In the original Løvset maneuver (described for breech presentations), the fetus is rotated in one direction to facilitate arm delivery. For shoulder dystocia, the reverse Løvset applies rotation in the opposite direction—specifically rotating the posterior shoulder toward a "belly down" position through up to 180 degrees of rotation. These maneuvers were first described by Norwegian obstetrician Jørgen Løvset in the 1940s. Now, in the current November 2025 AJOG, this maneuver is back in the spotlight. In this episode, we will review the reverse Løvset maneuver for shoulder dystocia and review its effectiveness. Which maneuver is more likely to result in fetal brachial plexus injury? Listen in for details.

1. A critical evaluation of the external and internal maneuvers for resolution of shoulder dystocia, March 2024; AJOG. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)00022-4/fulltext

2. Grindheim, Sindre et al.Reverse Løvset maneuver for shoulder dystocia, American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 233, Issue 5, 505.e1 - 505.e4

3. Leung TY, Stuart O, Suen SS, Sahota DS, Lau TK, Lao TT. Comparison of perinatal outcomes of shoulder dystocia alleviated by different type and sequence of manoeuvres: a retrospective review. BJOG. 2011 Jul;118(8):985-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02968.x. Epub 2011 Apr 12. PMID: 21481159.

4. Grobman WA, Miller D, Burke C, Hornbogen A, Tam K, Costello R. Outcomes associated with introduction of a shoulder dystocia protocol. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011;205(6):513−517.

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Misoprostol, as an E1 prostaglandin, is primarily used in obstetrics for cervical ripening (when the Bishop Score is under 6) and/or for labor INDUCTION (to begin labor). IV oxytocin is the principal agent used to augment labor, as needed, once labor has begun. In the US, misoprostol is not typically used after 4-6 cm cervical dilation. However, in a patient who requires augmentation, and who declines Pitocin while asking or oral misoprostol, can that be used? Is that evidence-based? The data may surprise you. Listen in for details.

1. SOGC Guideline No. 432c: Induction of Labour Robinson, Debbie Campbell, Kim Hobson, Sebastian R. MacDonald, W. Kim Sawchuck, Diane Wagner, Brenda et al.

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada , Volume 45, Issue 1, 70 - 77.e3

2. Bracken H, Lightly K, Mundle S, et al. Oral Misoprostol Alone Versus Oral Misoprostol Followed by Oxytocin for Labour Induction in Women With Hypertension in Pregnancy (MOLI): Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2021;21(1):537. doi:10.1186/s12884-021-04009-8.

3. Bleich AT, Villano KS, Lo JY, et al. Oral Misoprostol for Labor Augmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;118(6):1255-1260. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e318236df5b.

4. Ho M, Cheng SY, Li TC. Titrated Oral Misoprostol Solution Compared With Intravenous Oxytocin for Labor Augmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2010;116(3):612-618. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181ed36cc.

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Actinomyces species are considered part of the normal vaginal and urogenital tract flora. The percentage of Pap smears containing Actinomyces-like organisms varies but is most commonly reported as approximately 7% among women using IUDs. That number is supported by multiple sources, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America guideline and several clinical studies. The incidence can be higher or lower depending on the type of IUD; for example, copper IUDs have been associated with rates up to 20%, while levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs show lower rates around 2.9%. In women with an IUD, who are found to have this finding on their liquid-based Pap smear, what is the appropriate management? In this episode, which comes from one of our podcast family members, we will discuss this topic and it’s management in both symptomatic and symptomatic (pelvic pain) IUD wearing women.

1. McHugh KE, Sturgis CD, Procop GW, Rhoads DD. The Cytopathology of Actinomyces, Nocardia, and Their Mimickers. Diagnostic Cytopathology. 2017;45(12):1105-1115. doi:10.1002/dc.23816.

2. Practice Bulletin No. 186: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2017;130(5):e251-e269. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002400.

3. Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2024; ciae104. doi:10.1093/cid/ciae104.

4. Carrara J, Hervy B, Dabi Y, et al. Added-Value of Endometrial Biopsy in the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategy for Pelvic Actinomycosis.

Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(3):E821. doi:10.3390/jcm9030821.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects approximately 5% of couples and is an emotional burden on those affected. There is some evidence that vaginal progesterone supplementation may be considered in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss who are experiencing vaginal bleeding during the first trimester. But what about prophylactic low dose aspirin in the first trimester, or preconceptionally, for unexplained RPL? Is that evidence-based? A new publication from the SMFM’s journal Pregnancy has examined this. Listen in for details.

1. 22 November 2025: Low-dose aspirin in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Pregnancy): https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmf2.70099

2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Obstetric Practice, T. Flint Porter, Cynthia Gyanff-Bannerman, Tracy Manuck. Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2018)

3. Naimi AI, Perkins NJ, Sjaarda LA, et al. The Effect of Preconception-Initiated Low-Dose Aspirin on Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Detected Pregnancy, Pregnancy Loss, and Live Birth : Per Protocol Analysis of a Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2021;174(5):595-601. doi:10.7326/M20-0469.

4. Lee EE, Jun JK, Lee EB.Management of Women With Antiphospholipid Antibodies or Antiphospholipid Syndrome During Pregnancy. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2021;36(4):e24. doi:10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e24.

5. de Assis V, Giugni CS, Ros ST. Evaluation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Obstet Gynecol. 2024 May 1;143(5):645-659. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005498. Epub 2024 Jan 4. PMID: 38176012.

Having data is sometimes different than having clinically applicable data. This is exactly the issue with the proposed plan to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) by changing surgical gloves after placental delivery at C-Section. Just 24 hours ago, we received the question from a PGY4 OBGYN resident asking whether the practice of changing surgical gloves at C-Section after placental delivery to reduce SSI was evidence-based. So, in this episode, we will review the data - which is timely since this was recently published on November 13, 2025 in the J Hospital Infection. This study follows a statement on this practice released by FIGO in September 2025. It’s an interesting proposal, and there is clearly data in support of this, yet the ACOG and CDC do not recommend this practice as of Nov 2025. Is there a disconnect? Listen in for details.

1. FIGO: https://www.figo.org/news/new-ijgo-review-provides-comprehensive-framework-preventing-post-caesarean-sepsis (International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics)

2. Stanberry B, Jordan L, Pullyblank A, Hargreaves J. Glove change during caesarean birth: impact on maternity service budgets and capacity. J Hosp Infect. 2025 Nov 13:S0195-6701(25)00354-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2025.10.033. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41241232.

3. Narice BF, Almeida JR, Farrell T, Madhuvrata P. Impact of Changing Gloves During Cesarean Section on Postoperative Infective Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2021;100(9):1581-1594. doi:10.1111/aogs.14161.

4. Routine Sterile Glove and Instrument Change at the Time of Abdominal Wound Closure to Prevent Surgical Site Infection (ChEETAh): A Pragmatic, Cluster-Randomised Trial in Seven Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries.

NIHR Global Research Health Unit on Global Surgery. Lancet (London, England). 2022;400(10365):1767-1776. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01884-0.

5. Gialdini C, Chamillard M, Diaz V, Pasquale J, Thangaratinam S, Abalos E, Torloni MR, Betran AP. Evidence-based surgical procedures to optimize caesarean outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews. EClinicalMedicine. 2024 May 19;72:102632. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102632. PMID: 38812964; PMCID: PMC11134562.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic diseases that affect about 16 to 25 per 100,000 people in the US, with the most common childhood form being Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the most common adult form being myotonic dystrophy. The prevalence of DMD is estimated at around 1 in 3,500 live male births. Prenatal carrier screening for this is part of the ACMG Tier 3 expanded carrier panel. This is different from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). As we recently had a patient who was a MD carrier, with affected male children, who we cared for, we decided to do a quick review of muscular dystrophy: its prevalence, genetics, and evaluation of asymptomatic maternal carriers.

1. https://www.mda.org/disease/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy/causes-inheritance

2. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/musculardys/conditioninfo/causes

3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/muscular-dystrophy/

4. ACMG: https://thednaexchange.com/2022/03/30/acmg-carrier-screening-guideline-the-hypothetical-tier-3-panel/#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20this%20ACMG,1%20in%2040%2C000%20or%20higher.

Regional anesthesia, typically with a spinal or epidural, has long been favored for cesarean births due in part to concerns about the effects that general anesthesia (GA) may have on newborns at delivery. However, data has shown that up to 1 in 6 women may experience pain with a “topped-off” labor epidural, during the cesarean. A new publication in the journal Anesthesia is now being interpreted as implying that general anesthesia may be a valid alternative electively. Is that what this new study found? Has GA been linked to postpartum depression? What about later child neurodevelopmental delays? This is a fascinating topic…Listen in for details.

1. Langer, Sarah M.D.1; Lim, Grace M.D., M.Sc.2; Qiu, Yue M.D.3; Biaesch, Jingyuan D.O.4; Neuman, Mark D. M.D., M.Sc.5. Neonatal Outcomes with Regional versus General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Anesthesiology ():10.1097/ALN.0000000000005785, November 12, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005785

2. Guglielminotti J, Monk C, Russell MT, Li G. Association of General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery with Postpartum Depression and Suicidality. Anesth Analg. 2025 Sep 1;141(3):618-628. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000007314. Epub 2024 Dec 4. PMID: 39630595; PMCID: PMC12134152.

3. Chen, YC., Liang, FW., Tan, PH. et al. Association between general anesthesia for cesarean delivery and subsequent developmental disorders in children: a nationwide retrospective cohort study. BMC Med 23, 119 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-025-03886-6

4. https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/new-study-challenges-fears-about-general-anesthesia-during-c-section

The US has no shortage of lidocaine patch television commercials. Topical lidocaine has a role for local, topical, minor aches and pains. What about lidocaine patches for post-op cesarean section pain? Is there data for that? A brand-new meta-analysis in AJOG-MFM (Nov 13, 2025) looks at this option. However, there has been 3 prior reviews on the same topic from 2019, 2022, and 2023. Do they all arrive at the same result? Listen in for details!

1. Smoker J, Cohen A, Rasouli MR, Schwenk ES. Transdermal Lidocaine for Perioperative Pain: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2019;23(12):89. doi:10.1007/s11916-019-0830-9.

2. Koo CH, Kim J, Na HS, Ryu JH, Shin HJ. The Effect of Lidocaine Patch for Postoperative Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. 2022;81:110918. doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2022.110918.

3. Wu X, Wei X, Jiang L, et al. Is Lidocaine Patch Beneficial for Postoperative Pain?: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. The Clinical Journal of Pain. 2023;39(9):484-490. doi:10.1097/AJP.0000000000001135

4. Parisi, Nadia et al.Lidocaine patches after cesarean delivery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, Volume 0, Issue 0, 101832

Podcast Family, we have covered the subject of Measles previously on this show (links below). Those episodes were a preview of what has now been released ahead of print as a narrative review in the Green Journal! In this episode, we will summarize the KEY points of measles infection in pregnancy and re-state the “rule of 4” and the importance of the number 10 regarding this.

1. Feb 24, 2025: Measles 101: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lXrpqKTJPdDcTXPxpEmcb

2. April 27, 2019: Measles!! ACOG Practice Advisory: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/dr-hector-chapa/episodes/MEASLES---ACOG-practice-advisory-e3s1p4

3. Joseph, Naima T. MD, MPH. Measles in Pregnancy: Clinical Considerations and Challenges. Obstetrics & Gynecology ():10.1097/AOG.0000000000006126, November 14, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006126

The term "hypnosis" was first described in 1843 by Scottish surgeon James Braid, who published the book Neurypnology. He coined the term "hypnosis" from the Greek word for sleep to describe the trance-like state induced by focusing on a bright object. Self-hypnosis has now been shown to aid in menopausal hot flash reduction! In this episode, we will review this brand new publication from JAMA Network which confirmed via a multicenter RCT that a simple daily hypnosis audio session was effective for symptom relief. The study is the first to compare self-guided hypnosis with an active control condition (i.e. sham white noise control group). Listen in for details.

1. Elkins G, Arring N, Morgan G, Lorenz T, Muniz V,

Lafferty C, Scheffrahn K, Alldredge C, Barton D. Self-Administered Hypnosis vsSham Hypnosis for Hot Flashes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open.2025 Nov 3;8(11):e2542537. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.42537. PMID:41217756.

2. ⁠https://interestingengineering.com/health/hypnosis-lowers-menopause-hot-flashes⁠