A new computer program may reveal a way to predict premature birth with greater accuracy. The system, developed by Australian researchers and a pathology company, analyzes hormone levels to identify high-risk pregnancies.
Low-birth-weight children may develop hypertension later in life, and measuring blood pressure is crucial to identify this condition early. Automated devices might overstate systolic blood pressure, so manual methods are recommended to confirm results.
A study found that low-birth-weight children are more likely to experience externalizing and internalizing psychiatric problems, as well as attention problems in urban communities. Early interventions may improve attention skills and lead to better outcomes later.
A study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that affluent mothers living within 200 meters of highways are at a higher risk of delivering low-weight infants (81% increase) and preterm babies (58% increase). The research team evaluated data from Quebec's birth registry over five years.
The £28.5M funding will enable the co-ordination of data collection across existing birth cohort studies, allowing analysis across generations and investigating social, economic, and educational impacts on health and poverty. The new facility will expand the series by creating a new cohort to extend the study over 12 years.
Researchers found specific alterations in heart and circulation in children with small birth weight, differing between boys and girls. These changes are associated with higher blood pressure and risk of hypertension and heart disease.
A study found that taking topiramate alone or with other epilepsy drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, particularly cleft palates and genital birth defects. The study suggests monitoring pregnancies of women exposed to topiramate.
The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.
A study in rural Nepal found that birth attendants' hand-washing before delivery reduced neonatal deaths by 25%. Mothers' hand-washing also significantly lowered neonatal mortality risk. Improved hand hygiene practices could reduce newborn deaths in developing countries.
A new analysis of nearly 7 million US live births found that babies born preterm were more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study also showed that very preterm babies, those born between 24-31 weeks gestation, were five times more likely to have a birth defect.
A recent analysis of US births reveals that babies born preterm are more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study found that very preterm babies were five times more likely to suffer from such defects, with central nervous system and cardiovascular issues being the most common.
A study funded by the NIH found that pregnant women with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels are at greater risk of delivering babies with birth problems, including Caesarean sections and large body sizes. The study involved over 23,000 women in nine countries.
Researchers identified four additional factors, including birth weight, gender, and antenatal steroid use, that can predict the outcome for extremely low-birth-weight infants. The study found that older gestational age, female sex, singleton births, and higher birth weight enhanced survival chances without disability.
A Norwegian study found that mothers born in India, Sri Lanka, and Africa have a higher prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum due to genetic factors. Mothers aged 20-24 years old and those with multiple fetuses also showed increased risk.
A new NIH study has identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. These factors include sex, birthweight, single birth status, and antenatal steroids, which can predict individual outcomes and help guide treatment decisions.
A study of 5,840 people found a connection between low birth weight, excessive weight gain during adolescence and young adulthood, and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Chronic inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein levels, may play a key role in this association.
Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.
Studies among Ophthalmology's April 2008 issue highlight the potential link between natural light exposure before birth and the development of myopia. Researchers also examine the suitability of older donor corneas for transplant surgery, finding that those from donors aged 66-75 have comparable quality to younger donors.
Researchers found that women with Caesarean deliveries for their first child have lower fertility rates in subsequent pregnancies compared to those giving birth vaginally. The study of nearly 600,000 births shows a 12% reduction in the number of children born after a first C-section.
A long-term study of over 1 million men and women found that preterm birth contributes to lower educational achievement and higher rates of infertility. The study also found a link between preterm birth and an increased risk of complications in future offspring, with the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk.
A Norwegian study found that individuals born preterm were at increased risk of death throughout childhood, with a significantly higher mortality rate for boys born between 22-27 weeks. Additionally, preterm birth was associated with diminished reproductive capacity in adulthood, particularly among women.
Researchers found that low maternal education is a key indicator for increased risk of mental retardation in the general population. The study also showed that extremely low birth weight infants and women with an education below the high school level are at higher risk of intellectual disability.
Research found teenage fathers more likely to have babies with birth problems such as pre-term delivery, low birth weight, and death. In contrast, older fathers aged 40+ were not at increased risk, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology study.
A study by Yale University researchers has identified a gene, ENPP1, linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in Hispanic women. The study found that this variant of the gene may be associated with deranged energy metabolism, a possible explanation for preterm births.
A cohort study of over 320,000 Swedish men found that short birth length more than doubles the risk of violent suicide attempts. Catch-up growth during childhood does not mitigate this risk. The study also suggests a link between low serotonin levels and impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior.
Research reveals that Scottish women are less likely to have larger families, stop at two children, and combine work with having kids. Factors contributing to low fertility include education, employment, gender equality, and friendship networks.
A study found a significant increase in low birth weights among NYC babies born after the Sept. 11 disaster, suggesting stress may have contributed. The researchers discovered another peak in low birth weights around Christmas/New Year and April/May, indicating possible long-term effects of stress on fetal health.
Research reveals that very low maternal cholesterol levels may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with no such link observed in African American women. Full-term babies born to mothers with low cholesterol also weighed less on average.
A study found that half of women prescribed medications linked to birth defects do not receive contraceptive counseling. Women filling prescriptions for these medications are no more likely to use contraception than other women, highlighting the need for increased awareness among physicians and women who may become pregnant.
A study of over 10,000 women found that those who were obese prior to pregnancy had a higher risk of giving birth to babies with structural birth defects. The findings suggest a possible mechanism involving alterations in glycemic control, similar to those seen in women with diabetes.
Researchers found that progesterone treatment did not decrease the risk of premature birth in women carrying twins compared to placebo injections. In contrast, earlier studies showed a significant reduction in preterm birth among pregnant women with a history of preterm delivery and single-baby pregnancies.
Two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that progesterone treatment reduced the rate of preterm birth among women with short cervix. However, weekly injections of 17P did not show similar benefits for women carrying twins. Researchers hope to identify underlying causes of prematurity to improve progesterone t...
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that weekly progesterone injections did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in women pregnant with twins. In contrast, previous research showed that these injections reduced additional preterm births by one-third in women whose previous babies were born prematurely.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that low birth weights among African-American women are more closely related to racism, stress, and socioeconomic factors than genetics. The report highlights the impact of institutional and interpersonal discrimination on infant health outcomes.
Two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine found taking SSRIs during pregnancy increases the risk of rare birth defects, including withdrawal symptoms and pulmonary hypertension. However, most birth defects were not associated with antidepressant use.
A new study links birth weight with adult health and socioeconomic success, finding that low birth weight increases the risk of poor health, lower earnings, and reduced educational attainment. The study analyzed over 35 years of data on more than 12,000 individuals from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics.
Researchers found that hospitals with lower-volume, lower-level NICUs had a significantly higher newborn death rate for very low birth weight infants. The study suggests increased regionalization of NICU births to high-level facilities may reduce infant mortality.
A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the relationship between birth weight and future heart disease risk is not as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that other risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, have a greater impact on heart health.
A large longitudinal study found that full-term, low-birth-weight babies are significantly more likely to develop respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing, between ages 1 and 5. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke further increases the risk of these symptoms.
A study found that daily multivitamin supplements given to HIV-negative pregnant women in Tanzania significantly reduced the risks of low birth weight and a small-for-gestational age birth size. The results suggest that enhancing micronutrient status during pregnancy has significant benefits on maternal immunity and hemoglobin levels.
A new study found that pregnant women who gain excessive or adequate weight are four times more likely to have an overweight child. The study suggests reevaluating current pregnancy weight guidelines, as excessive weight gain during pregnancy can influence child health and increase the risk of obesity.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered four genetic variants associated with spontaneous preterm birth in Hispanic women. The study found that mothers carrying these polymorphisms were significantly more likely to experience preterm birth. Notably, the ENPP1 variant was linked to the highest risk of preterm birth.
Research suggests that low birth weight may be linked to an increased risk of depression in teenage girls, with 38.1% experiencing at least one episode of depression between ages 13 and 16. In contrast, no significant association was found for boys.
Research shows African American mothers are 3 times more likely to deliver prematurely at 20-34 weeks and almost 4 times more likely to deliver extremely prematurely. Repeating premature births also occur at a significantly higher rate among African American women compared to Caucasian mothers.
Researchers used 3-D ultrasound to measure fetal adrenal gland size, identifying a preterm risk of delivery within five days. This method has the potential to assist clinicians in devising better therapeutic and preventive interventions for preterm birth.
A recent study found that women conceiving in spring are most vulnerable to preterm birth, with rates increasing from summer (8.4%) to winter and fall. The research analyzed data from over 75,000 deliveries and suggests that seasonal variations in immune system exposure may play a role in preterm birth risk.
A recent study using MRI found that 26% of vaginally delivered babies had small bleeds in and around the brain. The bleeds were likely caused by pressure on the skull during delivery. Most bleeds resolve over time without issues, but larger ones may cause problems later in childhood.
A large study of Australian women found that epidurals during labor and birth are associated with decreased rates of breastfeeding in both the short-term and long-term. Women who had epidurals were more likely to experience difficulty breastfeeding and give up breastfeeding before six months compared to those without analgesia.
The iPLEDGE program, an internet-based system, aims to prevent birth defects caused by isotretinoin by verifying pregnancy prevention measures. By ensuring that patients provide documentary proof of non-pregnancy and contraceptive use, the program significantly reduces the risk of birth defects associated with isotretinoin treatment.
A recent U of M study found that treating periodontal disease in pregnant women does not reduce the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that while treatment is safe and effective, it does not directly affect a woman's risk for these complications.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends limiting embryo transfers during in-vitro fertilization procedures to one, reducing the risk of complications for both mother and fetus. The goal is to decrease higher-order multiple gestations and their associated preterm birth risks.
Research by S. Kankova and colleagues found that Toxoplasma positive mothers give birth to more boys than negative women, with a probability of up to 72 boys in every 100 children born. The increased survival of male embryos may be attributed to the parasite's modulating effects on the immune system.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that preterm birth caused over one-third of infant deaths in the first year of life. The study used a new method to classify causes of infant death and found that premature birth was the leading cause, followed by birth defects.
Research suggests that low birth weight infants, even those without disabilities, may face motor skills difficulties and lower cognitive abilities by adolescence. Prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal factors such as white matter injury and mechanical ventilation are associated with these outcomes.
A team of astronomers discovered that many large galaxies in the early universe had a low stellar birth rate, suggesting a cosmic 'birth control' mechanism that prevented excessive star formation. The study found that these galaxies formed stars when the universe was just 20% of its current age.
A study by the University of Alberta links paternal airborne exposure to organic solvents used in painting, thinning and cleaning to increased risk of low birth weight and congenital birth defects. Workers exposed to these chemicals were up to six times more likely to father malformed babies.
Children with very low birth weights tend to score lower on quality of life scales, particularly in cognitive functions and social function. Long stays in neonatal intensive care units are also associated with reduced social function.
Research emphasizes the importance of preconception care in reducing pregnancy risks, birth defects, and premature birth. Experts recommend discussing reproductive health with doctors during routine visits.
Two genetic markers, one associated with African American babies and the other with women with chronic hypertension, have been identified as potential predictors of preterm birth. The findings could lead to improved diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of preterm birth, reducing its risks for lifelong health complications.
A new study found that copper deficiency in zebrafish leads to birth defects similar to those seen in children with Menkes disease. The researchers discovered a critical role for copper in notochord formation and development, suggesting suboptimal copper metabolism may contribute to structural birth defects.