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  1. Ab Wahab SZ, Abdul Kadir A, Nik Hussain NH, Omar J, Yunus R, Baie S, et al.
    PMID: 26101537 DOI: 10.1155/2015/849647
    Channa striatus has been consumed for decades as a remedy to promote wound healing by women during postpartum period. The objectives of this study were to compare postoperative pain, wound healing based on wound evaluation scale (WES), wound cosmetic appearance based on visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and patient satisfaction score (PSS), and safety profiles between C. striatus group and placebo group after six weeks of lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) delivery. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Subjects were randomised in a ratio of 1 : 1 into either the C. striatus group (500 mg daily) or placebo group (500 mg of maltodextrin daily). 76 subjects were successfully randomised, with 38 in the C. striatus group and 35 in the placebo group. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain (p = 0.814) and WES (p = 0.160) between the C. striatus and placebo groups. However, VAS and PSS in the C. striatus group were significantly better compared with the placebo group (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, resp.). The safety profiles showed no significant differences between the groups. In conclusion, six-week supplementation of 500 mg of C. striatus extract showed marked differences in wound cosmetic appearance and patient's satisfaction and is safe for human consumption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  2. Abd Aziz NA, Hasham R, Sarmidi MR, Suhaimi SH, Idris MKH
    Saudi Pharm J, 2021 Feb;29(2):143-165.
    PMID: 33679177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.12.016
    Medicinal plants have gained much interest in the prevention and treatment of common human disease such as cold and fever, hypertension and postpartum. Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants were synthesised using effective extraction methods which have important roles in the pharmaceutical product development. Orthosiphon aristatus (OA), Eurycoma longifolia (EL) and Andrographis paniculata (AP) are among popular medicinal herbs in Southeast Asia. The major compounds for these medicinal plants are polar bioactive compounds (rosmarinic acid, eurycomanone and andrographolide) which have multiple benefits to human health. The bioactive compounds are used as a drug to function against a variety of diseases with the support of scientific evidence. This paper was intended to prepare a complete review about the extraction techniques (e.g. OA, EL and AP) of these medicinal plants based on existing studies and scientific works. Suitable solvents and techniques to obtain their major bioactive compounds and their therapeutic potentials were discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  3. Abdollahi F, Etemadinezhad S, Lye MS
    Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol, 2016 Feb;55(1):76-80.
    PMID: 26927254 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2015.12.008
    OBJECTIVES: Cultural practices have been found to positively impact the mothering experience. This study sought to identify the relationship between sociocultural practices and postpartum depression (PPD) in a cohort of Iranian women for the first time.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a longitudinal cohort design, 2279 pregnant women attending primary health centers of Mazandaran province in Iran were recruited using stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and researchers developed validated cultural practices questionnaire at 3 months after delivery. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression models.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of PPD was 19% among 1910 women who were followed postdelivery in this study. Cultural practices were not associated with lower odds of PPD in multiple logistic regression model after adjustment for all sociodemographic factors. The results of this study do not also provide any evidence to support that sex of baby is associated with the greater risk of PPD.
    CONCLUSIONS: Cultural practices could not be perceived as protective mechanisms that protect women from PPD in this traditional society. However, health professionals should be familiar with postpartum beliefs and practices that could support mothers in the postpartum period.
    KEYWORDS: culture; depression; postpartum; practices
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  4. Abdollahi F, Agajani-Delavar M, Zarghami M, Lye MS
    Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci, 2016 Mar;10(1):e426.
    PMID: 31168307 DOI: 10.17795/ijpbs-426
    Background: Post-partum depression (PPD) can produce adverse symptoms that make motherhood one of the most tumultuous events in a female's life. First-time mothers who have problems adapting themselves to the mother's role are more vulnerable to PPD.

    Objectives: The current study aimed to explore the extent of social support and parental self-efficacy on PPD, this study was conducted among the first-time pregnant women.

    Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study assessed the depressive symptoms and related factors among 838 first-time not depressed pregnant women from third trimester of pregnancy to 12 weeks postpartum who attended primary health centers (Jan to July 2009). The study employed Edinburgh postnatal depression scale, social support appraisals scale, network orientation scale, marital inventory, parental expectation survey and socio-demographic questionnaires. Logistic regression was used for data analysis.

    Results: The incidence of depression was 10.7% at three months post-partum. The adjusted odds ratio showed the PPD was associated with perceived social isolation (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.12), lack of marital satisfaction (OR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.86 - 0.97) and low parental self-efficacy (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.65 - 0.85).

    Conclusions: A high incidence of PPD was identified among the first-time mothers which makes PPD one of the major health problems in females. The important effects of perceived social isolation, maternal parental self-efficacy, and marital satisfaction on reducing the risk of PPD should be considered.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  5. Abdul Aziz NU, Chiroma SM, Mohd Moklas MA, Adenan MI, Ismail A, Hidayat Baharuldin MT
    Brain Sci, 2020 Oct 13;10(10).
    PMID: 33066310 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100733
    Pathophysiology of postpartum depression (PPD) has been associated with many factors, such as neuroendocrine, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter changes. Fish oil (FO) improves PPD both in humans and animals. However, little is known with regards to its pharmacology on a PPD-like rat model. Hence, the current study aimed at investigating the effects of FO on a PPD-like rat model. Female rats were induced with PPD-like symptoms and then randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) for two experimental protocols. Protocol 1 consisted of PPD-like rats (2 mL distilled water), PPD-like + FO (9 g/kg/d) and PPD-like + Fluoxetine (FLX) (15 mg/kg/d) groups of rats, whereas Protocol 2 consisted of PPD-like rats (2 mL distilled water) + PCPA (p-chlorophenylalanine) 150 mg/kg, PPD-like + FO (9 g/kg/d) + PCPA 150 mg/kg and PPD-like + FLX (15 mg/d) + PCPA 150 mg/kg groups of rats, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 10 days postpartum, except PCPA, which was given intraperitoneally. Prior to euthanasia, the antidepressant-like effect of the FO was evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) on day 10 postpartum. Biochemical analysis of serotonin, serotonin metabolite and serotonin turnover from their prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were also measured. The results showed that FO decreased immobility time and increased swimming time significantly, but not climbing time in FST. Further, it also decreased serotonin metabolite and turnover significantly in the hippocampus of the PPD-like rats. In contrast, administration with PCPA reversed all the outcomes. The antidepressant-like effects of FO were found to be similar with that of FLX. Thus, it can be concluded that FO exerts its antidepressant-like effects in PPD-like rats through modulation of serotonergic system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  6. Abdul Kadir A, Mohammad Daud MN, Yaacob MJ, Nik Hussain NH
    Objective: To determine the prevalence of depressive symptomatology in early postnatal period and its relationship with obstetric risk factors. Material and Methodology: This is a cross sectional study involving 293 women from postnatal ward Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Malaysia. They were screened for depression at day 1 to day 5 postpartum and 4 to 6 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). At the first visit, the women completed questionnaires on socio-demography and obstetric risk factors and Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (BPHQ-9). At the second visit which is 4-6 weeks postpartum, they only completed EPDS. Results: Two hundred and ninety-three women successfully completed the study (100% response rates). The prevalence of PND at 4-6 weeks postpartum using the EPDS score of 12 or more was 27.3%. Women with the history of abortion (p < 0.05) and early postnatal depression (p < 0.05) was significantly associated with PND. Conclusion: Postnatal depression among women in Hospital USM was more common compared to previously reported series in Malaysia. Women with the history of abortion and early postnatal depression were significantly associated with PND. © 2009 Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  7. Abdul Shukkoor MS, Baharuldin MTHB, Mat Jais AM, Mohamad Moklas MA, Fakurazi S, Basir R
    PMID: 29317891 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1469209
    Postpartum depression affects 15% of women. Channa striatus, a freshwater fish, is consumed in local Malay population as a rejuvenating diet during postpartum period. This study evaluated the antidepressant-like effect of lipid extract of C. striatus fillet and its mechanism of action in female Sprague-Dawley rats in postpartum model of depression. The rats were ovariectomized and treated with high dose of progesterone and estradiol benzoate for 23 days to have hormone-simulated pregnancy. The day 24 and afterwards were considered as the postpartum period. During the postpartum period, lipid extract was administered at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route for 15 days. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was used as the positive control. On postpartum day 15, the animals were tested in forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) followed by biochemical analysis. Withdrawal of hormone administration during the postpartum period induced depressive-like behavior in FST. Administration of lipid extract reversed that depressive-like behavior at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg in FST. In OFT, it decreased the exploratory activity. The mechanism of the antidepressant-like effect may be mediated through the decrease in plasma corticosterone, increase in plasma oxytocin, and decrease in nuclear factor-kappa B in prefrontal cortex of rats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  8. Abdullah M
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Mar;58(1):99-101.
    PMID: 14556332
    Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is rare in adults. We report a 24 year old woman presenting with shortness of breath, chest pain and nausea after the birth of her first baby. Clinical examination, plain radiography and a CT scan revealed herniation of abdominal contents into her left chest. Via a midline laparotomy, the contents were reduced and the defect repaired, using a mesh. She remains symptom-free three years since her surgery and even after a second childbirth. A brief review of the literature reporting adult diaphragmatic hernia of congenital origin accompanies this case report. We conclude that symptomatic CDH in adults usually presents as an emergency with gastrointestinal and occasionally respiratory complications. Early diagnosis and repair is essential to avoid subsequent morbidity and mortality.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period*
  9. Aishairma Aris, Ling Ming Jing, Aida Kalok, Yang Wai Wai
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Severe labour pain and dissatisfaction towards supports received from midwives during labour are common experiencesamong parturient mothers. Thesenegative emotional experiences need to be given attention as they are associated with higher acute stress reactions and postpartum depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study examinedthe labour pain and satisfaction toward labour support and their influential factors. Methods: A total of 136 parturient mothersregistered for a labour in the UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre were included in this studyusing simple random sampling. The mothers had met the eligibility criteria; live and singleton pregnancy, able to communicate in English, Malay or Mandarin. Visual anologue scale and Bryanton Adaptation of the Nursing Support in Labor Questionnaire (BASILIQ) which contained both quantitative and qualitative questions were used to measure the pain and satisfaction level respectively. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and also content analysis wereutilised to analyse the data. Results: Labour pain was low (Mean=2.24, SD=2.20) and satisfaction toward the labour support was high (Mean=76.9, SD=8.75). Both the pain and satisfaction were not significantly related to each other and also to any of the mothers’ demographic (p > 0.05) and obstetrical data (p > 0.05). However, 32.9% (n=25) out of 76 subjectswho responded to the qualitative questions had highlighted the need of havingfriendly and helpful nurses during their labour.In addition, 56% (n=14) out of 25 subjects who provided additional comments had suggested to include theemotional support to reduce their labour pain, fear and anxiety. Conclusion: Friendly and helpful nurses are part of the emotional support for labour. There- fore, it is recommended that a structured emotional laboursupport should be made availableto parturient mothers. Further research examining the effectiveness of the emotional support on the pain and satisfaction, nevertheless, is warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  10. Alikamali M, Khodabandeh S, Motesaddi M, Bagheri Z, Esmaeili MA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2020 May;27(3):93-104.
    PMID: 32684810 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.10
    Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are considered as a risk factor for mother and infant health. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the association between demographic characteristics and pregnancies with PPD and anxiety.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 Iranian women referring to health centres of the Zarand City four weeks to six months from the date of their childbirth, in the first half of 2018.

    Result: The results showed that employed women with pregnancies who were categorised as depression and anxiety were more likely to have low gestational age, food insecurity, several deliveries, cesarean delivery and unintended pregnancy as well as they were not satisfied with their infant's gender. Also, women with several deliveries had lower risk for PPD before and after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.97, P < 0.001) and had lower risk for postpartum anxiety only after adjustment for confounders (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75-0.89, P < 0.001).

    Conclusion: Eventually, demographic characteristics and attempting of pregnancy were independently associated with PPD and postpartum anxiety in women. There need to be more social and governmental support of employed women after delivery to decrease their occupational stresses to deal with PPD and anxiety in the studied population.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  11. Arbabi L, Baharuldin MT, Moklas MA, Fakurazi S, Muhammad SI
    Behav Brain Res, 2014 Sep 1;271:65-71.
    PMID: 24867329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.05.036
    Postpartum depression (PPD) is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in 10-15% of childbearing women. It is hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids, which are components of fish oil, may attenuate depression symptoms. In order to examine this hypothesis, the animal model of postpartum depression was established in the present study. Ovariectomized female rats underwent hormone-simulated pregnancy (HSP) regimen and received progesterone and estradiol benzoate or vehicle for 23 days, mimicking the actual rat's pregnancy. The days after hormone termination were considered as the postpartum period. Forced feeding of menhaden fish oil, as a source of omega-3, with three doses of 1, 3, and 9g/kg/d, fluoxetine 15mg/kg/d, and distilled water 2ml/d per rat started in five postpartum-induced and one vehicle group on postpartum day 1 and continued for 15 consecutive days. On postpartum day 15, all groups were tested in the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT), followed by a biochemical assay. Results showed that the postpartum-induced rats not treated with menhaden fish oil, exhibited an increase in immobility time seen in FST, hippocampal concentration of corticosterone and plasmatic level of corticosterone, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These depression-related effects were attenuated by supplementation of menhaden fish oil with doses of 3 and 9g/kg. Moreover, results of rats supplemented with menhaden fish oil were comparable to rats treated with the clinically effective antidepressant, fluoxetine. Taken together, these results suggest that menhaden fish oil, rich in omega-3, exerts beneficial effect on postpartum depression and decreases the biomarkers related to depression such as corticosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period/drug effects*; Postpartum Period/metabolism
  12. Attiq A, Jalil J, Husain K, Mohamad HF, Ahmad A
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2021 Jul 15;275:114120.
    PMID: 33857595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114120
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Numerous Alphonsea species including Alphonsea elliptica (mempisang) leaves and fruits are indigenously used in inflammatory conditions such as postpartum swelling and rheumatism in southeast Asian countries. In our previous in-vitro findings, A. elliptica methanol extract exhibited platelet-activating factor inhibition, suggesting the presence of phyto-constituents with anti-inflammatory potential.

    AIM OF THE STUDY: However, so far there is no literature available on the anti-inflammatory activity of this species. Henceforth, based on the above background and our previous laboratory findings, we hypothesize that phytoconstituents of A. elliptica could possess anti-inflammatory potential against inflammatory mediators including prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), cyclooxegenase-2 (COX-2) and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vacuum and column chromatography techniques were employed for the isolation of phytoconstituents. The structure elucidation was carried out using HRESI-MS, 1H and 13C-NMR analysis and compared with the published literature. For cytotoxicity analysis, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against the levels of PGE2, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay.

    RESULTS: Unprecedentedly, chromatographic purification of methanolic leaves extract afforded five flavones namely vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, schaftoside with three flavanols; kaempferol, myricetin and rutin from A elliptica. In cell viability analysis, isolates did not present cytotoxicity up to 50 μM. In anti-inflammatory evaluation, orientin and isoorientin exhibited strong (≥70%), while isovitexin and vitexin produced strong to moderate (50-69%) PGE2, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6 inhibition at 25 and 50 μM. Isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin showed significant (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  13. Azarisman SM, Liza RA, Radhiana H, Sujana SS, Maskon O, Rosli MA, et al.
    Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis, 2010 Sep;21(6):601-4.
    PMID: 20581659 DOI: 10.1097/MBC.0b013e32833c2b9f
    A 35-year-old multiparous woman was found unresponsive, tachypnoeic, hypoxic and in shock 4 h postpartum. The ECG revealed S1 Q3 T3, a right bundle branch block pattern and right-axis deviation. The computed tomography of her pulmonary arteries revealed bilateral pulmonary artery thrombosis with dilated right ventricle. She was fibrinolyzed with intravenous Tenecteplase 30 mg bolus. Her saturation and tachypnoea improved and her ECG reverted to sinus rhythm subsequently. We discuss our use of off-label Tenecteplase in postpartum pulmonary embolism and review the literature.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period*
  14. BROWNE AD
    Med J Malaysia, 1963 Jun;17:306-15.
    PMID: 14060509
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period*
  15. Banaei M, Alidost F, Ghasemi E, Dashti S
    J Obstet Gynaecol, 2020 Apr;40(3):411-418.
    PMID: 31537138 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1640191
    Childbirth is one of the most important influencing factors for sexual function. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of comparing sexual function in primiparous and multiparous women. This cross-sectional analytical study was performed using systematic random sampling on 420 women in the postpartum period who referred to Bandar Abbas health Centres in 2018. The data were collected using an interview method which consisted of a Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using the SPSS Version 23 software. The results showed that sexual dysfunction was lower in multiparous women compared to primiparous women (p = .006). Low sexual activity in primiparous women can be due to less privacy and more time and energy loss. Several factors including housing situation, monthly income, episiotomy incision, and the education level of the couple were influential in the sexual function of the primiparous women (p postpartum period and the number of deliveries can affect sexual performance.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Sexual function in humans is affected by a complexity of interactions. Childbirth is among the most one of the important factors that influences sexual function. Pregnancy and childbirth affect all organs of the female body, especially the genital tract, and the resulting changes may cause problems in sexual intercourse. Negative childbirth experiences from previous deliveries can affect sexual performance.What do the results of this study add? Regarding the high prevalence of sexual problems during the postpartum period and the direct impact of this on spousal relationship, and also given the controversial data on the relationship between parity and sexual dysfunction, the present study was conducted to compare postpartum sexual function between primiparous and multiparous women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The sexual and emotional intimacy of couples may be affected due to the changes in women's sexual function as the result of physiological and anatomical changes during pregnancy and postpartum. Therefore, to improve the quality of sexual relations, screening and counselling for sexual disorders should not be limited to pregnancy and postpartum periods, but should also be included in pre-pregnancy counselling centres.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  16. Banaei M, Kariman N, Ozgoli G, Nasiri M, Ghasemi V, Khiabani A, et al.
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2021 Apr;153(1):14-24.
    PMID: 33300122 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13523
    BACKGROUND: Dyspareunia is one of the most common postpartum sexual dysfunctions.

    OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia.

    SEARCH STRATEGY: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to July 2019 using keywords including 'perineal pain,' 'dyspareunia,' and 'sexual pain'.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: Observational studies on the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia were included.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently reviewed articles and extracted data. Study heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 index; publication bias by Egger and Begg tests.

    MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-two studies enrolling 11 457 women were included. Based on meta-analysis, the overall estimated prevalence of dyspareunia was 35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29%-41%). The prevalence was 42% (95% CI, 26%-60%) at 2 months, 43% (95% CI, 36%-50%) at 2-6 months, and 22% (95% CI, 15%-29%) at 6-12 months postpartum. Begg test showed no significant bias in data related to the prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia (p = 0.466).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of postpartum dyspareunia was 35% and decreased with increasing postpartum duration. Given the high prevalence and its impact on a woman's quality of life, special attention should be paid to this common complaint during the postpartum period.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period*
  17. Banaei M, Moridi A, Dashti S
    Mater Sociomed, 2018 Oct;30(3):198-203.
    PMID: 30515059 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2018.30.198-203
    Introduction: Considering physical and emotional changes affecting women's sexual function in postpartum period.

    Aim: This study was conducted to determine the sexual dysfunction and postpartum-related factors in Bandar Abbas women in 2016.

    Material and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study used systematic random sampling on 432 postpartum women referred to Bandar Abbas Healthcare Centers. Data were collected by Demographic and Obstetrics Questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire through interview and were analyzed by using SPSS ver.22 method.

    Results: The overall rate of sexual dysfunction was reported 85.95%. The most common postpartum sexual dysfunction was pain sexual dysfunction during sexual intercourse. The mean score of all types of sexual dysfunction increased over time after delivery except sexual satisfaction so that the mean score of sexual satisfaction did not show significant differences over time. There was a significant relationship between sexual dysfunction with factors such as duration of marriage (p< 0.001), number of children (p<0.001), familial relationship (p=0.028), episiotomy status (P=0.002) and contraceptive method (p=0.001).

    Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of sexual disorders in this study, healthcare systems need to pay more attention to this area. In order to promote the health status of the family and ultimate of the society, attention to sexual health as well as the early diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction of couples are important, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  18. Bassoumah, B., Adam, M.A.
    JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):32-38.
    MyJurnal
    The study aimed at government efforts in making maternal and child healthcare services more available to
    rural women, many of whom who still seek care from traditional practitioners during the postpartum period
    after childbirth. In this research, we explored the role of traditional practitioners, such as Traditional Birth
    Attendants (TBAs), herbalists and spiritualists, in traditional maternity care and the implications for the health
    of the expectant mother, foetus or baby. This qualitative inquiry used purposive sampling and snowballing to
    select the respondents in their various localities. It was observed that the traditional practitioners performed
    both spiritual and medical roles during pregnancy and childbirth.
    In the study, we discovered that both mothers and babies were exposed to health risks, as administration
    of the herbal medicines and assistance at deliveries were carried out under unhygienic conditions. The
    techniques used in labour management were not in compliance with the recommendations of the World
    Health Organisation. The stages of maternity were characterised with the application of herbal concoctions
    with spirituality attached.
    The study recommends re-examination of mediating socio-cultural factors to professional health care. There
    is a need for the Ghana Health Service to ensure the efficacy and safety of herbal drugs as well as to monitor
    the production and application of such medicines.
    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  19. Caudwell-Hall J, Kamisan Atan I, Guzman Rojas R, Langer S, Shek KL, Dietz HP
    Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2018 10;219(4):379.e1-379.e8.
    PMID: 30063899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.07.022
    BACKGROUND: Trauma to the perineum, levator ani complex, and anal sphincter is common during vaginal childbirth, but often clinically underdiagnosed, and many women are unaware of the potential for long-term damage.

    OBJECTIVE: In this study we use transperineal ultrasound to identify how many women will achieve a normal vaginal delivery without substantial damage to the levator ani or anal sphincter muscles, and to create a model to predict patient characteristics associated with successful atraumatic normal vaginal delivery.

    STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective, secondary analysis of data sets gathered in the context of an interventional perinatal imaging study. A total of 660 primiparas, carrying an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy, underwent an antepartum and postpartum interview, vaginal exam (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification), and 4-dimensional translabial ultrasound. Ultrasound data were analyzed for levator trauma and/or overdistention and residual sphincter defects. Postprocessing analysis of ultrasound volumes was performed blinded against clinical data and analyzed against obstetric data retrieved from the local maternity database. Levator avulsion was diagnosed if the muscle insertion at the inferior pubic ramus at the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions and within 5 mm above this plane on tomographic ultrasound imaging was abnormal, ie the muscle was disconnected from the inferior pubic ramus. Hiatal overdistensibility (microtrauma) was diagnosed if there was a peripartum increase in hiatal area on Valsalva by >20% with the resultant area ≥25 cm2. A sphincter defect was diagnosed if a gap of >30 degrees was seen in ≥4 of 6 tomographic ultrasound imaging slices bracketing the external anal sphincter. Two models were tested: a first model that defines severe pelvic floor trauma as either obstetric anal sphincter injury or levator avulsion, and a second, more conservative model, that also included microtrauma.

    RESULTS: A total of 504/660 women (76%) returned for postpartum follow-up as described previously. In all, 21 patients were excluded due to inadequate data or intercurrent pregnancy, leaving 483 women for analysis. Model 1 defined nontraumatic vaginal delivery as excluding operative delivery, obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and sonographic evidence of levator avulsion or residual sphincter defect. Model 2 also excluded microtrauma. Of 483 women, 112 (23%) had a cesarean delivery, 103 (21%) had an operative vaginal delivery, and 17 (4%) had a third-/fourth-degree tear, leaving 251 women who could be said to have had a normal vaginal delivery. On ultrasound, in model 1, 27 women (6%) had an avulsion and 31 (6%) had a residual defect, leaving 193/483 (40%) who met the criteria for atraumatic normal vaginal delivery. In model 2, an additional 33 women (7%) had microtrauma, leaving only 160/483 (33%) women who met the criteria for atraumatic normal vaginal delivery. On multivariate analysis, younger age and earlier gestation at time of delivery remained highly significant as predictors of atraumatic normal vaginal delivery in both models, with increased hiatal area on Valsalva also significant in model 2 (all P ≤ .035).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of significant pelvic floor trauma after vaginal child birth is much higher than generally assumed. Rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury are often underestimated and levator avulsion is not included as a consequence of vaginal birth in most obstetric text books. In this study less than half (33-40%) of primiparous women achieved an atraumatic normal vaginal delivery.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
  20. Caudwell-Hall J, Kamisan Atan I, Brown C, Guzman Rojas R, Langer S, Shek KL, et al.
    Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2018 Jun;97(6):751-757.
    PMID: 29393505 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13315
    INTRODUCTION: Levator trauma is a risk factor for the development of pelvic organ prolapse. We aimed to identify antenatal predictors for significant damage to the levator ani muscle during a first vaginal delivery.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study utilizing data from two studies with identical inclusion criteria and assessment protocols between 2005 and 2014. A total of 1148 primiparae with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy were recruited and assessed with translabial ultrasound at 36 weeks antepartum and 871 (76%) returned for reassessment 3-6 months postpartum. The ultrasound data of vaginally parous women were analyzed for levator avulsion and microtrauma. The former was diagnosed if the muscle insertion at the inferior pubic ramus in the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions and within 5 mm above were abnormal on tomographic ultrasound imaging. Microtrauma was diagnosed in women with an intact levator and if there was a postpartum increase in hiatal area on Valsalva by >20% with the resultant area ≥25 cm2 .

    RESULTS: The complete datasets of 844 women were analyzed. Among them, 609 delivered vaginally: by normal vaginal delivery in 452 (54%), a vacuum birth in 102 (12%) and a forceps delivery in 55 (6%). Levator avulsion was diagnosed in 98 and microtrauma in 97. On multivariate analysis, increasing maternal age, lower body mass index and lower bladder neck descent were associated with avulsion. Increased bladder neck descent and a family history of cesarean section (CS) were associcated with microtrauma.

    CONCLUSIONS: Maternal age, body mass index, bladder neck descent and family history of CS are antenatal predictors for levator trauma.

    Matched MeSH terms: Postpartum Period
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