A new study found that binge drinking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of preterm birth, regardless of when alcohol consumption stops. Women who drank heavily or binged had a higher incidence of preterm birth compared to those who abstained from alcohol.
Women choosing repeat cesarean deliveries at term but before 39 weeks are up to two times more likely to have a baby with serious complications. Babies born before 39 weeks are at increased risk for respiratory distress and NICU admission, highlighting the importance of delaying elective delivery until 39 weeks gestation.
Mayo Clinic researchers studied 816 women who underwent global endometrial ablation (GEA) to assess its effectiveness in reducing menstrual bleeding. They found that only 16% of patients required hysterectomy five years after the procedure, which is nearly half of what was previously reported.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine and UC-San Francisco have successfully isolated stem cells from human testes, which can differentiate into various types of tissues. The findings suggest that these cells are not as pluripotent as embryonic stem cells but have unique therapeutic applications.
A study found that 2.2 million older US adults take multiple medications, with half involving nonprescription medications, increasing the risk of harmful drug-drug interactions. The most common interaction was bleeding problems, often caused by combining prescription and over-the-counter medications.
A study of over 20,000 first-time mothers found that repeated miscarriages and hormone treatment for infertility increased the risk of pre-eclampsia. Women with one or two miscarriages were not at higher risk, but those who had three or more miscarriages saw a 50% increase in pre-eclampsia risk.
A recent study found that multiple antenatal steroid courses do not improve preterm birth outcomes and can decrease baby size. Infants exposed to multiple doses of corticosteroids weighed less at birth than those exposed to placebo.
The University of Western Ontario has received $45.5 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to develop new methods for growing stronger lab-grown bones and tissue. This will help address conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and traumatic injuries, where current lab-grown materials lack sufficient strength.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine developed a man-made anti-clotting protein that prevents excessive clotting in patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. The treatment showed no adverse effects during treatment or seven days after treatment, indicating its potential to prevent complications linked to the condition.
A new study by Stanford University researchers found that nifedipine, a muscle relaxant, has no effect on prolonging pregnancy after preterm labor is halted. The study suggests that prolonged treatment with nifedipine does not appear to be an answer in preventing premature birth.
A new microarray analysis technique improved prenatal diagnosis for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in 300 cases at Baylor College of Medicine. The test identified 58 copy number variations, including 15 significant findings that would have been missed otherwise.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that placebo acupuncture resulted in a significantly higher overall pregnancy rate (55.1%) compared to real acupuncture (43.8%) in patients undergoing IVF. The researchers suggest that placebo acupuncture may have a real effect, contrary to its inert control status.
A study found a significant increase in radiology tests in managed care settings, with an average cost per patient increasing by $214 over 10 years. Newer technologies like CT and MRI scans also saw a rise, but their use was not as efficient as expected.
Researchers found that high blood pressure during pregnancy can be an early warning sign of future cardiovascular problems. A study followed 400 Ontario women with pre-eclampsia and found they had higher rates of elevated blood pressure and lipids, suggesting a link between the condition and increased cardiovascular risk.
Pregnant women who wait out stalled labor for an extra two hours can reduce health risks and eliminate over 130,000 C-section deliveries per year. A new study by researchers at UCSF found that one-third of women achieve a normal delivery without harm.
A study of over 40,000 women found that those who gained more than 40 pounds during pregnancy were nearly twice as likely to have a heavy baby. Heavy babies are at risk for birth complications and may become overweight or obese children and adults.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that nearly 40% of women experience sexual problems, but only 12% report these issues as a source of significant personal distress. The study suggests that certain age groups and health conditions can influence the level of distress associated with sexual problems.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that overweight women are more likely to report having sex with men than their normal-weight counterparts. The research suggests that physicians should not make assumptions about a woman's sexual behavior based on her weight.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that aggressive phototherapy reduced the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The treatment, which involves starting phototherapy early and maintaining it until bilirubin levels are low, showed a 14% reduction in impaired outcomes.
A two-year study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining a vaginal delivery with a Caesarean section for the second twin is generally safe. The researchers compared over 1,000 women who underwent this procedure and found that it was associated with a slightly higher risk of infection, but this risk was easily treated.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health present studies on involving men in family planning and partner communication about sex. Their work aims to improve reproductive health outcomes by providing men with simple and effective natural options.
Two new studies by UCSF researchers found that infants born past 40 weeks of gestation are at higher risk for impaired health and death. The studies, which analyzed over 2.5 million births, confirmed the increased risk of cesarean deliveries and poor maternal or child outcomes as early as 40 weeks.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prenatal test for Down syndrome that requires only a maternal blood sample, significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage. The test uses fragments of fetal DNA in the woman's blood to detect chromosomal disorders and could provide an earlier diagnosis than current methods.
The National Children's Study will follow 100,000 children across the US to identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to health disorders. The UT Health Science Center at Houston will participate in the study, assessing women and children in Harris County.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that Asian-White couples face increased risks of gestational diabetes and caesarean delivery compared to same-race couples. The researchers also discovered that the average Asian woman's pelvis may be smaller than the average white woman's, contributing to these disparities.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that women with vulvar carcinoma and extra copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are at increased risk of dying from their cancer. EGFR amplification is associated with poor survival rates, making targeted therapies a promising treatment option.
Two UCSF scientists, Yuriy Kirichok and Miguel Ramalho-Santos, received $1.5 million NIH grants to study molecular mechanisms of cell energy production and stem cell specialization. Their research aims to develop new therapies for age-related diseases and regenerative medicine.
The study found a significant decline in surgical and medical complications for hysterectomies, with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy showing a 50% reduction. However, African-American women had higher rates of medical and surgical complications, highlighting the need for further research to address disparities.
A national study published in JAMA found that 23.7% of women experience pelvic-floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. The risk increases with age, childbirths, and obesity.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that conservative treatment can effectively manage 'superbug' breast infections in nursing mothers. The study revealed that community-associated MRSA was more common among women with both mastitis and abscesses, but not all cases required antibiotics against MRSA.
Researchers at TGen and Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new approach to treating endometrial cancer using a commercially available inhibitor drug. The study found that the drug can stop tumor growth and kill cancer cells, even in cases where the tumors contain a commonly occurring mutant gene.
A large trial found significant improvements in quality of life, sleep and joint pain for post-menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy. Researchers also noted improved sexuality among participants.
Researchers found that women with a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse were more likely to attempt suicide postpartum. The study suggests screening for past diagnoses during prenatal care may identify high-risk women.
Maternal death rates in the US remain constant, but a study suggests reducing cesarean-related deaths by implementing thromboprophylaxis can lower mortality. The risk of death attributable to cesarean delivery is approximately 2/100,000 procedures, which can be significantly reduced with universal thromboembolism prophylaxis.
A two-year study by UT Houston researchers found that 53% of women who tested positive for GBS during their first pregnancy were also positive during their second. The study suggests that retesting women in subsequent pregnancies may not be cost-effective due to the high recurrence rate.
Brain plays a key role in appetite regulation by using fat as fuel, with oxygen-free radicals playing a crucial role. The study suggests that antioxidants could help control weight, and taking them at the right time may affect satiety.
Researchers found insulin resistance in young girls with PCOS mother, suggesting high risk of disease; future studies aim to identify earliest sign of susceptibility. Excessive insulin may be primary culprit behind reproductive abnormalities.
The research aims to understand the role of inorganic molecules, particularly zinc, in signaling events surrounding fertilization and early embryonic development. The team will use advanced microscopy and imaging technologies to track metal ion movement and develop new fluorescent sensors.
Biochemists at the University of Texas Medical School have found evidence that pre-eclampsia may be an autoimmune disease, with autoantibodies activating an angiotensin receptor that causes artery constriction. This could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for the condition.
Researchers have induced pre-eclampsia in mice by injecting human autoantibodies, demonstrating a potential pathway for the disorder. Blocking these autoantibodies prevented the development of pre-eclampsia in mice, suggesting a new approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Scientists have identified a gene called Lrh1 that plays a crucial role in regulating ovulation. Deleting this gene in mice prevents ovulation, opening up potential avenues for developing more effective contraceptives and fertility treatments. This discovery could benefit up to 15% of infertile couples seeking help.
The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.
A major international study found that many South-East Asian hospitals still employ worrying health care practices, including improper use of antibiotics and episiotomies. The study aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by identifying gaps in knowledge and implementing evidence-based interventions.
Mothers and fathers of twin babies conceived through ART show higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction compared to parents of singletons. Counselling and preparation before birth may play a role in mitigating these effects.
A recent study found that pregnancy increases a woman's risk of heart attack 3-4 fold. The study provides key recommendations for diagnosing and managing this condition in pregnant women, considering both maternal and fetal health.
Researchers found that patients who disclose intimate partner violence (IPV) to clinicians in primary care or obstetrics/gynecology settings experience the most benefit, with minimal serious harm. In contrast, emergency department disclosures are more problematic for patients, leading to fear and avoidance of healthcare.
Researchers are gathering genetic samples from 10,000 people across Australia to investigate the possible genetic causes of cerebral palsy. The study aims to identify specific genetic mutations that may lead to the condition, with the goal of developing potential disease preventions and treatments.
Scientists found that delaying childbirth has contributed to rising caesarean sections, with advancing maternal age associated with impaired uterine function. The study suggests that understanding the effects of age on childbirth is crucial in addressing increasing rates of intervention in pregnancy.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a method to predict IVF success with 70 percent accuracy. The new method uses four critical factors, including total number of embryos, eight-cell embryo percentage, and follicle-stimulating hormone level, to determine a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.
A new study reveals that perinatal death takes a significant emotional toll on obstetricians, with three-quarters reporting an emotional impact. Obstetricians often struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame after a stillbirth or infant death, and worry about disciplinary action from no identified cause. Improved bereavement traini...
Researchers are studying the architecture and behavior of ovaries to find new treatments for fertility disease and age-related infertility. A new imaging device, resembling a tiny drum, is being developed to measure ovary rigidity and understand symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women can receive safe dental treatment between 13-21 weeks gestation. The research showed no significant increase in adverse outcomes from periodontal treatment and essential dental care during this time frame.
Researchers found that a single dose of antibiotics can prevent most infections and wound-healing complications two weeks after surgical repair of severe vaginal tears. This study is the first to show that antibiotic treatment can aid healing of these tears, which are common during childbirth.
A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reports a significant disparity in infant mortality rates between black and white mothers, with obese black mothers facing a higher risk of newborn death. Researchers analyzed over 1.4 million births and found that high BMI was an independent risk factor for neonatal mortalit...
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that a risk-based approach to labor induction can lead to healthier newborns and better birth outcomes for mothers. The Active Management of Risk in Pregnancy at Term (AMOR-IPAT) method reduces NICU admissions, cesarean rates, and mean Adverse Outcome Index scores.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have established a human cell-based system for studying sickle cell anemia by reprogramming somatic cells to an embryonic stem cell-like state. The new method improves reprogramming efficiency and increases the total number of reprogrammed cells, enabling future studies on blood diseases.
Researchers identified gene mutations in FIGLA as a cause of premature ovarian failure, which can lead to infertility and other health issues. The study found three types of mutations in the gene, highlighting its importance in ovary function.
Treatment advances for fibroids and endometriosis aim to preserve reproductive potential while treating these conditions. Novel conservative approaches, including medical treatments and non-invasive procedures, are now available, offering women more choices during menopause.
A Norwegian study found that mothers born in India, Sri Lanka, and Africa have a higher prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum due to genetic factors. Mothers aged 20-24 years old and those with multiple fetuses also showed increased risk.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a new drug compound, NV-128, that can induce the death of ovarian cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. The compound works by halting the activation of the mTOR protein pathway, which is associated with tumor growth and resistance to conventional therapies.