A new blood test identified biomarkers in maternal blood that accurately predicted gestational age and preterm delivery, which may help doctors assess pregnancies more effectively. The study's findings offer hope for preventing premature birth, a crisis affecting millions of babies worldwide each year.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Christine Olson, a renowned expert in fetal-maternal nutrition, has been named the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins honoree. Her research has provided critical information on the risks of excessive weight gain during pregnancy and its impact on baby health.
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.
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.
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.
Rudolf Jaenisch received the March of Dimes Developmental Biology Prize for establishing the basis of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. His research holds great promise in regenerative medicine, potentially treating human diseases such as sickle-cell anemia and Parkinson's disease.
A new analysis found that opioid-based prescription painkillers increase the risk of serious birth defects and preterm birth. The CDC and March of Dimes recommend using safer alternatives during pregnancy to protect babies from exposure to opioids.
Fortifying grain foods with folic acid has saved about 1,300 babies each year from being born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Despite this progress, many women still do not get enough folic acid, highlighting the need for continued education and supplement use.
The national preterm birth rate fell to 11.4% in 2013, beating the federal Healthy People 2020 goal seven years ahead of schedule. Despite this progress, the US still ranks among high resource countries with one of the highest preterm birth rates.
The March of Dimes aims to reduce US preterm birth rates to 5.5% by 2030 through evidence-based interventions such as eliminating early elective deliveries and optimizing birth spacing. The organization is also funding research to discover unknown causes of premature birth and identify new interventions.
A flu shot is crucial for pregnant women to prevent serious illness and protect their babies from influenza. Vaccinated moms also have a lower risk of flu-related hospitalizations for chronic asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, and other health issues.
A new report from the March of Dimes reveals that Hispanic women are more likely to have a baby with a neural tube birth defect and nearly a quarter of all preterm births in the US are Hispanic. Thalia, a global ambassador for the organization, is urging Hispanic women to be informed about pregnancy and baby health.
Pediatricians Rebecca H. Buckley and Jennifer M. Puck received the March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Award in Genetics for laying the groundwork for early detection of severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID). Their research led to the development of a newborn screening test, significantly improving long-term survival rates.
Researchers seeking to understand the causes of premature birth aim to identify women at risk and develop new treatments. Genetic variations, infection, fetal lung development, and cervical changes are being investigated as potential triggers for preterm labor.
Global health leaders have outlined a comprehensive research agenda to tackle the growing problem of preterm birth, the leading cause of newborn deaths. The 'Solution Pathway' aims to accelerate prevention and reduce mortality and disability through innovative research and practical interventions.
A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.
Gary M. Shaw receives Agnes Higgins Award for his research on human birth defects, highlighting the link between prenatal nutrition and increased risk of birth defects. The award recognizes Dr. Shaw's efforts to improve maternal nutrition and baby health.
The US preterm birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, but the country still earns a 'C' grade. Since 2006, about 176,000 fewer babies have been born too soon, potentially saving $9 billion in health and societal costs.
A multistate, hospital-based quality improvement program reduced the rate of elective early term deliveries from 27.8% to 4.8%, resulting in more babies staying in the womb longer. The project saw a decrease in births before 39 weeks and an increase in full-term births.
Dr. Eric N. Olson has discovered pivotal genes and regulatory pathways governing the development, disease, and regeneration of the heart and other muscles. His research offers hope for prevention and treatments for some of the most serious birth defects.
The March of Dimes is funding new research into preterm birth, focusing on genetics, infections, and hormones. The goal is to reduce the national preterm birth rate from 11.7% to 9.6%.
Experts claim that lowering preterm birth rates by an average of 5 percent across 39 high-resource countries can prevent prematurity for 58,000 babies a year. Combining five proven interventions can lower the preterm rate and save about $3 billion in health costs.
The US preterm birth rate dropped for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 to 11.7 percent, giving thousands more babies a healthy start in life and saving billions in health and social costs. Four states earned an 'A' on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, while the US earned a 'C', despite progress.
The US has the highest preterm birth rate among 130 countries, with 12.0 preterm births per 100 live births. Nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the US each year, resulting in significant human and economic costs.
Two scientists, Elaine Fuchs and Howard Green, have been awarded the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for their groundbreaking research on skin stem cells and inherited skin disorders. Their work has saved thousands of lives and holds promise for new therapies for baldness and other diseases.
Dr. Harry Dietz has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on Marfan syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 people worldwide. His research has identified the genetic cause of the disease and a potential treatment using an FDA-approved high blood pressure medication.
Researchers from five states and Canada are studying cellular-level processes that control uterine muscles, air pollution's effect on pregnancy, and the causes of preeclampsia. The goal is to lower the nation's preterm birth rate to 9.6% by 2020.
New research challenges conventional wisdom on C-sections for preterm babies, finding they may contribute to breathing problems. Small for gestational age babies delivered by c-section before 34 weeks had a 30 percent higher odds of developing respiratory distress syndrome than those born vaginally.
The March of Dimes has launched a virtual network to prevent preterm birth, with the goal of reducing the rate to 9.6%. The network aims to share information on successful programs and policies to prevent preterm births, resulting in better health outcomes for babies.
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
Dr. Patrick Catalano received the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award for his research showing a link between maternal obesity and an increased risk of metabolic disorders in babies. His work highlights the importance of weight control early in pregnancy to protect children from chronic diseases.
A comprehensive review of 173,687 cases found maternal smoking causes a range of serious birth defects. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of premature birth and related health problems.
The March of Dimes suggests fortifying corn masa flour with folic acid to lower the rate of neural tube defects among Hispanics. Studies show that folic acid supplements before conception and early pregnancy can prevent these birth defects.
A new study reveals that babies born at 39 weeks have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those born earlier, with mortality rates declining by up to 50% per week after 37 weeks. This research supports the importance of continuing pregnancy until 39 weeks for optimal baby health.
Two scientists, Patricia Ann Jacobs and David C. Page, received the 2011 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for their research on the X and Y chromosomes, expanding medicine's ability to diagnose and understand infertility and other diseases.
Dr. Stephen T. Warren, a world-renowned fragile X syndrome researcher, received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award in Genetics from the March of Dimes. His groundbreaking work identified the genetic abnormality responsible for this disorder and led to significant contributions to clinical settings.
The March of Dimes is investing $2.4 million in new funding for research on predicting and preventing preterm birth, a leading cause of infant death. Five scientists will study low doses of carbon monoxide, genes, blood tests to identify high-risk women, and fetal membrane weakening.
Research led by Dr. Errol Norwitz found that progesterone prevents preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in fetal membranes, resulting in stronger and thicker fetal membranes. This study contributes to the understanding of what triggers labor and the role of progesterone in preventing premature birth.
The US saw a two-year decline in preterm birth rates, primarily among babies born just weeks early, while many states improved in at least one contributing factor. The overall national rate remains high compared to top-scoring countries.
David Barker's theory, the 'Barker Hypothesis,' links low birthweight to chronic diseases like coronary heart disease and obesity. His work has guided prenatal care for over two decades, emphasizing the importance of a mother's nutritional needs throughout her lifetime.
Anna R. Brandon, PhD, was honored by the March of Dimes for her research on ethical barriers to perinatal mental health research. Her work aims to improve access to evidence-based treatment for pregnant women, ensuring they receive safe and effective care during pregnancy.
Very low birthweight and preterm infants are more likely to die without access to specialized NICU care. A regionalized system of NICUs has improved infant mortality rates since its inception in the 1970s, but progress has been hindered by a decline in Level III hospital births.
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka's pioneering work on induced pluripotent stem cells eliminates need for embryonic stem cell harvesting from human embryos. The discovery has the potential to correct or repair birth defects in children, offering hope for preventions and treatments.
Dian Donnai, a leading expert on rare genetic diseases, has been awarded the March of Dimes/Colonel Harland Sanders Award for her pioneering work in defining and researching rare genetic conditions such as Williams syndrome. Her contributions have improved the lives of millions affected by these diseases.
The March of Dimes has awarded $2.6 million to six scientists studying the causes of preterm birth, with a focus on predicting and preventing premature labor. The funding aims to improve baby health by understanding genetics, environment, and vitamin D's role in preventing preterm birth.
Researchers highlight the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in preventing spontaneous preterm birth. A review article highlights family history, infection, stress, and genetics as risk factors for early birth.
Researchers discovered DNA variants in genes involved in fighting infection that increase the risk of preterm labor and birth. These variants, carried by both mothers and fetuses, can lead to an inflammatory response that triggers early childbirth.