Prenatal depression carries substantial risks for maternal and fetal health and increases susceptibility to postpartum depression. Untreated depression in pregnancy is correlated with adverse outcomes such as an increased risk of suicidal ideation, miscarriage and neonatal growth problems. Notwithstanding concerns about the use of antidepressants, the available treatment options emphasize the importance of specialized medical supervision during gestation. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a brief literature review on the main antidepressant drugs and their effects on pregnancy, assessing their risks and benefits. The analysis of the literature shows that it is essential that pregnancy be followed by specialized doctors and multidisciplinary teams (obstetricians, psychiatrists and psychologists) who attend to the woman’s needs. Depression can now be treated safely during pregnancy by choosing drugs that have no teratogenic effects and fewer side effects for both mother and child. Comprehensive strategies involving increased awareness, early diagnosis, clear guidelines and effective treatment are essential to mitigate the impact of perinatal depression.

Introduction: The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its subsequent global pandemic have raised significant concerns regarding its impact on pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize the emerging data on the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted from March 2020 to December 2023 using PubMed and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies correlating maternal COVID-19 infection with preterm birth were included. Results: Thirteen studies were analyzed, indicating a higher incidence of preterm birth in SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women compared to controls. The average incidence rate of preterm birth in infected patients was 18.5%, with a median of 12.75%, while non-infected women showed an average incidence of preterm birth of 10%, with a median of 8.2%. Discussion: Studies suggest an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth and cesarean section. The severity of symptoms and underlying comorbidities further elevate this risk. Notably, infections during the third trimester pose the highest risk of preterm birth. Conclusion: Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is crucial to mitigate adverse obstetric outcomes. Close monitoring and tailored interventions for infected pregnant women, particularly those in later trimesters and with comorbidities, are imperative to reduce the risk of preterm birth and improve maternal-fetal outcomes.

Background/Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) involves persistent issues with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during intercourse. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a validated 19-item questionnaire, is widely used to assess FSD. Childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery with perineal trauma, can increase FSD risk, with 41–83% of women affected at six months postpartum. However, early postpartum FSD remains underexplored. This study examines FSD risk factors in first-time mothers delivering vaginally, using longitudinal FSFI assessments before and after the delivery. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 80 primiparous women who delivered vaginally. The FSFI questionnaire was provided before childbirth and three months postpartum. We compared the group of women who developed early FSD after delivery (N = 45) with those with a normal FSFI score (>26.6). Results: Three months after vaginal delivery, participants exhibited a significant decrease in overall FSFI scores (−9.61 [95%CI: −11.6; −7.6]; p = 0.008). A total of 45 patients (56.2%) developed early FSD. Marital status emerged as a significant factor, with marriage acting as a protective factor (OR 0.27 [95%CI 0.05–1.24]; p = 0.044). Clitoral and periclitoral tears were associated with a higher risk of FSD than high-degree perineal lacerations (OR 3.02 [95%CI 1.56–6.24]; p = 0.021). Conclusions: At three months post vaginal delivery, primiparous women face a relevant risk of developing transient sexual dysfunction. Marital status and type of perineal tears are identified as key factors influencing postpartum sexual function. Further research is warranted to explore these factors comprehensively and provide timely clinical and psychological support to couples navigating the challenges of early family life.

Background: Rubella is a contagious viral infection that has garnered significant attention in the field of public health due to its potential consequences, especially during pregnancy. In recent decades, it has been recommended that non-immune women receive immunization during the preconceptional and/or postpartum periods. The goal of this strategy is to prevent primary rubella infection in order to protect pregnant women against congenital rubella syndrome. In November 2022, the WHO’s Regional Verification Commission declared the elimination of rubella infection in Italy. In recent years, the main migration flows to Italy have originated from regions where rubella has not yet been eliminated and where no program is in place to achieve this goal. Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess rubella immunity in pregnant women who have attended three delivery centers in Rome over the past three years, from January 2021 to May 2023. Methods: Data about the rubella serological status of 7937 non-consecutive pregnant women were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to verify any difference between the study groups in terms of age distribution. Results: Anti-rubella IgG antibodies were found in 7224 (91%) women while 713 (9%) were susceptible to rubella (IgG negative), without differences in terms of immunity rate between Italian and non-Italian women. Age analysis showed a statistically significant older age of immune women than receptive women and of Italian immune women than non-Italian immune women. Conclusions: The National Plan for the Elimination of Measles and Congenital Rubella aimed to achieve a percentage of susceptible women of childbearing age below 5%. These data indicate the relevance of maintaining the recommendation for preconceptional rubella vaccination in Italy.

Introduction: The link between female infertility and gynecological cancer has always been a debated and challenging topic. Although cervical cancer has the worst impact on female fertility, as it is usually diagnosed in patients of reproductive age, endometrial and ovarian cancer are also diagnosed and treated often in relatively younger patients in which fertility preservation is a relevant issue. The aim of this review is to highlight the correlation between therapy for female infertility and the developing cancer’s risk and to describe the fertility sparing treatments in gynecological oncology. Material and methods: A systematic review of the literature through the main scientific search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar) was performed. We selected the most relevant articles based on the largest case series and the latest updates. All selected documents have been listed in the references. Results: Fifty-six relevant articles published between 1996 and 2019 were identified. Results from the available evidence report no significant increased risk of endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer in patients having infertility treatments. In young patients diagnosed with gynecological cancer, preservation of fertility is a personalized choice depending on several factors (type, stage, age and desire to conceive, safety of the treatment, and feasibility of fertility sparing surgery). For ovarian cancer FIGO stage IA G1, IA G2 (grade), and IC G1; for endometrial adenocarcinoma grade 1 with no lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) or myometrial invasion and for early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO stage 2018: IA1-IB1), fertility sparing treatment is possible. The role of fertility sparing treatment with the increase of personalization of therapies therapy is always a theme of discussion and research. Conclusion: At present data regarding the risk of gynecological cancers after infertility treatments are reassuring. Careful evaluation of female fertility-sparing options in young women interested by ovarian, endometrial, or cervical tumors should be carried out involving a multidisciplinary team and ensuring safety and efficacy.