Vaginal Seeding in Term Cesarean Section Is a Mandatory Condition for Improvement of Neonatal Health

The human vaginal microbiota is an important component of the defense system to fight microbial and viral infections. During pregnancy, a significant decrease in overall diversity is observed in the vaginal flora, and there is an increase in stability as the composition of the vaginal flora changes gradually. These alterations are linked to a decrease in vaginal pH and an augmentation in vaginal secretions. The composition of the vaginal microbiome changes according to gestational age, with its composition in advanced weeks of pregnancy resembling that of nonpregnant women. There is supporting evidence for the existence of differences in the neonate’s microbiome between those born via C-section and those delivered vaginally. The evidence suggests that this difference is a result of the changes that occur in the mother’s microbiome, particularly in the vagina. The vaginal microbiome serves as a crucial barrier between the external environment and the intra-amniotic cavity. The vaginal microbiome appears to play a significant role as an additional defense mechanism of the mother and, consequently, the fetus. Any abnormalities in this microbiome can potentially impact the pregnancy and perinatal outcome

Social and psychological effects of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

<p><i>The current transmission of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has raised multiple concerns across all over the world. Until now, no effective treatment has been established for COVID-19 and this virus may also affect young people or people who do not belong to a vulnerable group. This is a source of great anxiety for all people and results in more psychological problems. This article focuses on the social and psychological effects of COVID-19 and underlines some possible solutions.</i></p&gt

Consequences of perinatal mortality in parents' psychology and the role of health professionals in its management

<p><i><strong>Objective:</strong> The purpose of this study is to compare paternity with maternity and especially, how these entities manage mourning in case of perinatal death. <strong>Method:</strong> We reviewed the major articles of the literature in PubMed, UpToDate, Google Scholar and Scopus. <strong>Results:</strong> 39 articles were synthetized regarding the various management of this situation. Our study includes suggestions to enable parents to better adapt to the new changes in their lives that arise after such a difficult event as the death of their neonate, while the role of health professionals in the management of perinatal mortality it is also underlined. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Perinatal mortality has an impact on family dynamics, including couple's relationship. Both mothers and fathers faced the same grief after a perinatal loss and for this reason, attention should be paid to both parents. Health professionals should offer targeted interventions in order to help to foster a healthy grief process amongst parents after a perinatal death.</i></p&gt

Ten Years of Experience in Contraception Options for Teenagers in a Family Planning Center in Thrace and Review of the Literature

Introduction: The goal of our study was to investigate and evaluate the contraceptive behavior in teenagers from our family planning centre that services two different religious and socioeconomic populations living in the Thrace area. Methods: During the last 10 years 115 Christian Orthodox (group A) and 53 Muslim teenagers (group B) were enrolled in our retrospective study. Contraceptive practice attitudes were assessed by a questionnaire. Religion, demographics, socio-economic characteristics were key factors used to discuss contraception and avoid unplanned pregnancy in each group and to compare with the contraceptive method used. Results: The most used contraceptive method—about two times more frequently—among Christian Orthodox participants was the oral contraceptive pill (p = 0.015; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.13–2.90), while in the other group the use of condoms and IUDs was seven and three times more frequent, respectively. Our family planning centre was the main source of information for contraception. Conclusions: During adolescence, the existence of a family planning centre and participation in family planning programs plays a crucial role to help the teenagers to improve their knowledge and choose an effective contraception method