The Pink Journal
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Trends in postpartum hemorrhage, associated risk factors, and severe maternal outcomes in a multihospital health system, 2016-2023: a retrospective cohort study

Aug 7, 2026

The authors aimed to quantify trends in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH, as well as identify associated risk factors within a multihospital health system from 2016 to 2023. They found that PPH rates increased from 8.1% to 10.4%, with severe PPH rising from 0.9% to 1.3%, while severe outcomes remained relatively rare. The study highlights significant associations between PPH and factors such as placenta accreta spectrum, multiple gestation, and operative vaginal delivery, providing important data for hemorrhage surveillance and resource planning.

Artificial Intelligence Based Ultrasound Screening for Antenatal Detection of Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Jul 31, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether a novel artificial intelligence model could effectively predict Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) using 2D placental ultrasound images. Their study found that the AI model achieved an accuracy of 88%, with 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity, indicating its potential as a reliable screening tool for early diagnosis of PAS. The results suggest that this AI approach could improve antenatal detection rates, which currently remain low.

Quantitative Stress-Strain Cervical Elastography Characterizes Cervical Remodeling in Pregnancy

Jul 31, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel quantitative cervical elastography system in measuring cervical remodeling throughout pregnancy and to identify differences in these patterns between women who experience term and preterm births. Their findings revealed that the device could consistently quantify cervical softening over time, with distinct softening trajectories observed in women with preterm versus term outcomes, suggesting its potential utility in improving preterm birth risk prediction.

Single- versus Double-Layer Uterine Closure and Cesarean Scar Outcomes at Defined Postpartum Intervals: A Time-Stratified Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Jul 27, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the effects of single-layer versus double-layer uterine closure after cesarean delivery on subsequent cesarean scar outcomes, particularly focusing on uterine rupture or dehiscence in future pregnancies. Their meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials found no significant differences in the primary outcome or niche incidence between the two techniques, although double-layer closure was associated with thicker residual myometrial thickness and single-layer closure with shallower niche depth at certain follow-up intervals. The findings highlight the need for further research to assess the long-term clinical implications of these sonographic markers.

Characteristics and clinician perspectives associated with fetal autopsy completion and counseling

Jul 22, 2026

The authors aimed to identify patient factors and clinician beliefs associated with counseling and the completion of fetal autopsies following stillbirths. Their study found that while a majority of clinicians reported counseling patients about fetal autopsy, the actual completion rate was low, highlighting a need for improved clinician education and understanding of the benefits of autopsy to enhance counseling and performance rates. The research suggests that further exploration of barriers and motivations related to fetal autopsy is necessary for more effective counseling strategies.

Missed connections: exploring the gap in patient awareness of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy diagnoses

Jul 22, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate postpartum women's awareness of their diagnoses related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and to identify factors contributing to any discrepancies between clinical diagnoses and patient understanding. Through a retrospective survey of 355 women who met ACOG criteria for various forms of HDP, the study found significant gaps in patient awareness regarding their diagnoses.

Remote and home-based fetal heart rate monitoring for fetal surveillance compared with conventional in-person monitoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Jul 22, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether remote fetal heart rate monitoring (FHRM) yields neonatal and obstetric outcomes comparable to conventional in-person monitoring in randomized controlled trials. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of eight trials involving 1,813 pregnancies found that remote FHRM was associated with similar rates of low 5-minute Apgar scores and cesarean deliveries compared to traditional methods. However, the findings were tempered by concerns regarding bias in several studies and the need for further evaluation of additional neonatal outcomes and practical considerations for implementation.

The impact of twin gestation on long-term maternal morbidity among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Jul 21, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether twin gestation affects long-term maternal morbidity differently than singleton gestation among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). They found that, while women with twin gestations experienced more severe preeclampsia, twin gestation was not independently linked to lower long-term metabolic or cardiovascular morbidity after adjusting for confounders. Interestingly, the study revealed a significantly lower recurrence rate of HDP in subsequent singleton pregnancies following a twin index pregnancy, suggesting a need for further exploration of this association.

Investigating the outcomes of pregnancies with atypical results following SNP-based cfDNA screening: a population-based cohort study

Jul 20, 2026

This study investigates the clinical significance of atypical results from SNP-based cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening in singleton pregnancies, specifically evaluating their association with fetal chromosomal abnormalities. The authors found that 0.8% of pregnancies had atypical results, with a significantly increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities (18.2%) compared to low-risk results, highlighting the need for evidence-based counseling regarding these atypical findings. The findings provide foundational data for understanding the implications of atypical cfDNA results and inform future research directions.

Incremental yield of genome sequencing after exome sequencing for nonimmune hydrops fetalis spectrum

Jul 18, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the additional diagnostic value of genome sequencing (GS) following exome sequencing (ES) in pregnancies with unexplained nonimmune hydrops fetalis spectrum (NIHFS) that had previously yielded non-diagnostic results. The study found that GS identified new pathogenic variants in 2.5% of cases, highlighting its potential to improve diagnosis, particularly for copy number variants, although most additional findings were attributed to advancements in analytical tools rather than the technology of GS itself.