Two studies published in The BMJ found no associations between prescription opioids or macrolide antibiotics and major birth defects during pregnancy. Researchers did find a small increased risk of cleft palate associated with opioid use, but overall risks were deemed minimal. The findings provide reassurance for women and inform clini...
Research suggests that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) early activities in North Carolina negatively impacted birth weights among babies born to immigrant parents. The study found a significant decrease in birth weight after the uptick in ICE activity.
A study by the University of Jyväskylä found that life changes significantly impact physical activity levels, particularly for women. The birth of a child reduces women's everyday steps, while employment affects aerobic steps in both men and women. Changes in residence also influence physical activity.
A study from Lehigh University finds that light pollution may increase the likelihood of preterm birth, with a possible increase of up to 12.9%. The researchers suggest that circadian rhythm disruption could be a biological mechanism underlying this link.
A Rutgers University study found that exposure to metals like nickel, arsenic, and lead can disrupt a woman's hormones during pregnancy. This disruption may contribute to children's later health risks and disease outcomes.
A study found that Zika infection during pregnancy can impact fetal retinal development and cause congenital ocular anomalies. However, the virus does not appear to affect eye growth postnatally.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that maternal asthma medication is associated with an increased risk of premature births and small birth weights. The study analyzed data from over 117,000 births in Wales and found that prescriptions for asthma medicines were linked to lower birth weights and higher rates of preterm birth.
A study analyzing over 100,000 births in Philadelphia found no significant changes in preterm birth or stillbirth rates during the first four months of the pandemic. Researchers compared data from 2020 to previous years and found no difference in preterm or stillbirth rates, contradicting earlier reports of a decline.
A team of researchers has discovered a signaling system within the brainstem that activates almost immediately at birth to support early breathing. This finding may offer important insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other breathing problems.
A University of Houston study found that birth order has little-to-no effect on specific careers, contrary to previous research. Firstborns were actually more likely to pursue creative careers and attain higher job prestige and education.
A large-scale study found that genetics contribute to most cases of extremely large or small birth weights in full-term babies. However, the role of genetics was less significant in the smallest three per cent of babies, suggesting other factors such as placental health may be involved.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have identified two new genes associated with preterm birth: HAND2 and GATA2. These genes play a crucial role in endometrial decidualization and embryo implantation, suggesting that their roles in pregnancy may be more important than previously anticipated.
A study published in The BMJ found that people born with major birth defects face a higher risk of cancer throughout life. The relative risk is greatest in childhood, but the risk persists into adulthood. Major birth defects are associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, including leukemia.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found a link between the number of times a person gives birth and their physical aging process. The study discovered that people who had few or many births showed signs of quicker biological aging compared to those who had given birth three or four times. The effects were only visible after men...
A study of over 1 million children found that those born early had a higher risk of hospital admissions throughout childhood. The risk declined with age, but remained elevated until age 10, especially for those born at 38 and 39 weeks' gestation.
A study of over 300,000 UK births found that many new mothers miss their scheduled postnatal check-ups, with younger women and those from deprived areas being the least likely to attend. This gap in care can have serious consequences for women's physical and mental health.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children born via cesarean section have a higher risk of infection-related hospitalization up to five years of age. Researchers analyzed data from over 7 million children and observed a 10% greater risk of infection among cesarean-born children.
A new study suggests that eliminating out-of-pocket costs for contraception is linked to more consistent contraceptive use and lower birth rates across all income groups. The most significant decline was observed among people from the lowest income group, experiencing a 22% drop in births.
Researchers are investigating factors contributing to preterm births among Black women, including social stressors and paternal roles. Chronic stress has been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, while perceived neighborhood environments may play a more significant role in stress levels than actual area conditions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found associations between exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The study analyzed data from 70 studies across 27 countries and found that the odds of preterm birth rose by 5% per 1°C increase in temperature.
Research suggests that individuals born with high birth weights may be at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation later in life. A study found that participants with a birth weight 482 grams above the average were 30% more likely to develop the heart rhythm disorder. The researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle and payi...
A new study found that women in states with less restrictive reproductive rights policies are less likely to give birth to low-birth weight babies. Specifically, US-born Black women have a 7% lower risk of low-birth weight compared to those in more restrictive states.
A new study has found that both mothers and fathers with mental health problems are more likely to have a baby born prematurely. Men with persistent mental health issues were more likely to have a preterm birth, while women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy also increased the risk.
A marketing study by University of Texas at Dallas researchers found that Viagra TV ads contributed to higher birth rates in areas with more ED drug ads. The study used a quasi field experiment design and considered factors such as weather, socioeconomic status, and advertising quality. The results suggest a 0.04-0.08% increase in tota...
A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that past discriminatory housing practices may be impacting maternal and infant health today. Neighborhoods with worse HOLC ratings had significantly more adverse birth outcomes, including premature births and low birth weight babies.
Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.
Researchers developed a blood test that can identify babies at risk of serious neurodisabilities like cerebral palsy and epilepsy just hours after birth. The test looks for specific genes being switched on or off, which may provide new targets for treating brain damage before it becomes permanent.
A PLOS Special Collection explores current norms and practice in childbirth, focusing on positive transformation and balancing interventions. Key findings include the importance of oxytocin and one-on-one support during labor and birth.
A new study finds that Medicaid-covered mothers are three times less likely to feel they had a choice about their birth experience, compared to those with private insurance. Women on Medi-Cal were also half as likely to have a choice of prenatal provider or be encouraged to make decisions about labor and birth.
Adult survivors of preterm birth may have impaired respiratory mechanics, making exercise and lung function more difficult. Researchers are studying the underlying causes to help clinicians accurately target treatment.
A randomized trial found that IV indomethacin was more effective in successfully closing hemodynamically significant PDAs in very low birth weight infants. The study showed a success rate of 55% for IV indomethacin versus 6% for IV acetaminophen.
Scientists have gained significant knowledge of rhinoceros parturition, enabling better birth management and obstetrics in zoological gardens. The study reveals the average duration of parturition is 7 hours and 38 minutes, with most births occurring head-first, resulting in a rapid final expulsion.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.
Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.
A prospective study of 69 couples found that female partners overestimated their IVF live birth rates by 34%, while male partners expected a 54% higher rate. The study highlights the need for clinics to set realistic expectations and provide individualized prognosis to avoid disappointment.
A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found that preterm delivery is a strong independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women throughout their lives. Women who gave birth before 37 weeks are at an increased risk of developing IHD, with risks remaining elevated even decades after delivery.
Research found that vitrification technology is safe for embryos, but storing them for longer periods reduces chances of pregnancy and live birth. The study analyzed outcomes from 24,698 patients and found lower implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates with longer storage times.
A new study found that women living within six miles of oil and gas wells in California were 8-14% more likely to experience spontaneous preterm births. The study analyzed 225,000 births from 1998 to 2011 and focused on how exposure to wells may affect health outcomes.
A study of nearly 3 million California births found that living near active oil and gas wells may increase the risk of low birth weight babies, with rural residents being more affected. The study also found a slightly increased risk of small for gestational age babies in urban areas.
A new study published in eLife finds that the number and types of immune cells in mouse lungs increase rapidly after birth, helping them adapt to breathing and protect against infections. This discovery may lead to new therapies to preserve or enhance lung development in infants and young children.
Researchers found that children with birth defects are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, including neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma, and are diagnosed earlier in life. The study compared data from nearly 14,000 children with cancer to those with cancer and one or more birth defects.
A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.
A recent study found that genetic variations in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) may be linked to clinically significant weight gain when using the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. Women with two copies of a specific variant on average gained over 30 pounds more while using the implant compared to others.
Researchers found that women who deliver prematurely have a more diverse vaginal microbiome, especially in the first trimester. This link highlights specific bacteria associated with premature birth, which could aid future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.
Researchers confirm swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while carrying a full-term fetus, creating a unique reproductive strategy that supports continuous embryo development. This phenomenon allows the female to be pregnant throughout her reproductive life, exceeding the duration of the oestrous cycle.
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego identified a strong link between heatwave exposure and increased risk of preterm delivery. The study found that longer duration heatwaves were associated with the highest risk of preterm birth, while ambient humidity also played a role in exacerbating the issue.
The 'Birth Settings' report highlights medical disparities in childbirth, with Oregon emerging as a leader in integrated care and access to midwives. Midwife-led births are associated with lower complication rates and improved patient experiences, but US regulations limit access to care.
A computational study identified lansoprazole and 12 other FDA-approved drugs that reduce inflammation and may prevent preterm birth. The drugs act on biological pathways affecting the immune response, which is implicated in preterm birth. Further testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
New research suggests that moving birth a day early can trigger an early start to widespread neuron death in the developing brain. Delaying birth has no apparent effect on when this cell death occurs, indicating a developmental process takes over in this scenario.
Low birth weight is linked to poor cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults. The study found that babies born at term weighing more than average had better fitness levels, with a 7.9-watt increase for every 450 grams of extra weight.
Gary M. Shaw, DrPH, receives the SPR's Douglas K. Richardson Award for his significant contributions to child health research. He has made substantial contributions to understanding genetic and environmental risk factors for human birth defects.
A recent study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that US birth weights have fallen significantly due to increasing rates of cesarean deliveries and inductions. The average length of pregnancy decreased from 40 weeks to 39 weeks, resulting in a decline of 67 grams (about 2.4 oz) in baby weight over 23 years.
A large clinical trial has found that low-dose aspirin daily from early pregnancy to 36 weeks may lower the risk for preterm birth among first-time mothers by 11%. The study involved over 11,000 women in several low- and middle-income countries and showed a significant reduction in preterm delivery before 37 weeks.
A study led by Professor Halvor Sommerfelt found that kangaroo mother care increased the chance of survival among low-birth-weight infants by 30% in the first month and 25% in the first six months. This intervention is considered easy and inexpensive.
A recent study published in E-Clinical Medicine found that about 75% of infants with HIV attained viral suppression on ART, but only 52% sustained it. Early treatment within the first two weeks of life led to similar outcomes as starting within the first two days of life.
Teenage pregnant women are more likely to experience poorer mental health, higher rates of substance use, and live in poverty. However, a Canadian study found that teenage pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk for preterm birth or low birth weight compared to pregnancies among women aged 20-34 years.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that water births are no more risky than land births, with fewer first and second-degree tears. The study analyzed 397 waterbirths and 2025 land births, showing similar outcomes in neonatal intensive care admissions and postpartum hemorrhage rates.
New research reveals a significant association between preterm birth and an increased risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and young adults. Women born preterm are particularly at higher risk, with a 30% increase in type 2 diabetes risk and a 60% increase in type 1 diabetes risk compared to their male counterparts.
A new study links early preterm birth to dads' lifetime socioeconomic status, with fathers from lower-income neighborhoods facing three times higher rates of preterm birth. This finding highlights the importance of considering both parents' socioeconomic factors in reducing preterm birth rates.