Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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.
A new study by UCSF estimates that 3 to 5% of women who undergo tubal sterilization experience unplanned pregnancies within a year. This contradicts the common perception of tubal surgery as a permanent form of birth control. The researchers suggest using alternative methods like IUDs or arm implants for more effective contraception.
A uniform lexicon has been developed and endorsed by a multi-medical society panel to describe observations on ultrasound during the first trimester of pregnancy. The new terms aim to minimize bias, clarify findings, and respect patient preferences.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that routine prenatal iron supplementation has no significant impact on maternal or infant health outcomes. Clinicians can now inform decisions around iron supplement use with individualized prenatal care, considering a patient's unique symptoms and history.
The USPSTF finds that iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia during pregnancy, affecting approximately 18% of pregnant individuals. Routine screening and supplementation are not recommended to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that even light smoking of 1-2 cigarettes a day before or during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of major newborn health issues. The study analyzed data from over 12 million mother-infant pairs and found that women who smoked had higher risks of neona...
A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.
Researchers analyzed national Medicaid data to identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autistic pregnant people had significantly higher probability of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression compared to other groups.
A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that probiotics can improve the immune system and behavior of both mothers and their offspring during pregnancy. Probiotics may also help counteract negative effects of prenatal stress, such as changes in brain inflammation and amino acid metabolism.
A new vaccine has shown to protect mothers from malaria during pregnancy and for up to two transmission seasons without booster doses. The vaccine was well-tolerated and safe for both the mothers and their offspring, with no differences in adverse events compared to placebo.
A malaria vaccine candidate has demonstrated sustained protection against parasite infection and clinical malaria over two years without a booster dose. The vaccine significantly protected women from malaria in pregnancy, offering new strategies to prevent the disease in vulnerable populations.
A new study provides first-of-its-kind data on the pharmacokinetics and safety of intravenous remdesivir in treating SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in pregnant women. The research reveals that no dose adjustments are necessary for remdesivir when used in pregnant women, with no safety concerns or adverse pregnancy outcomes identified.
Pregnant women exposed to buprenorphine combined with naloxone had similar or more favorable outcomes compared to those exposed to buprenorphine alone. This suggests that both formulations are safe treatment options for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.
A new multi-site randomized-controlled study evaluates an innovative healthy relationships program for teens. The study found the program may have influenced abstinence but not relationship communication, highlighting the need for tailored program components to address unique environmental contexts.
A new study by the Complexity Science Hub estimates that the ongoing war in Ukraine could lead to up to 180,000 additional cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide due to supply chain disruptions and food shortages. Malnutrition during early pregnancy is also linked to increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is investigating how prenatal inflammation increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism. She hopes to find a way to promote fetal resilience to inflammation using antioxidants like PQQ.
A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...
Results of a Phase 2 clinical trial show that nipocalimab can delay or prevent anemia and intrauterine blood transfusions in babies at high risk for Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). The study involved 13 pregnant women who received intravenous nipocalimab between 14 and 35 weeks of gestation.
A large Danish study published in Diabetologia found no association between gestational diabetes and an increased risk of breast cancer. The study included over 708,000 women and followed them for a median of 11.9 years to examine the link between the two conditions.
A national multicenter study found that younger women and those with non-malignant diseases had a higher chance of successful pregnancies after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The study analyzed data from 2,654 women who underwent transplantation between 2003 and 2018.
A study on horse miscarriages revealed that 42% of cases were due to triploidy, a condition characterized by an extra set of chromosomes. This finding provides insight into the frequency of chromosome errors during early human pregnancy, which has been difficult to determine.
A major new study by Karolinska Institutet has found that women with epilepsy are four times more likely to die during pregnancy and their babies have a 50 percent higher risk of illness or death. Despite the high relative risks, most pregnancies for women with epilepsy go well.
A new study found that subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosed before 21 weeks of pregnancy is associated with higher rates of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years after delivery. Women with high TSH values and elevated TPO antibodies were at increased risk.
A new study found that subclinical hypothyroidism before 21 weeks of pregnancy is associated with a more than quadrupled risk of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years of delivery. Individuals with higher levels of antibodies against a thyroid enzyme were also at increased risk.
A novel AI tool has been shown to accurately estimate gestational age from blind ultrasound sweeps, comparable to expert sonographers. The technology has the potential to democratize prenatal care in resource-limited settings by expanding access to quality diagnostic tools without the need for expensive equipment or specialized training.
A recent study found that vaginal birth without medical intervention results in the highest level of satisfaction among mothers, while obstetric interventions lead to lower scores. The researchers emphasize the importance of support and empowerment in mitigating negative experiences during childbirth.
Rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increased from 6.1% to 8.5%, while related health conditions declined, according to a Canadian study. The growing population of high-risk obstetrical patients highlights the need for easily accessible specialized care.
A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
Research suggests that unplanned pregnancies among active service women are likely curbing US military readiness, resulting in the loss of an estimated 2.5-4.5 million active duty days per year. The highest rates of unplanned pregnancies are among 18-24 year olds, White women, and those serving in junior ranks or the Army.
A global study among cisgender women found long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) to be safe and well-tolerated as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before and during pregnancy. The analysis of over 300 pregnancies and infants showed similar outcomes to general population estimates.
A natural experiment-based study in Chile found a significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality from non-respiratory causes. The study revealed an increase in indirect obstetric causes, possibly linked to comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.
A cohort study found that prenatal cannabis use was associated with several negative maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for further research on how different aspects of prenatal cannabis use may impact these associations.
A Cleveland Clinic-led study found that maternal Zika virus infections can reprogram fetal immune development, leading to long-term consequences in children's immunity. The changes occur even in children born without physical or neurological symptoms of congenital Zika syndrome, suggesting a broader impact.
A recent study found that female surgical residents are more likely to experience obstetric complications, postpartum depression, and burnout compared to their male counterparts. The research highlights the need for improved support in family planning aspects of healthcare work.
A new study identifies the potential of specific microRNAs within extracellular vesicles as a noninvasive biomarker for predicting preeclampsia. Researchers found that women with pre-eclampsia had distinct miRNA patterns in their blood, which could help detect the condition early on.
After undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), female patients can become pregnant and give birth to healthy children. Fertility counseling is crucial for these women, particularly young adults who hope to have children, as previous studies had found pregnancies post-transplant nearly impossible.
A nationwide study found that nearly one in 10 pregnant people who contract COVID will develop long-term symptoms, including fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. The study provides important insights into the risk of long COVID in this population and emphasizes the need for healthcare practitioners to be vigilant for its symptoms.
A new study suggests that people trying to conceive living close to oil and gas development sites experience heightened risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes. High perceived stress was elevated among those living just 1.25 miles away from the activity.
A new study has found that women with a family history of endocrine diseases, including type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, are at a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy loss. The study, which examined over 366,000 women in Denmark, found a significant association between endocrine disease and pregnancy loss.
A national, register-based study of 68,738 women in Denmark reveals significant social disparities in achieving live births after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Women with higher education levels and income had a greater likelihood of success.
A novel 3D imaging model has been introduced to identify features of blastocysts associated with successful pregnancies, potentially transforming current IVF selection methods. The study found that parameters related to size and specific features of the inner cell mass and outer layer are linked to higher pregnancy rates.
Data from the ESHRE European IVF Monitoring Consortium shows a 20% increase in ART treatment cycles in Europe, with steady rises in IVF and IUI usage. Pregnancy rates per transfer remained similar in 2021 and 2020 for IVF and ICSI, while frozen embryo replacement showed slightly higher rates.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found no association between RSV vaccination during late pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth or poor outcomes. The research provides real-world evidence supporting the safety of Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine, offering reassurance to patients and clinicians.
A new study has found that exposure to fine particulate matter prior to oocyte retrieval during IVF can reduce the odds of achieving a live birth by almost 40%. The research analysed 3,659 frozen embryo transfers and found that even in areas with excellent air quality, higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with decreased live birth rates.
A Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of OXO-001 in increasing embryo implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates among infertile women. The study showed significant improvements in biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates, with a notable increase in live birth rates.
A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and potential mental health conditions in childhood and adolescence. Researchers identified potential biological mechanisms, including reductions in neuroinflammation, that could explain this association.
The UK has released a pioneering Code of Practice for the use of stem cell-based embryo models in research, providing standards for rigorous ethics and maximizing benefits. The code sets out processes for decision-making in research using these models, allowing scientists to proceed confidently while maintaining public trust.
Research reveals that pregnancy-related brain impairment affects live-bearing fish, particularly in decision-making and sensory reception. Unlike mammals, pregnant fish show decreased cell proliferation in olfactory regions, compromising scent interpretation.
A world-first study found that low-dose aspirin can create better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy, potentially preventing complications caused by flu infections. The research also showed that mice treated with low-dose aspirin had improved fetal development and offspring survival.
Rutgers researchers found that exposure to Zearalenone, a fungal toxin common in processed foods, was associated with altered estrogen and androgen levels in pregnant women. High levels of ZEN were linked to lower estrone and free testosterone in male fetuses and higher 17β-estradiol in female fetuses.
Researchers found that lower adiponectin levels and higher leptin concentrations in parents during pregnancy may predict offspring mental health disorders. These biomarkers could enable early interventions for children at risk.
Research findings suggest that higher intakes of calcium and zinc before conception can lower the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Participants with higher pre-conception intakes of these essential minerals were 24% less likely to experience hypertensive disorders compared to those with lower intakes.
Researchers developed a new model to assess the risks and benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy. The model considers average mercury content in consumed fish, indicating that low-mercury fish intake is beneficial for neurodevelopment, while high-mercury fish consumption is detrimental.
A new study creates a framework to reduce confusion around fish consumption during pregnancy and provide clearer guidance on risks and benefits. The research found that consuming low-mercury fish was beneficial, while high-mercury fish was detrimental to neurodevelopment.
Researchers found that WIC enrollment was associated with lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm birth, blood transfusions, and ICU admissions. This suggests that programs like WIC can improve pregnancy health.