A study of newborns in Botswana found that initiating antiretroviral therapy immediately after birth reduces the frequency of reservoir cells and improves immune responses. The Early Infant Treatment Study showed measurable benefits from early treatment, suggesting strategies to test and treat infants at birth may improve outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that genetic changes caused by natural selection are contributing to an early shift in the birth dates of wild red deer on Scotland's Isle of Rum. The deer population has been adapting to a warming climate, giving birth three days earlier per decade since the 1980s.
A long-term study of red deer on the Isle of Rum has found that genetic change due to natural selection is contributing to the species' shift towards earlier birth times. This trend is linked to increased reproductive success and the spread of genes associated with breeding earlier.
The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.
A major Australian study found that planned birth center births had high rates of normal labor and birth, low maternal complications, and comparable perinatal mortality outcomes compared to hospital births. Planned home births also showed positive maternal outcomes with no significant differences in perinatal mortality or NICU admissions.
The PROLONG trial found that weekly injections of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate do not reduce recurrent preterm birth or neonatal morbidity. In contrast, a previous study showed a 34% reduction in recurrent preterm birth with this medication. The differing results may be attributed to differences in the populations studied.
Researchers identify TIMP-1 and D-lactic acid as potential biomarkers for preterm birth risk in resource-poor areas. The study aims to develop a cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic test to assess the presence of known risk factors.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that transferring extremely premature babies from lower to higher level neonatal care units increases the risk of severe brain injury. Keeping these infants at lower level units after birth also results in a higher risk of death, compared to birth in a tertiary facility.
A Swedish study found that children born to women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a lower risk of major birth defects, which could be attributed to improved blood sugar control and weight loss. The researchers recommend special antenatal care for bariatric surgery patients to ensure fetal health.
A systematic review of over 2.1 million allergy sufferers found that each kilogram increase in birth weight is associated with a 44% increase in the risk of food allergies and a 17% increase in the risk of eczema. However, increased birth weight has no influence on the risk of childhood hay fever.
A Swedish study using national registry data found that women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a lower risk of major birth defects compared to those who didn't have the surgery but were similar in other factors. The researchers speculate that improved glucose control and weight loss benefits may contribute to this reduced risk.
A recent NIH-funded study reveals that children born to mothers with high blood lead levels are more likely to be overweight or obese. Folate intake after giving birth may help reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort and found a significant association between maternal lead exposure and childhood obesity.
Researchers found a significant correlation between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors in fifth-grade children, including high levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides. The study suggests that early intervention during pregnancy and childhood can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.
A secret-shopper-style study by Harvard Medical School found that web-based and digital-app services offering oral contraception appear to be safe and efficient. However, gaps remain, such as inadequate counseling on alternative forms of birth control and lack of screening for rare health conditions.
A large cohort study found attempting a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section increases the risk of serious maternal complications, including uterine rupture and sepsis. The study suggests that planning another cesarean may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section.
Women who used oral contraceptives during adolescence are more likely to develop depression as adults, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The research found that teenage birth control pill users were up to three times more likely to be clinically depressed in adulthood.
Researchers found that antibodies generated against the Zika virus itself may contribute to birth defects in some pregnancies. The study suggests that a safe vaccine would need to induce protective antibodies while avoiding those that increase the risk of microcephaly.
A large international study published in EClinicalMedicine journal reveals that home births have no increased risk of baby's perinatal or neonatal death compared to hospital births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 intended home births and similar numbers of hospital births in eight countries.
A new study has found that ursodeoxycholic acid, the current recommended treatment for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, is ineffective in preventing preterm birth and stillbirth. The trial of 605 pregnant women with ICP found no meaningful improvement in outcomes with the drug.
Research finds that moving house during early pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight and premature birth, as well as smaller than expected size babies. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 women in Washington state, USA, between 2007 and 2014.
A new study found that many women who use condoms believe they are the most effective pregnancy prevention method, despite condoms being only 85% effective. IUDs were more accurately identified by users as the most effective method, and misconceptions about IUD and oral contraception use persist.
A recent study of over 308,000 women who gave birth from 2008 to 2016 found that nearly half received opioid prescriptions as part of their birth experience, with one in every hundred still filling them a year later. The percentage of women filling opioid prescriptions declined over time, suggesting growing awareness of the national op...
A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...
Kristin Myers, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) for her research on pre-term birth. Her work focuses on determining the biomechanical mechanisms that cause premature cervical remodeling and softening.
Researchers found that providing a year's supply of birth control pills upfront can reduce unintended pregnancies and lower healthcare costs. The study estimates that this policy change would prevent 583 unintended pregnancies and save the VA approximately $2 million annually.
An observational study found that in utero exposure to opioids was associated with a higher likelihood of being small for gestational age, preterm birth, and postnatal neurodevelopmental and physical disorders. Long-term effects included conduct disorder, emotional disturbance diagnoses, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Researchers found that children with chromosomal defects were almost 12 times more likely to develop cancer than those without birth defects. Children with non-chromosomal defects had a 2.5 times increased risk of cancer compared to those without birth defects.
A large-scale study found that long-term cryopreservation of semen does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates in women using donor sperm. The study analyzed 119,558 semen samples stored for up to 15 years and found similar success rates in IVF and donor insemination, despite a decline in frozen sperm survival rate over time.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that a state-wide quality improvement initiative improved hospital-based breastfeeding support practices and first milk expression among mothers of very low birth weight infants. However, disparities in mother's milk provision persisted after three weeks of hospitalization.
A new paper provides an updated national birth weight reference for the United States using the most recent, nationally representative birth data. The study aims to improve clinical indicator of morbidity and long-term health outcomes in children and their mothers by addressing previous limitations.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that married American moms are more likely to try to time their pregnancy for a spring birth, with factors such as age, education, and marital status influencing this decision. On average, a married woman aged 20-45 would be willing to pay $877 USD to guarantee a spring birth.
A recent study by WVU biostatistician Snehalata Huzurbazar found a correlation between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth rates, particularly in African American women. The researchers identified specific bacteria species that proliferated in women who gave birth prematurely, which may help predict and prevent preterm births.
Researchers captured detailed images of infants' skulls and brains before and during delivery using 3D MRI, finding that fetal head molding occurs in all seven infants, with different parts of the skull overlapping. The study suggests that infants experience greater skull stresses during birth than previously thought, potentially under...
A Rutgers study found that men over 45 experience decreased fertility and increased pregnancy complications in their partners. Infants born to older fathers are also at higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and childhood cancers.
A prospective study of 18,481 pregnant women found obesity in early pregnancy associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and large birth weight. Being underweight during pregnancy was linked to early neonatal deaths and low birth weight.
A study at Boston Medical Center found that mothers of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants who expressed first milk within 8 hours had a higher probability of successful lactation. The research suggests prioritizing early milk expression to support long-term lactation success.
Newborns with Apgar scores of 7, 8, and 9 have a higher risk of infections, breathing problems, brain injury, low blood sugar levels, and death compared to those with a perfect score of 10. A small change in score from 10 to 9 at five or ten minutes after birth also increases the risk.
A Swedish study found that preterm and early term birth are strong risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease from childhood into mid-adulthood. Preterm birth interrupts kidney development, leading to fewer nephrons forming and an increased risk of high blood pressure and progressive kidney disease.
The largest study of its kind has identified 190 links between genetic code and birth weight, with two-thirds being discovered for the first time. Both maternal and fetal genetic effects play a role in influencing birth weight, with some genes promoting growth while others restrict it.
A large-scale international collaboration has identified 190 genetic links to birth weight, with two-thirds discovered for the first time. Research found that a baby's genes play a substantial role in determining their birth weight, while also influencing factors in their intrauterine environment.
Research at Karolinska Institutet links high HbA1c levels during pregnancy to increased preterm birth risk, affecting up to 22% of infants born to women with type 1 diabetes. The study also identifies risks of other complications for newborns, including respiratory problems and low blood sugar.
This observational study found that state Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act was associated with reduced rates of low birth weight and preterm births among black infants, but not Hispanic or white infants. The study used data from 15.6 million births between 2011-2016.
A Dartmouth-led study published in JAMA Network Open found that quitting smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth. The probability of preterm birth decreased by up to 20% if cessation occurred at the beginning of pregnancy. However, only about 25% of women who smoked prior to pregnancy were able to quit throughout the...
Using CRISPR gene editing, researchers have successfully treated lethal lung diseases in mice by introducing genetic changes during fetal development. The study shows promise for developing new therapies for congenital lung diseases, such as surfactant protein deficiency and cystic fibrosis.
A new estimation method for assessing natural variations in the sex ratio at birth was developed by an international team of researchers. The study found regional baseline SRB imbalances and identified 12 countries with strong evidence of sex ratio inflation, leading to fewer female births than expected.
A study analyzing vital registration, census, and survey data from 202 countries estimates sex ratio at birth for all countries between 1950 and 2017. The study reveals significant regional variations and findings a total of 23.1 million missing female births worldwide.
A study by Lawson Research Institute found evidence of a strong association between exposure to sulfur dioxide during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Pregnant women were 3.4 times more likely to have a low birthweight baby for every 1-part per billion increase in sulfur dioxide.
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Sydney observed a normally live-bearing Australian lizard lay eggs and then weeks later, give birth to a live baby from the same pregnancy. This unusual reproductive trait is known as bimodality, where some individuals lay eggs while others give birth to live young.
A study published in Economics & Human Biology found that pregnant women who commute at least 50 miles to work are at a higher risk of having low-birth-weight babies. The longer the commute, the greater the risk. Long commutes also led to under-use of prenatal care, which could exacerbate birth outcomes.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study has identified seven bacteria associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, while higher levels of a natural antimicrobial peptide may lower this risk. The findings hold promise for early diagnosis and prevention of premature births, particularly in African American women.
A new study found seven bacteria and immune factors in the vagina and cervix that increase or decrease the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly in African-American women. Higher levels of β-defensin-2 lowered the risk of sPTB associated with cervicovaginal microbiota.
A mathematical model using simple blood tests and birth weight can accurately estimate gestational age without ultrasound, offering a solution to measure preterm birth rates in low-resource countries. This approach has been validated with over 1,000 pregnant women in Bangladesh and is being implemented in other countries.
Researchers used machine learning techniques on MRI brain scans to predict cognitive development in children aged 2. The study found that white matter connections at birth are highly predictive of future cognitive outcomes.
A CU Anschutz study discovered a genetic component that breaks down contraceptive hormones in some women, potentially leading to pregnancy. The research may lead to the development of more precise medical tools to tailor treatment to individual patients.
A new study of macaque monkeys found that shorter birth intervals are associated with higher mortality rates in offspring. The research suggests a biological link between birth intervals and offspring mortality, consistent with previous studies on human birth intervals.
A large-scale study of 187 explorers and 11,000 households found no correlation between birth order and risk-taking behavior in adulthood. The research suggests that family dynamics do not impact an individual's willingness to take risks in adulthood.
According to a recent study published in the American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, giving birth at age 50 is as safe as at 40, without increasing risk to mother or baby.
A study analyzing genetic data from 791 family trios identified 160 genes associated with preterm birth, many related to inflammatory pathways. Candidate biomarker genes were found in the RAB31 and RBPJ genes, implicated in both preterm and very early births.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.
A large-scale observational study found no association between conceiving within a year of stillbirth and increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in the following pregnancy. The study included nearly 14,500 births from Australia, Finland, and Norway.