A study published in The Lancet found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth can significantly reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission. The regimen resulted in a 7% protection rate for infants who received the full course, compared to 12% for those who only received nevirapine.
Babies born to African American teen mothers are at higher risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and infant mortality compared to older mothers. Study identifies key risk factors, including inadequate weight gain during pregnancy and inadequate prenatal care.
A study by Dr Ole Christiansen found that women who gave birth to a boy first were at higher risk for subsequent miscarriages and may not be able to carry a child to full term without treatment. The researcher believes that the immune system's reaction to male foetuses is the explanation for these findings.
The study found that single embryo transfer (SET) does not reduce the chances of having a baby, with similar cumulative live birth rates to dual transfers when previously frozen embryos are included. SET also carried fewer risks to mothers and fetuses, with only three sets of twins out of 107 women.
A study published in Pediatrics found that hospitalized children experience high rates of adverse events, including birth trauma and post-operative infections. Children are vulnerable due to unique circumstances such as universal hospitalization for birth and inability to provide consent, leading to delayed treatment.
Researchers found that black infants born in the summer and fall had lower birth weights than those born in the winter and spring. Additionally, early infancy weight gain was significantly lower for black and Puerto Rican infants born during the fall compared to those born in the spring and summer.
Researchers at UCSF suggest a new cutoff point for assessing risk based on weight for gestational age, increasing the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes. The study found that fetuses in the lowest 5th percentile are at dramatically increased risk for low birth weight and preterm birth.
Research suggests that undernutrition in pregnant women can lead to premature birth, with fetuses having accelerated adrenal gland maturation and premature delivery. Despite this, lambs born prematurely were not underweight or small for their gestational age.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that folic acid-iron supplementation reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 16% and multiple micronutrient supplements by 14%. This research aims to improve maternal health and child survival in developing countries
A study found that premature babies with mild to moderate oxygen deprivation during or immediately after birth had significantly lower cognitive and language skills compared to those with no such risk. The researchers suggest that even minor risk of hypoxia may be associated with damage to the brain's periventricular white matter.
A recent study found a significant change in the types of bacteria involved in early-onset sepsis in low-birth-weight infants, with an increase in E. coli cases and antibiotic-resistant strains. The shift raises concerns about the impact of increasing antibiotic use during labor on these vulnerable infants.
Researchers have discovered a significant link between low birth weight and mitochondrial DNA passed from mothers to offspring. This finding suggests that genetics play a substantial role in determining birth weight, and may also contribute to adult illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
A study published in Health Education & Behavior found that community programs aimed at preventing teen pregnancy can reduce birth rates. The implementation of these programs led to a 15% decrease in birth rate in one area, while the other saw a slight increase.
A study published in Pediatrics found that infants with spina bifida are more likely to require a shunt after newborn surgery, with 81% of cases requiring shunting. The study also showed a correlation between the level of the spinal defect and functional level, with lower levels being less likely to require shunts.
A multi-center study led by Dr. Jay Iams found that home uterine monitoring has no clinical value in predicting early birth, despite its widespread use for high-risk women. The study's results reinforce previous findings that ambulatory monitors are not more effective than other diagnostic tools or surveillance programs.
A study on preterm birth found that premature infants' lungs develop under different conditions after birth, affecting lung function. Leukotriene antagonists improved treatment for moderate to severe asthma by increasing pulmonary function and reducing symptoms. A personalized oral appliance also showed significant improvement in child...
Researchers found a significant link between exposure to high levels of ozone and carbon monoxide during the second month of pregnancy and an increased risk of conotruncal heart defects. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 babies born in Los Angeles and found that women exposed to elevated pollution levels were three times as likel...
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that stimulating a mother's immune system can increase growth factors in the fetus, reducing birth defects. The study suggests a new role for maternal immunity in fetal development, potentially unlocking secrets to reversing certain birth defects.
A Yale study found that retinal hemorrhaging caused by birth can clear up within two to four weeks, but prolonged cases may indicate child abuse. The study's results have implications for evaluating suspected cases of child abuse and may assist legal teams in preparing a more precise defense or prosecution.
Research suggests that a woman's optimism during pregnancy can lead to healthier birth outcomes for her baby. Women with an optimistic outlook tend to exercise more frequently and have better nutrition, resulting in lower birth weight infants. Additionally, women who perceive themselves as higher on the social ladder report better phys...
A new study suggests that social support during pregnancy can positively impact fetal growth and birth weight. Women with multiple sources of support during pregnancy had higher birth weight infants. The research also found that social support may inspire healthier behaviors and improve treatment outcomes for pregnant women.
Research found three birth variables strongly linked to adult obesity in African Americans: first-born status, female sex, and maternal prepregnancy body mass index. These factors account for 12% of the risk for obesity.
The fourth annual America's Children report shows a decline in childhood mortality, teen birth rates, and poverty. The adolescent birth rate has reached its lowest level ever recorded, with the sharpest decline among black, non-Hispanic girls.
A UB study found that obese children are more likely to have high levels of triglycerides and low levels of protective cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,000 children, suggests that monitoring body mass index is crucial for early detection of dyslipidemia.
Research debunks popular belief on family size and intelligence, suggesting no direct causal link between the two. Instead, factors like parental IQ and genetic heritage may influence children's intelligence.
A new study reveals that older Latina women are at a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, contradicting previous assumptions. The research, which analyzed data from over 220,000 Mexican-origin Latina women, found that maternal age was a significant factor in determining infant birth weights.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that physically demanding work significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The authors recommend improving national maternity leave policies to provide workers with pay, health benefits, and job security.
Research analyzing births in Malta and Western Europe from 1890 to 1995 found a strong association between lower birth rates for boys and colder climates. The study suggests that warmer climates favor the birth of boys, possibly due to temperature affecting fertility and sex ratios at birth.
A recent NICHD study found that antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis was ineffective in preventing premature birth. The study, which treated over 1,900 pregnant women, showed no significant reduction in preterm births among those receiving metronidazole treatment.
Researchers found that expectant fathers' hormones fluctuate during pregnancy, mimicking their partners' changes. Testosterone levels dropped significantly after birth, and lower levels were associated with increased paternal behavior.
A genetically-engineered mouse model helps researchers better understand how folic acid protects against neural tube defects and cleft lip/palate by explaining the transport of folic acid within cells. The study may also shed light on why Hispanic women don't seem to benefit from taking folic acid supplements.
A Penn State study reveals that unmarried mothers, particularly young and African American women, predominantly live with their parents before and after childbirth. The data indicates that co-residence with parents remains the most important living arrangement for first-time, never-married mothers.
A University of Toronto researcher found that home births enable women to connect childbirth with their religious beliefs and family relationships. The study involved 45 American women from diverse backgrounds who valued having loved ones nearby during birth.
Nearly 50% of South Asian children are born with low birth weight, contributing to widespread malnutrition and increased risk of infections. The condition is linked to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in adulthood, highlighting the need for interventions to prevent low birth weight.
A new UCSF study reveals that Latina women with short interpregnancy intervals are at higher risk of premature birth compared to white women. The research highlights the importance of waiting 18 months or longer between pregnancies to ensure optimal baby health.
A new study found that women with birth defects are less likely to survive and have fewer children than those without them. However, their children face a higher risk of developing similar birth defects.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that women with birth defects are at a small risk of having children with birth defects, with only 4% of affected offspring. The majority of women with birth defects will have healthy, unaffected babies.
Researchers reviewing thousands of ultrasound scans found that many cases of premature delivery and poor fetal growth are likely determined by the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This suggests waiting until after conception to prepare for motherhood may be too late, highlighting a potential benefit from earlier intervention.
A study of over 400 premature and low birth-weight children found that early intensive intervention significantly improved short-term academic achievements. However, by age 9, the benefits of this intervention had faded, leaving further investigation into long-term outcomes needed.
A Johns Hopkins study found that over 1 in 5 neurologists and obstetricians had patients with epilepsy who developed unwanted pregnancies due to anti-epilepsy drugs interfering with birth control pills. Increasing birth control medication levels or switching to non-interfering medications can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.