Researchers have identified a potential new target for preventing preterm labour, targeting a specific group of proteins in the uterus muscle that can suppress human uterine contractions and delay preterm birth in a preclinical model. The study, published in Communications Medicine, highlights a promising avenue for developing new drug...
Researchers have identified alpha-1 antitrypsin as a potential target for preventing spontaneous preterm birth. A recent study found that mothers carrying a specific variant of the SERPINA1 gene had shorter pregnancies, and treatment with human alpha-1 antitrypsin prevented preterm birth in mice.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and preterm birth, birth weight, or small-for-gestational-age size. However, it did find an association with lower odds of large-for-gestational-age birth when birth weight was accounted for.
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a midwife-led birth debrief can significantly strengthen women's emotional wellbeing after childbirth. The structured conversation provides an emotionally safe space for women to reflect on their birth experience and find meaning, leading to high satisfaction rates.
Researchers analyzed 18,396 women undergoing first IVF cycle between 2012-2021 across seven Australian fertility clinics. The study found a 68.2% cumulative live birth rate using single embryo transfer in 95.3% of cases and a multiple birth rate of just 2.9%.
A new study by Emory University researchers has uncovered molecular differences between pregnancies that ended in preterm birth and those that reached full term. The findings provide valuable biological insights into the causes of early birth and may lead to improved tools for identifying risk and guiding prevention strategies.
A study of 336 mother-infant pairs found that breast milk and infant urine contained over 50 different chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormones during baby's development. These chemicals were detected in breast milk and urine up to 6 months after birth.
A University of Reading study found that pressure on women to have a natural birth leads to shame and self-blame when expectations are not met. Women reported feeling they had failed as mothers due to medical intervention or complications, highlighting the need for reform in antenatal education.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A new study reveals that human childbirth is not the only mammalian experience with birth difficulties. Research shows that many other mammals, from domestic livestock to wild species, face similar complications and mortality rates. This challenges long-held assumptions about human childbirth being uniquely difficult.
A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution found that optimal birth weight for minimal kidney damage during extreme endurance events is around eight pounds. Individuals with lower or higher birth weights may face a greater risk of kidney stress or damage.
A new study from Cornell University found that delaying the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine after birth leads to increased infections and higher healthcare costs. The longer the delay, the more severe the consequences for newborns, who are at high risk of developing chronic infections and premature death.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that extreme heat exposure is associated with low birth weight, affecting 18% of babies. Climate change is projected to increase this burden by 8-10% by the 2060s.
Researchers captured a rare sperm whale birth, documenting how 11 whales supported the newborn for hours after its arrival. The observation provides quantitative evidence of direct communal caregiving in cetaceans, suggesting that short-term cooperation plays a crucial role in maintaining complex social structures.
Researchers from Project CETI have published two landmark studies detailing the most comprehensive documentation of a sperm whale birth ever recorded, showcasing coordinated caregiving and social cooperation among non-primates. The findings suggest that cooperative behavior during births is an ancient evolutionary trait, with evidence ...
New research from Murdoch University found that antenatal care can reduce the likelihood of traumatic birth experiences in Australian women. Low-cost interventions like childbirth plans and midwifery-led psychoeducation showed potential to reduce fear of childbirth and improve women's experiences.
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
Research finds that SSRIs during pregnancy increase gestational diabetes risk in newborns but lower preterm birth and low birth weight risks. SSRIs also associated with breathing problems and neonatal care needs in newborns.
A Swedish study of prematurely born adults found increased morbidity in physical and mental health, yet they reported a high quality of life. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 26-29, suggests that premature birth does not necessarily limit daily life.
A study published in BJOG found that continuous care from community-based midwives significantly reduced the risk of preterm birth among Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds and socially deprived areas. Women who received this care had a lower risk of preterm birth, increased spontaneous vaginal delivery rates, and bette...
A large US study has found no association between community water fluoridation and lower birth weight, a widely accepted indicator of infant health. The study analyzed over 11 million singleton births across 677 counties and found small changes in birth weight that were not statistically significant.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial demonstrates the advantages of continuous real-time glucose monitoring over finger-prick testing in managing gestational diabetes. The study found that only four percent of women with rt-CGM gave birth to above-average weight children, compared to ten percent in the control group.
Leading experts urge universal hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns in the US, citing a 95% decline in infant infections since 1991. The policy has prevented an estimated one million hospitalizations and 90,000 deaths.
A study analyzing US birth records found that a cap-and-trade initiative to reduce ozone pollution significantly improved infant health outcomes, including higher birth weight and lower rates of low birth weight and very preterm birth.
A new study led by the University of Washington analyzed data from over 20,000 births and found that pregnant people exposed to wildfire smoke were more likely to give birth prematurely. The risk was highest in mid-pregnancy and peak exposure levels above 10 micrograms per cubic meter were associated with elevated risks.
Research found that mothers with two or more adverse childhood experiences had a 12.6% preterm birth rate, double that of those with zero to one experiences. Adverse childhood experiences include abuse, neglect, and household instability, which can have lasting impacts on health and well-being.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found a significant link between the maternal gut microbiome and preterm birth. The researchers identified Clostridium innocuum as a key bacteria species that may contribute to preterm birth by degrading estradiol, a critical hormone during pregnancy.
A study led by Dr. Eliza McElwee finds that inflammation triggered by infection can lead to fetal brain inflammation and preterm birth. By administering a complement inhibitor, pregnant mice showed reduced inflammation and increased viability of offspring, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the US have at least one modifiable risk factor for birth defects. The analysis highlights the need for improved preconception health and identifying and addressing these changeable risk factors before pregnancy.
Researchers have identified a strong link between preterm birth and increased risks of chronic health issues later in life, including high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. The study's findings highlight the importance of including birth history in adult medical records to optimize health outcomes.
A study of nearly 5 million Chinese women found that those with low blood sugar levels prior to conception had a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study also showed varying risks associated with different body mass indices.
A new study by University College London found that nearly 58% of women who had given birth in the last year were not using contraception two months later, despite the risk of back-to-back pregnancies. Women who received high-quality contraceptive advice were more likely to use contraception sooner after giving birth.
Research found that premature babies who had early skin-to-skin contact with their mother were more likely to be breastfed at discharge and for up to one year. Early contact also promotes bonding, reduces stress, and supports long-term development.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers finds that a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth among patients with cervical insufficiency, with a 70% lower risk compared to transvaginal cerclage (TVC).
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that prenatal exposure to ambient fine particulate matter is associated with low birth weight and preterm birth in India. The researchers used geospatial models to highlight vulnerable areas, including the Northern districts where children are more susceptible to air pollution.
Researchers found skewed sex ratios at birth among mothers from China, India, and Vietnam, with some mothers preferring boys over girls. The imbalance increased with multiple children, but remained stable for Australian-born mothers.
A research team at Washington University in St. Louis used machine learning to analyze sleep data from pregnant participants and found that variability in sleep patterns can predict preterm birth. The study aims to provide accurate prediction of preterm birth, which is the primary cause of death among children under age 5.
A study of Iowa's birth records and county-level nitrate measurements found a link between prenatal nitrate exposure and increased preterm birth and low birthweight babies. The study suggests that current regulatory standards may be insufficient to protect against the risks of nitrate exposure.
A new prediction model developed by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has been found to accurately assess the risk of severe birth injuries during childbirth. The study's findings suggest that larger babies are the main risk factor for these injuries, and previous obstetric anal sphincter injuries also play a significant role.
A new study from Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health found a link between the number of trees planted within 100 meters of a mother's home and higher birth weight. Living near newly planted trees was associated with a statistically significant increase in birthweight, with about 50 grams more per tree.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that reducing socioeconomic disparities can significantly alleviate adverse birth outcomes, with 48% of low-weight births and 15% of premature births possibly avoiding if all women had the same risk level as White British women living in less deprived areas.
Researchers found that women who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic were more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of COVID-19 infection severity. Moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy also increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
A Chinese trial suggests that fresh embryo transfer may have a higher live birth rate than frozen embryos in women with low IVF treatment success. The study found lower rates of pregnancy and live births in the frozen group, but no differences in birth weight or complications.
Researchers found that pregnant people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher chance of experiencing mental illness during their pregnancy and in the first years after giving birth. Mental illnesses included anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicide attempts and substance abuse.
Research reveals that normal term birth triggers a cellular process involving glutamine metabolism in neural stem cells, which is impaired by preterm birth. This process affects postnatal neurogenesis and may contribute to worse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
According to UTHealth Houston research, adolescent and young adult men with cancer have a slightly elevated risk of having preterm birth and children with low birth weight. However, the likelihood of live birth was highest for fathers who had thyroid cancer and lowest for those with gastrointestinal cancer.
A Brazilian study of 89 father-mother-baby triads found that paternal overweight is linked to lower birth weight and may influence the baby's health in adulthood. The research suggests that fathers should prioritize healthy habits during pregnancy to support fetal development.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
Researchers observed distinct growth patterns in brain functional networks during the birth transition, with some areas showing minimal changes and others undergoing dramatic reorganization. The subcortical network was found to exhibit significant increases in communication efficiency at birth.
A national study led by Oregon State University found that planned home births for low-risk pregnancies are comparable to birth center births in terms of health outcomes. The study analyzed over 110,000 births from 2012 to 2019 and showed no safety difference between the two settings.
A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that 30% of parents with a very low birth weight baby have had to make an employment decision due to their child's health and ongoing care needs. Having a medically complex baby often forces parents to consider leaving their job, impacting their health insurance plans and networks.
Researchers found that chimpanzees have a similarly narrow pelvis to humans, contradicting previous theories. The study proposes a new hypothesis that the obstetrical dilemma developed gradually and became increasingly exacerbated over evolution.
A recent study published in PNAS found that Japanese macaques do not experience maternal mortality during childbirth despite having a similar pelvis-to-head ratio to humans. The researchers believe that the flexibility of their pelvic girdle and birth dynamics may be key factors contributing to this lack of risk.
Researchers at Wayne State University are exploring the connections between PFAS exposure, bacterial infections, and preterm birth. The study aims to identify critical pathways responsible for preterm birth and establish a causative link between pollutant exposures and adverse birth outcomes.
A new study found that neighborhoods with fewer opportunities are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Hispanic infants. The study suggests that structural racism and discriminatory practices contribute to this racial gap in preterm birth outcomes.
A study found that Brazilian women are giving birth too early, impairing the health of their babies, due to manipulation of birth timing around Carnival. Preterm deliveries via cesarean section lead to reduced gestational age and birth weight, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
A new registry-based study by the University of Eastern Finland found a significant association between season of birth and airway allergies, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Being born in autumn or winter was associated with higher rates of these conditions, while summer births showed the lowest incidence.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in low birth weights among Indian infants. The research analyzed data from over 200,000 babies and showed that the prevalence of low birth weight rose by 3% during the pandemic.