American journal of perinatology
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Migraines in pregnancy: a prospective study of symptom patterns and obstetric outcomes

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of migraines during pregnancy and their impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. They found that migraines were the most common headache type among pregnant patients, with symptom frequency peaking in the second trimester; however, there were no significant differences in adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes between patients with migraines and those without headache disorders.

Perinatal Risk and Outcomes Among Individuals Insured by Medicare

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to compare medical comorbidities and perinatal outcomes between Medicare-insured and non-Medicare-insured obstetric patients, given the higher chronic disease burden among the former. Their analysis revealed that pregnant Medicare beneficiaries had significantly worse maternal and perinatal outcomes, including higher rates of severe maternal morbidity, cesarean delivery, and preterm birth, as well as notable racial disparities. These findings underscore the need for targeted support for this vulnerable population.

Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Use for Prediction of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

Sep 16, 2026

The authors aimed to identify the optimal first trimester reticulocyte hemoglobin cutoff for predicting iron deficiency anemia at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation and to compare its effectiveness with first trimester ferritin levels. The study found that while both reticulocyte hemoglobin and ferritin were weak predictors of iron deficiency anemia, ferritin performed slightly better than reticulocyte hemoglobin. Ultimately, neither marker was highly effective in identifying patients at risk for iron deficiency anemia during this period.

Microbiology Trends among Postcesarean Surgical Site Infections at a Large Public Hospital

Sep 16, 2026

This study investigates the trends in pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance among postcesarean surgical site infections (SSIs) over a decade at a large public hospital, prior to the implementation of standardized infection-prevention measures. The authors found that the incidence of SSIs and culture positivity increased annually, with significant rises in the identification of *Escherichia coli* and *Enterococcus faecalis*, as well as the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing *E. coli*. These findings provide a crucial baseline for future comparisons following the introduction of new infection control protocols.

Association Between the Number of US Food and Drug Administration-Warned Anesthetic Exposures and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient at Age 3 Years in Very Preterm Infants

Sep 14, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of FDA-warned anesthetic and sedative exposures and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) at age 3 in very preterm infants born before 29 weeks' gestation. Their retrospective study found no significant association between the number of different anesthetic agents administered and FSIQ scores, suggesting that exposure to these agents does not lead to clinically meaningful decreases in intelligence at 36 months of age.

Comparison of Cerebral Hemodynamics among Hemodynamically Stable Preterm Small for Gestational Age and Appropriate for Gestational Age Neonates: A Prospective Cohort Study

Sep 14, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the differences in cerebral hemodynamics between hemodynamically stable preterm small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. The findings revealed that preterm SGA neonates exhibited significantly lower pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) in the middle cerebral artery, suggesting altered cerebral hemodynamics characterized by lower vascular impedance and cerebral vasodilation compared to AGA neonates. The authors highlight the need for further research to understand the long-term implications of these differences.

Adverse outcomes associated with time from neuraxial anesthesia to delivery among non-labor cesarean

Sep 12, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the association between the time from neuraxial anesthesia to delivery and adverse outcomes, particularly umbilical artery pH, in a large cohort of non-labor cesarean deliveries. Their findings indicate that while longer intervals from neuraxial placement to delivery correlate with lower umbilical artery pH, these associations are significantly influenced by various clinical and surgical factors. Ultimately, after adjusting for confounders, the increased time was not independently linked to adverse outcomes.

Persistent adverse perinatal outcomes among pregnancies with gestational diabetes in the U.S

Sep 12, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) among individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) following the 2014 universal screening recommendation in the U.S. They found that while the prevalence of LGA among GDM pregnancies decreased from 2014 to 2022, it remained significantly higher compared to non-GDM pregnancies, and the prevalence of HDP increased during the same period. The study highlights the need for innovative interventions to further improve perinatal outcomes for pregnancies complicated by GDM.

Smartphone-Based Screening for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in a U.S. Tertiary Center

Sep 10, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Picterus Jaundice Pro smartphone application as a noninvasive screening tool for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia compared to total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels in a diverse U.S. newborn population. Their study found that the app demonstrated a strong correlation with TSB and effectively identified all infants requiring phototherapy, suggesting its potential utility as a low-cost alternative for screening in both clinical and low-resource settings.

Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sep 7, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of phototherapy on serum levels of vitamin D, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of 53 studies revealed significant reductions in serum Ca, ionized calcium (iCa), and Mg levels, while the impact on vitamin D levels was inconclusive. They suggest that head covering may help mitigate calcium decline, and recommend selective electrolyte monitoring for high-risk newborns undergoing phototherapy.