Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A new study demonstrated that maternal exercise during pregnancy improves the metabolic health of offspring, even when the mother is obese or on a high-fat diet. The findings suggest that physical exercise by the mother induces the placenta to secrete SOD3, resulting in a lowered risk of diabetes for the offspring.
A recent study found that structural racism and COVID-19 pandemic stressors are significantly associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from a large birthing cohort and found that participants who experienced worse pandemic-related worries, interper...
A new series of expert reviews explores less common causes of bone loss, including pregnancy-associated osteoporosis and anorexia nervosa-related osteoporosis. The reviews provide comprehensive information on these unusual conditions and their impact on bone health.
A new study found that hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization procedures have higher-than-expected failure rates of five to six percent at 5 years post-procedure. The study, led by Dr. Aileen Gariepy, used Medicaid claims data to compare the effectiveness of these methods.
A study published in Journal of Women's Health found that preventive visits after an index pregnancy were associated with reduced hypertension in the subsequent pregnancy. Nearly half of women included in the study experienced a complication in their subsequent pregnancy, with diabetes and hypertension having the highest recurrence rates.
A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.
A recent study of 280 mother-infant pairs found that prenatal exposure to social disadvantage and psychosocial stress was associated with reduced infant brain volumes at birth. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the brain volumes of the infants at birth.
In a study published in BMJ Open, researchers found that abortion rates remained stable in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with no significant changes in timing or decision-making. Women who sought abortions did not hesitate to proceed, citing supportive care and reassuring healthcare systems.
Researchers found thousands of individual B-cell transcripts that were different from women without PPD, regulated by genetic variants and DNA methylation. Altered B-cell activation and insulin resistance were also implicated in the study. The findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms behind postpartum depression.
Researchers from Texas A&M University found that the absence of a functioning Nrf2 gene affects prenatal growth, especially when exposed to ultrafine particulate air pollution. This study highlights a possible mechanism by which ultrafine particles can impact placental function and prenatal health.
Research reveals nearly a third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries screened for hepatitis C test positive, but fewer than a fifth receive follow-up care. A sustainable pathway to treatment is crucial, especially with expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and highly effective oral medications.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found administering medication abortion pills as early as possible is safe and may help determine ectopic pregnancy faster. However, patients may need to re-initiate treatment due to a higher failure rate when treated early.
A large-scale study of COVID-era birth data found a 6.5% decrease in premature births from cesarian and induced deliveries. The researchers believe this may be related to fewer prenatal visits during the pandemic. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal health.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that prenatal smoking is associated with offspring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but does not necessarily cause it. The study, led by University of Bristol researchers, found that shared genetics play a substantial role in the association.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that certain reproductive events, such as shorter estrogen exposure, may be associated with increased dementia risk in women. However, the association between the number of children and dementia risk was similar for women and men, suggesting social and behavioral factors may play a role.
A recent study evaluated the association between COVID-19 vaccination during early pregnancy and major fetal structural anomalies identified on ultrasonography. The results suggest that pregnant women who receive COVID-19 vaccines may be at a slightly higher risk of having a child with congenital fetal anomalies.
A new Northwestern Medicine study has found that the COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with birth defects that are detectable on ultrasound. The study analyzed electronic medical records from a cohort of 3,156 pregnant people who received at least one vaccine dose and found no increased risk of major fetal structural anomalies.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that dopamine and compulsive eating behavior play a crucial role in food cravings during pregnancy. The researchers found that female mice develop binge-eating behaviors towards high-calorie foods due to changes in brain reward circuits and taste sensors.
Researchers found a 20% reduction in severe preeclampsia, preterm birth, abruption, and fetal or newborn death among women treated with antihypertensives. The benefits remained after controlling for other factors.
A new study found that infant monkeys conceived while their mothers were exposed to wildfire smoke showed increased inflammation, memory deficits, and a more passive temperament compared to those conceived later. The effects suggest that some component of wildfire smoke can act as a teratogen, affecting fetal development.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that a combination of two anti-inflammatory drugs may prevent lung damage and asthma in infants born prematurely due to chorioamnionitis. The study used animal models, but further research is needed to confirm the results.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
Researchers at CRCHUM discover that cell division in mouse embryos occurs asymmetrically, with cytokinesis primarily pinched from one side. This finding challenges traditional textbook views of cell division and may have implications for embryo viability and human fertility.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
Research reveals stark inequalities in long-term health outcomes for Black and South Asian women with a history of gestational diabetes. The study found that these women are up to three times more likely to develop certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A large birth cohort study of 3.4 million children found that prenatal antipsychotic exposure is not the primary cause of increased risk of neurodevelopment disorders. Maternal characteristics appear to be a contributing factor, suggesting that antipsychotic drugs may have more subtle effects on fetal development.
A population study found a significant link between mothers' exposure to disinfectants during pregnancy and their children's risk of developing asthma or eczema. The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, suggests that prenatal exposure to disinfectants may exert an effect on allergies in offspring.
Pregnant women with anorexia are at higher risk of stillbirth, underweight baby, or pre-term birth. A new set of guidelines provides recommendations for multidisciplinary management to ensure optimal outcomes for women and their infants.
A large-scale registry study found no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, growth retardation, or neonatal care. Vaccination was associated with a slightly lower risk of neonatal care and provided protection against COVID-19 for the newborn.
Scientists have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha protein. The compound YCT529 was found to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy without observable side effects, paving the way for human clinical trials.
A comprehensive study of nearly 400 preterm children born before 24 weeks gestation found a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric and somatic diagnoses. The research emphasizes the importance of providing long-term habilitation and support for these children, who are at risk of developing long-term health problems.
A recent study found that obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death. The research revealed that over 60% of this increased risk is associated with deliveries occurring at an earlier gestational age, highlighting the importance of careful prenatal care and monitoring.
A new video tool aims to help mothers understand that stillbirth is not their fault by explaining the aging process of the placenta. The research identifies that unexplained stillbirth is often due to 'aging of the placenta,' which is complex and not affected by the mother's behavior.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis found that pregnant patients with COVID-19 were at twice the risk of poor outcomes, including preterm birth and venous thromboembolism. The study also showed a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity, including conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.
A new study found that fewer than 2% of babies born to mothers with COVID-19 test positive for the virus, but those with severe cases or diagnosed after childbirth are more likely to be infected. Vaginal births and breastfeeding do not increase the risk of transmission.
A study analyzing data from 159 countries found that raising tobacco taxes is associated with a significant reduction in neonatal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests that implementing recommended WHO tobacco tax rates could lead to substantial decreases in these deaths, potentially saving up to 231,220 infant lives annually.
A blood test may identify risk of stillbirth and placentitis in pregnant individuals who have had COVID-19. The finding could improve care for high-risk pregnancies and lead to the development of a new screening tool.
A new study confirms that abnormalities in the GDF15 gene are involved in hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The discovery may lead to targeted treatments and improved care for women with HG.
A study by American College of Cardiology reveals that childbearing women cardiologists face discriminatory violations of maternity leave practices, with 75% experiencing potential illegal violations. The survey found a significantly higher rate of pregnancy complications among these women compared to the general population.
A new study by Japanese researchers at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine found a correlation between maternal lead exposure and an increase in male births. The research suggests that even low levels of lead can affect the sex ratio of offspring, potentially contributing to Japan's declining proportion of male births.
A randomized study of 379 women with obesity and unexplained infertility found that intensive lifestyle changes that shed pounds led to no better chances of pregnancy than simply increasing physical activity without weight loss. The study also showed significant health benefits from weight loss, including a decrease in metabolic syndrome.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that birthing parents are at a higher risk of financial burden due to out-of-pocket medical costs, with low-income families facing the highest risks. Public health insurance, including Medicaid, was associated with lower risks of catastrophic health expenditures.
Despite an overall decline in stillbirth rates across the UK, black and South Asian communities continue to experience higher rates of stillbirths compared to the rest of the population. Placental issues and birth defects are key causes of stillbirths in these groups, but the underlying cause remains unknown in more than half of cases.
A meta-analysis of over 3,000 studies found that women with one ovary have a 30% lower chance of becoming pregnant and giving birth after IVF. The study suggests that surgical removal of an ovary has an adverse effect on fertility.
Aging egg cells accumulate damage to genetic material, preventing maturation and fertilization. Researchers have identified a key process causing this damage and found that anti-viral drugs can reverse it.
The placenta plays an active role in transferring vitamin D to the fetus during pregnancy, according to a new study. The research found that the placenta takes up vitamin D through endocytosis, which enables it to deliver this essential nutrient to the developing fetus.
Researchers find that nearly 20% of sperm proteins are replaced by female-derived proteins after mating, supporting sperm viability during prolonged periods before fertilization. This 'hand-off' reveals that sperm are materially the product of both sexes.
A new Northwestern University study found that pregnant women often continue to experience depression and anxiety symptoms even with antidepressant treatment. The study suggests that these women require closer monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum to tailor their treatment and alleviate symptoms.
A study of predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latina women found that diets high in solid fat, refined grains and cheese increased the likelihood of preeclampsia, while diets rich in non-starchy vegetables, oils and fruit may lower blood pressure risk during pregnancy
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that many women with preeclampsia lack awareness about symptoms and long-term cardiovascular risks, underscoring the need for improved patient education and support. The research team surveyed over 800 pregnant women, revealing a significant gap in mental health support and preventive measures.
Researchers have discovered signature epigenetic biomarkers in mothers and fathers of preterm infants, which may lead to a non-invasive test to predict preterm birth. This could help prevent premature births and their related health impacts on infants.
Research from Tufts University scientists finds that opioid exposure in mothers can lead to metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes in their sons. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that even short-term use of opioids before pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the health of future generations.
Demand for self-managed medication abortion skyrocketed after Texas Senate Bill 8 was enacted, with many women seeking the procedure due to limited access to clinics
A Michigan study found that Black pregnant women were twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as white women, with all infected pregnant people at a higher risk of early preeclampsia. COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, protecting both mothers and babies.
A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica has found that severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirths. The research highlights the importance of vaccination against severe disease to protect both mothers and babies.
A new study of over 1.1 million new mothers worldwide found that first-time mothers, women under 25, and mothers of twins are at higher risk for postpartum depression. Women aged 40 and older having twins are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
A new study has found that tubal ligation is no more effective than an intrauterine device (IUD) in preventing pregnancies. The six-year analysis of Medi-Cal claims data showed that hormonal IUDs were more effective, while copper IUDs were as effective as tubal ligation in preventing pregnancies.
A new study found that assisted reproductive technology (ART) is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and pregnancy-related complications. Women conceiving through ART may be at higher risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and future cardiovascular disease.
A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...
A $3.9 million research project will examine COVID-19's impact on pregnancy, maternal health, and infant development in diverse communities across Pennsylvania. The study aims to identify associations between COVID-19, psychological distress, and long-term maternal health outcomes.