Lynn M. Yee

The role of the social network in contraceptive decision-making among young, African American and Latina Women

PURPOSE Understanding reasons for contraception decisions is critical to improving our ability to reduce rates of unintended pregnancies. We used an in-depth qualitative approach to examine the contraceptive decision-making process, with special attention to the role of the social network, among a group of young, postpartum urban minority women. METHODS Brief surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 consenting postpartum women. In-person one-on-one interviews were then reviewed for themes using an iterative process. Qualitative analysis techniques identifying emergent themes were applied to interview data. RESULTS In this cohort of African American (63%) and Hispanic (37%) women (median age, 26), 73% had unplanned pregnancies. The social network, including friends, mothers, and partners, were key sources of contraception myths, misconceptions, and vicarious experiences. Women also utilized media, including the internet, as an additional source of information. Information relayed by the social network had a direct influence on contraceptive decisions for many women. CONCLUSIONS The experiences and opinions of the social network influence contraceptive decisions in this population of young, minority women. The social network, including friends, family members, and media sources, is a key source of contraceptive information for many women. Comprehensive contraception counseling should explore the experiences and opinions of the patients social network to the extent possible.

Weight gain in pregnancy: does the Institute of Medicine have it right?

OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine whether women who adhered to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for gestational weight gain (GWG) had improved perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN This is a population-based retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women with term singleton vertex births in the United States from 2011 through 2012. Women with medical or obstetric complications were excluded. Prepregnancy body mass index was calculated using reported weight and height. Women were categorized into 4 groups based on GWG and prepregnancy body mass index: (1) weight gain less than, (2) weight gain within, (3) weight gain 1-19 lb in excess of, and (4) weight gain ≥20 lb in excess of the IOM guidelines. The χ(2) test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS Compared to women who had GWG within the IOM guidelines, women with excessive weight gain, particularly ≥20 lb, were more likely to have adverse maternal outcomes (preeclampsia: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.82-2.93; eclampsia: aOR, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.27-2.78; cesarean: aOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 2.14-2.19), blood transfusion (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.33), and neonatal outcomes (5-minute Apgar <4: aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31; ventilation use >6 hours: aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15-1.33; seizure: aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.24-1.89). Women who gained less than IOM guidelines had lower risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and obstetric interventions but were more likely to have small-for-gestational-age neonates (aOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.52-1.59). CONCLUSION Women whose GWG is in excess of IOM guidelines have higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in women with ≥20 lb excess weight gain above guidelines while women who had weight gain below the IOM guidelines were less likely to have maternal morbidity but had higher odds of small for gestational age.

Delays in request for pregnancy termination: comparison of patients in the first and second trimesters

BACKGROUND Despite the availability of first trimester abortion services in urban settings, many women request abortion in the second trimester. We identified protective and risk factors associated with women who delay requesting abortions until the second trimester. STUDY DESIGN The study was a cross-sectional survey of 247 patients requesting surgical abortion at an urban family planning clinic. Survey and medical records data were analyzed for associations between 18 risk factors and incidence of second trimester request. RESULTS Thirty-two percent of subjects presented in the second trimester. Chi-square analyses revealed that first trimester participants were more often employed (p<.0001), privately insured (p=.01), or had previous abortions (p=.04). Second trimester patients were younger (p<.0001), more often primigravid (p=.04), experienced more difficulty financing the procedure (p<.0001) and finding a surgeon (p<.0001), traveled longer distances (p=.005), and more often feared the procedure (p=.03). Using multiple logistic regression, women requesting second trimester abortions were more likely to report: obstacles financing the abortion (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.28-4.28); traveling long distances (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.31-6.31); and fear (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.17-5.17). These women were less often employed outside the home (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.64). CONCLUSIONS Physicians and advocates must strive to reduce abortion costs, increase access to trained surgeons, and allay womens fears of abortion procedures.

Effect of gestational weight gain on perinatal outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus using the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines

OBJECTIVE We sought to examine associations between gestational weight gain according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and perinatal outcomes in overweight/obese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study of 2310 women with T2DM enrolled in the California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program. Gestational weight gain was categorized by 2009 IOM guidelines. Perinatal outcomes were assessed using the χ(2) test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS With excessive gestational weight gain, the odds of having large-for-gestational age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-3.00) or macrosomic (aOR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.56-4.30) neonates and cesarean delivery (aOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10) was higher. Women with excessive gestational weight gain per week had increased odds of preterm delivery (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.11-2.20). CONCLUSION In overweight or obese women with T2DM, gestational weight gain greater than the revised IOM guidelines was associated with higher odds of perinatal morbidity, suggesting these guidelines are applicable to a diabetic population.

Urban Minority Women's Perceptions of and Preferences for Postpartum Contraceptive Counseling

INTRODUCTION Focused antenatal contraceptive counseling about postpartum contraception may reduce the risk of contraceptive nonuse and misuse, although the optimal timing, content, and communication style of such counseling remain controversial. This study used an in-depth, qualitative approach in a population of young, postpartum, urban, minority group women in order to examine womens perspectives toward the optimal provision of comprehensive contraceptive counseling. METHODS Brief surveys and semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 consenting postpartum women. In-person, one-on-one interviews were then reviewed for themes, by using an iterative process. Qualitative analysis techniques identifying emergent themes were applied to interview data. RESULTS In this cohort of African American (63%) and Hispanic (37%) women (median age 26 y), 73% had unplanned pregnancies. Women preferred frequent, short sessions of provider-initiated comprehensive contraceptive counseling throughout the antepartum period with reinforcement of decisions during the postpartum period. Participants valued patient-centered counseling that was inclusive of all appropriate methods and personalized to individual needs. DISCUSSION We recommend that frequent, provider-initiated, multiple-modality discussions of appropriate postpartum contraceptive options should take place throughout pregnancy in an open, individualized manner. Further work should address the long-term effects of improved patient-centered antenatal contraceptive counseling on rates of unintended pregnancy.

False-positive amphetamine toxicology screen results in three pregnant women using labetalol.

BACKGROUND: Labetalol is commonly used for control of hypertension in pregnancy. A component of the workup for new-onset hypertension in pregnancy often includes a urine drug screen. A labetalol metabolite is structurally similar to amphetamine and methamphetamine, thus causing potential cross-reactivity in drug immunoassays. CASES: We present one case of cocaine-induced hypertensive crisis superimposed on chronic hypertension and two cases of severe preeclampsia for which patients required escalating doses of labetalol for hypertension, with subsequent false-positive amphetamine urine drug screen results. CONCLUSION: In pregnant women requiring labetalol for treatment of hypertensive disease, a urine drug screen may be falsely positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines. Providers should be cognizant of this possibility when interpreting the results of urine drug screens.

Mode of delivery and postpartum depression: The role of patient preferences

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between strength of preference for vaginal delivery, delivery mode undergone, and postpartum depression. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study of delivery-mode preferences. During an interview between 24-36 weeks of gestation, participants were asked whether they preferred vaginal or cesarean delivery; the strength of this preference was measured by the standard gamble metric. Depression was assessed antepartum and at 8-10 weeks and 6-8 months after delivery by using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The primary outcome was PHQ-9 score at 8-10 weeks after delivery. We used multivariable regression analysis to assess the effect of strength of preference for vaginal delivery and delivery mode undergone on postpartum depression. RESULTS Of 160 participants, 33.1% were nulliparous, and 30.6% had a previous cesarean delivery. Most of the participants (92.4%) preferred vaginal delivery, but the strength of preference varied substantially. The mean strength-of-preference score (0-1 scale; higher scores denote stronger vaginal delivery preference) was 0.658 (SD, ±0.352). A significant interaction emerged between the effects of delivery mode and vaginal delivery preference score on postpartum PHQ-9 score (P = .047). Specifically, a stronger preference for vaginal delivery was associated with higher PHQ-9 scores among women who underwent cesarean delivery (P = .027) but not among women who underwent vaginal delivery (P = .761). The interaction between delivery mode and vaginal delivery preference score was no longer significant at 6-8 months after delivery. CONCLUSION Women who have a strong antepartum preference for vaginal delivery and deliver by cesarean may be at increased risk for depression in the early postpartum period.

Gestational weight loss and perinatal outcomes in overweight and obese women subsequent to diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus

To investigate whether gestational weight loss (GWL) after the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in overweight and obese women is associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Obesity and GDM are risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes, but few studies have investigated weight loss during pregnancy in women with these comorbidities.

Predictors of Postpartum Sexual Activity and Function in a Diverse Population of Women

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of postpartum sexual activity and functioning in a diverse population of women using the Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire (SHOW-Q). METHODS This was a prospective study of 160 postpartum women assessing relationships between demographic factors, mode of birth, depression, breastfeeding, and sexual activity and function. Questionnaires were administered over the telephone 8 to 10 weeks postpartum and in person 6 to 8 months postpartum. Primary outcomes were sexual activity at 8 to 10 weeks postpartum and global and subscale SHOW-Q scores at 6 to 8 months postpartum; the primary predictor was mode of birth. Associations were assessed using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Seventy-five percent of this population (n = 140 at 8-10 weeks, n = 129 at 6-8 months) gave birth vaginally, and 60.7% resumed sexual activity by 8 to 10 weeks postpartum. Only multiparity was associated with increased odds of having resumed sexual activity by 8 to 10 weeks postpartum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.44; P = .03), whereas older age was associated with decreased odds (aOR, 0.92; P = .02) of having resumed sexual activity. Women who were depressed (effect estimate, -13.3; P = .01), older (-1.1, P = .01), or exclusively breastfeeding (-16.5, P < .001) had significantly poorer sexual satisfaction, whereas multiparous women reported better sexual satisfaction (11.1, P = .03). A significant relationship between mode of birth and SHOW-Q scores did not emerge, although we did observe a trend toward lower SHOW-Q scores among women who underwent cesarean compared with those giving birth vaginally. DISCUSSION Multiparity and younger age predict early resumption of sexual activity, whereas depression and breastfeeding are associated with poorer postpartum sexual functioning. The relationship between mode of birth and resumed sexual activity or postpartum sexual function remains uncertain.

50-Gram glucose challenge test: is it indicative of outcomes in women without gestational diabetes mellitus?

Objective. To examine whether the 50-gram glucose challenge test (GCT) is associated with perinatal outcomes in women without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of 13,789 women who received the GCT and did not have a diagnosis of GDM at the University of California, San Francisco UCSF. GCT values were categorized and examined as predictors of perinatal morbidity using chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for maternal characteristics. Results. In women with an elevated GCT but without GDM, the odds of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and elevated birth weight were increased. The odds of large-for-gestational age status were increased with aOR 2.0 (95% CI 1.38–2.90) in the 160–179 mg/dl group. The odds of shoulder dystocia was increased with aOR 3.35 (CI 1.03–10.88) in the ≥180mg/dl group. Conclusion. In women without GDM, elevated 50-gram GCT values were associated with higher odds of perinatal morbidity. These findings further support evidence that impaired glucose tolerance is a continuum with possible associated adverse outcomes even at mild ranges; additional research is required to investigate appropriate interventions for women with abnormal screens for GDM.