Normal pregnancy outcome after first-trimester exposure to semaglutide in an overweight woman: a case report

We reported a case of an overweight 34-year-old woman who unexpectedly became pregnant while undergoing semaglutide in early pregnancy and delivered a healthy male infant by caesarean section at 37 weeks and 4 days of gestation.Until now,the safety of semaglutide for use during pregnancy was unknown.This report may contribute to the limited knowledge available on pregnant women exposure to semaglutide.

Validity of Different Methods to Prenatal Screening for Down’s Syndrom During First and Second Trimester Pregnancy of Chinese Women

Objective To identify and determine the optimal method to screening for fetal Down＇s syndrome （DS）. Methods Three large cohorts with 17 118, 39 903, 16 646 subjects were enrolled for the first trimester double marker （pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and free [B-human chorionic gonadotropin） screening （FTDMS）, second trimester double marker （c{-fetoprotein and free B-human chorionic gonadotropin） screening （STDMS）, and second trimester triple marker （a-fetoprotein, free 13-human chorionic gonadotropin and unconjugated estriol 3） screening （STTMS）, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate （FPR）, false negative rate （FNR） and the areas under ROC curves （AUCs） were estimated in order to determine the optimal screening method in women under or above 35 years old. Results For women under 35 years old, STTMS was the best method with a detection rate of 68.8% and FPR of 4.3% followed by the STDMS with a detection rate （sensitivity） of 66.7% and FPR of 4.9%. The FTDMS had a lower detection rate of 61.1% and FPR of 6.3%. For women above 35 years old, the detection rate of all the methods was similar, but STTMS method had a lowest FPR of 15.9%. For women under 35 years old AUCs were 0.77 （95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91）, 0.81 （95% CI, 0.71 to 0.91）, and 0.82 （95% CI, 0.69 to 0.96） for FTDMS, STDMS, and STTMS methods, respectively; for those above 35 years old, AUCs were 0.70 （95% CI, 0.56 to 0.83）, 0.70 （95% CI, 0.59 to 0.82）, 0.78 （95% Cl, 0.58 to 0.97） for FTDMS, STDMS and SITMS, respectively. Conclusion Findings from our study revealed that STDMS is optimal for the detection of fetal DS in pregnant women aged under 35. For individual women, if economic condition permits, STFMS is the best choice, while for women aged above 35, STTMS is the best choice in this regard.

A Simple Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy in the Late First Trimester with Mifeprostone and Misoprostol

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of medical methods for termination of pregnancy at 9 - 12 weeks of gestation. Methods: Between December 2008 and December 2010, the 116 consecutive women received 200 mg oral mifepristone and after 24 - 36 hours they applied 800 μg vaginal misoprostol to medically terminate pregnancy. If the products of conception did not pass, three further doses of 400 μg misoprostol were given vaginally at three hours intervals to medically terminate pregnancy. Results: Of the 116 patients undergoing the procedure 104 (90%) aborted completely. Half of the patients aborted within 6 hours. After medical termination, five per cent of the women were treated because of infection, and five per cent needed a revisit to hospital because of excessive bleeding. Two women received a blood transfusion. Previous live births or previous inducted abortion is presented in the study results. Conclusions: Medical abortion at 9 - 12 weeks’ gestation is a safe alternative to surgery.

First Trimester Pregnancy Loss May Temporary Reduce the Ovarian Response during the Subsequent IVF Cycle

The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles ended by miscarriage with subsequent IVF cycles in relation to various IVF cycle parameters and pregnancy termination modalities. Comparison of pre-miscarriage to post-miscarriage IVF cycles parameters demonstrated that lower peak E2 levels (1087 ± 593 versus 1237 ± 676 pg/ml, respectively;p p p p p p < 0.05), and an increase in the conception rate (34.7% versus 42.2%, respectively) at the second post-miscarriage IVF cycle.

Hemorrhages in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: Etiological Aspect and Management at the Maternity Ward of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of the University Hospital of Conakry

Aims: Hemorrhages in the first trimester of pregnancy constitute a public health problem in developing countries with maternal mortality which is still very high. This is the most common reason for consultation in early pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, identify the etiologies, describe the management and evaluate the maternal prognosis in patients presenting with hemorrhage in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This was a descriptive-type prospective study lasting 12 months from January 1 to December 31, 2020, carried out at the maternity ward of Ignace Deen National Hospital. Results: During the study period, we recorded 163 cases of hemorrhage in the first trimester of pregnancy out of 5478 deliveries, i.e. a frequency of 2.97%. The main incriminated etiologies were spontaneous abortion (46.62%), ectopic pregnancy (28.22%), hydatidiform mole (16.56%), threatened abortion (5.52%) and pregnancy stopped (3.06%). The socio-demographic profile of the patients was that of a woman in the age group of 26 - 30 years (33.12%), married (79.14%), with secondary level (35.58%), exercising a liberal profession (36.19%) and nulliparous (60.12%). More than half of the patients came directly from home (57.66%) with metrorrhagia (44.78%) and abdominal pain (33.12%) as reasons for consultation. The gestational age between 7-11SA was more represented (82.82%). Manual intrauterine aspiration (58.89%) and salpingectomy (28.22%) were the most practiced therapeutic procedures. We transfused 10.42% of patients and 20.85% received medical treatment. The maternal prognosis was good in 47.87%. The main complications recorded were anemia (38.65%) and the state of shock (10.42%). Conclusion: Hemorrhages in the first trimester of pregnancy represent an important cause of maternal morbidity in developing countries. The improvement of the maternal prognosis would pass by the early consultation in front of any case of pregnancy.

Retrospective Descriptive Analysis of the Combined First Trimester of Pregnancy Screening in the Period Included from February 2016 to March 2017, Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, San Juan de Dios Hospital

A retrospective descriptive study is conducted at the San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José, Costa Rica, during the period from February 2016 to March 2017, with a total of 37 patients from which a combined screening during the first trimester of pregnancy was conducted, evaluating maternal age, biochemical and sonographic methods that together can predict the risk of fetal chromosomal alterations during pregnancy. The purpose of using combined screening as a noninvasive method is to identify high risk gestations and to minimize the number of invasive procedures to detect the highest number of cases. Four patients with higher risk of aneuploidy during pregnancy were identified through this screening.

Awareness of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of the Laws of Zambia among Women of Reproductive Age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District Zambia

Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care services with the liberal law, statistics at Kanyama First Level Hospital in relation to unsafe illegal abortions are alarming. This study sought to understand the Awareness on the TOP Act of the laws of Zambia among women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. Purpose of the Study: To assess awareness on the TOP Act among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A convergent parallel mixed method design was conducted using both survey and in-depth interviews among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. The study surveyed 370 randomly sampled women aged 15 to 49 years old while the in-depth interviews included eight women purposively sampled from the survey population. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data thematic analysis was used. Results: The study found that 37% of the participants were aware of the TOP Act while 63.8% viewed legalization of abortion for any reason as wrong. The study results also showed that widowed women were 8 times more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to single women (AOR: 8.262;95% CI: 1.105, 61.778). Women in business were significantly more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to those who reported having no occupation. (AOR: 2.61;95% CI: 1.246, 5.499). Limited access to information, the social stigma attached to abortion, health care providers’ attitudes, cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, restrictive legal requirements, and absence of a supportive network were some of the barriers affecting awareness and utilization of available safe abortion care services. Conclusions: The research findings concluded that a significant lack of awareness among women of reproductive age regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act. The majority of respondents held the view that abortion should only be legalized for medical reasons. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in knowledge concerning the penal code’s provisions on abortion.

Placenta previa and percreta with massive genital bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy: A case report

A 40-year-old woman with a history of cesarean section and 3 episodes of uterine curettage for spontaneous or induced abortion presented with massive genital hemorrhage in the ninth week of gestation;she was treated with red cell concentrate and fresh frozen plasma transfusion. She was admitted to our hospital at the 11th week of gestation for continuous genital hemorrhage and cervical shortening (20 mm). Ultrasonography revealed placenta previa totalis. A lowlying gestational sac in early pregnancy, vascular lacunae, and an obscured retroplacental sonolucent zone indicated placenta percreta;magnetic resonance imaging showed similar findings. Owing to placenta percreta, uterus preservation was considered impossible. Elective cesarean section followed by total hysterectomy was performed at the 37th week of gestation, with bilateral internal iliac artery balloon catheter occlusion for reducing blood loss. The perioperative blood loss was 2,835 mL, for which the patient received blood transfusion. The postoperative course was uncomplicated.

Swedish Women’S Emotional Experience of the First Trimester in a New Pregnancy after One or More Miscarriages: A Qualitative Interview Study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate how Swedish women describe their emotional state of being during the eighth week through the eleventh week after they have become pregnant again after suffering a previous miscarriage. Method: A qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach has been used to analyze fourteen interviews that served as the data base for this study. The content analysis resulted in the development of five categories which evolved into one primary theme. Findings: The five categories identified were Worry and preoccupation;Distance;managing their feelings;Mourning what is lost;Guarded happiness and expectations. These categories were compiled into a main theme, “Worry consumes a lot of energy, but on the other side lies happiness”. This theme focused on whether the women could feel any happiness about being pregnant again despite their concerns with the previous miscarriage. Conclusions: The emotional states of the women when they get pregnant again are typically characterized by anxiety, worry and concerns about their current pregnancy. The women have a tendency to distance themselves emotionally from their pregnancy but also strive to find the joy of being pregnant again. During the new pregnancy they find themselves in need of support from their family and friends as well as in need of support from the healthcare system.

Adjuvant acupuncture reduces first trimester pregnancy loss after IVF

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of acupuncture treatment as an adjunctive therapy on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Material/Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 238 patients who underwent conventional IVF/ ICSI alone or in conjunction with acupuncture over a course of 2 years. Patients in the two treatment groups were matched in terms of age and diagnosis. Acupuncture was administered in two sessions 5 to 7 days prior to and on the day of embryo transfer. Results: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of fertilization rate, pregnancy or implantation rates, and endometrial thickness. The number of oocytes retrieved (P < 0.005) and the number of first trimester miscarriages were significantly lower in the group receiving acupuncture (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Acupuncture reduces miscar-riage rates in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI possibly secondary to stress relief.

Histopathologic Profile of Miscarriages during First Trimester of Pregnancy in Teaching Hospital of Grand Yoff in Dakar (Senegal)

Background: Mainly for economic reasons, histopathologic analysis is not a systematic practice in medical structures in Senegal, and the utility of this exam is being questioned by many authors. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of this exam, in our medical practice and try to determine if this exam should be systematic of kept only for individualized cases. Material and Methods: It was a retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2018, carried out in the Laboratory of Pathology of the Teaching Hospital of Grand Yoff in Dakar. The data were collected from the register of pathologic examinations of the laboratory. Results: We registered 543 results of histopathologic examination of products of conception from the first trimester abortion. The women mean age was 22.4 years ± 6.2 with extremes of 17 and 46 years. The routine histopathologic assessment of products of first- trimester miscarriages highlighted in our study three pathologies: hydatidiform mole (24.7%), infection (4.6%) and ectopic pregnancy (0.09%). Only 11.7% of cases of Hydatidiform mole (HM) were suspected before the histopathologic assessment. In our sample, molar pregnancy seems to be higher in anembryonic conception with a prevalence of 45%. The prevalence of Complete Hydatidiform Mole (CHM) was higher than the one of Partial Hydatidiform Mole (PHM) (14.8% vs. 9.9% of miscarriages). Indeed, both require follow up to prevent or manage at time the occurrence of choriocarcinoma. Conclusion: The results of the histologic analysis after abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy show that this exam should be practiced systematically in routine in our context because of high prevalence of hydatidiform mole.

Antenatal Acute Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis in First Trimester Pregnancy

Objectives： Toxoplasmosis is a widely-distributed zoonosis that is caused by Toxoplasma gondii protozoa. Toxoplasmosis is a high prevalence of unapparent infections, and when infected for the first time during pregnancy, can present a temporary parasitemy with focal lesions generated within the placenta, thereby infecting the fetus. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the patients who have been diagnosed with new toxoplasm in our hospital for six months. Methods： In our study, the toxoplasma results of the first trimester pregnant patients who applied to our polyclinic in the second half of 2016 were evaluated. A total of 391 cases were included in the study. Patients whose laboratory results were not available or under-investigated were excluded from the study. In our policlinic, toxoplasmosis IgM is primarily required in first trimester pregnancies. If positive, IgG and avidity are desired. Further investigation is carried out according to the avidity result. SPSS 22 and Microsoft Excel 2007 program were used in the analysis of our work. Results： A total of 8 （2%） patients had positive toxoplasmosis IgM, 4 （1%） patients had high avidity, 1 （0.2%） patients had moderate avidity, and 3 （0.7%） patients had low avidity. Conclusions： There is no consensus on the screening of all pregnancies. Screening of all pregnancies is recommended in places where the general view seroprevalence is high.

Role of Oral Misoprostol in First Trimester Abortion: A Prospective Study at CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Misoprostol has been used for medical abortion. We conducted this prospective study to see the efficacy of oral misoprostol in our tertiary Hospital. Objective: Objective of this study was to assess the efficiency, safety and compliance of misoprostol in first trimester abortion. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in obstetrics and gynecology dept of CMH Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2014 up to Dec 2014. A total 50 patients of incomplete abortion (54%), missed abortion (30%), anembryonic pregnancy (14%) and inevitable abortion (2%) of s of gestation were the targeted population. Study population was diagnosed from history, physical examination and ultrasonogram had received 600 microgram misoprostol orally. If the pregnancy was not completely evacuated at this time another dose of misoprostol was given. All women returned for follow-up care 7 days later. If the pregnancy was not completely evacuated at this time, women underwent immediate surgical evacuation. Efficacy was defined as the percent of women discharged from the study without need for surgical intervention. Results: 30 patients had complete evacuation after 1st dose, 12 cases needed 2nd dose and only 2 cases needed 3rd dose. Remaining 6 cases needed surgical evacuation. Efficacy was satisfactory (85%) and analysis revealed statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusion: Management of first trimester abortion with oral misoprostol is highly effective and highly acceptable.

Quality Control of First Trimester Ultrasound Examinations in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (UTH-YO) of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Objective: To evaluate the quality of first trimester ultrasound examinations in patients consulting in the gynecology and obstetrics department at the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo (UTH-YO) of Ouagadougou. Method: Our study took place from January 1st to March 31st 2017, in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou. This was a descriptive study on the records of the first trimester ultrasound of pregnancy, with analysis of the iconography. We used the criteria of the Technical Committee of Fetal Echography (TCFE) of France to analyse all the ultrasound reports brought by the patients. Results: Two hundred reports were collected in three months. In terms of ultrasound identification, only 2 reports out of 200 mentioned the brand and date of first circulation and 4 specified the type of device. The study of the quality of the appointment showed that only 52% of the ultrasounds had been performed at the right time, between 11SA - 14SA of amenorrhea. For the nuchal translucency quality, we rated by the Herman score, 41.67% of the scores were of “unacceptable” quality and only 58.33% were of “acceptable” quality we did not achieve “excellent” quality. The analysis of the biparietal diameter (BIP) cuts revealed that 1/4 only anatomical cuts had been well made. Analysis of the cranio caudal length (CCL) cuts showed that only 14.58% of the CCLs had been well done. Elements of early morphology had been explored to less than 5%. Conclusion: The results revealed the acceptable quality of the NC measurements, but a small proportion of NC achieved. The quality of the ultrasound, morphological analysis and biometrics period is not very acceptable.

Ultrasound Study of First Trimester Bleeding

Objective: Bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy is common and can be a sign of complication that often necessitates obstetric ultrasound for the assessment of the haemorrhage, and of fetal well being. The aim of this study was to determine the causes of first trimester bleeding on obstetrical ultrasound in our area. Method: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study during a six-month period from May to October 2017. All women who referred to the Regional center of medical imaging of Ngaoundere who agreed to participate in the study with first trimester bleeding were evaluated with clinical history and ultrasonography (US). Ultrasonographic exam was done via transabdominal or endovaginal approaches using GE LOGIQ 7 scanner brand. Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and SPHINX V 4.0 were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 121 of pregnant women who presented vaginal bleeding during the first trimester were enrolled into the study. These Ultrasound examinations represented 37.93% of all obstetric ultrasounds in the first trimester. The patients in this study ranged in age from 16 to 47 years with an average of 30 years. 50 (41.32%) were pregnant for the first time and 24 (19.83%) were primiparous. Mean gestational age was 9 weeks with the extremes of 5 and 12 weeks. 97 (80.2%) reported spontaneous bleeding while in 24 (18.8%) bleeding was mostly caused by sexual intercourse 11 (45.8%). Pelvic pain 91 (75.2%) was the most associated sign. 36 (29.8%) patients were diagnosed as threatened abortions. 27 (22.3%) were diagnosed with incomplete abortions. 4 (3.3%) cases showed an ectopic gestation. 9 (7.4%) cases showed complete abortions. Concordance between clinical diagnosis and ultrasound results was 84%. Conclusions: Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is common in our area. Ultrasonography occupies a prominent place in the etiological diagnosis of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy;it is easy to find in most cases a responsible abnormality of bleeding.

The diagnostic accuracy of the usage of the <i>Fetal Medicine Foundation</i>’s (FMF) on-line risk calculator with first-trimester ultrasound for screening for preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant Brazilian population

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the usage of the FMF On-Line Risk Calculator with first-trimester ultrasound, in screening assessment for preeclampsia (PE), without serum markers. To define the best risk cut-off values for early, intermediate and late preeclampsia. Diagnostic accuracy study of pregnant women who had first-trimester ultrasounds between 11 and 13 weeks. The index test was the first-trimester ultrasound scan plus the FMF On-Line Risk Calculator to assess the risk for PE. The reference standard was the confirmation of actual development of early, intermediate or late PE. For calculations of sensitivity and specificity to determine the best cut-off values for early, intermediate and late PE, all the information was processed into ROC curves. The assessment of preeclampsia risk in the first trimester using an ultrasound plus the FMF On-Line Risk Calculator demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) area under the ROC curve for early, intermediate and late preeclampsia. The best risk cut-off values were defined as 2.1% for early, 2.5% for intermediate and 3.5% for late preeclampsia. The first trimester US plus the FMF On-Line Risk Calculator tool was useful and applicable when assessing the risk for preeclampsia in a specific pregnant Brazilian population.

Application of Short Tandem Repeat in Prenatal Diagnosis for Phenmylketonuria during the First Trimester

Objective : To find a simple and rapid way far the prenatal diagnosis of phenyUce-tonuria (PKU) during the first trimester in order to prevent inborn PKU patients as early as possible. Methods :DNA was extracted respectively from the Mood sampleps of 9 families' members and chori-onic tissues of 9 embryoes by cliorionic vittus sampling (CVS). The independent short tandem repeat (STR) alleles of members in 9 families with classic form of PKU were analyzed and prenatal diagnosis were conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) together with denaturing gradient gel elec-trophoresis(DGGE)and silver dyeing. Results-.We identified 1 embryo with PKU, 2 normal individuals and 5 carriers among 9 subjects. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis for PKU by STR is available in the first trimester. This procedure was promising and would be widely used in Chinese population.

Improving Sexual and Contraceptive Behaviours of Unmarried Female Youth with First Trimester Induced Abortion in Sichuan,China

Objectives To understand the changes on sexual and contraceptive behaviours of unmarried induced abortion（IA） youth by intervention in Sichuan, China; and to find a way to improve sexual and contraceptive behaviours of unmarried IA youth. Methods Intervention epidemiological surveys （baseline and evaluation） plus qualitative interview were used. During July 2002 and July 2003, 2 484 unmarried female volunteers who aged 15-29 years and come to clinics seeking abortion were recruited by cluster random sampling from the four selected regions of Sichuan, 48 volunteers were interviewed for 8 focusgroup discussions （FGDs） and 16 in-depth interviews equally for each survey. Information, education anol communication（IEC） materials, education sessions, trainings and counseling were given to subjects and service providers during the project implementation. Questionnaires for surveys and guidelines for qualitative interviews were used. Results Comparison of the after with the before intervention. 1） the proportion of respondents having knowledge about sexuality was increased by 13%. Among them, the proportion of respondents got part and most of the knowledge was increased by 43%. Maximum number of sex partners the respondents have decreased from 9 to 4. Respondents＇partnerships have gradually changed from more acquaintances/school mates/boyfriends to fianés mainly; 2） respondents＇ contraceptive use rate was increased by 20%. Among them, the condom use rate increased rapidly to 80%. Purposes of condom use were changed from only for contraception to for prevention of HIV/AIDS/STDs and pregnancy. And most of respondents stabilised their method use - condoms. Most of respondents suggested condoms was the method most suitable for unmarried IA youth, this proportion was increased by 44%; 3） proportion of respondents knowing more about consequences of induced abortion was increased by 24%; and 4） proportions of respondents having depression and anxiety symptoms were decreased by 66% and by 61%, respectively. Conclusion The intervention including IEC materials, education, training and counseling was effective in improving sexual and contraceptive behaviours of unmarried IA youth.

Feasibility of Transabdominal Real-time CDFI and HDFI Techniques for Fetal Pulmonary Vein Display in the First Trimester

Objective This study aimed to assess the feasibility and usefulness of transabdominal color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI)technology and the high-definition flow imaging(HDFI)technique in detecting fetal pulmonary veins(PVs)in the first trimester(11–13^(+6)weeks).Methods From December 2018 to October 2019,328 pregnant women with 328 normal singleton fetuses(crown-rump length:45–84 mm)who had undergone CDFI and HDFI scans for fetal heart and vessel examination were enrolled in this study.The cases were divided into three groups according to the gestational age:group A,11^(+0)−11^(+6)weeks;group B,12^(+0)−12^(+6)weeks;and group C,13^(+0)−13^(+6)weeks.Baseline sonograms and CDFI and HDFI images were analyzed by two senior radiologists independently and blindly.The abilities of CDFI and HDFI to display PVs were compared.Results Successful PV display rates via CDFI and HDFI were 2.3%and 68.2%(P<0.01),22.4%and 82.4%(P<0.01),41.5%and 91.2%(P<0.01)for group A,group B,and group C,respectively.The total successful display rates for the two methods were 28.9%(CDFI)and 84.8%(HDFI)(P<0.01).Conclusions The HDFI technique is more valuable than CDFI for detecting PVs in early pregnancy(11–13^(+6)weeks).HDFI can detect at least one PV in all cases and may be used to detect pulmonary venous anomalies early.

Antenatal anxiety in the first trimester: Risk factors and effects on anxiety and depression in the third trimester and 6-week postpartum

Objective: Anxiety is common among pregnant women. However, research attention in the area of reproductive mental health has mainly focused on postpartum depression in past decades. Given adverse outcomes of antenatal anxiety, there is an urgent need to fill the research gaps. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of antenatal anxiety symptoms and examine the risk factors and effects of anxiety symptoms in early pregnancy on anxiety and depressive symptoms in later pregnancy and early postpartum period. Methodology: A prospective longitudinal design with quantitative approach was adopted. A consecutive sample of 1470 Chinese pregnant women from hospitals in Hong Kong was invited to participate in the study and was assessed using standardized instruments on 3 time points including first and third trimesters of pregnancy and 6-week postpartum. Results: The results showed that 17.7% of pregnant women manifested anxiety symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy. Single mothers, younger mothers, mothers who smoked before pregnancy and mothers who received low education level reported significantly higher levels of anxiety symptoms in the first trimester. Unwanted pregnancy, low self esteem, low marital satisfaction and perceived low social support were significant psychosocial risk factors for anxiety symptoms in the first trimester. Anxiety symptoms in the first trimester were independent predictors for anxiety symptoms in the third trimester ( QUOTE β = 0.26, t = 5.74, p < 0.001), however anxiety symptoms in the first trimester no longer significantly predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms in 6 weeks postpartum after adjusting for the effects of potential confounders. Discussions: The present study points to the need for greater research and clinical attention to antenatal anxiety given that antenatal anxiety is a prevalent problem and has serious impacts on maternal well-being. Such findings also contribute to the understanding of maternal anxiety and have implications for the design of effective identification, prevention and treatment of these significant clinical