A new study suggests that a father's involvement before birth may play an important role in preventing death during the first year of life. Infants born to absent fathers were more likely to experience lower birth weights, preterm births, and small size, as well as higher rates of neonatal mortality.
A novel pouch system developed by Duke University researchers can provide a potentially life-saving dose of an anti-HIV medication to newborn babies born at home. The system uses foil and plastic pouches that can hold a single dose of Nevirapine, allowing mothers to give their newborns treatment shortly after birth.
Iain Buxton, a pharmacology professor at University of Nevada School of Medicine, received a share of $2.6 million in grants to study genetic variants contributing to preterm birth. His study aims to predict and prevent preterm births by identifying alterations in a specific gene.
A recent study found two genetic regions associated with lower birth weight, one of which is also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The research analyzed over 38,000 Europeans and showed that individuals with a specific gene variant were 25% more likely to develop diabetes if they had low birth weight.
A new study found that regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during pregnancy reduces offspring birth weight by approximately 143g, while not impacting maternal insulin sensitivity. This reduction in birth weight may lower the risk of obesity later in life.
New research reveals that pneumonia, birth asphyxia, and preterm birth complications account for between 15-17% of child deaths in China. The study found a significant decline in mortality rates from 1990-2008, with improvements in neonatal, postneonatal infant, and child mortality rates.
A woman gave birth to two healthy girls, Aviaja and Lucca, in 2007 and 2008, respectively, after receiving fertility treatment following an ovarian transplant. The breakthrough case report supports the use of cryopreservation of ovarian tissue as a valid method for fertility preservation.
The March of Dimes has awarded $2.6 million to six scientists studying the causes of preterm birth, with a focus on predicting and preventing premature labor. The funding aims to improve baby health by understanding genetics, environment, and vitamin D's role in preventing preterm birth.
A UAB-led study found that training birth attendants in essential newborn-care techniques reduced stillbirths by over 30% globally. The train-the-trainer program improved perinatal mortality rates, particularly among low-cost interventions such as neonatal resuscitation and kangaroo care.
A study conducted in six countries showed that training birth attendants in newborn care and resuscitation significantly increases a baby's survival rate. The intervention resulted in a 30% reduction in stillbirths and a 15% decrease in perinatal mortality, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide each year.
Researchers highlight the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in preventing spontaneous preterm birth. A review article highlights family history, infection, stress, and genetics as risk factors for early birth.
Researchers found that pre-pregnancy obesity increases risk of medically-indicated preterm birth, while underweight also raises the risk. Optimal pregnancy weight gain within recommended guidelines reduces preterm birth risk in obese women.
The study found that maternal high blood pressure, high hematocrit levels, and smoking are associated with restricted fetal growth during the first trimester. This restriction is linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age at birth.
Researchers at Yale University have found that progesterone prevents apoptosis in fetal membranes, reducing the risk of preterm birth. Progesterone supplementation from weeks 16-20 may also prevent premature rupture of the fetal membranes.
Researchers found that universal screening of pregnant women is cost-effective and improves pregnancy outcomes, reducing the number of premature births. The study also showed that routine care costs more than screening for short cervix, resulting in cost savings.
Researchers discovered DNA variants in genes involved in fighting infection that increase the risk of preterm labor and birth. These variants, carried by both mothers and fetuses, can lead to an inflammatory response that triggers early childbirth.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Yale University found that measuring the fetal zone of the adrenal gland using 2D ultrasound is a better predictor of preterm birth than measuring cervical length. The d/D ratio was calculated as an index of FZE, which showed significant correlation with cAGV and d/D.
Researchers have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The variants were found in genes involved in inflammation and extracellular matrix regulation, suggesting a link between immune response and preterm birth.
Research reveals genetic variants increasing risk of preterm labor, but also necessary for fighting infection; identifying high-risk individuals may lead to personalized care and healthier outcomes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found a significant decline in US birth weights over the past 15 years, with full-term births averaging 79 grams less than expected. This trend is concerning, as low birth weight has been linked to increased risk of death and chronic diseases in adulthood.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that each additional 1.1 pounds of birth weight decreases tuberculosis risk by 46% among identical twins. The association is stronger for males, with an 87% reduced risk, and sheds light on the developmental origins of health and disease.
The US received a 'D' grade on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, with over half a million newborns not receiving a healthy start. Seven states improved their preterm birth rates by reducing smoking, uninsured rates, and late preterm births.
A study examined associations between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birth defects, finding that certain antibiotics like sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins may be associated with severe birth defects. Many commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, were not linked to an increased risk of birth defects.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children born with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing asthma later in life. The study, which analyzed data from 10,918 twins, suggests that impaired fetal growth affects lung development and contributes to the development of asthma.
A randomized trial found that milk protein lactoferrin supplementation alone or in combination with a probiotic reduced the incidence of late-onset sepsis in very low birth-weight infants. The supplement exhibited antimicrobial activity and was well-tolerated, making it a promising prevention strategy.
The new White Paper reveals an estimated 13 million babies worldwide were born preterm in 2005, with one million deaths attributed to preterm birth. Premature births face serious lifelong health risks and contribute significantly to global healthcare costs.
Babies born to parents who underwent cancer treatment in childhood or adolescence show minimal risks, according to two new studies. Female cancer survivors had a higher risk of preterm and low birth weight infants compared to the general population, but no increased risk of birth defects or infant death.
A cohort study of 120 women who gave birth after receiving a kidney transplant found no differences in kidney function or patient survival compared to those who did not have children. The study's findings provide good news for kidney transplant women who fear getting pregnant due to concerns about their health and lifespan.
Research shows that spontaneous preterm birth rates are rising alongside medically-induced preterm births in Scotland, with maternal complications playing a decreasing role. The study suggests that reducing both types of preterm births is crucial for improving infant survival rates.
Researchers found a strong association between teenage birth rates and state-level measures of religiosity in the US. Conservative religious beliefs are strongly predicted to influence teen birth rates, even after controlling for income differences.
A study published in CMAJ found that planned home births attended by registered midwives have a similar risk of infant death to planned hospital births. Women who planned home births had lower rates of obstetric interventions and adverse outcomes, including reduced risk of cesarean sections, epidural analgesia, and infection.
A study found that women with epilepsy who experience seizures during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to pre-term and small babies than those without epilepsy. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 women with epilepsy and found a significant association between seizure activity and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure and small body size at birth predict poorer sleep and higher risk of sleep disturbances in 8-year-old children. Smaller body size was associated with lower sleep efficiency, while low-weight birth was linked to clinical significant sleep disturbances.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, CDKAL1, is associated with both lower birth weight and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in childhood. The study suggests a genetic link between prenatal events and the development of diabetes in later life.
Infants with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems that persist into adulthood. Researchers found that those with very low birth weight were twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma or respiratory infection, and 2.6 times more likely to require mechanical ventilation.
Researchers found a strong association between congenital brain defects and preterm birth in a study of over 1,000 infant autopsies. Brain malformations were significantly associated with preterm birth, with certain types of malformations having stronger associations than others.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of premature birth, C-sections, and other pregnancy complications. The researchers also found that women with endometriosis were more likely to have difficulty conceiving and required assisted reproduction technology.
A study of 201 newborns found that high phthalate levels were consistently associated with low birth weight, highlighting the potential environmental risk factor for infant health. The research supports efforts to minimize phthalate exposure and reduce its impact on newborns.
Researchers found pre-pregnancy depressive mood may be a risk factor for premature birth among both blacks and whites, but the study did not establish cause and effect. Black women have nearly twice the odds of having a preterm birth compared to white women, potentially due to declining health over time.
A randomized trial of 500 women with twin pregnancy found that progesterone treatment did not reduce the likelihood of delivery or intrauterine death before 34 weeks. The meta-analysis also confirmed that progesterone does not prevent early preterm birth in twin pregnancies.
A new study found that prenatal multivitamin supplements significantly reduce the risk of babies with a low birth weight compared to iron-folic acid supplementation. The study suggests that micronutrients supplementation could avoid approximately 1.5 million low birth weight babies globally each year.
A recent study found that women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are seven-and-a-half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes post-birth. This increased risk remains for several years, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention. Early identification and treatment of related factors, such as lip...
A University of Georgia study found that a lower legal drinking age is associated with an increased risk of unplanned pregnancies and pre-term births. The study suggests that when it's easier for young people to get alcohol, birth outcomes are worse.
Taking folic acid supplements for at least a year before conception reduces the risk of premature birth by 70% and 50%, according to a large cohort study. The findings suggest that folic acid supplementation may be an effective prevention method for premature birth.
Research suggests that mothers who miss signs of satiety in their infants tend to overfeed them, leading to excess weight gain. The study found that maternal sensitivity to infant signals at 3 and 6 months predicted infant weight gain from 6-12 months.
Children resuscitated at birth show increased risk of low IQ at age 8, even in absence of encephalopathy. The study found a 65% increased risk in asymptomatic infants and a six-fold increased risk in those with symptoms.
A study found a strong association between birth defects and increased pesticide levels in surface water across the US, particularly for women conceiving in April to July. Elevated pesticide concentrations coincided with peak birth defect rates, suggesting a potential link between pesticide exposure and birth defects.
The March of Dimes has awarded nearly $14 million in grants since 2009 to support innovative research on preterm birth. Researchers will investigate microbes, enzymes, and genetic factors to identify risk factors for prematurity and develop strategies to prevent it.
New rodent findings show that dietary zinc supplements throughout pregnancy can reduce some alcohol-related birth defects. Zinc supplementation also increases the mother's blood zinc to prevent fetal zinc deficiency and subsequent fetal damage.
A new study found that binge drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, regardless of when alcohol consumption stops. Women who drank heavily or binged had a higher incidence of preterm birth compared to those who abstained from alcohol.
A study of the MSX gene family over 600 million years reveals duplication and diversification of protein regions as key to understanding certain birth disorders. The research provides a molecular explanation for disease patterns associated with cleft lip and palate.
A recent study found that multiple antenatal steroid courses do not improve preterm birth outcomes and can decrease baby size. Infants exposed to multiple doses of corticosteroids weighed less at birth than those exposed to placebo.
A new study at Rush University Medical Center aims to investigate the relationship between human breast milk and improved health outcomes for very low birth weight infants. The five-year study will follow 600 infants born to racially and economically diverse mothers, with a focus on the amount and duration of human milk feedings.
Children born four months before the height of cold and flu season have a greater risk of developing childhood asthma than children born at any other time of year. The study found that birth timing is independently linked to asthma development, with autumn babies facing the highest risk.
Individuals born with very low birth weights are at higher risk of developing secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a condition that causes scarring in the kidneys. This association highlights the importance of considering birth history in adult patients to prevent misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
The US received an overall 'D' grade on the first Premature Birth Report Card, with 18 states and Puerto Rico receiving failing grades. The report highlights contributing factors and prevention opportunities, including smoking and uninsured women of childbearing age.
Research suggests that birth hypoxia may contribute to the development of schizophrenia by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The study found a significant decrease in BDNF among individuals who later developed schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of maternal health during pregnancy.
A study found that low birth weight is a significant risk factor for infantile hemangiomas, with a nine-fold increase for every 1.1-pound decrease in birth weight. The number of low birth weight infants has increased significantly in the US, contributing to an estimated 40% rise in infantile hemangioma incidence over the last 20 years.
A study found that birth weight is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer later in life, particularly among women living in developed countries. The analysis of over 600,000 women revealed a 7% increase in risk for every 0.5 kg increment in birth weight.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that birth size is a significant marker of susceptibility to breast cancer later in life. The research analyzed data from over 600,000 women and discovered that a 0.5 kg increase in birth weight was associated with a 7% higher risk of breast cancer. Birth length and head circumference were a...