Abortion Access and Training

Number 424

ABSTRACT: Despite a decrease in abortion rates over the past decade, numerous political, social, and provider barriers limit access to abortion services. Barriers include state restrictions and manda...

Access to Emergency Contraception

Number 542

ABSTRACT: Emergency contraception includes contraceptive methods used to prevent pregnancy in the first few days after unprotected intercourse, sexual assault, or contraceptive failure. Although the ...

Access to Postpartum Sterilization

Number 530

ABSTRACT: Postpartum tubal sterilization is one of the safest and most effective methods of contraception. Women who desire this type of sterilization typically undergo thorough counseling and inform...

Addressing Health Risks of Noncoital Sexual Activity

Number 417

ABSTRACT: Noncoital sexual behaviors, which include mutual masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex, are common expressions of human sexuality. Couples may engage in noncoital sexual activity instead of ...

Adolescents and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices

Number 539

(Replaces No. 392, December 2007)

ABSTRACT: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)—intrauterine devices and the contraceptive implant—are safe and appropriate contraceptive methods for most women and adolescents. The LARC method...

Adoption

Number 528

(Replaces No. 368, June 2007)

ABSTRACT: Obstetrician–gynecologists may find themselves at the center of adoption issues because of their expertise in the assessment and management of infertility, pregnancy, and childbirth. The la...

Adult Manifestations of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Number 498

ABSTRACT: Long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse are varied, complex, and often devastating. Many obstetrician-gynecologists knowingly or unknowingly provide care to abuse survivors and should s...

Age-Related Fertility Decline

Number 413

(Reaffirmed 2010)

ABSTRACT: Age is a significant factor influencing a woman's ability to conceive. Social trends have led to deferred childbearing, and an increasing number of women are experiencing age-related infert...

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...

Amnioinfusion Does Not Prevent Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Number 346

(Reaffirmed 2012)

ABSTRACT: Amnioinfusion has been advocated as a technique to reduce the incidence of meconium aspiration and to improve neonatal outcome. However, a large proportion of women with meconium-stained am...

Analgesia and Cesarean Delivery Rates

Number 339

(Reaffirmed 2010, Replaces No. 269, February 2002)

ABSTRACT: Neuraxial analgesia techniques are the most effective and least depressant treatments for labor pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists previously recommended that pra...

Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Fetal Maturation

Number 475

(Replaces No. 402, March 2008)

ABSTRACT: A single course of corticosteroids is recommended for pregnant women between 24 weeks and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days. A single course of antenat...

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery: Timing of Administration

Number 465

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial prophylaxis for cesarean delivery has been a general practice for cesarean deliveries because it significantly reduces postoperative maternal infectious morbidity. Recently, s...

Appropriateness of Trial of Labor after Previous Cesarean Delivery (Antepartum Period)

Number 8

The Patient Safety Checklist on Appropriateness of Trial of Labor After Previous Cesarean Delivery should be completed by the health care provider early in the course of prenatal care for patients fo...

Aromatase Inhibitors in Gynecologic Practice

Number 412

(Reaffirmed 2012)

ABSTRACT: Aromatase inhibitors appear to be effective as an adjuvant treatment for early-stage and late-stage breast cancer. Their role in chemoprevention of breast cancer in high-risk patients remai...

Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization in Prenatal Diagnosis

Number 446

ABSTRACT: The widespread use of array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) for the diagnosis of genomic rearrangements in children with idiopathic mental retardation, developmental delay, and mult...

At-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Dependence - Obstetric and Gynecologic Implications

Number 496

ABSTRACT: Compared with men, at-risk alcohol use by women has a disproportionate effect on their health and lives, including reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes. Obstetrician–gynecologists h...

At-Risk Drinking and Illicit Drug Use Ethical Issues in Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice

Number 422

(Replaces No. 294, May 2004)

ABSTRACT: Drug and alcohol abuse is a major health problem for American women regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and age. It is costly to individuals and to society. Obstetric...

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...

Benefits to Women of Medicaid Expansion Through the Affordable Care Act

Number 552

ABSTRACT: Many U.S. women are uninsured and face avoidable adverse obstetric and gynecologic health outcomes. The Affordable Care Act requires an expansion of Medicaid that would increase the percent...

Brand Versus Generic Oral Contraceptives

Number 375

(Reaffirmed 2010)

ABSTRACT:The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers generic and brand name oral contraceptive (OC) products clinically equivalent and interchangeable. The American College of Obstetricians and G...

Breastfeeding: Maternal and Infant Aspects

Number 361

ABSTRACT: Evidence continues to mount regarding the value of breastfeeding for both women and their infants. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly supports breastfeeding an...

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...

Cervical Cancer in Adolescents - Screening Evaluation and Management

Number 463

ABSTRACT: Based on several recent studies, new guidelines for initiation of cervical cancer screening have been developed. Evidence shows that screening before the age of 21 years does not change the...

Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request

Number 559

ABSTRACT: Cesarean delivery on maternal request is defined as a primary prelabor cesarean delivery on maternal request in the absence of any maternal or fetal indications. Potential risks of cesarean...