Antenatal diet quality and perinatal depression: the Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS) cohort.

BACKGROUND: Previous findings from research investigating the role of antenatal nutrition in preventing postpartum depression (PPD) are inconsistent. Our primary aim was to investigate the association between pregnancy diet quality and PPD. Our secondary aim was to investigate associations between (a) diet quality and depression during pregnancy and (b) depression during pregnancy and PPD. METHODS: This analysis represents data from 73 women participating in the Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS) cohort in Sydney, Australia, which followed women from Trimester 1 of pregnancy to 1-year postpartum (PP). Participants' diet quality was assessed using the Australian Eating Survey at Trimester 1 and 3 to calculate diet quality, known as the Australian Recommended Food Score (lower diet quality defined as score <39; higher diet quality ≥39). Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Depression Scale at Trimesters 1, 2, 3 and 6 weeks PP (defined as score ≥11). RESULTS: Depression scores during pregnancy were significantly associated with depression score 6 weeks PP (Trimester 1: r = 0.66, Trimester 2: r = 0.69, Trimester 3: r = 0.67; all p < 0.001). Diet quality during pregnancy was not significantly correlated with 6-week PPD score. In unadjusted analysis, diet quality during pregnancy was not associated with pregnancy depression scores. When adjusted for age, parity and Trimester 1 body mass index, Trimester 1 physical activity levels and gestational weight gain, higher Trimester 3 diet quality was associated with reduced Trimester 3 depression only. CONCLUSIONS: Depression scores during pregnancy were positively associated with PPD, highlighting the importance of screening for depression during pregnancy and postnatally. Larger longitudinal prospective studies may elucidate the association between diet quality and PPD.

J-Edited DIffusional Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Measurement of Glycoprotein and Supramolecular Phospholipid Biomarkers of Inflammation in Human Serum.

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) N-acetyl signals (Glyc) from glycoproteins and supramolecular phospholipids composite peak (SPC) from phospholipid quaternary nitrogen methyls in subcompartments of lipoprotein particles) can give important systemic metabolic information, but their absolute quantification is compromised by overlap with interfering resonances from lipoprotein lipids themselves. We present a J-Edited DIffusional (JEDI) proton NMR spectroscopic approach to selectively augment signals from the inflammatory marker peaks Glyc and SPCs in blood serum NMR spectra, which enables direct integration of peaks associated with molecules found in specific compartments. We explore a range of pulse sequences that allow editing based on peak J-modulation, translational diffusion, and T2 relaxation time and validate them for untreated blood serum samples from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (n = 116) as well as samples from healthy controls and pregnant women with physiological inflammation and hyperlipidemia (n = 631). The data show that JEDI is an improved approach to selectively investigate inflammatory signals in serum and may have widespread diagnostic applicability to disease states associated with systemic inflammation.

Cost-effectiveness of term induction of labour using inpatient prostaglandin gel versus outpatient Foley catheter.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating cost-effectiveness of induction of labour (IOL) using outpatient mechanical cervical ripening using a Foley catheter (OFC) compared to inpatient chemical ripening using prostin gel (IPG). STUDY DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis from a hospital perspective alongside a RCT. Women in a metropolitan Australian maternity hospital with an unfavourable cervix requiring IOL at term were randomised to IPG (n = 51) or OFC (n = 50). Primary economic measures were mean patient costs, incremental cost per predelivery inpatient hour prevented, and incremental cost per vaginal delivery within 12 h of admission to the birthing unit. Bootstrapping estimates were used to construct 95% confidence intervals. Estimates of net monetary benefit were calculated to aid interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Mean hospital costs per woman were nonsignificantly higher ($6524 OFC vs $5876 IPG) and mean difference $643; 95% CI -$366 to $1652. OFC group experienced fewer predelivery inpatient hours, resulting in an incremental cost per inpatient hour prevented of $57 (95% CI -$79.44 to $190.65). However, OFC patients were less likely to deliver vaginally within 12 h of admission to birthing unit. Other cost influencing clinical outcomes, including caesarean section rates and total inpatient hours, were not statistically different. Results were not sensitive to changes in costs or the cost-effectiveness thresholds. CONCLUSION: OFC had fewer inpatient hours and costs prior to birth. However, OFC did not reduce overall inpatient hours and failed to achieve comparable rates of vaginal delivery within 12 h of birthing unit admission. Therefore, OFC is unlikely to be considered cost-effective compared to IPG in current hospital settings.

Vaginal Sensors.

The development and market emergence of vaginal sensors have begun to demonstrate their impact on women's healthcare. Until recently, in limited cases, these sensors have exhibited their capabilities in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the vaginal tract during different stages of women's lives. This Perspective is a compilation of what has been accomplished so far in the landscape of vaginal sensors. The text explores the diverse types of vaginal sensor technologies, their applications, and their potential impact on women's healthcare. The review introduces the anatomy of the vagina and cervix and categorizes vaginal sensors that have been developed, highlighting the technologies and potential applications. The paper covers biomarkers of the vaginal tract and discusses their importance in maintaining the overall characteristics of the vaginal system. The text also explores the clinical implications of vaginal sensors in pregnancy monitoring, disease detection, and sexual health management. In the final step, the manuscript provides future perspectives and possibilities that can be incorporated in the emerging field of vaginal sensors.

What women want if they were to have another baby: the Australian Birth Experience Study (BESt) cross-sectional national survey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore if Australian women would do anything differently if they were to have another baby. DESIGN AND SETTING: The Birth Experience Study (BESt) online survey explored pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences for women who had given birth during 2016-2021 in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: In 2021, 8804 women responded to the BESt survey and 6101 responses to the open text responses to the survey question 'Would you do anything different if you were to have another baby?' were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 6101 women provided comments in response to the open text question, resulting in 10 089 items of coding. Six categories were found: 'Next time I'll be ready' (3958, 39.2%) described how women reflected on their previous experience, feeling the need to better advocate for themselves in the future to receive the care or experience they wanted; 'I want a specific birth experience' (2872, 28.5%) and 'I want a specific model of care' (1796, 17.8%) highlighted the types of birth and health provider women would choose for their next pregnancy. 'I want better access' (294, 2.9%) identified financial and/or geographical constraints women experience trying to make choices for birth. Two categories included comments from women who said 'I don't want to change anything' (1027, 10.2%) and 'I don't want another pregnancy' (142, 1.4%). Most women birthed in hospital (82.9%) and had a vaginal birth (59.2%) and 26.7% had a caesarean. CONCLUSION: Over 85% of comments left by women in Australia were related to making different decisions regarding their next birth choices. Most concerningly women often blamed themselves for not being more informed. Women realised the benefits of continuity of care with a midwife. Many women also desired a vaginal birth as well as better access to birthing at home.

Relationship between Diet Quality and Maternal Stool Microbiota in the MUMS Australian Pregnancy Cohort.

Dietary intake during pregnancy may influence the antenatal microbiome, which is proposed to impact maternal and infant health during the pregnancy and beyond. The aim of this sub-study was to examine associations between dietary intake and microbiota diversity during pregnancy using whole metagenomic sequencing and examine associations in low-risk versus high-risk pregnancies, as well as complicated versus uncomplicated pregnancies. Pregnancy data were analysed from women participating in the MUMS cohort study in Sydney, Australia (women followed from trimester 1 of pregnancy to 1-year postpartum), who had dietary intake data at either trimester 1 or 3, assessed using the Australian Eating Survey, and a matched stool sample (n = 86). Correlations of microbial alpha diversity with dietary intake data were determined using the repeated-measures correlation, rmcorr, in R. In the combined cohort, no associations were found between diet quality or diet composition and microbial alpha diversity or beta diversity. However, trends in our analysis suggested that dietary intake of specific macro- and micronutrients may influence microbial diversity differently, depending on particular pregnancy conditions. Our findings suggest that dietary intake during pregnancy may have a variable influence on the maternal microbiota, unique to the individual maternal pregnancy phenotype. More research is needed to disentangle these associations.

The MothersBabies Study, an Australian Prospective Cohort Study Analyzing the Microbiome in the Preconception and Perinatal Period to Determine Risk of Adverse Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Child-Related Health Outcomes: Study Protocol.

The microbiome has emerged as a key determinant of human health and reproduction, with recent evidence suggesting a dysbiotic microbiome is implicated in adverse perinatal health outcomes. The existing research has been limited by the sample collection and timing, cohort design, sample design, and lack of data on the preconception microbiome. This prospective, longitudinal cohort study will recruit 2000 Australian women, in order to fully explore the role of the microbiome in the development of adverse perinatal outcomes. Participants are enrolled for a maximum of 7 years, from 1 year preconception, through to 5 years postpartum. Assessment occurs every three months until pregnancy occurs, then during Trimester 1 (5 + 0-12 + 6 weeks gestation), Trimester 2 (20 + 0-24 + 6 weeks gestation), Trimester 3 (32 + 0-36 + 6 weeks gestation), and postpartum at 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, and then annually from 1 to 5 years. At each assessment, maternal participants self-collect oral, skin, vaginal, urine, and stool samples. Oral, skin, urine, and stool samples will be collected from children. Blood samples will be obtained from maternal participants who can access a study collection center. The measurements taken will include anthropometric, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum hormonal and metabolic parameters. Validated self-report questionnaires will be administered to assess diet, physical activity, mental health, and child developmental milestones. Medications, medical, surgical, obstetric history, the impact of COVID-19, living environments, and pregnancy and child health outcomes will be recorded. Multiomic bioinformatic and statistical analyses will assess the association between participants who developed high-risk and low-risk pregnancies, adverse postnatal conditions, and/or childhood disease, and their microbiome for the different sample types.

Differences in the Active Endometrial Microbiota across Body Weight and Cancer in Humans and Mice.

Obesity is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether actively replicating microbiota in the endometrium differ between obese vs. lean and cancer vs. benign states. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on endometrial tissues from lean and obese women with and without endometrial cancer, and lean and obese mice. Results displayed human endometrial microbiota clustered into three community types (R = 0.363, p = 0.001). Lactobacillus was dominant in community type 1 (C1) while community type 2 (C2) had high levels of Proteobacteria and more cancer samples when compared to C1 (p = 0.007) and C3 (p = 0.0002). A significant increase in the prevalence of the C2 community type was observed across body mass index and cancer (χ2 = 14.24, p = 0.0002). The relative abundance of Lactobacillus was lower in cancer samples (p = 0.0043), and an OTU with 100% similarity to Lactobacillus iners was enriched in control samples (p = 0.0029). Mouse endometrial microbiota also clustered into three community types (R = 0.419, p = 0.001) which were not influenced by obesity. In conclusion, obesity and cancer are associated with community type prevalence in the human endometrium, and Lactobacillus abundance is associated with normal uterine histologies in humans and mice.

The P4 Study: Postpartum Maternal and Infant Faecal Microbiome 6 Months After Hypertensive Versus Normotensive Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To explore potential differences in faecal microbiome between women, and their infants, who had normotensive pregnancies (NP) and those who had a hypertensive pregnancy (HP), either gestational hypertension (GH) or preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: This is a sub study of P4 (Postpartum Physiology, Psychology, and Paediatrics Study) and includes 18 mother-infant pairs: 10 NP and 8 HP (HP as defined by blood pressure > 140/90mmHg; of which 6 had PE, and 2 GH), six months postpartum. The participating mothers collected stool samples from themselves and their infants. 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicons were used to study the faecal microbiome. RESULTS: The sample of women and their infants were mostly primiparous (n =16) with vaginal birth (n = 14). At the time of faecal sampling 8 women were using hormonal contraception, and one HP woman remained on an antihypertensive. All women had blood pressure < 130/80mmHg, and 10 had high BMI (> 30). All infants had started solids, 8 were exclusively breastfed, 1 exclusively formula fed and 9 both. Three infants had been exposed to a course of antibiotics. Six months postpartum, there were no significant differences in alpha or beta diversity between the gut microbiota of HP and NP women (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was detected in alpha diversity between infants following HP and NP, with lower diversity levels in HP infants (P < 0.05). It was also found that at a genus and species level, the gut microbiota of HP women was enriched with Bifidobacterium and Bifididobacterium sp. and depleted in Barnisiella and Barnesiella intestinihominis when compared to NP women (P < 0.05). Similarly, the gut microbiota of infants born from HP was enriched in Streptococcus infantis and depleted in Sutterella, Sutterella sp., Bacteroides sp. and Clostridium aldenense compared to infants born from NP (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: While our findings are at best preliminary, due to the very small sample size, they do suggest that the presence of hypertension in pregnancy may adversely affect the maternal microbiota postpartum, and that of their infants. Further analysis of postpartum microbiome data from future studies will be important to validate these early findings and provide further evidence about the changes in the microbiota in the offspring of women following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including possible links to the causes of long-term cardiovascular disease, the prevalence of which is increased in women who have experienced HDP.

Corrigendum: The P4 Study: Postpartum Maternal and Infant Faecal Microbiome 6 Months After Hypertensive Versus Normotensive Pregnancy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.646165.].

The ethics of obtaining consent in labour for research.

BACKGROUND: It is widely acknowledged that the pregnant population is a vulnerable and potentially disadvantaged one with regard to research. We sought to evaluate compliance with this concept by examining current Australian practices of obtaining consent for research during labour through the published literature and from Australian Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) as well as reviewing the relevant literature. METHODS: We surveyed Australian HRECs requesting information about their opinions and/or practices surrounding the ethics of research consent during labour or birth. In addition, a literature search was performed to find randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving interventions during labour in Australia in the last five years. RESULTS: Of the HREC respondents, 75% believed it to be ethical to obtain consent for research in labour, 87% would require additional expert assistance to approve, 57% felt the partner should be involved and all proposed research scenarios were thought to require protocol changes. Recent local RCTs reflected a variety of consent strategies, each having their limitations. CONCLUSIONS: An under-used but potentially useful strategy may be staged recruitment and consent. Despite the evidence supporting labour as a time requiring increased acuity for informed consent, there is little to suggest that this knowledge is being applied to current Australian HREC and RCT practices. We suggest that further practical guidelines be devised to aid researchers and human ethics committees.

Reproducibility of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Pregnancy and the Association of Body Composition with the Risk of Gestational Diabetes: A Substudy of MUMS Cohort.

Introduction: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a rapid and noninvasive method of body composition analysis; however, reproducibility between BIA instruments in pregnancy is uncertain. Adverse maternal body composition has been linked to pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of three BIA instruments in pregnancy and analyse the relationship between the body composition and the GDM risk. Methods: A prospective cohort (n = 117) of women with singleton pregnancies participating in the Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS) at St. George Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Anthropometric measurements and BIA body composition were measured at ≤13 weeks (T1), 20-24 weeks (T2), and 32-36 weeks (T3) of gestation. Body fat percentage (BFP), total body water (TBW), and impedance were estimated by three BIA instruments: Bodystat 1500, RJL Quantum III, and Tanita BC-587. GDM status was recorded after 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 28 weeks or earlier. Agreement between BIA instruments was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Logistic regression modelling explored associations of BFP with GDM. Results: Method comparison reproducibility between Bodystat and RJL was stronger than between Bodystat and Tanita for both BFP and TBW% at all three time points. RJL overestimated BFP on average by 3.3% (p < 0.001), with limits of agreement within ±5% for all trimesters. Average BFP was not significantly different between Tanita and Bodystat although limits of agreement exceeded ±5%. GDM diagnosis was independently associated with increased BFP in T1 (adjusted OR 1.117 per 1% increase; 95% CI 1.020-1.224; p=0.017) and in T2 (adjusted OR 1.113 per 1% increase; 95% CI 1.010-1.226; p=0.031) and with Asian ethnicity in all models (OR 7.4-8.1). Conclusion: Reproducibility amongst instruments was moderate; therefore, interchangeability between instruments, particularly for research purposes, cannot be assumed. In this cohort, GDM risk was modestly associated with increasing BFP and strongly associated with Asian ethnicity.

Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS), an Australian prospective longitudinal cohort study of maternal and infant microbiota: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy induces significant physiological and cardiometabolic changes, and is associated with alterations in the maternal microbiota. Increasing rates of prepregnancy obesity, metabolic abnormalities and reduced physical activity, all impact negatively on the microbiota causing an imbalance between the commensal microorganisms (termed dysbiosis), which may drive complications, such as gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorders. Considerable work is needed to define the inter-relationships between the microbiome, nutrition, physical activity and pregnancy outcomes. The role of the microbiota during pregnancy remains unclear. The aim of the study is to define microbiota signatures longitudinally throughout pregnancy and the first year post birth, and to identify key clinical and environmental variables that shape the female microbiota profile during and following pregnancy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS) is an Australian prospective longitudinal cohort study involving 100 mother-infant pairs. Women are enrolled in their first trimester and followed longitudinally. Assessment occurs at <13+0, 20+0-24+6 and 32+0-36+6 weeks gestation, birth and 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postpartum. At each assessment, self-collected oral, vaginal and faecal samples are collected with an additional postpartum skin swab and breastmilk sample. Each infant will have oral, faecal and skin swab samples collected. Measurements include anthropometrics, body composition, blood pressure, serum hormonal and metabolic parameters and vaginal pH. Dietary intake, physical activity and psychological state will be assessed using validated self-report questionnaires, and pregnancy and infant outcomes recorded. Parametric and non-parametric hypothesis tests will be used to test the association between high-risk and low-risk pregnancies and their outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study received the following approval: South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Research Ethics Committee (17/293 (HREC/17/POWH/605). Results will be made available to the participants of MUMS, their families and the funding bodies; in the form of a summary document. Results for the greater maternity care community and other researchers will be disseminated through conferences, local, national and international presentations and peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12618000471280 (prospectively registered).

GnRH agonist triggers and their use in assisted reproductive technology: the past, the present and the future.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist triggers are very effective in eliminating early-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, in most studies they result in inferior pregnancy rates compared to hCG triggers in fresh autologous transfers. This is not due to an effect on embryo quality but rather due to inadequate corpus luteum formation and a defective luteal phase causing poor implantation. Intensive and adjusted steroid support or low-dose hCG may correct this. Late-onset OHSS is eliminated by using a freeze-all strategy. Pregnancy rates after transfer of thawed vitrified embryos are consistently high. A strategy combining a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist trigger with vitrification of all embryos has been proposed as a means of achieving a truly OHSS-free clinic.