Doctors and researchers have developed a blood test to predict preeclampsia early on in a woman’s pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous hypertensive (high blood pressure) condition affecting pregnant women. While some women who develop preeclampsia experience no symptoms, complications from preeclampsia may result in maternal and/or fetal injury, including organ damage, preterm delivery, and, in severe cases, death.
Olympic medalist Tori Bowie was one of Team USA’s fastest women, winning three medals at the 2016 Rio games and becoming a world champion by the end of 2017. Once the epitome of health, the 32-year old athlete was approximately 8 months pregnant when she was found dead at in her home earlier this month. The cause of her death is presently unknown; however, officials suspect Bowie may have experienced respiratory distress and eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures following a sudden spike in a woman’s blood pressure during pregnancy.
After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age two, a toddler in the UK may soon be able to walk. The girl was deprived of oxygen at birth, and suffered a seizure shortly thereafter. As a result, she is nonverbal and her mobility is limited. Cerebral palsy has no cure, but certain therapies can help manage symptoms—and for this little fighter, a promising treatment is on the horizon.
A new graduate and undergraduate study program at Widener University aims to help doctors understand neonatal brachial plexus injuries that may occur during the birthing process. Dr. Anita Sing, an Adjunct Associate Professor in the school’s bioengineering department, is leading the research, which is geared toward helping diagnose and treat the injury.
A research lab out of Texas A&M University is developing a test to detect preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication sometimes seen about half-way through a woman’s pregnancy—around the 20-week mark—or later. The condition is characterized by high blood pressure and protein present in the urine. While the cause of preeclampsia is unknown, if untreated or undetected, it may lead to complications resulting in both maternal and fetal injury, and in severe cases, death.
According to new data from the CDC, maternal mortality rates in the United States increased sharply in 2021, with death rates among Black mothers twice as high as those of White mothers.
According to a new study analyzing what is known as the Jada System, researchers found that the System is safe and effective at controlling postpartum hemorrhage.
One of the top causes of maternal morbidity and maternal death, postpartum hemorrhage is also largely avoidable. A USA Today investigation found that 90% of maternal deaths due to hemorrhaging could have been prevented.
A Pennsylvania hospital has introduced hypothermia treatment for newborns who may have experienced hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Infants that sustained brain injuries during birth may be at risk for developing HIE, a disorder that is caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during labor or delivery. HIE may occur due to complications during labor and delivery, such as maternal infection (like Group B strep), preeclampsia, uterine rupture, placental abruption, delayed C-section, fetal distress, among other issues. HIE may also lead to cerebral palsy.
March begins National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, which was established in 2006 by a cerebral palsy advocacy group. The awareness campaign aims to support those living with the condition by educating the public about the condition.
Cerebral palsy is characterized as a form of abnormal brain development which severely impacts a person’s ability to control their movement, posture, and balance. 30-50% of people with cerebral palsy will also develop an intellectual disability. The condition can commonly result from a traumatic labor and delivery. In these situations, a baby’s brain has likely suffered damages resulting from a critical lack of oxygen and/or blood flow, which may be due to medical malpractice.
