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People born preterm are likely to be less physically active as teenagers and adults, according to large Norwegian study which measured a week of participants' activity using wearable sensors

A large Norwegian study found that people born preterm are less physically active as teenagers and adults. The study, which measured physical activity using wearable sensors, suggests that preterm birth may be associated with reduced physical activity in young adulthood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateSep 23, 2026

Bacterial supplements may boost female fertility

Researchers found that treating women with Lactobacillus gasseri supplements or postbiotics improved fertility among those over 35. The study showed higher endometrial abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria in pregnant women, suggesting a beneficial effect on uterine health.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

New study links uterine ageing to poorer pregnancy outcomes after 49 despite donor eggs

A major new study suggests that age-related changes in the uterus may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, with women aged 49 and over experiencing lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage risk despite donor-oocyte treatment. The study found that cumulative live birth rates declined substantially with age, from 80% among women...

Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection

The study found that women with pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including dissections and aneurysms. Women with P-SCAD also experienced less recovery in left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those without P-SCAD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2026

CBD treatment reverses key effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in a mouse model

A preclinical study shows that cannabidiol restores emotional behavior, reduces alcohol-related vulnerability, and reverses gut microbiota alterations caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Female mice particularly benefited from CBD treatment, which normalized their emotional alterations and eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Air pollution exposure and birth weight

A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 26, 2025

Stowers scientists identify the fusion point of Robertsonian chromosomes, hinting at how chromosomes evolve

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the precise location where human chromosomes break and recombine to form Robertsonian chromosomes. The study reveals that repetitive DNA sequences play a central role in genome organization and evolution, explaining how these rearrangements form and remain stable.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2025

Research reveals STIs during pregnancy linked to adverse birth complications

A large-scale study found strong links between maternal infections and adverse outcomes in babies born in Australia's Northern Territory. Congenital syphilis tripled the risk of preterm birth, while gonorrhoea increased the risk of stillbirth. The study highlights the need for more changes in STI testing during pregnancy.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 21, 2025

How babies are affected by their mother’s age

Children of older mothers are more likely to be born prematurely or with complications. The study found that babies born to mothers 45 years and older had the highest risks of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight compared to younger mothers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalActa Paediatrica·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025

New USC study links wildfire smoke exposure and heat stress to adverse birth outcomes

A recent USC study found associations between increased exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress during preconception and the first trimester with the odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant. Living in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood can increase these risks, particularly for women exposed to heat stress.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 18, 2025

Prenatal cannabis use and neonatal outcomes

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The research also suggests a potential link between cannabis use during pregnancy and smaller-than-average newborns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 5, 2025

Radon exposure and gestational diabetes

A cohort study found that individuals with higher radon exposure are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The study suggests a potential link between radon exposure and metabolic health in nulliparous pregnant women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 10, 2025

Inexpensive drug can prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies

A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 23, 2024

Strictest abortion-ban states offer least family support

A Northwestern University study reveals that states with severe post-Dobbs abortion restrictions also lack policies to support families, particularly those of low socioeconomic status and marginalized individuals. The authors argue that advocates should leverage child protection arguments to advocate for improved family welfare policies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 4, 2024

Prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide associated with lower birth weight and head circumference in newborns

A study of 1,106 newborns from five countries found that prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide is associated with lower birth weight and smaller head circumference. The results suggest that reducing exposure to ethylene oxide could protect fetal health and improve birth outcomes.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEpidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term mortality in women

A national cohort study of over 2 million Swedish women found that those experiencing five major adverse pregnancy outcomes had significantly higher mortality rates. The study highlights the importance of early preventive evaluation and long-term follow-up for detection and treatment of chronic disorders associated with premature morta...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 15, 2024

Neighborhood-level poverty and food insecurity during pregnancy associated with lower birthweight and small for gestational age infants, NIH study finds

A recent NIH study found that living in low-income neighborhoods with limited food access during pregnancy is associated with lower birthweight and higher odds of babies born small for gestational age. However, individual food insecurity was not linked to birth outcomes.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2024

Autoimmune disease and pregnancy

A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2024

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients needed for them and their babies – and situation could worsen with plant-based foods

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023