Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Researchers studied 407 infants born to mothers with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 at any point during pregnancy and found they developed similarly to those without COVID. The study used a novel method to observe babies remotely, adapting a developmental assessment tool for COVID-safe evaluation.
The MATISSE study found that administering the Pfizer Bivalent Prefusion F Vaccine in pregnancy reduces severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection by 82% in infants aged six months old. This vaccine is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of RSV illness is highest.
Regular third trimester ultrasound scans can help identify undiagnosed breech pregnancies, allowing for better care before and during labor. This could lead to improved perinatal outcomes and reduced rates of undetected breech pregnancy by 71%.
A clinical study has shown that vaccination during pregnancy can effectively prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in infants. The vaccine was found to be well-tolerated and provided over 80% protection against RSV illness, with benefits expected for vulnerable populations worldwide.
A team of investigators created embryo-like structures from monkey embryonic stem cells and transferred them into female monkeys, which implanted and elicited a hormonal response similar to pregnancy. The study provides new tools and perspectives for exploring primate embryos and reproductive medical health.
A population-based study found that pregnancy-associated cancers have a higher overall 5-year mortality rate compared to non-pregnancy associated cancers. The study highlights the need for improved cancer screening and treatment options during pregnancy.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that intramuscular administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is safe and quickly reaches therapeutic concentrations in pregnant women. Oral TXA was also well-tolerated but took an hour to reach therapeutic blood concentrations.
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, prenatal telehealth visits substantially increased. The study found that deliveries in November 2020 had the highest telehealth visit rates during pregnancy.
A study found similar birth outcomes for same-sex lesbian couples undergoing ART compared to heterosexual couples who conceived naturally or through ART. Infertility-related factors, not reproductive treatments, contribute to higher adverse birth outcomes in ART pregnancies.
A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.
A new study reveals that only one affordable prenatal supplement meets nutritional guidelines, but its high cost and complex dosing regimen make it inaccessible to many. The study calls for improved nutritional care during pregnancy and more research on nutrient-dense foods.
Researchers have linked higher lithium levels in drinking water to a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring. The study found that mothers living in urban areas had a slightly stronger association between lithium exposure and autism risk.
A low-cost, high-effective program provides community-based groups to teach women and partners about nutrition, caregiving, and health from pregnancy to age one. The study found significant improvements in brain development, cognitive skills, and language abilities at age two compared to usual healthcare.
A new IVF method using time-lapse monitoring has been found not to improve pregnancy rates or shorten the time it takes to get pregnant. The study, which evaluated 1731 patients over a year, also found that this approach does not lead to extra costs or benefits.
Children born to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy may experience altered growth patterns and increased weight gain in early life, which can lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and prevention strategies for pregnant individuals.
A study of over 65,000 Japanese infants found that those exposed to indoor pets during fetal development or early infancy had fewer food allergies. Children exposed to indoor dogs and cats were significantly less likely to experience specific allergies, while hamster exposure unexpectedly increased the incidence of nut allergies.
Research suggests that early life stress may increase pro-inflammatory processes during pregnancy, which can have long-term effects on maternal and child health. The study found that mothers who experienced higher levels of early life stress had increased pro-inflammatory factors but decreased immune cell development.
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced opportunities for sex, with fewer reported unplanned pregnancies and abortions, but higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and distress. The National Survey found that people were more likely to have multiple partners, but less likely to use condoms with new partners.
Researchers have found that embryos in pregnancies ending in miscarriage take four days longer to develop in the womb than those in live births. This delay is associated with a higher likelihood of miscarriage and may be used to estimate pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers report that RNA vaccination in pregnant rabbits confers benefits to offspring, triggering robust antibody responses that are likely passively transferred. The study supports further development of the LION TM/repRNA vaccine platform for protecting against mother-to-child transmission of pathogens.
The study found a significant association between the loss of abortion rights and increased mental distress in females of reproductive age. Restricting access to abortion may disproportionately affect lower socioeconomic status individuals, leading to greater economic and mental health burdens.
A new study found that gut microbes can diagnose gestational diabetes as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes exhibit differences in gut microbiota, inflammation, and metabolites compared to those without the condition.
A recent study published in BJOG found that nearly all women in England (97.5%) have at least one indicator of potential health risks during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for improved preconception care and policies to support women's overall well-being before pregnancy. The research highlights health disparities across different age...
A new study reveals limited supportive care for pregnant women with cancer, who often delay medical help due to natural changes in their body. The research emphasizes the need for emotional support and educational programs to address psychosocial issues and long-term negative impacts.
A US analysis of perinatal care found that discretionary care varied by patient race, with Non-Hispanic Black women being 20% less likely to receive a prenatal depression screen and 60% more likely to have a urine drug test when denying drug use. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Asian women were also less likely to receive similar tests.
A Taiwanese study found that pregnant women involved in road traffic collisions, even with minor injuries, are at increased risk of birth complications. Those on scooters faced significantly higher risks than those in cars. The study suggests providing educational materials about road traffic safety during pregnancy.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A new study from British Columbia found that an increase in gestational diabetes rates can be largely attributed to changes in screening practices. After adjusting for screen completion and population factors, diagnoses of gestational diabetes increased by less than one-quarter over a 15-year period.
A Rutgers University study found that excess calories during development can alter the brain and lead to adult overeating. Mice born to overweight mothers were more likely to become obese as adults when given access to unhealthy food. On the other hand, their offspring from lean mothers stayed slim on healthy food.
A study of 343 mother-child pairs found an association between ambient temperature and newborns' respiratory systems. Climate change is particularly vulnerable to pregnant women and their future children, the findings suggest.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum finds that nearly half of primary care physicians treating Medicaid patients provide prescription contraception, while only 10% offer longer-acting methods like IUDs and implants. The research highlights the need for policy approaches tailored to different physician specialties to ensure acces...
Researchers developed a texting intervention that promotes healthy sexual decision-making and reduces pregnancies among LGBTQ+ teens. The Girl2Girl program showed sustained positive health behaviors for up to 12 months after completion.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals a 104% increase in pregnancy-related deaths among American Indian/Alaska Native people, with rates nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. The Delta and Omicron variants contributed to the worsening burden of mortality, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.
A study of 318 mothers found significant associations between antenatal COVID-19-related stress and poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes. Infants also showed increased negative affectivity, highlighting the need for public health prioritization of pregnant individuals during pandemics.
A new study published in The Lancet found that an existing drug, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, protects pregnant women from sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections. Researchers tested this drug alongside a promising new treatment, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, which showed unique ability to prevent malaria.
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging tool to create real-time images of uterine contractions during labor. The electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) technique provides detailed information on contraction patterns, which can help improve labor management and clinical decision-making.
A global maternal Strep B vaccination program could avert over 200,000 cases and more than 31,000 deaths, as well as reduce disability in children. The study found that a one-dose vaccine program could cost $1.7 billion globally, while saving $385 million in healthcare costs.
A community-based approach using health workers increased IPTp coverage by up to 473% in Nigeria, but did not reduce antenatal care attendance. The TIPTOP project shows that community health workers play a critical role in supporting the health of women and can save thousands of maternal and infant lives.
A new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.
A study of 742 pregnant participants found that pandemic-related stress had a significant impact on mental health, particularly among those with low social support and high levels of worry. The research also showed that COVID-19 related stress during pregnancy was associated with poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes and incr...
A systematic review of 33 randomized controlled trials found that yoga improved gait speed and lower extremity strength in inactive older people. However, it did not offer a benefit for frailty markers compared to exercise or tai chi.
A study found that prenatal exposure to the anti-nausea drug Bendectin, containing dicyclomine, increased the risk of colorectal cancer in adult offspring. Incidence rates were three times higher among exposed children compared to those not exposed.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who have dimmed lights and screens for three hours before sleep are less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dim light exposure before bedtime may help regulate glucose levels, reducing the risk of this common pregnancy complication.
Researchers found that clinicians ordered more frequent newborn drug tests for Black newborns after recreational cannabis legalization, highlighting concerns about structural racism and disproportionate testing. The study calls for further exploration of how institutional racism affects healthcare outcomes for Black families.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
A study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that feeding pregnant mothers a combination of four nutrients before and during pregnancy can reduce the incidence and severity of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. These nutrients include folic acid, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12.
A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that pregnant women with anxiety have higher levels of cytotoxic T cells and different immune marker activity compared to those without anxiety. This suggests a biological link between anxiety and the immune system during pregnancy and postpartum.
A recent study by Amsterdam University Medical Center found that transgender men face significant barriers in accessing maternity care due to a lack of understanding and guidance from healthcare providers. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive care and guidelines to support pregnant transgender men, addressing their uni...
A new technology developed by Arizona State University researchers allows scientists to remotely track the location and time of birth for shark pups, enabling them to protect critical habitats. The device, called Birth-Alert-Tags (BAT), has yielded remarkable results, revealing previously unknown birth sites for certain shark species.
A study published in Neurology found that high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of cognitive problems later in life. Those with preeclampsia may face a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those with gestational high blood pressure.
A new study by PSE Healthy Energy and the University of California, Berkeley aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to air pollution, heat, and humidity with birth outcomes. The research will analyze disparities in local exposure across the region and develop targeted solutions to protect vulnerable populations.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that factors such as marriage status, age, and education are associated with pregnancy termination in 36 low- and middle-income countries. The study used data from over 1.2 million women aged 15-49 and found that married women, those over 30, and those with higher education were ...
A recent BC study found that midwifery care is safe and effective for clients with varying levels of medical risk. Midwife-led care resulted in lower rates of preterm births and low-birth-weight babies, as well as increased cesarean delivery rates at higher medical risks.
Research found maternal obesity reduces placental formation, blood vessel density, and nutrient exchange capacity. Both obesity and gestational diabetes impact placental hormone production and inflammation markers.
A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.
A large-scale international study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 3-4% reduction in preterm births worldwide, averting nearly 50,000 preterm pregnancies during the first month of lockdown. However, this decrease was limited to high-income countries, including Australia.
A Rutgers University study found that nanoscale plastic particles from pregnant rats' food passed to their offspring and may harm fetal development. The research suggests a potential health risk for human children exposed to these plastics through their mothers' diets.
A new study from Imperial College London finds that earlier first birth, higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in women. The researchers hope their findings will help doctors better understand and monitor women's risk factors.