A Danish study found that mothers of infants with major congenital anomalies were at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other causes. The study also found an increased risk during the first decade after the child's birth.
A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that IUDs and subdermal implants are the safest hormonal contraceptives for women with diabetes, with low rates of thromboembolic events. The findings expand pregnancy planning options for this population, encouraging physicians to offer these effective and safe birth control methods.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Zika-linked abnormalities in human fetuses are more common and severe than initially thought. Out of 125 pregnancies among Zika-infected women, 46% resulted in birth defects or fetal death, with microcephaly being only one of several complications.
Women who are overweight or obese are less likely to use hormonal birth control methods, opting for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants instead. This preference is driven by fear of weight gain associated with the pill and shot, despite LARCs not containing estrogen.
A global study found a significant association between rising national income, education expenditures, and declining rates of adolescent childbearing. The median adolescent birth rate dropped by 40% from 1990 to 2012, with the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Central Asia.
Children born via Cesarean section may be more likely to become overweight or obese, with a 40% greater odds of this outcome compared to those born vaginally. The association is strongest among mothers who are already obese, suggesting that vaginal delivery may help mitigate the risk.
A new study identifies calciprotein particles as a culprit in premature birth, a leading cause of infant death and disability. The research suggests therapies or dietary supplements blocking these particle formations could prevent preterm birth.
A study of 153,000 Australian children found that planned births before optimal time had poorer child development. Children born vaginally at full term had a lower risk of developmental issues compared to those born via planned birth or labor induction.
Researchers have successfully tested a drug that shows early promise in preventing pre-term birth, which is the major cause of death in children under five years old. The drug, (+)-naloxone, was found to provide complete protection against pre-term birth and lead to normal development in infants.
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to identify a panel of 10 urinary metabolites associated with fetal growth and increased birth weight. Changes in these metabolites could explain 12% of the variation seen in birth weight, independent of other known predictors.
Researchers found that babies born to women over 40 through assisted reproduction have fewer birth defects than those conceived naturally. The study suggests that IVF treatment may provide more favorable biological conditions for pregnancies in older women.
Women who undergo gastric bypass surgery for weight loss may give birth to babies with lower average birth weights due to nutrient deficiencies. The study found that 23% of newborns were small for their gestational age and had lower levels of key nutrients like calcium and zinc.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that children born by cesarean delivery are at a higher risk of becoming obese compared to those born via vaginal birth. The research found a 15% increase in the risk of obesity in children after cesarean birth, with siblings born vaginally being 64% more likely to be obese.
Research published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that babies born with a low birth weight are more likely to be rated below-average at school sports by their teacher at age 13. Those with a low birth weight were also less likely to participate in exercise and sports across adulthood, from ages 36 to 68.
A study in rural Nepal found that poverty and lack of support are key barriers to institutional births, despite the known safety benefits. Only 30% of women had their babies in a hospital or health post, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic and structural barriers.
A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that abnormalities in interval between pregnancies, body mass index prior to pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to up to 25% of preterm births. Modifying these risk factors could significantly reduce premature birth rates worldwide.
A study by Trinity College Dublin found that home births are associated with higher breastfeeding rates due to midwife-led care, skin-to-skin contact, and reduced stress. In contrast, hospital births have been linked to lower breastfeeding rates due to interventions, pain-relieving medications, and formula supplementation.
Researchers found that open adoption relationships with joint storytelling of adoption can benefit the child and their adoptive parents. Adoptive parents act as gatekeepers to their adopted child's relationship with birth parents, but can try to maintain a good relationship despite challenges.
Breast milk from women who give premature birth differs in macro and micro nutrients, with higher levels of certain nutrients to compensate for the baby's underdevelopment. The new method offers a possibility to customize milk for premature infants.
Researchers found that infants' airways are colonized with bacteria or bacterial DNA at birth, which could predict severe lung disease. The 'healthy' pattern of colonization seen in BPD-resistant infants is protective, with increased abundance of Lactobacillus.
A cervical stitch used to prevent preterm labor has been linked to a three times higher risk of stillbirth and almost twice the risk of preterm birth. The suture may disrupt the vaginal microbiome and spur inflammation, major risk factors for preterm birth.
Researchers at Imperial College London found a significant association between thicker cervical stitch threads and increased rates of premature birth and intrauterine death. The study suggests that switching to thinner threads could prevent up to 170,000 premature births globally every year.
A study found late preterm and early term birth rates decreased in the US between 2006 and 2014. Clinician-initiated obstetric interventions also declined, particularly among births over 37 weeks, suggesting a positive association with delayed interventions.
Researchers found that metformin reversed early cellular aging, causing increased sestrin 2 levels and AMPK activity, which led to full-term births in mice. The study provides new clues into the molecular pathway of preterm birth and suggests a potential safer alternative to rapamycin for preventing premature birth.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nicotine patches and Zyban are effective in helping pregnant women quit smoking, with success rates of 80% and 60%, respectively. The use of these products also reduces the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
A new study found that children born to unmarried mothers with no father listed on their birth certificate are more likely to experience weight-related issues. The research suggests that paternal involvement may play a crucial role in influencing childhood obesity outcomes, particularly in terms of feeding practices and prenatal care.
A 30-year study found that boys are more likely to experience pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia, while girls face a higher risk of early onset pre-eclampsia. The research suggests sex differences in placental function may explain these disparities.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that exercise during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm birth and may actually reduce it. Women who exercised were more likely to deliver vaginally and had lower rates of C-sections, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers found that glucosamine plays a critical role in early embryonic development, helping embryos proliferate normally. This could aid in avoiding birth defects in diabetic pregnancies and improving future stem-cell treatments. Glucosamine is also essential for embryonic cells to grow and develop.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that stress during pregnancy and being born with low birth weight can lead to long-term health issues in mothers. The research, led by Jean Ni Cheong from the University of Melbourne, explored the effects of these factors on maternal health after pregnancy.
Adults born prematurely with low birth weight have lower bone mass than those born full term but small for gestational age. Ensuring a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, combined with exercise, may help reduce the risk of bone fractures later in life.
A study of adults born premature and low-birth-weight found they were less likely to be employed, have children, or earn higher incomes compared to their normal-birth-weight counterparts. Despite these differences, many of these individuals are living independently and contributing well to society.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.
A new study has found a significant association between prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and lower birth weight. Infants exposed to SSRIs for two or more trimesters weighed 205 grams less than those not exposed, on average.
International research found a direct link between continued marijuana use during pregnancy and pre-term birth, with 6% of pre-term births potentially preventable. Marijuana use was independently associated with a five-fold increase in pre-term birth risk, regardless of other risk factors.
Researchers have identified a group of proteins that form the base for functioning cilia, allowing cell-to-cell communication. Mutations in these genes result in ciliopathies, which affect various birth defects and can be lethal.
A new UCLA study finds no evidence to link the anti-nausea drug Zofran to an increased risk of birth defects. Women with extreme morning sickness who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and higher live birth rates compared to those without the medication.
A study by SUNY Downstate Health Science University found associations between pregnant women's exposure to butyl paraben, triclocarban, and propyl paraben and adverse birth outcomes. Findings suggest potential risks of these chemicals in consumer products.
A large study in CMAJ found that Indian-born women living in Ontario, Canada, who already have two daughters are more likely to have a boy. The likelihood of male births increases if women had an induced abortion before the birth. Birth ratios fell within natural ranges for Canadian-born and immigrant women from most other countries.
A study published in CMAJ Open found that Indian-born women living in Canada with two or more children gave birth to significantly more boys than girls. The sex ratio increased with the number of abortions and when the fetus's sex could be accurately determined by ultrasound.
A new study published in Neurology found that babies born to mothers taking the epilepsy drug lamotrigine may not be at an increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and clubfoot. The study, which analyzed over 10 million births, estimated the excess risk of these defects to be less than one in every 550 babies.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered specific DNA markers linked to seasonal births and allergic disease. Epigenetic marks present at birth were found to influence gene expression for up to 18 years later.
Researchers found that women who take the birth control pill are less likely to suffer serious knee injuries compared to those who do not use hormonal contraception. Women between 15-19 years old with ACL injuries were 22% less likely to be taking birth control pills.
A study of over 30,000 women found that genetically elevated maternal body mass index and blood glucose levels are associated with higher offspring birth weight. In contrast, elevated maternal systolic blood pressure is linked to lower birth weight.
A new study using MRI to examine pregnant women with short cervixes found that high cervical tissue mobility is associated with impending preterm birth. The researchers plan larger trials to confirm the role of this imaging biomarker in predicting preterm birth.
A Dartmouth-led study found that low levels of arsenic in pregnant women's drinking water and food may be related to decreased head circumference at birth. The study also linked arsenic exposure to lower birth weight and birth length, with associations varying by mother's pre-pregnancy BMI and infant sex.
The US twin birth rate has surged over the last 30 years, partly due to reproductive technologies like IVF. Implementing single embryo transfer IVF could reduce unintended twin births by minimizing serious medical complications. This approach is recommended for insurance coverage and curtails the national twin birth rate.
Pregnant women with asthma may be at greater risk of preterm birth due to exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Early exposure, particularly in the months leading up to conception and during early pregnancy, was found to increase preterm birth risk by nearly 30%.
Researchers at Oxford University published new charts to assess head circumference at birth, providing a valuable tool in the Zika crisis. These charts enable healthcare professionals to screen all babies worldwide using the same criteria, reducing anxiety among mothers and improving diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers validated a two-protein test for predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women, identifying an optimal gestational age window and highly performing proteins. The study showed excellent performance of the novel classifier, with high accuracy rates for predicting preterm delivery before 35 weeks.
A team of researchers has developed a new way to prevent preterm birth using nanoparticles, which deliver medication directly to the uterus without crossing the placenta. The treatment, called LIPINDORA, shows promise in reducing preterm labor and avoiding fetal risks.
A new US study reveals a persistent link between low birth weights and income levels, contrasting with other developed countries. The research found that disparities in birth weights were most pronounced in the US, where birth weights dropped consistently with income level.
A study found that refugee women, particularly those who spent time in transit countries, are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely. This increased risk is attributed to factors such as long-term exposure to poor living conditions, anxiety, and stress. The researchers suggest implementing policies to shorten the time refugees sp...
A new study found that medical complications at birth, maternal education, early motor assessments, and early cognitive assessments are key predictors of later cognitive function and motor performance in children born premature. Research also shows that mild impairments remain a challenge for preterm children into later childhood.
A new study published in Environmental Health found a 19% increased risk of preterm birth among women exposed to high levels of small particle air pollution. The study also identified higher risks among mothers over 40, black mothers, and those with lower education levels.
A new app called QUiPP was tested in high-risk women to predict preterm birth risk. The app performed well as a predictive tool, outperforming individual factors like cervical length and fetal fibronectin levels.
Researchers discovered a link between babies with hyperactive immune cells at birth and the development of food allergies in early life. Monocytes activated immune cells encouraged allergic reactions to common foods.
A new study found a significant racial disparity in premature births among black women, which may explain much of the racial disparity in infant mortality. The study suggests that public health efforts should focus on access to prenatal care and preventive measures for high-risk black women.
A new study by King's College London found that measuring fetal fibronectin at 18-21 weeks of gestation offers a similar predictive value to measurements at 22-27 weeks for spontaneous preterm birth. Combining cervical length with the biomarker test improves diagnostic accuracy.