Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in pregnancy associated with using low molecular weight heparin.

Background: Spontaneous epidural hematoma of the spine occurring in pregnancy is uncommon and may result in permanent damage if not promptly treated. The use of low molecular weight heparin may be a risk factor for this condition.

Case: We describe the case of a woman who presented at 27 weeks of gestation with progressive back pain and leg weakness while being treated with low molecular weight heparin.

Concealed maternal blood glucose excursions correlate with birth weight centile.

Background: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that maternal blood glucose excursions correlate with deviation from optimized birth weight.

Methods: Patients were recruited for 3-day continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) plus self-blood glucose monitoring followed by routine diabetes screening at 26-28 weeks gestation. Patients and caregivers were blinded to CGM results.

Detection of sonographic markers of fetal aneuploidy depends on maternal and fetal characteristics.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine factors that influence the detection rate of sonographic markers of fetal aneuploidy (SMFA).

Methods: We reviewed the sonographic images of 160 consecutive second-trimester trisomic fetuses for the presence of SMFA, either structural anomalies or sonographic soft markers.

Results: One hundred forty-nine (93.

Mechanisms of meconium passage: cholinergic stimulation of electromechanical coordination in the fetal colon.

Objective: Fetal gastrointestinal function develops in utero, with evidence of enhanced motility near-term. Although colonic passage of meconium in utero may be associated with fetal maturation or stress, little is known of the mechanisms potentiating motility. We assessed the effect of bethanechol, a cholinergic prokinetic agent, on colonic muscle muscular contractile and electromyogram (EMG) activity in the near-term ovine fetus.