A new analysis found that opioid-based prescription painkillers increase the risk of serious birth defects and preterm birth. The CDC and March of Dimes recommend using safer alternatives during pregnancy to protect babies from exposure to opioids.
A new species of fanged frog has been discovered, giving birth to live tadpoles through internal fertilization, a rare reproductive method among frogs. The frog's unique behavior is just one example of the island's incredible biodiversity and adaptive radiation of species.
Researchers found a significant impact of the FTO gene variant on body mass index (BMI) that largely depends on birth year, with stronger correlations in later years. The study suggests that broad environmental changes may alter the effect of the gene variant, highlighting the importance of considering time of birth in genetic studies.
A daily multivitamin supplement given to pregnant women in rural Bangladesh reduced pre-term births and increased infant birth weight, resulting in healthier babies. The study found that the supplement improved birth outcomes by increasing fetal development time and birth weight.
A study in Bangladesh found that daily maternal supplementation with multiple micronutrients compared to iron-folic acid before and after childbirth resulted in significant reductions in preterm births (18.6 vs 21.8 per 100 live births) and low birth weight (40.2 vs 45.7 per 100 live births). However, it did not reduce infant mortality...
Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that a simple supplement could reduce heart disease risk in individuals born with low birth weight. The study found that a molecule called CoQ prevented cells in the aorta from ageing prematurely, which can lead to heart disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.
Research from Northwestern University found that heavier newborns have higher test scores from third through eighth grade. Even among twins, heavier-born twins have higher average test scores. However, other factors such as maternal education can be a larger predictor of academic achievement.
Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that low birth weight in rats can lead to reduced co-enzyme Q levels in the aorta, but supplementing with extra CoQ may prevent age-associated damage and heart disease. This study provides potential steps towards developing a diagnostic test for blood co-enzyme Q levels.
Research found that babies born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis have lower fetal growth and are more likely to be born prematurely. Studies show a 1.5 times higher risk of preterm birth in children exposed to maternal or preclinical RA compared to those without exposure.
A new review reveals significant knowledge gaps about preterm birth, its causes, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for increased research efforts. The authors stress that identifying women at risk and developing effective interventions are crucial to addressing this global epidemic.
A large study found that using world region-specific birth-weight curves for immigrant mothers and their babies can predict adverse outcomes more accurately than Canadian curves. This method may help avoid unnecessary interventions and reduce parental stress.
A new study has found that the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) in the cervix provides protection against infection, which can lead to preterm birth. Mice unable to produce HA had abnormal cervical structures and higher preterm birth rates in response to infection.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that the use of antiretroviral medications during early pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects in infants. However, one specific ARV drug, atazanavir, was associated with a higher risk of birth defects, particularly musculoskeletal and skin anomalies.
The national preterm birth rate fell to 11.4% in 2013, beating the federal Healthy People 2020 goal seven years ahead of schedule. Despite this progress, the US still ranks among high resource countries with one of the highest preterm birth rates.
The March of Dimes aims to reduce US preterm birth rates to 5.5% by 2030 through evidence-based interventions such as eliminating early elective deliveries and optimizing birth spacing. The organization is also funding research to discover unknown causes of premature birth and identify new interventions.
Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.
A study of 517 mothers found that nearly 15% had taken recreational drugs during pregnancy, and mothers of babies with brain birth defects were more likely to have used drugs. The study suggests a link between brain birth defects and recreational drug use in expectant mothers.
New research suggests that differences in DNA methylation patterns and gene activity established in the womb underpin the link between birth size and disease risk. The study found that being overweight at birth may be better than being underweight for future health.
Research found that people born in summer months have a higher chance of developing cyclothymic temperament, characterized by rapid mood swings, compared to those born in winter. Additionally, summer births are associated with a higher incidence of hyperthymic temperament, which is linked to an increased risk of mood disorders.
A standardized slow enteral feeding protocol significantly reduces necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and accompanying death in infants with extremely low birth weight. Infants on the slower protocol showed comparable weight gain, head growth, and NICU stay without increased mortality.
A global study from University of California, Berkeley suggests that a moderately low birth rate can actually boost a country's overall standard of living. Researchers found that families bear the costs of raising children, while governments should adjust policies to accommodate population aging.
A new study found that providing free contraception and education on various methods significantly reduced teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Among participants, 72% opted for long-acting forms like IUDs or implants, leading to a 34-per-1,000 pregnancy rate among teens compared to 158.5 in 2008.
Researchers confirm the diathesis-stress model for low birth weight populations, showing they catch up but don't outperform normal-weight peers. A new differential susceptibility model suggests vulnerable children can thrive under optimal conditions, even with risk factors.
New research from Princeton University shows that recessions have a profound impact on fertility, leading to lower birth rates in the short and long term. Women who experience high unemployment during their 20s are more likely to remain childless by age 40, with the effects increasing exponentially over time.
A new study has discovered that progestogen hormones can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth for a specific group of high-risk twin pregnancies. Women with short cervices who are pregnant with twins saw a 50% decrease in preterm birth, highlighting a potential game-changer in obstetric care.
A new study using data from over 3000 children found that factors such as birth weight, gestational age at birth and lung function, growth and other measures at 8 years can predict lung function during mid to late teenage years. The researchers discovered that weight at birth had a small effect on lung function in teen years.
Research shows that mothers living in greener neighborhoods are more likely to deliver at full term and their babies are born at higher weights. The study controlled for factors such as air pollution and neighborhood walkability.
Research found a strong association between low birth weight and type 2 diabetes in African American women, with those born very low weight facing a 40% increased risk. The study's findings shed light on the long-term health effects of low birth weight in this population.
Researchers have dated the final addition of heavy elements like gold and platinum to the solar system 100 million years before the sun's birth. This discovery has shed light on the sun's prehistory, including the duration of an 'incubation' period that preceded its formation.
A recent study published in Cancer Research found that women who recently used birth control pills containing high-dose estrogen had an increased risk for breast cancer. The study suggests that this risk may vary by oral contraceptive formulation, and it is essential to consider the established health benefits of oral contraceptive use...
Researchers at Oregon State University found two alternative strategies to counteract the negative impact of obesity on birth control pills. These include a slight increase in pill dose or continuous use without a 'period week', potentially improving pregnancy prevention for obese women.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researcher Prof. Michael Friger found that mothers living near green spaces deliver babies with significantly higher birth weights and decreased risk for low birth weight. The study analyzed nearly 40,000 single live births and found a significant association between surrounding greenery and improved bi...
A study found that women who experienced a third or fourth degree perineal tear in a previous delivery have a five-fold increased risk of severe tearing in subsequent births. The study analyzed data from over 639,000 first-time mothers and revealed that elective caesarean sections were more common among those with a previous tear.
A landmark study by Oxford University researchers found that babies' bone growth in the womb and their length and head circumference at birth are strikingly similar globally when born to educated, healthy, and well-nourished mothers. The study involved almost 60,000 pregnancies across eight urban areas worldwide.
Research found that early-life experiences can alter behavioral responses to pain and affect the next generation. Female sheep who had their tails docked or experienced mild simulated infections showed more pain-related behavior when giving birth.
A nested case-control study found an association between older maternal age at birth of the last child and exceptional longevity. Women who had their last child beyond age 33 years had twice the odds for survival, with an increased risk tempered by having multiple children.
A study of 2,654 pregnant women found that PTSD and a major depressive episode were associated with a four-fold increased risk of preterm birth. The risk appears independent of antidepressant or benzodiazepine medication use.
A new study published in Radiology found that moderate and late preterm birth is associated with smaller brain size and less developed myelination, suggesting a disruption in the expected trajectory of brain growth. The research provides insight into brain-behavior relationships in this group of children.
Women with shorter birth spacing have shorter pregnancy lengths, increasing the risk of preterm birth. African-American women are more likely to experience this issue, regardless of timing.
A new genetic cause has been identified for two common male reproductive birth defects: cryptorchidism and hypospadias. The VAMP7 gene duplication was found to be the underlying cause of these defects in nearly 1.35% of patients, with no similar association observed in control subjects.
A study by the University of Adelaide found that women who eat a poor diet before becoming pregnant are around 50% more likely to have a preterm birth than those on a healthy diet. Women who consistently ate high protein and fruit prior to conception were less likely to have a preterm birth.
Research by Swedish and US researchers reveals that mothers who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low Apgar scores, indicating an oxygen deficit at birth. The study suggests that preventing women from becoming overweight or obese during reproductive age could improve perinatal health.
New indicators of social and environmental well-being are being used to measure a nation's success beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These include birth weight, hours slept, eyeglasses, city birds, washing machines, and teenage schoolgirls, highlighting the need for broader measures of societal progress.
A blood test has been developed to predict impending preterm birth, distinguishing between true and false labor in 70% of cases. The new test outperforms existing methods by using a set of nine genes coupled with clinical data, allowing for all women to be screened as part of routine blood work.
A French study found a small link between HIV drug use during pregnancy and an increased risk of heart defects in children. However, the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV outweigh the risks.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new method to estimate newborn size based on birth records, improving accuracy for clinicians and researchers. The updated thresholds may aid in classifying babies as small or large for gestational age.
A national survey found that 69% of U.S. adults support requiring coverage of birth control medications in health plans, with women, blacks, and Hispanics more likely to agree. The majority also support other medical services like mammograms and vaccinations.
A study found that low birth weight and maternal conditions like diabetes and overweight/obesity are associated with an increased risk of childhood kidney disease. Researchers suggest that modifying these factors could help protect children's kidney health and reduce the incidence of CKD.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on antidepressants in pregnancy found a strong association between their use and increased preterm birth rates. The study suggests that antidepressant medications may be contributing to the rising trend of preterm births, which can lead to significant health problems and costs.
A new study investigating racial disparities in birth outcomes reveals that environmental factors are more likely to contribute to differences in preterm birth and low birth weight between African-Americans and whites. The findings suggest that addressing socioeconomic inequality and discrimination may be key to reducing these disparit...
Girls born unexpectedly small or underweight may face fertility problems in adulthood, research suggests. Analysis of 1206 Swedish women found those with female infertility causes were almost 2.5 times more likely to have been underweight at birth.
Researchers seeking to understand the causes of premature birth aim to identify women at risk and develop new treatments. Genetic variations, infection, fetal lung development, and cervical changes are being investigated as potential triggers for preterm labor.
Researchers found blocking an inflammatory protein in mice prevents brain injury, but not premature birth. The anti-inflammatory drug halted brain damage without affecting birth timing.
Research from Oregon State University finds that low birth weight individuals have impaired kidney function, affecting drug excretion and metabolism. This may lead to reduced effectiveness of medications in treating diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
A new fossil specimen of the ancient Mesozoic marine reptile Chaohusaurus has revealed evidence of a live birth, suggesting that live births in land reptiles may have appeared much earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the moment of live-birth.
A study of 1,358 children found that preterm infants had higher plasma insulin levels at birth and in early childhood, indicating a potential link between preterm birth and insulin resistance. This association may suggest that preterm birth is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that oxytocin, the birth hormone, naturally reduces chloride levels in neurons, controlling the expression of autistic syndrome. Administering a diuretic treatment before birth corrects abnormal chloride levels and restores brain activity to normal levels.
Researchers found distinct cervical and vaginal microbiota patterns in women destined for preterm birth compared to those with term births. The study revealed significant differences in microbial communities, particularly lower levels of non-CST III bacteria, weeks before the actual preterm birth.