The predictive value of fetal breathing movement and Bishop score in the diagnosis of "true" preterm labor

Article Abstract:

Early labor and delivery, before 36 weeks of pregnancy, is a major cause of fetal death. Treatment is aimed at stopping preterm labor once it is diagnosed. Symptoms of true preterm labor are often confused with those of 'false labor'. Effective, regular, uterine contractions in combination with the opening of the cervix, indicate the onset of labor. Fetal breathing movement has been shown to be an effective predictor of premature delivery. A decrease in fetal breathing activity occurs about three days before the onset of labor, but this is poorly understood. Ultrasonography, the use of high frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures, was used to evaluate the fetal breathing movements in 70 patients between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Bishop's scale was used to evaluate the length and consistency of the cervix, fetal head position and dilation of the cervix, in order to ascertain the onset of true labor. The absence of fetal breathing movement was detected in 14 women, ten of whom prematurely delivered within two days. Of the 56 remaining pregnancies, 52 continued the pregnancy another week or longer. Of the 48 patients having poor Bishop's scores, 45 had delivered a week or more later. Nine of the 22 patients with Bishop's scores only slightly better delivered within two days. The remaining ten continued for another week or longer. Assessment of Bishop's scores and fetal breathing movement is an effective diagnostic tool to predict true preterm labor .

Usage, Causes of, Fetal death, Prenatal ultrasonography, Ultrasonics in obstetrics

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Transient postpartum diabetes insipidus

Article Abstract:

Two case reports are presented to illustrate the temporary occurrence of diabetes insipidus (a condition of increased urine output due to a deficiency of vasopressin, or antidiuretic hormone) in women immediately after delivery by cesarean section. Since pregnancy usually precipitates this disorder if it is a latent condition, it is unusual for it to appear after pregnancy ends. Excessive thirst and urination began after surgery (in one case, one day later; in the other, eight days later). One patient responded to treatment in the hospital with vasopressin, the other did not. However, in both cases, the symptoms disappeared over time without treatment. A brief discussion is presented of the different types of diabetes insipidus that can be associated with pregnancy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Physiological aspects, Diabetes in pregnancy, Gestational diabetes, Diabetes insipidus

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Impact of the fetal fibronectin assay on admissions for preterm labor

Article Abstract:

The fetal fibronectin assay can reduce the number of hospital admissions for premature birth. This assay is used to determine whether a pregnant woman is at risk for premature birth. Over a one-year period, this assay resulted in about $486,000 in savings in a study of 243 pregnant women.

Statistical Data Included, Hospitals, Fibronectins, Hospital admission and discharge

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