Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

There is no controversy regarding the definition of the 2nd stage of labor: it is the phase of labor from 10 cm until complete delivery of the child. However, there has been persistent controversy about what defines a prolonged 2nd stage of labor. In other words, are the hour limits stated by the ACOG “active pushing” or “total duration” in 2nd stage? 🤔 Historically, this has been a very gray area. Even though we have guidance on this going back to 2014 with the ACOG Obstetric Care Consensus 1, “Safe Prevention of the Primary C-Section”, certain phrases within that document caused confusion. Does the ACOG make a distinction between active vs passive 2nd stage of labor? Listen in and find out. 🎙️🎙️🎙️

Mirror Syndrome also known as “triple edema” or Ballantyne syndrome, is a rare disorder affecting pregnant women. Mirror Syndrome is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a general unawareness of the condition, and sometimes its preeclampsia-like manifestations. However, until now, the characteristics of Mirror Syndrome have not been fully elucidated. But medicine moves fast, and we now have a better understanding of its presentation, likely contributing factors, and outcomes. Still, some knowledge gaps remain. In this episode we will summarize the data on this terrible, potentially life threatening, obstetrical emergency. Our centerpiece for discussion will be a recent systematic review published in September 2023 in the AJOG with authors from my home state of Texas.

The podcast explores the relationship between technique and chance in perinatal adverse events. Topics discussed include fetal clavicular fractures, Erb's palsy, and post-operative rectus sheath bleeding. The importance of documentation, communication, and distinguishing between tough luck and malpractice cases is also emphasized.

The podcast discusses common myths and misconceptions about OB pyelonephritis, including penicillin allergies and the legitimacy of adverse reactions to medication. It also highlights the importance of checking for fever and other symptoms in UTI diagnosis, as well as the use of Bactrim in the first trimester of pregnancy and its effects on folic acid levels.

The age at which couples have children in the United States continues to increase. While it is well documented and known that maternal age directly impacts fetal and child outcomes, less attention has been given to advanced paternal age (APA). Medical and Genetic commentaries have stated that limited APA principles have been advocated for or disseminated into the medical communities and the general population. There may be considerations for the development and application of a couple-centered strategy counseling on age-related genetic risks. Is APA a real issue? What age defines that? And what has APA been associated with? Listen in and find out!

A quick clarification about Beyfortus neonatal protection against RSV. Thank you Katie for bringing this to my attention! What a wonderful podcast community we have. ❤️❤️❤️

We have been following this developing story on the Maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo. In the recent podcast, we stated that we would let you know when the ACOG releases its “Practice Advisory”, which is its clinical guidance update. This is now out! In this episode will provide the summary, high-yield points regarding this vaccine’s use in pregnancy. Can this be co-administered with other vaccines? What did ACOG say about the preterm birth “numerical imbalance” among study trial participants who received this vaccine? And which option provides a stronger and longer lasting immune response in the child: maternal vaccination, or newborn vaccination? Listen in and find out.

Low Dose Aspirin has been a routine aspect of preeclampsia prevention since first mentioned by the ACOG’s Hypertension in Pregnancy Task Force report, back in November 2013. Since that time, there has been several revisions of the criteria of who qualifies for low-dose aspirin in pregnancy. Nonetheless, there are calls and expert opinions challenging this “risk factor based” approach, favoring a more universal adoption. Additionally, the DOSE of low-dose aspirin has also come under recent critique. Is 81 mg the correct dose to use? Does aspirin have the potential to reduce preterm birth? In this episode, we will review a soon-to-be released clinical commentary from the AJOG (October 2023) which addresses these matters.

According to the CDC’s press release from September 2022, the leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related death include mental health conditions (including deaths to suicide and overdose/poisoning related to substance use disorder), accounting for 23% of cases. The top 2 perinatal, mental health conditions are anxiety and depression. And, although much more rare with an incidence of 1–2/1,000, postpartum psychosis is a major cause of self-harm an infant harm. In this episode, we will review “The College’s” recent clinical practice guidelines on mental health therapies in the perinatal interval. Do you know which 2 classes of medications are most preferred for treating anxiety/depression in the perinatal period? Are SSRIs a leading cause of PPHN? Is Lithium allowed in pregnancy? And what is “neonatal adaptation syndrome”? We will cover all these questions, and more, in this episode.

It’s pretty standard of an evaluation… TVUS for postmenopausal bleeding. It’s well accepted that an endometrial thickness of 4 mm (5 mm in some studies) should trigger further endometrial tissue analysis in women with postmenopausal bleeding. But is there a cut-off endometrial thickness at which endometrial tissue should be evaluated in a postmenopausal patient WITHOUT bleeding, where this was found incidentally? There is definitely an evidence-based recommendation, and we will cover that in this episode.(With a special guest host 😊…. “Anything for SELENAs”)