Maternal–Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele

Number 550

ABSTRACT: Myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, occurs in approximately 1 in 1,500 births in the United States. Fetuses in whom myelomeningocele is diagnosed typically are delivered...

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Fetal Aneuploidy

Number 545

ABSTRACT: Noninvasive prenatal testing that uses cell free fetal DNA from the plasma of pregnant women offers tremendous potential as a screening tool for fetal aneuploidy. Cell free fetal DNA testin...

Vitamin D - Screening and Supplementation During Pregnancy

Number 495

ABSTRACT: During pregnancy, severe maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated with biochemical evidence of disordered skeletal homeostasis, congenital rickets, and fractures in the newborn. At...

Sulfonamides, Nitrofurantoin, and Risk of Birth Defects

Number 494

Abstract: The evidence regarding an association between the nitrofuran and sulfonamide classes of antibiotics and birth defects is mixed. As with all patients, antibiotics should be prescribed for pr...

Update on Carrier Screening for Cystic Fibrosis

Number 486

(Replaces No. 325, December 2005)

ABSTRACT: In 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Medical Genetics introduced guidelines for prenatal and preconception carrier screening for cyst...

Family History as a Risk Assessment Tool

Number 478

ABSTRACT: Family history plays a critical role in assessing the risk of inherited medical conditions and single gene disorders. Several methods have been established to obtain family medical historie...

Carrier Screening for Fragile X Syndrome

Number 469

(Replaces No. 338, June 2006)

ABSTRACT: Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. The syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 3,600 males and 1 in 4,000–6,000 females. Approximately 1 in 250 female...

Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy

Number 462

ABSTRACT: Moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200 mg per day) does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth. The relationship of caffeine to growth restrictio...

Maternal Phenylketonuria

Number 449

(Replaces No. 230, January 2000)

ABSTRACT: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism characterized by a deficiency of the hepatic enzyme, phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme responsi...

Air Travel During Pregnancy

Number 443

(Replaces No. 264, December 2001)

ABSTRACT: In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, pregnant women can observe the same precautions for air travel as the general population and can fly safely. Pregnant women should be i...

Preconception and Prenatal Carrier Screening for Genetic Diseases in Individuals of Eastern European Jewish Descent

Number 442

(Replaces No. 298, August 2004)

ABSTRACT: Certain autosomal recessive disease conditions are more prevalent in individuals of Eastern European Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent. Previously, the American College of Obstetricians and Gyneco...

Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy

Number 299

(Reaffirmed 2009, Replaces No. 158, September 1995)

ABSTRACT: Undergoing a single diagnostic X-ray procedure does not result in radiation exposure adequate to threaten the well-being of the developing preembryo, embryo, or fetus and is not an indicati...

Avoiding Inappropriate Clinical Decisions Based on False-Positive Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test Results

Number 278

(Reaffirmed 2009)

ABSTRACT: Clinically significant false-positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test results are rare. However, some individuals have circulating factors in their serum (eg, heterophilic antibodie...

Management of Asymptomatic Pregnant or Lactating Women Exposed to Anthrax

Number 268

ABSTRACT: Anthrax infections are diagnosed by isolating Bacillus anthracis from body fluids or by measuring specific antibodies in the blood of persons suspected to have the disease. It is recommende...