Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls

Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a prescription bile acid medication used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones, prevent gallstones during rapid weight loss, and treat liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) by reducing toxic bile acids and cholesterol production. It works by changing bile composition, making it less saturated with cholesterol, and is available as oral medication. Of course, it is also the foundational medication for treatment of diagnosed Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). Does this medication reduce adverse perinatal outcomes? In this episode, we will review a new study from the Green Journal, which will be out in February 2026, examining the recurrence risk for ICP using data from NY. In a patient with prior history of ICP, is there any guidance on monitoring of serum bile acids in the subsequent pregnancy before symptoms develop? We will explain. PLUS we will review the data on whether Ursodiol may hold promise in recurrence prevention or in reduction of adverse outcomes once the condition is diagnosed. Listen in for details.
1. 2019: Chappell LC, Bell JL, Smith A, Linsell L, Juszczak E, Dixon PH, Chambers J, Hunter R, Dorling J, Williamson C, Thornton JG; PITCHES study group. Ursodeoxycholic acid versus placebo in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (PITCHES): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2019 Sep 7;394(10201):849-860. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31270-X. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31378395; PMCID: PMC6739598. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31378395/
2. February 08, 2025: Rahim, Mussarat N et al. Pregnancy and the liver. The Lancet. 2021; Volume 405, Issue 10477, 498 – 513 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02351-1/fulltext
3. SMFM CS 53; 2021
4. Rosenberg, Henri M. MD; Sarker, Minhazur R. MD; Ramos, Gladys A. MD; Bianco, Angela MD; Ferrara, Lauren MD; DeBolt, Chelsea A. MD. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Recurrence in a Subsequent Pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology 147(2):p 239-241, February 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006033 https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2026/02000/intrahepatic_cholestasis_of_pregnancy_recurrence.13.aspx
5. Ovadia C, Sajous J, Seed PT et al. Ursodeoxycholic acid in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Jul;6(7):547-558. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00074-1. Epub 2021 Apr 27. PMID: 33915090; PMCID: PMC8192305.
6. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of liver diseases in pregnancy. European Association for the Study of the Liver; 2023

HCG is a heterodimeric glycoprotein typically produced by trophoblastic tissue. However, there are occasions where a serum HCG is obtained that remains low level POSITIVE, yet the patient is not pregnant, nor does she have a gynecologic malignancy. Why dose this happen. Not all these instances can be explained by the “PHANTOM” HCG. In this episode, we will review a new Clinical Consensus guideline from the ACOG officially being released in Feb 2026. Like the finding of an aberrant aneuploidy on cell-free DNA testing in pregnancy (NIPT) where the child is found to NOT be affected, where that abnormal result may signal a hidden malignancy, a persistent low level positive HCG that cannot be explained by pregnancy or a gyn cancer may signal a hidden malignancy elsewhere. Listen in for details.
1. ACOG CC #11, February 2026

The ENG implant has data placing it as the most reversible, hormonal contraceptive agent available with a typical use failure rate of 0.05%. Unfavorable bleeding patterns, such as frequent or prolonged bleeding, affect approximately 40% of ENG implant users within the first 3 months but typically improve over time. Nonetheless, it is the main reason for patient discontinuation. In the past, various medications have shown to have at least some short-term reduction in bothersome breakthrough bleeding (BTB). These include doxycycline, ethinyl estradiol (EE), mefenamic acid, combined oral contraceptives (COCs), short term tamoxifen, norethindrone, and ulipristal acetate. In this episode, we will summarize a new RCT (AJOG, released as epub on Jan 7, 2026) which describes the use of TXA for ENG related BTB. Did it work? Listen in for details.
1. Andrade, Maíra Cristina Ribeiro et al. Norethisterone for prolonged uterine bleeding associated with etonogestrel implant (IMPLANET): a randomized controlled trial
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 234, Issue 1, 101 - 115
2. Edelman, Alison et al. Treatment of unfavorable bleeding patterns in contraceptive implant users with tranexamic acid: randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 0, Issue (Articles in Press January 07, 2026)

It’s a controversial topic: the impact of uterine incision (hysterectomy) on the neonate delivery interval (also called the U-D interval). Does it matter? Just to be clear, we’re talking about time from uterine entry to fetal extraction, not skin incision to fetal extraction. Past publications have produced conflicting results, often limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous indications for delivery, and reliance on surrogate markers (like apgar scores) rather than clinical morbidity. But a new study published in the Gray journal at the end of 2025 (December 30, 2025) gives some new insights. In this episode, we will review this retrospective study and play the “Devil’s advocate” as we summarize the rebuttal data. As the reports are conflicting, we will end the podcast with a real-world interpretation and application of this data. Listen in for details.

1. Bart, Yossi et al. Uterine Incision-to-Delivery Interval and Neonatal Outcomes among Non-urgent, Term, Cesarean Deliveries. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 0, Issue 0. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(25)00980-9/fulltext?rss=yes
2. Maayan-Metzger A, Schushan-Eisen I, Todris L, Etchin A, Kuint J. The effect of time intervals on neonatal outcome in elective cesarean delivery at term under regional anesthesia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2010 Dec;111(3):224-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.07.022. Epub 2010 Sep 19. PMID: 20855070. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20855070/
3. Spain JE, Tuuli M, Stout MJ, Roehl KA, Odibo AO, Macones GA, Cahill AG. Time from uterine incision to delivery and hypoxic neonatal outcomes. Am J Perinatol. 2015 Apr;32(5):497-502. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1396696. Epub 2014 Dec 24. PMID: 25539409.
4. Bader AM, Datta S, Arthur GR, Benvenuti E, Courtney M, Hauch M. Maternal and fetal catecholamines and uterine incision-to-delivery interval during elective cesarean. Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Apr;75(4):600-3. PMID: 2107478.
5. Tekin, E., Inal, H.A. & Isenlik, B.S. A Comparison of the Effect of Time from Uterine Incision to Delivery on Neonatal Outcomes in Women with One Previous and Repeat (Two or More) Cesarean Sections. SN Compr. Clin. Med. 5, 80 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42399-023-01427-x

In January 2026, the ACOG released its Practice Advisory on Screening for fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities. This comes after its Nov 2025 endorsement of the SMFM’s Consult Series #74, “Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated guidance”. In this episode we will review the key parts of this PA. Is screening for microdeletions recommended? PLUS, we will focus on cfDNA for sex chromosomal abnormalities. Should screening for sex chromosomal abnormalities (SCAs) be an “opt in” or “opt out” process for patients? What are nest steps after an abnormal SCA screening result? Are commercial tests available for fetal gender recommended? Listen in for details.

1. ACOG PA Jan 2026: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2026/01/screening-for-fetal-chromosomal-abnormalities?utm_source=higher-logic&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Jan-07&utm_campaign=acog2026-digest
2. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #74: Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated guidance1 in November 2025.