A large study analyzed administrative health data from Ontario and found a low risk of major anomalies with tramadol and morphine, minor anomalies with codeine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone exposure. The study highlights the need to consider both the benefits and harms of opioid treatment during pregnancy.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a greater risk for common pregnancy complications, including cesarean delivery and preterm birth. The study also highlighted the importance of vaccination to protect pregnant women and their babies.
Women treated for cervical neoplasia grade 3 show declining risks of preterm birth, neonatal sepsis, and infant death after treatment. The study suggests that these high-risk pregnancies should be managed with careful consideration.
A new study found that implementing collaborative care model during pregnancy improves depression screening and treatment, eliminating racial disparities. The model's team-based approach seamlessly integrates mental health care into physical health care.
A recent study analyzed 274 pregnancies of MS patients who discontinued natalizumab before or during pregnancy, finding that stopping the drug can lead to 80% MS relapses within four to seven months. Pregnancy does not provide protection and may even increase risk
A new study finds that women with a history of gestational diabetes are at greater risk for a range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from 219,330 women, suggests that preventative measures during pregnancy may help prevent cardiovascular disease later i...
Researchers found that daily xylitol chewing gum use reduced preterm births by 12.6% and low birth weight babies by 8.9%. The 10-year study, conducted in Malawi, suggests a simple and inexpensive way to improve oral health and reduce preterm births.
Researchers found that pregnant people at risk of severe COVID illness regardless of trimester. Vaccination rates among pregnant women remain low despite evidence showing vaccines can help prevent severe illness during pregnancy.
A study of 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark found a significant association between seasonal patterns and the rate of extremely preterm births. The analysis revealed that rates of extremely preterm births were higher during the winter months.
A study in rats found that mothers with sleep apnea during pregnancy may have an increased risk of their male offspring developing autism-like behaviors, including impaired cognitive and social function. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for the link between maternal sleep apnea and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study found that pregnant people on Medicaid who received intensive care management had lower preterm birth rates compared to those who did not. This initiative, known as Pregnancy Medical Home (PMH), provided comprehensive care from a team of professionals, including social and economic support.
A high-quality diet during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of fetal growth restriction, according to new research. The study found that individuals with a healthier diet scored higher on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Eating Index, resulting in reduced risk of FGR and gestational hypertension.
Research finds that pregnant individuals living in walkable neighborhoods in NYC have lower odds of excessive gestational weight gain compared to those living elsewhere. High poverty rates in these areas are associated with increased risks of excessive GWG.
In Bangladesh, cesarean sections have increased significantly from 3.88% in 2004 to 33% in 2017/18, but the disparity in access between wealthy and poorer women has grown. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address this issue.
Researchers found that women in labor with epidural analgesia experienced significantly faster stomach emptying rates compared to those without. This study challenges current guidelines recommending clear liquids only during labor, proposing a reevaluation of fasting practices.
Research confirms microplastics are present in the placenta and in newborns, posing a significant risk to children's health. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has called for more research on life's early stages to understand the effects of nano- and microplastics.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London found that a high BMI in mothers before and during pregnancy is not a major cause of childhood obesity. Instead, lifestyle factors play a more significant role in determining a child's weight.
Cedars-Sinai OB-GYN experts present research on improving preeclampsia detection through AI-powered analysis of electronic health records. They also explore the relationship between incomplete information on vaccine side effects and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the need for targeted preventive therapies. Furthermore, the te...
A study by the University of Essex found a significant spike in depression rates (30%) and anxiety rates (37%) among expecting mothers. Social support played a crucial role in protecting mental health.
Researchers have discovered live cells in human breast milk, which may provide insights into breast cancer development and improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study, led by Dr. Alecia-Jane Twigger, found that these living cells can be used to study mammary gland function and identify potential early indicators of future breast cancer.
A new study in mice suggests that an unhealthy vaginal microbiome in pregnant mothers can increase pup deaths and alter development in surviving babies. A healthier diet rich in fiber-containing fruits and vegetables may counteract these effects, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.
Researchers have identified 15 biological markers that can predict severe depression in pregnant women with 83% accuracy. This finding has the potential to improve prenatal care and reduce depressive symptoms in mothers.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago identified changes in the gut microbiome that can lead to gestational diabetes. They found a specific metabolite, kynurenine, that is increased during pregnancy and contributes to insulin resistance.
A large study has found that COVID-19 vaccination does not affect fertility outcomes in patients undergoing IVF, providing reassurance to those trying to conceive. The study compared rates of fertilization, pregnancy, and early miscarriage in vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients, with no significant differences observed.
Experts convene to examine how social determinants affect maternal, infant, and lifelong health outcomes. The workshop aims to reduce disparities and inequities in obstetric care.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to nicotine and its by-products produces long-term effects on sleep and stress-response in mice. This early-life exposure can lead to alterations in the hippocampus, a sensitive structure that develops after birth.
Researchers at Boston University found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and conception likelihood in female or male partners. However, COVID-19 infection was linked to reduced fertility in men, particularly those testing positive within 60 days of a cycle.
Postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is a complex condition requiring a multidisciplinary care approach. The new clinical practice guideline presents evidence-based recommendations for physical therapy management, including a hybrid diagnostic model and classification system.
The WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute is leading a national study on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop effective treatments for this disabling complication.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health investigators finds that COVID-19 vaccination in either partner does not impair fertility. In contrast, males who test positive for COVID within 60 days of a cycle have reduced fertility compared to uninfected men.
Contraceptive use is low among women with kidney transplants in the US, with an overall rate of 9.5%. Younger age and certain racial/ethnic groups are associated with higher likelihoods of contraceptive use, while socioeconomic status and donor type do not impact rates.
A study found that sleep and biological rhythm variables are associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in women during the peripartum period. Changes in circadian quotient, nighttime activity, and rest fragmentation were linked to higher depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Research shows people with diverse sexual and gender identities experience poorer health outcomes in obstetric care. Experts emphasize the importance of using inclusive language to improve health outcomes.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
A new report from academics highlights the risks and challenges faced by pregnant women in prison, including patchy care and support services. The authors recommend legislative and policy changes to prioritize community orders and non-punitive options over custodial sentences.
A study in rats found that consuming sweeteners like aspartame or stevia during pregnancy can lead to changes in the offspring's gut microbiome and increased obesity risk. The findings suggest that a mother's diet during pregnancy plays an important role in determining her child's health later in life.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.
Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
A meta-analysis found that breastfeeding significantly lowers a mother's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. The review analyzed health data from nearly 1.2 million women across eight studies conducted in different countries.
A Rutgers study found that phthalates, commonly found in consumer products, can alter the production of essential placental hormones during pregnancy. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers found that a diet rich in butyrate sharply reduced the risk of biliary atresia in mouse pups, and identified glutamine as a key compound with similar protective effects. The findings suggest a potential role for maternal microbiome manipulation in preventing liver disease.
A study identified 17 military medical treatment facilities that can provide high-quality obstetric care, including emergency cesarean delivery. This collaboration could reduce preventable maternal mortality and improve care for pregnant patients in rural communities.
A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that abnormal thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy may predict preschool boys' emotional and behavioral problems. Mothers with high thyroid hormone levels were more likely to have withdrawn, anxious, or depressed sons.
Research involving nearly 250,000 US families found that medically assisted reproduction techniques, including IVF, do not significantly affect birth weight and pregnancy term. Once family circumstances are considered, the differences between MAR-conceived babies and naturally conceived children become insignificant.
A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.
A study published in Nature has developed a new tool to predict pre-eclampsia by analyzing genetic material in a single blood sample. The test uses machine learning and sequencing approaches to identify molecular profiles that signal fetal development and pregnancy progression, allowing for earlier detection of complications.
The ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improved preconception and postpartum insurance coverage for pregnant people, leading to reduced uninsurance and insurance churn. However, the study found limited evidence that it improved overall perinatal healthcare use or infant birth outcomes.
Chronic hypertension is driving rising maternal mortality rates in the US, particularly among Black women. The study highlights a 15-fold increase in maternal mortality associated with chronic hypertension over 40 years.
A study conducted at the University of Turku found that following a healthy diet in early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. The research revealed that a diet high in saturated fats and low in essential nutrients increases inflammation and raises the risk of gestational diabetes.
A study of over 6,000 women found that US-born Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia, but this is not solely due to their racial background. Factors such as biology, social and cultural elements, and access to healthcare also play a role in this disparity.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy elicits high levels of antibodies in both mother and baby, regardless of when it occurs. The research suggests that pregnant women should not delay vaccination until late pregnancy, as it is likely to be beneficial for themselves and their babies.
Researchers have discovered a pattern of immune activity in normal pregnancies that can detect abnormalities and predict complications. The study found elevated immune activation in the first three months, followed by a calmer phase, and higher activity in the last three months, especially when childbirth is imminent.
Researchers found that the fetus uses a signal called IGF2 to control nutrient supply from the placenta. The team discovered that only the paternal copy of the IGF2 gene is active, while the maternal copy inactivates it.
Research by Dr. Sarah Crozier found that children aged eight or nine were more likely to be obese if their mother had a poor diet during – and before – pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 2,963 mother-child pairs, suggests that intervening at the earliest possible stage in a child's life can help tackle childhood obesity.
A study published in CMAJ found that people using cannabis during pregnancy and lactation do so to manage symptoms such as nausea and mental health problems. The motivations for use change when they become pregnant, with some stopping due to fear or stigma, while others continue to use it for symptom management.
In meerkat societies, testosterone-driven aggression enables cooperative breeding by creating a hierarchy where subordinates help raise the matriarch's pups. Researchers found that matriarchs' high testosterone levels drive their aggressive behavior, which maintains group structure.