March 14-18, 2007; Eugene, Oregon;

March 7-10, 2007; San Francisco, California; Sponsored by Contemporary Forums.

March 28-31, 2007; Washington, DC; sponsored by Contemporary Forums.

July 18-21, 2007; Hamilton, Bermuda; sponsored by Symposia Medicus.

A new study published in the online advance issue of the American Journal of Public Health states that obesity raises preterm delivery risk in nulliparous women (first-time moms).  What is interesting is that the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery is actually decreased - it is elective preterm delivery (induced labor) that is increased. 

On Friday, January 12th I will be hosting a 'Skypecast', a web conference over Skype. The topic is 'Ask a Midwife', and I will be answering all the questions I can about midwifery, women's health, and incontinence.  Please note that this was originally scheduled for January 5, but I realized that I had another commitment at that time!

lov.li is a new online community of people who make art and crafts. On the website, you can share your art, make friends, and buy things you love.  Click above to read more.

Acupuncture may be a good alternative or complement to pharmacological methods in the effort to facilitate birth and provide normal delivery for women with prelabor rupture of membranes.  This study, a randomized controlled trial, showed that acupuncture can shorten the length of time to birth after rupture of membranes, and can lessen the need for other interventions to get labor going.  Click above to see the study citation. 

ACOG just published an important and interesting study asking practicing obstetricians about their knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding the risks and benefits of elective (not medically indicated) and non-elective cesarean delivery, as well as their counseling practices and department policies regarding elective cesarean.  (Click on title to continue reading and to see the news release.)

According to an article by Anahad O'Connor in this week's Health section of the New York Times, studies have shown that there is a lower rate of miscarriage (about 30% lower) among women who have nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.  However, researchers have not found any relationship between morning sickness and other pregnancy outcomes, or figured out why it means miscarriage is less likely.  To read the article, click on the title above.