New from CDC Authors
High Impact of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Across Racial/Ethnic Groups: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006 And 2015-2018
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical as well as other cancers. Racial and ethnic disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the United States are well documented. This study provides estimates of vaccine impact by race/ethnicity using 2015–2018 data, the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.
Folate and Vitamin B12 Status and Predicted Neural Tube Defects Risk Among Nonpregnant Women of Reproductive Age from the Malawi National Micronutrient Survey, 2015-2016
Maternal folate and vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious adverse pregnancy outcomes. There are no nationally representative estimates on folate and vitamin B12 status among women of reproductive age (WRA: ages 15–49 years) in Malawi. This study assesses folate and vitamin B12 status among nonpregnant WRA in Malawi and predicted the risk of folate-sensitive neural tube defects (NTDs) were they to become pregnant using data from the cross-sectional, nationally representative 2015-2016 Malawi Micronutrient Survey,
Plasma Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Mixtures During Pregnancy and Duration of Breastfeeding in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study
Prior studies suggest that prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposures are associated with shorter breastfeeding duration. Studies assessing PFAS mixtures and populations in North America are sparse. This study quantifies PFAS concentrations in maternal plasma collected during pregnancy in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (2010-2017).
Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities of Antiretroviral Drugs in Women of Reproductive Potential
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been one of the greatest challenges in global health, significantly affecting women of reproductive potential. Despite the progress made, persistent challenges in access and adherence to antiretroviral drugs may limit their benefits for some women. This study analyzes the challenges, risks, and opportunities of antiretroviral drugs in women of reproductive potential.
Differences in Cesarean Rates for Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Births Among Racial and Ethnic Groups and States Before and After Stay-at-Home Orders During the COVID-19 Pandemic, United States, 2017-2021
Evidence is limited on differences in cesarean rates for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) births across racial and ethnic groups at the national and state level during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses changes in levels and trends of NTSV cesarean rates before and after stay-at-home orders were implemented in the United States overall, by racial and ethnic groups, and by 50 US states from January 2017 through December 2021.
Changes in Breastfeeding and Related Maternity Care Practices After Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico
Breastfeeding is recommended globally for most infants, especially during and after natural disasters when risk of adverse outcomes increases because of unsanitary conditions and lack of potable water. Using 2017–2019 data from Puerto Rico's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for 2,448 respondents with a recent live birth, this study examines the association between maternity care practices during delivery hospitalization and exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months overall and stratified by time period.
Expanding the Massachusetts Birth Defects Monitoring Program to include additional pregnancy outcomes: Programmatic efforts and impacts on case ascertainment, 2012-2020
Birth defects affect 1 in 33 infants in the United States and are a leading cause of infant mortality. Birth defects surveillance is crucial for informing public health action. The Massachusetts Birth Defects Monitoring Program began collecting other pregnancy losses (OPLs) in 2011 including miscarriages (<20 weeks gestation) or elective terminations (any gestational age), in addition to live births and stillbirths (≥20 weeks gestation). This study describes programmatic changes for adding OPLs and their impact on prevalence estimates.
