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Kember AJ, Anderson JL, House SC, Reuter DG, Goergen CJ, Hobson SR. Impact of maternal posture on fetal physiology in human pregnancy: a narrative review. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1394707. [PMID: 38827993 PMCID: PMC11140392 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1394707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In numerous medical conditions, including pregnancy, gravity and posture interact to impact physiology and pathophysiology. Recent investigations, for example, pertaining to maternal sleeping posture during the third trimester and possible impact on fetal growth and stillbirth risk highlight the importance and potential clinical implications of the subject. In this review, we provide an extensive discussion of the impact of maternal posture on fetal physiology from conception to the postpartum period in human pregnancy. We conducted a systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database and identified 242 studies from 1991 through 2021, inclusive, that met our inclusion criteria. Herein, we provide a synthesis of the resulting literature. In the first section of the review, we group the results by the impact of maternal posture at rest on the cervix, uterus, placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, and fetus. In the second section of the review, we address the impact on fetal-related outcomes of maternal posture during various maternal activities (e.g., sleep, work, exercise), medical procedures (e.g., fertility, imaging, surgery), and labor and birth. We present the published literature, highlight gaps and discrepancies, and suggest future research opportunities and clinical practice changes. In sum, we anticipate that this review will shed light on the impact of maternal posture on fetal physiology in a manner that lends utility to researchers and clinicians who are working to improve maternal, fetal, and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan J. Kember
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Shiphrah Biomedical Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer L. Anderson
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Sarah C. House
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Medical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David G. Reuter
- Cardiac Innovations, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Craig J. Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sebastian R. Hobson
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Haas J, Casper RF. Observations on clinical assessment of endometrial receptivity. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:828-831. [PMID: 36198510 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This brief review will examine the investigation of the endometrial cavity before embryo transfer using various techniques, including hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy using immunohistochemistry and molecular microarray, and ultrasound imaging. All these investigative tools are presently subject to controversy and require large prospective controlled trials for validation. During embryo transfer, the occurrence of a retained embryo does not appear to have a negative impact on pregnancy outcome, and finally, consistent data indicate that physical activity immediately after embryo transfer has no impact on pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigal Haas
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Robert F Casper
- TRIO Fertility, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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D’Angelo A, Panayotidis C, Alteri A, Mcheik S, Veleva Z. Evidence and consensus on technical aspects of embryo transfer. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac038. [PMID: 36196080 PMCID: PMC9522404 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer (US-GET) is a widely performed procedure, but standards for the best practice are not available.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
This document aims to provide an overview of technical aspects of US-GET after considering the published data and including the preparation for the embryo transfer (ET) procedure, the actual procedure, the post-procedure care, associated pathologies, complications and risks, quality assurance and practitioners’ performance.
SEARCH METHODS
A literature search for evidence on key aspects of the ET procedure was carried out from database inception to November 2021. Selected papers (n = 359) relevant to the topic were analysed by the authors. The following key points were considered in the papers: whether ultrasound (US) practice standards were explained, to what extent the ET technique was described and whether complications or incidents and how to prevent such events were reported. In the end, 89 papers could be used to support the recommendations in this document, which focused on transabdominal US-GET.
OUTCOMES
The relevant papers found in the literature search were included in the current document and described according to the topic in three main sections: requirements and preparations prior to ET, the ET procedure, and training and competence for ET. Recommendations are provided on preparations prior to ET, equipment and materials, ET technique, possible risks and complications, training and competence. Specific aspects of the laboratory procedures are covered, in particular the different loading techniques and their potential impact on the final outcomes. Potential future developments and research priorities regarding the ET technique are also outlined.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Many topics were not covered in the literature review and some recommendations were based on expert opinions and are not necessarily evidence based.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
ET is the last procedural step in an ART treatment and is a crucial step toward achieving a pregnancy and live birth. The current paper set out to bring together the recent developments considering all aspects of ET, especially emphasizing US quality imaging. There are still many questions needing answers, and these can be subject of future research.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
No funding. ADA has received royalties from CRC Press and personal honorarium from Cook, Ferring and Cooper Surgical. The other co-authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna D’Angelo
- Wales Fertility Institute, Swansea Bay Health Board, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff University , Cardiff, UK
| | - Costas Panayotidis
- Attiki Iatriki advanced gynaecological ultrasound and hysteroscopic centre private practice , Pallini, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Saria Mcheik
- European society of human reproduction and embryology (ESHRE) Central Office , Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Zdravka Veleva
- Helsinki University Central Hospital , Helsinki, Finland
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Zemet R, Orvieto R, Watad H, Barzilay E, Zilberberg E, Lebovitz O, Mazaki-Tovi S, Haas J. The association between level of physical activity and pregnancy rate after embryo transfer: a prospective study. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:930-937. [PMID: 33832865 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is physical activity after embryo transfer, as assessed by a smart band activity tracker, associated with decreased pregnancy rates? DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study comprising infertile women aged < 38 years, who had undergone fewer than three previous embryo transfers, achieved a good ovarian response and were undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer in a tertiary-referral centre. A validated smart band activity tracker was used to assess physical activity level immediately after the embryo transfer and until the pregnancy test. No specific recommendations were given to participants on level or intensity of physical activity. Physicians and patients were blinded to the data stored in the pedometer. Primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy rate. RESULTS Fifty women met the inclusion criteria. Ongoing pregnancy rate was 30%. In a pooled analysis, participants walked significantly fewer steps per day on the day of embryo transfer compared with the first 2 days after embryo transfer (4075, interquatile range [IQR] 2932-5592 versus 5204, IQR4203-8584, P = 0.01). No significant difference was observed between pregnant women and non-pregnant women in the median steps per day after embryo transfer until serum beta-HCG was measured (7569, IQR 6008-10884 versus 6572.5, IQR 5299-8786, P = 0.43). No significant difference was observed in the median number of steps on the day of embryo transfer or the first 2 days after embryo transfer between pregnant and non-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS A quantitative objective assessment of the association between physical activity and pregnancy rates after frozen-thawed embryo transfer was conducted. Ambulation after embryo transfer has no adverse effect on pregnancy rates and, therefore, women should resume regular activity immediately after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Zemet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Hadel Watad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Eran Barzilay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod 7747629, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Eran Zilberberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Oshrit Lebovitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Shali Mazaki-Tovi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Jigal Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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Bovbjerg ML. Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, September 2020. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2020; 49:487-499. [PMID: 32805207 PMCID: PMC7428455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of “spin” in scientific reporting and its effect on summaries and syntheses of the literature and commentaries on reviews about early versus late amniotomy as part of labor induction protocols and the economic burden associated with maternal morbidity.
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