Researchers discovered that mutation of a critical folic acid enzyme causes neural tube defects in mice. Folic acid supplementation reduces neural tube defects, but the exact mechanism is still unclear.
A randomized controlled trial found that iron supplements reduced behavioral problems like ADHD in low birth weight infants by 9.8 percentage points compared to those without supplementation. The study concluded that early iron supplementation has long-term health benefits for marginally low birth weight infants.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that a mother's vitamin D level is positively related to birth weight and head circumference. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D during the first trimester was negatively associated with the risk of a baby being born small for gestational age.
Researchers identified four new genetic regions associated with birth weight, which also link to adult metabolism and disease. The study found that these genetic regions influence blood pressure, height, and type 2 diabetes risk in adulthood.
Researchers identified four new gene regions linked to low birth weight, influencing adult height, type 2 diabetes risk, and blood pressure. The study's findings suggest a strong genetic influence on fetal growth and potential lifelong health benefits from prenatal interventions.
Researchers developed a simple formula to predict a child's likelihood of becoming obese in childhood based on their birth weight, parents' body mass index, household size, mother's professional status, and smoking during pregnancy. The formula proved accurate in predicting obesity risk in infants born in Finland and other countries.
Experts claim that lowering preterm birth rates by an average of 5 percent across 39 high-resource countries can prevent prematurity for 58,000 babies a year. Combining five proven interventions can lower the preterm rate and save about $3 billion in health costs.
The US preterm birth rate dropped for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 to 11.7 percent, giving thousands more babies a healthy start in life and saving billions in health and social costs. Four states earned an 'A' on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, while the US earned a 'C', despite progress.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology challenges the benefits of planned home birth, citing higher rates of unexpected complications, emergency transports, and perinatal mortality. The authors argue that a hospital-based approach can provide a safer and more satisfying experience for patients.
A systematic review of over 200,000 participants found that maternal overweight and smoking during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of childhood overweight. High birth weight and early rapid weight gain also contribute to this risk. Breastfeeding can help mitigate this risk to some extent.
New research suggests that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with a higher risk of birth defects, including those of the eye, heart, reproductive organs, and urinary systems. The study found that IVF infants were 1.25 times more likely to experience birth defects compared to naturally conceived infants.
The Preventing Preterm Birth initiative funds innovative strategies to discover biological mechanisms leading to preterm birth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The grants will advance discovery and translate research to action.
A new study found that providing free birth control reduced unplanned pregnancies and cut abortion rates by 62-78%. Most women chose long-acting methods like IUDs or implants, which have lower failure rates than commonly used birth control pills. The study enrolled 9,256 women and adolescents in the St. Louis area between 2007 and 2011.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that being born with a low birth weight may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes later in life. Researchers found that older female rats had a reduced ability to become pregnant and carried babies that were smaller or lighter in weight.
A study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between sudden cardiac death and a thin placenta at birth, suggesting impaired fetal development of the autonomic nervous system as a contributing factor. The study also found an independent association with poor educational attainment.
A new Cochrane Review concludes that all countries should consider establishing proper home birth services to provide low-risk pregnant women with informed choice options. Home births in many settings can be as safe as hospital births with fewer interventions and complications, according to the review.
Researchers developed a method to predict if pregnant women with preterm contractions will give birth within seven days. The new blood test combines two specific proteins with an ultrasound examination of the cervix, offering possibilities to delay delivery and prepare care for premature babies.
Researchers found a cellular cause of birth defects like cleft palates and missing teeth by blocking an ion channel that disrupts protein signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to the prevention of birth defects and has potential implications for cancer treatment.
A nationwide Finnish study found that women who had three or more induced abortions before a first birth have a higher risk of delivering a baby prematurely and with low birth weight. The risk increases with each additional abortion, but the overall increase is small.
A new study finds that everyday discrimination against pregnant women of color may contribute to low birth weight babies. Women who experienced more discrimination reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, leading to babies with lower birth weights. The study suggests reducing discrimination could eliminate health disparities in b...
Maternal smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of wheeze and asthma in preschool children, with a dose-response pattern related to maternal cigarette consumption. Exposure to maternal smoking before birth and early life is associated with an increased likelihood of developing respiratory symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a compound that reversibly infertile men without affecting their sex drive, using the small molecule to target fertility proteins. The new form of birth control works by reducing sperm count and motility, making it an effective and novel strategy for male contraception.
Infants born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy had lower birth weights but no higher risk of birth defects or blood disorders. The study suggests that breast cancer treatment during pregnancy is possible and prioritizing full-term delivery may be crucial for minimizing risks.
A large international study found that women who give birth at age 30 or older have a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The risk decreases by approximately 13 percentage points for each five-year delay in last births, with the greatest reduction seen among women who give birth between ages 35 and 39.
Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.
A large international study found that marijuana use during pregnancy more than doubles the risk of premature birth. The study identified strong family history, pre-eclampsia, vaginal bleeds, and diabetes as major risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that delivering a high-birth-weight infant more than doubles a woman's breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that this increased risk is due to an elevated hormonal environment during pregnancy, which creates a pro-carcinogenic effect.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that certain jobs carried out by fathers may be linked to an increased risk of birth defects in their babies. Jobs such as mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists, as well as artists and photographers, were associated with a higher risk of birth defects.
Two studies found that infants exposed to the H1N1 vaccine in utero did not have a significantly increased risk of major birth defects, preterm birth, or fetal growth restriction. However, adults exposed to the vaccine were at a small increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome during the 4-8 weeks after vaccination.
A study found that higher public reimbursement for fertility treatment increases access to care, reducing unmet needs in subfertile populations. Countries with more generous funding policies have a higher volume of ART cycles performed and lower rates of multiple births.
A massive study of nearly 250,000 U.S. women found that live birth rates for fertility treatment can approach natural fertility rates with favorable patient and embryo characteristics. The study highlights the importance of factors such as age and embryo quality in determining success rates.
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
A new UCLA-led study shows that a two- or three-drug combination given to infants within 48 hours of birth can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission by about half compared to AZT alone. The study found that this combination significantly reduced HIV transmission, while also being less toxic to the infants.
A new study suggests that women carrying twins should aim to give birth at 37 weeks, as this reduces the risk of serious complications. Babies born early were found to be less likely to be small for their gestational age compared to those born later.
Preterm birth rates have decreased in Croatia, Ecuador, and Estonia over the past 20 years, with only six countries showing a decrease. The preterm birth rate increased in most countries, with European nations experiencing significant rises, particularly Cyprus and Slovenia.
A follow-up NIH study confirms that hypothermia treatment increases infant survival, without increasing long-term disability risk. Children who received the cooling technique were more likely to survive to ages 6 and 7 compared to those who received routine care.
A study of over 7,500 women found that IUDs and implants were significantly more effective than birth control pills, patches, or rings in preventing unintended pregnancies. The study also showed that educating women about the effectiveness of these methods and providing them for free could reduce unintended pregnancy rates.
A large study found that mothers who received the H1N1 flu vaccine during pregnancy were 34% less likely to have a stillbirth, 28% less likely to deliver before 32 weeks, and 19% less likely to give birth to a child with low birth weight. The study also showed no adverse outcomes for vaccinated mothers and their babies.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found a potential treatment for craniosynostosis and acanthosis nigricans, two birth defects associated with Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome. Inhibiting the protein p38 improved skull and skin defect outcomes in mouse models.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pre-birth exposure to tenofovir did not increase birth defects or growth abnormalities among infants born to African HIV-positive women. The researchers analyzed data from the DART trial and found no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes or infant health.
A team of researchers has discovered that the Taung fossil's persistent metopic suture may have evolved as an adaptation for giving birth to babies with larger brains, allowing for rapid brain growth after birth. This finding suggests a complex interplay between childbirth and upright walking in the evolution of human brain size.
A University of Adelaide study found a significant association between assisted reproduction and major birth defects, with IVF and ICSI carrying higher risks. The study also identified cryopreservation as a protective factor, while clomiphene citrate use outside of supervised clinical settings tripled the risk of birth defects.
New research found post-term children are almost twice as likely as term-born children to have behavioural and emotional problems, including ADHD. A U-shaped association was discovered between gestational age at birth and behavioural problems in early childhood.
The US has the highest preterm birth rate among 130 countries, with 12.0 preterm births per 100 live births. Nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the US each year, resulting in significant human and economic costs.
A major new study published in The Lancet found that all babies should be offered screening for heart defects at birth, with pulse oximetry showing high accuracy and effectiveness in detecting the condition. The research included data on close to 230,000 babies and showed that pulse oximetry picked up over three-quarters of heart defects.
Researchers found that moderately regulated calorie intake during infancy reduced the likelihood of becoming obese, contrary to previous studies. Early dietary interventions may have long-lasting effects into childhood and adult life.
A cervical pessary significantly reduces the likelihood of premature delivery in women with a short cervix. The pessary also leads to improved pregnancy outcomes, including reduced rates of low birthweight and respiratory difficulties.
A recent NIH study found that women take longer to give birth today compared to 50 years ago, with an average increase of 2.6 hours for first-time mothers. The study suggests that changes in delivery practices, including the increased use of epidural anesthesia and oxytocin, may be contributing to the longer labor duration.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that heavier female babies are more likely to develop diabetes and related metabolic risks when they grow up compared to their male counterparts. The study found a significant association between birth weight and body fat distribution in early childhood with future metabolic ris...
Researchers developed an analytical method that measures cardiorespiratory interaction using individual breaths and heartbeats, showing that postnatal age is an indicator of maturity in premature infants. The study found no correlation between cardiorespiratory interaction and birth weight or gestational age at birth.
A major study led by the University of Adelaide found that women who had one prior cesarean can lower the risk of death and serious complications for their next baby. Infants born to these women had a significantly lower risk of serious complications compared to those born after a vaginal birth following a prior cesarean.
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that women who have a previous caesarean section may benefit from a planned repeat caesarean section in terms of reduced bleeding and infant mortality. The research found that elective repeat caesarean sections were associated with lower risks of severe bleeding and serious infant morbidity.
A simplified approach to preventing post-birth bleeding appears safe and effective, reducing the risk of severe bleeding by almost half. The study's findings suggest that a uterotonic agent like oxytocin can be used to prevent PPH, making it accessible to more women in areas with limited medical staff.
Researchers from five states and Canada are studying cellular-level processes that control uterine muscles, air pollution's effect on pregnancy, and the causes of preeclampsia. The goal is to lower the nation's preterm birth rate to 9.6% by 2020.
A new study found that weight gain and dietary changes are not effective in preventing repeat preterm birth. Women who have had a prior preterm birth should follow standard weight gain guidelines during their second pregnancy to minimize risk.
A new study suggests that preterm labor diagnostic markers are not universal, and should be tailored to each individual's risk factors. The research found distinct inflammatory mediators in response to different bacterial pathogens, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to diagnosis and intervention.
Researchers report successful early transplantation of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neonatal rats with birth-related brain damage, detecting neurologic improvement.
A study found that Hispanic women living in the US for less than 10 years have a 3.4% frequency of preterm birth, while those living for 10 or more years have twice the risk and 7.4% frequency. This suggests environmental factors may contribute to preterm birth and are potentially modifiable.
Researchers found that women who delivered their first baby early are more likely to have a subsequent baby that is small for its gestational age, even when the second pregnancy is carried to term. The study suggests that mothers who deliver prematurely should be closely monitored for fetal weight and growth in future pregnancies.
Two studies suggest that cleansing umbilical cord with chlorhexidine solution during and after birth can reduce sepsis and mortality in babies in rural parts of Sindh province, Pakistan. The interventions showed a significant reduction in infections and mortality risk, with no effect seen from handwashing alone.