A new approach may help doctors tailor treatments for women at risk of preterm birth by identifying genetic differences. Progesterone injections have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm births, but not all women respond to treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 studies found that preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and wheezing disorders during childhood. Children born before 32 weeks of gestation were nearly three times as likely to develop these conditions compared to those born at full term.
A comprehensive study of over 300,000 births in South Australia found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive therapies had a higher risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal death compared to naturally conceived babies. The risks varied depending on the type of assisted conception used.
Research published in Ecology Letters reveals the ancestor of snakes and lizards likely gave birth to live young, contrary to long-held assumptions. The findings support the idea that live birth has a more ancient past than previously thought, dating back 175 million years ago.
A UK Biobank study has found a strong link between fathers' diabetes and their child's low birth weight, with genetic variations potentially explaining this effect. The research used data from 250,000 adults and suggests that treatments aimed at increasing birth weight may not be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes.
A University of Granada study found that early breast-feeding and natural deliveries contribute to higher maternal satisfaction. The researchers monitored 60 mothers and discovered a strong correlation between positive birth experiences and continued breastfeeding, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
A new study found that women exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth. The study, which measured phthalate levels in urine samples from pregnant women, found that those with the highest exposure had two-to-five times the odds of preterm birth compared to those with lower exposure.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates are at a higher risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed urine samples from 130 women with preterm birth and 352 control participants, revealing an association between increased phthalate metabolite concentrations and higher odds of preterm birth.
A 15-year study found human error is the most common cause of infant asphyxiation at birth in Norway, with 50% attributed to poor fetal monitoring. The study suggests training for midwives and obstetricians, along with high-quality audits, could help reduce compensation claims after birth asphyxia.
Global health leaders have outlined a comprehensive research agenda to tackle the growing problem of preterm birth, the leading cause of newborn deaths. The 'Solution Pathway' aims to accelerate prevention and reduce mortality and disability through innovative research and practical interventions.
A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.
Gary M. Shaw receives Agnes Higgins Award for his research on human birth defects, highlighting the link between prenatal nutrition and increased risk of birth defects. The award recognizes Dr. Shaw's efforts to improve maternal nutrition and baby health.
The US preterm birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, but the country still earns a 'C' grade. Since 2006, about 176,000 fewer babies have been born too soon, potentially saving $9 billion in health and societal costs.
A study found that African-American and Puerto Rican women with low vitamin D levels during pregnancy are at higher risk of preterm birth. Vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with damage to the placenta, a key factor in preterm births.
A new study found that pregnant rats exposed to an obesity-linked hormone during pregnancy lost their reduced breast cancer risk after birth. Researchers believe this may be related to gene changes in healthy breast cells.
Low birth weight infants exhibit microbiome differentiation in their mouths, gut, and skin by day 15 after birth. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in this process, with changes driven by bacterial types associated with newborn infections and necrotizing enterocolitis.
A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that birth in mice causes a reduction in serotonin levels, triggering the formation of neural circuits in sensory maps. This finding suggests that birth plays an active role in preparing the newborn for survival outside the womb.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Economics found that contaminated water is linked to lower birth weights and prematurity, especially among less-educated mothers. Infants exposed to contaminated water are also more likely to have mothers who are younger, less educated, or African-American.
A new Indiana University study found that preterm birth is strongly linked to infant and young adult mortality, autism, and ADHD. However, it also suggests that other associated issues, such as severe mental illness and economic woes, may be related to shared family factors rather than preterm birth itself.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birth defects and poor fetal growth are the most common risk factors for cerebral palsy and infant death. The research suggests that these risk factors, rather than asphyxial birth events, may contribute to the development of cerebral palsy and infant mortality.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that pregnant women with asthma who smoke are at greater risk of complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study suggests that quitting smoking during pregnancy can lead to some improvement in risks to the child.
Researchers found that women infected with chlamydia or gonorrhoea before pregnancy had a heightened risk of stillbirth and premature birth. Despite controlling for other factors, the study suggests that these infections may be an important predictor of adverse obstetric outcomes.
Researchers have identified a molecular signature in human tissue samples from women who experienced premature birth. A combinatory treatment strategy involving rapamycin and progesterone effectively prevented preterm birth in mice model, suggesting potential for reducing incidence in high-risk women.
The American Academy of Periodontology urges pregnant women to prioritize periodontal health to minimize risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Regular dental cleanings and monitoring can help prevent premature birth or low-birth weight babies.
A new study has found a link between high doses of epilepsy medication valproate and increased risk of physical birth defects such as spina bifida and hypospadias in babies. Reducing the dose of valproate during pregnancy can significantly lower this risk, providing pregnant women with epilepsy new hope.
A multistate study found that children born with non-chromosomal birth defects have a twofold higher risk of cancer before age 15 compared to children without birth defects. Cancer risk varies by the specific type of birth defect, with increased risk observed in eye defects, cleft palate, heart and kidney defects, and microcephaly.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that growth-restricted mice became obese due to reduced physical activity, not increased appetite. This discovery has implications for the worldwide obesity epidemic affecting millions of low birth weight babies.
A study on postpartum sexuality found that partners of new mothers experience changes in sexual desire due to factors like fatigue and stress related to caring for a new baby. The research highlights the importance of considering the co-parent's perspective, as their sexual health can be related to each other regardless of the cause.
A new study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that ethnicity-based birth weight charts are more accurate than traditional population-based standards. These charts can help identify small but healthy babies, reducing parental anxiety and unnecessary healthcare costs.
The Saving Lives at Birth partnership has announced 22 Round 3 award nominees for innovative solutions to prevent infant and maternal deaths. These nominees present cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to delivering services, including family planning, nutrition, and HIV prevention.
Researchers are studying the evolution and biology of human pregnancy, genetic factors contributing to preterm birth, and racial disparities in preterm birth rates. The study aims to identify potential targets for further research and address environmental factors such as drinking or smoking.
A systematic review found that delaying umbilical cord clamping after birth improves newborn iron levels and overall health. Babies with delayed cord clamping had higher haemoglobin levels and were less likely to be iron-deficient.
A study of data from Scotland found that abortion was a strong risk factor for subsequent preterm birth in the 1980s, but this link weakened and disappeared over the next 20 years. Modern methods of abortion reduced the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
A large Dutch nationwide cohort study found that women giving birth to multiples after IVF treatment have a higher risk of breast cancer. The study suggests a link between high embryo implantation potential and breast cancer risk, with increased levels of VEGF possibly playing a role.
Researchers found that being born to an older mother or parents who are blood relations increases the likelihood of a baby being born with a birth defect. Maternal education level also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of birth defects across all ethnic groups.
A recent study found that both cousin marriage and older mothers have a significantly increased risk of birth defects, with nearly 31% of birth defects in babies of Pakistani origin attributed to consanguineous marriages. The study also showed that maternal education can be protective against congenital anomalies.
Women who give birth vaginally are at increased risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse during the year after delivery. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when connective tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are damaged, leading to complications such as urinary incontinence and bowel control.
A study of over 90 studies found that daily iron intake during pregnancy increases average haemoglobin levels and reduces the risk of anaemia. Birth weight is also improved, but no reduction in preterm birth risk was observed.
A study of over 146,000 Dutch women found planned home births were associated with lower rates of severe maternal complications among parous women. However, first-time mothers showed no significant difference in risk.
Research at the University of Alberta found that rats with low birth weights are more susceptible to age-related vision loss. The team's findings suggest a potential link between low birth weights and complex diseases like age-related eye disorders.
A study of 97 adolescents born with very low birth weight found a link between smaller brain volumes and poor academic achievement. The research team also discovered that many children with low birth weight did not experience academic deficits, raising questions about early warning signs for intervention.
Research found that low birth weight and prematurity are linked to low nephron numbers, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests clinicians use birth weight as a parameter for screening patients.
Research found pregnant women with mid to high levels of anti-tTG antibodies are at risk for having reduced fetal weight and birth weight. Fetuses of women with positive anti-tTG weighed 16 grams less during the second trimester, while those with intermediate anti-tTG levels were 53 grams lighter.
A new study by University of Michigan Health System researchers found that women who give birth as teens are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese later in life. The study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, identified teen pregnancy as a predictor of obesity.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that the month of birth affects immune system development and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in UK babies. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in May-born babies compared to November-born babies, while autoreactive T-cells were higher.
The March of Dimes is funding new research into preterm birth, focusing on genetics, infections, and hormones. The goal is to reduce the national preterm birth rate from 11.7% to 9.6%.
A new study found that infants of African ancestry are more likely to be born prematurely and have low birth weights, compared to those with European-only ancestry. The researchers attribute these disparities to differences in geographic location and access to prenatal care.
Researchers found that prenatal DHA supplementation increased mean birth weight and gestational age, reducing the risk of very low birth weight and early preterm delivery. The study supports the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes.
A new study found that low-birth-weight newborns with enlarged ventricles on an ultrasound are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life. The research suggests that an early brain abnormality may indicate a higher risk of developing autism.
High estrogen levels during IVF pregnancy increase the risk of small birth weight and preeclampsia. Freezing embryos for later transfer when hormone levels were lower reduced the incidence of these complications in a small study.
Research published in BMC Medicine found that caffeine from all sources reduces birth weight and increases pregnancy length by 5 hours per day. Caffeine intake from coffee was associated with an even longer gestational length, increasing risk of small for gestational age at birth by almost a third
State Medicaid programs offering coverage for birth doulas may capture cost savings associated with reduced cesarean rates, benefiting diverse, low-income women. Doula support improves birth outcomes and enhances the mother's birth experience.
A study of 606,877 live births in Belgium found that smoking bans led to a reduction in the risk of preterm birth, with decreases evident after each phase of legislation. The findings suggest that smoking bans have public health benefits from early life and support stricter smoke-free policies.
Researchers found that blocking a complement protein C5 reduces placental blood vessel growth limitations, allowing for improved fetal survival and growth. The study provides hope for preventing adverse birth outcomes worldwide.
A review and meta-analysis found that 3 or more doses of intermittent preventive therapy during pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine were associated with higher birth weights and lower risk of low birth weight. The researchers also noted that increasing resistance to the drug may require more frequent dosing.
Researchers at USC have identified two molecular signaling pathways that control the formation of head and face structures, shedding light on certain birth defects. The study used time-lapse photography to study organ development at the single-cell level in zebrafish embryos, providing insights into human health and disease.
A study found that nulliparous women with a short cervix who have intra-amniotic debris are at a higher risk of early preterm birth. The presence of debris was associated with worse outcomes for the babies, likely due to earlier delivery. Women with debris had a longer funnel and a higher body mass index than those without debris.
Researchers studied over 2800 women and found that planned vaginal birth is as safe as a planned cesarean section for twins born between 32-38 weeks. The study reveals no advantage in choosing cesarean births for these types of twins, with no decrease or increase in perinatal/neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity.
A new study finds that a genetic variant in the inflammation gene interleukin-6 is associated with developmental problems in females after preterm birth, but not in males. The research may help identify prevention strategies for preterm brain injury and improve understanding of how it occurs.
A study found that perinatal outcomes of frozen/thawed embryo replacement (FER) were better than those of fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF), but poorer than the general population. FER resulted in higher rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, and macrosomia compared to spontaneous conceptions.