ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FIRST-TRIMESTER SUBCHORIONIC HEMATOMAS AND PREGNANCY LOSS IN SINGLETON PREGNANCIES, Nathan Fox, MD (Podcast, Print)
Subchorionic hematomas, or subchorionic hemorrhages, are common ultrasound findings in early pregnancy. However, their significance is uncertain. Some believe they increase the risk of many pregnancy complications, including pregnancy loss/miscarriage. In this study of almost 3000 women, we found that Subchorionic hematoma does not increase the risk of pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks. This
THE FIRST STEPS IN TREATING GESTATIONAL DIABETES, Nathan Fox, MD (Video)
In order to treat gestational diabetes, the first step is to simply adjust the mother’s diet. Eating fewer carbohydrates and more proteins and fats, but also substituting some whole grains and some brown rice for white flour-based carbohydrates can help in probably 80% of women. For the 20% for whom that does not work, various
HOW DOES FETAL ANEMIA DEVELOP?, Nathan Fox, MD (Print)
The following blog is a summary of the Fetal Anemia Patient Handout, created by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine with the help of Stephen Bacak, DO, MPH and T. Flint Porter, MD. What is Fetal Anemia? Fetal Anemia can occur when a fetus’ red blood cell count decreases prior to delivery. Red blood cells are
DO HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES INCREASE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER?, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the association between the use of hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives, hormone-releasing IUD’s, hormonal patches, hormone-releasing vaginal rings) and breast cancer. The authors looked at data from 1.8 million women ages 15 to 49 in Denmark, followed on average for 10.9 years. They found
UTERINE ANOMALIES AND ASSOCIATED CAUSES, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Congenital abnormalities of the uterus, or congenital müllerian anomalies, include a spectrum of uterine abnormalities caused by abnormal embryologic fusion and canalization of the müllerian ducts to form a normal uterine cavity. These anomalies are often asymptomatic and unrecognized, but have a reported prevalence of approximately 2-4% in reproductive age women, and up to 5-25%
THE DELIVERY OF TWINS, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Many women with twin pregnancies will undergo cesarean delivery. In the US, approximately 75% of all twin births are born via cesarean delivery. However, with the use of breech extraction of the second twin, more twins can be delivered vaginally, and safely. In the setting of a breech (bottom first) or transverse presenting first twin,
VASA PREVIA, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Vasa previa is a rare, but extremely dangerous (to the fetus), condition of pregnancy where a placental blood vessel crosses over the maternal cervix. If not diagnosed, the risk of fetal death is approximately 50%. The blood vessels in the umbilical cord and inner surface of the placenta are all an extension of the fetal
TWIN PREGNANCY IN WOMEN 45 YEARS OR OLDER, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
With advances in assisted reproductive technology including In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation, women are now able to conceive well into their 40’s and 50’s. However, uncertainty exists regarding the safety of these pregnancies for women and their newborns. Additionally, twin pregnancy is a common result of IVF, and all twin pregnancies are higher-risk pregnancies.
VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is a relatively common bleeding disease. With VWD, the Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is deficient or defective. VWF is a blood glycoprotein involved in hemostasis. There are several subtypes of VWD, based on the exact pathophysiology of the condition (decreased levels of VWF vs. the several ways VWF can be defective).
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND PREGNANCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the nervous system of unknown etiology, characterized by relapses and remissions of neurologic deficits. In basic terms, MS is a disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to symptoms such as vision loss, fatigue, pain, and impaired coordination. Effect of Pregnancy
