Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women in areas with worse health disparities have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These outcomes include increased risks of preeclampsia, abruption, and preterm birth.
A digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) has been shown to reduce insomnia, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy. The treatment also reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression in non-depressed women for up to six months postpartum.
A survey of 121 fertility specialists in Australia, UK, and New Zealand found that endometrial scratching is still offered by 34% of clinics despite lack of evidence, primarily for psychological benefits. Many respondents considered the procedure's drawbacks, including pain and cost.
A study found that nearly a quarter of pregnant and postpartum women in the US reported unmet healthcare need due to cost. Women with private insurance and lower incomes were more likely to experience unaffordable healthcare, while those with public insurance and higher incomes had better access.
A new Rutgers study found that the use of hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse is associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones in pregnant women. Disruptions to these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Socioeconomic variables also influence personal care product use among p...
A study of over 1,000 Minneapolis residents found that community-level police contact is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth. The study controlled for factors like socioeconomic status and housing conditions, suggesting a potential link between police interactions and birth outcomes.
Research suggests that severe maternal morbidity rates continue well into the late postpartum period, particularly among Black women, those with anxiety and depression. The study found alarming data showing increasing rates of maternal mortality later in the first year postpartum.
A history of adverse pregnancy outcomes is associated with higher odds of midlife stroke. Nearly 4 in 10 women who suffered a stroke before age 60 had a history of APOs.
Researchers discovered that pregnancy triggers the activation of Natural Killer T (NKT) cells to prevent breast cancer. After pregnancy, breast epithelial cells produce a specific protein called CD1d, which attracts NKT cells to monitor and eliminate potential cancer cells.
Studies in mouse models found that maternal immune activation can alter brain development and lead to autism-like behavioral symptoms. The research also revealed a link between maternal microbiome changes and offspring's susceptibility to intestinal inflammation, with increased IL-17a production by T cells.
A randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of a Mediterranean diet and mindfulness-based stress reduction on preventing small-for-gestational age birth weights. The study found that these interventions significantly reduced the risk of this adverse pregnancy outcome.
A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that probiotics can reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy by up to 33% and improve quality of life symptoms. The study also identified specific gut microbes associated with higher levels of nausea, suggesting potential biomarkers for future research.
A study found that many Medicaid-enrolled women in Virginia were unaware of dental pregnancy benefits, despite comprehensive coverage enacted in 2015. The survey revealed significant gaps in oral health knowledge among reproductive-age women by insurance status, with Medicaid-enrolled women facing barriers to care at higher rates.
A recent study found associations between air and water pollutants and changes in the human sex ratio at birth. Pollutants such as PCBs, iron, lead, and chromium were linked to an increased or decreased ratio of baby boys to girls.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board approved funding for nine new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies addressing various health conditions. These studies focus on telehealth and mobile health strategies, reducing disparities in maternal health, and improving care for people with intellectual a...
Researchers have discovered molecules that could be candidates for contraceptives or fertility enhancers using human blastoid models. These models also show promise in improving the self-organization of stem cells during IVF procedures.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.
Researchers have created reconstructable uterus-derived materials (RUMs) to aid in the recovery of damaged uteruses. The materials, which can be formed into different states and shapes, prevent intrauterine adhesion and promote angiogenesis, endometrial regeneration, and muscle collagen rebuilding.
Researchers found altered brain structures in fetuses exposed to alcohol, including increased corpus collosum volume and decreased periventricular zone volume. This study provides early evidence of the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development.
A study of 33 patients with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy found no evidence of brain development issues in the unborn child. The researchers used fetal MRI to evaluate the fetuses and concluded that a maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection has no effect on brain development.
A multi-state study shows that family medicine physicians are crucial in rural maternity care, delivering babies in 67% of hospitals and being the only doctors in 27%. The loss of obstetrical services poses a significant burden to pregnant people and infants, with patients facing long distances for care.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including ICU admission, preeclampsia, and cesarean section. Vaccination may help protect these women, especially those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
A natural experiment found that Argentina's vital records detected significant and transient impacts of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic on maternal health. The study also confirmed a decline in direct obstetric causes and an increase in indirect causes due to non-pregnancy comorbidities.
Researchers found that COVID-19 infection in mothers leads to distinct immune changes in babies, including altered cytokine profiles and T cell responses. The study also identified potential correlations with clinical complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
A new study suggests that unborn babies could contract Covid-19 if their gut is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, researchers say that this risk is extremely limited due to the placenta's protective shield. Vaccination against Covid-19 during pregnancy is still recommended as a way to protect the unborn baby.
A study found that many IVF embryos with chromosomal abnormalities have the potential to lead to successful pregnancies. Embryos with low-grade mosaicism had similar live birth rates and miscarriage rates as euploid embryos.
Research suggests that high stress levels in pregnant women are associated with increased cortisol responses in infants. However, sensitive caregiving by mothers after birth can mitigate these effects. The study's findings highlight the importance of postnatal interventions to support children whose mothers experienced prenatal adversity.
A Rutgers study found that maternal depression in the year following childbirth is associated with increased risk of short-term and long-term household economic insecurity. Women who experienced depression were more likely to be unemployed and experience financial hardship up to 15 years later.
A Québec research team studied the expression of three families of genes in the placenta and found associations with febrile seizure characteristics. The study, led by Professor Sarah Lippé, may help understand the underlying mechanisms of febrile seizures and their impact on children's cognitive development.
The UK government is being called on to recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, rather than an illness, and award statutory bereavement leave. This would provide parents with up to 1 week of paid leave after a miscarriage, regardless of gestation, and address the current arbitrary cliff edge at 24 weeks.
Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.
Research found that cannabis exposure during pregnancy is associated with higher levels of stress hormone cortisol, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children. Maternal cannabis use also suppresses immune-activating genes, predicting higher anxiety in offspring.
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
Research conducted by Mount Sinai Hospital reveals that cannabis exposure in utero can lead to higher levels of anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity in children. Placental gene expression also shows lower immune-activating genes, predicting these outcomes.
Researchers at CNIC have identified the essential role of GPR126 in placental development, revealing its critical function in fetal growth and viability. The study also highlights a possible link between GPR126 dysfunction and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
Researchers found that low-to-moderate caffeine intake was associated with a reduced risk of developing gestational diabetes. Drinking up to 100mg of caffeine per day during the second trimester showed a 47% reduction in diabetes risk.
The study analyzes how Sex Education fills the gap in sex education for teenagers, offering a more nuanced understanding of their needs. The show represents sex education as a conversation between teens, parents, and experts, challenging traditional gatekeeper ideas about adult protection.
The MC3 program provides a lifeline for primary care providers in Michigan, connecting them with psychiatrists and behavioral specialists for consultation and training. This has led to improved diagnosis and care for young people with mental health concerns, including those who express suicidal thoughts or have harmed themselves.
Researchers found that nearly 75% of pregnant women with stretch marks reported moderate to prominent embarrassment, which impacted their social activities, self-esteem, and clothing choices. The study highlights the need for open discussions about stretch marks to normalize them and identify potential mental health issues.
A new study found that most pregnant women with a penicillin allergy label are not allergic, but rather have Group B Strep or need antibiotics for labor. Testing for penicillin allergy can help reduce antibiotic exposure and ensure safer treatment options.
Researchers found cannabis use disorders among pregnant patients had sharply higher levels of depression, anxiety, and nausea, warranting clinical concern. The study's findings underscore the need for further exploration of the disorder and its links to psychiatric and medical conditions.
A prospective-longitudinal study found that pregnant women with lower emotional stability and personality traits tend to have worse subjective birth experiences. Unexpected events like Caesareans can exacerbate these negative experiences.
New research highlights the importance of social support during pregnancy, finding that women with low levels of emotional or affectionate support are at increased risk of depression and anxiety. The study suggests that screening for social support and providing community-based services may help improve health outcomes.
Exposure to fire smoke from landscape fires during pregnancy is linked to low birth weights, a public health problem in LMICs. Newborns from families with lower average birthweights are most susceptible to the risks of pollution.
A new report highlights the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus, which can lead to up to 150,000 infant deaths annually. Maternal vaccination is seen as a cost-effective solution to reduce this toll, with significant health benefits in all regions.
Researchers found an association between prenatal PFAS exposure and late-onset preeclampsia, suggesting toxic effects outside placental development. The study analyzed data from pregnant women at Brigham and Women's Hospital, revealing a correlation between PFAS chemicals and the condition.
A new study estimates that banning abortion would result in a 21% increase in pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase among Black women. The study suggests that staying pregnant is more dangerous to a woman than having an abortion, with carrying a pregnancy to term being 33 times riskier than having an abortion.
A nationwide study of over 1 million births in England found large inequalities in pregnancy outcomes between ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The study suggests that addressing racism, discrimination, and improving women's social circumstances can reduce disparities in birth outcomes.
Researchers are tracking the health of over 1,500 women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy and their children to study the long-term effects of the virus. They aim to understand why some people develop post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), also known as 'long COVID,' and others don't.
A new smartphone app, MyHealthyPregnancy, evaluates preeclampsia risk and patient adherence to low-dose aspirin recommendations. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients were unaware they needed to take the medication, highlighting a need for improved communication between providers and patients.
The rate of HCV in pregnant people increased from 1.8 to 5.1 per 1,000 live births between 2009 and 2019. Researchers found that rural residence, higher rates of employment, and a greater density of obstetricians were associated with a lower risk of developing HCV during pregnancy.
Financial hardship was common among pregnant and postpartum US women, with many reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost. The study found significant financial stress affecting these individuals, impacting their overall well-being.
A national study in Sweden suggests that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 is likely lower than previously feared. The study found that infants born to test-positive mothers had a higher risk of neonatal care and preterm birth, but no significant difference in stillbirths or low Apgar scores.
Researchers estimated death rates for US pregnant and recently pregnant women from 2015 to 2019, finding a significant increase in mortality rates during the pandemic. The study also revealed that Black women were disproportionately affected by maternal mortality.
A recent study found a significant increase in maternal deaths in the US, with drug and alcohol poisoning and homicides being major contributors. The mortality rate for all causes increased by 4.4% per year from 2015-2019.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found no correlation between COVID-19 vaccinations and risk of first-trimester miscarriages. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to the newborn infant against COVID-19 infection.
A Michigan Medicine study found that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are associated with significantly higher rates of first-time cesarean deliveries among low-risk pregnant women. The study suggests that identifying and treating these disorders in pregnant women may help reduce the risk of cesarean section deliveries.
A recent study has called for reduced forceps use in Canada and better education for both clinicians and mothers on how to avoid injury during childbirth. The researchers analyzed nearly two million birth records from Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Austria, finding that five percent of women had third or fourth degree tears to the perineum.
A new study found that pregnant and lactating women need to adhere closely to recommended COVID-19 vaccine schedules to attain full antibody protection. Key antibody functions are delayed in these groups following the initial dose, but the second dose induces robust antibody responses similar to those in nonpregnant women.