Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that male placentas have increased immune activation and receive fewer anti-COVID antibodies from their mothers. This may help protect male fetuses but pose risks to the fetus and child.
A small study found that high maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of severe heart attacks in young adults. Maternal cholesterol also predicts the development of atherosclerosis in adult offspring.
Swedish pregnant women describe feeling insecure and lonely due to the pandemic's impact on pregnancy. They highlight the need for up-to-date information from healthcare providers to alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
The study found a significant increase in pregnancy complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting approximately 1.4 million women in the US. Researchers attributed these changes to various factors, including social distancing measures, delayed prenatal care, and increased risk of maternal mortality.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation with calcidiol increased the expression of genes related to cell adhesion and migration, pathogen recognition, and pathogen killing in dairy cows. This suggests a possible link between vitamin D and enhanced immune function, particularly during early lactation.
A nationwide study of nearly 625,000 births in Israel found consistent links between high and low temperatures and lower birth weight. Exposure to extreme temperatures, particularly heat in the second and third trimesters, was associated with reduced fetal growth.
A Binghamton University researcher has received a $1.74 million grant to investigate how prenatal alcohol exposure affects anxiety in offspring. The study aims to understand the relationship between corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and anxiety, with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of human patients.
A Brazilian study found that children exposed to malaria from birth are more likely to develop anemia by age two. The researchers, led by Dr. Marly Augusto Cardoso, followed 1,539 children and discovered that 12.6% were anemic, with a higher prevalence in rural areas not covered by the study.
New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.
A study of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
A new genetic study reveals hundreds of genes that evolved to be turned on or off in the human uterus during early pregnancy, shedding light on what makes human pregnancy uniquely human. These genes are involved in cell-to-cell communication, immune response regulation, and placental invasion, highlighting the importance of evolutionar...
A new study found a significant increase in adverse outcomes for COVID-19 positive pregnant women, including gestational diabetes, low white blood cell counts, and heavier bleeding during delivery. Respiratory complications were also witnessed in their babies, highlighting the importance of vaccinating all pregnant women against COVID-19.
A recent study analyzing over 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020 found that planned home births with licensed midwives are as safe as births at a licensed birth center. The research team discovered no increased risk for parents or babies associated with the birth setting.
A more inclusive definition of infertility could help explain why current diagnostic tests frequently fail to find a reason for reproductive failure. This broader view may also open up novel opportunities for tailoring infertility treatments to each couple, considering the complex network of interacting male and female genes.
The MOMENTUM Study reveals high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in East Africa, particularly on Mfangano Island. The study highlights the need for streamlined hand-off systems, community-based care coordinators, and policy-level interventions to address recurrent health worker strikes and facility closures.
Researchers at Kansas State University argue that integrating National Violent Death Reporting System data into Maternal Mortality Review Committees can improve the efficacy of MMRCs and address racial disparities in maternal mortality. The study found increased risk for pregnancy-associated homicide and suicide during pregnancy and po...
A new study reveals that THC can cause birth defects in genetically predisposed mice, highlighting the risks of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Pups with a mutation in Hedgehog signalling developed brain and face defects, emphasizing the need for further research into human health implications.
A new study found that pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants can safely undergo trial of labor without increased risk to themselves or their babies. In fact, vaginal births resulted in improved outcomes for the baby without compromising maternal health. Conversely, cesarean births were associated with higher risks of complica...
A new study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that historic redlining policies continue to impact maternal health, with higher rates of pre-terms birth and maternal complications in Black women. The study used digitized HOLC maps to examine the relationship between housing policies and health outcomes.
A study of over 29,000 American women found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Women who breastfed for longer periods had lower rates of postpartum depression, with those breastfeeding for 6-12 months showing the greatest reduction.
Unvaccinated pregnant women are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations due to the Delta variant, with severe cases requiring ventilators and resulting in deaths. The proportion of hospitalizations among unvaccinated women has more than doubled since last year.
Researchers found that economic stability, relationship status, and educational status can lead to shifts in pregnancy intentions, with 22% of participants changing their mind within a year. The study aims to provide insight for healthcare providers to check in frequently about patients' desires.
The study aims to identify the health complications and modifiable risk factors of women with MetS and substance use disorder. By analyzing decade-long data from a research database, researchers hope to develop interventions that improve maternal health and reduce related pregnancy complications.
Scientists identified a rare genetic condition affecting prenatal development, leading to lifelong disabilities in children. They discovered a potential method to prevent the condition by administering a drug during pregnancy, which boosted Wnt signaling and restored normal growth in mouse embryos.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis of over 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California found a significant increase in cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began. The rate of cannabis use rose from 6.75% to 8.14% during the pandemic.
Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.
Research by the University of Bristol found that children born to depressed mothers are more likely to develop depressive symptoms by age 24, with scores almost three points higher than offspring of non-depressed mothers. The study highlights the importance of antenatal and postnatal depression support.
A study published by The BMJ found that giving metformin to women with preterm pre-eclampsia may prolong pregnancy by a week, but the result was not statistically significant. If confirmed by future research, this could have important benefits for both mother and baby.
A new study has identified unique genetic codes in the placenta that could detect pregnancy complications earlier than current tests. The researchers found specific biomarkers in maternal blood that indicate placental health and fetal well-being, allowing for real-time assessment throughout pregnancy.
A new study found that COVID-19 vaccinated pregnant women pass high levels of antibodies to their babies, providing protection against infection. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines trigger the production of protective antibodies in mothers, which are then transferred to newborns.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing preeclampsia. Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a 62% higher odds of developing preeclampsia than those without the infection.
A study by Umeå University researchers found that a specific light receptor, Opsin 3, plays a crucial role in brain development. The discovery may lead to new possibilities for using targeted light therapy during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neurological disorders in adulthood.
Researchers at McGill University found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. The study, which examined over nine million deliveries, also discovered that smoking mildly decreases the risk of preeclampsia.
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Linda Bullock found that infants of mothers with only one abusive partner had worse cognitive outcomes compared to those with multiple male partners, including some who were abusive. This suggests that the absence of support from a father figure can hinder a child's development.
A new sex education program, Respecting the Circle of Life, has been shown to improve pregnancy prevention skills among Native American teens. The program, delivered through a summer basketball camp, significantly increased condom use self-efficacy, intention, and negotiation skills.
The study examines changes in pregnancy intentions among women following the COVID-19 outbreak. Women's reproductive healthcare and family planning were significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and decreased access to reproductive health services.
Researchers found a link between HPV genotype 16/18 infection in the first and third trimesters and an increased risk of preterm birth. The study highlights the importance of prenatal screening for HPV to inform pregnancy management.
A new study found that nearly half of New York City mothers who were trying to become pregnant again before the COVID-19 pandemic began stopped in the first few months of the outbreak. Additionally, one-third of women who had been thinking about becoming pregnant but hadn't yet started trying said they were no longer considering it.
A recent study found nearly three-quarters of pregnant individuals reported moderate to high levels of distress and one in five experienced depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top concerns among expectant parents included hospital policies, introducing their baby to loved ones, and conflicting medical information.
A new study reveals that few recommendations exist for postpartum weight loss, with a focus on diet and exercise. Researchers emphasize the importance of supporting individuals with excessive weight gain or retention during pregnancy and the postpartum period to prevent obesity-related chronic diseases.
Researchers have discovered a link between low platelet counts and brain bleeds in newborns, which can lead to fatal strokes or permanent neurological conditions. The study aims to develop new treatments to prevent these strokes.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are studying the impact of antibiotics on breast milk and infant health. The team will investigate how antibiotics alter the composition of breast milk and impact the infant microbiome, metabolome and immune response.
A new study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in placental DNA methylation and poor birth outcomes. The research suggests that these epigenetic changes may affect fetal growth by altering the expression of genes involved in environmental responses, growth, and inflammation.
Researchers discovered that protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) is a key player in the development of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Inhibiting PP2A with a drug may be a viable treatment option for preeclampsia.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that individuals' socioeconomic status and social networks play a significant role in shaping their decisions about health controversies. Higher-status people faced fewer consequences for resisting medical guidelines, while those with lower statuses experienced more scrutiny. The study em...
A breakthrough IVF method has been developed to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cattle, reducing pregnancy issues and increasing overall meat and milk production. The new process improves live birth rates with a high accuracy rate, offering vast potential for the cattle breeding industry.