Composição da microbiota intestinal durante a gestação e puerpério em mulheres com diferentes intensidades de sintomas depressivos / Composition of Gut Microbiota During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Women with Varying Degrees of Depressive Symptoms

Os sintomas depressivos durante a gravidez e o período pós-parto (PP) são prevalentes e podem ter implicações profundas para o bem-estar materno e infantil. Evidências emergentes sugerem que a microbiota intestinal pode desempenhar um papel na regulação do humor. Este estudo explora a relação entre a composição da microbiota intestinal e os sintomas depressivos em mulheres grávidas e no pós-parto com diferentes intensidade de sintomas. Foram recrutadas gestantes que faziam acompanhamento nos hospitais HCFMUSP e HU- USP. A partir do preenchimento do questionário de Escala de Edimburgo as participantes foram triadas para os grupos de sintomas ausentes ou leves (AL) e sintomas graves ou moderados (MG). Para a análise de microbiota, as participantes forneceram amostras de fezes em três momentos diferentes. Uma no terceiro trimestre de gestação (G) e duas no período pós-parto. A primeira amostra deste período foi coletada durante a internação do pós-parto (P1), e a segunda durante a consulta de retorno um mês após o parto (P2). A composição da microbiota intestinal foi analisada usando técnicas de sequenciamento de alto rendimento e os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCC) foram quantificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). Análises bioinformáticas e estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando os softwares QIIME 2 (2022.2) e R (4.3.1) para identificar possíveis associações entre a composição da microbiota intestinal e a gravidade dos sintomas depressivos. Os resultados indicam que a familia Enterobacteriacea aparece com maior abundância nas mulheres do grupo MG, especialmente durante o período P1 (p<0,05) e que há uma diminuição significativa (p<0,05) de sintomas depressivos nas participantes do grupo MG desde sua triagem até o fim do acompanhamento do estudo, indicando que conduta terapêutica está sendo eficaz. Apesar de não ter sido estabelecida diferença estatística na abundância relativa da microbiota entre os grupos durante a gestação e nos índices de alfa e beta diversidade entre grupos e entre os períodos, é possivel observar uma tendência de mudança de microbiota ao longo do tratamento com aumento do gênero Bifidobacterium, diminuição da familia Enterobacteraceae e é possivel observar uma aparente correlação inversa entre a diminuição da intensidade de sintomas depressivos e o aumento da abundância dos gêneros Bifidobacterium e Clostridium, além do aumento das concentrações de AGCC. Em conclusão, a composição da microbiota intestinal parece ser influenciada pela gravidade dos sintomas depressivos em mulheres grávidas e no pós-parto. Pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para explorar a relação entre a microbiota intestinal e a depressão perinatal e determinar as implicações clínicas dessas descobertas para a saúde materna e infantil.

Depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period (PP) are prevalent and can have profound implications for maternal and infant well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in mood regulation. This study explores the relationship between gut microbiota composition and depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women with different symptom severities. A cohort of pregnant women were recruited from HCFMUSP and HU-USP. Participants completed standardized depression assessment tools and were allocate in groups of absent or mild depressive symptoms (AL) and moderate or severe depressive symptoms (MG) and provided stool samples in three different time periods. One at the third gestation trimester (G) and two at the postpartum period. The first sample from this period was collected during postpartum hospitalization(P1), and the second during the onemonth postpartum follow-up appointment (P2). Their gut microbiota composition was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing techniques and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) for quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed using softwares QIIME 2 (2022.2) and R (4.3.1) to identify potential associations between gut microbiota composition and depressive symptom severity. Findings that the Enterobacteriaceae family appears more abundantly in women of the MG group, especially during period P1 (p<0.05), and that there is a significant decrease (p<0.05) in depressive symptoms among the participants of the MG group from their screening to the end of the study follow-up, suggesting that the therapeutic approach is effective. Although no statistical differences in alpha and beta diversity indices were established between groups and across periods, it is possible to observe a trend of microbiota change during the treatment, with an increase in the Bifidobacterium genus, a decrease in the Enterobacteriaceae family, and an apparent inverse correlation between the reduction in the intensity of depressive symptoms and the increased abundance of the Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Dorea genera, as well as an increase in the concentrations of SCFAs. In conclusion, composition of gut microbiota appears to be influenced by the severity of depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women. Further research is warranted to explore links between gut microbiota and perinatal depression and to determine the clinical implications of these findings for maternal and infant health

Atuação da psicologia em unidade neonatal no contexto da pandemia da covid-19 / The work of psychology in a neonatal unit in the covid-19 pandemic / Actuación de la psicología en una unidad neonatal en el contexto de la pandemia de la covid-19

A pandemia de covid-19 provocou intensas mudanças no contexto do cuidado neonatal, exigindo dos profissionais de saúde a reformulação de práticas e o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias para a manutenção da atenção integral e humanizada ao recém-nascido. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar a atuação da Psicologia nas Unidades Neonatais de um hospital público de Fortaleza (CE), Brasil, durante o período de distanciamento físico da pandemia de covid-19. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, que ocorreu no período de março a agosto de 2020. No contexto pandêmico, o serviço de Psicologia desenvolveu novas condutas assistenciais para atender às demandas emergentes do momento, como: atendimento remoto; registro e envio on-line de imagens do recém-nascido a seus familiares; visitas virtuais; e reprodução de mensagens de áudio da família para o neonato. Apesar dos desafios encontrados, as ações contribuíram para a manutenção do cuidado centrado no recém-nascido e sua família, o que demonstra a potencialidade do fazer psicológico.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic brought intense changes to neonatal care and required health professionals to reformulate practices and develop new strategies to ensure comprehensive and humanized care for newborn. This study aims to report the experience of the Psychology Service in the Neonatal Units of a public hospital in Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, Brazil, during the social distancing period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive experience report study was conducted from March to August 2020. During the pandemic, the Psychology Service developed new care practices to meet the emerging demands of that moment, such as remote care, recordings and online submission of newborns' pictures and video images for their family, virtual tours, and reproduction of family audio messages for the newborns. Despite the challenges, the actions contributed to the maintenance of a care that is centered on the newborns and their families, which shows the potential of psychological practices.(AU)

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha traído cambios intensos en el contexto de la atención neonatal, que requieren de los profesionales de la salud una reformulación de sus prácticas y el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para asegurar una atención integral y humanizada al recién nacido. El objetivo de este artículo es reportar la experiencia del Servicio de Psicología en las Unidades Neonatales de un hospital público de Fortaleza, en Ceará, Brasil, durante el periodo de distanciamiento físico en la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, un reporte de experiencia, que se llevó a cabo de marzo a agosto de 2020. En el contexto pandémico, el servicio de Psicología desarrolló nuevas conductas asistenciales para atender a las demandas emergentes del momento, tales como: atención remota; grabación y envío em línea de imágenes del recién nacido; visitas virtuales; y reproducción de mensajes de audio de la familia para el recién nacido. A pesar de los desafíos encontrados, las acciones contribuyeron al mantenimiento de la atención centrada en el recién nacido y su familia, lo que demuestra el potencial de la práctica psicológica.(AU)

Relatos da pandemia: ser mulher e mãe em tempos de covid-19 / Pandemic reports: being a woman and mother in covid-19 times / Relatos de la pandemia: ser mujer y madre en tiempos del covid-19

Partindo da pergunta "Como tem sido ser mulher e mãe em tempos de pandemia?", o presente estudo convidou mulheres que são mães, em redes sociais virtuais, a partilhar um relato de suas experiências com a readaptação parental em função do distanciamento social causado pela pandemia de covid-19. O objetivo foi refletir sobre a experiência de ser mulher e mãe em tempos de covid-19 e distanciamento social, apontando algumas ressonâncias do cenário pandêmico na subjetividade dessas mulheres. O estudo teve como base o referencial psicanalítico, tanto na construção da pesquisa e análise dos relatos quanto na sua discussão. A análise dos cerca de 340 relatos coletados, os quais variaram de uma breve frase a longos parágrafos, apontou para uma série de questionamentos, pontos de análise e reflexões. A pandemia, e o decorrente distanciamento social, parece ter colocado uma lente de aumento sobre as angústias das mulheres que são mães, evidenciando sentimentos e sofrimentos sempre presentes. Destacaram-se, nos relatos, a sobrecarga das mulheres com as tarefas de cuidado dos filhos e da casa, a culpa, a solidão, a exaustão, e o sentimento de que não havia espaço nesse contexto para "ser mulher", sendo isso entendido especialmente a questões estéticas e de vaidade.(AU)

Starting from the question "How does it feel to be a woman and a mother in pandemic times?", this study invited women who are mothers, in virtual social networks, to share their experiences regarding parental adaptations due to social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to reflect on the experience of being a woman and a mother in the context of COVID-19 and of social distancing, pointing out some resonances of the pandemic scenario in the subjectivity of these women. The study was based on the psychoanalytical framework, both in the construction of the research and analysis of the reports and in their discussion. The analysis of about 340 collected reports, which ranged from a brief sentence to long paragraphs, pointed to a series of questions, analysis topics, and reflections. The pandemic, and the resulting social distancing, seems to have placed a magnifying glass over the anguish of women who are mothers, showing ever-present feelings and suffering. The reports highlighted women's overload with child and house care tasks, the guilt, loneliness, exhaustion, and the feeling that there was no space in this context to "be a woman," and it extends to aesthetic and vanity related questions especially.(AU)

A partir de la pregunta "¿cómo te sientes siendo mujer y madre en tiempos de pandemia?", este estudio invitó por las redes sociales a mujeres que son madres a compartir un relato de sus experiencias sobre la readaptación parental en función del distanciamiento social causado por la pandemia del covid-19. Su objetivo fue reflexionar sobre la experiencia de ser mujer y madre en tiempos del covid-19 y el distanciamiento social, señalando algunas resonancias del escenario pandémico en la subjetividad de estas mujeres. Este estudio se basó en el marco psicoanalítico, tanto en la construcción de la investigación y análisis de los informes como en su discusión. El análisis de los casi 340 relatos, que variaron de una pequeña frase a largos párrafos, generó en las investigadoras una serie de cuestionamientos y reflexiones. La pandemia y el consecuente distanciamiento social parece haber agrandado las angustias de las mujeres que son madres, evidenciando sentimientos y sufrimientos siempre presentes. En los relatos destacan la sobrecarga de las mujeres con las tareas de cuidado de los hijos y del hogar, la culpa, la soledad, el cansancio, así como el sentimiento de que no hay espacio em este contexto para "ser mujer", relacionado principalmente a cuestiones estéticas y de vanidad.(AU)

Expectativas de mães e cuidadoras sobre participação em um programa de prevenção à violência / Expectations of mothers/caregivers regarding the participation in a violence prevention program / Expectativas de madres/cuidadoras sobre la participación en un programa de prevención de la violencia

O presente estudo qualitativo objetivou compreender as expectativas de mães e cuidadoras sobre a sua participação no Programa ACT para Educar Crianças em Ambientes Seguros na versão remota, no período da pandemia de covid-19. Também visou identificar a percepção das participantes sobre educar uma criança em um ambiente seguro. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas on-line com doze mães e cuidadoras, antes da participação no Programa ACT. Os resultados indicaram diferentes expectativas sobre a participação no Programa ACT, entre elas: adquirir novos conhecimentos, aprimorar as habilidades parentais, trocar experiências, receber auxílio no momento da pandemia de covid-19 e possibilitar para a criança um desenvolvimento saudável. Na percepção das mães e cuidadoras, a versão remota do Programa ACT apresenta aspectos positivos; entre eles, a participação de pais e cuidadores que não residem na cidade em que é oferecida a intervenção. No entanto, apontaram como fatores negativos a ausência do contato físico e as interrupções que podem acontecer a partir das falhas de internet. Para as mães e cuidadoras, educar a criança em um ambiente seguro estava relacionado a promover os direitos estabelecidos no Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA), como educação, saúde, lazer, cuidado, afeto, assim como protegê-la de situações de violência. Considera-se que as expectativas das participantes estavam alinhadas aos objetivos do Programa ACT. Torna-se prioritário oferecer programas de prevenção à violência aos pais e cuidadores, em especial em momentos adversos como o da pandemia de covid-19, a fim de promover o desenvolvimento e a saúde das crianças, assim como prevenir situações de violação de direitos.(AU)

This qualitative study aims to understand the expectations of mothers and caregivers about participating in the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program in its remote version, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also aims to identify the participants' perception of raising a child in a safe environment. Semi-structured on-line interviews were conducted with 12 mothers/caregivers, prior to participation in the ACT Program. The results indicated different expectations regarding the participation in the ACT Program, for example: acquiring new knowledge, improving parenting skills, exchanging experiences, receiving support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and enabling the child to have a healthy development. In the perception of mothers and caregivers, the remote version of the ACT Program has positive aspects, such as the participation of parents and caregivers who do not live in the city where the intervention is offered. However, they pointed out as negative factors absence of physical contact and interruptions due to internet failures. For the mothers/caregivers, educating children in a safe environment was related to promoting the rights established by the Brazilian Child and Adolescent Statute, namely education, health, leisure, care, affection, as well as protecting them from situations of violence. The expectations of the participants were aligned with the objectives of the ACT Program. Offering violence prevention programs to parents and caregivers is a priority, especially in adverse moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to promote the development and health of children, as well as prevent situations of violation of rights.(AU)

Este estudio cualitativo pretendió comprender las expectativas de madres y cuidadoras sobre la participación en el Programa de ACT para Educar a Niños en Ambientes Seguros en la versión remota, en el periodo de la pandemia de la COVID-19. También se propuso identificar la percepción de las participantes sobre educar a un niño en un ambiente seguro. Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas en línea con 12 madres/cuidadoras, antes de la participación en el Programa ACT. Los resultados señalaron diferentes expectativas con la participación del Programa de ACT, entre ellas: adquirir nuevos conocimientos, perfeccionar las habilidades parentales, intercambiar experiencias, recibir auxilio en el momento de la pandemia de la COVID-19 y posibilitar al niño un desarrollo saludable. En la percepción de las madres y cuidadoras, la versión remota del Programa de ACT presenta aspectos positivos, como la participación de padres y cuidadores que no residen en la ciudad donde es ofrecida la intervención. Sin embargo, señalaron como factores negativos la ausencia del contacto físico y las interrupciones, que pueden ocurrir por fallas en Internet. Para las madres/cuidadoras, educar al niño en un ambiente seguro estaba relacionado a promover los derechos establecidos en el Estatuto del Niño y del Adolescente de Brasil, como educación, salud, ocio, cuidado, afecto, así como protegerlo de situaciones de violencia. Se considera que las expectativas de las participantes estaban alineadas con los objetivos del Programa de ACT. Es prioritario ofrecer programas de prevención a la violencia a los padres y cuidadores, en especial en momentos adversos como el de la pandemia de la COVID-19, con el fin de promover el desarrollo y la salud de los niños, así como prevenir situaciones de vulneración de derechos.(AU)

Factores de riesgo asociados con el bajo peso al nacer en un policlínico de Santiago de Cuba / Risk factors associated with low birth weight in a polyclinic of Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: El bajo peso al nacer se considera un indicador de morbilidad y mortalidad perinatales. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con el bajo peso al nacer en el área de salud del Policlínico Docente Ramón López Peña, de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico observacional de tipo caso-control, que incluyó a 20 neonatos con bajo peso al nacer (casos), y otro grupo integrado por 80 bebés, los cuales no presentaron dicha condición (controles), pertenecientes al área de salud señalada, desde enero hasta diciembre del 2021. Se determinó la razón de productos cruzados, el intervalo de confianza, la prueba de Ji al cuadrado y el riesgo atribuible en expuesto porcentual. Resultados: El parto pretérmino, el embarazo múltiple y el bajo peso materno presentaron una razón de productos cruzados de 13,7; 7 y 3,2, respectivamente. De igual manera, esta resultó elevada en las enfermedades relacionadas con la gestación, tales como anemia, hipertensión arterial e infecciones vaginal y urinaria. Conclusiones: El peso deficiente a la captación, el parto pretérmino, el embarazo múltiple y la presencia de enfermedades relacionadas con la gestación fueron los factores de riesgo asociados con el bajo peso al nacer.

Introduction: The low birth weight is considered an indicator of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with low birth weight in a health area of Ramón Lopez Peña Teaching Polyclinic, in Santiago de Cuba. Methods: An observational analytic case-control study was carried out, that included 20 newborns with low birth weight (cases), and another group integrated by 80 infants, who didn't present this condition (controls), belonging to the health area abovementioned, from January to December, 2021. The ratio of crossed products, the confidence interval, chi-square test and the attributable risk in exposed percentage were determined. Results: The preterm birth, multiple pregnancy and low maternal weight presented a ratio of crossed products of 13.7; 7 and 3.2, respectively. In a same way, it was elevated in the diseases related to pregnancy, such as anemia, hypertension and vaginal and urinary infections. Conclusions: The inadequate weight at the first prenatal visit, preterm childbirth, multiple pregnancy and the presence of diseases related to pregnancy were the risk factors associated with low birth weight.

Comportamiento de variables clínico epidemiológicas en la atención prenatal / The Characteristics of Clinical-Epidemiological Variables in Prenatal Care

Introducción: La atención prenatal a cada embarazada establece una asistencia médica integral y particularizada, que posibilita determinar y accionar precozmente sobre los factores de riesgo modificables, mediante la vigilancia continua. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la atención prenatal según variables clínico epidemiológicas. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo en el policlínico Pedro del Toro, entre 2014 y 2018. Incluyó 2761 pacientes que representan el total de gestantes en el periodo de estudio que cumplieron los criterios señalados. La información se obtuvo mediante revisión de la base de datos del programa materno infantil, con lo cual se delimitaron las variables que permitieron procesar los datos en una hoja de cálculo EXCEL, utilizando parámetros estadísticos a nivel descriptivo. Resultados: Las gestantes captadas antes de 12 semanas (2442 para 88,44 por ciento) fueron mayoría, primó el rango de 18,9 hasta 25,5 kg/m2 en índice de masa corporal (1657 para 60,01 por ciento). En el parto predominaron gestantes que tenían entre 37 y 41,6 semanas (2531 para 91,66 por ciento) y el rango de peso del recién nacido más relevante fue entre 2500 y 4000 gramos (2443 para 88,48 por ciento). Las edades comprendidas entre 21 a 29 años fueron representativas (1438 para 52,08 por ciento). Conclusiones: De la captación precoz de las embarazadas dependerá, en gran medida, la efectividad de la atención prenatal, a través de la detección oportuna y el seguimiento de todos los elementos que influyen en el bienestar materno fetal(AU)

Introduction: Prenatal care to each pregnant woman establishes a comprehensive and particularized medical assistance, which makes it possible to determine and act early on modifiable risk factors through continuous surveillance. Objective: To describe the characteristics of prenatal care according to clinical-epidemiological variables. Methods: Descriptive and observational study carried out at Pedro del Toro outpatient polyclinic between 2014 and 2018, with 2,761 patients, which represented the total number of pregnant women in the study period who met the indicated criteria. The information was obtained by reviewing the database of the mother and infant program, which permitted to define the variables for processing the data in an Excel worksheet, using statistical parameters at a descriptive level. Results: The pregnant women diagnosed before the twelfth weeks (2442; 88.44 percent) were the majority, with a body mass index range of 18.9 to 25.5 kg/m2 (1657; 60.01 percent). Regarding delivery, pregnant women between 37 and 41.6 weeks predominated (2531; 91.66 percent) and the most relevant newborn weight range was between 2500 and 4000 grams (2443; 88.48 percent). Ages between 21 to 29 years were representative (1438; 52.08 percent). Conclusions: The effectiveness of prenatal care through timely detection and follow-up of all the elements that influence maternal and fetal well-being will depend, to a large extent, on early detection of pregnant women(AU)

Improving maternal welfare during gestation has positive outcomes on neonatal survival and modulates offspring immune response in pigs.

Improving the housing of pregnant sows by giving them more space and access to deep straw had positive effects on their welfare, influenced their maternal behavior and improved the survival of their offspring. The present study aimed at determining whether these effects were actually due to environmental enrichment and whether the provision of straw pellets and wood can partly mimic the effects of straw bedding during gestation. Three graded levels of enrichment were used, that were, collective conventional pens on slatted floor (C, n = 26), the same pens with manipulable wood materials and distribution of straw pellets after the meals (CE, n = 30), and larger pens on deep straw litter (E, n = 27). Sows were then housed in identical farrowing crates from 105 days of gestation until weaning. Decreased stereotypies, blood neutrophils, and salivary cortisol, and increased behavioral investigation indicated that health and welfare of sows during gestation were improved in the E environment compared with the C environment. The CE sows responded as C or E sows depending on the trait. Piglet mortality rate in the first 12 h after birth was lower in E and CE litters than in C litters, but enrichment level during gestation had only small effects on lactating sow behavior and milk composition postpartum. On days 2 and 3 of lactation, E sows interrupted less often their nursing sequences than C and CE sows. On day 2, milk from both E and CE sows contained more minerals than that from C sows. In one-day-old piglets, the expression levels of genes encoding toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) and cytokines (interleukin-1, -6 and -10) in whole blood after 20-h culture, were greater in E piglets than in CE or C piglets. In conclusion, housing sows in an enriched environment during gestation improved early neonatal survival, probably via moderate and cumulative positive effects on sow behavior, milk composition, and offspring innate immune response. The gradation in the effects observed in C, CE and E housing environment reinforced the hypothesis of a causal relationship between maternal environmental enrichment, sow welfare and postnatal piglet traits.

Interconception Care and Safe Sleep: Adapting the IMPLICIT Toolkit for Pediatrics.

BACKGROUND: A woman's health in the interconception period has an impact on birth outcomes. Pediatric visits offer a unique opportunity to provide interconception care (ICC). Our aim was to screen and provide interconception and safe sleep screening, counseling, and interventions for 50% of caregivers of children <2 years of age in a pediatric medical setting. METHODS: Two pediatric clinics implemented the March of Dimes' Interventions to Minimize Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants Through Continuous Improvement Techniques (IMPLICIT) toolkit, in addition to standardized safe sleep assessments. A quality improvement learning collaborative was formed with a local "infant mortality champion" leading quality improvement efforts. Monthly webinars with the clinic teams reviewed project successes and challenges. Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications was used to document adaptations. RESULTS: For each individual IMPLICIT domain, clinics screened and provided needed interventions for ICC and safe sleep in >50% of eligible encounters. Over the course of the quality improvement learning collaborative, the number of caregivers screened for at least 4 of the 5 IMPLICIT domains increased from 0% to 95%. CONCLUSIONS: To successfully implement the IMPLICIT toolkit in pediatrics, adaptations were made to the existing model, which had previously been used in family medicine clinics. Pediatricians should consider providing ICC as an innovative way to impact infant mortality rates in their community. Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications can be used to systematically describe the adaptations needed to improve the fit of IMPLICIT in the pediatric clinic, understand the process of change and potential application to local context.

Association of Eviction With Adverse Birth Outcomes Among Women in Georgia, 2000 to 2016.

Importance: More than 2 million families face eviction annually, a number likely to increase due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The association of eviction with newborns' health remains to be examined. Objective: To determine the association of eviction actions during pregnancy with birth outcomes. Design: This case-control study compared birth outcomes of infants whose mothers were evicted during gestation with those whose mothers were evicted at other times. Participants included infants born to mothers who were evicted in Georgia from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed from March 1 to October 4, 2020. Exposures: Eviction actions occurring during gestation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Five metrics of neonatal health included birth weight (in grams), gestational age (in weeks), and dichotomized outcomes for low birth weight (LBW) (<2500 g), prematurity (gestational age <37.0 weeks), and infant death. Results: A total of 88 862 births to 45 122 mothers (mean [SD] age, 26.26 [5.76] years) who experienced 99 517 evictions were identified during the study period, including 10 135 births to women who had an eviction action during pregnancy and 78 727 births to mothers who had experienced an eviction action when not pregnant. Compared with mothers who experienced eviction actions at other times, eviction during pregnancy was associated with lower infant birth weight (difference, -26.88 [95% CI, -39.53 to 14.24] g) and gestational age (difference, -0.09 [95% CI, -0.16 to -0.03] weeks), increased rates of LBW (0.88 [95% CI, 0.23-1.54] percentage points) and prematurity (1.14 [95% CI, 0.21-2.06] percentage points), and a nonsignificant increase in mortality (1.85 [95% CI, -0.19 to 3.89] per 1000 births). The association of eviction with birth weight was strongest in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, with birth weight reductions of 34.74 (95% CI, -57.51 to -11.97) and 35.80 (95% CI, -52.91 to -18.69) g, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that eviction actions during pregnancy are associated with adverse birth outcomes, which have been shown to have lifelong and multigenerational consequences. Ensuring housing, social, and medical assistance to pregnant women at risk for eviction may improve infant health.

Association of WIC Participation and Electronic Benefits Transfer Implementation.

Importance: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is an important source of nutritional support and education for women and children living in poverty; although WIC participation confers clear health benefits, only 50% of eligible women and children currently receive WIC. In 2010, Congress mandated that states transition WIC benefits by 2020 from paper vouchers to electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, which are more convenient to use, are potentially less stigmatizing, and may improve WIC participation. Objective: To estimate the state-level association between transition from paper vouchers to EBT and subsequent WIC participation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This economic evaluation of state-level WIC monthly benefit summary administrative data regarding participation between October 1, 2014, and November 30, 2019, compared states that did and did not implement WIC EBT during this time period. Difference-in-differences regression modeling allowed associations to vary by time since policy implementation and included stratified analyses for key subgroups (pregnant and postpartum women, infants younger than 1 year, and children aged 1-4 years). All models included dummy variables denoting state, year, and month as covariates. Data analyses were performed between March 1 and June 15, 2020. Exposures: Statewide transition from WIC paper vouchers to WIC EBT cards, specified by month and year. Main Outcomes and Measures: Monthly number of state residents enrolled in WIC. Results: A total of 36 states implemented WIC EBT before or during the study period. EBT and non-EBT states had similar baseline rates of poverty and food insecurity. Three years after statewide WIC EBT implementation, WIC participation increased by 7.78% (95% CI, 3.58%-12.15%) in exposed states compared with unexposed states. In stratified analyses, WIC participation increased by 7.22% among pregnant and postpartum women (95% CI, 2.54%-12.12%), 4.96% among infants younger than 1 year (95% CI, 0.95%-9.12%), and 9.12% among children aged 1 to 4 years (95% CI, 3.19%-15.39%; P for interaction = .20). Results were robust to adjustment for state unemployment and poverty rates, population, and Medicaid expansion status. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, the transition from paper vouchers to WIC EBT was associated with a significant and sustained increase in enrollment. Interventions that simplify the process of redeeming benefits may be critical for addressing low rates of enrollment in WIC and other government benefit programs.

Maternal solitude before the new guidelines in SARS-COV-2 times: a Brazilian cutting / Soledad materna ante las nuevas directrices en tiempos del SARS-COV-2: un corte brasileño / A solidão materna diante das novas orientações em tempos de SARS-COV-2: um recorte brasileiro

ABSTRACT Aim To reflect on the lonely experience of women during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle in times of pandemic by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Method Theoretical-reflective study on the new Brazilian guidelines for care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum in times of Covid-19 and its influence on the exacerbation of maternal loneliness. The discussion about the transformations of women in this period refers to Maldonado's studies. Results Motherhood is a lonely process for women. The new technical norms that are in force bring important changes in the assistance to this cycle, mainly with regard to the importance of social distance, which intensifies the feeling of loneliness and helplessness. Final considerations This reflection can guide health professionals, especially the work of nurses in the scope of obstetrics, so that during the assistance to women in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, they pay attention to the subtlety of feelings of loneliness that can interfere with maternal well-being fetal.

RESUMEN Objetivo Reflexionar sobre la experiencia solitaria de las mujeres durante el ciclo embarazo-puerperal en tiempos de pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Método Estudio teórico-reflexivo sobre las nuevas pautas brasileñas para el cuidado de las mujeres durante el embarazo, el parto y el posparto en tiempos de Covid-19 y su influencia en la exacerbación de la soledad materna. La discusión sobre las transformaciones de las mujeres en este período se refiere a los estudios de Maldonado. Resultados La maternidad es un proceso solitario para las mujeres. Las nuevas normas técnicas vigentes traen cambios importantes en la asistencia a este ciclo, principalmente con respecto a la importancia de la distancia social, que intensifica el sentimiento de soledad e impotencia. Consideraciones finales Esta reflexión puede orientar a los profesionales de la salud, especialmente la labor del enfermero en el ámbito de la obstetricia, para que durante la asistencia a la mujer en el ciclo embarazo-puerperal, preste atención a la sutileza de los sentimientos de soledad que pueden interferir con el bienestar materno fetal.

RESUMO Objetivo Refletir acerca da vivência solitária da mulher durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal em tempos de pandemia pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2. Método Estudo teórico-reflexivo sobre as novas diretrizes brasileiras para atendimento às mulheres na gestação, parto e pós-parto em tempos de COVID-19 e sua influência na exacerbação da solidão materna. A discussão acerca das transformações da mulher nesse período remete aos estudos de Maldonado. Resultados A maternidade é um processo solitário para as mulheres. As novas normas técnicas que estão vigorando trazem importantes mudanças na assistência a esse ciclo, principalmente no que tange a importância do distanciamento social, que intensifica o sentimento de solidão e desamparo. Considerações finais Esta reflexão pode nortear os profissionais de saúde, sobretudo enfermeiras do âmbito da obstetrícia, para que durante a assistência à mulher no ciclo gravídico-puerperal atentem-se para as sutilezas de sentimentos de solidão que podem interferir no bem-estar materno-fetal.

Evidências de validade da escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto / Evidencias de validez de la Escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto / Validity evidence of the Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto scale

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever o processo de adaptação transcultural e as evidências de validade e confiabilidade da versão brasileira da Escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto . Métodos: Estudo do tipo metodológico realizado por meio das etapas de tradução, retrotradução, avaliação por comitê de juízes, pré-teste e validação. O processo de validação incluiu a participação de 500 puérperas que realizaram parto vaginal. Foram realizadas análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias. Resultados: Após a análise dos juízes, foram aplicadas as alterações sugeridas e todos os itens apresentaram concordância entre os avaliadores acima de 80%. A análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória indicaram um ajuste satisfatório do modelo com três dimensões e bons índices de confiabilidade (alpha = 0,95 e ômega = 0,94). Conclusão: A versão brasileira abreviada da Escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto é uma escala de 16 itens que apresenta boas evidências de validade e confiabilidade.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir el proceso de adaptación transcultural y las evidencias de validez y fiabilidad de la versión brasileña de la Escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto. Métodos: Estudio metodológico realizado mediante las etapas de traducción, retrotraducción, evaluación por comité de jueces, prueba piloto y validación. El proceso de validación incluyó la participación de 500 puérperas que tuvieron parto vaginal. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios. Resultados: Después del análisis de los jueces, se aplicaron las modificaciones sugeridas y todos los ítems presentaron concordancia entre los evaluadores superior al 80 %. Los análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios indicaron un ajuste satisfactorio del modelo con tres dimensiones y buenos índices de fiabilidad (alfa = 0,95 y omega = 0,94). Conclusión: La versión brasileña abreviada de la Escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto es una escala que presenta buenas evidencias de validez y fiabilidad.

Abstract Objective: To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation and validity and reliability evidence of the Brazilian version of the Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto scale (Maternal Well-being in Childbirth Scale). Methods: This is a methodological study carried out through translation, back-translation, assessment by a committee of judges, pre-test, and validation. Validation included participation of 500 mothers who underwent vaginal childbirth. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were performed. Results: After analysis by judges, the suggested changes were applied, and all items showed agreement among evaluators above 80%. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated a satisfactory fit of the model with three dimensions and good reliability indexes (alpha = 0.95 and omega = 0.94). Conclusion: The short Brazilian version of the Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto scale is a 16-item scale that presents good validity and reliability evidence.

Covid-19 y oportunidades para el bienestar materno-infantil en Cuba / Covid-19 e oportunidades para o bem-estar materno-infantil em Cuba / Covid-19 and opportunities for maternal and child wellbeing in Cuba

El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los indicadores asociados al bienestar materno-infantil en los protocolos cubanos de actuación para la Covid-19. Con este fin, se realizó un análisis cualitativo de contenido que combinó una lógica deductiva derivada de la revisión bibliográfica de la literatura sobre bienestar materno-infantil y experiencia positiva del parto, y otra inductiva, con base en el procesamiento de la información empírica de los protocolos cubanos, según las recomendaciones de la OMS y la OPS. El análisis reveló que las guías enfatizan en la vida de la madre y el niño y priorizan la atención de las embarazadas como parte del acceso universal y gratuito a la salud; pero descuidan aspectos cualitativos del bienestar y la calidad del servicio, y con ello, los derechos de las gestantes y madres, y sus necesidades físicas, emocionales, psicológicas, sociales y espirituales. (AU)

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar os indicadores associados ao bem-estar materno-infantil nos protocolos de ação cubanos para o Covid-19. Por tanto, foi realizada uma análise de conteúdo qualitativa que combinou uma lógica dedutiva derivada da revisão bibliográfica da literatura sobre bem-estar materno-infantil e uma experiência positiva de parto, e uma indutiva, baseada no processamento de informações empíricas de protocolos cubanos, a luz das recomendações da OMS e da OPAS. A análise revelou que as orientações enfatizam a vida da mãe e do filho e priorizam o cuidado à gestante como parte do acesso universal e gratuito à saúde. Porém, negligenciam os aspectos qualitativos do bem-estar e da qualidade do serviço e, com isso, os direitos da gestante e da mãe, suas necessidades físicas, emocionais, psicológicas, sociais e espirituais. (AU)

The article aims to analyze indicators associated with maternal and child wellbeing in the Cuban Covid-19 action protocols. We carried out a qualitative content analysis that combined a deductive logic derived from a bibliographic review of the literature on maternal and child wellbeing and positive childbirth experiences, and an inductive logic based on the processing of empirical information from Cuban protocols, in light of the recommendations issued by WHO and PAHO. The analysis revealed that the instructions emphasize the mother's and child's life and prioritize care provided for pregnant women as part of free and universal access to health. However, they neglect the qualitative aspects of wellbeing and service quality and, with this, they also neglect the pregnant woman's and mother's rights, as well as their physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual needs. (AU)

Maternal and perinatal characteristics and outcomes of pregnancies complicated with COVID-19 in Kuwait.

BACKGROUND: The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and newborns is incompletely understood. Preliminary data shows a rather fluctuating course of the disease from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to maternal death. However, it is not clear whether the disease increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications. The aim of the study is to describe the maternal and neonatal clinical characteristics and outcome of pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: In this retrospective national-based study, we analyzed the medical records of all pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their neonates who were admitted to New-Jahra Hospital (NJH), Kuwait, between March 15th 2020 and May 31st 2020. During the study period and as part of the public health measures, a total of 185 pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, regardless of symptoms, were hospitalized at NJH, and were included. Maternal and neonatal clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and treatments were collected. The outcomes of pregnancies included miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), preterm birth and live birth were assessed until the end date of the outcomes follow-up (November 10th 2020). RESULTS: A total of 185 pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled with a median age of 31 years (interquartile range, IQR: 27.5-34), and median gestational age at diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 infection was 29 weeks (IQR: 18-34). The majority (88%) of these women had mild symptoms, with fever (58%) being the most common presenting symptom followed by cough (50.6%). At the time of the analysis, out of the 185, 3 (1.6%) of the pregnant women had a miscarriage, 1 (0.54%) had IUFD which was not related to COVID-19, 16 (8.6%) had ongoing pregnancies and 165 (89%) had a live birth. Only 2 (1.1%) of these women developed severe pneumonia and required intensive care. A total of 167 neonates with two sets of twins were born with median gestational age at birth was 38 (IQR: 36-39) weeks. Most of the neonates were asymptomatic, and only 2 of them tested positive on day 5 by nasopharyngeal swab testing. CONCLUSIONS: In this national-based study, most of the pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed mild symptoms. Although mother-to-child vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible, COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may not lead to unfavorable maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Coronavirus diseases and pregnancy: COVID-19,SARS, and MERS.

Around the end of December 2019, a new beta-coronavirus from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China began to spread rapidly. The new virus, called SARS-CoV-2, which could be transmitted through respiratory droplets, had a range of mild to severe symptoms, from simple cold in some cases to death in others. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 was named COVID-19 by WHO and has so far killed more people than SARS and MERS. Following the widespread global outbreak of COVID-19, with more than 132758 confirmed cases and 4955 deaths worldwide, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic disease in January 2020. Earlier studies on viral pneumonia epidemics has shown that pregnant women are at greater risk than others. During pregnancy, the pregnant woman is more prone to infectious diseases. Research on both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which are pathologically similar to SARS-CoV-2, has shown that being infected with these viruses during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal death, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation and, preterm delivery. With the exponential increase in cases of COVID-19 throughout the world, there is a need to understand the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the health of pregnant women, through extrapolation of earlier studies that have been conducted on pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV. There is an urgent need to understand the chance of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to fetus and the possibility of the virus crossing the placental barrier. Additionally, since some viral diseases and antiviral drugs may have a negative impact on the mother and fetus, in which case, pregnant women need special attention for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19.