Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Researchers analyzed nationally representative data and found a 76% increase in emergency encounters related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The condition, which causes serious maternal and neonatal complications, accounts for 6.3% of all pregnancy-related deaths in the US.
US women between 20-44 years old have experienced declining vitamin A, C, and iron intake over the last two decades. This trend may have significant implications for maternal and fetal health. The study aims to identify these nutrient gaps and inform recommendations to improve intake.
A University of Queensland-led study has failed to find any strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. The researchers used genetic data from mothers, fathers, and babies to analyze the impact of caffeine consumption on fetal brain development.
A new study found that the effects of alcohol exposure on an embryo prior to implantation can be detected in the late-gestation placenta. The research revealed significant molecular changes in the placenta, including DNA methylation alterations that could serve as a molecular signature for detecting alcohol exposure.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences from 25,000 pregnant Chinese women and identified genetic variants associated with maternal diseases such as gestational diabetes and obesity. The study also found links between maternal genetics and childhood diseases like gastroenteritis and acute tonsillitis.
A new Finnish study reveals that women with a fear of childbirth have a significantly shorter breastfeeding duration. The research found that fear of childbirth is associated with a three times higher risk of not meeting the recommended six-month exclusive breastfeeding period.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid led to cardiovascular problems in female rats and increased respiratory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in male rats. Sleep quality also deteriorated in both sexes, with males experiencing sleep fragmentation due to frequent wakefulness episodes.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that body weight is a significant factor in pregnancy complications, affecting women born in different countries. Researchers estimated that approximately half of all cases of gestational diabetes could be prevented if all women were of normal weight during pregnancy.
A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.
New research suggests that exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces during pregnancy can cause immune system damage in unborn babies. The study found that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapour results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that a pregnant woman's genetic background significantly affects the effectiveness of Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPTs). The study found that a specific genetic variant in approximately 7% of women increases the odds of inconclusive results and impairs test sensitivity. This discovery ...
A recent study found that pregnant women who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are at higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays. This can affect social, emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive, or speech skills in the child.
A University College Cork study reveals that over 80% of pregnant women in Ireland are iron deficient by their third trimester, linked to increased risks of complications. The findings emphasize the need for routine screening and education on iron intake during pregnancy.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that over 80% of women are iron deficient by the third trimester of pregnancy. Despite being considered a high-resource setting, the study revealed alarming rates of iron deficiency among healthy pregnant women. This finding emphasizes the importance of routin...
A large cohort study found that early exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides can alter the development of white matter in the brain, with some effects persisting throughout adolescence.
Research conducted at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health found a link between prediabetes among young people and adverse pregnancy outcomes later in life. The study, which included over 14,000 individuals aged 10-24 years, found that preconception prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, hyperten...
A Mount Sinai study links prediabetes among young people with a higher likelihood of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for clear clinical guidance on screening and counseling youth with elevated blood glucose levels.
A new study found that gestational carriers have a higher risk of severe complications during pregnancy, early postpartum, and related health issues compared to unassisted or IVF conception. The research analyzed linked health datasets for over 863,000 births in Ontario, Canada, between 2012-2021.
Gestational carriers, also known as pregnancy surrogates, are at a higher risk for severe maternal morbidity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and postpartum hemorrhage compared to women carrying their own pregnancies. The study found that these risks were nearly twice as high as in unassisted conception pregnancies.
A cohort study found a significant association between maternal influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood seizures. The study suggests that maternal influenza may affect childhood neurological development, particularly for febrile seizures, but not epilepsy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 3.6 million mother-child pairs found that maternal obesity during pregnancy significantly linked with psychiatric and behavioral problems in children later in life, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A cross-sectional study in California finds that legacies of redlining contribute to increased severe maternal morbidity, highlighting the need for place-based interventions. The study suggests that addressing structural drivers of adverse pregnancy outcomes and racial inequities is crucial.
Researchers identify specific brain area and activity patterns associated with postpartum depression risk in pregnant women. They propose a potential test based on these findings to help detect high-risk individuals.
A nationwide cohort study revealed a higher risk of placental problems, premature births, and severe bleeding in subsequent deliveries following uterine artery embolization. Babies born to mothers who underwent UAE also had a higher chance of major birth defects, particularly heart problems.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that optimizing body mass index (BMI) from preconception to early pregnancy can improve fertility outcomes, including reduced miscarriage risk. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy BMI may be an important strategy for women and men seeking to conceive.
The seasonal influenza vaccine was found to be safe in women with successive pregnancies, regardless of the interpregnancy interval and type of vaccine used. The study's findings support recommendations for vaccinating pregnant individuals or those who may become pregnant during the influenza season.
A Kobe University study found that the widely used casual blood glucose testing method for screening pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus misses 70% of cases. The researchers recommend using more reliable tests to prevent pregnancy complications and type II diabetes in mothers and children.
A recent study found significant therapeutic inertia in the treatment of women with multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to delayed or reduced use of disease-modifying treatments. The research highlights gender disparities that could impact long-term health outcomes for women of childbearing age, particularly due to concerns about pregnanc...
A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.
Researchers argue that placental pathology is underutilized clinically and deserves routine obstetric and neonatal care, as well as more research attention.
Researchers from Kumamoto University discovered that prostaglandin receptors in the uterus enhance decidualization, a crucial process for successful pregnancy. This finding opens the door to developing new fertility treatments targeting these receptors.
A $3.082M NIH grant will fund research at Wayne State University to investigate the impact of environmental factors on male fertility. The study aims to identify novel biomarkers in seminal plasma and their relation to metabolic exposures and reproductive success, with a focus on phthalate exposure.
A new study found that neighborhoods with fewer opportunities are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Hispanic infants. The study suggests that structural racism and discriminatory practices contribute to this racial gap in preterm birth outcomes.
A study by Radboud University Medical Center found that IVF success rates are the same whether embryos are transferred on day three or five after fertilization. This allows couples to make a personal decision about the timing of embryo transfer with their doctor.
A nationwide multi-cohort study found that residence in low-income-low-food-access neighborhoods during pregnancy or early childhood significantly raises the risk of obesity and severe obesity from childhood to adolescence. The study underscores the importance of early-life neighborhood environments in shaping child health outcomes.
A new NIH-funded study found that children who experienced food insecurity during early childhood or whose mothers experienced it during pregnancy had a higher BMI and increased chance of developing obesity. Researchers explored how neighborhood food access affected child body mass index and obesity over time.
Researchers have created the first map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy, documenting changes in gray and white matter. These findings suggest that the adult brain is capable of undergoing extended periods of neuroplasticity, which may support behavioral adaptations tied to parenting.
Research found that babies born to pregnant women consuming high-fat, high-energy diets are more likely to develop heart problems and diabetes as adults due to fetal damage. Consuming a high-fat diet during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of insulin resistance in adulthood.
A new study found a 15% increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions among postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggest that the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of postpartum depression and anxiety were exacerbated by the pandemic-induced healthcare crisis.
A new US study found that rapidly controlling blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of their children developing obesity. The study analyzed data from over 258,000 women and their children, revealing a strong correlation between maternal blood sugar control and childhood obesity risk.
Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.
A new study suggests that a history of gestational hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The study, which involved nearly 400 women, found that those with preeclampsia or eclampsia also had a higher prevalence of heart disease.
A NIH-supported study found that optional emergency department screening increased syphilis diagnosis by 24.4% among nearly 300,000 encounters, particularly among pregnant people. The strategy can help close current healthcare gaps in syphilis diagnosis and treatment.
A large study found that women with asthma are more likely to miscarry and require fertility treatment, but most can still have babies. The study analyzed reproductive outcomes for over 700,000 Danish women, finding higher rates of foetal loss and fertility treatment among those with asthma.
A $15 million gift from Sally Ross Soter will support the Go Red for Women Venture Fund, investing in health companies targeting cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurologic solutions for women. The fund aims to close the gap in women's health investment and translate research into better patient care.
A recent study found that US states with severe abortion restrictions lack comprehensive public infrastructure to support access to reproductive health care and family social services. These states also have limited access to Medicaid insurance and higher rates of uninsured women, exacerbating the lack of medical and social support for...
Research found that maintaining good cardiovascular health during the first trimester of pregnancy can partially mitigate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study's results suggest that preconception and early pregnancy cardiovascular health counseling is crucial for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pregnant women with higher levels of PFAS during pregnancy were more likely to experience obesity and heart health issues later in life. Women with lower PFAS levels had healthier cardiometabolic outcomes at age 50.
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.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.
A study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope helped doctors identify twice as many cases of pregnancy-related heart failure compared to a control group. The tool was 12 times more likely to flag heart pump weakness, leading to better diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis found a slight increase in ADHD risk and heightened vulnerability to cannabis consumption in children exposed to cannabis in utero. The study suggests caution when it comes to cannabis use during pregnancy, highlighting the need for continued research into long-term effects.
A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.
Researchers found a pregnant porbeagle shark was likely killed by a great white shark, highlighting the complexity of shark interactions. The study used satellite tags to track the shark's movements before it stopped transmitting, indicating it had been hunted and eaten.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that consuming fish during pregnancy was associated with a lower likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, particularly in females. The study also found no significant association between omega-3 supplements and autism diagnosis.
A study published in The Lancet found that starting medical abortion at home is as safe as in a hospital, with 71% of participants able to be treated as day patients. The procedure also promotes patient autonomy and can reduce healthcare costs.
A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.
A new study analyzing maternal mortality data finds that COVID-19, not restrictive abortion laws, drove a decline in maternal deaths after the Dobbs decision. The researchers adjusted for statistical artifacts from the pandemic to reveal a more accurate picture of maternal mortality trends.
Research reveals that maternal prenatal smoking can limit a child's academic performance and put them behind their peers at school. The systematic review of 19 studies and 1.25 million participants found that 79% of studies reported reduced academic achievement in children exposed to maternal prenatal smoking.