-
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Aug 2016This study aimed to systematically review the articles on factors affecting sexual function during menopause. Searching articles indexed in Pubmed, Science Direct,... (Review)
Review
This study aimed to systematically review the articles on factors affecting sexual function during menopause. Searching articles indexed in Pubmed, Science Direct, Iranmedex, EMBASE, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database databases, a total number of 42 studies published between 2003 and 2013 were selected. Age, estrogen deficiency, type of menopause, chronic medical problems, partner's sex problems, severity of menopause symptoms, dystocia history, and health status were the physical factors influencing sexual function of menopausal women. There were conflicting results regarding the amount of androgens, hormonal therapy, exercise/physical activity, and obstetric history. In the mental-emotional area, all studies confirmed the impact of depression and anxiety. Social factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, the quality of relationship with husband, partner's loyalty, sexual knowledge, access to health care, a history of divorce or the death of a husband, living apart from a spouse, and a negative understanding of women's health were found to affect sexual function; however, there were conflicting results regarding the effects of education, occupation, socioeconomic status, marital duration, and frequency of sexual intercourse.
Topics: Age Factors; Anxiety; Depression; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Sexual Partners; Spouses
PubMed: 27590367
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2016.06.001 -
Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare :... Jun 2023To identify maternal factors associated with labor dystocia in low-risk nulliparous women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify maternal factors associated with labor dystocia in low-risk nulliparous women.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched for intervention studies and observational studies published from January 2000 to January 2022. Low-risk was defined as nulliparous women with a singleton, cephalic birth in spontaneous labor at term. Labor dystocia was defined by national or international criteria or treatment. Countries were restricted to OECD members. Two authors independently screened 11,374 titles and abstracts, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results were presented narratively and by meta-analysis when compatible.
RESULTS
Seven cohort studies were included. Overall, the certainty of the evidence was moderate. Three studies found that higher maternal age was associated with an increased frequency of labor dystocia (relative risk 1.68; 95% CI 1.43-1.98). Further three studies found that higher maternal BMI was associated with increased frequency of labor dystocia (relative risk 1.20; 95% CI 1.01-1.43). Maternal short stature, fear of childbirth, and high caffeine intake were also associated with an increased frequency of labor dystocia, while maternal physical activity was associated with a decreased frequency.
CONCLUSION
Maternal factors associated with an increased frequency of labor dystocia were mainly maternal age, physical characteristics, and fear of childbirth. Maternal physical activity was associated with a decreased frequency. Intervention studies targeting these maternal factors would need to be initiated before or early in pregnancy to test the causality of the identified factors and labor dystocia.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cesarean Section; Dystocia; Maternal Age; Delivery, Obstetric; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37210774
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100855 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2022An episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed obstetrics surgeries indicated in emergencies during the second stage of labor like fetal distress, dystocia, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
An episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed obstetrics surgeries indicated in emergencies during the second stage of labor like fetal distress, dystocia, and tight perineum. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of episiotomy practice and associated factors in Ethiopia. Ten cross-sectional studies with a total population of 3718 were included in this study. The search was done using online databases like PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, other gray, and online repositories of Universities. All the included papers were extracted and appraised using the standard extraction sheet format of JOANNA Briggs Institute. The Cochran Q-test and statistics test were used to test the heterogeneity of studies. To detect the publication bias of the included studies, a funnel plot and Egger's test were used. The pooled prevalence of episiotomy practice and the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were presented using forest plots. The overall pooled prevalence of episiotomy practice was 45.11% (95% CI; 37.04-53.18; = 96.3%). Prolonged second stage of labor (OR: 4.79, 95% CI: 3.03, 7.57), face presentation (OR: 4.26, 95% CI: 1.21, 15.07), birth weight > 4000 g (OR: 6.71, 95% CI: 3.14-14.33), instrumental delivery (OR: 4.26, 95% CI 2.95, 6.14), and primiparity (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.90, 7.2) were factors associated with episiotomy practice. The overall prevalence of episiotomy practice was higher in Ethiopia compared to studies conducted in other countries. The prolonged second stage of labor, face presentation, birth weight > 4000 g, instrumental delivery, and primiparity of women were the factors associated with episiotomy practice. Therefore, efforts should be made to prevent routine episiotomy practice through creating awareness, adjusting national guidelines, affecting the World Health Organization episiotomy policy, and monitoring the activities of the health care facilities in executing the protocols.
Topics: Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Episiotomy; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Prevalence
PubMed: 35435068
DOI: 10.1177/17455057221091659 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Jun 2021To assess the comparative effectiveness and potential harms of cervical ripening in the outpatient compared with the inpatient setting, or different methods of ripening... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the comparative effectiveness and potential harms of cervical ripening in the outpatient compared with the inpatient setting, or different methods of ripening in the outpatient setting alone.
DATA SOURCES
Searches for articles in English included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists (up to August 2020).
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
Using predefined criteria and DistillerSR software, 10,853 citations were dual-reviewed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies of outpatient cervical ripening using prostaglandins and mechanical methods in pregnant women at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Using prespecified criteria, study data abstraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two reviewers, random-effects meta-analyses were conducted and strength of evidence was assessed. We included 30 RCTs and 10 cohort studies (N=9,618) most generalizable to women aged 25-30 years with low-risk pregnancies. All findings were low or insufficient strength of evidence and not statistically significant. Incidence of cesarean delivery was not different for any comparison of inpatient and outpatient settings, or comparisons of different methods in the outpatient setting (most evidence available for single-balloon catheters and dinoprostone). Harms were inconsistently reported or inadequately defined. Differences were not found for neonatal infection (eg, sepsis) with outpatient compared with inpatient dinoprostone, birth trauma (eg, cephalohematoma) with outpatient compared with inpatient single-balloon catheter, shoulder dystocia with outpatient dinoprostone compared with placebo, maternal infection (eg, chorioamnionitis) with outpatient compared with inpatient single-balloon catheters or outpatient prostaglandins compared with placebo, and postpartum hemorrhage with outpatient catheter compared with inpatient dinoprostone. Evidence on misoprostol, hygroscopic dilators, and other outcomes (eg, perinatal mortality and time to vaginal birth) was insufficient.
CONCLUSION
In women with low-risk pregnancies, outpatient cervical ripening with dinoprostone or single-balloon catheters did not increase cesarean deliveries. Although there were no clear differences in harms when comparing outpatient with inpatient cervical ripening, the certainty of evidence is low or insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42020167406.
Topics: Ambulatory Care; Catheters; Cervical Ripening; Cesarean Section; Dilatation; Dinoprostone; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Labor, Induced; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocics; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33752219
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004382 -
AJOG Global Reports Nov 2022Despite its worldwide use, reviews of oxytocin for labor augmentation include mainly studies from high-income countries. Meanwhile, oxytocin is a potentially harmful... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Despite its worldwide use, reviews of oxytocin for labor augmentation include mainly studies from high-income countries. Meanwhile, oxytocin is a potentially harmful medication and risks may be higher in low-resource settings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of practices, benefits, and risks of oxytocin for labor augmentation in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Index Medicus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for publications until January 1, 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All studies evaluating oxytocin augmentation rates were included. To investigate benefits and risks, randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing oxytocin augmentation with placebo or no oxytocin were included. To explore risks more broadly, cohort and case-control studies were also included.
METHODS
Data were extracted and quality-assessed by 2 researchers using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Generic inverse variance outcome and a random-effects model were used. Adjusted or crude effect measures with 95% confidence intervals were used.
RESULTS
In total, 42 studies were included, presenting data from 885 health facilities in 25 low- and lower-middle-income countries (124,643 women). Rates of oxytocin for labor augmentation varied from 0.7% to 97.0%, exceeding 30% in 14 countries. Four studies investigated timing of oxytocin for augmentation and found that 89.5% (2745) of labors augmented with oxytocin did not cross the partograph's action line. Four cohort and 7 case-control studies assessed perinatal outcomes. Meta-analysis revealed that oxytocin was associated with: stillbirth and day-1 neonatal mortality (relative risk, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.06; N=84,077; 6 studies); low Apgar score (relative risk, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.96; N=80,157; 4 studies); neonatal resuscitation (relative risk, 2.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-3.88; N=86,750; 3 studies); and neonatal encephalopathy (relative risk, 2.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-4.49; N=1383; 2 studies). No studies assessed effects on cesarean birth rate and uterine rupture.
CONCLUSION
This review discloses a concerning level of oxytocin use, including in labors that often did not fulfill criteria for dystocia. Although this finding is limited by confounding by indication, oxytocin seems associated with increased perinatal risks, which are likely mediated by inadequate fetal monitoring. We call for cautious use on clear indications and robust implementation research to support evidence-based guidelines for labor augmentation, particularly in low-resource settings.
PubMed: 36387299
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2022.100123 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) Oct 2018How is endometriosis associated with adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY QUESTION
How is endometriosis associated with adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Women with endometriosis are at elevated risk for serious and important adverse maternal (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta praevia and Cesarean section) and fetal or neonatal outcomes (preterm birth, PPROM, small for gestational age, stillbirth and neonatal death).
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
A number of studies have shown an association between endometriosis and certain adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, but the results have been conflicting with potential for confounding by the use of assisted reproductive technology.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (1 January 1990-31 December 2017) that evaluated the effect of endometriosis on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes was conducted.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Studies were considered for inclusion if they were prospective or retrospective cohort or case-control studies; included women greater than 20 weeks gestational age with endometriosis; included a control group of gravid women without endometriosis; and, reported at least one of the outcomes of interest. Each study was reviewed for inclusion, data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
The search strategy identified 33 studies (sample size, n = 3 280 488) for inclusion. Compared with women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis had higher odds of pre-eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18 [1.01-1.39]), gestational hypertension and/or pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.21 [1.05-1.39]), gestational diabetes (OR = 1.26 [1.03-1.55]), gestational cholestasis (OR = 4.87 [1.85-12.83]), placenta praevia (OR = 3.31 [2.37, 4.63]), antepartum hemorrhage (OR = 1.69 [1.38-2.07]), antepartum hospital admissions (OR = 3.18 [2.60-3.87]), malpresentation (OR = 1.71 [1.34, 2.18]), labor dystocia (OR = 1.45 [1.04-2.01]) and cesarean section (OR = 1.86 [1.51-2.29]). Fetuses and neonates of women with endometriosis were also more likely to have preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR = 2.33 [1.39-3.90]), preterm birth (OR = 1.70 [1.40-2.06]), small for gestational age <10th% (OR = 1.28 [1.11-1.49]), NICU admission (OR = 1.39 [1.08-1.78]), stillbirth (OR = 1.29 [1.10, 1.52]) and neonatal death (MOR = 1.78 [1.46-2.16]). Among the subgroup of women who conceived spontaneously, endometriosis was found to be associated with placenta praevia, cesarean section, preterm birth and low birth weight. Among the subgroup of women who conceived with the use of assisted reproductive technology, endometriosis was found to be associated with placenta praevia and preterm birth.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
As with any systematic review, the review is limited by the quality of the included studies. The diagnosis for endometriosis and the selection of comparison groups were not uniform across studies. However, the effect of potential misclassification would be bias towards the null hypothesis.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The association between endometriosis with the important and serious pregnancy outcomes observed in our meta-analysis, in particular stillbirth and neonatal death, is concerning and warrants further studies to elucidate the mechanisms for the observed findings.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
Dr Shifana Lalani is supported by a Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation Research Grant, and Dr Innie Chen is supported by a University of Ottawa Clinical Research Chair in Reproductive Population Health and Health Services. Dr Singh declares conflicts of interests with Bayer, Abvie, Allergan and Cooper Surgical. All other authors have no conflicts of interests to declare.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42015013911.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cesarean Section; Diabetes, Gestational; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Perinatal Death; Placenta Previa; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Stillbirth
PubMed: 30239732
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey269 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2023Women with a suspected large-for-dates fetus or a fetus with suspected macrosomia (birthweight greater than 4000 g) are at risk of operative birth or caesarean section.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Women with a suspected large-for-dates fetus or a fetus with suspected macrosomia (birthweight greater than 4000 g) are at risk of operative birth or caesarean section. The baby is also at increased risk of shoulder dystocia and trauma, in particular fractures and brachial plexus injury. Induction of labour may reduce these risks by decreasing the birthweight, but may also lead to longer labours and an increased risk of caesarean section.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of a policy of labour induction at or shortly before term (37 to 40 weeks) for suspected fetal macrosomia on the way of giving birth and maternal or perinatal morbidity.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016), contacted trial authors and searched reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of induction of labour for suspected fetal macrosomia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We contacted study authors for additional information. For key outcomes the quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four trials, involving 1190 women. It was not possible to blind women and staff to the intervention, but for other 'Risk of bias' domains these studies were assessed as being at low or unclear risk of bias. Compared to expectant management, there was no clear effect of induction of labour for suspected macrosomia on the risk of caesarean section (risk ratio (RR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 1.09; 1190 women; four trials, moderate-quality evidence) or instrumental delivery (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.13; 1190 women; four trials, low-quality evidence). Shoulder dystocia (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.98; 1190 women; four trials, moderate-quality evidence), and fracture (any) (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.79; 1190 women; four studies, high-quality evidence) were reduced in the induction of labour group. There were no clear differences between groups for brachial plexus injury (two events were reported in the control group in one trial, low-quality evidence). There was no strong evidence of any difference between groups for measures of neonatal asphyxia; low five-minute infant Apgar scores (less than seven) or low arterial cord blood pH (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.25 to 9.02; 858 infants; two trials, low-quality evidence; and, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.22; 818 infants; one trial, moderate-quality evidence, respectively). Mean birthweight was lower in the induction group, but there was considerable heterogeneity between studies for this outcome (mean difference (MD) -178.03 g, 95% CI -315.26 to -40.81; 1190 infants; four studies; I = 89%). For outcomes assessed using GRADE, we based our downgrading decisions on high risk of bias from lack of blinding and imprecision of effect estimates.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Induction of labour for suspected fetal macrosomia has not been shown to alter the risk of brachial plexus injury, but the power of the included studies to show a difference for such a rare event is limited. Also antenatal estimates of fetal weight are often inaccurate so many women may be worried unnecessarily, and many inductions may not be needed. Nevertheless, induction of labour for suspected fetal macrosomia results in a lower mean birthweight, and fewer birth fractures and shoulder dystocia. The observation of increased use of phototherapy in the largest trial, should also be kept in mind. Findings from trials included in the review suggest that to prevent one fracture it would be necessary to induce labour in 60 women. Since induction of labour does not appear to alter the rate of caesarean delivery or instrumental delivery, it is likely to be popular with many women. In settings where obstetricians can be reasonably confident about their scan assessment of fetal weight, the advantages and disadvantages of induction at or near term for fetuses suspected of being macrosomic should be discussed with parents. Although some parents and doctors may feel the evidence already justifies induction, others may justifiably disagree. Further trials of induction shortly before term for suspected fetal macrosomia are needed. Such trials should concentrate on refining the optimum gestation of induction, and improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of macrosomia.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cesarean Section; Fetal Macrosomia; Birth Weight; Shoulder Dystocia; Fetal Weight; Labor, Induced
PubMed: 36884238
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000938.pub3 -
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome Oct 2022To assess the impact of long-acting insulin analogues, compared to intermediate acting neutral protamine Hagedron (NPH), on maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. (Review)
Review
Maternal and neonatal outcomes with the use of long acting, compared to intermediate acting basal insulin (NPH) for managing diabetes during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
To assess the impact of long-acting insulin analogues, compared to intermediate acting neutral protamine Hagedron (NPH), on maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes.
METHODS
Studies for inclusion in the review were identified using a structured search strategy in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) database. Studies that were randomized controlled trials or observational in design were considered for inclusion. Eligible studies should have compared the maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes between pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) managed by intermediate acting (NPH) and by long-acting insulin analogues. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software.
RESULTS
We found 17 studies to be eligible for inclusion. The mean gestational weight gain and risk of maternal hypoglycaemia, hypertensive disorder, caesarean delivery, spontaneous abortion, endometritis and wound infection or dehiscence were similar among pregnant women with GDM managed using long-acting insulin analogues and NPH. Those receiving long-acting insulin analogues had significantly lower HbA1c values in the second (WMD - .09, 95% CI 0.12, - 0.06; N = 4) and third trimester (WMD - 0.08, 95% CI - 0.14, - 0.02; N = 12). The mean gestational age and birth weight and risk of perinatal mortality, prematurity, large for gestational age, small for gestational age, shoulder dystocia and congenital abnormalities was similar among babies in both groups. No statistically significant differences in risk of admission to neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress, neonatal hypoglycaemia, 5 min APGAR score of < 7, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and sepsis was observed. The quality of pooled evidence, as per GRADE criteria, was judged to be "very low" for all the maternal and neonatal outcomes considered.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest no significant differences in the maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes between intermediate and long-acting insulin analogues. The results provide support for use of long-acting insulin analogues in women with GDM. However, evidence is still needed from high quality randomized controlled trials to arrive at a recommendation for inclusion in routine clinical care.
PubMed: 36271431
DOI: 10.1186/s13098-022-00925-7 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022Asynclitism, the most feared malposition of the fetal head during labor, still represents to date an unresolved field of interest, remaining one of the most common... (Review)
Review
Asynclitism, the most feared malposition of the fetal head during labor, still represents to date an unresolved field of interest, remaining one of the most common causes of prolonged or obstructed labor, dystocia, assisted delivery, and cesarean section. Traditionally asynclitism is diagnosed by vaginal examination, which is, however, burdened by a high grade of bias. On the contrary, the recent scientific evidence highly suggests the use of intrapartum ultrasonography, which would be more accurate and reliable when compared to the vaginal examination for malposition assessment. The early detection and characterization of asynclitism by intrapartum ultrasound would become a valid tool for intrapartum evaluation. In this way, it will be possible for physicians to opt for the safest way of delivery according to an accurate definition of the fetal head position and station, avoiding unnecessary operative procedures and medication while improving fetal and maternal outcomes. This review re-evaluated the literature of the last 30 years on asynclitism, focusing on the progressive imposition of ultrasound as an intrapartum diagnostic tool. All the evidence emerging from the literature is presented and evaluated from our point of view, describing the most employed technique and considering the future implication of the progressive worldwide consolidation of asynclitism and ultrasound.
PubMed: 36553005
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122998 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2023The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends treatment and management of gestational diabetes (GD) through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends treatment and management of gestational diabetes (GD) through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) to inform timely treatment decisions. To expand the evidence base of WHO's guideline on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review of SMBG among pregnant individuals with GD.
SETTING
Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, and EMBASE for publications through November 2020 comparing SMBG with clinic-based monitoring during antenatal care (ANC) globally.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
We extracted data using standardized forms and summarized maternal and newborn findings using random effects meta-analysis in GRADE evidence tables. We also reviewed studies on values, preferences, and costs of SMBG.
RESULTS
We identified 6 studies examining SMBG compared to routine ANC care, 5 studies on values and preferences, and 1 study on costs. Nearly all were conducted in Europe and North America. Moderate-certainty evidence from 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that SMBG as part of a package of interventions for GD treatment was associated with lower rates of preeclampsia, lower mean birthweight, fewer infants born large for gestational age, fewer infants with macrosomia, and lower rates of shoulder dystocia. There was no difference between groups in self-efficacy, preterm birth, C-section, mental health, stillbirth, or respiratory distress. No studies measured placenta previa, long-term complications, device-related issues, or social harms. Most end-users supported SMBG, motivated by health benefits, convenience, ease of use, and increased confidence. Health workers acknowledged SMBG's convenience but were wary of technical problems. One study found SMBG by pregnant individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes was associated with decreased costs for hospital admission and length of stay.
CONCLUSION
SMBG during pregnancy is feasible and acceptable, and when combined in a package of GD interventions, is generally associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, research from resource-limited settings is needed.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021233862.
PubMed: 37293246
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1006041