Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Researchers identified a genetic link between low birth weight and assisted reproductive technologies, with mutations in mitochondrial DNA increasing risk. The study suggests that hormonal stimulation may exacerbate this risk, highlighting the need for balancing oocyte yield with mutation minimization.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of heart disease as a major health risk for women, particularly those with pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment of risk factors may help prevent future heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Two new studies by UCL researchers found that nearly half of teenagers are worried about having children due to fear, self-doubt, and lack of education on reproductive health. The studies also highlighted gaps in sex education, with many students expressing concerns about endometriosis, infertility, and the impact of lifestyle on ferti...
A large UK trial found that repeat testing for pre-eclampsia in pregnant women did not lead to better health outcomes. However, the initial test remains beneficial for identifying those at high risk of adverse outcomes and ensuring timely intensive surveillance.
Young women under 30 and those from lower education levels are disproportionately affected. Firearms are the most frequent weapon used in peripartum homicides, accounting for 63.4% of cases.
A study found that diets high in ultraprocessed foods increase phthalate levels in pregnant women, potentially causing oxidative stress and adverse fetal development. Pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption of fast food and packaged goods, opting for fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats instead.
Johns Hopkins researchers have made progress toward developing a blood test to identify disease-associated changes in the brain linked to postpartum depression and other psychiatric disorders. They identified 26 placental mRNAs present in maternal blood only during pregnancy, which reflected changes occurring inside the tissues.
A new study found that changes in the mother's gut microbiome during pregnancy may influence the immune system's response. The research showed altered levels of cytokines and metabolites, which could lead to a suppressed immune system during pregnancy.
A new study links daily exposure to phthalates, used in plastic food containers and cosmetics, to nearly 56,600 preterm births in the US in 2018. The resulting medical costs are estimated to reach $1.6 billion to $8.1 billion over the lifetime of the children.
A large study of nearly 200,000 newborns in Sweden and Norway found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risks in newborn infants. In fact, babies born to vaccinated mothers had lower mortality rates and fewer serious complications.
A large population-based study found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were not associated with increased neonatal adverse events in infants born between June 2021 and January 2023. The study included 94,000 vaccinated infants and 102,000 control infants, indicating a lower risk of serious health issues.
Researchers found that children born to mothers who used methadone during the first trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of congenital malformations compared to those who used buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was associated with a lower risk of cardiac, clubfoot, and oral cleft malformations.
Research reveals that males born to obese mothers are more likely to be overweight at birth and develop metabolic complications in later life. The study suggests that male sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of the liver, which can lead to health issues if activated too strongly.
Women with prenatal depression may experience disrupted cortisol circadian rhythms, which could impact fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Elevated nocturnal cortisol levels have been linked to higher rates of preterm birth and lower birth weight.
A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.
Research indicates nearly six million American women experienced unintended pregnancies as a result of rape and/or sexual coercion. The study also found that a significant portion of these women reported injuries, STDs, and felt fearful or concerned for their safety after the incidents.
Researchers found that buprenorphine was associated with a slightly lower risk of malformations overall compared to methadone, with an 18% reduction in relative risk. Both therapies are strongly recommended over untreated opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
Wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and UC Riverside student Phillip Sternes observed a 5-foot-long pure-white shark pup shedding its embryonic layer. The location off central California's coast is proposed as a potential great white breeding ground, which could help protect endangered species.
A study found a link between a variant in the SYCE2 gene and an increased risk of pregnancy loss. The variant affects chromosomal recombination, which is essential for meiosis and reproduction. The study involved over 114,000 women from Iceland, Denmark, and other countries.
A large Finnish study found that external fetal heart rate monitoring without simultaneous maternal pulse recording increases the risk of neonatal encephalopathy and acidemia. The study suggests that combining maternal pulse recording with fetal heart rate monitoring can effectively prevent these complications and improve neonatal outc...
A recent study by Ellen Algera and colleagues highlights the need for healthcare providers to be more informed about hormone-free and digital contraceptive methods. The researchers found that providers often prioritize risk minimization, leading to a lack of personalized guidance and person-centered care. To address this, Algera calls ...
Research finds prenatal exposure to air pollution increases the risk of severe respiratory distress in newborns, particularly those exposed to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The study suggests that preventing death and illness in babies due to respiratory distress is plausible through reducing or eliminating air pollution.
A new review suggests that female reproductive characteristics, such as early menstruation and polycystic ovary syndrome, may contribute to later metabolic dysfunction. The study highlights the importance of screening for reproductive risk factors to aid in prevention or treatment of chronic metabolic diseases.
A recent NIH study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, particularly in female infants. Higher concentrations of certain OPE markers were also associated with higher birth weights, which can be a sign of potential complications.
A population-based study in Germany reveals almost 2 in 1,000 girls and women of childbearing age are prescribed isotretinoin, a medication linked to fetal defects. The study found a significant increase in isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies, highlighting the need for better monitoring and guidance.
A new study on public attitudes toward abortion laws found that those with better understanding of pregnancy are more opposed to legislation restricting access to abortions. The researchers also discovered that laws limiting access to abortion after 12 weeks did not garner greater support than those limiting it after six weeks.
A large study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among female newborns. Higher birth weight was also linked to increased obesity risk. The chemicals are widely used in building materials, furniture, and electronics.
Researchers have developed an ultrasound method to predict preterm births by analyzing microstructural changes in a woman's cervix. The study found that this approach is effective at predicting risk during first-time pregnancies and combining data with delivery history for subsequent pregnancies.
Women following vegan diets during pregnancy may face increased risks of preeclampsia and lower birth weights compared to omnivorous mothers. A recent study found that micronutrient intake was lower among vegans but no major differences were observed when supplements were considered.
A new study published in Neurology found that young Black and Hispanic women with multiple sclerosis face greater challenges in pregnancy, have more advanced disease, and experience higher inflammation levels, which may signal MS progression. The researchers also noted disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
This study explores how better communication with care teams can improve the birthing experience for Black people. Researchers found that addressing urgent procedures and fostering a welcoming environment to share birth experiences mitigated negative consequences of preterm births.
A recent study of 2,261 infants found no significant adverse effects on neurodevelopment after in utero exposure to COVID-19 vaccination. The research suggests that maternal COVID-19 vaccination is safe for infant development up to 18 months.
Researchers used 'mini-placentas' to understand how the placenta interacts with the uterus, which is critical for fetal growth and development. The study identified key proteins involved in successful implantation and found clues on how pre-eclampsia occurs.
A large study of 401,000 neonates found prenatal opioid exposure was associated with an increased risk of infection, eczema and dermatitis, and asthma. The findings highlight the need for further research into opioid-induced immune changes during pregnancy.
A new study found that states with restrictive abortion laws had a 16% increased infant mortality rate compared to those with more comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Demographic factors such as low education attainment and inadequate prenatal care also contributed to elevated IMR.
A new study found that e-cigarettes are more commonly used by pregnant smokers than nicotine patches, and regular use of nicotine products is not associated with adverse effects on mothers or babies. The study suggests that e-cigarettes can be a safe stop-smoking aid for pregnant women.
A new study links increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, to noticeable increases in attention and behavior problems in 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The study found modest but notable increases in attention-related issues and ADHD-type behaviors with increasing acetaminophen use.
The MAMAH trial found that preventive treatment with DHA-PPQ significantly reduces the risk of malaria infection and disease in pregnant women living with HIV. Women in the treatment group had almost eight times lower risk of clinical malaria and half the risk of becoming infected compared to the placebo group.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine sheds light on two rare heart conditions, dilated cardiomyopathy and peripartum cardiomyopathy. The study reveals that truncated titin proteins are present in hearts affected by DCM, indicating a potential link between genetic variants and disease development.
Researchers created a single-cell atlas of the human placenta, revealing changes in gene expression patterns among cell types. The study found that cells most affected by labor were in chorioamniotic membranes and generated inflammatory signaling.
New research from the University of Bristol found that exposure to high humidity and temperature during pregnancy can influence blood pressure changes in children. The study analyzed over 7,000 participants and found a steeper increase in blood pressure with higher relative humidity and a slower increase with higher temperature.
A new study found that low-dose calcium supplementation (500mg per day) was as effective as high-dose supplementation (1,500mg per day) in preventing preeclampsia, with no significant difference in preterm birth rates. The findings provide an opportunity to revise the WHO's current recommendation for pregnant women with low-calcium diets.
A large cohort study in Sweden found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are twice as likely to die from natural or unnatural causes, with an increased risk of death peaking in the month after diagnosis. The study suggests that providing better screening and care for these women is crucial.
Researchers from Binghamton University are unraveling the workings of Group B Strep (GBS) infections, which could someday lead to a vaccine. They have identified a novel protein that could serve as a vaccine candidate to fight this bacterium, impacting women's reproductive health and neonatal outcomes.
Researchers found that ASCOT reverses some age-related protein expression changes, enriching processes related to the complement cascade and immune system in patients with poor ovarian response. In contrast, patients with premature ovarian insufficiency showed enrichment in responses to oxygen-containing compounds and growth hormones.
Women with autoimmune disease are 30% more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression have a 30% higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease. The strongest association is seen with multiple sclerosis.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope can detect peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition, more accurately than regular care. The researchers identified twice as many cases using the AI-powered tool.
A recent genetic study has made a significant leap forward in understanding gestational diabetes by identifying nine novel genetic regions linked to the condition. The study, conducted on over 12,000 patients and 131,000 female controls, has nearly tripled the number of known genetic areas associated with gestational diabetes.
A research team developed a novel blood test called desNIPT to screen pregnant women for genetic diseases in their unborn children. The test has demonstrated effectiveness in identifying alterations in fetal genes, similar to invasive procedures like chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.
Researchers from UC Davis School of Medicine and MIND Institute found that imbalances in folic acid and vitamin B12 can alter brain development in mice. High folic acid intake, even within recommended guidelines, may cause neurodevelopmental issues in offspring.
A study published in iScience found that DEET can affect meiosis, leading to abnormal chromosome structure and reduced egg cell quality. This raises concerns about the potential reproductive effects of DEET-containing products in humans. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and inform recommendations for balancing disea...
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that women who experienced more preconception stress had higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, a predictor of current and long-term cardiovascular health. The study also discovered that socioeconomic status was associated with preconception stress and blood glucose levels.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that stressed women undergoing fertility treatment may experience higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can lead to weaker cardiovascular health. Women who conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI) had higher stress and blood sugar levels than those...
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital identified six proteins involved in cardiovascular and inflammatory processes that contribute to or protect against hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These findings suggest different pathways involved in the development of these diseases.
A new study found that increasing acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with language delays in early childhood, including smaller vocabulary scores and shorter mean length of utterance. The study suggests that fetal brain development is critical during the second and third trimesters.
A new two-year study will examine the impact of environmental factors on children's health, including those with disabilities. The researchers aim to recruit a diverse population of pregnant people and their children to understand the bidirectional relationship between mother and child.
A nationwide case-time-control study found an association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using benzodiazepines to treat psychiatric and sleep disorders in pregnant women.
A Mediterranean diet has been found to be a straightforward and effective approach for improving IVF success rates, with high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. The diet's benefits were seen in both embryo development and pregnancy outcomes, even after just six weeks of implementation.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a debilitating condition causing intense vomiting, hair loss, and mental health issues. Researcher Cheryl Beck studied 33 blog posts from women in Australia, finding six consistent themes: physical debilitation, emotional distress, and financial struggles.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a predictive model for accessing prenatal care services in rural Amhara, Ethiopia. The model incorporated data on education, income source, diet, and history of previous pregnancies, identifying factors that predict failure to attend prenatal care visits.