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1.
Women's experiences of a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.
Craig, L, Sims, R, Glasziou, P, Thomas, R
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2020;(1):76
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - a transitory form of diabetes induced by pregnancy - has potentially important short and long-term health consequences for both the mother and her baby. There is no globally agreed definition of GDM, but definition changes have increased the incidence in some countries in recent years, with some research suggesting minimal clinical improvement in outcomes. The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to identify the psychosocial experiences a diagnosis of GDM has on women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases for studies that provided qualitative data on the psychosocial experiences of a diagnosis of GDM on women across any stage of pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. We appraised the methodological quality of the included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist for Qualitative Studies and used thematic analysis to synthesis the data. RESULTS Of 840 studies identified, 41 studies of diverse populations met the selection criteria. The synthesis revealed eight key themes: initial psychological impact; communicating the diagnosis; knowledge of GDM; risk perception; management of GDM; burden of GDM; social support; and gaining control. The identified benefits of a GDM diagnosis were largely behavioural and included an opportunity to make healthy eating changes. The identified harms were emotional, financial and cultural. Women commented about the added responsibility (eating regimens, appointments), financial constraints (expensive food, medical bills) and conflicts with their cultural practices (alternative eating, lack of information about traditional food). Some women reported living in fear of risking the health of their baby and conducted extreme behaviours such as purging and starving themselves. CONCLUSION A diagnosis of GDM has wide reaching consequences that are common to a diverse group of women. Threshold cut-offs for blood glucose levels have been determined using the risk of physiological harms to mother and baby. It may also be advantageous to consider the harms and benefits from a psychosocial and a physiological perspective. This may avoid unnecessary burden to an already vulnerable population.
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A randomized controlled trial of daily weighing in pregnancy to control gestational weight gain.
Arthur, C, Di Corleto, E, Ballard, E, Kothari, A
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2020;(1):223
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive gestational weight gain is a modifiable risk factor for the development of obstetric and neonatal complications, and can have a lifelong impact on the health of both mother and offspring. The purpose of this study was to assess whether in addition to standardized medical advice regarding weight gain in pregnancy (including adherence to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines) (IOM (Institute of Medicine) and NRC (National Research Council, Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Re-examining the guidelines, 2009)), the addition of daily weighing would provide a low cost and simple intervention to reduce excessive weight gain in pregnancy by maintaining weight gain within the target range. METHODS Women presenting for antenatal care to a secondary level hospital were randomised to routine care or daily weight monitoring. Both groups received nutrition and exercise advice. RESULTS Three hundred and ninety-six women were randomised to either the daily weight monitoring group or control group with complete data available for 326 women. The percentage weight gain above target (86.9% (SD 52.3) v 92.7% (SD 50.8) p = 0.31) and change in weight per week during the study period (0.59 kg (SD 0.30) v 0.63 kg (SD 0.31) p = 0.22) were lesser in those undergoing daily weighing compared to routine management, however these did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Daily weight monitoring as a stand-alone intervention has potential to reduce excessive gestational weight gain. It may have a role as a part of a larger intervention involving dietary and exercise modifications. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. (ACTRN12613001165774, 23/10/ 2013).
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COVID-19 and the production of knowledge regarding recommendations during pregnancy: a scoping review.
Mascarenhas, VHA, Caroci-Becker, A, Venâncio, KCMP, Baraldi, NG, Durkin, AC, Riesco, MLG
Revista latino-americana de enfermagem. 2020;:e3348
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to map the production of knowledge regarding recommendations for providing care to pregnant women dealing with the novel coronavirus. METHOD scoping review, using a broadened strategy to search databases and repositories, as well as the reference lists in the sources used. Data were collected and analyzed by two independent reviewers. Data were analyzed and synthesized in the form of a narrative. RESULTS the final sample was composed of 24 records, the content of which was synthesized in these conceptual categories: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, working pregnant women, vaccine development, complications, prenatal care, vertical transmission, and placental transmissibility. It is recommended to confirm pregnancy and disease early on, to use technological resources for screening and providing guidance and support to pregnant women. CONCLUSION recommendations emphasize isolation, proper rest, sleep, nutrition, hydration, medications, and in the more severe cases, oxygen support, monitoring of vital signs, emotional support, and multiprofessional and individualized care. Medications should be used with caution due to a lack of evidence. Future research is needed to analyze the impact of the infection at the beginning of pregnancy and the psychological aspects of pregnant women infected with the virus.
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DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) dietary pattern and maternal blood pressure in pregnancy.
Courtney, AU, O'Brien, EC, Crowley, RK, Geraghty, AA, Brady, MB, Kilbane, MT, Twomey, PJ, McKenna, MJ, McAuliffe, FM
Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association. 2020;(5):686-697
Abstract
BACKGROUND High blood pressure (BP) in pregnancy is associated with significant adverse outcomes. In nonpregnant populations, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is associated with reductions in blood pressure. The present study investigated the relationship between the DASH dietary pattern and maternal BP in pregnancy. METHODS This is an observational study of 511 women who participated in the ROLO study (Randomized cOntrol trial of LOw glycaemic index diet for the prevention of recurrence of macrosomia), 2007-2011, Dublin, Ireland. Auscultatory blood pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements were taken. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated. Dietary intakes were recorded using 3-day food diaries in each trimester. DASH scoring criteria were used to score and rank participants from low to high intakes of foods recommended in the DASH diet. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used to determine the relationship between maternal BP and DASH scores. RESULTS Dietary intake more closely resembling the DASH dietary recommendations throughout pregnancy was associated with a lower DBP (mmHg) in trimesters 1 [B: -0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.21 to -0.18] and 3 (B: -0.68; 95% CI = -1.19 to -0.17), as well as lower MAP (mmHg) in trimesters 1 (B: -0.78; 95% CI = -1.33 to -0.25) and 3 (B: -0.54; 95% CI = -1.04 to -0.04), controlling for body mass index, age, education, energy intake and intervention grouping. CONCLUSIONS The DASH dietary pattern was associated with lower maternal BP in pregnancy among healthy women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Despite the observational nature of these findings, the results demonstrate the potential for healthcare professionals to intervene to promote cardiovascular health in pregnancy.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment. A fresh look to a busy corner.
Zito, G, Della Corte, L, Giampaolino, P, Terzic, M, Terzic, S, Di Guardo, F, Ricci, G, Della Pietà, I, Maso, G, Garzon, S
Journal of neonatal-perinatal medicine. 2020;(4):529-541
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hyperglycaemia with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Risk factors include family history of diabetes, previous GDM, genetic predisposition for GDM/type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance conditions such as overweight, obesity and ethnicity. Women with GDM are at high risk for fetal macrosomia, small for gestational age, neonatal hypoglycaemia, operative delivery and caesarean delivery. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the most recent findings of diagnosis and treatment of GDM in order to underline the importance to promote adequate prevention of this disease, especially through lifestyle interventions such as diet and physical activity. METHODS The research was conducted using the following electronic databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library, including all published randomized and non-randomized studies as well as narrative and systematic reviews. RESULTS The lack of universally accepted criteria makes the definition of diagnosis and prognosis of this condition difficult. Early diagnosis and glucose blood level control may improve maternal and fetal short and long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies include nutritional interventions and exercise. Medical treatment can be necessary if these strategies are not effective. Moreover, novel non-pharmacologic agents such as myo-inositol seem to be effective and safe both in the prevention and the treatment of GDM. CONCLUSIONS It is important to promote adequate prevention of GDM. Further studies are needed in order to better define the most appropriate strategies for the clinical management of women affected by GDM.
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A telehealth lifestyle intervention to reduce excess gestational weight gain in pregnant women with overweight or obesity (GLOW): a randomised, parallel-group, controlled trial.
Ferrara, A, Hedderson, MM, Brown, SD, Ehrlich, SF, Tsai, AL, Feng, J, Galarce, M, Marcovina, S, Catalano, P, Quesenberry, CP
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology. 2020;(6):490-500
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) among women with overweight or obesity synergistically increases their already elevated risk of having gestational diabetes, a caesarean delivery, a large for gestational age infant, and post-partum weight retention, and increases their child's risk of obesity. We investigated whether a primarily telehealth lifestyle intervention reduced excess GWG among women with overweight or obesity. METHODS We did a randomised controlled trial in five antenatal clinics of Kaiser Permanente; Oakland, San Leandro, Walnut Creek, Fremont, and Santa Clara, CA, USA. Women at 8-15 weeks' gestation with singletons, pre-pregnancy BMI 25·0-40·0 kg/m2, and aged 18 years or older were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the telehealth lifestyle intervention or usual antenatal care. Randomisation was adaptively balanced for age, BMI, and race and ethnicity. Data collectors and investigators were masked to group assignments. The core lifestyle intervention consisted of two in-person and 11 telephone sessions on behavioural strategies to improve weight, diet, and physical activity, and stress management to help women meet a trial goal of gaining at the lower limit of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines range for total GWG: 7 kg for women with overweight and 5 kg for women with obesity. Usual antenatal care included an antenatal visit at 7-10 weeks' gestation, an additional seven antenatal visits, on average, and periodic health education newsletters, including the IOM GWG guidelines and information on healthy eating and physical activity in pregnancy. The primary outcome was weekly rate of GWG expressed as excess GWG, per Institute of Medicine guidelines and mean assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02130232. FINDINGS Between March 24, 2014, and Sept 26, 2017, 5329 women were assessed for eligibility and 200 were randomly assigned to the lifestyle intervention group and 198 to the usual care group. Analyses included 199 women in the lifestyle intervention group (one lost to follow-up) and 195 in the usual care group (three lost to follow-up). 96 (48%) women in the lifestyle intervention group and 134 (69%) women in the usual care group exceeded Institute of Medicine guidelines for rate of GWG per week (relative risk 0·70, 95% CI 0·59 to 0·83). Compared with usual care, women in the lifestyle intervention had reduced weekly rate of GWG (mean 0·26 kg per week [SD 0·15] vs 0·32 kg per week [0·13]; mean between-group difference -0·07 kg per week, 95% CI -0·09 to -0·04). No between-group differences in perinatal complications were observed. INTERPRETATION Our evidence-based programme showed that health-care delivery systems could further adapt to meet the needs of their clinical settings to prevent excess GWG and improve healthy behaviours and markers of insulin resistance among women with overweight or obesity by using telehealth lifestyle interventions. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health.
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Effects of prenatal individualized mixed management on breastfeeding and maternal health at three days postpartum: A randomized controlled trial.
Zhao, Y, Lin, Q, Wang, J, Bao, J
Early human development. 2020;:104944
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women with antenatal depression are more prone to postpartum depression and failure in breastfeeding than women without antenatal depression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a prenatal individualized mixed management intervention on breastfeeding and maternal physical and psychological status at three days postpartum. METHODS This randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted from December 2017 to August 2018 with 182 primiparous women in Shanghai, China. Participants with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores ≥9 were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n = 91) or control group (n = 91). The intervention group underwent a 4-session individualized mixed management intervention and the control group received usual care. Feeding patterns, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES), Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Scale (IBAS), and EPDS were used to measure the main outcomes. Two-tailed p-values of p < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The intervention group had significantly more effective breastfeeding behavior, better breastfeeding self-efficacy, more successful breastfeeding initiation, lower EPDS scores, more sleep time, and better appetite than the control group. CONCLUSION The prenatal individualized mixed management intervention demonstrated significant short-term improvement in breastfeeding and maternal physical and psychological health at three days postpartum. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR-IOR-17013761; December 7, 2017.
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Effect of metformin in addition to an antenatal diet and lifestyle intervention on fetal growth and adiposity: the GRoW randomised trial.
Poprzeczny, AJ, Louise, J, Deussen, AR, Dodd, JM
BMC endocrine disorders. 2020;(1):139
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infants born to women who are overweight or obese in pregnancy are at an increased risk of being born macrosomic or large for gestational age. Antenatal dietary and lifestyle interventions have been shown to be ineffective at reducing this risk. Our aim was to examine the effects of metformin in addition to a diet and lifestyle intervention on fetal growth and adiposity among women with a BMI above the healthy range. METHODS Women who had a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 in early pregnancy, and a singleton gestation, were enrolled in the GRoW trial from three public maternity hospitals in metropolitan Adelaide. Women were invited to have a research ultrasounds at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation at which ultrasound measures of fetal biometry and adiposity were obtained. Fetal biometry z-scores and trajectories were calculated. Measurements and calculations were compared between treatment groups. This secondary analysis was pre-specified. RESULTS Ultrasound data from 511 women were included in this analysis. The difference in femur length at 36 weeks' gestation was (0.07 cm, 95% CI 0.01-0.14 cm, p = 0.019) and this was was statistically significant, however the magnitude of effect was small. Differences between treatment groups for all other fetal biometry measures, z-scores, estimated fetal weight, and adiposity measures at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation were similar. CONCLUSIONS The addition of metformin to dietary and lifestyle advice in pregnancy for overweight and obese women has no clinically relevant effect on ultrasound measures of fetal biometry or adiposity. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12612001277831 ).
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Efficacy of "optimal hydration" during labor: HYDRATA study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.
Hernández López, AB, Muriel Miguel, C, Fernández-Cañadas Morillo, A, López Lapeyrere, C, Pérez Medina, T, Salcedo Mariña, Á, Fornet Ruiz, I, Rubio González, E, Solís Muñoz, M
Research in nursing & health. 2020;(1):8-16
Abstract
There is a lack of consensus in the international scientific community with respect to the most suitable hydration strategies when attending nulliparous women during low-risk births. This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare two hydration strategies and their influence on maternal and neonatal morbidity. The study population consists of nulliparous women admitted to the obstetrics department of a University Hospital. The women are being randomized into two groups: the "optimal hydration" group, which will be guaranteed 300 ml/hr liquids (crystalloids and bottled mineral water) with a minimum diuresis of 35 ml/hr; and the "variability in hydration" group, which will receive intravenous (alternating normal saline, Ringer's lactate solution, glucose, or Voluven®) and clear (bottled mineral water or isotonic drinks [Aquarius®]) liquids, without any established perfusion rate, and without established minimum diuresis. Outcomes for mothers include duration of labor, cesarean section, fever, and dehydration. Outcomes for newborns are respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, jaundice, weight loss over 48 hr, and breastfeeding difficulties. Analysis will be per-protocol. Administering optimal hydration may improve health and safety for mothers and their newborn and reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity. The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov. The project received funding by the Ministry of Health of Spain and is approved by the Research Ethics Committee.
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Psychosocial status and prenatal care of unintended pregnancies among low-income women.
Cruz-Bendezú, AM, Lovell, GV, Roche, B, Perkins, M, Blake-Lamb, TL, Taveras, EM, Simione, M
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2020;(1):615
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are reported as unintended and rates are highest among women of low socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between unintended pregnancies and maternal mental health and timing of prenatal care among low-income women. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 870 women, whom were participating in the First 1000 Days program in three community health centers in the Boston area, were enrolled at their first prenatal visit from August 2016 - September 2017. We assessed pregnancy intention by self-report using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. We used self-reported survey information and electronic health record data to assess the following outcomes: current stress, current depression, and timing of initial prenatal visit. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Women were a mean (SD) age of 29.3 (6.1), and 39.2% reported that their pregnancy was unintended. 50.6% of women were Hispanic, 28.4% were White, 10.1% were Black, and 10.9% were other races. 78.9% of women reported an annual household income <$50,000. Overall, 26.7% of women reported current stress, 8.2% reported current depression, and 18.3% of women initiated prenatal care after their first trimester. In multivariable analyses, women with unintended pregnancies had higher odds of experiencing current stress (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.41), current depression (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.20), and initiation of prenatal care post-first trimester (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.74). CONCLUSIONS Unintended pregnancies were associated with current stress and depression, and delayed prenatal care in this sample of low-income women suggesting the importance of identifying high-risk women and tailoring interventions to support women's needs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03191591; Retrospectively registered on June 19, 2017).