Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A study of 2,400 women found nearly a quarter developed high blood pressure more than six weeks after delivery. The research suggests monitoring during this period could mitigate severe cardiovascular complications.
A new study found that stop-and-go traffic may be linked to reduced birthweight, with a nine-gram decrease in weight among infants born to parents who reside in areas with heavy traffic. This association was seen even after controlling for background air pollution levels and other environmental co-exposures.
A three-year study in Mozambique shows that parasite density and detectability in primigravid women decline as disease transmission decreases, despite stable antibody levels. This suggests non-immunological factors control infections in pregnant women.
Researchers found that higher levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women were associated with increased anxiety scores in their children at age 12. The study suggests that exposure to flame retardants during early brain development may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
A decades-long effort to lower the US stillbirth rate has stalled, with no progress made in reducing disparities between Black and White women. Despite advances in prenatal care and maternal health, excess stillbirths experienced by Black women have remained unchanged since the mid-2000s.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 causes a significant disruption in vaginal microbiota balance, leading to an increased risk of preterm birth. The research found a 70% change in microbiota and higher levels of pathogenic bacteria in infected women compared to control groups.
A Cedars-Sinai study found that a specific protein imbalance can predict the risk of developing severe preeclampsia. The blood test measures the ratio between two proteins involved in blood vessel development, which accurately predicted preterm preeclampsia with severe features over 90% of the time.
New research reveals profound effects of pregnancy on maternal brain physiology, mood, and behavior. Maternal mental health conditions like depression and anxiety affect 20% of new mothers in the US, with untreated cases having long-term negative impacts.
Research reveals early life adversity shapes brain circuits and behavior, increasing risk of depression and anxiety. Studies using rodent models uncover specific neural pathways impacted by early stress, shedding light on sex-specific responses.
Between 2000 and 2020, malaria infections fell globally, but a significant increase occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with 52.4 million pregnancies at risk from Plasmodium falciparum and vivax infection. Control initiatives failed to mitigate this trend.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy is associated with delays in children's gross motor, fine motor, and personal-social development. The study of 17,683 infants in Taiwan suggests that protection from air pollution should start during pregnancy.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that women with inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of giving birth prematurely, particularly if they have microscopic inflammation in their intestinal mucosa. This association was not seen for other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as growth restriction.
Researchers from the University of Queensland found that having more babies reduces a woman's risk of endometrial cancer by 50% compared to none. The study used genetic analysis and examined how many years women ovulated, with strong links pointing to childbirth.
A new study by Staffordshire University reveals that women's football clubs in Europe are lacking in education on menstrual cycles, hormonal contraception, and pregnancy. The research highlights the need for more female coaches and formalized coach education to address these issues and promote player well-being.
A high-fat diet in pregnant monkeys alters the transcriptional landscape of fetal blood stem cells, leading to a hyperinflammatory response and suppressed B-cell development. The study's findings suggest that maternal obesity may influence fetal bone marrow and immune system development.
A UMass Amherst epidemiologist is investigating how physical and mental health during pregnancy can predict cardiovascular and mental health disorders in middle age. Pregnancy complications may be associated with poorer cardiometabolic health and mental health status in middle adulthood among Puerto Rican women.
Research found social vulnerabilities such as poverty and minority status linked to increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 19 million pregnancies in US counties from 2016-2020 and found that four leading cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with some social vulnerability.
A recent study found that immigrant pregnant people faced persistent inequities in obtaining timely prenatal care compared to native-born individuals, exacerbating longstanding health disadvantages. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address disparities in Medicaid coverage based on immigration status and education level.
A large listeriosis outbreak in southern Spain was linked to contaminated stuffed pork, which led to a public health alert and the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis for pregnant women. The outbreak resulted in 207 confirmed cases and five miscarriages, highlighting the risk of Listeria contamination in ready-to-eat foods.
A new study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic parents are three times more likely to report prenatal depression and anxiety compared to non-autistic parents. The research highlights the need for effective mental health screening and support for autistic individuals during pregnancy.
A new study published in Anaesthesia has found no statistically significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes between children exposed to anaesthesia during pregnancy and those not exposed. The study, led by Professor Steffen Rex, comprehensively evaluated over 500 children aged 2-18 years using standardized tools.
A lifestyle intervention of diet and exercise in pregnant women with obesity reduced the risk of cardiac remodelling in 3-year-old children. The study found that these changes were associated with a lower risk of future cardiovascular disease.
The C-STICH clinical trial found that single-stranded suture threads may improve outcomes for mothers at risk of preterm birth by reducing the risk of infection. Researchers tested whether using single stranded sutures could decrease miscarriage or stillbirth rates due to an increased risk of infection.
A recent study found no association between women's caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate after fertility treatments. However, moderate alcohol consumption (84g/week) was associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates in both men and women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.
A study of over two million individuals in Denmark found that mothers with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy have a higher mortality risk in their offspring. The study shows an association between maternal HDP and various cause-specific deaths, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The majority of pregnancy-associated homicides are linked to intimate partner violence and firearms, and are entirely preventable. Ending male violence, including gun violence, could save hundreds of lives in the US every year.
A UK trial found that offering up to £400 in shopping vouchers to pregnant women can more than double the proportion who remain smoke-free by late pregnancy. However, most women relapsed after giving birth. The study suggests that financial incentives can be an effective tool to reduce smoking during pregnancy and improve health outcomes.
A recent Indiana University study found that high levels of glyphosate in pregnant women were associated with lower birth weights and higher risk of neonatal intensive care unit admissions. The researchers observed a cohort of 187 pregnant women and detected glyphosate in 99% of their urine samples.
Research reveals that pregnant smokers decrease their daily cigarette count by an average of one cigarette per day before realizing they are pregnant. This trend continues in the month following pregnancy recognition, with a decline from nine to five cigarettes per day on average.
A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.
Researchers found reduced lung function and scarring in mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine. Female mice also showed increased body weight in adulthood. The study suggests vaping during pregnancy can have long-term health effects on offspring.
A new study found that babies born below the 25th percentile for birthweight are at a higher risk of developmental concerns compared to those born in the middle range. The researchers suggest that better birthweight surveillance and support during childhood may help reduce these risks.
A new analysis found that women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to face a higher risk of death following childbirth beyond the standard 42-day postpartum limit. The research, published in The Lancet Global Health, suggests that this risk remains elevated until around four months after childbirth.
A new study suggests that impaired autophagy may contribute to the development of post-partum depression in pregnant women. The researchers found lower levels of messenger RNA associated with autophagy in blood samples from women who went on to develop PPD.
The program cuts the average time it took for new patients to get their first treatment from 97 days to just 41 days, while also allowing more than 1,000 new patients to begin treatments. The system has made significant improvements in efficiency and patient satisfaction, with appointment no-shows dropping by 50%.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that changes in extracellular RNA communication are associated with postpartum depression, potentially leading to the development of a blood test for risk prediction. The analysis also suggests that autophagy malfunction may contribute to PPD.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that prenatal acetaminophen use is associated with sleep and behavior problems consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,400 women, showed that children of mothers who used acetaminophen during pregnancy were...
Researchers captured mothers' experiences using documentary photography, revealing disempowerment, incongruent systems, and the need for relational support to aid recovery. Positive relationships with others in the recovery community were noted sources of support.
Researchers analyzed data from 145,000 pregnancies and found that antidepressant exposure was not associated with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that antidepressant use during pregnancy may not increase the risk of these conditions in children.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.
Women with severe preeclampsia treated with extended-release nifedipine during labor and delivery had lower rates of dangerously high blood pressure, reducing the need for IV treatment. This study contributes to optimal management of hypertension during pregnancy and delivery.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that pregnant women with gestational diabetes who achieve rapid glucose control have better birth outcomes. The research analyzed data from over 26,000 patients and identified four trajectories of glucose control, with those starting out with optimal levels and maintaining it having the best res...
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.
A US cohort study suggests that maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of sleep and attentional problems in offspring at age 3. The study found a potential link between acetaminophen exposure and neurobehavioral issues in children.
Researchers investigated the possible connection between maternal obesity and an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Changes in fetal epigenetics, insulin-like growth factor profiles, and immune cell populations have been proposed as potential explanations for this association.
A new UCLA study has found that anxiety specific to pregnancy and childbirth is associated with shorter gestation times and earlier births. Screening for depression in pregnancy and postpartum is now common, but adding an evaluation for anxiety could identify women who need interventions for healthier pregnancies and babies.
Research found a 74% higher risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among women who received frozen embryo transfers compared to those with fresh embryo transfers or natural conception. The study suggests that IVF treatment factors may be involved, but more research is needed to identify the specific risks.
A large, real-world study found mRNA COVID-19 vaccines effectively protect against serious disease and hospitalizations in pregnant women. The study provides strong evidence for vaccination as a preventive measure during pregnancy.
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.