Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Latest Episodes:

Best Dose of Ketorolac for C-Section Pain Prophylaxis? Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

The ACOG recommends a multimodal approach to postoperative pain that includes nonsteroidal NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and opioids. Ketorolac is a favored NSAID for postop pain control. However, the optimal dose of ketorolac after cesarean delivery has not been determined. In this episode, we will summarize a brand new randomized, controlled, single-blind trial of pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery under regional anesthesia at a large academic medical center between June 2022 and October 2023. Enrolled participants were randomized to receive an initial loading dose of 60 mg (intervention) or 30 mg (control) of intravenous ketorolac in the operating room at the end of surgery.

1. Pharmacologic Stepwise Multimodal Approach for Postpartum Pain Management: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 1. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021.

2. Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 222. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020.

3. Eid, Joe MD; Caplan, Madeleine MD; Goel, Nidhi MD; Poirier, Marie-Veronique MD; Montaine-O'Brien, Skyler MS; Rood, Kara M. MD; Costantine, Maged M. MD. Two Perioperative Ketorolac Dosing Regimens After Cesarean Delivery and Opioid Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial. O&G Open 3(2):e159, April 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/og9.0000000000000159

DIY PPH Tools: FOCUS, STUT, and/or U-CaVIT Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Uterine hemorrhage remains a significant complication following abortion loss and in the postpartum period and contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality among pregnant patients. Although some FDA approved devices are on the market (Bakri balloon and Jada vacuum), they may be cost prohibited in some settings and/or some uterine cavities may be very small for either option, like after a mid-second trimester or early third trimester PPH. But every delivery unit has some form of suction tool and wall suction ability. This is where FOCUS*, STUT, and/or U-CaVIT come into play. And now there is new data on this from the AJOG (epub, April 2026). Listen in for details. (*Shout Out to Dr. Frank Jackson for his work on this as well).

1. Singata-Madliki et al. Suction Tube Uterine Tamponade Versus Uterine Balloon Tamponade for Treatment of Refractory Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: The Official Organ of FIGO. July 2025. (South Africa)

2. Hofmeyr GJ, Singata-Madliki M. Novel Suction Tube Uterine Tamponade for Treating Intractable Postpartum Haemorrhage: Description of Technique and Report of Three Cases. BJOG : An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2020

3. Jackson FI, Dilena NJ, Abelman SH, Blitz MJ, Gerber S. Hemorrhage management using a Foley catheter for uterine suction. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025 Nov;233(5):503-504.

4. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 183: Postpartum Hemorrhage. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2017.

5. Ranieri E, Kalimeris S, Ochsenbein N, Haslinger C, Vacuum-Induced Tamponade Using Urological Catheters for Postpartum Hemorrhage, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2026), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2026.04.026

QUICKIE EPISODE: Good Vibrations and the V (AJOG April 2026) Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

“GOOD VIBRATIONS”: Its not just a Marky Mark song, but it is also part of GYNECOLOGIC SEXUAL HEALTH! In this episode, we will highlight an April 2026 new qualitative study on women’s vibrator use, as well as a separate publication (on a similar topic) also released in April 2026 in the journal Menopause.

1. Leong KA, Carlton CE, Deverdis EC, Grimes CL, Jacobs BE, Rogers RG, Roberts BL. Intimacy and empowerment in urogynecology: a qualitative exploration of vibrator use. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2026 Apr;234(4):1103-1111. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2025.11.037. Epub 2025 Dec 2. PMID: 41344528.

2. Lehmiller JJ, Graham CA, Ferrall L, Mendelson EA, Prine MS. The role of masturbation in relieving symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause. 2026 Apr 1;33(4):384-394. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002675. PMID: 41217890; PMCID: PMC13011940.

NEW CPU: PMB Bleed Eval Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

In the ACOG CO 734 from 2018, it states, “Transvaginal ultrasonography usually is sufficient for an initial evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding if the ultrasound images reveal a thin endometrial echo (less than or equal to 4 mm), given that an endometrial thickness of 4 mm or less has a greater than 99% negative predictive value for endometrial cancer”. But medicine moves fast. This is NO LONGER the guideline. In this episode, we will summarize the new ACOG CPU on the primary evaluation of a patient with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Is ultrasound still the single first line test used for evaluation? Listen in for details.

1. Updated Guidance Regarding The Role of Transvaginal Ultrasonography in Evaluating the Endometrium of Individuals With Postmenopausal Bleeding

2. The Role of Transvaginal Ultrasonography in Evaluating the Endometrium of Women With Postmenopausal Bleeding

DÉJÀ VU: LPS and Neonatal Sugars (April 2026 AJP) Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Yes we have covered antenatal corticosteroids in the late preterm interval on several episodes in the past- it's DEJA VU! However, there is new data in the American Journal of Perinatology (April 2026 ) that is helpful for us as clinicians as we do “shared decision making” with patients in offering betamethasone in the late preterm interval. Listen in for details.

1. Zigron R, Rotem R, Erlichman I, Rottenstreich M, Rosenbloom JI, Porat S, Rottenstreich A. Factors associated with the development of neonatal hypoglycemia after antenatal corticosteroid administration: It's all about timing. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022 Aug;158(2):385-389. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13975. Epub 2021 Oct 30. PMID: 34625970.

2. Asirwatham A, Loke R, Rose S, Ho J, Leung K, Leftwich HK. Neonatal Hypoglycemia after Antenatal Late Preterm Steroids. Am J Perinatol. 2026 Apr;43(5):616-620. doi: 10.1055/a-2663-5798. Epub 2025 Aug 4. PMID: 40759170.

3. ALPS Trial. NEJM. Published April 7, 2016;374:1311-1320

New Insights on pregnancy Anemia Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy is associated withseveral adverse pregnancy outcomes, including severe maternal morbidity, preeclampsia, placenta previa, and placental abruption. It makes sense that diagnosing and treating anemia and its underlying causes in earlypregnancy may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, but evidence has been scarce…until now. In this episode, we will review a new retrospective study based on nationwide data that examines this very issue (Green journal, April 2026).Listen for details.

1. Booman A, Bateman BT, Siadat S, Berube C, Igbinosa I, Leggett C, Lyell DJ, Main EK, Leonard SA. Pregnancy Outcomes Associated With Anemia in the First Trimesterand Anemia Resolution by Late Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2026 Apr 1;147(4):518-527. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006183. Epub 2026 Feb 6. PMID:41643193; PMCID: PMC12880618.

2. ACOG OCC 5: Severe Maternal Morbidity: Screening and Review; 2016 and reaffirmed 2025

3. ACOG PB 233

Fetal AC> 90%: Diagnosis? Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

The diagnosis of fetal growth restriction can be made with an isolated abdominal circumference less than the 90th percentile. So is the opposite true? Does a fetal abdominal circumference (isolated) of greater than 90% qualify for “LGA” fetus? In this episode we're going to explain why, although it is logically correct, it is diagnostically incorrect. An isolated abdominal circumference on ultrasound of greater than 90% is however a strong predictive risk factor for one delivery finding. Listen in for details.

1. Macrosomia: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 216. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020

2. Canavan TP, Hill LM.. Sonographic Biometry in the Early Third Trimester: A Comparison of Parameters to Predict Macrosomia at Birth. Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU. 2015.

3. Culliney KA, Parry GK, Brown J, Crowther CA. Regimens of Fetal Surveillance of Suspected Large-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses for Improving Health Outcomes.The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016.

Livi Post-Sex Vaginal Device: Hmmmm Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Livi by LiviWell is an FDA-cleared, single-use, soft polyurethane foam device designed to immediately absorb post-intercourse fluids (semen) to support vaginal health. Inserted like a tampon within 15 minutes post-coitus, it works in roughly 60 seconds to restore natural pH, helping to manage odor, dripping, and discomfort. Is this evidence-based? Listen in for details.

1. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/liviwell-secures-fda-clearance-for-livi-introducing-a-new-category-in-post-intercourse-vaginal-care#:~:text=Advertise-,LiviWell%20Secures%20FDA%20Clearance%20for%20Livi%2C%20Introducing%20a%20New%20Category,and%20other%20post%2Dintercourse%20fluids.

2. Mngomezulu K, Mzobe GF, Mtshali A, et al. Recent Semen Exposure Impacts the Cytokine Response and Bacterial Vaginosis in Women. Frontiers in Immunology. 2021.

3. Abstract: ISSWSH/ISSM Joint Meeting 2025. Abstract citation ID: qdaf068.138 (155) SEMEN IS NOTTHEVAGINA’SFRIEND:ANOVEL POST-SEX TAMPON IMPROVES VAGINAL HEALTH PARAMETERS

CGMs in GDM: Evolving Support Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Modern medicine has come a long way in its fight against diabetes. We now have continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and automated insulin delivery (AIDs) systems. These have revolutionized patient care. The FDA has approved devices for use in pregnancy as “nonadjunctive use” (meaning they may be used alone), although capillary finger stick assessments are currently still considered the Gold Standard. While the most robust data in support of CGMs is for preexisting Type 1 DM (Class B or beyond) and Type 2, there is recent growing support for CGM use in GDM patients, although some limitations still apply. Listen in for details.

1. Feig DS, et al; CONCEPTT Collaborative Group. Continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (CONCEPTT): a multicentre international randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2017 Nov 25;390(10110):2347-2359. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32400-5. Epub 2017 Sep 15. Erratum in: Lancet. 2017 Nov 25;390(10110):2346.

2. Benhalima K, Durnwald C, Sweeting A et al.Application of continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery technologies for pregnant women with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes: an international consensus statement

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2025; 14, 157-177

3. Salmen BM, Reurean-Pintilei D, Salmen T, Bohîlțea RE. Exploring Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel). 2025 Aug 28;15(9):1369. doi: 10.3390/life15091369. PMID: 41010309; PMCID: PMC12470761.

4. Wyckoff JA, Lapolla A, Asias-Dinh BD, et al.Preexisting Diabetes and Pregnancy: An Endocrine Society and European Society of Endocrinology Joint Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2025

5. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Diabetes*; 15. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care 1 January 2026; 49 (Supplement_1): S321–S338. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc26-S015

6. Burk J, Ross GP, Hernandez TL, Colagiuri S, Sweeting A. Evidence for improved glucose metrics and perinatal outcomes with continuous glucose monitoring compared to self-monitoring in diabetes during pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025 Sep;233(3):162-175. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2025.04.010. Epub 2025 Apr 10. PMID: 40216177.

7. Linder T, et al; GRACE study collaborative group. Glycaemic control and pregnancy outcomes with real-time continuous glucose monitoring in gestational diabetes (GRACE): an open-label, multicentre, multinational, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2026 Jan;14(1):50-61. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00288-8. Epub 2025 Nov 24. PMID: 41308662.

8. Valent AM, et al. Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancies With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care. 2025 Sep 1;48(9):1581-1588. doi: 10.2337/dc25-0115. PMID: 40730104; PMCID: PMC12368369.

9. Kusinski LC, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Analysis of the DiGest Trial. Diabetes Care. 2025 Aug 19:dc250452. doi: 10.2337/dc25-0452. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40828742; PMCID: PMC7618813.

10. García-Moreno RM, et al. Efficacy of continuous glucose monitoring on maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Diabet Med. 2022 Jan;39(1):e14703. doi: 10.1111/dme.14703. Epub 2021 Oct 13. PMID: 34564868.

11. Amylidi-Mohr Set,.et al (DipGluMo): an open-label, single-centre, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025 Jul;13(7):591-599. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00063-4. Epub 2025 May 26. Erratum in: Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2026 Mar;14(3):e6. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00403-6. PMID: 40441173.

Exploring Encompass RNA PreE (At-Home) Test Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

Podcast family, we have to be careful what we ask for…Because we might just get it! We have been asking for new ways to predict preeclampsia for close to two decades. Well now we have new biomarker serum tests that are even offered direct- to-consumer. The problem is, what do we dowith a positive test?! In a past episode we covered an FDA cleared serum test by Thermo Fisher for use in patients already diagnosed with preeclampsia. Now there is a new blood test which uses cell free RNA, drawn between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, which can also predict preterm preeclampsia. Does this work? And what do we do when the result shows “high risk” It's a complicated issue. Wehave to be careful what we ask for. Listen in for details!

1. https://publications.smfm.org/publications/554-acog-clinical-practice-update-biomarker-prediction-of-preeclampsia/

2. ACOG Clinical Practice Update: BiomarkerPrediction of Preeclampsia With Severe Features June 2024

3. https://www.healthywomen.org/tech-talk-hp/tools-to-predict-preeclampsia

4. Elovitz, M.A., Gee, E.P.S., Delaney-Busch, N. etal. Molecular subtyping of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Nat Commun 16,2948 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58157-y

5. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250717476669/en/New-Study-in-JAMA-Network-Open-Shows-Current-Approaches-to-Assessing-Preeclampsia-Risk-Are-Failing-the-Majority-of-Pregnant-Moms

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected