Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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.
A national study of obstetrician-gynecologists reveals that state abortion laws are linked to higher levels of clinical constraints and moral distress among OB-GYNs. The findings suggest that institution-level support is needed to address moral distress, regardless of the state's abortion policy context.
A new research project led by Dr. Jiahui Ding aims to understand how maternal viral infections shape fetal immune development, influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases throughout life. Preliminary findings suggest that placental inflammatory pathways operate differently between males and females during fetal development.
Ectopic pregnancy hospital admissions have been increasing in England since 2021, with significant disparities between deprived and non-deprived areas. The study highlights the need for an equity-focused approach to address preventable inequalities in health and access to care.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a clinical guideline on sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy, highlighting the need for targeted care. The guideline provides nine evidence-based recommendations to screen, diagnose, treat, and reevaluate pregnant patients with obstructive sleep apnea, associated with significant...
Researchers found a significant increase in binge drinking and heavy drinking among pregnant women in the US between 2011 and 2024. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those with tobacco use or mental health concerns.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
Scientists have identified unusual cell behavior and an overactive immune response in mothers and babies with preeclampsia, providing new therapeutic targets for the condition. The study found that stressed placental cells, poorly functioning blood vessels, and stress molecules released by the placenta contribute to the condition.
A new study has found that exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may increase the chance of giving birth too early. Women with higher levels of glyphosate in their urine samples were more likely to go into spontaneous labor before 37 weeks.
A survey of U.S. adults found that most are unaware of the CDC's vaccine recommendations during pregnancy, with uncertainty prevailing across four vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. Women aged 18-49 were significantly more informed about the recommended vaccines than other age groups.
Researchers found that females with live offspring had lower late-life frailty, contradicting previous theories on a potential reproductive cost. The study used companion dogs to investigate the relationship between reproduction and aging, revealing a unique link between parity and robustness.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
A Rutgers University study found hormone-mimicking mycotoxins in 100% of participants, linked to corn and grain products consumed. The study's findings suggest persistent exposure to these contaminants among pregnant women in the US.
A review article highlights the potential risks of certain medications during pregnancy on brain development, including autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altering fundamental brain processes can have detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for reduced use or alternative treatments.
A landmark study tracks preterm babies from birth to middle adulthood, identifying early cognitive development as the strongest predictor of who flourishes and struggles. Childhood IQ at age 8 is linked to adult outcomes, with a 15-point increase associated with a 79% reduction in poor economic and social functioning.
A new study found that living in greener neighborhoods is associated with lower levels of chronic stress hormones, such as cortisol and cortisone, during the second trimester of pregnancy. This discovery has significant implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking cost-effective ways to improve public health and well-being.
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.
The Lancet Haematology Commission reports on global female health challenges, focusing on hematologic health across multiple stages of life. The report outlines recommendations for improving outcomes, particularly for women with under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized heavy menstrual bleeding.
A study led by ISGlobal found an association between higher temperatures early in life and slower growth of the thalamus, a brain region involved in processing information. The researchers suggest that heat exposure during the earliest stages of life may have lasting effects on brain development.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that cardiovascular health during pregnancy was associated with the timing of new hypertensive and metabolic diagnoses after delivery. Women with poorer scores were diagnosed sooner than those with better scores, even without major complications.
Breast cancers diagnosed during the first three years after childbirth are biologically more aggressive than similar cancers in women who have never given birth. The Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score suggests biological features associated with a higher risk of recurrence among these patients, including higher-grade tumors.
A new study of nearly 1,500 pregnant participants found that following dietary guidelines may reduce exposure to many environmental chemicals from food and everyday products. However, the same dietary pattern does not lower exposure to all chemicals, with higher levels found in certain pesticides on fresh produce.
Pregnant women who engage with child protection services often experience fear, mistrust, and stigma, leading some to avoid health and support services. The study identified missed opportunities for early intervention and support during pregnancy, which could improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
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%.
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
According to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, over 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles were reported across Europe in 2023, resulting in the birth of 247,021 children. The growth in frozen embryo transfer (FET) was particularly notable, with FET cycles increasing by 151% compared to previous years.
A landmark international study found that halving patient out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment significantly increased births achieved through ART, with a 2.67-fold increase reported. Countries with lower cost-to-baby metrics consistently achieved higher levels of ART utilisation, highlighting the importance of affordability in ...
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
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...
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
Researchers at UCL found that some small-bodied primates experience a tight cephalopelvic fit during childbirth due to their large newborn heads. These species, such as American monkeys and bushbabies, have developed adaptations to make the process less difficult, including pelvic expansion or delayed pelvic bone fusion.
A population-based study found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. The study suggests that positive signals from previous research may be due to familial confounding.
A Japanese cohort study found that better maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy is associated with lower risks of offspring developmental delay at age 4. The study suggests a potential protective effect of optimal maternal cardiovascular health on child development.
A recent study found that maternal obesity and excessive pregnancy weight gain significantly increased the risk of childhood obesity by age 3. Researchers tracked nearly 3,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that excess pregnancy weight gain was common, affecting about four in 10 mothers.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that pregnant women are exposed to dozens of everyday chemicals, including phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can impact how early a child is born or a child’s weight at birth. The research linked certain chemical exposures to earlier delivery and lower birth weight.
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
A study of 60 pregnant women found associations between maternal factors and microbiota-derived extracellular vesicle profiles in amniotic fluid. Maternal overweight and obesity were linked to lower proportions of certain bacterial groups.
A new study found that higher levels of glyphosate and a related compound were associated with changes in hormones supporting pregnancy and fetal growth. Glyphosate is widely used herbicide linked to hormone disruption as one possible pathway.
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 study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that exposure to the plasticizer DEHP in early development can lead to increased anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats. The research suggests that humans exposed to endocrine disruptors before and shortly after birth may experience long-lasting behavioral changes.
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
A study in Dutch birth cohorts found early pregnancy temperature exposure associated with changes in fetal size, with colder temperatures linked to smaller crown-rump length at 12 weeks. Higher temperatures showed stronger associations during early pregnancy.
Dr. Samantha Parker Kelleher and researchers will examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The team aims to identify ways to decrease HDP rates among mothers and develop new prevention strategies.