INTRODUCTION Preterm premature rupture of membranes is a common complication of pregnancy associated with significant maternal, fetal and neonatal risks. An understanding of its magnitude and consequences is critical in providing appropriate intervention to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE To describe maternal and perinatal outcomes of preterm premature rupture of membranes at Tikur...

BACKGROUND Low birth weight (LBW) remains the main cause of mortality and morbidity in infants, and a problem in the care of pregnant women world-wide particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to describe the socio-demographic, nutritional, reproductive, medical and obstetrical risk factors for delivering a live LBW infant at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe. METH...

BACKGROUND In Japan, the proportion of women aged 35 and older giving birth has greatly increased in recent years, and maternal age is continuing to increase. Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for abnormal delivery, as is hiesho (sensitivity to cold). RESEARCH QUESTION This study aimed to assess whether advanced maternal age and hiesho precipitate premature delivery, premature rupture of...

BACKGROUND Amniocentesis is the accepted mode of attaining amniotic fluid to perform tests for fetal lung maturity. The purpose of this study was to validate a non-invasive fetal lung maturity test by counting lamellar bodies from a vaginal pool among women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. METHODS In a prospective study, amniotic fluid specimens were collected from a vaginal pool ...