Researchers discovered a mutation in the zebrafish that causes copper distribution disorders similar to those in humans. The discovery suggests new potential treatments for structural birth defects and confirms similarities between zebrafish and human genetics.
A recent study published in Neurology found that the epilepsy drug valproate poses a significantly higher risk of fetal death and birth defects than other commonly used epilepsy drugs. The study, which examined 333 pairs of mother and child, showed that over 20% of pregnancies exposed to valproate resulted in death or birth defects.
The March of Dimes calls for passage of federal PREEMIE Bill to address prematurity, with severe health consequences and significant economic burden estimated at over $26.2 billion annually. The organization supports increased research investment and public awareness campaigns to prevent premature birth.
A study published in The Lancet found that delaying umbilical cord clamping for two minutes at birth significantly increases a child's iron status, particularly among those with low birth weights or iron-deficient mothers. This efficient and low-cost method can help prevent iron deficiency before 6 months of age.
The study found that environmental quality increases the heritability of birth weight, but selection strength weakens in better environments. This suggests that biologically realistic models are crucial for predicting evolution in wild populations.
A new study found that infants born to mothers who took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester had a significantly higher risk of major birth defects. The study examined over 29,500 infant records and showed a clear increase in birth defects following first-trimester-only exposures.
A study found that incarcerated women are 14 times more likely to start using birth control when it's offered in prison. This suggests that easy access to contraceptives can empower women and prevent high-risk pregnancies. Despite this, barriers remain, including lack of insurance and housing after release.
A new study suggests that drinking the recommended amount of milk during pregnancy may help increase birth weight. The Canadian researchers found that women who limited their milk intake to one cup or less per day gave birth to babies with lower birth weights compared to those who consumed more milk.
A study found that low milk consumption during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weights. Vitamin D intakes also correlate with infant birth weights independently of other factors. This suggests a potential role for vitamin D in fetal skeletal and neurodevelopmental formation.
Infants born to mothers with extremely short or long intervals between pregnancies face increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Short intervals (less than 6 months) result in a 40% increase in preterm birth risk, while long intervals (more than 59 months) lead to a 20-43% higher risk.
This study compares pregnancy risks and outcomes among babies born to foreign-born Asian-Indian, U.S.-born Asian-Indian, foreign-born Mexican, and U.S.-born Mexican mothers. Foreign-born Asian-Indian women face higher rates of low birth weight and small for gestational age babies despite a low-risk socio-demographic profile.
A study of over 6 million births found Asian-Indian women were more than twice as likely to have low birth weight infants as white women. U.S.-born Mexican-American women also faced health challenges, despite higher completion rates and earlier prenatal care.
A population-based study found that children with lower birthweights and shorter gestational ages are more likely to be placed on the child protection register. The association held true even after adjusting for levels of deprivation and age of the mother at birth.
A study in rural Ethiopia found that a tapped water supply reduced the time spent carrying water, leading to improved child survival but also increasing birth rates and childhood malnutrition. The researchers suggest that development projects should be multisectoral to avoid long-term problems.
A study by Gibson and Mace found that villages with improved water supply in rural Ethiopia experienced a significant increase in birth rates, contradicting the expected reduction in fertility. The researchers suggest that development programs should be more comprehensive, incorporating access to contraceptives.
A study by McMaster University found that extremely low birth-weight infants are achieving similar levels of education, employment, and independence as normal birth-weight infants by young adulthood. The study's results show no statistically significant differences in these areas between the two groups.
The March of Dimes has awarded $2.4 million in grants to six innovative scientists working on new ways to identify women at increased risk for premature birth and understand the role of inflammation and progesterone in triggering labor. The goal is to prevent premature births, which are the leading cause of newborn death in the US.
The March of Dimes Global Report reveals that at least 3.3 million children under 5 years old die annually due to serious birth defects, with an estimated 3.2 million surviving with lifelong disabilities. The report highlights the global toll of birth defects on mortality and disability rates in middle- and low-income countries.
The study found that cleft lip and/or palate had the highest prevalence, followed by Down Syndrome, among the 18 major birth defects studied. National estimates for specific defects were calculated for the first time, providing valuable insights into birth defect prevalence nationwide.
Research found that infant birth weight is inversely related to salty taste acceptance, suggesting a lasting influence on flavor and food preferences. The study's results could inform programs aimed at reducing salt intake, which is linked to high blood pressure.
A US study found IVF babies had a 6.2% risk of major birth defects, compared to 4.4% for naturally conceived babies. The study suggests a relationship but doesn't prove IVF is the cause, leaving room for further investigation.
A study found a significant association between gingivitis and preterm birth, suggesting that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for preterm birth. Periodontal therapy reduced preterm birth rates by 68% in pregnant women with pregnancy-associated gingivitis.
Researchers at Queen's University have identified genes affected by methotrexate (MTX), a cancer-fighting drug that causes birth defects in children. The study uses fruit flies as a model system to understand the effects of MTX on mammalian birth defects.
A USC-led study found that higher ozone levels during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight and increased risk of intra uterine growth retardation. The researchers monitored ozone and carbon monoxide levels in Southern California communities and analyzed birth records from over 3,900 children.
A study of premature babies born at 26 weeks gestation found that certain aspects of brain development were compromised compared to full-term infants. The brains of premature babies showed delayed growth and changes after birth, indicating that early stimulation may hinder normal brain maturation.
Research found a significant association between a COMT gene variant and antisocial behavior in children with ADHD or hyperkinetic disorder. Low birth weight was also associated with antisocial behavior, highlighting the importance of prenatal risk factors.
Research finds significant regional variations in US low birth weight rates, with some areas having rates up to 3 times higher than others despite controlling for established risk factors like race and socioeconomic status. The study suggests that improvements in social and healthcare systems can lead to better neonatal outcomes.
The five-site network will identify genetic and environmental determinants of premature birth, utilizing advanced genomic technologies and statistical methods. The study's goal is to gain a deeper understanding of preterm births, a leading cause of infant mortality.
A survey of pregnant women taking isotretinoin found that many failed to comply with key requirements for preventing birth defects. The study's results highlight the need for improved pregnancy prevention programs to prevent isotretinoin-related birth defects.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling newborns to prevent death and injury from oxygen deprivation during birth may reduce infant disability and death. After 18-22 months, 44% of cooled infants developed moderate to severe disabilities or died, compared to 62% of those receiving standard care.
Research shows that women with diabetes are at risk of having babies with heart and spinal cord birth defects due to high blood glucose levels. Maintaining good glycemic control throughout pregnancy is crucial, especially during the first eight weeks when organs form.
A Canadian paper comments on a decline in cystic fibrosis birth rates since the onset of genetic testing. The study found that newborns with cystic fibrosis had lower birth weights and were at higher risk of prematurity compared to non-affected children.
Premature birth is a complex disorder with no single cause, requiring a multi-faceted approach. Research in six promising areas may lead to new clinical strategies for identifying high-risk patients and preventing premature birth.
A new method predicts the risk of emergency caesarean section for women attempting a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section. The method takes into account several factors, including maternal age and sex of the baby, to identify those at low risk of complications.
A large study found no link between MS risk and birth order position, contradicting the hygiene hypothesis. In fact, individuals with MS tended to be born later in larger sibships than expected.
Researchers found that higher folate levels were associated with healthier birth weights, contradicting previous findings. The study suggests that fortifying everyday foods with folic acid could be an effective solution to improve health outcomes.
The report found that children are more likely to live in poverty, have low birthweight, or commit a violent crime. However, the adolescent birth rate has reached a record low, and immunization rates have increased. Additionally, child mortality rates have declined, with fewer deaths among young children.
Research found that children born full term but weighing less than 5.5 lbs had a 50% increased risk of psychological distress in later life, regardless of childhood factors. The study suggests that early factors before birth may be important in increasing vulnerability to depression in adult life.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found an inverse relationship between the birth weight of a baby and the risk of cardiovascular diseases among fathers, suggesting genetic factors may be at play. The study also revealed that mothers of babies with low birth weights are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
A Joslin study finds that maintaining a controlled diet and preventing weight gain can prevent the development of glucose intolerance in individuals born with low birth weight. The researchers observed improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of diabetes in mice on calorie-restricted diets compared to those allowed to eat freely.
Research finds that prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with smaller head circumference at birth and less optimal home environments, leading to mild effects on developmental outcomes. These effects persist into childhood, particularly as children face increased demands in the formal school years.
A recent study by NYU College of Dentistry found a significant association between high levels of oral bacteria and increased risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery. The study suggests that mother's oral health may play a crucial role in the health of her newborn.
A study on lamotrigine found a 2.9% risk of birth defects, similar to the general population, while valproic acid had a 12.5% risk when used with other epilepsy drugs. Researchers emphasize the importance of controlling seizures and planning carefully to minimize risks during pregnancy.
A Swedish cohort study found that larger babies had a higher risk of certain adult cancers, including lymphatic and digestive cancers. Women who were large at birth were also more likely to develop breast cancer before age 50.
Researchers estimate that progesterone therapy could reduce the rate of recurrent preterm birth in the US by about 2%, preventing around 10,000 premature births annually. The study's findings are based on a clinical trial showing a significant reduction in preterm birth risk among women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth.
A study of extremely low birth weight infants found that 65% developed at least one infection during hospitalization, leading to developmental delays or impairments in 47%. Infants with meningitis were more likely to have neurological impairments.
Research found that neonatal infections in low-birth-weight infants are associated with impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes, including cerebral palsy, vision impairment, and cognitive delays. Infected infants also had impaired head growth, a predictor of poor neurodevelopmental outcome.
Research suggests a double dissociation in deficit and nondeficit schizophrenia, with summer births associated with deficit syndrome. The association was found across six countries in the northern hemisphere, supporting seasonal variations in etiology.
The teen birth rate has declined to a record low, and youth are less likely to be involved in violent crimes. However, the prevalence of overweight among children has increased, posing a risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
A randomized trial found that two short drug regimens for infants at birth reduced mother-to-child transmission of HIV compared to a single regimen. The study suggests several options for prevention, including voluntary counseling and testing, standard NVP prophylaxis, and postexposure prophylaxis.
The temporary suspension of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth due to mercury concerns led to a significant decrease in first-day vaccination coverage. The study found that 11% of children born during the suspension were not vaccinated on their first day, resulting in an excess of 182,000 undervaccinated children by 19 months.
A recent study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that human milk can significantly reduce the risk of severe infections in extremely low birth weight infants. The research analyzed data from 1270 infants and found that those who received human milk had a lower incidence of sepsis compared to those who did not.
Research found that women who received dental x-rays during pregnancy had a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, especially term low birth weight (TLBW) infants. The study suggested that eliminating all dental radiography during pregnancy could reduce the prevalence of TLBW infants by up to five percent.
Researchers found that mice embryos lacking the ATM gene were more susceptible to DNA damage and birth defects when exposed to ionizing radiation. The study suggests that the ATM gene protects embryos from oxidative stress, and its absence may lead to increased risk of birth defects in humans.
Research highlights the potential risks of high-protein diets, parental happiness impacting birth weight, and frequent medical errors in family physician offices. Simple dietary restrictions may reduce mortality risk associated with high transferrin saturation, while maternal report of partner happiness can predict birth weight.
Researchers analyzed over 13,000 live term births to assess the effect of medical abortion on subsequent pregnancy's birth weight. The study found that women who had undergone a medically induced abortion had lower rates of Low Birth Weight compared to those with no abortion history.
A new study found that the birth control patch had a higher percentage of perfect dosing cycles (88.7%) compared to oral contraceptives (79.2%). This led to better contraceptive efficacy and reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy. The results suggest that the patch may be a more convenient and simple option for women using birth control.
Women with myasthenia gravis are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including higher rates of cesarean section and preterm rupture of amniotic membranes. However, neonatal deaths and prematurity were not significantly affected by the condition.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new guidelines on using progesterone to prevent preterm birth. Preliminary results show promise in reducing the risk of preterm birth by one-third and half. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
A Danish study of over 56,000 births found that women trying to conceive for over a year were at increased risk of preterm delivery, term babies with low birthweight, and Caesarean section. The study also found significant associations between infertility and adverse birth outcomes in both treated and untreated infertile women.