pregnancy and childbirth

August 12, 2021

VUMC expands programming in effort to help pregnant and postpartum women, infants in opioid crisis

A newly created program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is aiming to address the increasing toll the opioid crisis is having on pregnant and postpartum women and their infants.

By Jessica Pasley
August 2, 2021

VUMC sees increase of COVID-19 in pregnant patients

Physicians at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have recently noticed an increase in pregnant patients ill with COVID-19. These cases are especially concerning due an increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation and ventilatory support, and increased risk of death in pregnant patients with COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant patients.

By Emily Stembridge
June 3, 2021

‘Secret shopper’ study sheds light on barriers to opioid treatment for women

After a 2020 Vanderbilt University Medical Center study showed women have a difficult time accessing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), investigators analyzed comments received from the study’s participants to further shed light on barriers to care, which included everything from long on-hold times to difficult interactions with clinic receptionists during phone calls seeking appointments.

By Jill Clendening
pregnant belly
September 8, 2020

Fibroids and birth outcomes

Women with three or more uterine fibroids — non-cancerous growths — during pregnancy are more likely to have infants with reduced birthweight and may need additional surveillance.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 14, 2020

Study finds patients’ access to opioid treatment cumbersome

Women are having a difficult time getting into treatment for opioid addictions, according to a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study published today in JAMA Open.

By Craig Boerner
August 10, 2020

Miscarriage risk increases each week alcohol is used in early pregnancy

Each week a woman consumes alcohol during the first five to 10 weeks of pregnancy is associated with an incremental 8% increase in risk of miscarriage, according to a study published this week by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers.

By Kelsey Herbers
June 11, 2020

My daughter was born in the middle of the pandemic. She is going to get very tired of hearing that story when she’s older.

I can already picture Natalie rolling her eyes when she's 16.
By Matt Batcheldor
June 9, 2020

Opioid prescriptions after childbirth linked to increased risk of overdose, persistent use

Women who are prescribed opioids after childbirth have an increased risk of persistent opioid use or other serious opioid-related events, including overdose, in their first year postpartum, according to a new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers. This is true regardless of whether the woman had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section.
By Kelsey Herbers
May 27, 2020

Target trials support drug safety in pregnant women

Out of concern for fetal safety, pregnant people have typically been excluded from drug trials. And when human health is on the line, drug studies assessing fetal safety in animal models may be viewed as far from definitive.
By Paul Govern
May 18, 2020

Women in criminal justice system less likely to receive evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder

Pregnant women involved in the criminal justice system are disproportionately not receiving medications for opioid use disorder, as compared to their peers, according to a Vanderbilt-led study published today in PLOS Medicine.
By Jake Lowary
March 30, 2020

Researcher explores coronavirus risks for pregnant women

The novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is raising concern about the impact of the illness on pregnant women.
By Jessica Pasley
March 10, 2020

Vanderbilt University Medical Center to acquire Nashville location of Baby+Company

To provide additional maternity care and a full spectrum of birthing experience options for patients, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has announced plans to acquire the Nashville location of Baby+Company, a freestanding birthing center that emphasizes a family-centered, low-intervention approach to delivery for uncomplicated pregnancies.
By Kelsey Herbers
March 4, 2020

Bundled maternity plan offered to VUMC, MNPS employees

Hearing that she could deliver her second child with no out-of-pocket expense convinced Vanderbilt University Medical Center employee Amy New to enroll in the new MyMaternityHealth Bundle offered by Vanderbilt Health, and she quickly learned the program’s advantages didn’t stop there.
By Jill Clendening
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