postnatal

Lactation Can Trigger Menopause-Like Symptoms

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Many breastfeeding mothers experience menopause-like symptoms of the postpartum condition recently designated genitourinary syndrome of lactation (GSL) in a systematic review reported in Obstetrics & Gynecology. The term was proposed in 2024 after interdisciplinary discussions among obstetricians, gynecologists, and urologists and following recognition of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Though common, this lactation-associated syndrome … Read more

Postpartum Psychosis Risk Linked to Sister’s Medical History

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LOS ANGELES — Risk for postpartum psychosis is significantly higher in women who have a sister who has experienced the condition and/or has bipolar disorder (BD), a new study showed. In a population-based cohort study of nearly 1.7 million women, those with a full sister who had had the disorder were 10 times more likely … Read more

New Canadian Guideline for Postpartum Physical Activity

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During the first year after giving birth, mothers should work up to 120 min/wk of moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as brisk walking and muscle-strengthening exercises, according to a new Canadian guideline. The document focuses on postpartum physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Produced by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, the guideline also … Read more

Tips for PCPs on Addressing and Preventing Heart Disease

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Diagnosing and treating cardiac ailments can be difficult for primary care clinicians, with initial symptoms of serious heart disease, at times, mimicking less serious and transient issues. In addition, those in primary care are usually juggling to try and address several medical issues within fairly short visits. For instance, patients may only feel comfortable enough … Read more

Unplanned C-Sections Linked to Higher Postpartum PTSD Risk

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People who experienced unplanned cesarean and failed operative vaginal deliveries (OVDs) were at higher risk of developing mental health conditions within the 6 months following childbirth, according to a study presented at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Those who had an unplanned cesarean without an OVD had 15% higher odds … Read more

Antidepressants in Pregnancy: Sudden Withdrawal Is Risky

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Depression poses serious health concerns, particularly during pregnancy and after childbirth. Recent data from the United States are alarming, showing that nearly half of women stop taking antidepressants during pregnancy. A study published in JAMA Network Open highlights this trend, which may have serious consequences for both mothers and their children. The study, led by … Read more

Postpartum Intervention Improved PCP Visits in Year After Delivery

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A postpartum intervention that prescheduled an annual primary care provider (PCP) appointment for pregnant participants increased their likelihood of visiting their PCP within the year after delivery, according to research presented at the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2025 Pregnancy Meeting.  Prenatal visits during pregnancy often comprise a period of “high health activation and motivation for … Read more

Postpartum Readmission Lower With Nifedipine Vs Labetalol

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Postpartum patients with hypertension who were prescribed nifedipine at discharge had an 88% lower readmission rate than those prescribed labetalol, according to a randomized controlled trial presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Only 1.2% of postpartum patients taking nifedipine were readmitted compared with 8.1% of those taking labetalol (adjusted odds … Read more

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Underdiagnosed Cardiovascular Killer

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The most common cardiovascular killer in maternal medicine is also among the most misdiagnosed. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a systolic dysfunction that occurs either in late pregnancy or in the early postpartum stage, is often misdiagnosed in the obstetric and primary care settings, according to experts. “I’ve looked at why people die during pregnancy and postpartum, … Read more

Early Postpartum IUD Doesn’t Spike Healthcare Utilization

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TOPLINE: Healthcare utilization after immediate and delayed intrauterine device (IUD) placement postpartum was comparable, with the immediate placement group making slightly fewer visits to obstetricians or gynecologists (OB/GYNs). While immediate placement was associated with increased rates of imaging, it showed lower rates of laparoscopic surgery for IUD-related complications. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study … Read more