Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE trial found that low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increased incidence of anemia and decline in ferritin levels in healthy older adults. The study recommends periodic monitoring of hemoglobin for patients taking aspirin.
Researchers at the University of Montana discovered genetic differences that protect fetal growth in highland mice, similar to humans with Tibetan or Andean ancestry. These findings may lead to new treatments for pregnancy disorders in humans.
A retrospective cohort study found a significant increase in gestational diabetes cases during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The study attributed this rise to changes in population demographics and lifestyle factors related to the pandemic.
A new study found that pregnancy causes a shift in the types of immune cells present in a woman's blood, with neutrophils increasing dramatically. This discovery provides a 'normal reference' for studying immune changes during pregnancy and may have implications for understanding diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study analyzed over six million births in England and found that being born 'out of hours' did not carry a significantly higher risk of death from anoxia or trauma. The study suggests focusing on reducing risks for emergency caesarean births without labour, rather than all out-of-hours births.
Research identifies beneficial changes in immune system during pregnancy, which can lead to new treatment strategies for MS. Women with MS experience a 70% decrease in relapses during the last third of pregnancy, possibly due to epigenetic changes and hormone regulation.
A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.
A recent study of 106,000 births in New York City found that neighborhoods with healthier food options had lower rates of small for gestational age births. Higher densities of unhealthy food retail establishments were linked to increased risks of large or small-for-age birth weights.
Studies found that low birthweight is independently linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, with younger age at diagnosis and fewer comorbidities. Lower birthweight was also associated with a higher use of diabetes drugs and more severe hypertension.
A recent study found that mothers who attended prenatal checkups had a lower risk of low birth weight. The study identified factors such as marital status, mental and physical health, and employment status as key contributors to attendance rates.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has updated the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a widely used tool for measuring prenatal physical activity. The new PPAQ is considered reliable and valid, providing estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in pregnant women.
A new study highlights the importance of reproductive health counseling for women with congenital heart defects (CHD), particularly those with disabilities. Women with CHD and disabilities are more likely to receive advice on avoiding pregnancy due to their condition, emphasizing the need for tailored care.
A federally funded study found a link between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and slightly higher body mass indices in children. The study, led by Brown University researchers, analyzed data from 1,391 children and their mothers over two decades.
A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that pre-term and low birthweight infants have significantly fewer fractures in childhood compared to full-term and normal-weight newborns. The researchers suggest factors other than bone health may explain this difference, including reduced risk-taking behavior.
Researchers at Beckman Institute found fetal exposure to PCBs made it harder for mice to recover from sound-related trauma. Oxidative stress appears to be key mediator of the effect, suppressing auditory system's ability to heal.
A smartphone app developed by a team of researchers improved midwives' knowledge and skills in Tanzania, leading to better birth preparations for pregnant women. The app showed significant improvements in learning outcomes and home-based value scores, indicating a higher preference for hospital births.
Researchers analyzed 23 pregnant women with relapsed/refractory lymphoma and found a 24% progression-free survival rate and an 83% overall survival rate. The study suggests that delays in treatment may allow cancer to progress, while initiating chemotherapy can harm the fetus.
A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease on AI/AN women. The study reveals that more than 60% of these women have suboptimal heart health when pregnant, increasing their risk of heart disease later in life.
A study from the University of Bergen reveals that women with a first normal weight offspring and a small second offspring have an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also found reduced risk if the second offspring was large.
A recent study has revealed how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause cleft lip or palate in a developing fetus. The research found that mutations in the e-cadherin gene combined with exposure to inflammatory risk factors during pregnancy can lead to cleft lip, which affects one in 700 live births.
Research suggests that women living in low-income areas who move to higher-income areas experience lower morbidity and mortality rates in their second pregnancy, as well as improved outcomes for their newborns. Financial incentives or enhanced neighborhood factors may help reduce adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Women who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes are at a higher risk of developing stroke, with those having recurrent issues facing a twofold increase. Lifestyle interventions and sharing pregnancy history with doctors may help reduce this risk, according to the study published in the journal Stroke.
A study of 1,050 pregnant women found frequent detection of HPV, with infrequent perinatal transmission. The authors note challenges in distinguishing contamination from true infection, particularly in placentas.
A large case-control surveillance study of over 100,000 pregnancies found COVID-19 booster vaccination not associated with spontaneous abortion. The results support the safety of COVID-19 booster vaccination recommendations for pregnant populations.
The SLU Institute for Healing Justice and Equity has launched a new podcast called Critical Futures, which explores alternative futures and anti-racist health policies. The first episode features discussions on reimagining community partnerships and addressing disparities in Black maternal health.
Researchers found that conveying simple, scientific facts about THC's harm to a fetus reduced intentions to use cannabis while pregnant. Short and simple communications designed to increase media literacy also had an effect.
Research found that occasional cannabis use during early pregnancy can significantly reduce birth weight, even if continued use is not observed. Continued exposure results in largest deficiencies, with newborns exposed to marijuana throughout gestation being nearly 200g lighter and having smaller head circumferences.
High levels of cortisol during the third trimester of pregnancy have been linked to improved speech and language skills in young children. Research found that boys exposed to high cortisol had better word-saying abilities, while girls showed enhanced understanding skills.
Research found that children of obese or diabetic mothers developed epigenetic alterations that predisposed them to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Longitudinal follow-up revealed persistent effects on health status and metabolic condition beyond childhood.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that pregnant and lactating dogs share similarities in certain blood metabolites with human pregnancy, including glucose and fatty acid concentrations. The research analyzed 27 dogs from 21 breeds and discovered intriguing correlations between canine metabolism and human physiological processes.
A study of 390,000 infants found that those born to mothers with opioid use disorder or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome had a higher risk of postneonatal infant mortality. The study highlights the need for supportive interventions during and after pregnancy to reduce adverse outcomes.
Eight low-cost interventions can prevent an estimated 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million babies born preterm or small for gestational age each year. Implementing these interventions in 81 low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of millions of babies and improve long-term health outcomes.
A new study recommends using more positive and empathetic language to communicate fertility awareness, targeting both men and women. The review suggests five key changes to promote fertility awareness in a supportive way, including avoiding blame and stigma, emphasizing the choice of parenthood, and promoting healthy habits.
Sons of women with PCOS are two times more likely to develop obesity and have high levels of male hormones, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. A mouse study confirms these findings, showing fat tissue and metabolism problems in the offspring despite a healthy diet.
A major international study found that women taking certain epilepsy medicines during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having children develop severe psychiatric disorders. The study, which analyzed data from 38,000 children, highlights the importance of carefully weighing the risks and benefits of medication use during pregnancy.
Researchers investigated the cardiovascular effects of glucocorticoids on chicken embryos, finding that Betamethasone (Beta) caused more severe growth restriction, cellular stress, and cardiac dysfunction compared to Dexamethasone (Dex). Dex triggered oxidative stress, while Beta sustained glucocorticoid receptor activation
Strokes can be largely prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure. The American Stroke Association is launching a digital tool to educate people on stroke warning signs and risk factors, particularly for diverse populations.
A new Michigan statewide study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks of pregnancy does not necessarily reduce the risk of cesarean births. In fact, for some birthing individuals, it may even have the opposite effect if hospitals don't take a thoughtful approach to induction policies.
A comprehensive care plan has been published to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the US. The plan provides specific recommendations for both expecting parents and clinicians, including daily low-dose aspirin, surveillance, and behavioral strategies.
A recent study analyzing 46 million births across nearly three decades reveals a concerning pattern of maltreatment of non-white pregnant women, including disregarding their birthing wishes. The research suggests that medical induction of labor nearly tripled between 1990 and 2017 in the U.S., with no clear association with increased r...
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that chemical hair straighteners may affect a person's ability to become pregnant. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to use these products, leading to a slight reduction in fertility rates.
A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.
A study found that biological age in humans and mice increases rapidly in response to diverse forms of stress, only to reverse after recovery. The researchers used DNA methylation clocks to measure changes in biological age, revealing transient changes in response to stressful stimuli.
The study found associations between prenatal maternal stress life events and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. DNA methylation likely plays a role in these associations. The research provides new insights into how the fetal environment influences neurodevelopment, metabolism and immunologic functions.
Researchers found that maternal overweight compromises the placenta's antiviral response, weakening its ability to protect the fetus. The study suggests that adequate antenatal care is crucial in preventing complications from Zika infection.
Researchers found that women with prediabetes after pregnancy had aberrations in their early pregnancy blood serum metabolomic profile, including higher concentrations of small HDL particles. These metabolic changes predicted prediabetes at postpartum and were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Individuals who experienced depression during pregnancy were more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease within two years after giving birth. The study found a significant higher risk of developing six major cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and ischemic heart disease.
A multicentre prospective cohort study found that women using traditional Chinese medicine before and during pregnancy had a 2.1-times higher risk of congenital malformations compared to those without exposure. The study identified significant associations with early pregnant use and the use of two or more types of products.
A diet high in fruit and vegetables is associated with a lower miscarriage risk, with significant reductions seen for each food group. The meta-analysis of 20 studies found that consuming high amounts of fruit may reduce the risk by up to 61%, while high vegetable intake is linked to a 41% reduction.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.
Researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences identified 17 factors that can predict ADHD symptoms in childhood, including sex, cigarette smoke exposure, and mother's urinary tract infections. The study suggests that prenatal information may help identify children at risk of developing ADHD, particularly when combine...
A mouse study suggests that a specific brain receptor, the leptin receptor, may be involved in the development of PCOS symptoms. Researchers found that mice exposed to excess androgens prenatally had improved estrous cycles and regulation of their menstrual cycles, offering potential therapeutic targets for people with PCOS.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified the Arrdc5 gene as a potential target for male contraception. The study found that when this gene is inactivated, it causes significant infertility in males, characterized by decreased sperm count, slowed mobility, and distorted shape.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that a father's alcohol consumption before conception can lead to FAS-related craniofacial differences in offspring. The study challenges the existing dogma that only maternal alcohol exposure causes fetal growth defects.
A study published in JCI Insight found that pregnant women display robust immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparable to those of non-pregnant women. Key differences were observed in the dynamics of innate immune cells at the first line of defense towards viral infections.
Researchers discovered that Beclin-1 governs endometrial remodeling and pregnancy establishment by regulating autophagy, a natural process that digests and recycles cellular components. The study found that Beclin-1-driven autophagy promotes normal uterine remodeling and gland development.
Researchers found that timed birth strategies, including induced labor and Cesarean deliveries, can reduce the risk of at-term preeclampsia by more than half. The study analyzed over 90,000 pregnancies and suggested that this approach has huge potential for global good in maternity care.