BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Audio Summaries

Factors Associated With Menopause Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

May 6, 2026

The authors aimed to identify socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with the presence and severity of menopausal symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis. They found that factors such as ethnicity, education, income, smoking, obesity, and depression significantly influence the occurrence and intensity of symptoms like vasomotor issues and vaginal dryness. This underscores the importance of personalized care in managing menopause-related symptoms.

A Needle Lasso Method for Port Site Closure and Amniotic Membrane Plication in Fetoscopic Surgery

Apr 27, 2026

The authors aim to evaluate the feasibility of a novel needle lasso technique for amniotic membrane plication during port site closure in fetoscopic spina bifida repair. They report successful implementation of this method, achieving amniotic membrane plication and safe delivery beyond 34 weeks of gestation without complications. The study suggests the technique's potential benefits, although further research is necessary to validate these findings and expand its application in fetoscopic surgery.

Evaluation of the IOTA ADNEX Model, Two-Step Strategy and RMI in Routine Gyneacologic Care in Denmark and Implications for Implementation: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Apr 27, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the IOTA ADNEX model and the Two-Step Strategy in improving the triage and referral of adnexal masses in routine gynecologic care compared to the RMI, while identifying an appropriate malignancy-risk threshold. Their findings suggest that while IOTA models enhance early detection of malignancies, they also increase referral rates, with a 15% risk threshold providing a favorable balance between sensitivity and referral burden. Overall, the study indicates that IOTA-based models offer some diagnostic advantages but may not significantly outperform existing strategies in certain clinical settings.

Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Diabetes Status, and Gestational Age-Specific Stillbirth Risk: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

Apr 23, 2026

The authors aimed to quantify and compare the gestational age-specific risks of stillbirth associated with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and diabetes status. Their findings indicate that stillbirth rates increase with higher BMI and are significantly higher in women with pre-pregnancy diabetes, with the optimal gestational age for delivery varying based on the presence of these risk factors.

Long-Term Cardiovascular Impact of Postpartum Treatment After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Population-Based Cohort Study

Apr 22, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the long-term cardiovascular effects of early antihypertensive treatment following Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP). Their findings indicate that women who received such treatment had a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications over a 10-year period compared to those who did not, with 44% of treated women developing chronic hypertension. This highlights the need for better identification and management of high-risk women during the postpartum period to prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Antenatal Prediction of Shoulder Dystocia and Birth Trauma Using Routine Maternal and Ultrasound Variables: Retrospective Cohort Study

Apr 22, 2026

The authors aimed to develop antenatal prediction models for shoulder dystocia and birth trauma using routinely collected maternal and ultrasound data. Their retrospective cohort study found that models incorporating maternal characteristics and fetal abdominal circumference (AC) centile provided better discrimination than current estimated fetal weight (EFW) thresholds, suggesting these models could aid in risk stratification and counseling for pregnancies at increased risk of delivery-related complications. Despite modest discrimination, the findings may inform future interventions targeting high-risk pregnancies.

Pregnancy Outcomes Among Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Apr 22, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the risks of maternal, neonatal, and non-obstetrical medical complications during pregnancy among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to those without. The findings revealed that individuals with CP face significantly higher risks for severe maternal morbidity, neonatal complications, and other medical issues during the perinatal period. The authors advocate for improved preconception counseling and enhanced perinatal care for this population.

Immediate Versus Delayed Postpartum and Postabortion Insertion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: An Umbrella Review

Apr 19, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the health outcomes of immediate versus delayed insertion of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in postpartum and postabortion populations. Their umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that immediate LARC insertion significantly increased initiation and utilization rates while reducing pregnancy rates, although it also raised the risk of device expulsion in certain subgroups. The findings suggest that immediate LARC placement is more effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, warranting consideration of abortion methods in future guidelines.

Does Adherence Modify Low-Dose Aspirin Effects in Pregnancy? Post Hoc Analysis From a Multi-Centre Trial

Apr 19, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether adherence to low-dose aspirin (LDA) treatment during pregnancy influences its effects on preterm delivery (PTD) and perinatal mortality. Their post hoc analysis of a multi-centre trial involving nearly 12,000 women found no significant interaction between adherence levels or timing of treatment initiation and the outcomes of PTD, PTD < 34 weeks, or perinatal mortality. Thus, the study concludes that the effectiveness of LDA in preventing adverse outcomes is not modified by adherence or the timing of initiation.

Prediction of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury in Nulliparous Women: Model Development and Temporal Validation

Apr 16, 2026

The authors aimed to develop and validate prediction models for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) in nulliparous women undergoing spontaneous or operative vaginal delivery. Utilizing data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry, they identified key predictors of OASI and created nomograms that demonstrated moderate discriminative ability and excellent calibration. These models can help identify women at high risk for OASI, potentially guiding clinical decision-making.