A large prospective observational study found no association between oral contraceptive use and major birth defects. The study included over 880,000 live-born infants and found no increased risk among women who became pregnant while using or after stopping the drug.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark found that oral contraceptive use is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, with a prevalence of major birth defects consistent across all pregnant women regardless of contraceptive use.
A new study found that out-of-hospital births in Oregon were associated with a higher risk of perinatal death, while in-hospital births were linked to increased cesarean deliveries and other obstetric interventions. However, the overall risk for perinatal death was low in all settings.
A study of over 156,947 U.K. women found that extending IVF cycles beyond 3 or 4 treatment cycles can increase the likelihood of a live birth. Live-birth rates continued to rise with each additional cycle, with 65% of women achieving a live birth by the sixth cycle.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that planned home births among low-risk pregnant women do not increase the risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, or serious events. In fact, these women were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and breastfeed exclusively after delivery.
A Yale University study found that group prenatal care substantially improves health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Women who received group care had lower rates of small birth size, preterm delivery, and low birthweight compared to those with individual care.
Research found that immigrant parents in Canada had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. The study also identified specific countries with higher rates of preterm birth among certain groups.
A UTHealth study found that children born with cleft lip or palate and spina bifida are at higher risk of maltreatment before age 2, with increased risks of 40% and 58% respectively. Medical complexity may contribute to this increased risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that weekend births in England are associated with a higher rate of complications, including maternal infections and perinatal death. Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million births between 2010 and 2012 and found that rates varied according to the day of the week.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that younger mothers are less likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms. Daughters of women who give birth at 30 or older are more likely to report higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety as young adults.
A Canadian study found that black women are at a higher risk of preterm birth than white women, with rates mirroring those in the US. The study analyzed data from the Canadian Live Birth database and found that black women had an 8.9% preterm birth rate, compared to 5.9% for white women.
The US earns a 'C' grade for its preterm birth rate, with racial and ethnic disparities persisting in many states. Cities like Portland, Oregon, and St. Paul, Minnesota, have lower rates, while Shreveport, Louisiana, has the highest rate among major cities.
Babies born to mothers traveling to the US for birth have significant medical complexities, longer hospital stays and increased re-hospitalization. The study found an average maternal age of 4 years older, doubled median hospital stay length and higher mortality rate compared to control group.
Research published in Heliyon found that women born in summer months were more likely to be healthy adults, with slightly higher birth weights and later onset of puberty. This effect is thought to be linked to increased vitamin D exposure during pregnancy, which can influence childhood growth and development.
The World Congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics has adopted recommendations from the Perinatology Research Branch at Wayne State University to prevent preterm birth. These guidelines include daily vaginal progesterone treatment for women with short cervices, which can reduce the risk by nearly half.
A growing number of state Medicaid agencies cover contraceptive devices immediately after delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes. IUDs inserted postpartum have a slightly higher risk of falling out than delayed placement, but the risk of complications is low.
A new study suggests that a common approach to vaginal birth and team work can increase the rate of vaginal births after caesarean sections. The study, led by Professor Ingela Lundgren, found that women should be involved in decision-making and receive faith and support.
A new University of Utah study found that climate change negatively impacts birth weight, particularly in African countries. Exposure to reduced precipitation and increased hot days results in lower birth weights, with effects seen as early as the first trimester.
Research from the South Asian Birth Cohort study suggests that South Asians may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes immediately after birth due to higher levels of adipose tissue and waist circumference.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that low birth weight is associated with low levels of social trust in adulthood, while high birth weight is linked to high levels of trust. The researchers suggest that factors linked to the embryonic stage, such as nutrition and environment, may play a role in shaping adult behavior.
A study in a malaria-endemic region found that daily iron supplementation during pregnancy did not increase the risk of malaria, but resulted in increased birth weight and improved fetal outcomes. The authors suggest that universal iron supplementation may outweigh potential risks in low- and middle-income countries.
A series of parenting classes, Family Foundations, has been shown to reduce parental stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving parenting quality and long-term child outcomes. Participation in the program was linked to more optimal birth weight and shorter hospital stays for mothers at risk.
A population study reveals that a well-balanced maternal diet before pregnancy reduces the risk of certain heart abnormalities in newborns. The research found that women with higher diet quality had a lower risk of congenital heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot and atrial septal defects.
A recent UBC study found that planned home births attended by registered midwives in BC between 2001-2004 saved an average of $2,338 compared to hospital births. The study also showed lower health costs for babies born at home, with first-year health costs being $810 less than those for hospital births.
Shorter maternal height influences fetal environment, affecting pregnancy length and prematurity risk; birth length and weight mainly influenced by genetic factors. The study's findings highlight the importance of identifying genetic contributors to preterm birth.
Women undergoing fertility treatment face a higher risk of depression after giving birth compared to those who don't have a child. The Danish research found that women who give birth after fertility treatment are five times more likely to develop depression in the first six weeks after birth.
Researchers found significant differences in reproductive tract microbiomes between women who delivered preterm and full-term babies. The study suggests that these differences can predict early pregnancy risks and may help identify women at risk of preterm birth.
A new study by Jennifer B. Kane found that a woman's weight at birth, education level, and marital status before pregnancy can impact the birth weight of her daughters and granddaughters, with biological and social factors influencing this cycle across generations.
A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that individuals with a genetic subtype of schizophrenia who were born with low birth weight or prematurely had nearly one in two risk of developing schizophrenia. This is compared to those without schizophrenia, where the risk was lower.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that adult IQ of very premature babies can be predicted when they are just two years old. The research team led by Professor Dieter Wolke assessed 200 children born with low birth weight or very premature birth and compared their cognitive function to a control group of full-term babies.
A study by the Max Planck Institute found that parents experiencing a drop in happiness after the birth of their first child are less likely to have a second child. The effect is strongest for well-educated and older parents. In fact, only 58 out of 100 couples who reported a significant decline in happiness had a second child within t...
A recent study found that US NICU admission rates have increased for newborns of all birth weights, including normal-weight and term infants. The researchers looked at data from nearly 18 million live births between 2007 and 2012 and found a significant increase in NICU admissions.
Research suggests that adults born very premature are more likely to display autistic features, neuroticism, introversion and decreased risk taking. This can lead to difficulties in social relationships with peers, friends and partners.
A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that transgender youth have sex hormone levels consistent with their assigned gender at birth. The research also highlighted the mental health impacts of living with a gender atypical experience, including depression and suicidal ideation.
A joint association between low birth weight and unhealthy lifestyle in adulthood increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent most cases of this condition.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that low birth weight combined with an unhealthy adult lifestyle can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 149,000 healthy men and women and found that 18% of cases were attributable to the combined effect of low birth weig...
A new study reveals that adverse childhood experiences can heighten a woman's risk of preterm birth, with the risk doubling if two or more events occur. Researchers hope to develop early interventions and predict which women are at risk of preterm birth.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers who smoke and have a preterm birth face significantly increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The risk increases with the number and severity of preterm births, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking among pregnant women.
A study published in The BMJ found an association between SSRI antidepressants and increased risk of birth defects in infants. Sertraline was the only SSRI not linked to higher risks, while fluoxetine and paroxetine were associated with heart wall defects and irregular skull shape, respectively
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that poor sanitation practices, such as open defecation, were associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women in rural India. Nearly two-thirds of the women studied practiced open defecation, and a quarter experienced preterm birth or low birth weight.
Scientists investigate placental microbiome, genes, and uterine muscle cells to understand preterm labor triggers. The goal is to develop novel drugs and treatments to prevent premature birth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified two proteins responsible for initiating the labor process, which control genes for pulmonary surfactant components that promote labor. Surfactant is essential for normal breathing outside the womb. Understanding these molecular mechanisms may help prevent preterm birth.
A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Harvard found that exposure to high air temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birth weight and can cause preterm birth. High temperatures of 8.5 °C in the last trimester were associated with a 17g decrease in birth weight.
The study found a significant association between birth month and disease risk, with people born in May having the lowest risk of disease and those born in October having the highest. The researchers identified nine types of heart disease that correlated with seasonal effects, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found pregnant women living near high-density natural gas wells were more likely to have babies with lower birth weights. The study, published in PLOS ONE, examined birth records from southwestern Pennsylvania and controlled for various factors that may influence newborn weight.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women born preterm have a significantly higher risk of giving birth to preterm children. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,400 Quebec women born preterm and compared it to women born at term, revealing a 13% difference in preterm delivery rates.
A Monash University study found that women's expectations and attitudes about birth are shaped by popular media, particularly magazines, leading to biased decision-making. Women exposed to magazine articles endorsing non-medicalised birth were more likely to change their intention towards a natural birth.
A new study by King's College London found that premature birth alters the connections between key areas of the brain. This can lead to difficulties in learning, concentration, and social skills later in childhood.
Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.
A new Finnish study found that low birth weight at birth is associated with a higher risk of disability pension due to mental disorders. This can lead to an early exit from the workforce, resulting in a substantial loss to the economy.
A comparison study found that IVFpredict is more accurate than the Templeton method in predicting the chances of successful live births after IVF treatment. The study analyzed data from 130,960 IVF cycles and showed that both models underestimated live birth rates, but IVFpredict remained more accurate.
A cross-sectional study of 1,309 children found a significant association between low birth weight and the development of enamel defects. The study suggests that prenatal hypertension and prematurity may also contribute to the severity of these defects.
A new Australian study has found that women who give birth in a public hospital are more confident parents compared to those who have private births. The study found that public hospitals provide more after-hospital health care, leading to increased maternal satisfaction and confidence as new parents.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility found that underlying subfertility may account for some of the risks associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) births. Singletons born to mothers with ART had higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, while twins had better outcomes.
A study found that extremely low birth weight babies are more likely to develop psychiatric problems like depression and ADHD as adults. However, those who received steroids during pregnancy were not protected against these issues.
A study has found that certain genetic variants in a baby's DNA may increase the risk of preterm birth. The researchers analyzed the DNA of hundreds of babies and their mothers, finding a link between duplicated or deleted genes in the babies and an increased risk of early birth.
The study analyzed 11,535 women with preterm birth in the first pregnancy and found that an interval of less than 12 months increases the risk for severe preterm birth. Women with preterm birth are advised to postpone their next pregnancy for at least 12 months.
A Dutch nationwide study found that male fetuses were at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly between 28-31 weeks. Additionally, male fetuses were more likely to experience prelabor rupture of membranes between 26-37 weeks, leading to higher neonatal morbidity rates.
Research finds that mothers with low birth weight or preeclampsia are more likely to have offspring with similar conditions. This study of over 2,300 mother-daughter pairs suggests careful surveillance may help detect complications early.
A Stanford study found that nearly 20% of very-low-birth-weight babies in California were not referred to the state's high-risk infant follow-up program. Larger neonatal intensive care units and referrals were more common among premature or medically fragile infants.