Opinions of Non-English Speaking Fathers in the Antenatal and Delivery Room.

This study investigated the demographic differences, newborn outcomes, and psychological experiences of English speaking (ES) and non-English speaking (NES) fathers in antenatal and delivery rooms. One thousand fathers completed antenatal and delivery questionnaires. Thirty-three percent of NES fathers were smokers, compared to 26% of ES fathers. NES fathers also reported significantly lower elective cesarean surgery rates. However, intrauterine growth restriction was significantly higher amongst the NES newborn cohort. Further, nursery admission of newborns born to NES fathers was more than double that of ES fathers. NES fathers self-reported more psychological symptoms after delivery than ES fathers (31% vs 19%). This study highlights the dual need for more research into NES perinatal experiences and change in pregnancy management for NES families.

Analysis of hospital cost outcome of DHA-rich fish-oil supplementation in pregnancy: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Recent research emphasized the nutritional benefits of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy. Based on a double-blind randomised controlled trial named "DHA to Optimize Mother and Infant Outcome" (DOMInO), we examined how omega 3 DHA supplementation during pregnancy may affect pregnancy related in-patient hospital costs. METHOD: We conducted an econometric analysis based on ordinary least square and quantile regressions with bootstrapped standard errors. Using these approaches, we also examined whether smoking, drinking, maternal age and BMI could influence the effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on hospital costs. RESULTS: Our regressions showed that in-patient hospital costs could decrease by AUD92 (P<0.05) on average per singleton pregnancy when DHA supplements were consumed during pregnancy. Our regression results also showed that the cost savings to the Australian public hospital system could be between AUD15 - AUD51 million / year. CONCLUSION: Given that a simple intervention like DHA-rich fish-oil supplementation could generate savings to the public, it may be worthwhile from a policy perspective to encourage DHA supplementation among pregnant women.

Can we identify women who initiate and then prematurely cease breastfeeding? An Australian multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Health authorities recommend 6 months of fully breastfeeding and continuation of breastfeeding for at least a year. Many women initiate breastfeeding in hospital but discontinue before the six-month period, and therefore do not optimise the public health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine whether these women could be identified at hospital discharge, to enable targeted interventions. METHODS: A secondary analysis of women who intended to breastfeed and were enrolled in a large randomised trial was undertaken. Women were enrolled in the antenatal period and antenatal, delivery and six month postnatal questionnaires were completed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine the variables associated with early cessation of breastfeeding within six months, compared to women who continued to breastfeed. RESULTS: Of 2148 women who initiated breastfeeding in hospital, 877 continued to breastfed either partially (N = 262) or fully (N = 615) until six months postpartum and 1271 ceased breastfeeding early. Median breastfeeding duration in women who ceased early was 3(+6) weeks (IQR 1(+1) to 11(+2) weeks). In multivariate analysis, factors that were significantly associated with early cessation of breastfeeding were maternal factors of lower education (less than 12 years of schooling, no completion of further education), smoking (pre-pregnancy or during pregnancy), and newborn factors of preterm birth and low birthweight (all p < 0.01). These variables correctly identify 83% of women. CONCLUSION: We can identify women who initiate and then prematurely discontinue breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. Evaluation of additional interventions to support longer duration of breastfeeding in women at risk of ceasing prematurely is needed.

Domestic violence is a leading risk factor in default from colposcopy services.

AIM: Domestic violence is common in women and is associated with poorer health-care outcomes. However, no causal pathway has been identified to explain this observation. We have followed a cohort of women to determine whether poorer outcomes can be explained by high rates of default and loss to follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed. Institutional ethics approval was obtained. Participants were consecutive patients attending colposcopy clinics at a major metropolitan hospital in Australia. Following ascertainment of domestic violence status, appointment outcomes for colposcopy services were tracked for a 3-year period. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to determine demographic factors associated with default from care and loss to follow-up. RESULTS: Of 581 women approached, consent was obtained from 574 women (99%). Domestic violence status was obtained from 566 women, of whom 187 (33%) had a recent history of exposure. Women exposed to violence were more likely to default from colposcopy once (26.2% vs 7.4%; P < 0.0001), twice (11.2% vs 3.2%, P = 0.0001), or thrice (10.7% vs 2.4%, P < 0.0001). They were more likely to be lost to follow-up (8.0% vs 1.1%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, exposure to domestic violence remained significantly associated with default and loss to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is a risk factor for default from attendance and loss to follow-up at colposcopy services. This may explain the mechanism behind adverse health-care outcomes seen. Screening and targeted appointment intervention programs may improve clinical compliance.

What Factors Impact upon a Woman's Decision to Undertake Genetic Cancer Testing?

INTRODUCTION: The advent of human genome project has lead to genetic tests that identify high-risk states for certain cancers. Many are privately marketed on the Internet. Despite the availability of tests, limited data has evaluated factors that lead to test uptake. The aim of the present study was to explore the attitudes of a cohort of new mothers toward uptake of a genetic cancer test with a 50% predictive value of cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken. The project targeted women who had recently given birth at an Australian tertiary referral hospital. Women were asked about a theoretical blood test that detected an increased risk for the development of cancer. Attitudes and knowledge questionnaires were completed. RESULTS: Of 232 consecutive women approached, 32 declined, giving a response rate of 86.2%. Only 63 (31.5%) women stated they would have the test. Absence of religious belief, higher level of education, better knowledge of terms used in genetics, an absence of concern over emotional, employment, and insurance discrimination, and previous acceptance of Down syndrome screening in pregnancy were each associated with significantly higher rate of test uptake in univariate analysis (all p < 0.03). In multivariate analysis, a lack of concern over discrimination and a history of having accepted Down syndrome screening in the previous pregnancy remained significantly associated with test uptake (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Concern over discrimination and having made a prior decision to have genetic testing were the principal factors associated with decision-making.

Prevalence and associations of domestic violence at an Australian colposcopy clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Domestic violence is associated with significant mortality and morbidity including gynecological morbidity. We report the prevalence and associations of domestic violence in an Australian colposcopy service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed from consecutive patients attending colposcopy clinics at a major metropolitan hospital in Australia. Key outcomes were the prevalence of intimate partner violence and its key demographic associations. RESULTS: Consent was obtained from 574 and domestic violence status was ascertained in 566 of 581 women approached. Overall, 33% of responders reported violence within 12 months. In 14.5%, the female reported being sole recipient of violence; in a further 16.6%, violence was bidirectional, and in 1.9% of cases, a woman was the sole perpetrator. Key associations of violence were younger age at presentation (32 vs 35 y; p = .01), higher rates of smoking (51.3% vs 38.2%; p = .0004), higher rates of housing instability (32.2% vs 12.2%; p < .0001), a positive Beck Depression Inventory screen (50.0% vs 24.6%; p < .0001), and higher rates of default to initial attendance (15.5% vs 4.7%, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Domestic violence is common in women presenting to colposcopy services and may be associated with poor housing stability and higher default rates.

Fish-oil supplementation in pregnancy does not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty regarding the efficacy of increasing n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) intake during pregnancy in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to determine whether n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in pregnancy reduces the incidence of GDM or preeclampsia. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on perinatal complications. DESIGN: This was a double-blind, multicenter randomized control trial-the DHA to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome (DOMInO) trial. Pregnant women (n = 2399) of <21 wk gestation were randomly assigned to receive DHA-enriched fish oil (800 mg/d) or vegetable oil capsules without DHA from trial entry to birth. The presence of GDM or preeclampsia was assessed through a blinded audit of medical records. Birth outcomes and prenatal complications were also assessed. RESULTS: The overall incidences of GDM and preeclampsia were 8% and 5%, respectively, based on clinical diagnosis. The RR of GDM was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.27) and of preeclampsia was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.60, 1.25), and they did not differ significantly between the groups. Birth weight, length, and head circumference z scores also did not differ between the groups. There were 12 perinatal deaths and 5 neonatal convulsions in the control group compared with 3 perinatal deaths and no neonatal convulsions in the DHA group (P = 0.03 in both cases). CONCLUSION: DHA supplementation of 800 mg/d in the second half of pregnancy does not reduce the risk of GDM or preeclampsia. Whether supplementation reduces the risk of perinatal death and neonatal convulsions requires further investigation. The DOMInO trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as TRN12605000569606.

The impact of molar pregnancy on the male partner.

BACKGROUND: Molar pregnancy is a complication of 1 in 200-2000 pregnancies whereby abnormal placental tissue proliferates in the absence of a fetus and may lead to metastases. The disease origin lies in dispermy or dual fertilisation of the egg. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of molar pregnancy upon the male partner. METHODS: Institutional ethics committee approval and individual consent were obtained. All women listed on the state molar pregnancy database who were receiving active follow-up (n = 102) and a random sample of women who had been registered in the previous 30 years (n = 56) were sent a postal survey outlining the purpose of the study and an invitation for their partner to participate. Sixty-six women gave permission for their partner to participate in the study. Questionnaires included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Sexual History Form 12. Responding partners were also invited to make comments about any aspect of particular concern. A reminder mail out was issued after 6 weeks. RESULTS: The response rate was 62% (N = 41). The key findings were that 32.5% and 12.5% of men met the case criteria for anxiety and depressive disorder, respectively. These figures represent a doubling of usual community rates for anxiety disorder. However, overall quality of life and sexual functioning outcomes were consistent with community samples. The presence of children played a protective role and was associated with significantly better psychological function and quality of life in univariate and multivariate analysis. Qualitative results complemented the quantitative data, with anxiety as the dominant emotional theme. CONCLUSION: There are high persisting levels of anxiety in male partners of women with molar pregnancy. Partners may benefit from therapy where anxiety disorders are detected.

Chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between clinical or histological chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy using a meta-analysis approach. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of the literature appeared in PubMed between 2000 and 2009 was conducted using the search terms "cerebral palsy" and "infection," with broad-scope variations in terminology of "white matter damage," "periventricular leukomalacia," "cystic periventricular leukomalacia," "chorioamnionitis," "intrauterine infection," "intraventricular hemorrhage," "funisitis," "fetal inflammatory response," "early neonatal sepsis," "neurological impairment," "virus," "bacteria," "fungi," and "protozoa," with variations of suffixes (eg, "viral," "bacterial," "fungal," "protozoan," etc), and "urinary tract infection," "bacterial vaginosis," "bacteriuria," and "cytokines." The related key words "gestational age," "small for gestational age," "preterm," and "low birth weight" also were added to the search terms. Only studies published in English were included. METHODS: Three hundred eight articles were retrieved and systematically reviewed independently by two authors. Application of four inclusion criteria led to 15 studies being considered for data abstraction. An exposure was considered relevant if it met the established criteria for clinical or histological chorioamnionitis. The outcome was a diagnosis of cerebral palsy in accordance with established criteria. RESULTS: The data were abstracted onto standard forms, correlated according to eight characteristics, and tabulated. Twelve of the 15 studies contained information on the association between clinical chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy, and eight studies included information on the association between histological chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy. The results indicated that there were significant associations between clinical chorioamnionitis or histological chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy, for clinical chorioamnionitis (chi1=13.91; P<.001) with a pooled odds ratio of 2.42 (95% confidence interval 1.52-3.84), and for histological chorioamnionitis (chi1=6.86; P=.009) with a pooled odds ratio of 1.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.89). The data suggested increased risks of 140% and 80% for neonates exposed to clinical chorioamnionitis or histological chorioamnionitis, respectively. CONCLUSION: The significant association of clinical or histological chorioamnionitis with cerebral palsy suggested that clinical strategies to prevent or reduce chorioamnionitis would lead to a reduction in cerebral palsy. The culture techniques currently used to diagnose the presence of pathogenic microorganisms during pregnancy need to improve, both in their methodology and in the length of time they require.

Women who are well informed about prenatal genetic screening delay emotional attachment to their fetus.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal maternal serum screening allows assessment of risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and is increasingly being offered to all women regardless of age or prior risk. However ensuring informed choice to participate in screening is difficult and the psychological implications of making an informed decision are uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare the growth of maternal-fetal emotional attachment in groups of women whose decisions about participation in screening were informed or not informed. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal design was used. English speaking women were recruited in antenatal clinics prior to the offer of second trimester maternal screening. Three self-report questionnaires completed over the course of pregnancy used validated measures of informed choice and maternal-fetal emotional attachment. Attachment scores throughout pregnancy in informed and not-informed groups were compared in repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: 134 completed the first assessment (recruitment 73%) and 68 (58%) provided compete data. The informed group had significantly lower attachment scores (p = 0.023) than the not-informed group prior to testing, but scores were similar (p = 0.482) after test results were known. CONCLUSION: The findings raise questions about the impact of delayed maternal-fetal attachment and appropriate interventions to facilitate informed choice to participate in screening.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in a public colposcopy clinic population.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is a major public health issue, with notifications of this sexually transmitted disease continuing to rise in Australia. Women attending colposcopy clinics are referred for treatment of cervical abnormalities often associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. There is evidence that women who have acquired one sexually transmitted infection, such as HPV, are at higher risk of acquiring another. Women attending colposcopy clinics may therefore be at risk of undiagnosed infection with C. trachomatis. AIM: To determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis in women attending a public metropolitan colposcopy clinic in Victoria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. Institutional ethics committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Consecutive women attending the colposcopy clinic completed a questionnaire and had a swab collected from the endocervix for analysis by polymerase chain reaction for C. trachomatis. Positive screens were treated in accordance with best practice. Data were analysed with Minitab Version 2004 (Minitab Inc, State College, PA, USA). RESULTS: Of 581 women approached to participate in the trial, consent was obtained from 568 women (98%) and final outcome data was available on 560 women (99%). The overall rate of chlamydial infection was 2.1% (95% CI 1.5-2.7%). However, in women aged 25 years or less the rate was 5.8% (95% CI 3.8-7.8%) and in women over 25 years it was only 0.9% (95% CI 0.4-1.4%). Apart from age, no other demographic factor was significantly associated with chlamydial infection. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of chlamydial infection in the colposcopy clinic population as a whole does not warrant a policy for routine screening, screening directed at women aged 25 years or less would gain the greatest yields in terms of cost efficacy. Such a policy should be implemented as standard practice.

The impact of molar pregnancy on psychological symptomatology, sexual function, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Molar pregnancy is an unusual complication of pregnancy whereby abnormal placental tissue proliferates in the absence of a fetus. There is usually a protracted follow-up period where pregnancy is contra-indicated. Whilst the medical outcomes of the disease have been well explored, limited data have evaluated the impact on psychological symptomatology, sexual function, and quality of life. METHODS: Institutional ethics approval and individual consent were obtained. All women listed on the hospital molar pregnancy register receiving active follow-up (n = 102) and a random sample of women who had been registered in the previous 30 years (n = 56) were sent a postal survey outlining the purpose of the study and an invitation to participate. Questionnaires included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Sexual History Form 12 (SHF-12). RESULTS: The response rate was 54%. The key findings were that 60%, 55%, and 18% of women scored > or =10 on the total HADS, > or =8 on HADS-A, and >8 on HADS-D, respectively. The presence of children played a protective role and was associated with significantly better psychological function and quality of life. SWLS were in the lower end of ranges reported for community controls (mean of 23.9). Chemotherapy had an adverse impact on quality of life ratings (SWLS for chemotherapy yes = 21.7, no = 25). Sexual dysfunction was similar to community samples and was independent of age, time since diagnosis, chemotherapy requirement, and presence of children. Qualitative results complemented the quantitative data with similar emotional themes identified as well as issues related to the medical condition, care, and support networks. CONCLUSION: Women with a molar pregnancy may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to management that addresses their psychological and sexual needs in addition to medical aspects of care.

Psychologic changes after a gynecologic cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the wider psychologic symptomatology experienced by women with a new diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer at the point of diagnosis and 6 weeks later. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out with ethics committee approval and informed consent. Women were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in Australia over an 8-month period. In order to cover a diverse range of potential symptomatology, we utilized the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL)-90, which covers 90 separate psychologic symptoms that can then be coded into eight domains. Women also completed questions relating to their perceived level of social support, and demographic data were collated separately. RESULTS: Key findings were that levels of symptomatology remained uniform across the first 6 weeks following the diagnosis of the cancer regardless of the site of the cancer. Across the spectrum of symptomatology domains, the median scores were all higher in women with poor social supports compared with those with higher social support levels at 6 weeks. Statistically significant differences were observed in the domains of phobic-anxiety, retarded depression, and agitated depression at 6 weeks' follow up. CONCLUSION: Women with a new diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer experience diverse psychologic symptomatology. Symptoms persist over the first 6 weeks and are higher in women with poor social supports. Screening of women for adequate social support structure and targeted interventions to resolve symptomatology need to be tailored to the type of symptoms experienced.

Demographic variables routinely collected at colposcopic examination do not predict who will default from conservative management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I.

OBJECTIVE: As a result of the low incidence of progression from low grade epithelial abnormalities to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 or cervical cancer, a conservative approach to management is supported, especially in young women. Loss to follow-up is a recognised problem with a conservative approach however, with women defaulting known to experience higher rates of cancer. AIM: To determine if any routinely collected demographic variables could predict which Australian women would subsequently default from care having initially elected to have conservative management of CIN 1 lesions. METHODS: Prospectively collected data was audited on 279 women with a colposcopically directed biopsy diagnosis of CIN 1, confirmed on external review, who were enroled by their own choice into a conservative management program and monitored until a definitive lesion outcome was determined. Women who defaulted from follow-up and were lost to care providers despite follow-up appointments and reminder letters were compared to women who completed follow-up with either lesion resolution or progression requiring treatment, to establish if there were any demographic variables to predict default from care. RESULTS: Fifty-two (18.5%) women subsequently defaulted from follow-up. There were no significant differences in age, parity, proportion of women who were pregnant at diagnosis, smoking status, immunosuppressed or had a 'human papillomavirus (HPV) effect' reported on Pap-smear or colposcopic examination. CONCLUSION: We cannot easily identify a subgroup of women who are more likely to default from follow-up of CIN 1 using routinely collected demographic data. Default from follow-up is a major risk with conservative approaches and further research to reduce default rates are required.

Teenage antenatal clinics may reduce the rate of preterm birth: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether teenage antenatal clinics reduce the incidence of preterm birth. DESIGN: A multicentre prospective study was performed. SETTING: Three Australian hospitals with maternity services. POPULATION: Consecutive teenage patients (N= 731) were approached at their first or second antenatal visit. METHODS: Cases were women attending multidisciplinary teenage antenatal clinics and controls attended general hospital-based antenatal clinics. Teenage antenatal clinics involved multidisciplinary care and included guidelines to screen and treat all patients for infectious and social pathology. General antenatal clinic care was in accordance with Australian standards. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preterm birth, newborn biometry adjusted for gestational age, breastfeeding and contraception plans at discharge. RESULTS: Consent was obtained from 651 (89%) patients. Teenage pregnancy clinic patients were significantly less likely to present with threatened preterm labour (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.29-0.68), preterm, prelabour, prolonged rupture of membranes (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.18-0.63) or deliver preterm (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.25-0.62) compared with those from general clinics. However, there was no independent effect of clinic care upon newborn biometry outcomes. Clinic care did not significantly alter rates of initiation of breastfeeding in hospital. However, significantly more of the teenage antenatal clinic mothers were discharged on contraception (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.07-2.25). CONCLUSION: Teenage-specific antenatal clinics may reduce the rate of preterm birth.

Abnormal pap smears in teenage mothers and the association with domestic violence, homelessness, and Chlamydia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of Pap smear abnormalities and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on cervical biopsy results in teenage mothers and to establish if there are associations with social disruption. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 498 pregnant teenagers was performed at three Australian hospitals. Enrolled patients had a Pap smear performed. Women with abnormal Pap smear results underwent colposcopy with directed biopsy of the cervix. Independently, women were interviewed to identify demographic and social variables. Variables associated with an abnormal Pap smear result were analyzed using a mixed model of analysis. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-seven patients participated in the study (response rate, 92%). The prevalences of low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions on Pap smear were 37 in 1,000 and 13 in 1,000, respectively. The prevalence of CIN 1 was 35 in 1,000 and of CIN 2,3 was 15 in 1,000. In univariate analysis, teenagers with abnormal Pap smear results were significantly more likely to have a history of exposure to domestic violence (odds ration [OR], 7.10; 95% CI, 2.76-18.53), be homeless (OR, 6.82; 95% CI, 2.59-17.83), to have coexisting Chlamydia infection (OR, 5.44; 95% CI, 1.59-17.64), or be current users of illegal drugs or have a history of illegal drug use (current: OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.22-7.69; history: OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.04-7.53). Exposure to domestic violence, homelessness, and Chlamydia infection remained significant on multivariate analysis (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CIN in pregnant teenagers is high and is associated with domestic violence, homelessness, and Chlamydia infection.

The impact of continuing illegal drug use on teenage pregnancy outcomes--a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of continuing illegal drug use on teenage pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three Australian obstetric hospitals. SAMPLE: Four hundred and fifty-six teenage antenatal patients. METHODS: Teenage antenatal patients were interviewed and completed questionnaires to establish their pattern of non-prescription drug use before and during pregnancy. Illegal drug use data provided by the participants were validated in a subgroup of 180 who were interviewed six months postpartum. Antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal outcomes were collated independently. Data were analysed using SAS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Antenatal co-morbidity, delivery and newborn outcomes. RESULTS: In the cohort, 20.3% used marijuana throughout their pregnancy. However, 33.5% of these were multidrug users. The remaining 79.6% did not use illegal drugs throughout pregnancy (non-users). However, half the 'non-users' were 'ex-users' who ceased drug use immediately before or during early pregnancy. Illegal drug use was associated with an increased incidence of concurrent cigarette and alcohol use (both OR > 4.1 and P < 0.0001) and social and psychiatric morbidity (all OR > 1.95 and P < 0.001). Multidrug use was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of chlamydial and other endocervical infections (chlamydia: OR = 4.2,95% CI = 1.6-10.9; endocervical infections: OR = 2.6,95% CI = 1.1-5.7). After controlling for significant covariates, and in the setting of good antenatal care, the only difference in outcome was a significant linear trend towards an increased incidence of threatened preterm labour across the three groups (P = 0.02). Of note, there were no effects on birthweight, birthweight ratio or preterm birth. CONCLUSION: Good antenatal care may be able to ameliorate many adverse pregnancy outcomes in teenagers who use illegal drugs throughout pregnancy. The high levels of coexisting psychosocial morbidity are a concern for future mothercrafting.