The placenta has two opposing functions. It is the sole source of sustenance for the fetus and its sole protection against noxious external influences. It can be argued that no evaluation of a sick neonate is complete without knowing the…
Definitions and Epidemiology Chorioamnionitis (or intra-amniotic infection) is a major cause of fetal, neonatal, and maternal morbidity and mortality. There are strong associations between chorioamnionitis and maternal morbidity, preterm birth, early-onset neonatal sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and diffuse…
Amniotic fluid surrounds the developing embryo throughout gestation, protecting the fetus and umbilical cord from trauma while allowing mobility to facilitate structural growth and development. The underlying forces that regulate amniotic fluid are exceedingly complex and dynamic, synchronizing volumes within…
Hydrops fetalis (HF) is defined as the presence of excessive fetal fluid in two or more of the following spaces: abdominal ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, skin edema, polyhydramnios, or placentomegaly. The diagnosis is made by ultrasound imaging evaluating body…
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The human female is programmed by nature to mono-ovulate, to nurture one fetus, and to take care of one neonate at a time. This natural pattern results in the relatively rare birth of twins (about 1 per 80 to 100…
Placental Transfer: General Remarks The maternal-fetal interface is quite efficient in its selective exclusion of substances during the transport process from the maternal to the fetal circulation. At the same time, the placenta selectively transfers other substances, a process that…
Preterm birth is defined as a delivery that occurs at 20 weeks’ gestation or later but prior to 37 weeks’ gestation (from the first day of the last menstrual period). Although advancements in neonatology and obstetrical interventions have dramatically improved…
In the United States, depending on the applied diagnostic criteria, 135,000-200,000 women develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) annually, adding to the number of pregnant women diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Of greater concern may be the…
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy consist of a broad spectrum of medical complications, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and pregestational hypertension. The incidence is estimated to be between 3% and 10% of all pregnancies. Worldwide, preeclampsia and related conditions are among…