1st, 1980 to December 31th, 2013. The following search terms were used:hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroxinnism, thyroid antibody, preterm labor, preterm birth, etc. (1) Criteria for inclusion:cohort studies and clinical studies were included; only articles that described at least 10 patients were eligible;the exposure was clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism and positive thyroid autoantihody, and outcome was preterm birth. (2) The excluded subjects were articles that described less than 10 patients; controls were pregnant women without eurothyrodisim. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5. The relationship between clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism and positive thyroid autoantibody and risk of preterm birth was evaluated by OR or RR. (1) Twenty cohort studies were enrolled. A total of 39 596 cases of preterm birth occurred among 498 418 pregnant women. The controls in these studies were pregnant women with eurothyrodisim. (2) Clinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: eight studies were included, reported data on 478 418 pregnant women (5 473 women with clinical hypothyroidism and 472 945 euthyroid pregnant women). The risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with clinical hypothyroidism was higher than those eurothyroid pregnant women in control group (OR = 1.25, 95% CI:1.15-1.36, P < 0.01). (3) Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: ten studies were included, reported data on 277 531 pregnant women (5 257 women with subclinical hypothyroidism and 272 274 euthyroid pregnant women). The risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism was higher than those in control group by random effects analysis (OR = 1.25, 95% CI:1.14-1.36, P < 0.01). (4) Thyroid autoantibodys positive in pregnancy:eleven studies were included, reported data on 28 781 pregnant women (3 036 women with thyroid autoanti body positive and 25 745 euthyroid pregnant women). The risk of preterm birth in pregnant women with positive thyroid autoantibody was higher than those negative thyroid autoantibody in control group (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.27- 1.70, P < 0.01). The funnel plots presented symmetrical graphics, indicating that there was no publication bias. Clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism and positive thyroid autoantibody in pregnant women is risk factors of preterm birth.

Occipital cortical thickness in very low birth weight born adolescents predicts altered neural specialization of visual semantic category related neural networks.

PubMed

Klaver, Peter; Latal, Beatrice; Martin, Ernst

2015-01-01

Very low birth weight (VLBW) premature born infants have a high risk to develop visual perceptual and learning deficits as well as widespread functional and structural brain abnormalities during infancy and childhood. Whether and how prematurity alters neural specialization within visual neural networks is still unknown. We used functional and structural brain imaging to examine the visual semantic system of VLBW born (<1250 g, gestational age 25-32 weeks) adolescents (13-15 years, n = 11, 3 males) and matched term born control participants (13-15 years, n = 11, 3 males). Neurocognitive assessment revealed no group differences except for lower scores on an adaptive visuomotor integration test. All adolescents were scanned while viewing pictures of animals and tools and scrambled versions of these pictures. Both groups demonstrated animal and tool category related neural networks. Term born adolescents showed tool category related neural activity, i.e. tool pictures elicited more activity than animal pictures, in temporal and parietal brain areas. Animal category related activity was found in the occipital, temporal and frontal cortex. VLBW born adolescents showed reduced tool category related activity in the dorsal visual stream compared with controls, specifically the left anterior intraparietal sulcus, and enhanced animal category related activity in the left middle occipital gyrus and right lingual gyrus. Lower birth weight of VLBW adolescents correlated with larger thickness of the pericalcarine gyrus in the occipital cortex and smaller surface area of the superior temporal gyrus in the lateral temporal cortex. Moreover, larger thickness of the pericalcarine gyrus and smaller surface area of the superior temporal gyrus correlated with reduced tool category related activity in the parietal cortex. Together, our data suggest that very low birth weight predicts alterations of higher order visual semantic networks, particularly in the dorsal stream. The differences in neural specialization may be associated with aberrant cortical development of areas in the visual system that develop early in childhood. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Maternal Residential Exposure to Agricultural Pesticides and ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Birth defects are responsible for a large proportion of disability and infant mortality. Exposure to a variety of pesticides have been linked to increased risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study to estimate the associations between a residence-based metric of agricultural pesticide exposure and birth defects. We linked singleton live birth records for 2003-2005 from the North Carolina (NC) State Center for Health Statistics to data from the NC Birth Defects Monitoring Program. Included women had residence at delivery inside NC and infants with gestational ages from 20-44 weeks (n=304,906). Pesticide exposure was assigned using a previously constructed metric, estimating total chemical exposure (pounds of active ingredient) based on crops within 500 meters of maternal residence, specific dates of pregnancy, and chemical application dates based on the planting/harvesting dates of each crop. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for four categories of exposure (90th percentiles) compared to unexposed. Models were adjusted for maternal race, age at delivery, education, marital status, and smoking status. We observed elevated ORs for congenital heart defects and certain structural defects affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and musculoskeletal systems (e.g., OR (95% CI) (highest exposure vs. unexposed) for tracheal esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia = 1.98 (0.69, 5.66), and OR for atr

Effects of intrauterine growth restriction on sleep and the cardiovascular system: The use of melatonin as a potential therapy?

PubMed

Yiallourou, Stephanie R; Wallace, Euan M; Miller, Suzanne L; Horne, Rosemary S C

2016-04-01

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) complicates 5-10% of pregnancies and is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, mortality and neurodevelopmental delay. The development of sleep and cardiovascular control are closely coupled and IUGR is known to alter this development. In the long-term, IUGR is associated with altered sleep and an increased risk of hypertension in adulthood. Melatonin plays an important role in the sleep-wake cycle. Experimental animal studies have shown that melatonin therapy has neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects in the IUGR fetus. Consequently, clinical trials are currently underway to assess the short and long term effects of antenatal melatonin therapy in IUGR pregnancies. Given melatonin's role in sleep regulation, this hormone could affect the developing infants' sleep-wake cycle and cardiovascular function after birth. In this review, we will 1) examine the role of melatonin as a therapy for IUGR pregnancies and the potential implications on sleep and the cardiovascular system; 2) examine the development of sleep-wake cycle in fetal and neonatal life; 3) discuss the development of cardiovascular control during sleep; 4) discuss the effect of IUGR on sleep and the cardiovascular system and 5) discuss the future implications of melatonin therapy in IUGR pregnancies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antenatal education and the birthing experience of Brazilian women: a qualitative study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Information is still scarce on the birthing experience of women who participate in antenatal systematic education programs. The objective of the study was to report the experience of labor as described by nulliparous women who participated and who did not in a systematic Birth Preparation Program (BPP). Method A qualitative study was conducted with eleven women who participated in a BPP and ten women attending routine prenatal care selected through purposeful sampling. The BPP consisted of systematized antenatal group meetings structured to provide physical exercise and information on pain prevention during pregnancy, the role of the pelvic floor muscles, the physiology of labor, and pain relief techniques. A single, semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analyses performed. The relevant themes were organized in the following categories of analysis: control of labor, positions adopted during labor, and satisfaction with labor. Results Women who participated in the systematic educational activities of the BPP reported they maintained self-control during labor and used breathing exercises, exercises on the ball, massage, baths and vertical positions to control pain. Also they reported satisfaction with their birthing experience. Women who did not participate in systematic educational activities referred to difficulties in maintaining control during labor and almost half of them reported lack of control. Also they were more likely to report dissatisfaction with labor. Conclusions Women who participated in the BPP reported self-control during labor and used non-pharmacological techniques to control pain and facilitate labor and expressed satisfaction with the birthing experience. PMID:24007540

The Relationship between Selenium and T3 in Selenium Supplemented and Nonsupplemented Ewes and Their Lambs

PubMed Central

Hefnawy, Abd Elghany; Youssef, Seham; Aguilera, P. Villalobos; Rodríguez, C. Valverde; Pérez, J. L. Tórtora

2014-01-01

Twenty pregnant ewes were selected and classified into two groups. The first group received subcutaneous selenium supplementation (0.1 mg of sodium selenite/kg BW) at the 8th and 5th weeks before birth and 1st week after birth while the other was control group without selenium injection. Maternal plasma and serum samples were collected weekly from the 8th week before birth until the 8th week after birth and milk samples were taken from ewes weekly, while plasma and serum samples were collected at 48 hours, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 8th weeks after birth from the newborn lambs. Results demonstrated significant positive relationship between maternal plasma selenium and serum T3 in supplemented and control ewes (r = 0.69 to 0.72, P < 0.05). There was significant (P < 0.001) increase in T3 in supplemented ewes and their lambs until the 8th week after birth. There was positive relationship between milk, selenium concentration, and serum T3 in the newborn lambs of the supplemented group (r = 0.84, P < 0.01), while the relationship was negative in the control one (r = −0.89, P < 0.01). Muscular and thyroid pathological changes were independent of selenium supplementation. Selenium supplementation was important for maintaining T3 in ewes and newborn lambs until the 8th week after birth. PMID:24660087

Altered Growth Trajectory of Head Circumference During Infancy and Schizophrenia in a National Birth Cohort

PubMed Central

Brown, Alan S.; Gyllenberg, David; Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki, Susanna; Sourander, Andre; McKeague, Ian W.

2016-01-01

Identification of abnormalities in the developmental trajectory during infancy of future schizophrenia cases offers the potential to reveal pathogenic mechanisms of this disorder. Previous studies of head circumference in pre-schizophrenia were limited to measures at birth. The use of growth acceleration of head circumference (defined as the rate of change in head circumference) provides a more informative representation of the maturational landscape of this measure compared to studies based on static head circumference measures. To date, however, no study has examined whether HC growth acceleration differs between pre-schizophrenia cases and controls. In the present study, we employed a nested case control design of a national birth cohort in Finland. Cases with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N=375) and controls (N=375) drawn from the birth cohort were matched 1:1 on date of birth (within 1 month), sex, and residence in Finland at case diagnosis. Longitudinal data were obtained on head circumference from birth through age 1. Data were analyzed using a new nonparametric Bayesian inversion method which allows for a detailed understanding of growth dynamics. Adjusting for growth velocity of height and weight, and gestational age, there was significantly accelerated growth of head circumference in females with schizophrenia from birth to 2 months; the findings remained significant following Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0125). This is the first study to report abnormal HC growth acceleration, a more sensitive measure of somatic developmental deviation of this measure, in schizophrenia. PMID:27818077

Keeping it Natural: Does Persuasive Magazine Content Have an Effect on Young Women's Intentions for Birth?

PubMed

Young, Kate; Miller, Yvette D

2015-01-01

Information in the popular media tends to be biased toward promoting the benefits of medicalized birth for low-risk pregnancies. We aimed to assess the effect of communicating the benefits of non-medicalized birth in magazine articles on women's birth intentions and to identify the mechanisms by which social communication messages affected women's intentions for birth. A convenience sample of 180 nulliparous Australian women aged 18-35 years were randomly exposed to a magazine article endorsing non-medicalized birth (using either celebrity or non-celebrity endorsement) or organic eating (control) throughout June-July 2011. Magazine articles that endorsed non-medicalized birth targeted perceived risk of birth, expectations for labor and birth, and attitudes toward birth. These variables and intention for birth were assessed by self-report before and after exposure. Exposure to a magazine article that endorsed non-medicalized birth significantly reduced women's intentions for a medicalized birth, regardless of whether the endorsement was by celebrities or non-celebrities. Changes in perceived risk of birth mediated the effect of magazine article exposure on women's intentions for a medicalized birth. Persuasive communication that endorses non-medicalized birth could be delivered at the population level and may reduce women's intentions for a medicalized birth.

The evolving role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health in post-conflict Africa: A qualitative study of Burundi and northern Uganda.

PubMed

Chi, Primus Che; Urdal, Henrik

2018-01-01

Many conflict-affected countries are faced with an acute shortage of health care providers, including skilled birth attendants. As such, during conflicts traditional birth attendants have become the first point of call for many pregnant women, assisting them during pregnancy, labour and birth, and in the postpartum period. This study seeks to explore how the role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health, especially childbirth, has evolved in two post-conflict settings in sub-Saharan Africa (Burundi and northern Uganda) spanning the period of active warfare to the post-conflict era. A total of 63 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were held with women of reproductive age, local health care providers and staff of non-governmental organisations working in the domain of maternal health who experienced the conflict, across urban, semi-urban and rural settings in Burundi and northern Uganda. Discussions focused on the role played by traditional birth attendants in maternal health, especially childbirth during the conflict and how the role has evolved in the post-conflict era. Transcripts from the interviews and focus group discussions were analysed by thematic analysis (framework approach). Traditional birth attendants played a major role in childbirth-related activities in both Burundi and northern Uganda during the conflict, with some receiving training and delivery kits from the local health systems and non-governmental organisations to undertake deliveries. Following the end of the conflict, traditional birth attendants have been prohibited by the government from undertaking deliveries in both Burundi and northern Uganda. In Burundi, the traditional birth attendants have been integrated within the primary health care system, especially in rural areas, and re-assigned the role of 'birth companions'. In this capacity they undertake maternal health promotion activities within their communities. In northern Uganda, on the other hand, traditional birth attendants have not been integrated within the local health system and still appear to undertake clandestine deliveries in some rural areas. The prominent role of traditional birth attendants in childbirth during the conflicts in Burundi and northern Uganda has been dwindling in the post-conflict era. Traditional birth attendants can still play an important role in facilitating facility and skilled attended births if appropriately integrated with the local health system.

The evolving role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health in post-conflict Africa: A qualitative study of Burundi and northern Uganda

PubMed Central

Urdal, Henrik

2018-01-01

Objectives: Many conflict-affected countries are faced with an acute shortage of health care providers, including skilled birth attendants. As such, during conflicts traditional birth attendants have become the first point of call for many pregnant women, assisting them during pregnancy, labour and birth, and in the postpartum period. This study seeks to explore how the role of traditional birth attendants in maternal health, especially childbirth, has evolved in two post-conflict settings in sub-Saharan Africa (Burundi and northern Uganda) spanning the period of active warfare to the post-conflict era. Methods: A total of 63 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were held with women of reproductive age, local health care providers and staff of non-governmental organisations working in the domain of maternal health who experienced the conflict, across urban, semi-urban and rural settings in Burundi and northern Uganda. Discussions focused on the role played by traditional birth attendants in maternal health, especially childbirth during the conflict and how the role has evolved in the post-conflict era. Transcripts from the interviews and focus group discussions were analysed by thematic analysis (framework approach). Results: Traditional birth attendants played a major role in childbirth-related activities in both Burundi and northern Uganda during the conflict, with some receiving training and delivery kits from the local health systems and non-governmental organisations to undertake deliveries. Following the end of the conflict, traditional birth attendants have been prohibited by the government from undertaking deliveries in both Burundi and northern Uganda. In Burundi, the traditional birth attendants have been integrated within the primary health care system, especially in rural areas, and re-assigned the role of ‘birth companions’. In this capacity they undertake maternal health promotion activities within their communities. In northern Uganda, on the other hand, traditional birth attendants have not been integrated within the local health system and still appear to undertake clandestine deliveries in some rural areas. Conclusion: The prominent role of traditional birth attendants in childbirth during the conflicts in Burundi and northern Uganda has been dwindling in the post-conflict era. Traditional birth attendants can still play an important role in facilitating facility and skilled attended births if appropriately integrated with the local health system. PMID:29375881

Predictors of birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms: secondary analysis of a cohort study.

PubMed

Furuta, Marie; Sandall, Jane; Cooper, Derek; Bick, Debra

2016-12-01

This study aimed to identify factors associated with birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms during the early postnatal period. Secondary analysis was conducted using data from a prospective cohort study of 1824 women who gave birth in one large hospital in England. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were measured by the Impact of Event Scale at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were developed for analyses. Results showed that post-traumatic stress symptoms were more frequently observed in black women and in women who had a higher pre-pregnancy BMI compared to those with a lower BMI. Women who have a history of mental illness as well as those who gave birth before arriving at the hospital, underwent an emergency caesarean section or experienced severe maternal morbidity or neonatal complications also showed symptoms. Women's perceived control during labour and birth significantly reduced the effects of some risk factors. A higher level of perceived social support during the postnatal period also reduced the risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms. From the perspective of clinical practice, improving women's sense of control during labour and birth appears to be important, as does providing social support following the birth.

Paternal occupation and birth defects: findings from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

PubMed

Desrosiers, Tania A; Herring, Amy H; Shapira, Stuart K; Hooiveld, Mariëtte; Luben, Tom J; Herdt-Losavio, Michele L; Lin, Shao; Olshan, Andrew F

2012-08-01

Several epidemiological studies have suggested that certain paternal occupations may be associated with an increased prevalence of birth defects in offspring. Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, the authors investigated the association between paternal occupation and birth defects in a case-control study of cases comprising over 60 different types of birth defects (n=9998) and non-malformed controls (n=4066) with dates of delivery between 1997 and 2004. Using paternal occupational histories reported by mothers via telephone interview, jobs were systematically classified into 63 groups based on shared exposure profiles within occupation and industry. Data were analysed using bayesian logistic regression with a hierarchical prior for dependent shrinkage to stabilise estimation with sparse data. Several occupations were associated with an increased prevalence of various birth defect categories, including mathematical, physical and computer scientists; artists; photographers and photo processors; food service workers; landscapers and groundskeepers; hairdressers and cosmetologists; office and administrative support workers; sawmill workers; petroleum and gas workers; chemical workers; printers; material moving equipment operators; and motor vehicle operators. Findings from this study might be used to identify specific occupations worthy of further investigation and to generate hypotheses about chemical or physical exposures common to such occupations.

Effect of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy on Neonatal Birth Weight: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Li, Li; Chen, Yuan-Hua; Yang, Yuan-Yuan; Cong, Lin

2018-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) on neonatal birth weight. Methods: Potential articles were identified by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases on April 30th, 2017. Using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects or fixed-effects model, outcomes were summarized through weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential publication bias was tested using a funnel plot and the methods of Egger’s regression and Begg’s test. Results: A total of eight studies were included in our meta-analysis. Six studies reported data on neonatal birth weight in ICP and control pregnancies. Pooled data from the six studies showed that the birth weight in the ICP group was significantly lighter than in the control group. The overall pooled WMD was -175 g (95% CI: -301, -48). Meanwhile, pooled data from the other two studies indicated that the birth weight in the late-onset ICP group was heavier than in the early-onset ICP group (WMD: 267 g, 95% CI: 168, 366). Conclusion: Neonatal birth weights in ICP pregnancies were lower than in normal pregnancies. Furthermore, early-onset ICP is associated with a lower birth weight than late-onset ICP. PMID:28825589

Adolescents and oral contraceptives.

PubMed

Sanfilippo, J S

1991-01-01

Oral contraceptive (OC) options for adolescents are provides. Clarification for those desiring a birth control method is necessary and the benefits of decreased acne and dysmenorrhea with low dose OCs should be stressed along with the importance of compliance. A community effort is suggested to communicate the sexual and contraceptive alternatives, including abstinence and outercourse (sexual stimulation to orgasm without intercourse). Attention is given to concerns associated with teenage sexual activity, prevention of adolescent pregnancy, contraceptive options for the adolescent patient, adolescent attitudes toward birth control OCs, management of the adolescent OC user, manipulation of steroid components of OCs to respond to adolescent concerns, and other hormonal contraceptive options such as minipills or abstinence. The text is supplemented with tables: the % of US women by single years of age for 1971, 1976, 1979, and 1982; comparative pregnancy and abortion rates for the US and 5 other countries; federal cost for teen childbearing; adolescent nonhormonal contraceptive methods (advantages, disadvantages, and retail cost); checklist to identify those at risk for noncompliance with OCs; hormonal side effects of OCs; risks from OCs to adolescents; and benefits of OCs. Concern about adolescent pregnancy dates back to Aristotle. A modern profile shows girls form single-parent families are sexually active at an earlier age, adolescent mothers produce offspring who repeat the cycle, victims of sexual abuse are more likely to be sexually active, and teenagers in foster care are 4 times more likely to be sexually active and 8 times more likely to become pregnant. Prevention involves a multifaceted approach. OCs are the most appropriate contraceptive choice for adolescents. Frequency of intercourse is closely associated with OC use after approximately 15 months of unprotected sexual activity. At risk for noncompliance variables are scales of personality development (autonomy, self-esteem, locus of control), life expectations (marriage, college, career), dating behavior, age at 1st intercourse, perceived risk for becoming pregnant, personal attributes (sex, birth control, acquisition of birth control, pregnancy, parents' and peers' feelings toward sex and birth control), and previous experiences with birth control.

Policies for care during the third stage of labour: a survey of maternity units in Syria

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Care for women during the third stage aims to reduce the risk of major haemorrhage, but is very variable. The current World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation is that care should include administration of a uterotonic (oxytocin, if it is available) soon after birth of the baby, delayed cord clamping, and delivery of the placenta by controlled cord traction. Methods To ascertain care policies used during the third stage of labour in maternity units in Syria, we conducted a survey of 69 maternity units in obstetric and general public hospitals. A brief questionnaire was administered by face to face interview or telephone with senior obstetricians and midwives. Outcome measures were the use of prophylactic uterotonic drugs, timing of cord clamping, use of controlled cord traction, and treatment for postpartum haemorrhage. Obstetricians were asked about both vaginal and caesarean births, midwives only about vaginal births. Results Responses were obtained for 66 (96%) hospitals: a midwife and an obstetrician were interviewed in 40; an obstetrician only in 20; a midwife only in 6. Responses were similar, although midwives were more likely to report that the umbilical cord was clamped after 1-3 minutes or after cessation of pulsation (2/40 obstetricians and 9/40 midwives). Responses have therefore been combined. One hospital reported never using a prophylactic uterotonic drug. The uterotonic was Syntometrine® (oxytocin and ergometrine) in two thirds of hospitals; given after delivery of the placenta in 60 (91%) for vaginal births, and in 47 (78%) for caesarean births. Cord clamping was within 20 seconds at 42 hospitals 64%) for vaginal births and 45 (75%) for caesarean births. Controlled cord traction was never used in a quarter (17/66) of hospitals for vaginal births and a half (32/60) for caesarean births. 68% of respondents (45/66) thought there was a need for more randomised trials of interventions during the third stage of labour. Conclusion Most maternity units report using Syntometrine®, usually given after delivery of the placenta, clamping the cord within 20 seconds, and using controlled cord traction. PMID:20569439

Factors Influencing Contraceptive Behavior of Single College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maxwell, Joseph W.; And Others

1977-01-01

This study investigates the premarital contraceptive behavior of 222 male and female college students. Contraceptive practice was examined in relation to dating patterns, level of emotional involvement with sex partners, types of birth control used, number of different sex partners, and reasons for failure to use birth control. (Author)

Pregnancy and Single Parenthood in the Navy: Results of a 1997 Survey.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-09-01

rates for age cohorts. Half of the women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy were not using birth control , whereas the pill was the most failure-prone...shore duty; (2) attempt to reduce unplanned pregnancies by improving birth control education and expanding family planning efforts; and (3) emphasize

Results of the 1999 Survey of Pregnancy and Single Parenthood in the Navy

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-11-01

birth control education for men and women and expanding family planning efforts; emphasize the importance of command support in helping single pregnant women obtain paternal financial support; and explore the reasons women and men feel uncomfortable discussing birth control information with available medical

Black Family Planning: Attitudes of Leaders and a General Sample.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, William G.; And Others

Attitudes of black leaders and a general black population sample toward birth control and family planning issues were "Pro Birth Control" and "Genocide Fears." The leaders questioned held positions in twenty national black organizations, while the general population samples were taken from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Charlotte, North Carolina.…

Adolescents' Interpretations of the Birth Control Behavior of a Soap Opera Couple.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walsh-Childers, Kim

A study investigated whether adolescents' schemas about contraceptive use would influence their perceptions that a soap opera couple used birth control during sex. The study also examined the effects of increasing explicitness of characters' conversations about contraceptives on viewers' perceptions of the couple's contraceptive use. Thirty-six…

EFFECTS OF ETHINYL ESTRADIOL EXPOSURE ON REPRODUCTION IN AN ESTUARINE FISH TAUTOGLABRUS ADSPERSUS

EPA Science Inventory

Natural estrogen levels in women are routinely supplemented by potent pharmaceutical estrogens through use of birth control pills and hormone therapy. Excess estrogen is excreted by these women. Currently, about seventeen percent of women in the US use birth control pills and som...

Health Instruction Packages: Consumer--Birth Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pries, Rose Mary; And Others

Designed for the general public, these three learning modules utilize text, illustrations, and exercises to describe various methods of birth control. The first module, "All about Contraception for the Teenage New Mother" by Rose Mary Pries, discusses the desirability of planned pregnancy and reviews the effectiveness and side effects of…

COMPARISON OF GEOCODING METHODS USED IN CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF AIR QUALITY AND BIRTH DEFECTS

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction: Accurate geocoding of maternal residence is critical to the success of an ongoing case-control study of exposure to five criteria air pollutants and the risk of selected birth defects in seven Texas counties between 1997 and 2000. The geocoded maternal residence a...

Formative Evaluation: A Case Study of the Illinois Birth-to-Three IV-E Waiver.

PubMed

Rolock, Nancy; Snyder, Susan M; Tate, Cynthia

2015-01-01

Few interventions addressing early childhood trauma have adequate evidence. The Illinois Birth-to-Three Waiver is a 5-year federal project to reduce trauma and increase permanency for young children. In this article the authors describe the explorative and formative phases, including: (a) developing a well-built research question; (b) working with purveyors of evidence-supported interventions (ESIs); (c) adapting ESIs to a large public child welfare system; (d) developing fidelity measures, assessment data and outcomes; and (e) managing the challenges of implementing a randomized controlled trial. Public and private agency staff work in conjunction with university partners to merge implementation science, program evaluation, and intervention research. The project's theory of change stipulates that working with the triad of birth parent(s), foster parent(s), and focal child is critical to achieving project outcomes. The authors articulate the importance of working closely with an interdisciplinary team to achieve these outcomes, and the challenges associated with the early stages of implementation.

Validation of birth outcomes from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS): population-based analysis from the Massachusetts Outcome Study of Assisted Reproductive Technology (MOSART).

PubMed

Stern, Judy E; Gopal, Daksha; Liberman, Rebecca F; Anderka, Marlene; Kotelchuck, Milton; Luke, Barbara

2016-09-01

To assess the validity of outcome data reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) compared with data from vital records and the birth defects registry in Massachusetts. Longitudinal cohort. Not applicable. A total of 342,035 live births and fetal deaths from Massachusetts mothers giving birth in the state from July 1, 2004, to December 31, 2008; 9,092 births and fetal deaths were from mothers who had conceived with the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and whose cycle data had been reported to the SART CORS. Not applicable. Percentage agreement between maternal race and ethnicity, delivery outcome (live birth or fetal death), plurality (singleton, twin, or triplet+), delivery date, and singleton birth weight reported in the SART CORS versus vital records; sensitivity and specificity for birth defects among singletons as reported in the SART CORS versus the Massachusetts Birth Defects Monitoring Program (BDMP). There was >95% agreement between the SART CORS and vital records for fields of maternal race/ethnicity, live birth/fetal death, and plurality; birth outcome date was within 1 day with 94.9% agreement and birth weight was within 100 g with 89.6% agreement. In contrast, sensitivity for report of any birth defect was 38.6%, with a range of 18.4%-50.0%, for specific birth defect categories. Although most SART CORS outcome fields are accurately reported, birth defect variables showed poor sensitivity compared with the gold standard data from the BDMP. We suggest that reporting of birth defects be discontinued. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The BetterBirth Program: Pursuing Effective Adoption and Sustained Use of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist Through Coaching-Based Implementation in Uttar Pradesh, India

PubMed Central

Kara, Nabihah; Firestone, Rebecca; Kalita, Tapan; Gawande, Atul A; Kumar, Vishwajeet; Kodkany, Bhala; Saurastri, Rajiv; Pratap Singh, Vinay; Maji, Pinki; Karlage, Ami; Hirschhorn, Lisa R; Semrau, Katherine EA

2017-01-01

Shifting childbirth into facilities has not improved health outcomes for mothers and newborns as significantly as hoped. Improving the quality and safety of care provided during facility-based childbirth requires helping providers to adhere to essential birth practices—evidence-based behaviors that reduce harm to and save lives of mothers and newborns. To achieve this goal, we developed the BetterBirth Program, which we tested in a matched-pair, cluster-randomized controlled trial in Uttar Pradesh, India. The goal of this intervention was to improve adoption and sustained use of the World Health Organization Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC), an organized collection of 28 essential birth practices that are known to improve the quality of facility-based childbirth care. Here, we describe the BetterBirth Program in detail, including its 4 main features: implementation tools, an implementation strategy of coaching, an implementation pathway (Engage-Launch-Support), and a sustainability plan. This coaching-based implementation of the SCC motivates and empowers care providers to identify, understand, and resolve the barriers they face in using the SCC with the resources already available. We describe important lessons learned from our experience with the BetterBirth Program as it was tested in the BetterBirth Trial. For example, the emphasis on relationship building and respect led to trust between coaches and birth attendants and helped influence change. In addition, the cloud-based data collection and feedback system proved a valuable asset in the coaching process. More research on coaching-based interventions is required to refine our understanding of what works best to improve quality and safety of care in various settings. (After publication of this article, the impact results of the BetterBirth intervention were published in the New England Journal of Medicine [volume 377, pages 2313-2324, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1701075]. The results showed that the intervention had no significant effect on maternal or perinatal mortality or maternal morbidity, despite having positive effects on essential birth practices.) PMID:28655801

Etiology and clinical presentation of birth defects: population based study

PubMed Central

Carey, John C; Byrne, Janice L B; Krikov, Sergey; Botto, Lorenzo D

2017-01-01

Objective To assess causation and clinical presentation of major birth defects. Design Population based case cohort. Setting Cases of birth defects in children born 2005-09 to resident women, ascertained through Utah’s population based surveillance system. All records underwent clinical re-review. Participants 5504 cases among 270 878 births (prevalence 2.03%), excluding mild isolated conditions (such as muscular ventricular septal defects, distal hypospadias). Main outcome measures The primary outcomes were the proportion of birth defects with a known etiology (chromosomal, genetic, human teratogen, twinning) or unknown etiology, by morphology (isolated, multiple, minors only), and by pathogenesis (sequence, developmental field defect, or known pattern of birth defects). Results Definite cause was assigned in 20.2% (n=1114) of cases: chromosomal or genetic conditions accounted for 94.4% (n=1052), teratogens for 4.1% (n=46, mostly poorly controlled pregestational diabetes), and twinning for 1.4% (n=16, conjoined or acardiac). The 79.8% (n=4390) remaining were classified as unknown etiology; of these 88.2% (n=3874) were isolated birth defects. Family history (similarly affected first degree relative) was documented in 4.8% (n=266). In this cohort, 92.1% (5067/5504) were live born infants (isolated and non-isolated birth defects): 75.3% (4147/5504) were classified as having an isolated birth defect (unknown or known etiology). Conclusions These findings underscore the gaps in our knowledge regarding the causes of birth defects. For the causes that are known, such as smoking or diabetes, assigning causation in individual cases remains challenging. Nevertheless, the ongoing impact of these exposures on fetal development highlights the urgency and benefits of population based preventive interventions. For the causes that are still unknown, better strategies are needed. These can include greater integration of the key elements of etiology, morphology, and pathogenesis into epidemiologic studies; greater collaboration between researchers (such as developmental biologists), clinicians (such as medical geneticists), and epidemiologists; and better ways to objectively measure fetal exposures (beyond maternal self reports) and closer (prenatally) to the critical period of organogenesis. PMID:28559234

77 FR 41378 - Privacy Act of 1974 System of Records Notice

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-13

... Revenue Service, the Department of Agriculture, the Office of Personnel Management, and to other Federal... social security number and date of birth. CFTC provides elements of that information to Federal..., date of birth, state of birth, country of birth, non CFTC phone number, non CFTC email address, CFTC...

Effects of a midwife psycho-education intervention to reduce childbirth fear on women's birth outcomes and postpartum psychological wellbeing.

PubMed

Fenwick, Jennifer; Toohill, Jocelyn; Gamble, Jenny; Creedy, Debra K; Buist, Anne; Turkstra, Erika; Sneddon, Anne; Scuffham, Paul A; Ryding, Elsa L

2015-10-30

High levels of childbirth fear impact birth preparation, obstetric outcomes and emotional wellbeing for around one in five women living in developed countries. Higher rates of obstetric intervention and caesarean section (CS) are experienced in fearful women. The efficacy of interventions to reduce childbirth fear is unclear, with no previous randomised controlled trials reporting birth outcomes or postnatal psychological wellbeing following a midwife led intervention. Between May 2012 and June 2013 women in their second trimester of pregnancy were recruited. Women with a fear score ≥ 66 on the Wijma Delivery Expectancy / Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) were randomised to receive telephone psycho-education by a midwife, or usual maternity care. A two armed non-blinded parallel (1:1) multi-site randomised controlled trial with participants allocated in blocks of ten and stratified by hospital site and parity using an electronic centralised computer service. The outcomes of the RCT on obstetric outcomes, maternal psychological well-being, parenting confidence, birth satisfaction, and future birth preference were analysed by intention to treat and reported here. 1410 women were screened for high childbirth fear (W-DEQ ≥66). Three hundred and thirty-nine (n = 339) women were randomised (intervention n = 170; controls n = 169). One hundred and eighty-four women (54 %) returned data for final analysis at 6 weeks postpartum (intervention n = 91; controls n = 93). Compared to controls the intervention group had a clinically meaningful but not statistically significant reduction in overall caesarean section (34 % vs 42 %, p = 0.27) and emergency CS rates (18 % vs 25 %, p = 0.23). Fewer women in the intervention group preferred caesarean section for a future pregnancy (18 % vs 30 %, p = 0.04). All other obstetric variables remained similar. There were no differences in postnatal depression symptoms scores, parenting confidence, or satisfaction with maternity care between groups, but a lower incidence of flashbacks about their birth in the intervention group compared to controls (14 % vs 26 %, p = 0.05). Postnatally women who received psycho-education reported that the 'decision aid' helped reduce their fear (53 % vs 37 %, p = 0.02). Following a brief antenatal midwife-led psycho-education intervention for childbirth fear women were less likely to experience distressing flashbacks of birth and preferred a normal birth in a future pregnancy. A reduction in overall CS rates was also found. Psycho-education for fearful women has clinical benefits for the current birth and expectations of future pregnancies. Australian New Zealand Controlled Trials Registry ACTRN12612000526875 , 17th May 2012.

Maternal Vitamin D Insufficiency Early in Pregnancy Is Associated with Increased Risk of Preterm Birth in Ethnic Minority Women in Canada.

PubMed

Tabatabaei, Negar; Auger, Nathalie; Herba, Catherine M; Wei, Shuqin; Allard, Catherine; Fink, Guy D; Fraser, William D

2017-06-01

Background: Maternal vitamin D insufficiency (plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <75 nmol/L) may play a role in ethnic disparities in rates of preterm and spontaneous preterm births. Objective: We explored the relation between maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentration in the first trimester (8-14 wk of gestation) and the risk of preterm and spontaneous preterm births (<37 wk of gestation) by ethnicity. Methods: We designed a case-control study that included 120 cases of preterm birth (<37 wk of gestation) and 360 term controls (≥37 wk of gestation) of singleton pregnancies from the 3D cohort, a multicenter study in 2456 pregnant women in Quebec, Canada. Plasma 25(OH)D was measured by LC-mass spectrometry. We compared the distribution of vitamin D status between cases and controls for 8 ethnic minority subgroups. We explored the association between maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentration and preterm and spontaneous preterm births with the use of splines in logistic regression by ethnicity. Results: The distributions of maternal vitamin D status (<50, 50-75, and >75 nmol/L) were different in preterm and spontaneous preterm birth cases compared with controls but only in women of ethnic minority ( P- trend = 0.003 and 0.024, respectively). Among ethnic subgroups, sub-Saharan Africans ( P -trend = 0.030) and Arab-West Asians ( P -trend = 0.045) showed an inverse relation between maternal vitamin D status and the risk of preterm birth. Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations of 30 nmol/L were associated with 4.05 times the risk of preterm birth in the total ethnic minority population (95% CI: 1.16, 14.12; P = 0.028) relative to participants with a concentration of 75 nmol/L. In contrast, there was no such association among nonethnic women (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.48, 1.82; P = 0.85). There was no association when we considered only spontaneous preterm births in the total ethnic minority population (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 0.39, 7.79; P = 0.46). Conclusion: Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in ethnic minority women in Canada. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Maternal exposures in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study: time trends of selected exposures

PubMed Central

Dawson, April L.; Razzaghi, Hilda; Arth, Annelise; Canfield, Mark A.; Parker, Samantha E.; Reefhuis, Jennita

2015-01-01

Background Our objective was to describe time trends in selected pregnancy exposures in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). Methods We analyzed data from the NBDPS, a multi-site case-control study of major birth defects, for mothers of live-born infants without birth defects (controls), with an expected date of delivery (EDD) from 1998 –2011. Mothers from the 10 participating centers across the United States were interviewed by phone between six weeks and two years after the EDD. We focused on maternal race/ethnicity and five maternal risk factors: obesity, use of folic acid-containing multivitamins, opioid analgesics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and loratadine because of their prevalence of use and some reports of associations with major birth defects. Prevalence time trends were examined using the Kendall’s τβ test statistic. Results The exposure trend analysis included 11,724 control mothers with EDDs from 1998–2011. We observed a significant increase in obesity prevalence among control mothers, as well as use of SSRIs and loratadine. We also observed an increase in periconceptional use of folic acid-containing multivitamins. Some of the time trends varied by race/ethnicity. No remarkable trend in the overall use of opioid analgesics was observed. The racial/ethnic distribution of mothers changed slightly during the study period. Conclusions Long-term, population-based case-control studies continue to be an effective way to assess exposure-birth defects associations and provide guidance to health care providers. However, investigators examining rare outcomes covering many years of data collection need to be cognizant of time trends in exposures. PMID:25884728

Maternal exposures in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study: Time trends of selected exposures.

PubMed

Dawson, April L; Razzaghi, Hilda; Arth, Annelise; Canfield, Mark A; Parker, Samantha E; Reefhuis, Jennita

2015-08-01

Our objective was to describe time trends in selected pregnancy exposures in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). We analyzed data from the NBDPS, a multi-site case-control study of major birth defects, for mothers of live-born infants without birth defects (controls), with an expected date of delivery (EDD) from 1998 to 2011. Mothers from the 10 participating centers across the United States were interviewed by phone between 6 weeks and 2 years after the EDD. We focused on maternal race/ethnicity and five maternal risk factors: obesity, use of folic acid-containing multivitamins, opioid analgesics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and loratadine because of their prevalence of use and some reports of associations with major birth defects. Prevalence time trends were examined using the Kendall's τβ test statistic. The exposure trend analysis included 11,724 control mothers with EDDs from 1998 to 2011. We observed a significant increase in obesity prevalence among control mothers, as well as use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and loratadine. We also observed an increase in periconceptional use of folic acid-containing multivitamins. Some of the time trends varied by race/ethnicity. No remarkable trend in the overall use of opioid analgesics was observed. The racial/ethnic distribution of mothers changed slightly during the study period. Long-term, population-based case-control studies continue to be an effective way to assess exposure-birth defects associations and provide guidance to health care providers. However, investigators examining rare outcomes covering many years of data collection need to be cognizant of time trends in exposures. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Tobacco control policies and perinatal health].

PubMed

Peelen, M J; Sheikh, A; Kok, M; Hajenius, P; Zimmermann, L J; Kramer, B W; Hukkelhoven, C W; Reiss, I K; Mol, B W; Been, J V

2017-01-01

Study the association between the introduction of tobacco control policies in the Netherlands and changes in perinatal outcomes. National quasi-experimental study. We used Netherlands Perinatal Registry data (now called Perined) for the period 2000-2011. We studied whether the introduction of smoke-free legislation in workplaces plus a tobacco tax increase and mass media campaign in January 2004, and extension of the smoke-free law to the hospitality industry accompanied by another tax increase and media campaign in July 2008, was associated with changes in perinatal outcomes. We studied all singleton births (gestational age: 24+0 to 42+6 weeks). Our primary outcome measures were: perinatal mortality, preterm birth and being small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Interrupted time series logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate changes in these outcomes occurred after the introduction of the aforementioned tobacco control policies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02189265). Among 2,069,695 singleton births, 13,027 (0.6%) perinatal deaths, 116,043 (5.6%) preterm live-births and 187,966 (9.1%) SGA live-births were observed. The policies introduced in January 2004 were not associated with significant changes in any of the primary outcome measures. A -4.4% (95% CI: -6.4 to -2.4; p < 0.001) decrease in odds of a SGA birth was observed after the policy extension in July 2008 to include a smoke-free hospitality industry, a further tax increase and another media campaign. This translates to an estimated over 500 cases of SGA being averted per year. A reduction in SGA births, but not preterm birth or perinatal mortality, was observed in the Netherlands after extension of the smoke-free workplace law to include bars and restaurants, in conjunction with a tax increase and media campaign in 2008.

Prenatal nitrate intake from drinking water and selected birth defects in offspring of participants in the national birth defects prevention study.

PubMed

Brender, Jean D; Weyer, Peter J; Romitti, Paul A; Mohanty, Binayak P; Shinde, Mayura U; Vuong, Ann M; Sharkey, Joseph R; Dwivedi, Dipankar; Horel, Scott A; Kantamneni, Jiji; Huber, John C; Zheng, Qi; Werler, Martha M; Kelley, Katherine E; Griesenbeck, John S; Zhan, F Benjamin; Langlois, Peter H; Suarez, Lucina; Canfield, Mark A

2013-09-01

Previous studies of prenatal exposure to drinking-water nitrate and birth defects in offspring have not accounted for water consumption patterns or potential interaction with nitrosatable drugs. We examined the relation between prenatal exposure to drinking-water nitrate and selected birth defects, accounting for maternal water consumption patterns and nitrosatable drug exposure. With data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we linked addresses of 3,300 case mothers and 1,121 control mothers from the Iowa and Texas sites to public water supplies and respective nitrate measurements. We assigned nitrate levels for bottled water from collection of representative samples and standard laboratory testing. Daily nitrate consumption was estimated from self-reported water consumption at home and work. With the lowest tertile of nitrate intake around conception as the referent group, mothers of babies with spina bifida were 2.0 times more likely (95% CI: 1.3, 3.2) to ingest ≥ 5 mg nitrate daily from drinking water (vs. < 0.91 mg) than control mothers. During 1 month preconception through the first trimester, mothers of limb deficiency, cleft palate, and cleft lip cases were, respectively, 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1, 3.1), 1.9 (95% CI: 1.2, 3.1), and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1, 3.1) times more likely than control mothers to ingest ≥ 5.42 mg of nitrate daily (vs. < 1.0 mg). Higher water nitrate intake did not increase associations between prenatal nitrosatable drug use and birth defects. Higher water nitrate intake was associated with several birth defects in offspring, but did not strengthen associations between nitrosatable drugs and birth defects.

Birth characteristics and Wilms tumors in children in the Nordic countries: a register-based case-control study.

PubMed

Schüz, Joachim; Schmidt, Lisbeth Samsø; Kogner, Per; Lähteenmäki, Päivi M; Pal, Niklas; Stokland, Tore; Schmiegelow, Kjeld

2011-05-01

Little is known about causes of Wilms tumor. Because of the young age at diagnosis, several studies have looked at various birth characteristics. We conducted a registry-based case-control study involving 690 cases of Wilms tumor aged 0-14 years, occurring in Denmark, Finland, Norway or Sweden during 1985-2006, individually matched to five controls drawn randomly from the Nordic childhood population. Information on birth characteristics was obtained from the population-based medical birth registries. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression analysis. We observed a distinct association between Wilms tumor and high birth weight (≥4 kg) for girls (OR 1.97, CI 1.50-2.59) but not for boys (1.04, 0.78-1.38); overall, the OR was 1.43 (1.17-1.74). Among girls, risk increased by 28% (15-42%) per 500 g increase in birth weight. Large-for-gestational age girls also had a higher risk (2.48, 1.51-4.05), whereas no effect was seen for boys (1.12, 0.60-2.07). An association was seen with Apgar score at 5 min < 7 for both sexes combined (5.13, 2.55-10.3). ORs close to unity were seen for parental age and birth order. In our large-scale, registry-based study, we confirmed earlier observations of an association between high birth weight and risk of Wilms tumor, but we found an effect only in girls. The higher risk of infants with low Apgar score might reflect hypoxia causing cell damage, adverse side effects of neonatal treatment or reverse causation as low Apgar score might indicate the presence of a tumor. Copyright © 2010 UICC.

Uses of available record systems in epidemiologic studies of reproductive toxicology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Polednak, A.P.; Janerich, D.T.

The uses of available record systems in epidemiologic studies of reproductive toxicology are described with reference to New York State. The available record systems (and relevant reproductive end points) described include: a newborn screening program for metabolic diseases and hemoglobinopathies (relevant to point mutations); chromosome registries and prenatal cytogenetics (for chromosome anomalies); live birth certificates (for birth defects, birthweight, sex ratio, etc); fetal death certificates (for spontaneous fetal deaths); and a statewide cancer registry (for childhood cancers and transplacental carcinogenesis). The uses and limitations of these record systems are discussed, along with examples of their use in descriptive and analyticmore » epidemiologic studies. Descriptive studies outlined include investigations of temporal and geographic trends in birth defects, birth weight, and fetal deaths, with reference to environmental questions (eg, Love Canal, nuclear power plants). Analytic studies described concern parental occupation in relation to specific birth defects (neural tube defects and Down syndrome) and maternal use of contraceptive drugs.« less

[The impact of low birth weight related to gestational depression on federal funding of public health: a study in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil].

PubMed

Menezes, Leticia Oliveira de; Pinheiro, Ricardo Tavares; Quevedo, Luciana de Avila; Oliveira, Sandro Schreiber de; Silva, Ricardo Azevedo da; Pinheiro, Karen Amaral Tavares; Santo, Graciela Coelho Espírito; Jansen, Karen

2012-10-01

Low birth weight is related to morbidity and mortality and sequelae during infant development, thereby impacting health system costs. It is thus important to evaluate factors that influence low birth weight and to estimate their impact on the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). This was a nested prospective study in a cohort of pregnant women who received prenatal care and gave birth in the National Health System in hospitals with ICUs in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Gestational depression was associated with a fourfold risk of low birth weight (PR = 3.94; CI: 1.49-10.36). Based on the population-attributable fraction, in the overall population an estimated 36.17% of low birth weight infants are born to mothers with an episode of depression during pregnancy, with an estimated cost of more than R$76 million (U$38 million) in Brazil. The study recommends the expansion of preventive and therapeutic mental health care measures for pregnant women and the adequate use of resources in the Unified National Health System to improve neonatal outcomes.

Cumulative psychosocial stress, coping resources, and preterm birth.

PubMed

McDonald, Sheila W; Kingston, Dawn; Bayrampour, Hamideh; Dolan, Siobhan M; Tough, Suzanne C

2014-12-01

Preterm birth constitutes a significant international public health issue, with implications for child and family well-being. High levels of psychosocial stress and negative affect before and during pregnancy are contributing factors to shortened gestation and preterm birth. We developed a cumulative psychosocial stress variable and examined its association with early delivery controlling for known preterm birth risk factors and confounding environmental variables. We further examined this association among subgroups of women with different levels of coping resources. Utilizing the All Our Babies (AOB) study, an ongoing prospective pregnancy cohort study in Alberta, Canada (n = 3,021), multinomial logistic regression was adopted to examine the independent effect of cumulative psychosocial stress and preterm birth subgroups compared to term births. Stratified analyses according to categories of perceived social support and optimism were undertaken to examine differential effects among subgroups of women. Cumulative psychosocial stress was a statistically significant risk factor for late preterm birth (OR = 1.73; 95 % CI = 1.07, 2.81), but not for early preterm birth (OR = 2.44; 95 % CI = 0.95, 6.32), controlling for income, history of preterm birth, pregnancy complications, reproductive history, and smoking in pregnancy. Stratified analyses showed that cumulative psychosocial stress was a significant risk factor for preterm birth at <37 weeks gestation for women with low levels of social support (OR = 2.09; 95 % CI = 1.07, 4.07) or optimism (OR = 1.87; 95 % CI = 1.04, 3.37). Our analyses suggest that early vulnerability combined with current anxiety symptoms in pregnancy confers risk for preterm birth. Coping resources may mitigate the effect of cumulative psychosocial stress on the risk for early delivery.

A retrospective comparison of pregnancy outcomes between women with alpha-thalassaemia 1 trait and normal controls.

PubMed

Traisrisilp, Kuntharee; Jatavan, Phudit; Tongsong, Theera

2017-11-01

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to compare pregnancy outcomes between low-risk pregnant women with alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait and normal controls. The database of the Maternal-Foetal Medicine unit was used to identify low-risk singleton pregnant women complicated by alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait who gave birth between January 2002 and October 2014. The low-risk pregnancies with non-carrier status for thalassaemia were assigned into the control group, with a control-to-case ratio of 10:1. During the study period, 595 women with alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait and 5950 normal controls were identified. There was no significant difference in the incidence of preterm birth and most obstetric outcomes between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was detected between them in terms of gestational age at delivery, 37.76 ± 2.81 vs. 38.11 ± 2.50 weeks (p = .001), birth weight, 2876 ± 581 vs. 2948 ± 527 g (p = .002) as well as the rate of low-birth weight, 17.1 vs. 12.8% (p = .002). In conclusion, this study provides new insights that alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait has minimal effect on gestational age at delivery and low-birth weight whereas other common adverse pregnancy outcomes are not increased. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Thalassaemia trait is associated with some degree of anaemia. What the results of this study add: The prevalence of common adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, low Apgar scores and pregnancy-induced hypertension were not significantly different between both the groups, possibly caused by too small sample size to gain enough power. However, the rate of low-birth weight was significantly increased among pregnancy with alpha-thalassaemia-1 trait. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: The information may be provided for alpha thalassaemia-1 trait mothers and their families. Physicians should guard against the occurrence of adverse pregnancy in these mothers. Prospective control study should be conducted to overcome the limitation of retrospective nature.

Are children of moderately low birth weight at increased risk for poor health? A new look at an old question.

PubMed

Stein, Ruth E K; Siegel, Michele J; Bauman, Laurie J

2006-07-01

The goal was to examine whether moderately low birth weight children were at greater risk for health problems than normal birth weight children in a nationally representative sample of US children. Data were analyzed for 7817 children, 0 to 12 years of age, from the sample child file of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey. Logistic regressions were estimated to examine whether morbidity rates were higher among moderately low birth weight children than among normal birth weight children and to control for covariates. Health was measured as having a special health care need, having a chronic condition, being hospitalized in the past year, having a learning disability, attention-deficit disorder/attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or other behavioral disorders, having minor health conditions, and having acute illnesses. With control for other confounders, moderately low birth weight children were significantly more likely than normal birth weight children to be identified as having a special health care need, having a chronic condition, having a learning disability, and having attention-deficit disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. They were not more likely to have a hospitalization in the past year, other behavioral disorders, or minor health conditions or acute illnesses. This population-based study of rates of current morbidity shows that moderately low birth weight children born since 1990 are vulnerable to a wide range of health, learning, and behavioral problems, compared with normal birth weight children. This suggests the need for continued focus on ways to reduce morbidity rates for moderately low birth weight children.

Unconventional natural gas development and birth outcomes in Pennsylvania, USA

PubMed Central

Casey, Joan A.; Savitz, David A.; Rasmussen, Sara G.; Ogburn, Elizabeth L.; Pollak, Jonathan; Mercer, Dione G.; Schwartz, Brian S.

2015-01-01

Background Unconventional natural gas development has expanded rapidly. In Pennsylvania the number of producing wells increased from zero in 2005 to 3689 in 2013. To our knowledge, no prior publications have focused on unconventional natural gas development and birth outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data on 9384 mothers linked to 10946 neonates in the Geisinger Health System from January 2009-January 2013. We estimated cumulative exposure to unconventional natural gas development activity with an inverse-distance squared model that incorporated distance to the mother’s home; dates and durations of well pad development, drilling, and hydraulic fracturing; and production volume during the pregnancy. We used multilevel linear and logistic regression models to examine associations between activity index quartile and term birth weight, preterm birth, low 5 minute Apgar score and small size for gestational age, while controlling for potential confounding variables. Results In adjusted models, there was an association between unconventional natural gas development activity and preterm birth that increased across quartiles, with a fourth quartile odds ratio of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.0-1.9). There were no associations of activity with Apgar score, small for gestational age, or term birth weight (after adjustment for year). In a post-hoc analysis, there was an association with physician-recorded high-risk pregnancy identified from the problem list (fourth vs. first quartile, 1.3 [95% CI: 1.1-1.7]). Conclusion Prenatal residential exposure to unconventional natural gas development activity was associated with two pregnancy outcomes, adding to evidence that unconventional natural gas development may impact health. PMID:26426945

Gendered racism and the sexual and reproductive health of Black and Latina Women.

PubMed

Rosenthal, Lisa; Lobel, Marci

2018-02-15

To understand health disparities, it is important to use an intersectional framework that examines unique experiences of oppression faced by particular groups due to their intersecting identities and social positions linked to societal structures. We focus on Black and Latina women and their experiences with 'gendered racism' - unique forms of oppression due to the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender - to foster understanding of disparities between Black and Latina versus White women in sexual and reproductive health outcomes in the U.S. Specifically, we focus on stereotype-related gendered racism (ongoing discrimination and stereotype threat based on historically-rooted stereotypes about Black and Latina women's sexuality and motherhood) and birth control-related mistrust (ongoing mistrust of the government and medical system related to birth control due to historical and current abuses). We analyzed data from two survey studies with adult women in New York (Study 1: paper-and-pencil community data collection, N = 135, M age  = 43.35) and across the U.S. (Study 2: online data collection, N = 343, M age  = 29.49) who were currently pregnant or had at least one child and identified as Black, Latina, or White. Black and Latina women reported greater frequency of and concern over stereotype-related gendered racism (F(3,131) = 17.90, p < .001 Study 1; F(3,339) = 22.23, p < .001 Study 2) and greater birth control-related mistrust (F(3,131) = 7.55, p < .001 Study 1; F(3,339) = 17.32, p < .001 Study 2) than White women did. In turn, stereotype-related gendered racism was positively associated with pregnancy-specific stress (ß = .40, p < .001 Study 1; ß = .33, p < .001 Study 2), and birth control-related mistrust was negatively associated with sexual relationship power (ß = -.19, p = .002 Study 2), which are factors known to contribute to birth outcomes and sexual risk, respectively. Findings suggest that gendered racism may play an important role in existing racial/ethnic disparities in women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes, and interventions addressing gendered racism at multiple levels are needed to promote health equity.

Teenagers and contraception.

PubMed

Rozenbaum, H

Early sexual activity in young women has created new problems in contraception and gynecologic pathology for physicians. None of the existing birth control methods seems ideally adapted to the young: oran contraceptives, the only infallible method, may present adverse effects. Intrauterine devices may result in expulsion or infection. Diaphragms or spermicides are less effective and not always well accepted by young girls. The physician, however, must bear in mind that whatever inconvenience may result, birth control is always preferable to an unwanted pregnancy or to abortion. Given the seemingly growing incidence of veneral disease and of abnormalities of cervical cytology, physicians must exercise the utmost care and consider a birth control consultation by a young girl as a full medical act.

RELATIONAHIP BETWEEN AMBIENT AIR QUALITY AND SELECTED BIRTH DEFECTS, SEVEN COUNTY STUDY, TEXAS, 1997-2000

EPA Science Inventory

A population-based case-control study investigated the association between maternal exposure to criteria air pollutants, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, and PM10 during weeks three through eight of pregnancy, and the risk of selected cardiac birth defects and oral clefts among live births and ...

Effect of Phenobarbital on Nitric Oxide Level in Term Newborn Infants with Perinatal Asphyxia

PubMed Central

Khoshdel, Abolfazl; Noormohammadi, Hajar; Kheiri, Soleiman; Reisi, Roya; Nourbakhsh, Seyed Mohammad-Kazem; Panahandeh, Gholam Reza; Heidarian, Esfandiar

2016-01-01

Objectives Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is very significant in perinatal medicine due to the involvement of the central nervous system. This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical, clinical, and paraclinical changes associated with phenobarbital administration in neonates with PA. Methods In this prospective, case-control study, 30 neonates with PA in two groups of 15 each (case and control) were investigated. The case group received 20 mg/kg intravenous phenobarbital within six hours of birth, and the control group did not receive phenobarbital. Serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) were measured at enrollment and one week after birth in the two groups. Clinical, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the two groups were compared. Results At enrollment, the two groups did not differ in clinical severity, seizure incidence, or NO concentration. After one week, NO concentration was significantly lower in the case group (p < 0.050), but there was no significant difference in other variables between the two groups. Conclusions Early administration of phenobarbital in term neonates with PA could protect them against encephalopathy. PMID:27602186

Effect of Phenobarbital on Nitric Oxide Level in Term Newborn Infants with Perinatal Asphyxia.

PubMed

Khoshdel, Abolfazl; Noormohammadi, Hajar; Kheiri, Soleiman; Reisi, Roya; Nourbakhsh, Seyed Mohammad-Kazem; Panahandeh, Gholam Reza; Heidarian, Esfandiar

2016-09-01

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is very significant in perinatal medicine due to the involvement of the central nervous system. This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical, clinical, and paraclinical changes associated with phenobarbital administration in neonates with PA. In this prospective, case-control study, 30 neonates with PA in two groups of 15 each (case and control) were investigated. The case group received 20 mg/kg intravenous phenobarbital within six hours of birth, and the control group did not receive phenobarbital. Serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) were measured at enrollment and one week after birth in the two groups. Clinical, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the two groups were compared. At enrollment, the two groups did not differ in clinical severity, seizure incidence, or NO concentration. After one week, NO concentration was significantly lower in the case group (p < 0.050), but there was no significant difference in other variables between the two groups. Early administration of phenobarbital in term neonates with PA could protect them against encephalopathy.

Low versus high haemoglobin concentration threshold for blood transfusion for preventing morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Whyte, Robin; Kirpalani, Haresh

2011-11-09

Infants of very low birth weight often receive multiple transfusions of red blood cells, usually in response to predetermined haemoglobin or haematocrit thresholds. In the absence of better indices, haemoglobin levels are imperfect but necessary guides to the need for transfusion. Chronic anaemia in premature infants may, if severe, cause apnoea, poor neurodevelopmental outcomes or poor weight gain.On the other hand, red blood cell transfusion may result in transmission of infections, circulatory or iron overload, or dysfunctional oxygen carriage and delivery. To determine if erythrocyte transfusion administered to maintain low as compared to high haemoglobin thresholds reduces mortality or morbidity in very low birth weight infants enrolled within three days of birth. Two review authors independently searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library) , MEDLINE,EMBASE, and conference proceedings through June 2010. We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of early versus late, or restrictive versus liberal erythrocyte transfusion regimes in low birth weight infants applied within three days of birth, with mortality or major morbidity as outcomes.

Lack of periconceptional vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid and diabetes mellitus–associated birth defects

PubMed Central

Correa, Adolfo; Gilboa, Suzanne M.; Botto, Lorenzo D.; Moore, Cynthia A.; Hobbs, Charlotte A.; Cleves, Mario A.; Riehle-Colarusso, Tiffany J.; Waller, D. Kim; Reece, E. Albert

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the risk of birth defects in relation to diabetes mellitus and the lack of use of periconceptional vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid. STUDY DESIGN The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997-2004) is a multicenter, population-based case-control study of birth defects (14,721 cases and 5437 control infants). Cases were categorized into 18 types of heart defects and 26 noncardiac birth defects. We estimated odds ratios for independent and joint effects of preexisting diabetes mellitus and a lack of periconceptional use of vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid. RESULTS The pattern of odds ratios suggested an increased risk of defects that are associated with diabetes mellitus in the absence vs the presence of the periconceptional use of vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid. CONCLUSION The lack of periconceptional use of vitamins or supplements that contain folic acid may be associated with an excess risk for birth defects due to diabetes mellitus. PMID:22284962

Probing Birth-Order Effects on Narrow Traits Using Specification-Curve Analysis.

PubMed

Rohrer, Julia M; Egloff, Boris; Schmukle, Stefan C

2017-12-01

The idea that birth-order position has a lasting impact on personality has been discussed for the past 100 years. Recent large-scale studies have indicated that birth-order effects on the Big Five personality traits are negligible. In the current study, we examined a variety of more narrow personality traits in a large representative sample ( n = 6,500-10,500 in between-family analyses; n = 900-1,200 in within-family analyses). We used specification-curve analysis to assess evidence for birth-order effects across a range of models implementing defensible yet arbitrary analytical decisions (e.g., whether to control for age effects or to exclude participants on the basis of sibling spacing). Although specification-curve analysis clearly confirmed the previously reported birth-order effect on intellect, we found no meaningful effects on life satisfaction, locus of control, interpersonal trust, reciprocity, risk taking, patience, impulsivity, or political orientation. The lack of meaningful birth-order effects on self-reports of personality was not limited to broad traits but also held for more narrowly defined characteristics.

Maternal report of fever from cold or flu during early pregnancy and the risk for noncardiac birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011.

PubMed

Waller, Dorothy Kim; Hashmi, Syed Shahrukh; Hoyt, Adrienne T; Duong, Hao T; Tinker, Sarah C; Gallaway, Michael Shayne; Olney, Richard S; Finnell, Richard H; Hecht, Jacqueline Tauber; Canfield, Mark A

2018-03-01

As maternal fever affects approximately 6-8% of early pregnancies, it is important to expand upon previous observations of an association between maternal fever and birth defects. We analyzed data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multistate, case-control study of major structural birth defects. Telephone interviews were completed by mothers of cases (n = 17,162) and controls (n = 10,127). Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the association between maternal self-report of cold or flu with fever and cold or flu without fever during early pregnancy and 30 categories of non-cardiac birth defects. Maternal report of cold or flu with fever was significantly associated with 8 birth defects (anencephaly, spina bifida, encephalocele, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, colonic atresia/stenosis, bilateral renal agenesis/hypoplasia, limb reduction defects, and gastroschisis) with elevated adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.2 to 3.7. Maternal report of cold or flu without fever was not associated with any of the birth defects studied. This study adds to the evidence that maternal fever during early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for selected birth defects. Elevated associations were limited to mothers who reported a fever, suggesting that it is fever that contributes to the excess risk rather than illnesses associated with it. However, fever may also serve as a marker for more severe infections. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Determinants of Short Interbirth Interval among Reproductive Age Mothers in Arba Minch District, Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Hailu, Desta; Gulte, Teklemariam

2016-01-01

Background. One of the key strategies to reduce fertility and promote the health status of mothers and their children is adhering to optimal birth spacing. However, women still have shorter birth intervals and studies addressing their determinants were scarce. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess determinants of birth interval among women who had at least two consecutive live births. Methods. Case control study was conducted from February to April 2014. Cases were women with short birth intervals (<3 years), whereas controls were women having history of optimal birth intervals (3 to 5 years). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Result. Having no formal education (AOR = 2.36, 95% CL: [1.23–4.52]), duration of breast feeding for less than 24 months (AOR: 66.03, 95% CI; [34.60–126]), preceding child being female (AOR: 5.73, 95% CI; [3.18–10.310]), modern contraceptive use (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: [1.58–4.940]), and poor wealth index (AOR: 4.89, 95% CI; [1.81–13.25]) of respondents were independent predictors of short birth interval. Conclusion. In equalities in education, duration of breast feeding, sex of the preceding child, contraceptive method use, and wealth index were markers of unequal distribution of inter birth intervals. Thus, to optimize birth spacing, strategies of providing information, education and communication targeting predictor variables should be improved. PMID:27239553

Intrapartum fever and chorioamnionitis as risks for encephalopathy in term newborns: a case-control study.

PubMed

Blume, Heidi K; Li, Christopher I; Loch, Christian M; Koepsell, Thomas D

2008-01-01

In this study we examined the relationship between diagnoses of isolated intrapartum fever or chorioamnionitis and the risk of encephalopathy in term newborns. We conducted a population-based, case-control study in Washington State using 1994 to 2002 linked data from the Washington State Birth Registry and the Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System (CHARS). We identified 1060 singleton, term newborns (602 males, 458 females) with International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) diagnoses consistent with encephalopathy, and 5330 unaffected control newborns (2756 males, 2574 females). Intrapartum fever was defined by a diagnosis of intrapartum temperature of >38 degrees C in the birth registry or CHARS databases. Chorioamnionitis was defined using ICD-9 diagnoses recorded in CHARS. We identified 2.2 cases of encephalopathy per 1000 births. Isolated intrapartum fever was associated with a 3.1-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-4.2) increased risk of newborn encephalopathy. Chorioamnionitis was associated with a 5.4-fold (95% CI 3.6-7.8) increased risk of encephalopathy. We found that isolated intrapartum fever and chorioamnionitis were independently associated with an increased risk of encephalopathy in term infants. Our data also indicate that there is a spectrum of risk for encephalopathy in term infants exposed to intrapartum fever. Infants born to women with signs of chorioamnionitis other than isolated intrapartum fever may be at higher risk of encephalopathy than those exposed only to isolated intrapartum fever.

Effects of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and health behaviour on neonatal outcomes in a population-based Hungarian sample.

PubMed

Bödecs, Tamás; Horváth, Boldizsár; Szilágyi, Eniko; Gonda, Xénia; Rihmer, Zoltán; Sándor, János

2011-01-01

To investigate possible associations of maternal antenatal depression, anxiety and self-esteem with negative neonatal outcomes controlling for the effects of demographic covariates and health behaviour in a Hungarian sample. A population-based monitoring system was established in 10 districts of health visitors in Szombathely, Hungary, covering every woman registered as pregnant between February 1, 2008 and February 1 2009. Three hundred and seven expectant women in the early stage of their pregnancy were surveyed using the Short Form of Beck Depression Inventory for the measurement of depression and the Spielberger Trait-Anxiety Inventory for the measurement of anxiety. Self-esteem was evaluated by the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. At the end of the follow-up period, data on 261 mothers and their singleton neonates were available. The relationship between the explanatory and outcome variables (birth weight, length, chest circumference, gestational age, and 1- and 5-min Apgar score) was tested in girls and boys separately by multiple linear regression analysis (Forward method). Categorical variables were used as "dummy variables". Maternal depression, anxiety and health behaviour did not show any association with neonatal outcomes. Higher level of maternal self-esteem was associated with higher birth weight and birth length in boys and higher birth length in girls. Maternal education positively correlated with birth length, gestational age and chest circumference in boys, and with birth length in girls. In girls, maternal socioeconomic status showed a positive association with birth weight and gestational age, while common law marriage had a negative effect on birth weight and chest circumference. Lower level of maternal self-esteem possibly leads to a higher level of maternal stress which may reduce fetal growth via physiologic changes. Gender differences in associations between demographic factors and neonatal outcome measures indicate differences in fetal development between boys and girls. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes among French gulf war veterans

PubMed Central

Verret, Catherine; Jutand, Mathe-Aline; De Vigan, Catherine; Bégassat, Marion; Bensefa-Colas, Lynda; Brochard, Patrick; Salamon, Roger

2008-01-01

Background Since 1993, many studies on the health of Persian Gulf War veterans (PGWVs) have been undertaken. Some authors have concluded that an association exists between Gulf War service and reported infertility or miscarriage, but that effects on PGWV's children were limited. The present study's objective was to describe the reproductive outcome and health of offspring of French Gulf War veterans. Methods The French Study on the Persian Gulf War (PGW) and its Health Consequences is an exhaustive cross-sectional study on all French PGWVs conducted from 2002 to 2004. Data were collected by postal self-administered questionnaire. A case-control study nested in this cohort was conducted to evaluate the link between PGW-related exposures and fathering a child with a birth defect. Results In the present study, 9% of the 5,666 Gulf veterans who participated reported fertility disorders, and 12% of male veterans reported at least one miscarriage among their partners after the PGW. Overall, 4.2% of fathers reported at least one child with a birth defect conceived after the mission. No PGW-related exposure was associated with any birth defect in children fathered after the PGW mission. Concerning the reported health of children born after the PGW, 1.0% of children presented a pre-term delivery and 2.7% a birth defect. The main birth defects reported were musculoskeletal malformations (0.5%) and urinary system malformations (0.3%). Birth defect incidence in PGWV children conceived after the mission was similar to birth defect incidence described by the Paris Registry of Congenital Malformations, except for Down syndrome (PGWV children incidence was lower than Registry incidence). Conclusion This study did not highlight a high frequency of fertility disorders or miscarriage among French PGW veterans. We found no evidence for a link between paternal exposure during the Gulf War and increased risk of birth defects among French PGWV children. PMID:18442369

Historical Development of Media Systems. I. Japan. Communication and Society 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ito, Shinichi; And Others

This report presents an insight into indigenous media forms and the introduction of modern media in Japan, and follows media development through the war and occupation to the present day. The report discusses (1) the birth of the newspaper in Japan, (2) control laws and regulations, (3) press policy under the allied forces' occupation of Japan,…

Marriage Form and Son Preference in Rural China: An Investigation in Three Counties

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jin, Xiaoyi; Li, Shuzhuo; Feldman, Marcus W.

2007-01-01

Using data from two surveys in three counties among which the prevalence of uxorilocal marriage varies greatly, this paper analyzes effects of marriage form, as well as individual, family, and social factors on son preference in the context of strict birth control in rural China. It is shown that, under the Chinese patrilineal joint family system,…

Role of Vocal Tract Morphology in Speech Development: Perceptual Targets and Sensorimotor Maps for Synthesized French Vowels from Birth to Adulthood.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Menard, Lucie; Schwartz, Jean-Luc; Boe, Louise-Jean

2004-01-01

The development of speech from infancy to adulthood results from the interaction of neurocognitive factors, by which phonological representations and motor control abilities are gradually acquired, and physical factors, involving the complex changes in the morphology of the articulatory system. In this article, an articulatory-to-acoustic model,…

Sex Differences in Health Care Requirements Aboard U.S. Navy Ships

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-20

nervous system symptoms (almost entirely headache), and then psychological symptoms (tension, nervousness). After that point, genitourinary problems...variable in accordance with procedures described by Lilienfeld and Lilienfeld .6 In those occupational specialties in which the confidence intervals do not...services such as inoculation, physical examination (e.g., check in, check out, reenlistment), pregnancy test , birth control prescription, Pap test

Cost--effectiveness analysis of salpingectomy prior to IVF, based on a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Strandell, Annika; Lindhard, Anette; Eckerlund, Ingemar

2005-12-01

In patients with ultrasound-visible hydrosalpinges, salpingectomy prior to IVF increases the chance of a live birth. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of this strategy (intervention) with that of optional salpingectomy after a failed cycle (control). Data from a Scandinavian randomized controlled trial were used to calculate the individual number of treatments and their outcomes. Only patients with ultrasound-visible hydrosalpinges were considered in the main analysis, and a maximum of three fresh cycles were included. The costs for surgical procedures, IVF treatment, medication, complications, management of pregnancy and delivery as well as of early pregnancy losses were calculated from standardized hospital charges. Among the 51 patients in the intervention group, the live birth rate was 60.8% compared with 40.9% in 44 controls. The average cost per patient was 13,943 euro and 12,091 euro, respectively. Thus, the average cost per live birth was 22,823 euro in the intervention group and 29,517 euro in the control group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for adopting the intervention strategy was estimated at 9306 euro. The incremental cost to achieve the higher birth rate of the intervention strategy seems reasonable.

Birth of Identity: Understanding the Value and Policy Considerations of Using Birth Certificates for Identity Resolution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duncan, Jeffrey Dean

2015-01-01

Exchanging patient-specific information across heterogeneous information systems is a critical but increasingly complex and expensive challenge. Lacking a universal unique identifier for healthcare, patient records must be linked using combinations of identity attributes such as name, date of birth, and sex. A state's birth certificate registry…

CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF AIR QUALITY AND BIRTH DEFECTS: COMPARISON OF GEOCODED AND NON-GEOCODED POPULATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Unbiased geocoding of maternal residence is critical to the success of an ongoing case-control study of exposure to five criteria air pollutants and the risk of selected birth defects in seven Texas counties between 1997 and 2000. The geocoded residence at delivery will be used ...

Sexuality Education Beliefs among Sexually Experienced Youth: Differences by Gender and Birth Control Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolma, Eleni L.; Vesely, Sara K.; Oman, Roy F.; Aspy, Cheryl B.; Rodine, Sharon

2006-01-01

Purpose: To examine whether gender and birth control use are associated with premarital sexual attitudes, beliefs about peers, family communication about sexual relationships, and sexuality education among sexually experienced youth. Methods: Data were collected from a randomly selected ethnically diverse youth sample (N = 1,253). Only the…

An Investigation of Verbal Interaction, Knowledge of Sexual Behavior and Self-Concept in Adolescent Mothers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horn, Mary Elaine; Rudolph, Linda B.

1987-01-01

Examined adolescent mothers' communication with significant others and their knowledge about sex, pregnancy, and birth control. Adolescent mothers (N=23) reported their communication with their own mothers to be one of mutual understanding. Most reported obtaining sex, pregnancy, and birth control information from significant others. Respondents'…

27 CFR 555.11 - Meaning of terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... mental defective. (a) A determination by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority that a... relation to an individual: (a) The full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, race, street address... substance and has lost the power of self-control with reference to the use of a controlled substance; and...

Catholic Perspectives on Population Issues. Population Bulletin, Vol. 35, No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murphy, Francis X.

The bulletin investigates the major positions held by the Catholic Church toward population problems. Separate sections discuss the demographic debate, traditional church teaching, the birth control movement, the Vatican Council II and the Papal Birth Control Commission, Pope Paul's 1968 Encyclical against contraception, the 1980 Synod of Bishops,…

RELIANCE ON GEOCODED MATERNAL RESIDENCE: IMPACT ON A POPULATION-BASED CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF AIR QUALITY AND BIRTH DEFECTS

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction: Unbiased geocoding of maternal residence is critical to the success of an ongoing population-based case-control study of exposure to five criteria air pollutants and the risk of selected birth defects in seven Texas counties between 1997 and 2000. The geocoded res...

Apgar Score Is Related to Development of Atopic Dermatitis: Cotwin Control Study

PubMed Central

Naeser, Vibeke; Kahr, Niklas; Stensballe, Lone Graff; Kyvik, Kirsten Ohm; Skytthe, Axel; Backer, Vibeke

2013-01-01

Aim. To study the impact of birth characteristics on the risk of atopic dermatitis in a twin population. Methods. In a population-based questionnaire study of 10,809 twins, 3–9 years of age, from the Danish Twin Registry, we identified 907 twin pairs discordant for parent-reported atopic dermatitis. We cross-linked with data from the Danish National Birth Registry and performed cotwin control analysis in order to test the impact of birth characteristics on the risk of atopic dermatitis. Results. Apgar score, OR (per unit) = 1.23 (1.06–1.44), P = 0.008, and female sex, OR = 1.31 (1.06–1.61), P = 0.012, were risk factors for atopic dermatitis in cotwin control analysis, whereas birth anthropometric factors were not significantly related to disease development. Risk estimates in monozygotic and dizygotic twins were not significantly different for the identified risk factors. Conclusions. In this population-based cotwin control study, high Apgar score was a risk factor for atopic dermatitis. This novel finding must be confirmed in subsequent studies. PMID:24222775

Fluconazole use and birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

PubMed

Howley, Meredith M; Carter, Tonia C; Browne, Marilyn L; Romitti, Paul A; Cunniff, Christopher M; Druschel, Charlotte M

2016-05-01

Low-dose fluconazole is used commonly to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis, a condition occurring frequently during pregnancy. Conflicting information exists on the association between low-dose fluconazole use among pregnant women and the risk of major birth defects. We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine this association. The National Birth Defects Prevention Study is a multisite, population-based, case-control study that includes pregnancies with estimated delivery dates from 1997 to 2011. Information on fluconazole use in early pregnancy was collected by self-report from 31,645 mothers of birth defect cases and 11,612 mothers of unaffected controls. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for birth defects with 5 or more exposed cases; crude odds ratios and exact 95% confidence intervals were estimated for birth defects with 3-4 exposed cases. Of the 43,257 mothers analyzed, 44 case mothers and 6 control mothers reported using fluconazole. Six exposed infants had cleft lip with cleft palate, 4 had an atrial septal defect, and each of the following defects had 3 exposed cases: hypospadias, tetralogy of Fallot, d-transposition of the great arteries, and pulmonary valve stenosis. Fluconazole use was associated with cleft lip with cleft palate (odds ratio = 5.53; confidence interval = 1.68-18.24) and d-transposition of the great arteries (odds ratio = 7.56; confidence interval = 1.22-35.45). The associations between fluconazole and both cleft lip with cleft palate and d-transposition of the great arteries are consistent with earlier published case reports but not recent epidemiologic studies. Despite the larger sample size of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, fluconazole use was rare. Further investigation is needed in large studies, with particular emphasis on oral clefts and conotruncal heart defects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kangaroo mother care for the prevention of neonatal hypothermia: a randomised controlled trial in term neonates.

PubMed

Ramani, Manimaran; Choe, Eunjoo A; Major, Meggin; Newton, Rebecca; Mwenechanya, Musaku; Travers, Colm P; Chomba, Elwyn; Ambalavanan, Namasivayam; Carlo, Waldemar A

2018-05-01

To test the hypothesis that kangaroo mother care (KMC) initiated either at birth or at 1 hour after birth reduces moderate or severe hypothermia in term neonates at (A) 1 hour after birth and (B) at discharge when compared with standard thermoregulation care. Term neonates born at a tertiary delivery centre in Zambia were randomised in two phases (phase 1: birth to 1 hour, phase 2: 1 hour to discharge) to either as much KMC as possible in combination with standard thermoregulation care (KMC group) or to standard thermoregulation care (control group). The primary outcomes were moderate or severe hypothermia (axillary temperature <36.0°C) at (A) 1 hour after birth and (B) at discharge. The proportion of neonates with moderate or severe hypothermia did not differ between the KMC and control groups at 1 hour after birth (25% vs 27%, relative risk (RR)=0.93, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.4, P=0.78) or at discharge (7% vs 2%, RR=2.8, 95% CI 0.6 to 13.9, P=0.16). Hypothermia was not found among the infants who had KMC for at least 9 hours or 80% of the hospital stay. KMC practised as much as possible in combination with standard thermoregulation care initiated either at birth or at 1 hour after birth did not reduce moderate or severe hypothermia in term infants compared with standard thermoregulation care. The current study also shows that duration of KMC either for at least 80% of the time or at least 9 hours during the day of birth was effective in preventing hypothermia in term infants. NCT02189759. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Agrichemicals in surface water and birth defects in the United States

PubMed Central

Winchester, Paul D; Huskins, Jordan; Ying, Jun

2009-01-01

Objectives: To investigate if live births conceived in months when surface water agrichemicals are highest are at greater risk for birth defects. Methods: Monthly concentrations during 1996–2002 of nitrates, atrazine and other pesticides were calculated using United States Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment data. Monthly United States birth defect rates were calculated for live births from 1996 to 2002 using United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention natality data sets. Birth defect rates by month of last menstrual period (LMP) were then compared to pesticide/nitrate means using logistical regression models. Results: Mean concentrations of agrichemicals were highest in April–July. Total birth defects, and eleven of 22 birth defect subcategories, were more likely to occur in live births with LMPs between April and July. A significant association was found between the season of elevated agrichemicals and birth defects. Conclusion: Elevated concentrations of agrichemicals in surface water in April–July coincided with higher risk of birth defects in live births with LMPs April–July. While a causal link between agrichemicals and birth defects cannot be proven from this study an association might provide clues to common factors shared by both variables. PMID:19183116