What You May Have Missed Last Week – December 12, 2021

CONTRACEPTION

The Series 8 Apple Watch will feature a temperature sensor that can help keep track of ovulation and other health data. (CNBC)

However, the Apple Watch’s fertility tracking feature may not be the best form of birth control. (The Verge)

POST-ROE REALITY

After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, medical care for pregnant women with cancer has become far more complicated in certain states. (New York Times)

Concerned over what the Supreme Court might overturn next, the House passed a bill protecting access to birth control. (Axios)

PREGNANCY

Acupuncture may help to relieve low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy

How long to wait after miscarriage? No increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies conceived within 3 months vs. 6 to 11 months after miscarriage or abortion. (PLOS Medicine).

Among women with a previous cesarean section, those who underwent vaginal delivery after cesarean (VBAC) were more likely to need pelvic floor surgery (PLOS Medicine).

Infants born to mothers vaccinated against influenza were less likely to be hospitalized for influenza than those born to unvaccinated mothers.

Does consumption of caffeine during pregnancy impact children’s growth?

PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Pregnant women with mental health issues, substance use disorder, or who are victims of intimate partner violence were more likely to die by suicide or homicide. (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

CANNABIS AND PREGNANCY

Prenatal cannabis exposure increases the risk of certain pregnancy complications

Use of cannabis during pregnancy was more common among those living in areas with greater retail availability (JAMA Network Open).

Pregnant women seek information about cannabis on the internet, most concerns are related to involvement of child protective services. (Forbes)

PREGNANCY AND COVID-19

COVID-19 played a role in 25% of maternal deaths in 2020-2021, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office.

Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) appeared to be safe in pregnant patients with COVID, a case series showed. (JAMA Network Open)

COVID infection during the third trimester increases risk of preterm birth

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH

Researchers have found a blood biomarker that may help to identify babies at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). (CNN)

MENOPAUSE

The length of menstrual cycles during reproductive years may predict the severity of menopause symptoms (Menopause)

Many midlife women are using medical marijuana to treat menopausal symptoms