Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A University of Iowa study suggests the placenta-brain axis plays a role in neurodevelopment, with low placental growth factor (PlGF) levels linked to higher odds of ADHD diagnosis in children. The study found that low PlGF levels in the third trimester were associated with a higher risk of ADHD diagnosis in children.
A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.
A systematic review of 43,000 women with diabetes exposed to GLP-1 RAs found no significant associations with preterm birth, stillbirth, or neonatal death, but evidence gaps remain for early pregnancy loss and postpartum use. Further research is needed to address these gaps and provide clearer evidence for women with diabetes
A new analysis of uterus transplant procedures shows that 70% of recipients achieved at least one live birth, with fewer rates of organ rejection and more healthy births. The study also found that transplanted uteruses can support multiple pregnancies before removal, and that children born through the procedure tend to develop normally.
A new labor guide developed by OHSU clinicians empowers patients by providing accessible information and education, resulting in increased perceived self-control and satisfaction during labor and delivery. The guide aims to reduce labor risks by educating patients on interventions and their benefits, leading to improved medical outcomes.
A recent review of 3 million participants found small positive associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism and ADHD, but these associations weakened with higher-quality studies. The evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
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.
A Norwegian survey of 64,193 women found that those who had sex more than four times a week conceived faster than those who had sex less often. The study suggests that higher sexual frequency may be associated with increased fertility in planned natural pregnancies.
Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that mothers with poor sleep quality in late pregnancy had babies with lower weight in the first 6 months of life, but higher weight after age 1-2 years. This effect was strongest in male infants and in babies born at term.
Researchers have demonstrated that CAR T-cell therapy can enable women with autoimmune diseases to have normal pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. Notably, the autoimmune disease did not return during the pregnancies, even though patients had stopped taking immunosuppressive medication.
A UCL-led study found that babies born to single mothers by choice have similar birth outcomes to babies of partnered mothers who had conceived naturally. Single mothers by choice were also less likely to have low birth weight or be born pre-term compared to single mothers who conceived naturally.
Researchers investigating Group B Streptococcus colonization in the birth canal may lead to improved preventative measures for neonatal meningitis. The study aims to understand how GBS attaches to and stays in the vaginal tract, potentially reducing cases of meningitis in newborns.
A new Cochrane review has found that emergency contraception containing mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel, with fewer side effects. Mifepristone also showed a lower risk of nausea and vomiting compared to other methods, but a higher likelihood of delayed menstruation.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center have identified a brain mechanism that may help explain how pregnancy changes the motivation to seek certain highly palatable foods. The study found that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus become less active during pregnancy, increasing food-craving-like behavior in animal...
A Rutgers-led study of over 414,000 births in New Jersey found a substantially higher risk of infant mortality among infants born to mothers with depressive symptoms. Infants born to mothers with depressive symptoms had nearly three times the risk of death before the age of 1 compared to their counterparts.
Iron deficiency affects an estimated 10 million adults in the US and 2 billion people worldwide, with up to 70% of cases missed among high-risk populations. ASH's new guidelines provide higher ferritin thresholds to help clinicians identify iron deficiency earlier and more accurately.
Researchers are evaluating the health and economic consequences of subpar buprenorphine dosing among Medicaid-covered pregnant women to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Data suggest that up to 90% of pregnant women require higher doses of buprenorphine.
Dr. Mark Walker led a seminar on pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects 2-4% of pregnancies and can be life-threatening. The seminar reviews current knowledge, strategies for prevention, and highlights a critical global health challenge, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries.
The study aims to identify the combined effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat on pregnancy, with a focus on vulnerable groups. Exposure to these hazards has been linked to preterm birth, low birthweight, and serious pregnancy complications, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected.
A new NIH-funded study in Michigan aims to reduce cannabis use during pregnancy and improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. The study, led by Dr. Alyssa Vanderziel, will develop and test a digital intervention combining electronic screening and brief intervention with tailored text messaging to encourage behavior change.
A nationwide birth cohort study found that negative feelings about pregnancy are associated with child developmental delays, while social support reduces risks. Mothers who reported 'no specific feelings' when learning of their pregnancy had the strongest association with developmental delays, highlighting the importance of identifying...
Researchers will investigate how e-cigarette components affect fetal respiratory immune development and the risk of respiratory viral infections in offspring. The study aims to identify sex-specific mechanisms of immune disruption and develop targeted interventions.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
Babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brain volumes, with differences detectable from 12 months old. The study found that anaemia affects brain development, particularly in regions involved in movement, learning, and communication.
Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...
Expectant mothers in the Philippines used creative coping strategies to manage sociopolitical stressors, including reframing difficult circumstances and maintaining a positive outlook. The study suggests that how new moms cope with stressful news may be more important than the news itself, with 67% of participants citing financial stre...
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...
Women with a history of gestational diabetes in pregnancy are at a substantially increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, with a median onset age 13 years earlier than those without prior gestational diabetes. They also experience more severe disease, requiring insulin treatment more frequently.
Research suggests that women's hormonal fluctuations during ovulation drive their desire for luxury goods, which may serve as a visible signal to attract mates. Studies found that women near ovulation prefer more conspicuous luxury products and display luxury in public, but not in private.
Salk Institute scientists found that maternal immune activation leads to epigenetic changes in mouse brains, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes were particularly significant in areas of the genome associated with autism spectrum disorder.
A prospective cohort study found that higher parental vitamin B12 and maternal RBC folate levels before and after conception, respectively, were associated with lower birth defect risk. This suggests that the nutritional status of both parents during the periconceptional period may play a role in preventing birth defects.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen and Nordsjællands Hospital found a 75% reduction in hospital admissions among infants aged 0-5 months in Denmark following the rollout of an RSV vaccine for pregnant women. This significant decline suggests that the vaccine is effective in reducing the burden of severe RSV disease.
A new study suggests that machine learning models using first-trimester pregnancy data can identify women and babies at risk of serious health problems earlier and more accurately than existing early risk assessment approaches. The models generally outperformed the current methods in Sweden, Chile, and Singapore, highlighting the poten...
A University of East Anglia report suggests that tens of thousands of new mothers in Britain may be suffering from undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth. The report highlights the need for better guidance and training for GPs to identify post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
A supported transition from obstetric care to postpartum primary care was associated with greater use of primary care-provided mental health services among pregnant and postpartum individuals with anxiety or depression. This low-cost intervention may facilitate ongoing access to mental health care supports and treatments beyond the imm...
Pregnancy loss is a common outcome, not an unusual event, according to a new book by University of Illinois professor Kate Clancy. The book highlights the intricate and uncertain process of pregnancy, where numerous tests and developmental milestones must be met for a fetus to grow and thrive.
A nationwide cohort study found that continued ICS use during early pregnancy was not associated with increased risks of maternal or neonatal outcomes. The study highlights the importance of individualized risk assessment while maintaining asthma control, providing reassuring evidence for current guideline recommendations.
A study of 2,400 women found that high folic acid intake was associated with vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, especially in pregnancies carrying a boy. Women taking 800 micrograms or more of folic acid per day were more likely to experience spotting and mild bleeding during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
A randomized clinical trial found that pregnant women who followed a strength training program had a 0% incidence of gestational diabetes, compared to 7.3% in the control group. The program also improved quality of life and reduced pregnancy symptoms.
A cohort study of pregnant females with opioid use disorder found higher discontinuation rates for Black females compared to White females, with less disparity for methadone treatment. Persistent racial and ethnic inequities in treatment retention were observed during and after pregnancy.
A new NIH-funded study found associations between higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy and lower child cognition scores, particularly in fluid reasoning. The study, which included 2,514 children, suggests that higher fluoride levels may impact cognitive development.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy may be associated with lower fluid cognition scores in children. The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, looked at the relationship between prenatal water fluoride exposure and chi...
A University of East Anglia study shows that health visitor support alongside smoking relapse prevention advice helps women stay smoke-free after childbirth. The study found that 57.6% of women who received the intervention remained smoke-free at 12 months compared to 49.9% in the control group.
Researchers uncover the placenta distinguishes between antibodies and albumin, allowing for the design of long-acting biologic medicines with reduced fetal exposure. Fusion of IgG antibodies to albumin inhibits transport across the placenta, enabling the development of safer treatments during pregnancy.
A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...
Pregnant women with a history of child abuse experienced increased inflammation when exposed to mild stress, associated with greater pregnancy complications, including premature birth. Mindfulness exercises may help pregnant women improve their health and reduce harm from childhood trauma.
A study of 120 women found that severe pelvic floor and anorectal symptoms are associated with more severe depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. Chronic symptoms can lead to social isolation, reduced participation, and a sense of losing control over one's body.
A new study emphasizes the importance of accessible maternity and psychiatric care for pregnant women suffering from major depressive disorder. The research highlights the need to balance treatment benefits with potential risks associated with SSRI exposure, suggesting a structured approach to decision-making.
A recent study found that early engagement with WIC services, including nutrition education and breastfeeding support, is associated with increased likelihood of remaining in the program during a child's first year. Families who enrolled earlier in pregnancy and fully used food benefits were more likely to continue participating.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and other adverse outcomes were associated with greater social needs, such as inadequate food, employment, and education among Black and Latina women. Integrating social needs assessment into postpartum care could improve long-term...
A study of Reddit posts about the maternal Tdap vaccine found pregnant women seeking information to clarify concerns and better understand healthcare provider advice. Many posters asked for reassurance around vaccine safety or their choice to refuse the vaccine, but few posts contained discussions of vaccine hesitancy.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.
A new study found that folic acid works with the enzyme ALDH1L1 to produce retinoic acid, a critical developmental signal for the nervous system. Folic acid's protective effect is lost when ALDH1L1 is disrupted, supporting its role in preventing neural tube defects.
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests a link between exposure to phthalates and elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. Pregnant women with higher levels of fragrance-associated phthalates were found to have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure markers, increasing their risk of hypertensive...
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.
A nationwide study in Australia found that financial status impacts access to modern anti-nausea medications, driving off-label prescribing and structural health inequities. The study suggests updating medication funding structures to expand pregnancy-relevant medication approvals and subsidies.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
A study of nearly 61,000 women in Denmark found that childhood obesity and overweight trajectories were associated with a lower likelihood of giving birth in adulthood. Women with higher BMI trajectories during childhood had a greater risk of childlessness, particularly at older ages.
Researchers found that women receiving beetroot juice experienced fewer serious adverse events, better kidney function after pregnancy, and reduced need for blood pressure medication. The study suggests beetroot juice could be a safe and low-cost intervention to support women with chronic kidney disease during pregnancy.