African Journal Of Reproductive Health[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Maternal health literacy programmes to improve self-care of pregnant women in Africa: A scoping review.
Noncungu TM, Sibindi T, Chipps J … +1 more , Crowley T
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359800 · Publisher ↗
Midwives are uniquely positioned to implement health literacy programmes, yet there is limited synthesis of existing midwife-led health literacy programmes for pregnant women in Africa. This scoping review maps the evide...
Midwives are uniquely positioned to implement health literacy programmes, yet there is limited synthesis of existing midwife-led health literacy programmes for pregnant women in Africa. This scoping review maps the evidence on health literacy programmes to improve the self-care of pregnant women in Africa. Eight articles, published between 2015 and 2025, were included across African countries from six electronic databases, such as MEDLINE and one search engine: Google Scholar. Maternal health literacy programmes varied in mode of delivery, duration, components, and outcomes. Most programmes used a group antenatal care model, a combination of face-to-face and digital health tools, and focused on improving functional, interactive, and critical health literacy. Maternal health literacy programmes in African countries seem to be under-researched. More research is needed to strengthen the outcomes of programmes such as usability and acceptability, knowledge and awareness, and clinical outcomes. In addition, longer-term research is necessary to assess the implementation and sustained impact of these programmes.
A systematic review of unintended pregnancy among adolescents living with HIV in Africa.
Hope M, Lwigale F, Tumwine C … +3 more , Kiggundu R, Mwanja H, Nartey E
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359787 · Publisher ↗
Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern across Africa, with Eastern and Southern regions experiencing the highest burden. Among adolescents living with HIV(ALHIV), the challenge is intensified by...
Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern across Africa, with Eastern and Southern regions experiencing the highest burden. Among adolescents living with HIV(ALHIV), the challenge is intensified by socio-economic, cultural, and healthcare factors that increase vulnerability to unintended pregnancy. This systematic review examined the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and associated factors among adolescents living with HIV in Africa. Following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024564479), a search of Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL identified relevant studies published between 2011 and 2023. Of the 550 retrieved articles, only three met the inclusion criteria. Reported prevalence rates varied widely, ranging from 18.8% in South Africa to 60.0% and 73.9% in Kenya, indicating a substantial and uneven burden across settings. Factors associated with unintended pregnancy included involvement with boyfriends or acquaintances rather than spouses, reflecting limited agency and structural vulnerabilities. Documented adverse outcomes included miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion, although one study did not specify outcomes. Overall, the review highlights persistently high rates of unplanned pregnancy among adolescents living with HIV and underscores the need to integrate sexual and reproductive health services into HIV care, address stigma, and strengthen context-specific interventions.
Knowledge of human papillomavirus and vaccination attitudes among female university students in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.
Güden E, Sarıkahya SD, Özbay SÇ
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359782 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to examine the relationships between human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, HPV literacy, and health beliefs among female university students within the framework of the health belief model. The cross-sec...
This study aimed to examine the relationships between human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge, HPV literacy, and health beliefs among female university students within the framework of the health belief model. The cross-sectional study was conducted on the campus of Artvin Çoruh University in Türkiye. A total of 645 female undergraduate students voluntarily participated in face-to-face surveys. While 68.2% of the participants reported having prior awareness of HPV, only 2.0% had received the HPV vaccine. Insufficient knowledge about the vaccine was identified as the primary barrier to vaccination. Significant positive relationships were observed among HPV knowledge, HPV literacy, and health belief scores; higher levels of knowledge and literacy were associated with stronger health beliefs and greater vaccination intention. We conclude that HPV knowledge, literacy, and health beliefs among female university students in Turkey are insufficient, while HPV vaccination uptake is low, warranting immediate remediation actions.
Financial and legal empowerment in women's reproductive health decision-making in rural China and Pakistan: A qualitative study.
Biao Z, Zhongfeng S, Khan MS
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359766 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates how financial and legal empowerment affects women's reproductive health decisions in rural China and Pakistan, both of which face notable patriarchal and socioeconomic challenges. We used a qualit...
This study investigates how financial and legal empowerment affects women's reproductive health decisions in rural China and Pakistan, both of which face notable patriarchal and socioeconomic challenges. We used a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from rural women who faced barriers in making reproductive health decisions due to financial and legal constraints. We used purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected from 30 women aged 18-45 years from rural Anhui Province, China, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The results show that women are much better able to make informed choices about their reproductive health when they are financially independent, have control over their money and income opportunities, and are aware of their legal rights. Women who are economically empowered and legally informed have greater autonomy in accessing reproductive healthcare and challenging patriarchal norms. The study concludes that financial and legal empowerment are essential for enhancing reproductive health outcomes and that their integration into policy and practice is crucial for enabling women's independent reproductive decisions. This study contributes to the literature on women's autonomy in reproductive health by highlighting the combined role of financial and legal empowerment, offering insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and legal reformers seeking to improve reproductive health outcomes in rural marginalized communities.
Mobile phone accessibility, health information needs, and willingness to receive maternal health information via mobile applications among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Oshana Region, Namibia.
Mulenga E, Mendonca HN, Ndakunda ST … +5 more , Uukule N, Shingandji PK, Ndjuluwa NT, Ndahalele BN, Worku Y
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359737 · Publisher ↗
Mobile technologies have proven to be effective in disseminating health information and improving health outcomes. This study assessed mobile phone accessibility, health information needs and the willingness to receive h...
Mobile technologies have proven to be effective in disseminating health information and improving health outcomes. This study assessed mobile phone accessibility, health information needs and the willingness to receive health information via mobile application among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Oshana Region, Namibia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 pregnant women. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Most of the participants (91.7%) reported having access to mobile phones. The top five maternal health information needs identified were: activities during pregnancy, antenatal care visits, emergency preparedness, breastfeeding, and nutrition during pregnancy. Notably, 97.5% of the participants expressed willingness to receive health information via mobile applications. Mobile phone ownership was significantly associated with the willingness to receive health information through mobile applications (p = 0.022). Given the high level of mobile access among pregnant women in Namibia, there is a need to develop and disseminate health information via mobile application platforms.
Understanding the social, emotional and economic challenges of surrogate mothers in Ghana: A phenomenogical study.
Boafo IM, Amarteifio DA, Hiadzi RA … +1 more , Tetteh PM
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359725 · Publisher ↗
Surrogacy is an emerging assisted reproductive practice in Ghana that expands pathways to parenthood but presents significant challenges for surrogate mothers. This study examines the lived experiences of surrogate mothe...
Surrogacy is an emerging assisted reproductive practice in Ghana that expands pathways to parenthood but presents significant challenges for surrogate mothers. This study examines the lived experiences of surrogate mothers in Accra, focusing on the physical, emotional, social, and economic difficulties they face. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach. 21 surrogate mothers were purposively sampled from three agencies in the Greater Accra Region. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The findings show that surrogates experience intense social stigma. Emotional distress, ranging from depression to symptoms of post-traumatic stress, often stems from abrupt separation from babies and limited psychological support. Physical challenges, including pregnancy complications and unwarranted caesarean sections, further shape their experiences. Economic exploitation emerged as a critical issue, with participants dissatisfied with inadequate compensation and minimal bargaining power. Surrogacy additionally strained personal relationships, with several women reporting partner conflict or separation. The study underscores the urgent need for regulatory frameworks that safeguard the rights and well-being of surrogate mothers. Clear legislation, mandatory counselling, fair compensation, and public education to reduce stigma are recommended. The study contributes to the limited literature on surrogacy in sub-Saharan Africa and offers insights for improving practice in Ghana.
Assessment of pregnant women's awareness and practice of antenatal care in Mosul, Iraq.
Saied NH, Shihab EMZ, Sheet NS
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359711 · Publisher ↗
This study evaluated pregnant women's awareness and practice of antenatal care by using a cross-sectional study design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from pregnant women attending Al-Sukkar Primary...
This study evaluated pregnant women's awareness and practice of antenatal care by using a cross-sectional study design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from pregnant women attending Al-Sukkar Primary Health Centre in Mosul, Iraq over a period of three months from 1 November2024 to 2 February 2025. The results showed that pregnant women had knowledge gaps pertaining to awareness of warning signals during pregnancy. The majority of participants, pregnant women demonstrated a positive attitude. Approximately half of the participants (52.4%) were regular in their visits and 31.8% reported more than five visits. Good knowledge and favourable attitude were significantly higher among employed women with a university education. In contrast, women with secondary education, those in the third trimester and house wives demonstrated, better practices. We conclude that improving and enhancing awareness about the proper utilization of antenatal care practices will be critical to improving maternal health outcomes in Mosul, Iraq.
Navigating motherhood twice: Lived experiences of teenage mothers with repeat pregnancies in a rural Municipality, South Africa.
Sunday AE, Maharaj P
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359681 · Publisher ↗
Repeat adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in South Africa, particularly in rural settings. This study explored the lived experiences of young mothers with repeat pregnancies attending Ngange...
Repeat adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern in South Africa, particularly in rural settings. This study explored the lived experiences of young mothers with repeat pregnancies attending Ngangelizwe Community Health Centre in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, Eastern Cape. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers aged 18-24 who experienced their first pregnancy during adolescence. Findings indicate that most repeat pregnancies were unplanned and shaped by delayed pregnancy recognition, limited support, and complex family and partner dynamics. Participants described challenges related to education, childcare, stigma, and access to youth-friendly healthcare services. Despite these challenges, young mothers demonstrated resilience and employed various coping strategies to manage the emotional, social, and financial pressures they faced. Strengthening family, school, healthcare, and community support systems is essential to enhance the well-being of adolescents navigating repeat pregnancies in rural South Africa.
Midwifery students' experiences with a virtual reality simulation for newborn care: A qualitative study.
Oner S
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359670 · Publisher ↗
This qualitative study explored midwifery students' experiences with a virtual reality (VR) simulation designed to teach immediate newborn care. A total of 34 students participated in an immersive VR environment where th...
This qualitative study explored midwifery students' experiences with a virtual reality (VR) simulation designed to teach immediate newborn care. A total of 34 students participated in an immersive VR environment where they performed essential newborn care procedures. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: VR as a realistic and safe learning environment, emotional and cognitive interaction, and the role of innovative technologies in education. Students reported increased self-confidence, motivation, and clinical readiness, while also noting initial anxiety and some technical challenges. Overall, VR was perceived as an effective and engaging educational tool that supports skill acquisition and preparation for clinical practice. These findings suggest that VR can be sustainably integrated into midwifery education.
Effectiveness of simulation-based continuing education in neonatal resuscitation among Moroccan midwives: A quasi-experimental study.
Alaoui S, Takhdat K, Lahmini W … +2 more , Lamtali S, Loukid M
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359668 · Publisher ↗
Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health issue, particularly in resource-limited settings. Simulation-based programs such as Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) have proven effective in strengthening midwives' knowle...
Neonatal mortality remains a critical public health issue, particularly in resource-limited settings. Simulation-based programs such as Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) have proven effective in strengthening midwives' knowledge and skills in neonatal resuscitation, yet no study has evaluated their impact among practicing Moroccan midwives. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of HBB training on satisfaction, self-efficacy, theoretical knowledge, one-year knowledge retention, and technical skills among practicing Moroccan midwives. A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted with 96 midwives. The intervention included a didactic session, hands-on practice, and formative simulation. Satisfaction, self-efficacy, and knowledge were measured through questionnaires; technical skills were evaluated using OSCE checklists for the Golden Minute and positive pressure ventilation. Satisfaction was 100%, and full self-efficacy increased markedly post-training. Knowledge improved significantly and remained stable at follow-up. Technical skills showed high scores with minimal failure rates. Knowledge moderately correlated with ventilation performance. In conclusion, HBB simulation-based training significantly enhances and sustains neonatal resuscitation competencies among Moroccan midwives, supporting its systematic integration into continuous professional development.
Investigating the individual and contextual factors associated with non-use of newborn postnatal care in Eswatini.
Tlalang BA, Shange L, Tsawe M
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359635 · Publisher ↗
Postnatal care is among the most important maternal and child healthcare interventions for reducing maternal and child mortality. Despite efforts to increase the uptake of maternal and child health services, Eswatini is...
Postnatal care is among the most important maternal and child healthcare interventions for reducing maternal and child mortality. Despite efforts to increase the uptake of maternal and child health services, Eswatini is among the countries with the highest prevalence of non-use of newborn postnatal care. This study investigated the individual and contextual factors associated with non-use of newborn postnatal care in Eswatini using secondary data from the 2021-22 Eswatini Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. A two-level logistic regression modelling approach was used. The prevalence of non-use of newborn postnatal care was 50.6%. Newborns delivered in a health facility and those residing in the Manzini and Shiselweni regions had higher odds of non-use of newborn postnatal care. The study highlights a need to improve regional access to maternal healthcare services as well as the continuum of care between facility births and newborn postnatal care in Eswatini.
Strengthening data systems to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in sub-Saharan Africa.
Chizomam Ntoimo LF, Okonofua F
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42359608 · Publisher ↗
The advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in sub-Saharan Africa is fundamentally hindered by "health data poverty".1 While many high-income countries have made significant progress in strengthen...
The advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in sub-Saharan Africa is fundamentally hindered by "health data poverty".1 While many high-income countries have made significant progress in strengthening their health data systems, sub-Saharan Africa continues to face significant gaps.1-3 Despite the critical need for evidence-based practice, the regional data landscape is characterized by a pervasive ignorance regarding the intrinsic value of accurate data. Many countries in the region lack regular population censuses, reliable health records, and functional civil registration and vital statistics systems.
Effects of probiotic modulation on bone health in estrogen-deficient female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Zhang D, Wang X, Deng T … +5 more , Fan F, Wang N, Zheng L, Huang H, Feng L
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42274073 · Publisher ↗
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common metabolic disorder caused mainly by estrogen deficiency, which accelerates bone resorption, suppresses bone formation, and increases fracture risk in aging women. Emerging evidence...
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common metabolic disorder caused mainly by estrogen deficiency, which accelerates bone resorption, suppresses bone formation, and increases fracture risk in aging women. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota influences skeletal homeostasis through the gut-bone axis, indicating that probiotic supplementation may provide a novel nutritional strategy for bone protection. This study evaluated the osteoprotective effects of two probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium breve i1088 and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum i772, in an ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rat model of estrogen-deficiency-induced osteoporosis. Female rats were randomly allocated to sham-operated control, ovariectomized model, probiotic treatment, and positive control groups. After intervention, bone mineral density, femoral calcium content, and trabecular microarchitecture were assessed. Compared with untreated ovariectomized rats, probiotic supplementation significantly increased bone mineral density and bone calcium content, improved trabecular thickness, and reduced trabecular separation (P < 0.01). These findings demonstrated that probiotic administration attenuated bone loss and preserved skeletal microstructure under estrogen-deficient conditions. The results provide preclinical evidence that Bifidobacterium-based probiotic formulations may serve as a promising adjunctive nutritional approach for maintaining bone health in postmenopausal women. Further clinical studies are required to confirm their preventive and therapeutic potential in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Parent-teenager sexuality education communication: Teenagers' perceptions of barriers to parental access.
Mhlongo BG, Habedi DS, Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42274057 · Publisher ↗
Sexuality education communication between parents and teenagers plays a significant role in delaying sexual debut for teenagers, helping in the prevention of teenage pregnancy and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) i...
Sexuality education communication between parents and teenagers plays a significant role in delaying sexual debut for teenagers, helping in the prevention of teenage pregnancy and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Studies report that sexuality education communication between teenagers and parents is minimal, uncoordinated, and ineffective. This exposes teenagers to negative sexual behaviours, which could lead to HIV and unplanned teenage pregnancy. The purpose of the study was to explore the views and perceptions of teenagers in the rural KwaZulu-Natal on barriers to sexuality education communication with their parents. The study was conducted in three purposefully chosen rural locations of the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, using qualitative descriptive phenomenology. Data were collected from 22 purposively chosen teenagers using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done using Colaizzi's framework for data analysis. Themes that emerged from the data were fear and culture. Overall findings revealed that sexuality education communication between teenagers and their parents was perceived by teenagers in the rural areas as a fearful and culturally prohibited activity. We recommend that parent-teenager sexuality education communication strategies should be developed to enhance such communication.
Alcohol consumption and intentional homicides among the female population in Mexico.
Wang X
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42274024 · Publisher ↗
This research examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and female intentional homicides in Mexico from 2000 to 2022. The study explores the interrelationships among female alcohol consumption, unemployment r...
This research examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and female intentional homicides in Mexico from 2000 to 2022. The study explores the interrelationships among female alcohol consumption, unemployment rates, secondary school enrollment, and urbanization in relation to intentional homicide. Data sources include the World Bank's World Development Indicators (WDI). Descriptive graphical trend analysis was used to assess long-term patterns and the concurrent movement of variables. The findings reveal a significant association between alcohol consumption, female unemployment, educational achievement, and urbanization, as well as fluctuations in female homicide rates over the study period. Specifically, alcohol consumption and unemployment appear to heighten vulnerability, whereas education serves as a protective factor. Urbanization carries both potential hazards and benefits, contingent on the presence of adequate social and institutional support systems. These findings highlight the strong relationship between female intentional homicide, alcohol consumption, and broader socioeconomic influences in Mexico. Consequently, reducing female intentional homicide in Mexico requires implementing comprehensive policies that encompass alcohol regulation, economic stability, educational progress, and inclusive urban development strategies.
Effects of dance education on emotional repair and identity reconstruction in women.
Cui Y
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42273979 · Publisher ↗
This study examines the effects of dance education on emotional repair and identity reconstruction among women, with particular attention to the roles of embodiment, bodily governance, and negotiated agency. Using a quan...
This study examines the effects of dance education on emotional repair and identity reconstruction among women, with particular attention to the roles of embodiment, bodily governance, and negotiated agency. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to women participating in formal and semi-formal dance education settings in selected Chinese cities. The study measured six latent constructs: Dance Education Engagement, Embodiment, Emotional Repair, Identity Reconstruction, Bodily Governance, and Negotiated Agency. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the relationships among these variables. The findings show that dance education significantly enhances embodiment, which in turn positively contributes to emotional repair and identity reconstruction. The results further indicate that although dance spaces may reproduce forms of bodily governance through discipline and normative expectations, women actively negotiate these structures through agency and self-expression. Overall, the study highlights dance education as both an embodied pedagogical practice and a psychosocial resource that supports women's emotional wellbeing and self-redefinition. These findings contribute to growing scholarship on movement-based interventions and suggest that dance education may offer meaningful benefits for women's mental health, empowerment, and holistic wellbeing.
Barriers and facilitators to breast cancer screening among women in Côte d'Ivoire: A qualitative study.
Anoua ASJ
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42273978 · Publisher ↗
This study examines breast cancer screening behaviors among women in a working-class neighborhood of Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, within the context of economic insecurity and therapeutic pluralism, where biomedical, tradition...
This study examines breast cancer screening behaviors among women in a working-class neighborhood of Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, within the context of economic insecurity and therapeutic pluralism, where biomedical, traditional, and religious care practices coexist. A qualitative interpretive approach was used, based on 23 semi-structured interviews with women aged 18 and above, selected through purposive sampling and analyzed thematically. The findings reveal uneven knowledge of screening, particularly among older and economically vulnerable women, due to limited media exposure and social isolation. Breast cancer is widely associated with mutilation and death, generating ambivalent responses ranging from avoidance to heightened vigilance among women. Screening practices are shaped by intersecting economic, institutional, and time constraints, alongside enabling factors such as social support, prenatal care interactions, and media- and school-based awareness. These findings highlight the need for context-sensitive prevention strategies that integrate local social dynamics and diverse therapeutic landscapes.
Barriers to access and use of sexual reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus services among adolescent girls and young women in Maputo City, Mozambique.
Muchanga V, Moon TD, Munguambe K … +1 more , Chilundo B
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42273966 · Publisher ↗
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Mozambique face a high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, yet face substantial barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH...
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Mozambique face a high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, yet face substantial barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV services. This qualitative study explored AGYW experiences in accessing SRHR and HIV care at Zimpeto and Primeiro de Junho Health Facilities (HF) in Maputo between June 12 and 28, 2023, using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed in NVivo 14 and interpreted using the socio-ecological model. Barriers were mainly institutional and individual. Institutional challenges included negative provider attitudes, long wait times, inaccessible services, limited provider skills, and medication stockouts. Individual barriers included fear of parental discussion, low self-esteem, and apprehension about HIV testing or contraceptives. Interpersonal barriers, such as limited family support, were less prominent. Addressing these barriers through enhanced service quality, adolescent-friendly approaches, and supportive, knowledgeable providers is crucial to improving AGYW access to SRHR and HIV services.
Role of uterine artery doppler at 14-22 weeks of gestation in predicting preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
Maqsood S, Deep A, Wani S … +4 more , Rasool SR, Wani AH, Khursheed N, Wani I
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42273941 · Publisher ↗
Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, are major contributors to maternal mortality worldwide. Uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography, which measures indices such as the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance...
Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, are major contributors to maternal mortality worldwide. Uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography, which measures indices such as the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI), has proven to be an effective tool for the early prediction of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of uterine artery Doppler indices between 14-22 weeks of gestation for these adverse pregnancy outcomes.This study included 480 pregnant women between 14-22 weeks of gestation. Uterine artery Doppler measurements, including PI, RI, and the presence of diastolic notching, were recorded. Participants were followed up for the development of pre-eclampsia and IUGR. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the Doppler indices were calculated.Pre-eclampsia was observed in 6.9% (n = 33) of participants, while IUGR occurred in 5% (n = 24). Pre-eclamptic women exhibited significantly higher uterine artery PI (1.0 ± 0.15) and RI (0.75 ± 0.07) compared to normotensive women (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of uterine artery PI in predicting pre-eclampsia were 52% and 83.3%, respectively. Uterine artery notching demonstrated a sensitivity of 58.3% and a specificity of 90% in predicting IUGR. Uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography is a valuable tool for predicting pre-eclampsia and IUGR.
Effect of multimodal electrical stimulation combined with low-intensity focused ultrasound on endometrial receptivity and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile women undergoing freeze-thawed embryo transfer.
Sun Y, Qian B, Zhang X … +2 more , Yang C, Ge Y
Afr J Reprod Health · 2026 Jun · PMID 42273921 · Publisher ↗
We aimed to investigate the effect of multimodal electrical stimulation combined with low-intensity focused ultrasound on endometrial receptivity as well as clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile women. One hundred wom...
We aimed to investigate the effect of multimodal electrical stimulation combined with low-intensity focused ultrasound on endometrial receptivity as well as clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile women. One hundred women undergoing in vitro fertilization-frozen-thawed embryo transfer were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group received multimodal electrical stimulation combined with low-power focused ultrasound treatment for 30 min/times per day, once a day, for 7-10 days; the control group did not receive the treatment, and at the end of the treatment each of the two groups underwent frozen embryo transfer. The effect was assessed by the following indicators: endometrial thickness and volume, type of endometrium, endometrial blood flow, uterine artery pulsatility index, resistance index, and uterine arteria peak systolic velocity/end-diastolic velocity values, endometrial peristaltic wave frequency and endometrial volume; biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and embryo implantation rates. uterine artery S/D and uterine artery RI were significantly increased after treatment with statistical differences. The rest of the indicators showed positive changes but no statistical differences. We conclude that multimodal electrical stimulation combined with low-frequency focused ultrasound therapy is effective in improving endometrial receptivity and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
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