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From the NIH: “In a clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a research team found that administering weekly injectable extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy led to higher rates of abstinence from illicit opioids than buprenorphine given daily under the tongue (sublingual), one of the standard methods of treatment. Additionally, serious adverse events were less common in those receiving extended-release treatment. The findings, which support the use of this formulation of buprenorphine for treating OUD during pregnancy, were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

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In the multicenter trial, 140 pregnant adults were randomized to receive either injectable extended-release or sublingual buprenorphine (with or without naloxone). The trial, supported by the NIDA Clinical Trials Network as part of the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative (NIH HEAL Initiative®), was the first randomized trial testing extended-release buprenorphine for OUD in pregnancy and postpartum.”

Read more here and read the full study here.

From JAMA Network Open: “In this cohort study involving 38, 219 mother-child pairs, maternal physical activity before and during pregnancy was associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in late infancy. Moreover, higher levels of maternal exercise were associated with more favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes.

…Among the 38 ,219 mother-child pairs (maternal mean [SD] age, 31.1 [4.8] years; 19 429 [50.8%] male children), multivariable logistic regression showed that higher maternal physical activity was associated with child neurodevelopment. Higher prepregnancy activity was associated with significantly higher odds for each ASQ-3 domain at 6 months of age and higher midpregnancy activity with high odds for the gross motor (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.33), fine motor (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.37-1.86), and problem solving (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10-1.38) domains. Higher prepregnancy activity was associated with higher odds for the problem-solving domain (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34) at 3 years of age; there was no association with any other domain. Higher midpregnancy activity was not associated with higher odds of any ASQ domain at 3 years of age.“

Read the full study here.

From the American Heart Association: “Female stroke survivors were more than twice as likely as their stroke-free counterparts to have another stroke while pregnant and in the six weeks after childbirth, according to an analysis of a large national database of electronic health records. In addition, the risk of ischemic stroke during pregnancy and the early postpartum period was 82% more likely among pregnant women who had a previous heart attack and 25% more likely in women with obesity.“

Read more about the study here.

From The Lancet: “43 studies were included in the systematic review, and 17 studies in the meta-analysis. When considering sibling comparison studies, paracetamol exposure during pregnancy was not associated with the risk of autism spectrum disorder…ADHD…or intellectual disability. There was also no association between paracetamol intake during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder…or intellectual disability when considering only studies at low risk of bias according to QUIPS.“

Read the full study here.

Are you 18 years or older and in your 2nd or 3rd trimester of a healthy pregnancy?

This research study is aimed at helping pregnant women with sleep and light physical activity using group support.

You will be asked to join a private social media group. In this group you will receive short daily posts, infographics, videos, and encouragement from health coaches and other pregnant women.

You will be asked to complete short surveys and interviews at the beginning and end of two weeks which will take about 15 minutes each time. Your total time commitment would be 2 ½ or more depending on how much you engage in the private group.

Those who complete the surveys both times will receive a Fitbit Inspire 3 activity watch.

This research study is approved by the West Virginia University Institutional Review Board.

Your participation in this study may help women during pregnancy.
 

Click here to see if you are eligible or contact Dr. Peter Giacobbi at prgiacobbi@mail.wvu.edu

From West Virginia Watch,

“A new pilot program hopes to expand mental health support for hundreds of pregnant women with substance use disorder in West Virginia.

Mental health challenges are a major issue facing women served by the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership’s Drug Free Moms and Babies Program, according to Janine Breyel, the organization’s deputy director.

West Virginia faces critical shortages of both maternity care and mental health care. The state leads the nation in the rate of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

WVPP announced on Wednesday that it received a $110,000 grant to examine the use of the Moodr Digital Healthcare Solution, a product from a Morgantown-based tech startup designed to assist health care providers in proactively addressing, treating and evaluating mental health challenges. 

“We are optimistic that this tool will help expand the reach and effectiveness of our program resulting in improved health outcomes for mothers and babies affected by substance use,” Breyel said.

The platform will allow for better follow-up and monitoring of patients, she added…”

Read the full article here.

WVCTSI Project ECHO, in collaboration with the WV AAP, is launching a pilot ECHO Project to eliminate hepatitis C in pregnant persons and infants. These one-hour sessions will launch in February 2025. They will include didactic and de-identified case presentations. The sessions will be recorded, and one general hour of CME credit will be offered.

Click here to register

Press Release from West Virginia Department of Human Services:

“CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) is reminding women that treatment for substance use disorder is available to support healthy pregnancies and reduce the risk of preterm births during Prematurity Awareness Month. Preterm birth, defined as the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy, affects approximately 12.98% of births in West Virginia. The final weeks of pregnancy are crucial for fetal development, and premature birth can increase the likelihood of health complications for both mothers and babies.

“Substance use during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for preterm birth, but the good news is that treatment is available,” said Christina Mullins, DoHS Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. “Through programs like Drug Free Moms and Babies and residential treatment services, we can help expectant mothers achieve healthier pregnancies, reducing risks associated with substance use.”

In 2022, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) impacted 6.7% of births in the state, and 8.8% of pregnancies were impacted by intrauterine substance exposure (IUSE). While NAS rates have decreased since 2017, IUSE rates have continued to rise, consistent with national data and is potentially reflective of increasing access to treatment medications. Pregnant women struggling with substance use can take steps to reduce their risk of preterm birth and improve their overall health through access to medical care and behavioral health treatment.

The Drug Free Moms and Babies (DFMB) program, funded by DoHS and administered by the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, is a statewide initiative that integrates medical and behavioral health care with comprehensive recovery support services. The program has proven successful, with 74.9% of participants testing positive for substance use at baseline and 64.2% testing negative at delivery.

Additionally, West Virginia offers residential treatment programs across the state that specialize in the care of pregnant women, mothers, and their children, providing a safe environment for recovery. These programs are available in Cabell, Fayette, Kanawha, and Wood counties, and accept women from across the state.

Home visitation programs help pregnant women and parents of young children improve the health and well-being for themselves and their families. They are a valuable resource available at no-cost to families from pregnancy through age five. These programs include evidence-based models, such as Parents as Teachers, Healthy Families America, and the statewide program Right From The Start (RFTS), all providing critical support to new and expecting mothers. 

Women in need of treatment can call HELP4WV at 1-844-HELP4-WV for immediate assistance locating a program near them. 

For more information on behavioral health resources, visit dhhr.wv.gov/BBH/about/Adult%20Services/Pages/Comprehensive-Behavioral-Health-Centers.aspx.  

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Please join us for this free presentation

November 14th at 12:00 pm

Dr. Boothe will discuss the signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis, as well as how to identify patients who are at risk. A review of current treatment recommendations and care concerns will be included in the presentation.

Emily Boothe, DO is board certified in Psychiatry and Lifestyle Medicine. She graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013 and completed her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in 2017. She has enjoyed working with the perinatal population since 2015. Following training she has provided a variety of psychiatric services in southern West Virginia, including inpatient and outpatient services with perinatal focus, as well as practicing in nursing home settings. She also recently began serving as co-chair for the Maternal Mental Health Advisory Council. Understanding the need for increased awareness and available services for the perinatal population in the state, she strives to advocate and educate for maternal and perinatal mental health.

Click here to register.

Click to the third slide to watch the recording of the webinar