Study finds that women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy are twice as likely to be hospitalized with cardiovascular disease within a year after having twins, than women who have a single pregnancy. The risk is eight times higher in mothers of twins who had high blood pressure conditions during pregnancy.
Tag: Pregnancy and Childbirth

New Bundle of Joy: UC San Diego Health Delivers Highest Ranking for Obstetric, Infant Care
For the third consecutive year, UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report.
Worried about a pregnant woman’s stress and mental health? Her saliva may hold the key.
New research out of Michigan State University found that the number and type of microbes present in the saliva of pregnant women differ according to whether they are experiencing life stress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
UC San Diego Health Ranks No. 1 in San Diego, Makes National Honor Roll
U.S. News & World Report ranks 10 medical and surgical specialties at UC San Diego Health among the nation’s best.

Postpartum morbidity and mortality in women with epilepsy: A 28-year study
A 28-year study found increased risks of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, ICU admission during hospitalization for delivery, postpartum hospitalization, and an increased risk of mortality compared with pregnant women who did not have epilepsy.
Study: Risk of IUD Expulsion in Early Postpartum Placement
In a study recently published in JAMA, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found evidence of the risk of intrauterine device (IUD) expulsion (when the IUD comes out of the uterus on its own) after early…
Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman Named President of Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, MS, perinatologist at UC San Diego Health, named president of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
Pregnant people in rural communities less likely to have adequate health insurance
Women and birthing people in rural America are at higher risk of adverse maternal health outcomes, including maternal morbidity and mortality. Now, a new study sheds light on one possible factor: lower enrollment in health insurance.
Cleveland Clinic Launches Initiative Focused on Improving Infant and Maternal Health
Cleveland Clinic launched the Center for Infant and Maternal Health initiative to help reduce infant and maternal mortality in Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties.
Neighborhoods Most Affected by Racism, Inequities and COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors at a Greater Risk for Preterm Births, Study Finds
The cohort study follows women through pregnancy and birth to study if a SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19, is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes.
Study: No Serious COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects in Breastfeeding Moms, Infants
Researchers found that breastfeeding mothers who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccination reported the same local or systemic symptoms as what has been previously reported in non-breastfeeding women, with no serious side effects in the breastfed infants.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Pregnancy: @UCSDHealth expert on why you should get the COVID-19 shot
With recent statewide vaccination mandates, members of the public may have questions or concerns about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination, especially in pregnant mothers. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, professor and chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UC…
August is National Breastfeeding Month: @UCSDHealth Experts on Health Benefits and Latest in COVID-19 Research
August is National Breastfeeding Month, intended to raise awareness of the health benefits that breast milk provides, including: Reduction in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Fewer infections: ear, respiratory, diarrhea, bladder, meningitis Decrease in childhood obesity Reduction in diabetes, celiac disease,…
New Chair Named for Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
After a nationwide search, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, has been named chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 face high mortality rate
In a worldwide study of 2,100 pregnant women, those who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy were 20 times more likely to die than those who did not contract the virus.

New Survey Reveals How to Build Stronger Fertility Patient-Provider Relationships
A new survey from pregnantish, co-sponsored by EMD Serono and CooperSurgical, uncovers the key reasons why patients leave their fertility clinics and reveals the importance of doctor-patient relationship-building as a key factor to patient retention.

Is COVID-19 Transmitted Through Breast Milk? Study Suggests Not Likely
A recent study by researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine suggests transmission of COVID-19 through breast milk is not likely. The infectious virus was not detected in 64 samples of breast milk tested.

More than medicine: pain-relief drug delivers choices for mothers in labour
Choice and control are important factors for ensuring a positive childbirth experience, yet until recently, little was known about the impact of alternative administrations of fentanyl – one of the pain relief drugs used during labour– on both mother and baby.
Researchers create a tool for better anticipation of preterm birth
Premature birth is a major global health challenge and the leading cause of death in children under 5. In order to predict premature birth, it necessary to know the gestational age of a baby, which isn’t easy. Even if a…
Defining Paths to Possible Mother to Child Coronavirus Transmission
UC Davis Health physicians defined the conditions of coronavirus transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy and delivery.

RNA Molecules in Maternal Blood May Predict Pregnancies at Risk for Preeclampsia
UC San Diego researchers have identified small molecules in the blood of asymptomatic pregnant women that may predict risk for preeclampsia, responsible for a significant proportion of maternal and neonatal deaths, low birth weight and is a primary cause of premature birth.

SURVEY: HALF OF AMERICANS CONCERNED ABOUT NEW MOMS AND BABIES BEING IN PUBLIC PLACES
There are a lot of health concerns that come with pregnancy, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional fears about risks for both mom and baby.
A new national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center confirms these fears, finding that nearly 80% of respondents would be concerned about themselves or an expectant mother in their life in the midst of the current COVID-19 outbreak, with almost half expressing fear of going to a scheduled prenatal appointment.

New Studies Investigate How COVID-19 May Impact Breast Milk and Pregnancy
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine are launching a pair of studies to answer critical questions regarding the roles COVID-19 may play in breast milk and pregnancy.

Heatwave Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Preterm Birth in California
A new study at UC San Diego, published February 11, 2020, found that exposure to heatwaves during the last week of pregnancy was strongly linked to an increased risk of preterm delivery – the hotter the temperature or the longer the heatwave, the greater the risk.