Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A US study found that pregnant individuals who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking later than those using nicotine replacement therapy. The research compared abstinence rates among 1,329 pregnant people and suggested e-cigarettes could be a potential smoking cessation aid during pregnancy.
Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.
Children born to parents with substance use disorders are at increased risk of intellectual disability, regardless of whether the issue is with mothers or fathers. The study found that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this risk.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals substantial racial and ethnic inequities in developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. The findings show a fourfold increased risk among Black individuals, with 18.5% incidence rate, compared to 5% in White individuals.
A large US study found that long- and short-term heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The study's results may inform strategies to prevent severe maternal morbidity in a changing climate.
Researchers found that pregnant mice experiencing copy number variation (CNV) showed similarities to aging, with biomarkers and genetic effects appearing during pregnancy and reversing after delivery. This study aims to revolutionize aging treatment by investigating the mechanisms behind post-labor rejuvenation.
A new $1.9 million NIH grant will investigate the role of glycogen in supporting healthy pregnancies. The study aims to understand how glycogen storage in the uterus affects fertility and pregnancy loss, with a focus on obesity's impact on uterine glycogen metabolism.
Researchers found that DiNP exposure impairs blood vessel formation in maternal tissue and placenta, leading to smaller litter sizes and shorter gestation periods. The study suggests a ripple effect, impairing embryo growth.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that home-monitoring during IVF is just as effective as hospital checks, with similar pregnancy rates and fewer complications. This approach also reduces costs by up to 80% and has numerous environmental benefits.
A recent study of 31 million pregnant individuals found that infertility treatment is associated with an increased risk of stroke-related hospitalization within 12 months of delivery. The risk was evident as early as 30 days postpartum, highlighting the importance of timely follow-up and long-term monitoring to mitigate stroke risk.
A study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital found that pregnant women in Louisiana were more likely to exceed recommended weight gain levels during the pandemic, with a 3-7% increase. This rise in non-optimal gestational weight gain may have long-term impacts on maternal and infant health.
A new MU study highlights the protective role of innate lymphoid cells and interferons in reducing neurological effects of Brucellosis. The findings could lead to improved diagnostics and therapies for neurobrucellosis, a condition that can cause long-term neurological complications.
A Rutgers-led study found a clear association between mental health disorders, cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder (CUD) among pregnant and postpartum women in the US. The research highlights specific types of mental health disorders linked to cannabis use and CUD.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
Research led by Vesna D. Garovic reveals that pre-eclampsia causes accelerated aging in women, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop chronic conditions at a younger age.
A randomized clinical trial found that maternal lifestyle interventions during pregnancy based on a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly improved child neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study included 626 children and showed that these interventions can have long-lasting effects on a child's development...
A study of 612 women found that adherence to preconception healthy dietary patterns before infertility treatment may be associated with a lower likelihood of pregnancy loss. The findings suggest a potential benefit of healthy eating habits for fertility outcomes.
Researchers analyzed thousands of samples from 700 children between birth and 12 years old, finding that racial and ethnic differences in the gut microbiome arise after three months of age. The study suggests that external factors shape these variations rather than being present at birth.
A historical analysis of Bern Maternity Hospital data showed a notable surge in low birth weight and stillbirth rates coinciding with the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic. Researchers found that mothers exposed to the pandemic had a higher risk of stillbirth, highlighting the potential impact of pandemics on infant health.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills with an anti-inflammatory medication called piroxicam significantly prevents more pregnancies compared to taking levonorgestrel alone. The co-treatment increased the pill's efficacy by up to 32%.
A new study found that only 43% of pregnant women with lower back and pelvic girdle pain reported their symptoms to healthcare providers. Of those who did report the pain, 80% received effective treatment. Healthcare providers should ask about lumbopelvic pain in pregnant patients, especially if it disrupts daily activities.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates antibodies in pregnant people that cross the placenta and protect their newborns against severe COVID-19 disease. Booster doses also increase maternal and newborn immune defenses against COVID-19, supporting the use of vaccination during pregnancy.
Researchers found that delivering at 39 weeks reduced perinatal risk in term singleton pregnancies conceived through infertility treatment. This study suggests a specific gestational age for optimal birth outcomes in these cases.
Pregnant individuals who received a full course of COVID-19 vaccination and a booster have the strongest immune protection from the disease. Boosting after previous infection increases antibody levels in both mothers and newborns, providing maximum possible protection to infants as SARS-CoV-2 evolves.
Researchers have found that human milk oligosaccharides can stop common prenatal infections in human tissues and pregnant mice, potentially preventing preterm births. The sugars were tested against Group B streptococcus infection, reducing inflammation and bacterial numbers without the need for antibiotics.
A new study out of the University of Alberta found that high-intensity interval training poses little risk to expecting mothers and their babies. The research suggests that engaging in physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of major complications by 40%.
A new study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that people are more likely to recommend an RSV vaccine if they understand the rigorous process of the FDA's vaccine approval process. The study showed that 57% of those exposed to a flowchart were very or somewhat likely to recommend the vaccine, compared to 40% in a control group.
A new study by Northwestern University found that non-Hispanic Black individuals have a significantly higher rate of pre-term births compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health and social determinants of health explain racial differences in preterm birth rates.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.
A study of 1.4 million birthing person–infant pairs in the U.S. suggests that most pregnancy-specific alcohol policies are not effective in reducing infant injuries or morbidities. The findings challenge policy makers' assumptions about the impact of such policies on infant health.
A study found that 41.8% of US women of reproductive age face long drives (30+ minutes) to reach an abortion facility, while 23.6% have no access within a 90-minute drive. Access is affected by state laws and geographical location.
The USPSTF recommends a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid for all persons planning to or who could become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects, which affect approximately 3,000 pregnancies annually. This recommendation reaffirms the 2017 statement and aims to reduce congenital malformations.
Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed urine samples from pregnant women to understand how the placenta regulates cadmium exposure. They found that as cadmium levels increased, free testosterone levels decreased, suggesting a link between cadmium and fetal brain development.
The study reveals that women physicians prioritize family building over career advancement, leading to a shift in their professional paths. Women in medicine experience significant alterations to their careers due to fertility concerns and family planning, contributing to ongoing gender disparities.
A large cohort study found that a low intake of dietary fiber during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental delays in children. The study analyzed data from over 76,000 mother-infant pairs and found that children of mothers who consumed less fiber were more likely to show delays in brain function development.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Institute of Biosciences successfully developed blastoids from bovine pluripotent stem cells, creating an accessible in vitro model for studying embryogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to improved farm animal reproduction and enable breeding cattle with desirable characteristics.
A Northwestern University study found that only 60% of women with heart disease risk factors received counseling on optimizing their heart health during their six-week postpartum visit. The study highlights the need for improved access to care and increased awareness of maternal cardiovascular health monitoring.
Researchers developed a novel drug delivery system using polymersomes to target embryonic cells, reducing the need for higher doses of methotrexate. This breakthrough has promising results for managing ectopic pregnancies, potentially improving patient outcomes.
The study found a significant increase in maternal HCV infection rates during pregnancy from 16-fold higher in 1998 compared to 2018. This is associated with adverse maternal-infant outcomes such as preterm labor, poor fetal growth, or fetal distress.
Research found that mothers' childhood experiences and pregnancy anxiety are reflected in their 2-year-old children's gut microbiomes, with smaller populations of microorganisms and reduced genetic diversity. These changes may influence children's socioemotional development and brain-gut microbiome connection.
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found a significant link between malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million people in Austria and found that men born during severe famine periods had a 78% higher incidence rate of new diabetes cases.
Researchers detected distinct RNA patterns in healthy and preeclampsia-affected pregnancies, identifying messenger RNA, microRNA, and long noncoding RNA as potential biomarkers. The study developed classifiers for predicting preterm and early-onset preeclampsia with high accuracy.
A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.
A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.
Research in rats suggests that loss of immune cells late in gestation may factor into the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia, a type of immune cell, sped up care for rat newborns in non-mom female rats.
Exposure to commonly prescribed antiseizure medications during pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children. The MONEAD study found that lamotrigine and levetiracetam pose low risks for cognitive effects, with some caution needed for high dosages of levetiracetam.
A multimodal prenatal health care model combining in-office and telemedicine visits performed adequately compared with traditional in-office only prenatal health care, supporting its continued use after the pandemic. The study of 151,000 pregnant individuals found similar health outcomes for both models.
A new study reveals that breast milk contains a unique set of antibodies passed from mom to baby, which can vary significantly between mothers. This variability may explain why some infants develop life-threatening diseases like NEC, while others do not.
A large new study by Kaiser Permanente found no significant differences in health outcomes between pregnant patients receiving in-person or multimodal (virtual + in-office) prenatal care. Rates of complications like preeclampsia, severe maternal morbidity, and NICU admissions remained steady across time periods.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia by examining lipids in their blood during pregnancy. The approach worked regardless of whether the women were on aspirin therapy, and could predict the risk of preeclampsia with significant accuracy.
Researchers identified six distinct blood pressure trajectories in the first half of pregnancy that accurately predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. These early predictions worked equally well across different racial groups, with three patterns identifying 74% of patients at risk.
Research from the University of Surrey and University of Birmingham finds detrimental effects of all severities of maternal dengue infections on birth outcomes, including increases in low, very low, and extremely low birth weights. Long-term consequences also include hospitalizations for children up to three years after birth.
A CU Anschutz study found that oral consumption of high doses of CBD during pregnancy impaired problem-solving skills in female mice. Fetal exposure to CBD also reduced the excitability of the pre-frontal cortex, a key area for learning.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
A study published in Nature Communications found that infection rates in pregnant women attending antenatal care visits closely reflect the rates in children from cross-sectional studies, especially when molecular tests are used. This correlation can help estimate disease burden and inform control measures.
A new study found that Black women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDOP) have an estimated 66% increased long-term risk of stroke. Researchers analyzed data from 59,000 Black women and found the association was present across different age groups and body mass indices.
Research suggests that consuming THC during pregnancy can alter the placental and fetal epigenome, leading to changes in gene regulation and expression associated with neurobehavioral disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for better understanding of the potential long-term health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure.
Researchers found a 30% higher likelihood of live births when eggs were collected in summer rather than autumn. They also discovered that bright sunshine on the day of egg collection increased the chances of a successful pregnancy.