Maternal Fetal Medicine by Dr. Turk

This podcast advocates for  standardized first-trimester ultrasound  as an essential component of routine obstetric care. While  cell-free DNA testing  effectively screens for common chromosomal issues, the authors argue it cannot replace  anatomical imaging , which identifies approximately half of all major structural malformations. Early detection through these scans provides families with  time...

This podcast outlines clinical guidelines for managing opioid use disorder during pregnancy . We emphasize the necessity of universal screening at the first prenatal visit using validated verbal tools to identify patients regardless of their background. Opioid agonist pharmacotherapy , specifically with methadone or buprenorphine, is recommended over medically supervised withdrawal to prevent rela...

This podcast article examines the clinical management of nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy , a situation affecting approximately 1%–2% of expectant mothers. The podcast evaluate global guidelines from major medical societies to provide a consensus on preoperative imaging, anesthesia, and surgical techniques . Digestion-related issues like appendectomy and cholecystectomy are identified as the...

The provided podcast details the inpatient management of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) , a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and significant maternal morbidity . Effective hospital care begins with aggressive rehydration and nutritional repletion , specifically utilizing intravenous thiamine to prevent neurological complications like Wernic...

This podcast outlines the comprehensive evaluation and management of non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) , a condition where pathological fluid accumulates in at least two fetal compartments. G enetic disorders and structural anomalies are the primary causes, and advanced diagnostic testings like chromosomal microarray and exome sequencing are prerequisite. Clinicians are advised to monitor for mate...

This podcast explores vasa previa , a dangerous obstetric condition where unprotected fetal blood vessels traverse the membranes near the cervix, risking lethal hemorrhage during labor. While historically linked to high perinatal mortality , the text emphasizes that prenatal diagnosis via ultrasonography has transformed the prognosis, leading to excellent survival rates through planned cesarean de...

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts, which presents significant clinical challenges when it occurs during pregnancy . This podcast discusses how the condition is driven by antiplatelet antibodies that can cross the placenta, potentially affecting both maternal health and fetal development. Distinguishing ITP from more common condition...

This podcast outlines essential anticoagulation protocols for pregnant individuals with cardiac conditions . It specifically highlights the high mortality risks associated with mechanical heart valves , necessitating a complex balance between preventing maternal valve thrombosis and avoiding fetal complications like warfarin embryopathy. The podcast provides detailed instructions for transitioning...

This podcast examines the management of neurocutaneous disorders during pregnancy, specifically focusing on conditions like Neurofibromatosis (Types 1 and 2) , Tuberous Sclerosis Complex , Sturge-Weber syndrome , and Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome . The podcast highlights that these rare genetic conditions often lead to increased maternal and neonatal morbidity, including hypertensive disorders , seiz...

This podcast regarding cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. It establishes that cfDNA is the most accurate screening method for common trisomies and should be offered to all pregnant patients regardless of their risk level. The text explains the biological mechanisms behind the technology, such as the analysis of placental DNA fragments, while highlighting the neces...

This podcast provides a comprehensive clinical guide for managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, emphasizing that this population faces significantly higher risks of maternal and perinatal mortality . To improve outcomes, the experts recommend a multidisciplinary care team consisting of hematologists, genetics counselors, and pain management specialists. Key clinical protocols include...

This podcast examines the complex relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and pregnancy , emphasizing that renal dysfunction significantly increases the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes . This podcast explains how normal anatomic and physiologic adaptations to pregnancy can complicate the diagnosis and management of underlying kidney issues. Key risks identified include hig...

This podcast provides clinical guidance regarding cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP) , a dangerous condition where an embryo implants in the scar of a previous cesarean delivery. Because CSEP carries high risks for maternal morbidity and mortality , the authors emphasize the necessity of early diagnosis primarily through transvaginal ultrasound . The guidelines strongly recommend against expec...

This podcast addresses the alarming resurgence of syphilis and congenital syphilis in the United States. The text outlines the pathophysiology and clinical stages of the infection, highlighting its devastating impact on pregnancy, including risks of stillbirth and neonatal death . It provides a comprehensive guide for obstetrician–gynecologists on modern diagnostic methods, comparing traditional a...

This document provides comprehensive guidelines for managing Hepatitis B during pregnancy to improve maternal health and prevent newborn transmission . The authors recommend universal triple-panel screening at the first prenatal visit to identify infection, immunity, or susceptibility in all patients. For those with a high viral load , the guide suggests using antiviral medications like tenofovir...

This clinical review examines pregnancy dermatoses , a diverse group of inflammatory skin conditions that emerge during or shortly after gestation. The authors categorize these disorders into five primary types: pempigoid gestationis , polymorphic eruption of pregnancy , intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy , atopic eruption of pregnancy , and pustular psoriasis of pregnancy . Each condition is a...

This clinical overview examines the complex relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pregnancy , emphasizing that maintaining disease remission is the most critical factor for healthy outcomes. The authors highlight that while active inflammation increases the risk of complications like preterm birth and low birth weight, most maintenance medications , including biologics, are saf...

This podcast provides a comprehensive overview of acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) , a rare but life-threatening condition typically occurring in the third trimester. The authors trace the historical understanding of the disease and explain how fetal fatty acid oxidation defects contribute to maternal liver failure. A significant portion of the text focuses on diagnostic strategies , specific...