Research highlights need for prevention and treatment approaches for children with obesity born underweight, finding links between low birth weight and cardiometabolic disease risks. Visceral fat storage issues contribute to type 2 diabetes risk.
A study published in Neurology found that people who give birth to infants less than 5.5 pounds may be more likely to experience memory and thinking problems later in life. The association was equivalent to one to two years of aging for those with low-birth-weight deliveries.
Research links higher blood sugar levels at gestational diabetes diagnosis to complications in newborns, including low blood sugar and large birth weight. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after birth.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
A recent study published in BMJ found that progesterone is more effective than a cervical pessary at reducing extreme preterm birth in women with a short cervix. Women with a cervix shorter than 25mm can benefit from progesterone treatment to prevent severe preterm birth.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that states allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses are associated with improved birth outcomes, particularly for babies born to Mexican and Central American immigrants. Birth weights increased, and preterm birth rates declined in these states compared to those...
A study by Washington State University researchers found a potential link between high maternal cortisol levels and unpredictable birth complications. Cortisol measurements in hair samples revealed elevated stress hormone levels among women who later experienced unexpected birth problems, such as early births or hemorrhaging.
A Rutgers Health study found that pregnant women exposed to certain flame-retardant chemicals may face an increased risk of preterm birth, especially for baby girls, or higher birth weights. The study linked three specific markers of organophosphate ester exposure to shorter pregnancies and higher risks of preterm birth in female infants.
A recent NIH study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, particularly in female infants. Higher concentrations of certain OPE markers were also associated with higher birth weights, which can be a sign of potential complications.
Researchers found that access to community perinatal mental health teams significantly improved the risk of acute relapse, but also associated with increased stillbirth and neonatal death rates. Women with severe mental illnesses had a lower risk of relapse after birth in regions with CPMHTs.
This study explores how better communication with care teams can improve the birthing experience for Black people. Researchers found that addressing urgent procedures and fostering a welcoming environment to share birth experiences mitigated negative consequences of preterm births.
Researchers found that women are more likely to have children in the same month as their own birth, a phenomenon influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. This is due to family members sharing similar backgrounds and behaviors, which can affect fertility and birth seasonality.
A new study found that COVID-19 caused a significant spike in premature births, but vaccines played a crucial role in reducing the risk of preterm birth to pre-pandemic levels. The research analyzed California birth records and found that maternal COVID infection increased the risk of preterm births by 1.2 percentage points.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. However, it does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or death within one year.
A new study by Northwestern University found that immigrants living in the US have lower preterm birth rates than native-born individuals, with Black people born in the US experiencing the highest rate. This disparity highlights the importance of considering nativity as a social determinant of health.
A new study examines racial and socioeconomic differences in US preterm birth and mortality rates over 25 years. Despite improvements, disparities persist, with Black infants 1.4 times more likely to die from preterm birth than White and Hispanic infants.
Researchers at UC San Diego report new direct evidence of atrophy and fibrosis in pelvic floor muscles of women with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. They also showed that an acellular injectable skeletal muscle extracellular matrix hydrogel reduces the negative impact of simulated birth injury on rat pelvic floor muscles.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause for virgin birth in female flies, allowing them to reproduce without males. The ability is passed down through generations of females and can be induced in an animal that usually reproduces sexually.
A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.
Research from the University of Surrey and University of Birmingham finds detrimental effects of all severities of maternal dengue infections on birth outcomes, including increases in low, very low, and extremely low birth weights. Long-term consequences also include hospitalizations for children up to three years after birth.
A new study published in Aarhus University found that women using birth-control pills do not exhibit the same reduced stress hormone levels as those who are not on the pill. The researchers measured ACTH levels before and after social activities to observe rapid changes in the body's stress response.
Researchers found a 30% higher likelihood of live births when eggs were collected in summer rather than autumn. They also discovered that bright sunshine on the day of egg collection increased the chances of a successful pregnancy.
The age of individuals with gender dysphoria has decreased, especially among those assigned female at birth, according to research published in General Psychiatry. The estimated prevalence of gender dysphoria rose significantly between 2017 and 2021, while the average age of diagnosis fell from 31 to 26.
A new study analyzed over six million births in England and found that being born 'out of hours' did not carry a significantly higher risk of death from anoxia or trauma. The study suggests focusing on reducing risks for emergency caesarean births without labour, rather than all out-of-hours births.
Studies found that low birthweight is independently linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, with younger age at diagnosis and fewer comorbidities. Lower birthweight was also associated with a higher use of diabetes drugs and more severe hypertension.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that 'Kangaroo mother care' reduces the risk of mortality by 32% and severe infection by 15%. Starting KMC within 24 hours and for at least eight hours a day also appears to be effective in reducing mortality.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests that women who experienced depression related to hormonal changes before pregnancy may be more susceptible to postpartum depression.
A Japanese study reveals significant birth cohort effects on ESKD requiring RRT, with increased risk for men born in the 1940-60s and women born in 1930–40s. Poor environmental conditions during World War II may contribute to this trend.
A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that maternal vaginal microbiome composition does not significantly influence the development of infants' stool microbiome during the first weeks and months of life. Instead, exposure to breast milk and environmental factors are believed to play a more significant role.
A new technology developed by Arizona State University researchers allows scientists to remotely track the location and time of birth for shark pups, enabling them to protect critical habitats. The device, called Birth-Alert-Tags (BAT), has yielded remarkable results, revealing previously unknown birth sites for certain shark species.
A new study examines the associations between preconception blood glucose levels and the risk of preterm birth. Women with preconception diabetes or prediabetes were found to be at increased risk of preterm birth, with elevated HbA1c levels linked to a higher risk among those without stable healthcare coverage.
A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Research in 11 European countries finds proximity to green spaces during pregnancy is associated with higher birth weight, while blue spaces show almost no association. Lower educational levels and more deprived areas experience stronger associations.
A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.
A new study links spontaneous preterm birth to chemicals in vaginal products, revealing a potential source of the condition. Researchers discovered that metabolites from cosmetics and hygiene products were associated with preterm births, offering hope for early diagnostics.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk in children with non-chromosomal birth defects. The study found that these variants were more commonly found in genes related to birth defects and cancer, suggesting a potential basis for early detection.
A study of over 45,000 births in Scotland found that women who had a planned vaginal birth after a previous C-section were more likely to undergo pelvic floor surgery compared to those who planned another C-section. The risk was particularly high for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
A new study found that unclear COVID-19 policies during the pandemic exacerbated existing health care disparities for Black, Indigenous, and other women of color. The research included 41 participants who reported feeling isolated, confused, and fearful due to lack of clarity from medical providers and federal public health officials.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely, particularly if they have microscopic inflammation in their intestinal mucosa. This association was not seen for other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as growth restriction.
A new USC study found that air pollution and psychological stress during pregnancy can disrupt fetal growth, leading to lower birth weights. Mothers living in environmentally burdened neighborhoods with high levels of air pollution and stress face the greatest risk of having low-birth-weight babies.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.
Women with anxiety about their pregnancies give birth earlier on average than those without anxiety. Doctors should screen for general anxiety early in pregnancy to prevent preterm birth.
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
Researchers at RIKEN have discovered how marsupials' hearts can regenerate for several weeks after birth, allowing for potential treatment of human heart disease. They found that inhibiting a protein called AMPK extended the period of regeneration in both mice and opossums, with minimal scarring.
A large Canadian study found no association between Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risks of preterm birth or stillbirth. The study analyzed data from over 85,000 births and concluded that vaccination is effective against Covid-19 in pregnant individuals and their newborns.
Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 infection in the third trimester and increased risk of preterm birth, with women infected after 34 weeks being seven times more likely to experience preterm birth. However, no difference was found in pregnancy loss between infected and non-infected women.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A randomized evaluation of Nurse-Family Partnership found that low-income mothers in South Carolina experienced adverse birth events at a rate of 26.9 percent, similar to the control group. The study evaluated various outcomes, but more evidence is needed on effective interventions to address racial and structural inequities.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
A new study finds that progesterone does not prevent preterm birth in women who have had a previous preterm birth. The research calls for revised guidelines on the use of vaginal progesterone in these patients.
Researchers found that australopithecines' smaller brain sizes at birth were likely an adaptation for bipedalism, allowing them to navigate the complex birth canal. The study suggests that prolonged learning outside the womb was crucial for cognitive and cultural development in early humans.
Research from the University of California San Diego finds a significant partisan shift in birth rates among Republicans and Democrats after Trump's 2016 election. Republican-leaning counties experienced a sharp rise in birth rates, while Democratic counties saw a baby slump, with differences amounting to 1-2% of national birth rates.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that newborn African savannah elephants can keep up with their mothers' daily movements, contrary to previous assumptions. This remarkable ability allows the calves to benefit from protection against predators and integration into the herd's social structure.
A new analysis of 23 studies identified factors influencing birth setting decisions in the US, including safety, media influence, and access to options. The study highlights the importance of building a comprehensive system of high-quality perinatal health for equitable access to all birth settings.
A study by Kyoto University researchers reveals that human fetuses develop slower shoulder growth before birth, alleviating complications during delivery. This adaptation allows for a safer passage through the birth canal, reconciling the incompatibility between wide shoulders and narrow pelvis.
A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.
A new Northwestern Medicine study has found that the COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with birth defects that are detectable on ultrasound. The study analyzed electronic medical records from a cohort of 3,156 pregnant people who received at least one vaccine dose and found no increased risk of major fetal structural anomalies.
A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.
A large cohort study found that babies born to men who took metformin during sperm development were at increased risk for genital defects in boys. Diabetes control affects sperm quality, so men should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors before conception. The findings suggest a need for further study on treatment of prosp...