Placenta and the long-term health of the mother

Alexander Kofinas M.D. Cardiovascular health, Fetal Growth Restriction (IUGR), General Health, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Infertility, Miscarriage, Preeclampsia, Pregnancy Complications, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), Preterm Labor/Birth, Recurrent Fetal Loss (miscarriage), Recurrent IVF Failure Leave a Comment

Breast cancer: the loud threat Women of all ages and strata are too familiar with the perils of breast cancer. After all, cancer is known to be a lethal disease although many women achieve complete cure. It is no surprise then that cancer thoughts are terrifying. Publicity campaigns regarding the risks and early prevention of breast cancer are found everywhere. ...

Aspirin reduces the risk of preterm preeclampsia

Alexander Kofinas M.D. Fetal Growth Restriction (IUGR), Preeclampsia, Pregnancy Complications, Preterm Labor/Birth, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Preterm preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication affecting pregnant women before the completion of 37 weeks gestation. Severe preterm preeclampsia appears usually before 32 weeks gestation. This is a very dangerous pregnancy complication that is responsible for a significant number of maternal, fetal and neonatal deaths. Preterm preeclampsia afflicts 3-7% or all pregnancies worldwide and it is the leading cause ...

The Latest on Zika Virus

Alexander Kofinas M.D. Fetal Anomalies, Fetal Growth Restriction (IUGR), General Health, Pregnancy Complications Leave a Comment

In early 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus, a flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, was identified in northeast Brazil, an area where dengue virus was also circulating. By September, reports of an increase in the number of infants born with microcephaly in Zika virus-affected areas began to emerge, and Zika virus RNA was identified in the amniotic fluid of two ...

Prematurity - A public health problem

Alexander Kofinas M.D. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Pregnancy Complications, Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), Preterm Labor/Birth, Recurrent Fetal Loss (miscarriage) Leave a Comment

Preterm birth is defined as the birth of a baby before 37 completed weeks (term gestation is between 37-40 weeks). Over the past decade, preterm births have risen by more than 30% and in 2011, they accounted for 12.5% of all births, according to data published by March of Dimes. This is a steady increase from 8% before 1980 and 10.4% in 2002. To put this in real numbers, the Centers for Disease Control reports that more than half a million babies are born prematurely every year. That is, for every 7 babies born at term, there will be 1 baby that is born prematurely. What’s more, prematurity is most frequent in African American and Hispanic women as well those that are economically disadvantaged.