Articles tagged with Gestational Age
Eight low-cost interventions can prevent an estimated 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million babies born preterm or small for gestational age each year. Implementing these interventions in 81 low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of millions of babies and improve long-term health outcomes.
A novel technique of three-dimensional (3D) slice-to-volume (SVR) MRI allows for precise delineation and measurement of the fetal optic pathway (FOP). The study found that FOP was visualized in 9 cases in unprocessed fetal MRIs, compared to 55 cases in 3D SVR images.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that taxes on sugary drinks lower the risk of gestational diabetes, unhealthy weight gain, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The study analyzed over 5 million pregnant women and found a significant reduction in these health risks.
A study found that gestational iron deficiency may contribute to cognitive impairments like autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Researchers identified a specific embryonic neuronal progenitor cell target for GID, which disrupts interneuron development.
A new study found that babies exposed to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the womb were biologically younger than their chronologic age. The researchers used DNA samples from over 1,800 newborns to evaluate each infant's epigenetic age and compared it to their chronological age at birth.
A new study found that pregnant individuals who give birth to large-for-gestational-age (LGA) babies are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes 10-14 years after childbirth. Researchers analyzed data from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow-up Study, which revealed a significant association bet...
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
Women who experience five major pregnancy complications face an increased risk of ischemic heart disease up to 46 years after delivery. The study found that all major adverse pregnancy outcomes should be recognized as lifelong risk factors for heart disease.
A new study reveals that US pregnancies are shorter than those in England and the Netherlands, with average lengths declining by over half a week between 1990 and 2020. This finding suggests that reducing medical interventions during the birthing process could improve maternity care outcomes in the US.
Researchers found that buprenorphine use was associated with better outcomes for the baby, including lower risk of preterm birth, small size for gestational age, and low birth weight. The study suggests increasing access to buprenorphine treatment among pregnant individuals with opioid-use disorder.
A Norwegian study of over 72,000 births found no increased risks of adverse outcomes for babies conceived within three months of a miscarriage or abortion. In fact, shorter intervals were associated with lower risks of small for gestational age and large for gestational age, as well as lower risk of gestational diabetes.
A large Nordic study found that children born to mothers with preeclampsia have higher risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke. The association holds even after accounting for other birth complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
A Rutgers study found that infants who died unexpectedly in the first week of life had different risk factors compared to those who died later. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2015 and found that mothers of infants dying in the first week showed less evidence of common risk factors such as smoking during pregnancy.
A new study found that babies born below the 25th percentile for birthweight are at a higher risk of developmental concerns compared to those born in the middle range. The researchers suggest that better birthweight surveillance and support during childhood may help reduce these risks.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.
A prospective multicenter case-control study found that third-trimester fetuses exposed to opioids in utero exhibited smaller brain biometric measurements and altered fetal physiology. The study suggests a possible link between prenatal opioid exposure and postnatal clinical outcomes.
A cohort study found that endoscopists performing colonoscopies in FIT-based screening programs should aim for markedly higher ADRs compared to primary colonoscopy screening. The study suggests that high ADRs are associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Researchers recommend using ADR targets, including differen...
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that noninvasive ventilation in nano-preterm infants did not show an advantage in reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. In contrast, infants who received invasive respiratory support had lower rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and death.
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
A large Canadian study found no association between Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risks of preterm birth or stillbirth. The study analyzed data from over 85,000 births and concluded that vaccination is effective against Covid-19 in pregnant individuals and their newborns.
A new study published in PLOS ONE explores the relationship between preterm birth and educational attainment in U.K. children. The research found that children born before 32 weeks had higher rates of poor school attainment, but only those born very preterm remained at risk by the end of secondary school.
A Rutgers study found that early-term births (37–38 weeks) have significantly higher symptoms of hyperactivity, ADHD, and cognitive problems or inattention compared to full-term births. Teachers' reports provided valuable input for the diagnosis of ADHD, highlighting the need for regular screenings.
Researchers found an association between estimated groundwater arsenic concentration and risk of low birth weight, suggesting efforts to reduce arsenic in private wells could help more babies be born at healthy weights. The study used machine learning algorithms to estimate arsenic levels in nearly all US counties.
A recent study found that obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death. The research revealed that over 60% of this increased risk is associated with deliveries occurring at an earlier gestational age, highlighting the importance of careful prenatal care and monitoring.
Despite an overall decline in stillbirth rates across the UK, black and South Asian communities continue to experience higher rates of stillbirths compared to the rest of the population. Placental issues and birth defects are key causes of stillbirths in these groups, but the underlying cause remains unknown in more than half of cases.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that smoking by mothers during the periconceptional period is associated with delayed embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weights. The delay in embryonic development was found to have a greater impact in the second trimester of pregnancy.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that antimony and other metals are associated with lower birthweight, while some metals show group- and sex-dependent associations. The research suggests that reducing exposure to these metals could help prevent harmful effects on fetal growth.
A study of 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark found a significant association between seasonal patterns and the rate of extremely preterm births. The analysis revealed that rates of extremely preterm births were higher during the winter months.
A comprehensive quality-improvement initiative in a NICU reduced death and severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants from 27.4% to 15%. The program introduced evidence-based practices, including electronic order sets, improved monitoring of blood carbon dioxide and pH levels, and standardized delivery room practices.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
A randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of a Mediterranean diet and mindfulness-based stress reduction on preventing small-for-gestational age birth weights. The study found that these interventions significantly reduced the risk of this adverse pregnancy outcome.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a small for gestational age (SGA) baby in subsequent pregnancies. The research analyzed data from nearly 17,000 mothers who received antenatal care for their first two pregnancies and found that women who smoked at the start of eith...
Researchers identified clusters of asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality in cities with low per capita GDP, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare interventions. The study's methodology can help policymakers plan strategies to reduce avoidable newborn deaths.
Researchers discovered a distinct difference in gene expression in women who underwent preterm labor compared to those at full term. The findings suggest new directions for studying preterm labor and potentially effective treatments.
This observational study found no association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and increased risk of preterm birth, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study's findings suggest that antipsychotics during pregnancy do not pose a significant risk to fetal development.
A study found that women who conceive within 12 months of bariatric surgery are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes in pregnancy, including lower gestational age and neonatal birth weights. Inadequate gestational weight gain was also linked to increased preterm births.
A new study by UC Davis MIND Institute finds a connection between gestational age and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with Down syndrome. Earlier gestational age was linked to increased ADHD symptoms later in childhood.
A study of over 1 million children found that those born early had a higher risk of hospital admissions throughout childhood. The risk declined with age, but remained elevated until age 10, especially for those born at 38 and 39 weeks' gestation.
A study of over 3.5 million Nordic children found a slight increase in autism risk for each week of gestation before or after 40 weeks, regardless of sex or birth weight. The relative risk was highest for children born at 22-31 weeks and lowest for those born post-term (after 42 weeks), with an overall low ASD incidence of 1.44%.
Researchers found that individuals born small for gestational age have a lower IQ throughout development, but differences can narrow by adulthood. Additional factors like socioeconomic status and parent-infant relationship also influence cognitive performance.
A Norwegian study found that women who experience complications during their first full-term pregnancy are more likely to deliver preterm in subsequent pregnancies. The researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 women and discovered a significant link between term complications and increased preterm risk.
Men born small for gestational age have a 55% increased risk of infertility as adults, compared to those born within the normal weight range. The study found no link between gestational age and infertility in women.
The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that women with a history of bariatric surgery are at higher risk of premature birth, congenital anomalies, and low birth weight. Health professionals should provide additional support and monitoring for these high-risk pregnancies.
A new machine learning algorithm combined with a handheld smartphone device can accurately estimate the gestational age of premature newborns. The technology has the potential to aid healthcare workers in remote and low-income countries, where preterm births are a leading cause of child mortality.
A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.
A Stanford-led study developed a blood test detecting premature birth with 75-80% accuracy. The test also estimates gestational age, reducing infant mortality risk and improving prenatal care in low-resource settings.
A study found a significant link between low birth weight and left-handedness in two large sets of Japanese and Dutch newborn children. Left-handers averaged lower birth weights, with differences observed even within families.
A new study found that early full-term births are associated with a higher risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness during adolescence and young adulthood. The researchers also discovered that each week increase in gestational age is linked to a lower risk of poor respiratory fitness.
The study estimates that 23.3 million infants were born small for gestational age in 2012, with 606,500 newborn deaths attributed to this condition. Implementing proven interventions, such as continuous skin-to-skin contact and breast feeding support, can prevent approximately 250,000 newborn deaths annually
A new study examines 'small for gestational age' (SGA) across Europe and finds that birthweight has a strong impact on reference percentiles for very preterm infants. Country-specific references are recommended to effectively benchmark outcomes for SGA in each population.
A study found that children born preterm or post-term performed lower on academic tests, with those born extremely early showing the most significant decline. Poor fetal growth was also associated with reduced academic performance.
A study of 153,000 Australian children found that planned births before optimal time had poorer child development. Children born vaginally at full term had a lower risk of developmental issues compared to those born via planned birth or labor induction.
Obese women who receive bariatric surgery before becoming pregnant have lower rates of cesarean sections and larger babies compared to those who don't. The study found a significant decrease in cesarean deliveries among women who underwent bariatric operations, with only 1% vs 38% in obese women without the procedure.
Researchers developed a method estimating developmental maturity via DNA methylation patterns, which can help assess preterm newborns' care and estimate conception time. The study found gestational age accurately estimated between 24-44 weeks, with correlations to birthweight and developmental maturity.
A large international study found that delivery at 37 weeks minimizes stillbirths and newborn deaths in twins. The researchers analyzed data from 32 studies on uncomplicated twin pregnancies and concluded that delivery before 36 weeks may not be necessary for monochorionic pregnancies.
Researchers are investigating a 'metabolic fingerprint' to identify premature babies in developing countries. By analyzing blood spots from newborns, the team hopes to determine gestational age and provide customized developmental assessments.
Adults born prematurely with low birth weight have lower bone mass than those born full term but small for gestational age. Ensuring a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, combined with exercise, may help reduce the risk of bone fractures later in life.
Researchers at Oxford University published new charts to assess head circumference at birth, providing a valuable tool in the Zika crisis. These charts enable healthcare professionals to screen all babies worldwide using the same criteria, reducing anxiety among mothers and improving diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers have created a new equation to estimate gestational age from fetal biometrics, showing a slight improvement in accuracy compared to the traditional Hadlock formula. The study validates the new formula using a large, multi-center dataset and demonstrates its potential to reduce unnecessary interventions like induction of labor.