A study published by The BMJ found that lying down during the second stage of labor for women with low-dose epidurals increases the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth. This approach shows no adverse consequences for mothers or babies.
A USAID-funded campaign in Tanzania linked to increased prenatal visits, birth planning, and improved maternal health outcomes. The study found that women exposed to the campaign were more likely to create birth plans, attend prenatal appointments, and give birth at a health facility.
A new study suggests that decreased bullying exposure and family problems during childhood and adolescence could help reduce adult mental illness in extremely low birth weight preemies. Early mental health support for these individuals and their parents may also be beneficial.
A recent study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that acculturation may be linked to psychological birth trauma among young Latina mothers. The sample of 66 Hispanic females aged 13-19 showed higher rates of depression and lack of support, contributing to increased risk of PTSD.
A new study by the University of Utah and CDC estimates that employer-sponsored health plans spent $6 billion on premature infants in 2013. Infants born prematurely are at increased risk for developing lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges, with birth defects accounting for a substantial portion of expenses.
A new trial found that continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy reduces the number of babies born larger than average, need for intensive care, and pre-eclampsia rates. Birth outcomes improved significantly for mothers using the device compared to traditional finger-prick tests.
Female cancer survivors face increased risks of preterm birth and small for gestational age infants after diagnosis. Certain cancers, such as cervical, breast, leukemia, brain cancer, and extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are linked to poorer pregnancy outcomes.
A landmark study has identified six gene regions associated with the length of pregnancy and timing of birth, which may lead to new ways to prevent preterm birth and its consequences. The study, involving over 50,000 women, provides a robust understanding of genetic factors contributing to preterm birth.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mothers exposed to very high levels of pesticides during pregnancy experienced increased risk of adverse outcomes, including a 5-9% increase in birth weight and preterm births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 single births between 1997 and 2011.
A new study by University of Utah Health and University of New Mexico School of Medicine found that hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) do not negatively impact lactation or breastfeeding. Women who received IUDs immediately after birth were able to breastfeed just as well as those who waited several weeks.
Research reveals distinct molecular patterns in premature infants' cerebellum, indicating a cellular response to interrupted development. The findings may offer insights into long-term complications of pre-term birth and potential interventions to improve outcomes.
New University of Warwick research found parents of very preterm and low birth weight babies have the same life satisfaction as parents of healthy term babies when their children reach adulthood. The study, which tracked lives for 27 years, showed that good mental health and peer relationships in childhood are key to high life quality.
A large California study found that pregnant women with sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea are at a higher risk of delivering their babies before full term. The study also suggests that treating sleep disorders during pregnancy could be a way to reduce the preterm birth rate.
Research in sheep model reveals babies born to overweight, obese mothers have less mature lungs, producing less surfactant and fewer cells that make it. This can lead to lung problems at birth and later during infancy and childhood.
A large-scale study of nearly 400 individuals from birth to adulthood found no increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders among those born very preterm or at low birth weight. Social support from romantic partners plays a crucial role in preventing mental health issues.
Exposure to air pollution during the first two trimesters of pregnancy has been shown to increase risk for preterm birth and low birth weight. The study's findings also suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to decreased body length, placental weight, and anogenital distance.
A recent study analyzed data from California Birth Defects Monitoring Program and found that male infants had lower rates of birth defects after the 9/11 attacks. The researchers suggest that large population stressors like 9/11 may select against weaker male fetuses.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a Zika vaccine that can protect the developing fetus against infection and birth defects during pregnancy. The study showed that two different potential vaccines could prevent the Zika virus from infecting the fetus.
A recent study found that stress can amplify the health effects of toxic chemical exposure, leading to higher risks of low birth weight babies. The research suggests that poverty-related stress may make people more susceptible to environmental health hazards, highlighting an important consideration for policymakers and regulators.
Researchers found that identical twins share more T-cell clone receptors than expected due to potential exchange of T cells through cord blood before birth. This phenomenon suggests that some immune system cell clones created before birth can persist for about 40 years, shedding light on the diversity of T cell receptors in adults.
A new study of almost 19,000 IVF treatment cycles reveals that the age of the male partner significantly affects live birth success rate. The study found a decline in cumulative incidence of live birth with increasing male partner age, particularly among women aged 30-35 and those over 40.
A new study found a connection between common household chemicals and neural tube birth defects in mice and rats. Exposure to these quaternary ammonium compounds, used as disinfectants and preservatives, was shown to cause birth defects even at low concentrations.
A study of predominantly African-American women found that decreases in vaginal microbiome diversity between the first and second trimesters are associated with preterm birth. Researchers hope to design targeted therapies focused on the microbiome to prevent early delivery.
Researchers developed a stem cell-based therapy to generate skin grafts for myelomeningocele defects before birth. The treatment successfully covered large defects and protected the spinal cord, but had some drawbacks, including decreased birth weight and body length.
The Natural Caesarean section technique is associated with increased breastfeeding rates and improved patient experience. It allows parents to be actively involved in the birth process, promoting bonding opportunities between mother and baby.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy is not associated with neonatal problems at two to four weeks after birth. Instead, preterm birth was the major factor linked to newborn signs of agitation and restlessness.
A recent study found that mothers' ages don't contribute to preterm births or low birth weights; rather, factors like fertility problems, stress, and unhealthy behaviors may play a role. This research suggests women shouldn't worry about their age when considering having children.
Researchers found that only 20.2% of major birth defects had a definite cause, highlighting the need for better research to prevent and care for these conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of population-based preventive interventions for known causes, such as smoking or diabetes.
Research identifies CRKL gene as crucial for normal genitourinary development, with gene dosage changes associated with developmental abnormalities. The study's findings have significant implications for initial patient diagnosis and potential treatments for individuals affected by DiGeorge syndrome.
Ferring's $10 million donation will support the development of a new European-based Prematurity Research Center and advance research to help prevent preterm birth. The goal is to save families from trauma caused by prematurity and give every baby a chance to be born healthy.
A new study suggests that corticosteroid treatments given to pregnant women just hours before delivery can significantly increase the survival rate of very preterm infants. The research found that antenatal corticosteroids reduced infant mortality and severe neonatal morbidity, particularly when administered shortly before birth.
The study found substantial benefits from fetal reduction, including lower rates of preterm birth and serious illness. However, the benefits were more pronounced among fertility-treated pregnancies.
A Canadian study found that women who used marijuana during pregnancy were almost three times more likely to have an infant with low birth weight. Maternal amphetamine use and smoking were also identified as risk factors for low birth weight.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that pregnant women with a family history of premature births are at higher risk of preterm delivery. The study followed 2,300 mothers and daughters over 22 years and found that the risk was significantly higher among those whose mothers had given birth early in their pregnancies.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found a link between financial strain and lower birth weights. Pregnancy-specific distress was identified as a key factor contributing to this connection.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that both low and high birth weights are linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The study found that advanced scarring of the liver is associated with low birth weight, while more inflammation is linked to high birth weight.
Women with certain risk factors like breech babies or previous cesarean sections may face increased risks in community births, while others with more common risk factors like age or weight tend to have good outcomes. The study aims to provide evidence for informed decision-making about birth locations.
University of Washington researchers find that an asymmetric lower face may indicate early life stress, with one in four US adolescents showing such asymmetries. The study used data from the National Health Examination Survey to investigate lower-face asymmetry as a potential marker for developmental instability.
A new study from Lehigh University found that infants born to mothers living as far as 20-30 miles away from a coal-fired power plant had a 6.5% greater risk of low birth weight and a 17.12% greater risk of very low birth weight.
Low birth weight and high birth weight are associated with the severity of liver disease in children, increasing their risk for NAFLD. Children born with low-birth weight are more likely to develop severe scarring of the liver, while those with high-birth weight are at greater risk for the hepatitis form of fatty liver disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that women with insurance coverage for IVF were more likely to attempt the procedure again and had a higher probability of live birth compared to those who self-paid. The research, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, included 1,572 women and observed them through four cycles.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that female adolescent and young adult cancer survivors have a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low-birth weight. The study also suggests an increased likelihood of cesarean births among this population.
Researchers tested over 10,000 women and found that transvaginal cervical measurement and fetal fibronectin tests do not accurately predict preterm birth. The studies findings challenge the use of these tests in routine screening for low-risk pregnancies.
A study of 9,410 women without prior childbirth found that fetal fibronectin levels and transvaginal cervical length had poor predictive performance for spontaneous preterm birth. These tests are often used to identify women at risk of preterm birth, but their accuracy is lower than expected.
Researchers discovered a molecular signaling receptor, type I Interferon receptor (IFNAR), that fuels production of pro-inflammatory cytokines during secondary inflammatory challenge, inducing preterm birth. Testing in mouse models and human tissues found that genetic deletion or inhibition of IFNAR prevents preterm birth.
Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduced preterm birth, neonatal complications, and death in pregnant women with twins and a short cervix. The study, which included data from six studies involving 303 women, found that vaginal progesterone use was associated with a 31% lower risk of preterm delivery before 33 weeks.
A large-scale study published in The BMJ found that taking neuraminidase inhibitors during pregnancy does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The study analyzed nearly 6,000 women who received these medications and did not find a link to low birth weight, stillbirth, or birth defects.
Researchers found that preeclampsia in pregnant rats led to less severe retinopathy and normal retinal vascular development in offspring. The combination of preeclampsia and oxygen fluctuations reduced features of ROP. Growth factors needed for retina development came from the pups, not the mothers.
A study of 3,523 expectant and new fathers found that men experienced elevated depression symptoms when their partners were pregnant (2.3%) and after childbirth (4.3%). Depression symptoms in men during pregnancy were associated with perceived stress and fair to poor health.
Babies born with extremely low birth weight are at risk for mental health problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety. The studies found these risks began in childhood and extended into adulthood, with significantly higher levels of depression and social problems among adults born with extremely low birth weight.
A recent study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that immigration raids can have a negative impact on the health of Latino newborns. Infants born to US-born and immigrant Latina mothers had a 24% greater risk of low birth weight compared to the previous year.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that children exposed to complications before or during birth were at a higher risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. Children with birth asphyxia and preeclampsia had a significantly increased risk, with a 10-44% greater risk compared to those without perinatal complications.
A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the cervix and vagina may increase or decrease the risk of premature birth. Researchers found that some species, such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, lower the risk, while others, like anaerobic bacteria, significantly increase it.
A University of Michigan study reveals that immigration fears among Latino mothers can lead to lower birth weights and preterm births. The research found a 24% increased risk of low birth weight among Latina babies born after the historic Postville immigration raid in 2008.
A study found that in utero environmental factors, such as placement in the womb and access to nutrition, affect cortical structure and lead to differences in brain volume by teenage years. Epigenetic processes also play a role in this relationship.
A study of 11,216 pregnancies across 11 countries found that low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with a 21% increased risk of preterm birth. Vegans and vegetarians are particularly vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency without supplementation.
A study of 2,000 pregnant women found that certain bacterial species in the cervix were associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, while others increased the risk. The findings offer new hope for preventing prematurity and its devastating consequences.
A new method for filtering genetic study results has been developed to refine understanding of preterm birth risk factors. The technique, known as evolutionary triangulation, uses ancestry patterns to identify key genes involved in preterm birth.
New research reveals that low birth weight babies may develop motor and neurological deficits due to peripheral nerve defects. The study suggests delayed myelination of the peripheral nervous system as a contributing factor.
Researchers at Wayne State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about B lymphocytes and their role in preventing preterm birth. The study found that these cells produce molecules to suppress uterine inflammation and premature birth, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.