Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
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.
A cohort study found declines in oral contraceptive pill and emergency contraceptive usage following the Dobbs decision, emphasizing the need for improved access. The study's results highlight the importance of maintaining access to these essential reproductive health methods.
The HHS competition evaluated Ochsner Connected MOM's effectiveness in increasing blood pressure measurements among Black patients and rural populations. The program saw a statistically significant increase in blood pressure measurements, benefiting over 2,000 patients.
A new study by UC San Francisco's ANSIRH program found that patients who received care remotely for medication abortion had similar outcomes to those who got ultrasounds and in-person care. The researchers analyzed the experiences of over 500 patients and found a high success rate for the
Researchers found that starting resuscitation with high concentrations of oxygen (90% or greater) can increase survival chances for premature babies. The study examined over 1,000 premature babies and found a significant reduction in mortality rates by using higher oxygen levels.
Research on mice exposes to cannabidiol during gestation shows altered behaviors and brain changes, affecting nerve cells involved in processing emotions. The study suggests a public health priority to understand CBD's impact on developing nervous systems.
Research reveals close relationship between midlife diet and healthy aging; Limiting ultra-processed foods may not improve diet quality. Baby-led weaning meets nutritional needs for healthy growth, while whole grains retain more nutrients during milling.
A new study found that Texas' 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy was associated with unexpected increases in infant and neonatal deaths in Texas between 2021 and 2022. Congenital anomalies also surged in Texas, but not elsewhere in the US.
A new study from George Mason University found that trace amounts of non-essential elements, such as lead and mercury, in ovarian follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates. Higher concentrations of cobalt and copper were associated with a stronger ovarian response, while higher levels of lead were linked to reduced fertility.
Researchers discovered a breakthrough in mouse embryo development, where primitive endoderm cells can generate an embryo on their own. These cells also have the potential to improve IVF outcomes by developing into stem cell-based embryo models.
A prospective study found that medication abortion via no-test telehealth and mailing of medications was comparable in effectiveness to in-person care with ultrasonography. The research also revealed low adverse event rates across all groups.
A shift in testing for and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) to much earlier in pregnancy may prevent health complications for both the mother and baby. GDM, a type of diabetes found during pregnancy, affects one in seven pregnancies worldwide.
A new study found that the rate of cannabis-related disorders diagnosed among pregnant women in Québec increased by more than 20% after the enactment of the Cannabis Act. The average number of CRD diagnoses per month jumped from 14.5 to 23.5 per 100,000 pregnant women.
A randomized clinical study found that a lateral episiotomy reduced the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by 53% in first-time mothers. The procedure also did not increase the risk of other complications, but may lead to wound complications.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The study included data from around 600,000 women and found a strong link between perinatal depression and risks of high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered the hepatitis E virus is associated with sperm in pigs, suggesting a possible link to male infertility and sexual transmission. The virus was found to circulate in blood and shed in feces, with viral particles present on the head of sperm cells that can infect human liver cells.
The prevalence of chronic hypertension in pregnancy in the US more than doubled from 1.8% to 3.7% between 2007 and 2021, despite only 60% of those with the condition being treated with antihypertensive medications. This increase is linked to rising maternal age, obesity rates, and other factors.
A study of almost 400,000 live births found that paternal use of metformin monotherapy was not significantly associated with major congenital malformations. However, researchers noted that fathers prescribed metformin had higher rates of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, which could affect reproductive health.
The number of US individuals with chronic hypertension in pregnancy increased significantly, while medication treatment remained low, according to a new study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal health strategies to address high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
A global meta-analysis of 1.8m women found COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of infection during pregnancy by 61% and hospitalization by 94%. Vaccination also lowers caesarean section risk by 9%, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy by 12%, and intensive care unit admission for newborns by 8%.