BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Three-dimensional intracardiac ultrasound-guided catheter ablation for pregnancy-associated supraventricular tachycardia: a case report.
Xing A, Yan S, Jing K … +1 more , Jia J
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42260398 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Physiological changes during pregnancy increase the risk of arrhythmias, with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) being one of the most common types. Although often benign, SVT can cause symptoms such as palpi...
BACKGROUND: Physiological changes during pregnancy increase the risk of arrhythmias, with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) being one of the most common types. Although often benign, SVT can cause symptoms such as palpitations and dyspnea, and in severe cases, may lead to hemodynamic instability, posing risks to both the mother and fetus. Managing SVT during pregnancy is challenging due to concerns about fetal safety with medications and the limitations of interventional procedures involving radiation. This report highlights the successful treatment of pregnancy-associated SVT using three-dimensional intracardiac ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation, ensuring excellent outcomes for both mother and baby. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 35-year-old pregnant woman who successfully underwent zero-x-ray radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for left atrial tachycardia. At 12 weeks, sinus tachycardia was identified and treated with metoprolol, but symptoms and sustained atrial tachycardia persisted by 25 weeks. After multidisciplinary evaluation, zero-x-ray RFA was performed at 28 weeks for AVNRT, followed by a second RFA at 29 weeks to ablate tachycardia from the distal left atrial appendage. Post-procedure, symptoms resolved, and the patient delivered a healthy baby via elective cesarean at 37 weeks. Both mother and infant remained healthy at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy complicated by SVT requires careful management due to the associated maternal and fetal risks. For patients with a history of SVT, catheter ablation prior to pregnancy is recommended to reduce recurrence and adverse outcomes. For pregnancy-onset SVT, early multidisciplinary consultation and individualized treatment are essential. Non-radiation radiofrequency ablation can be a safe and effective option in the second or third trimester to minimize fetal radiation exposure. Standardized, patient-centered management with multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial to ensuring maternal and fetal safety.
Predictors of a successful external cephalic version: a population-based cohort study.
Liu S, Chen L, Liao G … +3 more , Cheng D, Huang Y, Yang J
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42260397 · Full text
BACKGROUND: External cephalic version (ECV) corrects breech presentation and improves vaginal delivery success rate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors influencing ECV success in breech-presenting pregnant women in southe...
BACKGROUND: External cephalic version (ECV) corrects breech presentation and improves vaginal delivery success rate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors influencing ECV success in breech-presenting pregnant women in southern China. METHODS: A total of 484 pregnant women who underwent ECV from August 2021 to August 2023 were enrolled. Logistic regression analyzed factors associated with ECV success, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) evaluated relationships of amniotic fluid index (AFI) and gestational weight gain with ECV success. RESULTS: In all ECV, the success rate was 75.41%. Logistic analysis showed that pregnancy weight gain was a risk factor for ECV, and the success rate decreased with weight increase, OR = 1.05(1.01, 1.09). Shallow into the basin of the fetal breech was a protective factor for ECV, OR (95%CI) = 0.10(0.03, 0.33) compared with not into the basin. Single nuchal cord can increase the probability of ECV success compared with no nuchal cord (OR (95%CI) = 0.43(0.20, 0.91)). The success gradually increases with AFI's rise, OR (95%CI) = 0.06 (0.01, 0.23). RCS analysis revealed non-linear relationships between ECV success and AFI, as well as between ECV success and pregnancy weight gain. ECV success rate increased with AFI within the range of 13.2-17.0 cm. And for pregnancy weight gain, the success rate increased within 5.5-12.0 kg but decreased when weight gain was 12.0-20.0 kg. CONCLUSION: Excessive pregnancy weight gain can reduce the success rate of ECV, while AFI, shallow into the basin, and single nuchal cord are protective factors. Non-linear relationships exist between gestational weight gain, AFI, and ECV success. Clinically, these findings advise women to monitor AFI around 13.2-17.0 cm and control weight gain within 5.5-12.0 kg after 28weeks to improve ECV success.
Determinants of stunting among Indonesian children: a cross-sectional study on the role of child, maternal, and vaccination factors.
Alfaqeeh M, Zakiyah N, Postma MJ … +1 more , Suwantika AA
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42260391 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Stunting remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, impacting children's growth and development. This study aimed to identify child and maternal factors associated with stunting in children a...
BACKGROUND: Stunting remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, impacting children's growth and development. This study aimed to identify child and maternal factors associated with stunting in children aged 0-59. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional secondary data analysis using the Indonesia Family Life Survey-5 (2014). Variables were selected based on the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund framework and prior evidence. Stunting was assessed using height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), with children classified as stunted if their HAZ was below -2 standard deviations. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to explore associations between various factors and stunting, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. RESULTS: Of the 4,570 children included, 24.1% were classified as stunted. Factors that reduced the likelihood of stunting included older age, with children aged 12-23 months (aOR 0.111, CI 0.056-0.223) and 24-59 months (aOR 0.039, CI 0.021-0.075) at lower risk, likely due to improved dietary diversity and reduced vulnerability to early-life infections as children grow. Risk factors included low birth weight (< 2.5 kg, OR 3.556, CI 2.938-3.648) and incomplete immunization (aOR 1.511, CI 1.088-2.098). Maternal factors also played a role, with underweight mothers having a higher risk of stunting (aOR 2.122, CI 1.565-2.876), while overweight mothers (aOR 0.244, CI 0.105-0.570) and those who received tetanus toxoid injections (aOR 0.724, CI 0.561-0.935) had a lower risk. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the critical role of age, birth weight, and vaccination status in the prevention of stunting among Indonesian children. Policies and programs should focus on improving maternal nutrition, ensuring full childhood immunization, and promoting appropriate complementary feeding practices during early infancy to help prevent stunting and improve child growth outcomes.
Development and validation of a predictive model for septic shock in maternal sepsis: a retrospective cohort study in a single referral center.
Lyu X, Chen S, Shi H … +5 more , Hong S, Jiang M, Liu C, Wang C, Zhang N
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42252422 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Maternal sepsis carries a high risk of progression to septic shock. However, existing risk stratification tools, such as qSOFA and the Sepsis in Obstetrics Score, perform suboptimally in pregnant and postpart...
OBJECTIVES: Maternal sepsis carries a high risk of progression to septic shock. However, existing risk stratification tools, such as qSOFA and the Sepsis in Obstetrics Score, perform suboptimally in pregnant and postpartum populations, and no simple model specifically predicts progression from sepsis to septic shock. This study aimed to identify variables associated with septic shock in maternal sepsis, characterize infection sources and pathogens, and develop and internally validate a practical predictive model. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 139 pregnant and postpartum women with sepsis admitted to a single tertiary center between January 2016 and July 2025. The primary outcome was septic shock within 72 h of sepsis diagnosis, and predictors were collected at the time of diagnosis. Patients were randomly split into training (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. Predictors were first screened using univariate robust Poisson regression, followed by LASSO regression for feature selection. The final predictive model was fitted using multivariable robust Poisson regression. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve, calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCA). RESULTS: Four independent predictors for septic shock were identified: history of surgery during pregnancy, prothrombin time (PT), procalcitonin (PCT), and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂). The model exhibited good discrimination in the training cohort (Area-under-curve [AUC] 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80-0.94) and validation cohort (AUC 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75-0.99), with good calibration and clinical utility. Higher risk scores were significantly associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Respiratory infections were the most common source (44.6%), followed by genitourinary (30.9%) and gastrointestinal infections (12.9%). Gram-negative bacteria (55.1%) were the main pathogens. Septic shock occurred more frequently in puerperal sepsis than in pregnancy-onset sepsis (43.3% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: A four-variable model using readily available clinical parameters demonstrated favorable predictive performance for predicting septic shock in maternal sepsis and was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. This tool may support early risk stratification and clinical decision-making, pending future prospective external validation.
Association of psychological states, sleep patterns, vaccine, and pregnancy outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cai S, Shen L, Ye L … +4 more , Zhang S, Huang J, Zhu C, Chen H
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42252418 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationships among psychological state, sleep patterns, COVID-19 vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, with postpartum hemorrhage as the primary outcome, and other adverse preg...
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationships among psychological state, sleep patterns, COVID-19 vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, with postpartum hemorrhage as the primary outcome, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, mental health, and sleep quality as secondary outcomes. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2022 to November 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, including 260 pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria in the obstetric department. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress; the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was utilized to evaluate psychological stress related to COVID-19, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to measure sleep quality; Participants were grouped based on their scores or vaccination status (vaccinated: n = 204; unvaccinated: n = 56), and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was compared among different groups. RESULTS: The primary outcome showed that the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) differed significantly across depression subgroups (normal: 3.6%, mild: 15.0%, moderate-severe: 13.0%; χ²(2) = 9.450). Compared with the non-depression group, mild depression was significantly associated with an increased risk of PPH (OR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.15-15.18, P = 0.006); moderate-to-severe depression was also significantly associated with an elevated risk of PPH (OR = 4.78, 95% CI: 1.39-16.40, P = 0.013). For secondary outcomes, no significant differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed among groups stratified by anxiety, stress, COVID-19-related psychological stress, or sleep quality (all P > 0.05).In addition, pre-pregnancy inactivated COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with an elevated risk of PPH or other adverse pregnancy outcomes(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: COVID-19-related depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Pre-pregnancy COVID-19 vaccination showed no adverse effects on maternal mental health or pregnancy outcomes.
Uterine torsion caused by a giant uterine fibroid in late pregnancy: a case report and literature review.
Zhu Y, Zhang S, Lin Q … +3 more , Song L, Guo L, Guo Y
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42252394 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Uterine torsion during pregnancy is a relatively rare obstetric emergency that can occur in all stages of pregnancy. Among all kinds of acute abdomen during pregnancy, uterine torsion during pregnancy is a sp...
BACKGROUND: Uterine torsion during pregnancy is a relatively rare obstetric emergency that can occur in all stages of pregnancy. Among all kinds of acute abdomen during pregnancy, uterine torsion during pregnancy is a special type that is rare and poses a significant threat to the safety of mothers and infants. Failure to recognize clinical signs promptly and the absence of established diagnostic and treatment protocols represent persistent difficulties in managing obstetric emergencies. CASE PRESENTATION: This study presents a case of uterine torsion caused by a giant uterine leiomyoma during the third trimester of pregnancy, in which the fetus was presented in the transverse position. Intraoperative examination revealed that the uterus had undergone a clockwise rotation of > 90°. Manual detorsion was initially attempted; however, owing to the obvious space-occupying effect of fibroids, restricted operative space, and markedly increased myometrial tone, multiple reductions were unsuccessful. The uterus was then rotated to the right about 45°, and an incision was created in the lower uterine segment on the posterior wall. A viable neonate was delivered in the cephalic presentation. The newborn achieved an Apgar score of 10 at both 1 and 5 min post‑delivery. Postoperatively, the patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged according to the planned schedule. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine torsion is a rare yet life-threatening obstetric emergency, characterized by a lack of specific clinical manifestations. The present case underscores the importance of early recognition, particularly in patients presenting with large fibroids and an abnormal fetal lie. Meticulous intraoperative decision-making is essential to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. When manual or surgical reduction proves unfeasible intraoperatively, a posterior cesarean delivery or other tailored surgical strategies may be employed to safeguard maternal and fetal well‑being and thereby enhance pregnancy prognosis.
Successful neonatal outcome after postmortem caesarean section at Sumbawanga Regional Referral Hospital, Rukwa, Tanzania: case report.
Macha IH, Malimi NM, Mashigala FJ … +3 more , Msoma GG, Sabi I, Msafiri KP
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42251353 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest in pregnancy can occur for a variety of reasons. During maternal cardiac arrest or shortly thereafter, the fetus may remain viable. Postmortem caesarean section can potentially save the fetus w...
BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest in pregnancy can occur for a variety of reasons. During maternal cardiac arrest or shortly thereafter, the fetus may remain viable. Postmortem caesarean section can potentially save the fetus with or without long-term neurological sequelae; in the absence of timely intervention, however, fetal death is inevitable. Given the limited documentation in developing countries and the possibility of unfavourable outcomes, this report presents one of the few documented cases from resource-limited Sub-Saharan Africa describing a live birth with a sustained favourable neurological outcome following a postmortem caesarean section performed after maternal death from a dental abscess. This case expands the evidence base for the feasibility and value of such a procedure in settings lacking advanced critical care. We report the case of a 34-year-old multigravida at a gestational age of 36 weeks and 2 days, who was admitted to Sumbawanga Regional Referral Hospital as a referral from a lower facility, presenting with a painful left jaw swelling and a diagnosis of dental abscess. She had a one-month history of this swelling associated with fever, hoarseness of voice, and purulent discharge. Abdominal examination revealed a gravid uterus with fundal height of 36 cm, longitudinal lie, and cephalic presentation. There were no palpable contractions, and the fetal heart rate was 143 bpm. The patient was managed as a case of dental abscess in a near-term pregnancy. The dental team performed incision and drainage, and during the procedure, the patient developed cardiorespiratory arrest attributed to endotoxic septic shock secondary to the dental abscess. The exact cause of death, beyond endotoxic shock, could not be determined in the absence of an autopsy, and other potential causes of death cannot be definitely ruled out. Despite resuscitation attempts, the patient could not be saved and was pronounced dead. In consultation with the Obstetric team, an immediate postmortem caesarean section was performed, delivering a female neonate weighing 2600 g with an APGAR score of 6 and 8 in the 1st and 5th minutes, respectively. The newborn was admitted to the neonatal care unit for further management. At the time of this publication, the child is one year and nine months old and has no apparent neurological impairment, with normal developmental milestones. CONCLUSION: Despite several limitations and the possibility of poor neonatal outcomes, a timely postmortem caesarean section performed at a favourable gestational age, in an appropriate setting with skilled personnel, basic equipment, and access to a neonatal care unit, can result in a live birth with good early neonatal outcomes even in a resource-limited environment.
Body composition changes in the postpartum: a systematic review on measurements and predictors.
Kumarasinghe M, Hills AP, Ahuja KD
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42251348 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: This systematic review investigated changes in maternal body composition and specific anthropometric indices during the postpartum period, and the factors influencing these changes. METHODS: Longitudinal ob...
INTRODUCTION: This systematic review investigated changes in maternal body composition and specific anthropometric indices during the postpartum period, and the factors influencing these changes. METHODS: Longitudinal observational studies with at least two measurements of postpartum maternal body composition and anthropometry were included. Studies that assessed only BMI or included a single postpartum measurement without a corresponding preconception measure were excluded. Medline/PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched for studies published up to 30th September 2025. Conference proceedings or studies not published in English were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the Assessing risk of bias and confounding in observational studies of interventions or exposures tool from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Data on the changes in body composition and associated factors were summarised and presented in graphical and tabular formats. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Of 1,273 abstracts screened, 86 studies were retained for data extraction. Sixty-one studies assessed changes in body composition and anthropometry, while 44 studies examined the association between various factors and body composition outcomes. Overall, 73 body composition and anthropometric indices were reported, with fat mass ratio/percentage being the most frequently used measure. Waist circumference showed a substantial reduction during the first month of the postpartum. The timing of initial measurements, length of follow-up, and techniques varied widely; 59% of studies concluded follow-up at or before 9 months postpartum. Techniques used to assess body composition ranged from skinfold thickness and circumference measurements to bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review underscores the complexity and variability of postpartum body composition changes. Given the association between postpartum adiposity and adverse long-term maternal health outcomes, integrating body composition and anthropometric assessments alongside BMI is essential. Extending follow-up beyond one year postpartum may further improve understanding and management of postpartum adiposity in clinical practice.
Exploring the impact of antenatal stress on maternal-fetal attachment in high-risk pregnancies: an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach.
Topaloğlu S, Simsek A
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42251327 · Full text
AIM: The negative effects of perceived stress during pregnancy on mother-infant attachment and fetal health are well known. However, studies that comprehensively investigate this relationship using both quantitative and...
AIM: The negative effects of perceived stress during pregnancy on mother-infant attachment and fetal health are well known. However, studies that comprehensively investigate this relationship using both quantitative and qualitative data, particularly in high-risk pregnancies, are limited. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of perceived stress on the antenatal and fetal health in high-risk pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is designed as a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative stages. Pregnant women were selected from those who visited the hospital's maternity clinic using convenience sampling. The study was conducted between January 2024 and December 2024. In the first stage, quantitative data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Fetal Attachment Inventory (FAI), the Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory (APSI), and a semi-structured interview form. In the second stage, open-ended questions were asked to investigate the emotional state of all pregnant women. The data obtained were analyzed using the descriptive phenomenological method. In quantitative analysis, responses were analyzed directly, whereas in qualitative analysis, inferences and interpretations were drawn from them. RESULTS: The study was completed with 81 high-risk pregnant women, with an average age of 28.9. The total APSI score was 13.4, and the FAI score was 82.2. A significant negative correlation was found between the inventories (r=-.965; p<.001), indicating a strong association between perceived stress and antenatal attachment, which should be interpreted with caution. Five main themes were identified in the analysis of the interviews: coping with stress, partner support, duration of partner support, sharing feelings and emotions about pregnancy with the partner, and postpartum fear. While physical or psychological support is often emphasized in partner support, the frequency of conversation is reported to be associated with emotional sharing. In general, mothers with low stress levels and high partner support had healthier pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that perceived stress during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, while partner support plays a protective role. Although the association between stress and attachment was strong, it should be interpreted cautiously and within the context of a single-center sample of primigravida women in late pregnancy. Strengthening psychosocial support during pregnancy remains essential.
Comparison of first trimester complete blood count parameters in missed abortion and healthy pregnant women: a retrospective case-control study.
Tural E, Coşkun ADE, Demi̇r D … +1 more , Vural F
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42251326 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to compare the markers and parameters obtained from complete blood count between patients diagnosed with missed abortion in the first trimester and a healthy pregnant control group. MA...
BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to compare the markers and parameters obtained from complete blood count between patients diagnosed with missed abortion in the first trimester and a healthy pregnant control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, retrospective, case-control study included 166 patients diagnosed with missed abortion according to ultrasound criteria, and an equal number of healthy pregnant controls, who visited the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at a Training and Research Hospital from January 1, 2018, to July 1, 2023. Participants, with 5 to 14 weeks of gestation, were selected using simple random sampling. Data on age, gravida, parity, gestational week, and hemogram results were retrieved from medical records and compared. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the case and control groups in terms of gravida, parity, age, or gestational week (p > 0.05). Likewise, comparisons of hemogram parameters and derived values, did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). However, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that each unit increase in lymphocyte count was linked to a 2.075 times higher risk of missed abortion (p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Our study found no significant differences in complete blood count parameters between the missed abortion and healthy pregnant groups. Although lymphocyte count was significant in the multivariate model, this association should be interpreted with caution, as complete blood count values were obtained at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, it does not indicate predictive value, and prospective studies are needed to determine whether lymphocyte count may serve as a pre-diagnostic marker.
Impact of preimplantation genetic testing on the incidence of monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies in single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfers: a retrospective cohort study spanning 10 years.
Tan J, Chen R, Zheng Z … +3 more , Gan D, Xu Y, Huang J
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42251314 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the associations between assisted reproductive technology (ART) modality and chorionicity in monozygotic twinning pregnancies following single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transf...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the associations between assisted reproductive technology (ART) modality and chorionicity in monozygotic twinning pregnancies following single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 30,121 single embryo transfer cycles from January 2013 to December 2022 but focused on 251 monozygotic twinning pregnancies following single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer, including 144 monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins and 107 dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins. Regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for the subtypes of monozygotic twinning pregnancies after ART. Pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes of the MCDA and DCDA groups were compared, and subgroup analyses among the in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) groups were performed. RESULTS: The overall monozygotic twinning rate was 1.97%, without a significant difference between D5/6 and D3 embryos in frozen cycles (1.95% vs. 1.56%, p = 0.55). IVF and ICSI were associated with a lower incidence of MCDA twins than observed in the PGT group (IVF: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.40, p = 0.009; ICSI: aOR = 0.38, p = 0.011). The incidence rates of specific severe complications in MCDA twins, such as twin‒twin transfusion syndrome, selective intrauterine growth restriction, and twin anemia polycythemia sequence, were 2.78%, 2.78%, and 0.69%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in other adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes among the MCDA, DCDA, and ART modalities. CONCLUSION: PGT may be associated with an increased incidence of MCDA twins following single blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The incidence of specific maternal-fetal complications for MCDA twins, such as twin‒twin transfusion syndrome and selective intrauterine growth restriction, remains noteworthy. However, the occurrence rates of other adverse pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes of MCDA twins and DCDA twins are comparable.
Determinants of birth preparedness and complication readiness among postpartum women in Bugembe, Jinja City, Eastern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study.
Kanyike AM, Lee S, Kasibante S
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249429 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is vital for reducing maternal deaths by promoting proactive planning for safe childbirth and medical emergency management. Despite its importance in impro...
BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is vital for reducing maternal deaths by promoting proactive planning for safe childbirth and medical emergency management. Despite its importance in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, the field is still under-explored in Uganda. This study investigates factors associated with BPCR among postpartum women in Eastern Uganda, where maternal mortality remains high. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bugembe town council, Jinja City, Eastern Uganda, from August to September 2022. The study included 228 postpartum women who had given birth within the last 12 months. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select participants from five villages. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire. The primary outcome was BPCR, assessed through five key components: (1) identifying a health facility for delivery, (2) identifying a skilled birth attendant, (3) arranging transport, (4) setting aside funds, and (5) identifying a blood donor. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine factors associated with good BPCR (well-prepared). RESULTS: The median age of participants was 27 years (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 23-31). Most were married (82.4%) and completed up to secondary education (49.6%). Only 33.8% of women were deemed 'well-prepared' for birth and relevant potential complications. The most prioritized component of BPCR was saving funds for delivery (73.7%). A small proportion of women had good knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (29.8%, 95% CI: 24.0% - 36.2%) and childbirth (10.1%, 95% CI: 6.5% - 14.8%). Good BPCR was associated with having secondary or tertiary education (aOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.01-4.65) and poor maternal health knowledge (aOR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10-0.78). CONCLUSION: The study revealed low levels of BPCR and poor knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy and childbirth among post-partum women in Eastern Uganda. BPCR practices should be strengthened through targeted maternal health education and antenatal care interventions.
Assessment of prevalence, perceptions, and factors associated with reported history of caesarean section among women in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.
Siby A, Shaji A, Shahza F … +3 more , Shaju RE, Ajmal W, Khan NS
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249330 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) is a life-saving intervention when medically indicated; however, its use has increased substantially worldwide, including in high-access healthcare settings. Emerging evidence suggests...
BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) is a life-saving intervention when medically indicated; however, its use has increased substantially worldwide, including in high-access healthcare settings. Emerging evidence suggests that women's perceptions, prior childbirth experiences, and counselling practices may contribute to persistently elevated CS rates. This study assessed the prevalence of reported history of CS and examined sociodemographic, health-system, and perception-related factors associated with prior CS among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among women aged ≥ 18 years residing in the UAE between February and October 2025. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, delivery-related perceptions, and factors influencing decision-making regarding mode of delivery. Analyses examining CS history were restricted to women with at least one prior delivery, and the outcome was defined as reporting at least one previous CS. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Separate domain-specific regression models and an additional combined multivariable model were constructed to assess potential confounding between sociodemographic and perception-related variables. RESULTS: Among 351 women with previous deliveries, 219 (62.4%) reported a history of at least one CS. The most commonly reported reasons for CS included foetal medical indications (28.3%), healthcare provider recommendation (18.7%), perceived foetal safety (18.7%), and fear of labour pain (16.0%). In the combined multivariable model, age ≥ 31 years (AOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06-2.81) and undergraduate/postgraduate educational attainment (AOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.13-3.69) were independently associated with prior CS. Perception-related variables associated with prior CS included disagreement that vaginal delivery leads to better maternal recovery (AOR 18.50; 95% CI 2.37-144.51), disagreement that vaginal birth promotes better mother-baby bonding (AOR 2.37; 95% CI 1.28-4.38), and the belief that CS impacts infant immune outcomes (AOR 2.57; 95% CI 1.35-4.90). Women identified improved counselling from healthcare providers as the most important factor perceived to support better delivery-related decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: A reported history of CS was high within this UAE study sample. While most sociodemographic and health-system characteristics demonstrated limited independent association with prior CS, selected perception-related and experiential factors remained associated after adjustment. These findings suggest that in high-access healthcare settings, communication- and perception-related influences may contribute meaningfully to delivery-related preferences and experiences. Strengthening balanced, evidence-based, and woman-centred antenatal counselling may support informed decision-making regarding mode of delivery.
Household cost of treating pregnancy-related complications in an urban setting: a study at the Korle Bu teaching hospital, Ghana.
Gborgbortsi RK, Aduo-Adjei K, Otoo DD … +3 more , Kogoziga CK, Bawua SA, Owusu R
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249326 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Thousands of women die annually from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The high cost of treating complications in pregnancy remains a significant setback to improving maternal health and averting m...
BACKGROUND: Thousands of women die annually from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The high cost of treating complications in pregnancy remains a significant setback to improving maternal health and averting maternal mortality. Efforts by the government of Ghana to improve access to skilled maternal health care led to the provision of free maternal health care under the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2012. However, household costs associated with pregnancy-related conditions is not well researched in Ghana. Therefore, this paper estimated the cost of treating pregnancy-related complications in Ghanaian households. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to estimate the household cost of treating pregnancy complications (PRCs) at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). A systematic sampling technique was adopted to sample 102 pregnant women who received treatment for pregnancy-related complications between March and November 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel version 16 and STATA, 16. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying the cost of drugs at 9% and productivity loss due to absenteeism at the daily minimum wage. RESULTS: The average cost of treating PRC was estimated at GHS 2,003.95 (US$265.07). The direct cost of treating PRCs accounts for 77.7%, while the indirect cost accounts for 22.2% of the total economic cost. The main drivers of the direct and indirect costs were the cost of feeding GHS 106,159.00 ($14,042.20) (41.7%) and productivity loss due to absenteeism at GHS57,906.34 ($7,659.57) (22.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The household cost of treating PRCs at the KBTH was very high, and policies and programs are required to support families to ease the economic burden on them.
Impact of placenta accreta spectrum and cesarean hysterectomy on quality of life and postpartum depression: a case-control study in Shiraz, Iran.
Alamdarloo SM, Hashemi A, Razeghi M … +4 more , Asadi N, Bazrafshan K, Mani A, Barzegar H
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42249302 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is an increasingly prevalent condition in women, often necessitating cesarean hysterectomy, which can significantly impact various aspects of life. This study aimed to evaluate...
BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is an increasingly prevalent condition in women, often necessitating cesarean hysterectomy, which can significantly impact various aspects of life. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and postpartum depression in women with PAS and compare them with women who underwent repeated cesarean sections. METHODS: In this case-control study, we conducted interviews with women after delivery. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess postpartum depression. Data on demographics, neonatal outcomes, complications, rehospitalization, blood loss, ICU admission, and neonatal NICU admission were collected from hospital records. All data were entered into SPSS and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's Rho correlation, the Mann-Whitney U test, and post hoc tests. RESULTS: Among 62 cases with PAS and cesarean hysterectomy and 75 control subjects with repeated cesarean sections, there was a significant difference between the groups in the physical function and pain domains of the SF-36, with lower scores observed in the case group (p-value < 0.001). Significant relationships were found between blood loss and both physical function (p-value = 0.005) and pain (p-value = 0.003). NICU admission was also significantly associated with bodily pain (p-value = 0.01) and physical function (p-value = 0.005). Maternal ICU admission significantly affected physical function (p-value = 0.016), and surgical complications were related to role limitations due to emotional problems (p-value = 0.028). Probable depression was observed in 37 cases and 39 controls(p-value = 0.89). CONCLUSION: Women with PAS face meaningful postoperative limitations-particularly in physical function and pain-that extend beyond surgical morbidity and highlight the need for specialized perioperative counseling, proactive rehabilitation strategies, and multidisciplinary follow-up. Despite these physical burdens, postpartum depressive symptoms were comparable between groups, indicating that mental health outcomes may depend on factors other than PAS alone.
Vulnerable baby perception as a predictor of postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors in mothers.
Yolcu B, İçöz M, Baskaya YH
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42243781 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The postpartum period includes the care of the baby. An overprotective approach to the baby in this process can lead to the emergence of obsessive behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship betwee...
OBJECTIVE: The postpartum period includes the care of the baby. An overprotective approach to the baby in this process can lead to the emergence of obsessive behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between vulnerable baby perception and postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors in mothers. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 334 mothers who were 2-8 weeks postpartum. The study data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the Vulnerable Baby Scale, and the Obsessive and Compulsive Behaviors of Mothers Related to Baby Care in the Postpartum Period Scale. It was completed with 334 mothers who were 2-8 weeks postpartum. The SPSS 27 program was used to analyze the research data. RESULTS: The mean Vulnerable Baby Scale score was 35.81 ± 6.13, while the mean postpartum obsessive-compulsive behavior score was 26.27 ± 8.42. Women with a history of risky pregnancy had significantly higher vulnerable baby perception scores. A significant positive association was found between vulnerable baby perception and postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that vulnerable baby perception remained a significant independent predictor of postpartum obsessive-compulsive behavior scores after adjustment for sociodemographic and obstetric variables (β = 0.142, p = 0.007). The final model explained 15.1% of the variance in postpartum obsessive-compulsive behavior scores. CONCLUSION: Mothers' perceptions of vulnerable babies were positively associated with postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and vulnerable baby perception remained a significant independent predictor after adjustment for sociodemographic and obstetric variables.
Breastfeeding support experiences of mothers of preterm infants in China: a qualitative study.
Huang SX, Zhao Y, Wang XJ … +5 more , Huang L, Zhang W, Lin Y, Liu GH, Liang L
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42243773 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Mothers of preterm infants in China face unique breastfeeding challenges due to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization and restrictive visiting policies enforcing mother-infant separation. While...
BACKGROUND: Mothers of preterm infants in China face unique breastfeeding challenges due to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization and restrictive visiting policies enforcing mother-infant separation. While breastfeeding is often assumed instinctive, little is known about the support needs of Chinese mothers from NICU admission to 6 months post-discharge, a critical period when breastfeeding cessation is common. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured video interviews with 20 mothers of preterm infants (8 during NICU hospitalization, 5 preparing for discharge, and 7 post-discharge) at a maternal and child health center in Fuzhou, China. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. RESULTS: Three themes emerged, reflecting breastfeeding support needs: (1) Family support, including assistance with milk pumping and storage; (2) Professional support, encompassing dietary guidance, lactation initiation, and breastfeeding technique feedback; (3) Social and peer support, emphasizing guidance from experienced mothers and workplace accommodations. Subthemes highlighted needs for continuous professional consultation across the care continuum and standardized education for family caregivers as essential strategies to sustain breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of preterm infants expressed distinct, interconnected breastfeeding support needs across stages. These needs, when acknowledged and met, support successful breastfeeding. Findings can inform targeted interventions to enhance breastfeeding support, emphasizing continuous, comprehensive, and individualized care to promote breastfeeding among preterm infants.
Maternal iron status during pregnancy: relationship with fetal growth; ECLIPSES study.
Díaz-Torres S, Díaz-López A, Jardí C … +2 more , Abajo S, Arija V
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42243758 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Maternal iron deficiency anemia has been linked to reduced fetal growth assessed at birth, but research on elevated maternal iron levels and their impact on fetal growth during pregnancy is limited. In this s...
BACKGROUND: Maternal iron deficiency anemia has been linked to reduced fetal growth assessed at birth, but research on elevated maternal iron levels and their impact on fetal growth during pregnancy is limited. In this study, we analysed the association between maternal serum ferritin (SF) levels without anemia during pregnancy and fetal growth in each trimester up until birth. METHODS: We prospectively analysed data from 713 mother-child pairs from the ECLIPSES cohort. Maternal SF was measured in the 1st and 3rd trimester (T) of pregnancy. SF trajectories were calculated considering the SF tertiles (low, medium, high) from T1 to T3: low FS, medium SF (reference), and high SF trajectories. Fetal biometry during gestation (estimated fetal weight (EFW), femur length, head circumference (HC); and anthropometric measurements at birth (weight, length and HC) were estimated. RESULTS: In the fetus, increased maternal SF levels without anemia at T1 and/or T3 were associated with lower fetal biometrics (EFW, femur length, HC) at T3. The high SF levels in both, tertiles and trajectories, were associated with lower femur length. Further, high SF levels were positively associated with greater risk of low (< 10th percentile) EFW (OR: 1.58; 95%IC, 1.14-2.18) and low femur length (when SF was modeled as either continuous, tertile, or trajectory exposure), with a doubling of the risk of low femur with high FS trajectory (OR: 4.26; 95%IC, 1.84-9.83). Conversely, low SF tertiles, without anemia, at both T1 (β:34.80, p = 0.024) and T3 (β:38.42, p = 0.040) were associated with a higher EFW. In newborns, high maternal SF levels without anemia, but not low levels, was negatively associated with birth weight and HC. A high SF trajectory doubled this negative effect on birth weight (β:-107.96, p = 0.011). The risk of having a low birth weight (< 2.500 g) was consistent with high SF levels at both T1 and T3, and was markedly tripled in the high FS trajectory (OR: 13.56; 95%IC, 2.27-81.17). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that high levels of maternal SF during pregnancy are associated with reduced fetal growth until birth, whereas low levels without anemia do not appear to be detrimental. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial is registered at www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu as EudraCT number 2012-005480-28. Registration date: April 04, 2013.
The effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on breastfeeding behavior and self-efficacy in pregnant women in Iran: a quasi-experimental study.
Roustaii F, Khalilzadeh-Farsangi Z, Rigi SN … +1 more , Kerman-Saravi F
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42243756 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is essential for the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. However, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates remain low in many parts of Iran, especially in Zahedan. Several factors, inc...
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is essential for the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. However, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates remain low in many parts of Iran, especially in Zahedan. Several factors, including low self-efficacy, limited knowledge, negative attitudes, and socio-cultural barriers, contribute to the early discontinuation of breastfeeding. Educational interventions based on behavioral theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can effectively promote positive breastfeeding behaviors and strengthen maternal self-efficacy. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of a TPB-based educational intervention on breastfeeding behavior and self-efficacy among pregnant women in Zahedan, Iran. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design and included 70 primiparous pregnant women attending health centers in Zahedan. Participants were purposively selected from five health centers and then assigned to intervention and control groups using simple random sampling. The intervention group received four educational sessions based on the TPB and self-efficacy concepts, while the control group received only routine care. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, a behavioral intention questionnaire, and the Dennis Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests. FINDINGS: The majority of participants (71.4%) were homemakers, and most mothers (72.8%) had a vaginal delivery. The mean age of mothers was 23.05 ± 2.56 years in the intervention group and 23.48 ± 3.69 years in the control group. After the intervention, mean scores for breastfeeding self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention increased significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The TPB-based educational intervention was associated with improvements in pregnant women's breastfeeding intention, self-efficacy, and exclusive breastfeeding behavior. These findings suggest that integrating theory-driven educational programs into routine prenatal care may help strengthen maternal confidence and support sustained exclusive breastfeeding, particularly in socio-economically vulnerable regions.
Comprehension, viewpoint and precautionary measures against covid-19 among pregnant women attending ante-natal care at a tertiary health facility in Abuja, Nigeria.
Anga FI, Bakare HT, Ifediora CO … +8 more , Anga HI, Suleman-Alabi A, Shehu AI, Dodo AM, Shehu S, Abdulaziz K, AbdulMojeed AO, Salami T
BMC Pregnancy Childbirth · 2026 Jun · PMID 42243734 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to physiol...
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to physiological and immunological changes in pregnancy. Understanding their knowledge and preventive practices is essential for guiding maternal-health interventions. This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and adoption of preventive measures against COVID-19 among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2021 among pregnant women selected through multistage sampling. Using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire we obtained data on knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices from 120 women participated. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28 and summarized as descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Awareness of COVID-19 was high (95.8%) among pregnant women. Most respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of transmission and prevention, including hand hygiene (99.2%), avoidance of crowds (92.5%), and isolation measures (90.0%). Misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding breastfeeding. Only 35.0% agreed that COVID-19 positive mothers can safely breastfeed, while 42.5% were unsure. Vaccine willingness was moderate (54.2%), reflecting hesitancy despite overall good knowledge. CONCLUSION: We found high level of awareness and generally positive preventive attitudes toward COVID-19 among pregnant women, but gaps remain in breastfeeding knowledge and vaccine acceptance. Targeted health education and strengthened ANC counselling are needed to address misconceptions and support consistent adoption of preventive practices.
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