Would You Be Happier If You Looked Better? A Focusing Illusion

Some people might believe that individuals who are more satisfied with their body are also happier. However, people tend to overrate the influence of some factors (e.g. money or health) on their happiness; a phenomenon termed the focusing illusion. Our aim was to examine the focusing illusion in relation to body satisfaction. We experimentally manipulated body satisfaction and life satisfaction focus by varying the order of relevant measurement scales. Volunteers (N = 97) completed two questionnaires placed in separate envelopes to control the order of scales administration. Participants either completed the Body Satisfaction Scale followed by the Satisfaction with Life Scale or vice versa. In line with the focusing illusion the association between body satisfaction and life satisfaction was significantly stronger when participants were asked about their body satisfaction first. Body satisfaction as a focusing illusion may need to be considered by scientist as well as lay people who try to look better and be happier

Polish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics statement on safety measures and performance of ultrasound examinations in obstetrics and gynecology during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

We present recommendations on performance and safety measures of ultrasound examinations in obstetrics and gynecologyduring the SARS COV-2 pandemic. The statement was prepared based on the current knowledge on the coronavirusby the Ultrasound Section of the Polish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. It has to be noted that the presented guidanceis based on limited evidence and is primarily based on experiences published by authors from areas most affected bythe virus thus far, such as China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Italy. We realize that the pandemic situation is very dynamic.New data is published every day. Despite the imposed limitations related to the necessity of social distancing, it is crucialto remember that providing optimal care in safe conditions should remain the primary goal of healthcare providers. Weplan to update the current guidelines as the situation develops

Amniocentesis in Twin Pregnancies: Risk Factors of Fetal Loss

This study aims to determine if second trimester amniocentesis in twin pregnancies provides a significant independent contribution in the prediction of miscarriage or fetal loss at any stage of pregnancy. This was a retrospective cohort study of women with twin gestations booked for routine prenatal care in four fetal medicine units in Poland in the years 2010–2020. The study population included: (1) twin pregnancies that underwent amniocentesis at 16–20 weeks’ gestation; (2) twin pregnancies that did not require any further testing and were followed-up routinely. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was used to define which maternal and pregnancy characteristics provided a significant independent contribution in the prediction of miscarriage and fetal loss at any stage of pregnancy. In the study period, 2645 twin pregnancies were eligible for analysis. There were 144 cases of miscarriage defined as fetal loss of one or both twins before 24 weeks and 40 cases of intrauterine death of one or both twins after 24 weeks. A total number of 162 twin pregnancies underwent amniocentesis at 16–20 weeks’ gestation. The rate of miscarriage before 24 weeks and the rate of fetal loss at any stage of pregnancy in the group that underwent amniocentesis was 10.49% and 13.58%, respectively, compared to 5.11% and 6.52% that did not undergo amniocentesis. Multivariable regression analysis showed that factors providing a significant independent contribution in the prediction of miscarriage and fetal loss at any stage of pregnancy were monochorionicity (MC), large intertwin discordance in crown-rump length (CRL), low Pregnancy Related Plasma Protein (PAPP-A) MoM and nuchal translucency (NT) above 95th centile. Amniocentesis in twin pregnancies does not provide a significant contribution in the prediction of miscarriage or fetal loss at any stage of pregnancy