The March of Dimes has launched a virtual network to prevent preterm birth, with the goal of reducing the rate to 9.6%. The network aims to share information on successful programs and policies to prevent preterm births, resulting in better health outcomes for babies.
Pregnant women exposed to armed conflict have a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies due to psychological stress. The study, conducted in the Israeli-occupied territories during the Second Intifada, found a positive association between conflict-related fatalities and low-birth weight children.
A new study published in The Lancet found that transferring one or two embryos during IVF therapy results in higher live birth rates and lower risks of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, transferring three or more embryos is associated with increased risks, especially severe preterm birth.
A landmark study found that vaginal progesterone significantly reduced the rate of preterm birth by 42% and neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with a short cervix. The treatment also decreased respiratory distress syndrome and the need for mechanical ventilation.
A large retrospective study of childhood cancer survivors found no increased risk of birth defects in their children. Researchers examined data from over 20,000 survivors and found that exposure to chemotherapy and radiation did not lead to genetic birth defects.
A study found that babies born with very low birth weight had lower cognitive test scores, particularly in executive functioning such as attention and visual memory, compared to those born at a normal weight. The study also showed no difference in academic performance but highlighted the importance of full development in the womb.
A new study finds that a fetus can sense its mother's mental state through chemical signals. The baby develops better when the environment is consistent before and after birth. Inconsistent conditions, such as a mother going from depressed to healthy or vice versa, slow down fetal development.
A landmark survey of 1,006 mothers found that only 24% discussed their decision to stop childbearing with their OB/GYNs. Women were largely unaware of non-surgical permanent birth control methods like the Essure procedure, which has a 99.8% effectiveness rate.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that proactive screening for hepatitis C among the birth cohort (1945-1965) is cost-effective and can identify over 800,000 currently unidentified cases. This strategy could save thousands of lives each year compared to current case identification methods.
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
A novel mouse model has identified a molecular signaling pathway underlying preterm labor, which may lead to new strategies for combating the major global health issue in humans. The study suggests that inhibiting mTORC1 signaling with rapamycin could prevent premature aging and birth.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong connection between premature birth and an increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Adults born prematurely were five times more likely to be hospitalized for epilepsy compared to those born full-term.
A new Stanford University study found that the overall quality of a pregnant woman's diet is linked to a lower risk of two types of serious birth defects. Women who ate better before and during pregnancy had fewer infants with brain and spinal cord malformations or orofacial clefts, such as cleft lip and palate.
A study found that pregnant women with better maternal diet quality had a lower risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts. The research used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine whether better maternal diet quality was associated with reduced risk for selected birth defects.
A study of over 600,000 Swedish individuals born between 1973-1979 found that preterm birth was associated with increased mortality in early childhood and young adulthood. The strongest inverse association was observed in young adults, particularly for congenital anomalies and respiratory disorders.
A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.
The museum's new dinosaur hall features a unique 78-million-year-old fossil that shows evidence of live birth in an adult plesiosaur and its developing embryo, resolving a long-standing mystery in the field. The research establishes that plesiosaurs gave birth to live young, rather than laying eggs on land.
A comprehensive review of 173,687 cases found maternal smoking causes a range of serious birth defects. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of premature birth and related health problems.
Two studies found that frozen embryo transfer (FET) is associated with significantly higher birth weights and larger babies. FET was found to have a similar effect on small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children compared to naturally conceived children.
Researchers analyzed records of 987 women with recurrent miscarriages to find long-term prognosis for live birth. The study found that 66.7% of women achieved a live birth within five years and 71.1% within 15 years after referral.
A study found that poor pre-pregnancy diet can lead to reduced birth weights, catch-up growth after weaning, and increased insulin sensitivity in offspring. These effects combined increase the risk of developing type II diabetes and obesity later in life.
A Washington State University study found significantly more birth defects in areas of mountaintop coal mining, with nearly twice the rate of non-mining areas. The research also controlled for socioeconomic and behavioral risks, confirming a link between mountaintop mining and higher birth defect rates.
A new study reveals that four common epilepsy medications associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of major birth defects. The research suggests that doctors should select the safest effective treatment for pregnant women with epilepsy by considering individual drug and dose options.
A large Danish study found no significant association between prenatal use of newer-generation antiepileptic drugs and major birth defects. The study included data on over 837,000 infants and compared their birth defect rates with those exposed to older-generation antiepileptic drugs.
Researchers at King's College London have identified the genetic cause of Adams-Oliver Syndrome, a rare condition that can lead to birth defects. The study found mutations in the ARHGAP31 gene, which regulates proteins involved in cell division and growth, potentially leading to disruptions in limb formation.
A study analyzing over 400,000 IVF cycles in the UK found that aiming for 15 eggs retrieved per cycle maximizes live birth rates while minimizing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome risk. The number of eggs above 20 leads to a decline in live birth rates.
A study found that celiac disease is more common among Massachusetts children born in the spring or summer, suggesting a link between gluten introduction timing and birth season. The study suggests rethinking gluten introduction for some children based on their birth season.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight of offspring. Researchers also discovered that the magnitude of decrease in birth weight was greater in children whose mothers were directly exposed to high BPA levels in the workplace.
A new program called Helping Babies Breathe is teaching basic techniques to resuscitate newborns immediately after birth, resulting in a 50% decrease in mortality rates. The program focuses on simple interventions like drying the baby, keeping them warm, and suctioning their mouth within 'The Golden Minute'.
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island found that pregnant women infected with H1N1 influenza during the 2009 pandemic were more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. The studies also tracked outcomes and determined the importance of timely antiviral treatment in pregnancy.
New research reveals that thalidomide's toxic effects on embryos result from its breakdown products producing reactive oxygen species, causing DNA damage and birth defects. The study uses a rabbit embryo culture model to demonstrate the link between thalidomide and its hydrolysis products.
Researchers found that variations in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene may increase a woman's risk for delivering her infant prematurely. The study suggests that human gestation has been pushed to shorter times due to evolutionary changes, which could lead to new targets for therapeutic or preventive measures.
Researchers found drinking during early pregnancy increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while heavy drinkers were more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and very premature births. The study emphasized the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy.
Dr. Mala S. Mahendroo will investigate biological mechanisms and causes of premature birth with a new $600,000 Burroughs Wellcome Fund grant. She aims to develop an imaging tool to assess collagen changes that precede preterm birth.
A new study found that teenage fatherhood significantly impacts young adult outcomes, including a 15-point reduction in high school graduation rates and an 11-point increase in receiving a GED. The experience of teenage fatherhood also increases the likelihood of full-time employment and military service.
Mothers who experienced childhood abuse are at increased risk of giving birth to low-birth-weight babies. Childhood poverty and substance use also contribute to this risk, which can lead to infant mortality and chronic health problems later in life.
A study published in Brain Research found that nutritionally deprived newborns are programmed to eat more due to reduced neurons in the brain's food intake region. This suggests maternal nutrition plays a critical role in preventing obesity and related diseases.
A study published in Pediatrics found that pregnant non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke have a higher risk of delivering stillborn babies or babies with congenital birth defects. Passive smoking increased the risk of stillbirth by nearly one-quarter and was linked to a 13% increased risk of congenital birth defects.
The March of Dimes is investing $2.4 million in new funding for research on predicting and preventing preterm birth, a leading cause of infant death. Five scientists will study low doses of carbon monoxide, genes, blood tests to identify high-risk women, and fetal membrane weakening.
Women who experience depression and anxiety after a miscarriage may continue to feel these symptoms after a healthy child is born. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children found that mental health problems associated with miscarriage or stillbirth do not end with the birth of a healthy baby, but can persist for several years.
Researchers found that using non-alcohol antibacterial mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) decreases the incidence of preterm birth. The study, funded by The Procter & Gamble Company, involved pregnant women with periodontal disease who received either treatment or a control group.
Researchers found that preterm birth clinic attendance resulted in more full-term births and lower infant morbidity rates. The study showed a 28% reduction in recurrent spontaneous preterm birth risk and reductions in infant complications and short-term disabilities.
The eight-year trial shows prenatal surgery reduces fluid diversion needs, improves mental development and motor function, and increases the likelihood of a child walking unassisted. Fetal surgery is now considered a better option than waiting for corrective surgery after birth for patients with myelomeningocele.
Research on over 28,000 children found that prenatal exposure to mobile phones was associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems. Children exposed to mobile phones before and after birth were 50% more likely to exhibit abnormal behavior.
A recent study led by John Goddeeris found that extremely low birth weight babies, who weigh less than 2.2 pounds, often experience minimal long-term economic impact as adults.
A recent study found no evidence of increased birth defect risk from proton-pump inhibitors taken during pregnancy, but an epidemiologist believes further studies are needed. The study's limitations highlight the need for more research into specific PPIs and their effects on fetal development.
The US saw a two-year decline in preterm birth rates, primarily among babies born just weeks early, while many states improved in at least one contributing factor. The overall national rate remains high compared to top-scoring countries.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that low birth weight can cause lifelong problems processing medications. The kidneys of underweight animals had significantly less ability to process and transport drugs due to a protein called a 'drug transporter'.
A new study has found a strong association between low birth weight and poor growth rate in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, analyzed data from over 400 children with CKD and found that those born with lower birth weights were more likely ...
Depression during pregnancy significantly increases risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, with poorer outcomes for depressed pregnant women living in poverty. Universal screening and access to mental health care are critical for mitigating these effects.
Researchers found a possible link between successful gum-disease treatment and reduced preterm birth risk in pregnant women. Successful treatment was associated with lower inflammation levels, no increased probing depth, and loosening of teeth.
A study of over 86,000 families in the UK found that parents are at high risk for depression in the first year after a child's birth, with mothers experiencing significantly higher rates than fathers. The findings highlight the need for better detection and support for parental depression to improve children's outcomes.
A meta-analysis of previous research reveals that very low-birth-weight and very preterm infants have a higher likelihood of neonatal and predischarge death when born at less-specialized hospitals. The study found a significant increase in mortality rates for these high-risk infants, emphasizing the importance of hospital level of care.
A study of over 837,000 births in Denmark found no association between exposure to certain antiviral drugs and major birth defects. The findings suggest that acyclovir is safe for use in early pregnancy, while further research is needed on the safety of valacyclovir and famciclovir.
A large population-based study found that excess maternal weight gain is a strong predictor of high birth weight, regardless of genetic factors. The study highlights the importance of weight management efforts before birth to reduce the risk of obesity and related diseases.
A sociological study found that state tax credit programs can reduce the incidence of low-birth-weight babies and help break cycles of childhood poor health. The study also suggests that these programs can improve prenatal health, higher birth weights, and reduced maternal smoking.
Recent meta-analysis finds planned home births double the risk of neonatal deaths and triple when infants have congenital defects. Women should receive adequate midwife care and have quick access to hospital equipment for safe delivery.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that overweight and obese women have a 30% greater risk of induced preterm birth before 37 weeks, increasing to 70% for very obese women. This higher risk is associated with serious health problems for the baby, especially when born earlier than 32 weeks.
The article shares harrowing accounts of women who gave birth during the Israeli assault on Gaza strip in December 2008 and January 2009. The women described severe trauma, complications such as sepsis and hypothermia, and their heroic struggles to survive with their families amidst destruction.
A study published by University of Copenhagen researchers found that psychotropic medications were associated with serious side effects such as birth deformities, low birth weight, and premature birth. Psychostimulants like Ritalin and antidepressants like Prozac were linked to over half of the cases.