Importance: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy and is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. Its incidence is rising, mostly due to an increase in maternal age and maternal obesity rate.Objective: The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations of the most recently published guidelines on the diagnosis and management of this condition.Evidence Acquisition: A descriptive review of guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society on gestational diabetes mellitus was carried out.Results: The NICE guideline recommends targeted screening only for women with risk factors, whereas the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, ADIPS, SOGC, and the ACOG recommend screening for all pregnant women at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation in order to diagnose and effectively manage GDM; they also state that women with additional risk factors should be screened earlier (ie, in the first trimester) and retested at 24 to 28 weeks, if the initial test is negative. These guidelines describe similar risk factors for GDM and suggest the same thresholds for the diagnosis of GDM when using a 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Of note, the NICE only assesses the fasting and the 2-hour postprandial glucose levels for the diagnosis of GDM. Moreover, the SOGC and the ACOG do not recommend this test as the optimal screening method. The Endocrine Society alone, on the other hand, recommends the universal testing of all pregnant women for diabetes before 13 weeks of gestation or as soon as they attend the antenatal service and retesting at 24 to 28 weeks if the initial results are normal. In addition, there is a general consensus on the appropriate ultrasound surveillance of pregnancies complicated with GDM, and all the medical societies, except the ADIPS, recommend self-monitoring of capillary glucose to assess the glycemic control and set the same targets for fasting and postprandial glucose levels. There is also agreement that lifestyle modifications should be the first-line treatment; however, the reviewed guidelines disagree on the medical management of GDM. In addition, there are controversies regarding the timing of delivery, the utility of hemoglobin A 1c measurement, and the postpartum and lifelong screening for persistent hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. However, all the guidelines state that all women in pregnancies complicated by GDM should

Importance: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Τhe lack of effective screening and management policies appears to be one of the main reasons.Objective: The aim of this study was to review and compare recommendations from published guidelines on these common pregnancy complications.

There is a broad range in the rates of operative vaginal deliveries (OVD) worldwide, which reflects the variety of local practice patterns, the number of trained clinicians and the lack of international evidence-based guidelines. The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations from published guidelines on OVD. Thus, a descriptive review of guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on instrumental vaginal birth was conducted. All the guidelines point out that the use of any instrument should be based on the clinical circumstances and the experience of the operator. The indications, the contraindications, the prerequisites and the classification for OVD are overall very similar in the reviewed guidelines. Further, they all agree that episiotomy should not be performed routinely. The RCOG, the RANZCOG and the SOGC describe some interventions which may promote spontaneous vaginal birth and therefore reduce the need for OVD. They also highlight the importance of adequate postnatal care and counseling. There is no consensus on the actual technique that should be used, including the type of forceps or vacuum cup, the force and duration of traction or the number of detachments allowed. Hence, there is need for international practice protocols, so as to encourage the clinicians to use OVD when indicated, minimize the complications and reduce rates of cesarean delivery.

Importance Ectopic pregnancies (EPs) represent a severe early pregnancy complication that is associated with increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. Over the years, there has been a significant reduction in the mortality from this complication by improving the diagnostic tools and the treatment options. Objective The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations from published guidelines on this potentially fatal condition. Evidence Acquisition A descriptive review of guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on EP was carried out. Results All the guidelines point out the crucial role of sonography in the prompt diagnosis of EP and describe similar sonographic findings. There is a consensus on the indications and contraindications to the use of methotrexate, the post-treatment surveillance, and the criteria of expectant management. The indications for a surgical approach are not well established, although the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence agree that a laparoscopy is preferred to laparotomy for hemodynamically stable patients. The latter is considered a better option only in emergency conditions. However, there is controversy in the recommended methotrexate protocols and the evaluation of β-human chorionic gonadotrophin and progesterone levels. Conclusions It is of paramount importance to build consistent international protocols, so as to help clinicians all over the world diagnose EPs in the most timely and accurate way and subsequently treat them effectively as a nonurgent medical condition, with the intention to lower the mortality and morbidity rate. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. Learning Objectives After participating in this activity, the learner should be better able to explain all aspects of the diagnosis of tubal and nontubal EPs; identify the indications and contraindications to expectant, medical, or surgical management of EPs; and describe the appropriate management options for EPs.

Importance Twin pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity compared with singleton and require more intensive prenatal care. Objective The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations from published guidelines on twin pregnancies. Evidence Acquisition A descriptive review of guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the management of twin pregnancies was conducted. Results All the guidelines highlight the importance of an accurate assessment of chorionicity, amnionicity, and gestational age in the first trimester. They also recommend the performance of nuchal translucency and a detailed anomaly scan. The ultrasound surveillance protocol is similar in all guidelines, that is, every 2 weeks for monochorionic and every 4 weeks for dichorionic twins. On the other hand, there are differences regarding the timing and mode of delivery, especially in monochorionic diamniotic twins, in the definition and management of fetal growth discordance, the use of cervical length to screen for preterm birth, and the timing of corticosteroids' administration. Conclusions The differences in the reviewed guidelines on the management of twin pregnancies highlight the need for an adoption of an international consensus, in order to improve perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives After participating in this activity, the learner should be better able to identify all aspects of the antenatal surveillance of twin pregnancies and the importance of first trimester determination of chorionicity; explain the birth issues of twin pregnancies, including recommendations on mode and timing of delivery; and describe the possible complications in pregnancy, their association with chorionicity, and appropriate management.