Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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Women with anxiety about their pregnancies give birth earlier on average than those without anxiety. Doctors should screen for general anxiety early in pregnancy to prevent preterm birth.
A new paper provides guidance for healthcare workers on recognizing signs of reproductive coercion, which can involve psychological pressure, emotional blackmail, and physical violence. Doctors are advised to ask specific questions and establish a professional relationship with patients to gather more information and provide support.
A recent study found that only 35% of eighth and ninth graders in the child welfare system have received information on birth control, and even fewer know how to access it. The study highlights a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health education for this vulnerable population.
Scientists recorded facial expressions of 100 unborn babies to see how they reacted to carrot and kale flavours. Fetuses exposed to carrot showed more laughter-like responses, while those exposed to kale showed more crying-like responses. This study could help understand the development of human taste and smell receptors.
Research suggests that stress can affect a woman's probability of becoming pregnant within a menstrual cycle. Women with higher levels of chronic stress had lower fecundability rates compared to those with lower levels. The study found that women with an allostatic load score of 5-6 had a 59% reduction in fecundability.
Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at substantially higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Continuous monitoring is crucial to mitigate these risks.
A study published in The BMJ found that adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 90% in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who adhered to five key lifestyle factors had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of their weight or genetic risk.
Researchers found that children prenatally exposed to Superstorm Sandy had substantially increased risks for depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorders. Male children had elevated risks for attention deficit and disruptive behavioral disorders, while female children had elevated risks for anxiety disorders.
The US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade may limit medical treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases, as abortion bans take effect in more states. Providers will need to balance evidence-based clinical recommendations with personal and professional risks of violating reproductive rights.
A study published in Psychological Science found that babies react to flavors from foods eaten by their mothers while still in the womb. The researchers used 4D ultrasound scans to observe fetal facial reactions to carrot and kale flavors.
Numerous gaps between dietary intake and recommended guidelines are found, particularly among vulnerable families, with race and ethnicity disparities persisting. A unified plan can improve nutritional outcomes by strengthening federal policies and programs.
A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...
A new study found that women experiencing food insecurity report more symptoms of food addiction, such as compulsive eating and withdrawal symptoms. Participants in food-insecure households had significantly more food-addiction symptoms than those in food-secure households.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that cancer and chemotherapy do not appear to increase the risk of stillbirth among adolescent and young adult women who later become pregnant. The study included data from 11,696 deliveries to over 8,400 women diagnosed with cancer between 1995 and 2015.
A University of Illinois study shows rumen-protected lysine can improve uterine health in dairy cows during the transition period. The supplement reduced genes involved in inflammatory proteins and increased genes keeping the uterus clean, leading to less inflammation and improved reproductive outcomes.
A recent study found that mechanical ventilation can cause irreversible tissue damage in premature lungs, leading to impaired lung cell function. The study showed that even low pressure can result in structural changes on the cell surface, disrupting molecule transport and water balance.
The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.
Researchers found that using 'cracking' technology to break down exhaled nitrous oxide can significantly reduce ambient levels in maternity settings. The study showed a 71-81% reduction in nitrous oxide levels when using specific masks and coaching, suggesting pregnant women should be offered device choice options.
The study found that pregnant individuals younger than 25 years, non-Hispanic Black individuals, unmarried individuals, and those with obesity before pregnancy experienced higher gestational weight gain. The pandemic also led to a higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain among these groups.
A recent study of 17,000 participants found that COVID-19 boosters or third doses were generally well tolerated by pregnant and lactating women. The study suggests that these vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy and breastfeeding, addressing concerns about vaccine uptake among this demographic.
Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes and obesity are twice as likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. The researchers found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for ADHD in offspring, but not within normal weight gain ranges.
A new study found that tighter blood sugar control for women with gestational diabetes reduced infant death, trauma, and shoulder dystocia by half. However, it also increased the risk of serious health complications for the mother, such as major postpartum hemorrhage.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that telemedicine can provide safe and effective abortion services without routine ultrasound exams. Women who received telemedicine care had treatment results similar to those who received standard care, and preferred the option.
Researchers studied over 500,000 children born between 1987 and 2010, finding no causal link between maternal infection and autism. However, they did find a weaker link for intellectual disability, suggesting other factors may be at play.
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.
A new study found that low-income pregnant women living in polluted neighborhoods had a 60% increased risk of testing positive for COVID-19. The study, led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, examined the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and COVID-19 test results.
Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality. The review also found that WIC participants are more likely to receive child preventative services, such as vaccines.
A study analyzing over 4,131 pregnant mothers found that the essential nutrients in fish can protect against mercury content and that frequency of fish consumption is a more important factor than type. The researchers argue for revising current advice warning pregnant women not to eat certain types of fish.
A new study found that pregnant women taking fish oil and vitamin D supplements had a lower risk of their children developing croup. Children whose mothers took the supplements had an 11% risk of croup compared to those who did not take them, with a significant decrease in risk.
A systematic review of twenty-three studies suggests that sonographers can positively enhance parents' feelings towards their unborn baby by making imaging examinations a truly parent-centred experience. This approach can allay feelings of anxiety and stress in parents, helping them feel more informed and reassured about the health and...
A new study reveals that over half of hospital-based maternal deaths in the US occur during pregnancy or postpartum, rather than at delivery. Researchers are calling for a renewed focus on examining the causes of these deaths to inform clinical and policy interventions.
A study found melamine and cyanuric acid in nearly all pregnant participants' samples, with higher levels in women of color and those with greater tobacco exposure. Regulatory action is needed to limit exposure to these carcinogenic chemicals.
Scientists propose a new therapy for preeclampsia by correcting placental defects with BH4 treatment. The treatment restores placental and fetal weight, lowers blood pressure, and resolves symptoms of excess protein in urine and cardiovascular abnormalities.
A study found that genetic testing before pregnancy can detect the risk of severe developmental disorders in 44% of cases if parents are related. However, non-hereditary mutations play a larger role in children of non-consanguineous couples, and many genes remain undetected.
A study from the University of Minnesota Medical School examines support programs for pregnant and postpartum individuals in six US state prisons. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between program facilitators and prison sites in determining program success.
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown a model embryo with a brain, beating heart, and all other organs using mouse stem cells. This breakthrough could help understand why some pregnancies fail and develop a new approach for repairing synthetic human organs.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that pregnant Gen Zers and millennials are approximately two times more likely to be newly diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy. The finding highlights the need for broader screening and prevention efforts among younger people.
A new study found patterns of fetal abdominal growth associated with maternal lipid metabolites that track newborn growth, adiposity, and development into childhood. The study monitored over 3,500 babies from birth to 2 years of age, providing insights into the complex interaction between maternal and fetal nutrition early in pregnancy.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
A new study found no difference in sexual enjoyment between women who gave birth via caesarean section and those who delivered vaginally. However, women who had a caesarean section were more likely to report sex-related pain at later stages postpartum.
The UK government's current proposal to fortify flour with folic acid is inadequate, as it suggests a low dose that would fail to prevent hundreds of cases of severe birth defects each year. Increasing the dose could prevent about 80% of neural tube defects.
A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.
A study published in Neurology found that pregnant women with epilepsy have more symptoms of depression and anxiety than those without epilepsy or pregnant women with epilepsy. The study highlights the importance of screening and treating depression and anxiety in pregnant women with epilepsy.
A new prenatal test called STORK can determine if a fetus or embryo has the right number of chromosomes in under two hours, reducing time and cost. The test is about 10 times less expensive to process per sample and can improve treatment options for women trying to get pregnant.
A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
Researchers used multiple 'omics' techniques to evaluate spindle transfer, a new IVF option that avoids mitochondrial disease inheritance. The study found no significant differences in DNA copy number or RNA expression profiles between spindle transfer and control embryos.
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with small but significant increases in pregnancy-related complications and maternal death during delivery hospitalization. The number of live births also decreased by 5.2% during this period.
A nationwide study found a significant increase in maternal death, cardiovascular disorders, and obstetric hemorrhage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million pregnant patients and attributed the poor outcomes to pandemic-related stress, disruptions in prenatal care, and limitations on routine check-ups.
A large Canadian study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal suggests COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy. Pregnant women who received the vaccine experienced lower rates of health events post-vaccination compared to non-pregnant vaccinated individuals.
A new study suggests that tocolytics can safely delay preterm births and reduce neonatal deaths worldwide. The analysis of 122 clinical trials found benefits for all preterm delay treatments, with some side effects noted.
Researchers have discovered that Piezo1 is responsible for regulating the uterus's behavior during pregnancy, keeping it relaxed and ensuring proper expansion. The identification of Piezo1 paves the way for developing drugs and therapies to treat or delay preterm labour, a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
A new study finds that mild smog exposure during pregnancy is linked to higher risks of low birth weight, high blood pressure, and early water breaks. The research highlights the need for environmental protection measures to reduce air pollution's impact on pregnant women and their unborn children.
A new study reveals that air pollution and maternal stress during pregnancy can lead to altered brain development and social behavior in male mice, exhibiting autism-like traits. In contrast, female mice are not affected by these environmental factors.
A new study of over 8 million pregnancies found that pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, and other complications. IBD can also lead to longer hospital stays and increased medical costs.
Researchers found higher levels of brain cell damage and inflammation markers in women with severe preeclampsia compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. The study used health record data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and explored extracellular vesicles as potential early risk indicators.
A pooled data analysis found that experience of race discrimination is associated with a heightened risk of premature birth and low birthweight. The study highlights the importance of addressing racism in healthcare to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
A study of 2,700 children in the Netherlands found a possible association between maternal smoking and suboptimal brain development among offspring. The research suggests that tobacco use during pregnancy may impact preadolescent brain development.