The 41st Annual Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM 2021)

Severe/critical COVID-19 may up perinatal risk

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20210226180001

Critical or severe COVID-19 disease could raise the risk of negative perinatal outcomes in pregnant women, according to an observational study from the US.

High-dose oxytocin does not cut Caesarean delivery rates vs standard dosing

Elaine Soliven, 20210223074250

Using high-dose oxytocin for labour augmentation did not significantly reduce the incidence of Caesarean delivery among nulliparous women compared with standard dosing, according to a study presented at SMFM 2021.

Older maternal age, higher BMI tied to increased NTSV Caesarean delivery rate

Elaine Soliven, 20210222000000

Older maternal age and higher body mass index (BMI) were associated with an increased risk of nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) Caesarean delivery, according to a study presented at SMFM 2021.

Hypertension in pregnancy: A signal of chronic hypertension?

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20210218180001

High blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy and in the first 6 weeks postpartum may be an indicator of long-term hypertension, according to results of a prospective, single-centre study presented at SMFM 2021.

Vaginal superior to buccal misoprostol for inducing labour

Audrey Abella, 20210218100000

When combined with a Foley catheter, vaginal administration of misoprostol was superior to buccally-administered misoprostol for induction of labour, according to findings from the BEGIN trial presented at SMFM 2021.

Metformin may extend gestation in preterm preeclampsia

Pearl Toh, 20210216150010

Metformin can prolong gestation by almost a week in women with preterm preeclampsia, according to the PI-2 study presented at the 2021 SMFM Meeting.

Low-dose aspirin may not prevent preterm labour in high-risk women

Audrey Abella, 20210216100000

Findings from the APRIL trial presented at SMFM 2021 fail to show substantial evidence that low-dose aspirin may reduce the recurrence of preterm birth (PTB) when initiated in early pregnancy in high-risk women (ie, women with a history of spontaneous PTB*).

Tranexamic acid may prevent post-C-sec PPH

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20210215130001

Tranexamic acid, administered shortly after Caesarean delivery, may reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), according to results of the TRAAP2* trial conducted in France.

Limited transfer of COVID-19 antibodies from mothers to infants during pregnancy

Pearl Toh, 20210213140100

While pregnant mothers with COVID-19 can mount a robust antibody response against the virus, transfer of antibodies from mothers to child across the placenta is less efficient than expected, according to a study presented during the SMFM 2021 Meeting.