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Prenatal Care

All articles tagged with #prenatal care

End congenital syphilis: a call for universal screening and rapid treatment
health1 month ago

End congenital syphilis: a call for universal screening and rapid treatment

A physician argues that rising congenital syphilis signals public-health failures in screening, treatment, and follow-up, and urges universal, early prenatal care with same-week access; widespread rapid syphilis tests; immediate, on-site benzathine penicillin; expanded Medicaid and zero-cost care; co-located services; reliable penicillin supply; empowered clinicians; and real-time dashboards and sentinel reviews to drive accountability and better outcomes for mothers and babies.

via statnews.com|
#congenital-syphilis#health#penicillin
Pandemic-era funding gaps fuel rise in maternal and congenital syphilis
health2 months ago

Pandemic-era funding gaps fuel rise in maternal and congenital syphilis

U.S. maternal syphilis rose 28% from 2022–2024, helping drive a 700% increase in congenital syphilis since 2015. Experts say stagnant STI funding, COVID-19–related service disruptions, and barriers to prenatal care and testing (like Medicaid enrollment delays and stigma) are key factors. The piece emphasizes universal syphilis screening in the first and third trimesters and at delivery to prevent congenital syphilis, while noting ongoing gaps in access and funding that hinder effective prevention and treatment.

via The Conversation|
#congenital-syphilis#health#healthcare-access
Could autism be preventable in some cases through early-life exposures?
health4 months ago

Could autism be preventable in some cases through early-life exposures?

Some scientists are exploring whether avoiding environmental exposures before conception and in early life—the so‑called 'trimester zero' window—could lower autism risk in some children. While still in early stages, obstetricians like Jeanne Conry point to a 1,300‑day window (from preconception through a child’s second birthday) during which nutrition and lifestyle may influence autism risk, suggesting potential, non-guaranteed prevention rather than definitive outcomes.

via The Washington Post|
#autism#developmental-disorders#health
"Alarming Surge: Syphilis Cases Soar in Native American Communities"
health2 years ago

"Alarming Surge: Syphilis Cases Soar in Native American Communities"

Syphilis infections, particularly among Native Americans, have surged to alarming levels, with the Navajo Nation experiencing some of the highest rates in the U.S. The shortage of penicillin, compounded by the diversion of public health resources to COVID-19 care, has exacerbated the situation. Factors such as limited access to prenatal care, mistrust of healthcare providers, and the closure of labor and delivery wards have contributed to the spread of the disease. Efforts to combat the epidemic include expanding access to prenatal care in rural Indigenous communities, increased testing and treatment, and the use of innovative approaches such as providing testing and treatment in the field.

via NPR|
#health#native-americans#navajo-nation
"Alarming Surge of Syphilis in Pregnant Women Across US Raises Concerns Among Doctors"
health2 years ago

"Alarming Surge of Syphilis in Pregnant Women Across US Raises Concerns Among Doctors"

A new report from the CDC shows that the rate of syphilis in pregnant women in the U.S. has tripled since 2016, leading to a concerning rise in congenital syphilis. Dr. Amy Banulis, an OB-GYN, emphasizes the importance of early testing and treatment for syphilis in pregnant women to prevent transmission to their babies, as congenital syphilis can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. She urges universal testing for all pregnant women and stresses the need for safe sexual practices and regular testing as preventive measures.

via WTOP|
#cdc#congenital-syphilis#health
"Addressing the Impact of Untreated STDs on Newborns in Post-Roe v. Wade Mississippi"
health2 years ago

"Addressing the Impact of Untreated STDs on Newborns in Post-Roe v. Wade Mississippi"

Without proper treatment, STDs could leave newborns in harm’s way, especially in Mississippi where cases are spiking sharply. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on abortion has impacted clinical care for women, making STD testing and treatment critical for pregnant mothers and their babies. The rising rates of sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis, are causing severe and lifelong birth defects, but these infections can be easily and effectively treated with proper prenatal care and education.

via WAPT Jackson|
#cdc#health#mississippi
"Surging Syphilis Cases Prompt Rationing of Injectable Penicillin and Public Health Concerns in the United States"
health2 years ago

"Surging Syphilis Cases Prompt Rationing of Injectable Penicillin and Public Health Concerns in the United States"

A surge in syphilis cases, reaching a 70-year high nationwide, has led to a shortage of injectable penicillin, the primary treatment for the disease, prompting public health agencies to recommend rationing the drug and prioritizing pregnant patients due to the risk of congenital syphilis. The shortage, exacerbated by increased demand and manufacturing challenges, has forced some clinics to use alternative treatments and strategize on how to manage the situation. The rise in syphilis cases has also highlighted gaps in prenatal care and testing, contributing to the spread of the disease and the alarming increase in congenital syphilis cases.

via NPR|
#health#penicillin-shortage#prenatal-care
"Rising Syphilis Rates in the US: Impact on Maternal and Infant Health"
health2 years ago

"Rising Syphilis Rates in the US: Impact on Maternal and Infant Health"

A CDC report reveals that maternal syphilis rates in the US have tripled since 2016, leading to a significant increase in congenital syphilis cases and posing a serious risk to infants. The surge in cases is attributed to untested and untreated mothers, with the majority of cases being preventable with better testing and treatment. Access to timely treatment is lacking and unequal, with clinic hours and testing methods posing barriers. Maternal syphilis rates vary widely across the country, with the highest rates among younger mothers and certain ethnic groups. The Biden administration has established a federal task force to address the epidemic, but experts express concerns about the lack of new resources and funding to effectively combat the rising rates.

via CNN|
#cdc#health#infant-health
Syphilis Cases Surge Nationwide, Healthcare Leaders Alarmed
health2 years ago

Syphilis Cases Surge Nationwide, Healthcare Leaders Alarmed

Healthcare leaders in North Carolina are raising concerns as syphilis cases surge, particularly among newborns. The state has already witnessed five stillbirths and neonatal deaths due to congenital syphilis this year. The trend mirrors a national increase reported by the CDC, with 3,761 babies born with syphilis in 2021 compared to 335 a decade ago. Experts attribute the rise to missed opportunities for prevention, including inadequate prenatal care and insufficient testing. Healthcare providers are being urged to screen pregnant women three times during their pregnancy, as the majority of syphilis infections in pregnant women are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.

via WTVD-TV|
#health#neonatal-deaths#prenatal-care
Rising Syphilis Cases in Newborns Spark Concern
health2 years ago

Rising Syphilis Cases in Newborns Spark Concern

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has issued a public health alert after five stillbirths or neonatal deaths were linked to congenital syphilis. There has been a significant increase in reported syphilis cases among women in the state, leading to an associated rise in congenital syphilis infections. The department identified several areas of concern, including a lack of prenatal care, missed opportunities for testing during pregnancy, and inadequate or delayed treatment of maternal syphilis infections. It is crucial for all pregnant women to be screened for syphilis at least three times during pregnancy, as sexually transmitted infections can still be present without symptoms.

via WTVD-TV|
#congenital-syphilis#health#neonatal-deaths
Surge in Newborn Syphilis Cases Sparks Concerns of Epidemic
health2 years ago

Surge in Newborn Syphilis Cases Sparks Concerns of Epidemic

The number of cases of congenital syphilis in the United States has increased more than tenfold over the past decade, with over 3,700 cases reported in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Congenital syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe developmental delays in infants. The rise in cases is attributed to a breakdown in the public health infrastructure, including inadequate prenatal care, late or no testing, and insufficient treatment. The National Coalition of STD Directors is calling for $1 billion in federal funding and a White House syphilis response coordinator to address the crisis. Other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are also on the rise.

via The New York Times|
#congenital-syphilis#health#prenatal-care
Understanding Folate: The Key to a Healthy Pregnancy
health2 years ago

Understanding Folate: The Key to a Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal care is crucial for the health of expectant mothers and babies, with folate being one of the most important nutrients recommended during pregnancy. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays a vital role in the formation of DNA and RNA, making it essential for rapid cell growth, particularly during pregnancy. It helps prevent birth defects and is beneficial for the functioning of the digestive system, prevention of common cancers, cardiovascular disease, infertility, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Folic acid, the synthetic supplement form of folate, is better absorbed and commonly recommended for pregnant women. Folate-rich foods include dark green vegetables, asparagus, avocado, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and broccoli. It is also recommended for all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, which can be obtained through fortified foods or supplements.

via USA TODAY|
#birth-defects#folate#folic-acid