In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Heidi Leftwich speaks with Dr. Priyanka Gaur and Dr. Maria Phillis about SMFM’s new Get Out the Vote initiative. They delve into the critical role that voting plays as a social determinant of health and its far-reaching impact on reproductive healthcare. The discussion covers the intersection of civic engagement and patient care, offering insights on how MFM specialists can advocate for their patients by encouraging voter participation. Dr. Gaur and Dr. Phillis share their personal experiences with civic engagement, the challenges and opportunities in the current political climate, and practical tips on how healthcare providers can integrate voting discussions into their practice. Learn about the resources available to help you and your patients get involved in this election season, ensuring that every voice is heard.

Additional Resources:

• SMFM’s Get Out the Vote Initiative
• Vot-ER

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Marwan Ma’ayeh hosts a timely discussion on preparing for the annual respiratory disease season. Our guests, Dr. Brenna Hughes and Dr. Naima Joseph share valuable insights into the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations for managing respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, during the 2024-2025 season. They discuss the importance of vaccinations, including the RSV vaccine available for pregnant patients, and how healthcare providers can support their patients and staff through the upcoming season. Tune in for essential updates and practical advice to help navigate this respiratory disease season effectively.

Additional Links:

SMFM COVID-19 Clinical Guidance

SMFM RSV Clinical Guidance 

Patient Education Website

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Dr. Abigail Wilpers and Dr. Ashish Premkumar to explore the critical issue of public misinformation surrounding fetal therapy and perinatal palliative care. They address the emotional challenges faced by pregnant individuals with fetal diagnoses, the benefits and limitations of fetal therapy, and the true nature of perinatal palliative care. The discussion includes ethical implications of misinformation, barriers to accessing care, and the impact of recent legislative trends. Join us as we dispel myths and advocate for informed, compassionate patient care in maternal-fetal medicine.

Additional Resources:

• Kolder article: Court-Ordered Obstetrical Interventions | New England Journal of Medicine (nejm.org)
• Early pregnancy loss post-AL court decision re: embryonic death: Early Pregnancy Loss in an Era of “Wrongful Embryonic Death” | Reproductive Health | JAMA | JAMA Network
• Texas Policy Project (Kari White's group): Publications | Texas Policy Evaluation Project | Liberal Arts | UT - Austin (utexas.edu)
• ANSIRH, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health
• Dr. Katrina Kimport's work on later abortion: Is third-trimester abortion exceptional? Two pathways to abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy in the United States - PubMed (nih.gov)
• The Turnaway Study
• Dr. Ashish Premkumar study focused on parental decision-making in the setting of fetal anomalies amenable to maternal-fetal surgery: Society of Family Planning: Decision making in the setting of congenital anomalies (NATAL) study (societyfp.org)
• From Congress to the Vatican: The Promotion of Maternal-Fetal Surgery & Perinatal Palliative Care as Alternatives to Abortion Care (talk by Dr. Abigail Wilpers)
• Maternal-fetal surgery is not an alternative to abortion care by Dr. Abigail Wilpers and Kristen Gosnell
• Exceptions to abortion restrictions often fail people like Kate Cox whose babies are sure to die by Dr. Abigail Wilpers
• The legal article mentioned by Dr. Abigail Wilpers outlining the PPC notification laws and how some “triggers” for the laws make no sense (because the laws are really meant to obstruct abortion care).
• Fetal Health Foundation (parent-run non-profit)
• Society for Family Planning

• ACOG Clinical Guidance: Perinatal Palliative Care (SMFM Endorsed) 
• Care levels for fetal therapy centers 
• SFP Statement on Abortion Nomenclature (SMFM Endorsed)  
• SMFM Policy Tracker 
• SMFM Consult Series #59: The use of Analgesia and Anesthesia for maternal-fetal procedures
• NAFTNet  
• Study on Maternal Autonomy
• Nebraska Law Text  

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Janine Rhodes discusses the critical topic of managing pregnancy during extreme heat with guests Dr. Sarah Boudova and Dr. Romeo Galang. They delve into the physiological impacts of heat on pregnant individuals, potential adverse outcomes, and practical strategies for healthcare providers to support their patients. The conversation also covers the CDC's CHIL’D OUT Questionnaire, the importance of staying hydrated, and considerations for medication management in high temperatures. This episode is a must-listen for maternal-fetal medicine specialists looking to better support their patients during the summer months. 

Additional Resources:

• CDC Guidance on Heat and Health
• CHIL’D OUT Questionnaire
• Five Steps to Prepare for Hot Days for Pregnant Women
• Tool Kit for Pregnant Women
• National Weather Service CDC Heat Risk Tool
• Air Quality Index
• How to use the HeatRisk Tool and Air Quality Index
• Cooling Centers Information
• CDC Heat and Medications

Articles:

• Extreme heat exposure in pregnancy and risk for preterm birth, low birth weight and stillbirths
• Analysis of Heat Exposure During Pregnancy and Severe Maternal Morbidity
• Temperature and preeclampsia: Epidemiological evidence that perturbation in maternal heat homeostasis affects pregnancy outcome

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Akila Subramaniam welcomes Dr. Alan Tita, a renowned MFM researcher and Senior Associate Dean for Global and Women's Health at UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Dr. Tita shares his inspiring journey to becoming a leading figure in maternal health research, discussing his motivations, global experiences, and influential mentors. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring researchers. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with wisdom and practical insights.

In this episode, Dr. Amy Valent and guest Dr. Sarah Osmundson discuss the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology on Teratogenesis, Perinatal, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After In Utero Exposure to Antiseizure Medication. These guidelines, developed in collaboration with the American Epilepsy Society and SMFM, provide evidence-based recommendations on anti-seizure medications, perinatal outcomes, and neurodevelopmental impacts for people with epilepsy of childbearing potential. The episode emphasizes the importance of preconception planning and appropriate medication management, addressing the complexities of epilepsy in pregnancy, including congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the latest recommendations for managing epilepsy in pregnancy.

Additional Resources:

Practice Guidelines from the AAN, AES, and SMFM

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Rachel Harrison welcomes Dr. Torri Metz, Vice Chair for Research at the University of Utah's Department of OBGYN, to discuss the ins and outs of publishing in maternal-fetal medicine. Dr. Metz shares her journey into research, providing invaluable advice on developing a successful research career, navigating the challenges of publishing, and integrating research into clinical practice. Whether you're an early career professional or a seasoned clinician looking to delve into research, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration. Tune in to hear Dr. Metz’s experiences and strategies for making a significant impact in maternal-fetal medicine.

Full transcript to the episode can be found under the handouts tab. 

In this episode, Dr. Ahmed Zaki Moustafa and Dr. Irene Stafford discuss the rising cases of syphilis among pregnant individuals in the United States. They cover diagnostic challenges, treatment recommendations, and the management of both maternal and congenital syphilis. They also explore the need for future research directions and emphasize the importance of early screening and partner treatment. Tune in to learn about the current state of syphilis, its impact on pregnancy, and strategies to mitigate these risks.

Full transcript can be found under the handouts tab. 

Links: 

Syphilis Complicating Pregnancy and Congenital Syphilis

ACOG Recommends Obstetrician-Gynecologists Increase Syphilis Screening for Pregnant Individuals

In this episode, Dr. Rupesh Patel and guest Dr. Malavika Prabhu discuss SMFM Consult #69: Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: Updated Guidelines. They cover key updates, including the triple panel testing approach and antiviral treatments like tenofovier to prevent perinatal transmission. Additionally, they discuss how providers can best incorporate this information into shared decision-making with patients. Tune in to understand the clinical impact of these guidelines and practical advice for implementing them in prenatal care.

Full transcript can be found under the handouts tab. 

Links: 

SMFM Consult #69: Hepatitis B Virus in Pregnancy: Updated Guidelines 

SMFM Clinical Webinar Series: Hepatitis B Virus in Pregnancy: Updated Guidelines 

Patient Education Fact Sheet on Hepatitis B Virus and Pregnancy 

In this episode of the SMFM podcast series, Dr. Rachel Harrison and guest Dr. Neil Silverman discuss the latest SMFM guidelines on managing measles in pregnancy. They address the rise in measles cases in the U.S., the importance of vaccinations, and the specific risks and complications for pregnant individuals and provide critical insights on transmission, diagnosis, and care strategies to help healthcare providers manage measles effectively during this significant outbreak. Tune in for essential guidance on protecting maternal and neonatal health during a measles outbreak.  

Links:

Measles and Pregnancy: What Maternal-Fetal Medicine Subspecialists Need to Know

ACOG Practice Advisory

CDC guidelines for pregnancy and vaccination

the CDC healthcare providers measles page

Photos of Measles and People with Measles | CDC