Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Researchers at OHSU developed an efficient and accurate assessment of placental health using standard MRI, detecting complications early in pregnancy. The method identifies T2* values that provide key information about oxygen availability and placental blood flow.
Studies in rats have found that T-cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to preeclampsia complications. Researchers are exploring ways to dampen this response to reduce the risk of premature birth or worse outcomes for mother and child.
A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.
A recent six-country African study reveals that pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 are at double the risk of ICU admission and four times the risk of dying compared to non-pregnant counterparts. The researchers emphasize the need for pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves and their unborn children.
Women with active rheumatic disease are at risk of hypertension, preeclampsia, and fetal loss during pregnancy. Effective disease management with safe medications is crucial for a successful pregnancy outcome.
A University of Ottawa-led team has developed an AI-based deep learning model to identify cystic hygroma, a rare and life-threatening disorder, from first-trimester ultrasound scans with high sensitivity and specificity. The approach may be applied to other fetal anomalies identified by ultrasonography.
Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.
Research shows increased risk of severe maternal sickness/complications associated with higher maternal age, levels of obesity, and previous Caesarean section. The study suggests that UK maternity services are adapting to meet the needs of an increasingly complex pregnant population.
A study published in Environmental Research found that prenatal exposure to specific phthalates is associated with a slightly elevated risk of children starting puberty between 7 and 10 years old. Higher prenatal exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, was linked to an increased risk of puberty onset, particularly in normal-weigh...
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide gas significantly reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and hospital stays in pregnant women with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The therapy was administered twice daily to patients, resulting in no adverse events.
Research suggests that paternal genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to preeclampsia, but the impact of paternal phenotype and lifestyle remains unclear. The study found no significant differences in socioeconomic background or health history between fathers with preeclamptic pregnancies and those without.
A UMass Amherst researcher will investigate the link between ambient environmental factors and male fertility, focusing on air pollution and temperature. Her study aims to identify risks associated with these exposures and inform medical and behavioral interventions for men before fertility treatment.
Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.
A recent study published in Nature has identified a complex neural network in the fruit-fly brain that shapes behavior and decision-making, particularly when it comes to food choice. The 'appetite map' created by the researchers reveals how internal states, such as nutrient deficiencies and pregnancy, interact to guide behavior.
A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.
A large study analyzing over 4.5 million pregnancies found that frozen embryo transfers in IVF are associated with a substantially higher risk of hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was roughly doubled for FETs, while fresh embryo transfers had similar outcomes.
A recent study of over 5,000 women found that having a baby after breast cancer diagnosis does not negatively impact survival rates. Women who had hormone-receptor positive breast cancer and became mothers showed similar or increased survival compared to those without children.
A review suggests that women timing their intercourse with urine-based hormone tests can increase their chances of conceiving. The study found that timed intercourse resulted in a 20-28% chance of pregnancy, compared to 18% for spontaneous intercourse.
A survey of rural women in the US found that those using illicit drugs have low contraceptive use rates and high unintended pregnancy rates compared to non-drug users. The study highlights the need for expanded access to reproductive health care and substance use treatment in rural areas.
A study of 627 participants in the Southwest US found that the summer 2020 COVID-19 case surge was associated with a short-term decrease in pregnancy desires. The trend reversal was more pronounced among individuals earlier in their reproductive lives.
A new study found that probiotics did not improve vaginal health in women with an imbalance in their microbiota. However, 34% of women showed spontaneous improvement over a period of one to three months. The study suggests that postponing fertility treatment until a normal balance is achieved may be beneficial.
A large-scale study of intrauterine insemination cycles found that frozen sperm samples have similar clinical pregnancy rates to fresh samples. However, time-to-pregnancy was slightly longer for the frozen sperm group. The results provide reassurance to patients undergoing fertility treatment.
A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.
Following the leaked SCOTUS draft ruling, internet searches for abortion medication increased by 350,000 during the first week of May. These searches were more prevalent in states with restrictive reproductive rights.
A study analyzing over 30,000 posts on a Neo-Nazi website found that white supremacists use the abortion debate to promote racist and extremist agendas. The researchers warn that science and medicine are being 'weaponized' to attract recruits and spread dangerous ideologies. Abortion rights are a contested issue in the US, with far-rig...
Maternal mortality jumped by 33% after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with disproportionate increases among Black and Hispanic mothers. Existing disparities emerged, including a 40% jump for non-Hispanic Black women and a 74% jump for Hispanic women.
A study examined maternal immune responses and antibody transfer from mother to fetus for different COVID-19 vaccines across pregnancy trimesters. mRNA vaccination induced higher levels and functions against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, while first and third trimester vaccination led to enhanced maternal immune responses.
A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...
A new study found that pregnant people in the South and Midwest experienced higher risk of miscarriage in late August and early September, respectively. Researchers suggest exploring links between extreme heat and pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for further research to understand potential causes.
A new CDC study confirms that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy significantly protects infants from severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. The risk of hospitalization among babies was reduced by approximately 80% during the Delta wave and 40% during the Omicron wave.
Researchers discovered that midgestation leptin surge in preeclampsia leads to endothelial dysfunction, blood vessel constriction, and restricted fetal growth. This finding highlights the crucial role of leptin in pregnancy and its potential consequences on maternal and infant cardiovascular health.
Studies by UC Davis MIND Institute found predictive protein patterns in expecting mothers' blood and links between maternal autoantibodies and higher autistic traits. MAR ASD patterns were associated with autism before birth, with certain patterns predicting autism in previously diagnosed children.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A large analysis of reproductive health data has found a significant association between infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth with an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal stroke in women. Women who experienced recurrent miscarriages or stillbirths were at higher risk of stroke, particularly those with a history of infertility.
A new study found that women over 40, non-Hispanic Black women, and those with lower education levels are more likely to experience infertility. The US fertility rate has plateaued, but access to healthcare services is a significant factor in preventing infertility.
A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.
Researchers have generated molecular maps of the second week of gestation, revealing the biochemical signals that control human embryo development. This breakthrough provides a crucial reference for studying birth defects and pregnancy loss in humans.
A study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that early antibiotic use disrupts the developing immune system of newborns, increasing risks of severe pneumonia and life-long health issues. Fecal transplants may offer a solution to mitigate these effects.
The study found that uterine transplantation is an effective method to remedy infertility, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 33% and cumulative live birth rate exceeding expectations. The procedure also showed positive health outcomes, including improved quality of life and low rates of anxiety and depression.
A study reveals that valproic acid induces cellular senescence in neuroepithelial cells, leading to developmental defects such as spina bifida, facial alterations, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The researchers found that a specific molecule, p19Arf, is responsible for this effect.
A study reveals an epigenetic switch that restricts early embryo cells from differentiating into certain tissue lineages. The research identifies PRC2 as a key regulator of gene expression in embryonic development, allowing for better control of stem cell specialization and blastoid formation.
Women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension 10 years post-pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of screening for hypertension in this population and suggests that routine screening can help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.
A new European-African partnership aims to develop a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine against placental malaria. The €10 million ADVANCE-VAC4PM project will advance the clinical development of two promising vaccine candidates, PRIMVAC and PAMVAC, using a novel capside-Virus-Like Particle (cVLP) platform.
Researchers found that moderate coffee consumption during pregnancy does not increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. The study used genetic analysis to mimic a randomized control trial and suggested pregnant women can safely enjoy coffee with limited risk.
Research finds prenatal exposure to BPA and DEHP may contribute to mood disorders later in life by altering brain chemistry. Adult offspring exposed to these chemicals displayed impaired fear responses and altered behavioral patterns, highlighting the importance of avoiding exposures during pregnancy.
A recent study published in mSystems found that high abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus is associated with a 40% lower risk of preterm birth, particularly in Black women. The study analyzed data from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study and stratified findings by race.
A study published in the American Political Science Review found that pregnancy significantly decreases women's political engagement, which persists even after having a child. In contrast, male partners' reduced engagement is largely recouped within four years of parenthood.
Infants born to mothers with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests during pregnancy were more likely to receive neurodevelopmental diagnoses by 12 months, even after accounting for preterm delivery. Longer studies are needed to confirm these associations and understand the long-term effects of in utero COVID-19 exposure.
A new multicenter study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa have a significantly increased risk of needing intensive care and dying compared to uninfected hospitalized pregnant women. The study also highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination as part of prenatal care to improve mother and infant outcomes.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a lower incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants born to vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated mothers.
A new study found that pregnant women's use of alcohol correlates with that of their partner, highlighting the importance of both parents reducing their alcohol consumption. The research, which analyzed data from 14,822 Finnish women and their partners, showed that exposure to alcohol can have detrimental effects on fetal development.
Researchers discovered that pregnant women produce super antibodies to protect their newborns by altering the structure of sugars attached to the antibodies. This molecular change allows immunoglobulin G to stimulate immunity through receptors that respond specifically to deacetylated sugars, providing expanded protective role.
Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 show differences in motor function and relaxation, especially when held. Preliminary analysis suggests increased risk of neurodevelopmental changes compared to uninfected babies.
The UK Maternal Mortality Reports show that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women during pregnancy, followed by epilepsy and stroke. Anaesthetists are working to improve outcomes through better risk assessment, anti-clotting medication, and multidisciplinary training.
A pregnant woman battled COVID-19 for 22 days before receiving life-saving ECMO treatment. After a successful delivery of a healthy baby boy via emergency C-section, the mother made a full recovery with extensive physiotherapy.
New research highlights that women undergoing operations are not being routinely informed about the potential risks of contraceptive failure when administered sugammadex. This anaesthetic drug is known to interact with hormone progesterone and reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including the Pill and mini-pill.
A Norwegian study found that vaccinated mothers had a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their infants within the first four months of life. The study analyzed all live births between September 2021 and February 2022 and showed a significant reduction in infections among vaccinated infants.
A new UCLA study reveals how air pollutants affect placental cells, leading to pregnancy complications and infant health issues. Chronic exposure to traffic-related pollutants triggers immune activation, attacking vital placental cells and disrupting nutrient supply.
A seven-year study found that mothers with increasing levels of depression are at a greater risk of their children developing emotional, social, and academic problems. Children whose mothers experienced consistently high symptoms performed similarly to those with low symptoms on a task requiring focused attention.