Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A national study of obstetrician-gynecologists reveals that state abortion laws are linked to higher levels of clinical constraints and moral distress among OB-GYNs. The findings suggest that institution-level support is needed to address moral distress, regardless of the state's abortion policy context.
A new research project led by Dr. Jiahui Ding aims to understand how maternal viral infections shape fetal immune development, influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases throughout life. Preliminary findings suggest that placental inflammatory pathways operate differently between males and females during fetal development.
Ectopic pregnancy hospital admissions have been increasing in England since 2021, with significant disparities between deprived and non-deprived areas. The study highlights the need for an equity-focused approach to address preventable inequalities in health and access to care.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a clinical guideline on sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy, highlighting the need for targeted care. The guideline provides nine evidence-based recommendations to screen, diagnose, treat, and reevaluate pregnant patients with obstructive sleep apnea, associated with significant...
Researchers found a significant increase in binge drinking and heavy drinking among pregnant women in the US between 2011 and 2024. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those with tobacco use or mental health concerns.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
Scientists have identified unusual cell behavior and an overactive immune response in mothers and babies with preeclampsia, providing new therapeutic targets for the condition. The study found that stressed placental cells, poorly functioning blood vessels, and stress molecules released by the placenta contribute to the condition.
A new study has found that exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may increase the chance of giving birth too early. Women with higher levels of glyphosate in their urine samples were more likely to go into spontaneous labor before 37 weeks.
A survey of U.S. adults found that most are unaware of the CDC's vaccine recommendations during pregnancy, with uncertainty prevailing across four vaccines and the Covid-19 vaccine. Women aged 18-49 were significantly more informed about the recommended vaccines than other age groups.
Researchers found that females with live offspring had lower late-life frailty, contradicting previous theories on a potential reproductive cost. The study used companion dogs to investigate the relationship between reproduction and aging, revealing a unique link between parity and robustness.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
A Rutgers University study found hormone-mimicking mycotoxins in 100% of participants, linked to corn and grain products consumed. The study's findings suggest persistent exposure to these contaminants among pregnant women in the US.
A review article highlights the potential risks of certain medications during pregnancy on brain development, including autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altering fundamental brain processes can have detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for reduced use or alternative treatments.
A landmark study tracks preterm babies from birth to middle adulthood, identifying early cognitive development as the strongest predictor of who flourishes and struggles. Childhood IQ at age 8 is linked to adult outcomes, with a 15-point increase associated with a 79% reduction in poor economic and social functioning.
A new study found that living in greener neighborhoods is associated with lower levels of chronic stress hormones, such as cortisol and cortisone, during the second trimester of pregnancy. This discovery has significant implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking cost-effective ways to improve public health and well-being.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and preterm birth, birth weight, or small-for-gestational-age size. However, it did find an association with lower odds of large-for-gestational-age birth when birth weight was accounted for.
The Lancet Haematology Commission reports on global female health challenges, focusing on hematologic health across multiple stages of life. The report outlines recommendations for improving outcomes, particularly for women with under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and stigmatized heavy menstrual bleeding.
A study led by ISGlobal found an association between higher temperatures early in life and slower growth of the thalamus, a brain region involved in processing information. The researchers suggest that heat exposure during the earliest stages of life may have lasting effects on brain development.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that cardiovascular health during pregnancy was associated with the timing of new hypertensive and metabolic diagnoses after delivery. Women with poorer scores were diagnosed sooner than those with better scores, even without major complications.
Breast cancers diagnosed during the first three years after childbirth are biologically more aggressive than similar cancers in women who have never given birth. The Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score suggests biological features associated with a higher risk of recurrence among these patients, including higher-grade tumors.
A new study of nearly 1,500 pregnant participants found that following dietary guidelines may reduce exposure to many environmental chemicals from food and everyday products. However, the same dietary pattern does not lower exposure to all chemicals, with higher levels found in certain pesticides on fresh produce.
Pregnant women who engage with child protection services often experience fear, mistrust, and stigma, leading some to avoid health and support services. The study identified missed opportunities for early intervention and support during pregnancy, which could improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
Researchers analyzed 18,396 women undergoing first IVF cycle between 2012-2021 across seven Australian fertility clinics. The study found a 68.2% cumulative live birth rate using single embryo transfer in 95.3% of cases and a multiple birth rate of just 2.9%.
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
According to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, over 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles were reported across Europe in 2023, resulting in the birth of 247,021 children. The growth in frozen embryo transfer (FET) was particularly notable, with FET cycles increasing by 151% compared to previous years.
A landmark international study found that halving patient out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment significantly increased births achieved through ART, with a 2.67-fold increase reported. Countries with lower cost-to-baby metrics consistently achieved higher levels of ART utilisation, highlighting the importance of affordability in ...
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A major new study suggests that age-related changes in the uterus may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, with women aged 49 and over experiencing lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage risk despite donor-oocyte treatment. The study found that cumulative live birth rates declined substantially with age, from 80% among women...
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
Researchers at UCL found that some small-bodied primates experience a tight cephalopelvic fit during childbirth due to their large newborn heads. These species, such as American monkeys and bushbabies, have developed adaptations to make the process less difficult, including pelvic expansion or delayed pelvic bone fusion.
A population-based study found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. The study suggests that positive signals from previous research may be due to familial confounding.
A Japanese cohort study found that better maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy is associated with lower risks of offspring developmental delay at age 4. The study suggests a potential protective effect of optimal maternal cardiovascular health on child development.
A recent study found that maternal obesity and excessive pregnancy weight gain significantly increased the risk of childhood obesity by age 3. Researchers tracked nearly 3,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that excess pregnancy weight gain was common, affecting about four in 10 mothers.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that pregnant women are exposed to dozens of everyday chemicals, including phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can impact how early a child is born or a child’s weight at birth. The research linked certain chemical exposures to earlier delivery and lower birth weight.
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
A study of 60 pregnant women found associations between maternal factors and microbiota-derived extracellular vesicle profiles in amniotic fluid. Maternal overweight and obesity were linked to lower proportions of certain bacterial groups.
A new study found that higher levels of glyphosate and a related compound were associated with changes in hormones supporting pregnancy and fetal growth. Glyphosate is widely used herbicide linked to hormone disruption as one possible pathway.
A study of 336 mother-infant pairs found that breast milk and infant urine contained over 50 different chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormones during baby's development. These chemicals were detected in breast milk and urine up to 6 months after birth.
A study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that exposure to the plasticizer DEHP in early development can lead to increased anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats. The research suggests that humans exposed to endocrine disruptors before and shortly after birth may experience long-lasting behavioral changes.
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
A study in Dutch birth cohorts found early pregnancy temperature exposure associated with changes in fetal size, with colder temperatures linked to smaller crown-rump length at 12 weeks. Higher temperatures showed stronger associations during early pregnancy.
Dr. Samantha Parker Kelleher and researchers will examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The team aims to identify ways to decrease HDP rates among mothers and develop new prevention strategies.
A new study found that pregnant women's expectations about postpartum sleep predicted their actual sleep quality after delivery, with 70% of women anticipating poor sleep. The study suggests that addressing sleep-related beliefs during pregnancy and treating postpartum anxiety may improve sleep and emotional well-being in new mothers.
Research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology reveals gestational diabetes influences fetal metabolic programming, shaping future risk of obesity and diabetes. Biomarkers such as leptin and adiponectin may identify children at increased risk, enabling personalized preventive strategies.
A study analyzing insurance claims data found similar risks between continued and non-continued GLP-1RA medication use during early pregnancy. The authors conclude that further research is needed to better understand the safety of GLP-1RAs in pregnancy due to imprecise estimates for rare outcomes.
A recent study assessed long-term trends in TORCH infections in a region of India with reliable data lacking. The researchers found that exposure to CMV remained constant, while immunity to rubella was consistently high. However, susceptibility to toxoplasmosis and other congenital infections persisted despite vaccination initiatives.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal RSV vaccination reduces hospitalization risk in young infants by nearly 70%. The vaccine also showed effectiveness against severe lung infections caused by the virus.
A recent study found that shorter sleep duration is associated with increased perinatal anxiety and obsessive beliefs. Mothers who experience disturbed sleep tend to have higher levels of anxiety, particularly those with lower coping ability. The study suggests prioritizing mom's sleep may benefit her mental health.
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
A University of Reading study found that pressure on women to have a natural birth leads to shame and self-blame when expectations are not met. Women reported feeling they had failed as mothers due to medical intervention or complications, highlighting the need for reform in antenatal education.
Mount Sinai researchers have uncovered a substantial genetic component to postpartum psychosis, a rare psychiatric illness that occurs after childbirth. The study found rare damaging mutations in the HMGCR gene and significant genetic overlap with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autoimmune diseases.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
A study published in JAMA found that sitting less with greater light-intensity movement and steps was associated with significantly lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and small for gestational age
Research suggests that early nutrition, education, and physical activity interventions during pregnancy can lead to optimal gestational weight gain. Women who received multiple micronutrient supplements were more likely to achieve healthy weight gain, while education and culturally tailored counseling also played a crucial role.
Researchers developed a wearable ultrasound patch to monitor high-risk pregnancies, providing continuous, real-time information about blood flow in the fetus and umbilical cord. The device holds promise for helping doctors detect conditions like intrauterine growth restriction, which affects 10% of all pregnancies.
A report by the European Society of Cardiology advocates for dedicated women's heart centers to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. These centers can enhance quality of life, reduce symptoms, and increase survival rates for women with cardiovascular disease.
Research finds gestational diabetes significantly increases risk of type 2 diabetes in women with normal pre-pregnancy weight. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed over 1.15 million Swedish mothers and found elevated blood sugar levels predict future type 2 diabetes.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A global study led by George Mason University found that balanced energy and protein supplements improve birth weights and reduce high-risk newborns in low- and middle-income countries. The research adds to the evidence that improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy may be a key intervention to improve birth outcomes.