First Trimester Ultrasound in Prenatal Diagnosis—Part of the Turning Pyramid of Prenatal Care

First-trimester sonographic assessment of the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is routinely performed throughout the world, primarily by measuring fetal nuchal translucency thickness between 11–13 weeks’ gestation, combined with assessment of serum markers. The development of high-frequency transvaginal transducers has led to improved ultrasound resolution and better visualization of fetal anatomy during the first-trimester. Continuous improvement in ultrasound technology allows a thorough detailed assessment of fetal anatomy at the time of the nuchal translucency study. Using transabdominal or transvaginal sonography, or a combination of both approaches, it is now possible to diagnose a wide range of fetal anomalies during the first trimester. Multiple studies reported early diagnosis of major fetal anomalies after demonstrating the association of increased nuchal translucency thickness with structural defect in chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses. Normal sonographic findings provide reassurance for women at high risk while detection of fetal malformation during the first trimester enables discussion and decisions about possible treatments and interventions, including termination of pregnancy, during an early stage of pregnancy

Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy Complications on Maternal Health: A Review

Background: Most pregnancy-related medical complications appear to resolve at delivery or shortly thereafter. Common examples are preterm labor, placental abruption, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Women who developed such complications are known to be at increased risk of developing similar complications in future pregnancies. It has recently become evident that these women are at an increased risk of long term medical complications. Methods: A search through scientific publications in English regarding the association of obstetric complications and long-term maternal illness. Results: There is a clear association between various obstetric complications and long-term effects on maternal health. Conclusions: Women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Data increasingly links maternal vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory complications of pregnancy with an increased risk of vascular disease in later life

Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy Complications on Maternal Health: A Review

Background: Most pregnancy-related medical complications appear to resolve at delivery or shortly thereafter. Common examples are preterm labor, placental abruption, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Women who developed such complications are known to be at increased risk of developing similar complications in future pregnancies. It has recently become evident that these women are at an increased risk of long term medical complications. Methods: A search through scientific publications in English regarding the association of obstetric complications and long-term maternal illness. Results: There is a clear association between various obstetric complications and long-term effects on maternal health. Conclusions: Women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Data increasingly links maternal vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory complications of pregnancy with an increased risk of vascular disease in later life

Abnormal Placental Findings Associated with Non-Reassuring Fetal Monitoring and Excellent Neonatal Outcomes

Objective: Obstetricians, Neonatologists, and Pathologists have studied gross histological analysis of human placentas in search of specific alterations in placental functions that can be correlated with neonatal outcomes. Our study assessed the prevalence of abnormal placental findings associated with non-reassuring fetal monitoring in labor requiring emergent instrumental or cesarean delivery, followed by an excellent neonatal outcome. Study Design: One hundred consecutive emergency deliveries, instrumental or cesarean, performed due to non-reassuring fetal monitoring while in labor were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were low-risk for obstetric complications, and had a singleton, term pregnancy. They had a normal antenatal routine testing and a normal anatomy ultrasound scan at 20 to 22 weeks gestation. Results: There were 35 placentas (35%) with gross placental anomalies at the delivery triage. Additionally 7 placentas (7%) were reported to be abnormal at the pathology examination. Conclusion: The prevalence of abnormal placental findings in our studied population was 42%

Abnormal Placental Findings Associated with Non-Reassuring Fetal Monitoring and Excellent Neonatal Outcomes

Objective: Obstetricians, Neonatologists, and Pathologists have studied gross histological analysis of human placentas in search of specific alterations in placental functions that can be correlated with neonatal outcomes. Our study assessed the prevalence of abnormal placental findings associated with non-reassuring fetal monitoring in labor requiring emergent instrumental or cesarean delivery, followed by an excellent neonatal outcome. Study Design: One hundred consecutive emergency deliveries, instrumental or cesarean, performed due to non-reassuring fetal monitoring while in labor were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were low-risk for obstetric complications, and had a singleton, term pregnancy. They had a normal antenatal routine testing and a normal anatomy ultrasound scan at 20 to 22 weeks gestation. Results: There were 35 placentas (35%) with gross placental anomalies at the delivery triage. Additionally 7 placentas (7%) were reported to be abnormal at the pathology examination. Conclusion: The prevalence of abnormal placental findings in our studied population was 42%