Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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.
Researchers discovered a distinct difference in gene expression in women who underwent preterm labor compared to those at full term. The findings suggest new directions for studying preterm labor and potentially effective treatments.
A study of 814 babies found that those born to physically inactive mothers had lower lung function compared to those born to active mothers. Regular physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, potentially improving respiratory health later in life.
A study of over 20,000 medical records found pregnant women with regurgitant or 'leaky' heart valves are up to 100 times more likely to experience cardiac complications during delivery. Women with any type of valve disease should receive increased screening and attention before and during pregnancy.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that rhesus macaques exposed to wildfire smoke early in pregnancy had an increased rate of miscarriage. The researchers discovered that high levels of small particles (PM2.5) and phthalates, known endocrine disruptors, were present in the smoke.
Belgian researchers have developed an all-in-one test to identify healthy embryos for transfer, reducing the risk of passing de novo genetic diseases. The test uses long read sequencing and can detect copy number variants and single nucleotide variants in a single workflow.
A team of researchers is developing a smartphone-based device that can predict the size of aortic aneurysms and detect fluid overload in postpartum women. The device uses arterial waveforms, which can be easily recorded with a smartphone camera or smart scale, to provide a non-imaging solution for AA screening.
Research at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston found that infants born to obese mothers have a heightened risk of developing colorectal cancer later in life. The study also linked timing and magnitude of maternal weight gain during pregnancy, as well as birth weight, to increased risk of the disease.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill engineered ultra-potent antibodies that effectively trapped and blocked over 99.9% of human sperm during animal testing. The promising results suggest an alternative non-hormonal option to prevent pregnancy may be available.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.
Researchers at RMIT University have discovered a Teflon-like molecule on the womb's surface that decreases at a certain point in the menstrual cycle, opening the 'golden window' for pregnancy success. This finding could lead to improved IVF success rates and potentially treat underlying causes of infertility.
A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that lagging chromosomes contribute to an uneven chromosomal distribution, leading to aneuploidy and infertility. Researchers propose artificially slowing down cell division to limit aneuploidy, offering a potential solution for improving egg quality in older patients.
A study found that combined drinking and smoking after the first trimester may be associated with a significantly increased risk of late stillbirth. The observational study suggests that this exposure may be particularly concerning for women who do not have pre-existing health conditions.
A Stanford University study suggests that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, with as many as 7,000 extra births attributed to this factor between 2007 and 2012. The research highlights the need for investment in prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or other efforts to reduce extreme wildfires.
Researchers discovered that human milk oligosaccharides can prevent GBS infections in cells and tissues, and in mouse models. The sugars may act as anti-adhesives and prebiotics to support good bacteria growth, making them a potential substitute for antibiotics.
Higher maternal weight during pregnancy may be associated with poorer offspring brain development into adolescence. The observational study found a positive correlation between maternal weight and brain development in offspring, suggesting potential long-term effects on cognitive function.
Researchers discovered that fetal membranes can heal after injury through the action of cells called myofibroblasts and protein Cx43. This finding holds promise for reducing the risk of birth complications from preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes, a leading cause of early infant death.
Researchers investigated short-term COVID-19 vaccine reactions in pregnant and lactating individuals compared to those planning pregnancy. The study found that vaccinated pregnant and lactating women experienced fewer severe adverse events than unvaccinated women.
A Wayne State University researcher has been awarded a $1.93 million NIH grant to investigate the impact of maternal immunoglobulin D on infant immune protection against food allergies. The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of placental IgD transfer and its potential as a prophylactic fetal immune education cue.
A unique pair of gene variants has been found to cause sudden onset high blood pressure in pregnant women, which can be treated with a procedure to remove the adrenal nodule. The discovery provides new hope for women affected by this condition.
A new health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.
A study of 1,349 Malawian women aged 16-26 found that nearly 13% reported difficulty conceiving, with 85.5% seeking help. Traditional healers were the most common source of support, used by 44.4% of women.
Limited evidence on VL treatment during pregnancy highlights liposomal amphotericin B as a safer choice. Existing therapeutic guidelines are based on limited data and often rely on personal experience.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has made a recommendation to screen for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant women at 24 weeks or later. The organization concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening before this time frame.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine, MAHEC, and community partners will address racial disparities in maternal care by improving data accountability and providing community-based doula support. The study aims to decrease pregnancy complications for Black women and improve outcomes in maternal care.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that women who slept less than seven hours a night during the first six months after giving birth had shorter telomeres and were three to seven years older biologically. The study suggests that sleep loss can have long-lasting effects on physical health, increasing the risk of age-related diseases.
A new blood test using a nanotech device can detect the risk of placenta accreta spectrum disorder, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. The test was found to be 79% accurate in confirming its presence and 93% accurate in ruling it out.
A new ultrasonic method improves fetal weight prediction accuracy by analyzing three-dimensional limb volumes and abdominal circumferences. The algorithm outperforms traditional formulas in predicting macrosomia and birth weights.
A simple blood test during a routine prenatal visit can identify women at risk for preterm birth, according to Michigan State University researcher Hanne Hoffmann. Lower levels of mRNA in the CRY2 and CLOCK genes are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth.
Researchers at Temple University are conducting a 5-year study to compare two approaches for reducing heart disease risk factors in Black birthing people. The study aims to eliminate disparities in heart disease among Black women and birthing people during and after pregnancy.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...
A study of 692 female surgeons found that nearly half experienced major pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and preterm birth. The researchers call for policy changes to support pregnant surgeons and change the culture surrounding childbearing.
The National Institutes of Health's HEALthy Brain and Child Development study aims to identify the impacts of prenatal substance exposure on child development. A 50-state analysis of laws addressing substance use during pregnancy highlights diverse state-by-state policies, with some statutes being more punitive than others.
A University of Otago study found that women with postpartum depression experience different intensity and hedonic perception of smells compared to healthy women. The research adds evidence to the argument that postpartum depression should be studied separately from major depression.
Research exposes lifelong effects of prenatal oxycodone exposure on offspring behavior, social interactions, and gene expression. Mice exposed to opioids before birth show signs of impaired physical activity and social behavior even in adulthood.
A study by Texas A&M researchers found that silicone wristbands can be used as passive samplers to measure exposure to harmful chemicals during pregnancy. The wristbands yielded similar results to traditional testing methods, suggesting they could be a useful tool in studies of semi-volatile pollutants.
A study from the University of York found pregnant women in South East Asia are more likely to use smokeless tobacco than non-pregnant women. This increased risk is associated with poor birth outcomes. The findings highlight the need for awareness-raising campaigns and preventive interventions among low socio-economic status women.
A longitudinal study of 63,540 Australian women with more than one child found that 30% of smoking mothers-to-be were able to quit for their next pregnancies, reducing the risk of early birth. Quitting smoking during pregnancy can substantially reduce the risk of future preterm births.
Researchers studied pregnant women infected by zika virus in two cities and found no association between prior dengue exposure and increased risk of microcephaly. High zika attack rate and first trimester infection were linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, while pre-existing immunity to dengue was not.
A large study of over 18 million pregnancies has found a strong relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and poor pregnancy outcomes. Women with multiple pre-pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were more likely to experience complications like ICU admission, preterm birth, and fetal death.
A new study from Northwestern University found that each additional pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factor increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Women with multiple risk factors are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as maternal ICU admission, preterm birth, low birthweight, and fetal death.
A new study led by Dr Gizachew Tessema found that a 15-year-old WHO recommendation to wait at least 24 months after a previous birth may be too long for mothers in high-income countries. The research discovered no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after an interpregnancy interval of less than six months.
A newly discovered class of immune cells may prevent the mother's immune system from attacking the placenta and fetus. Researchers found that pregnant mice without these cells were twice as likely to miscarry, with severely restricted fetal growth in many cases.
A multi-year trial found that co-locating contraceptive services in opioid treatment programs with financial incentives significantly increased the use of effective contraception among women with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), leading to a reduction in unintended pregnancies. The intervention also showed cost-beneficial results, with each ...
A recent study funded by NIH found that excessive daily screen time is associated with cognitive and behavioral issues in extremely preterm children. Children who spent more than two hours on screens per day had lower IQ scores and poorer problem-solving skills compared to their peers.
A new study has found that a ceasefire in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes for women who conceived after the conflict began. The analysis of over 3 million pregnancies found lower risks of stillbirths and perinatal mortality in areas with reduced conflict violence, highlighting the need for countries with long-running armed co...
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found a direct relationship between exposure to fine particles and the level of thyroxine in newborns. The research analyzed data from the INMA project and revealed that exposure during early pregnancy has a significant impact on thyroid hormone balance.
A large cohort study found a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension in pregnancies derived from frozen-thawed embryos, particularly when hormone replacement therapies were used. The study suggests that preparation of the uterus with hormones may have harmful effects on vascular pathologies.
A large study found that pregnant women using over-the-counter painkillers have a higher risk of preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Healthcare guidance for pregnant women regarding non-prescription painkiller use should be reassessed.
Researchers identified six antibody characteristics that protect pregnant women from placental malaria infections, which could be used to identify women at risk and develop new therapies. The study found that these antibodies help prevent malaria parasites from binding to placental cells and destroying infected blood cells.
The NIH's MOMI-VAX study aims to assess antibody responses, transfer of antibodies to infants, and vaccine safety in vaccinated participants and their newborns. The study will enroll up to 750 pregnant individuals and 250 postpartum individuals, followed through the first year after delivery.
A new study by King's College London suggests that anxiety experienced by mothers during pregnancy is not passed on to their children. However, exposure to an anxious parent after birth may have a modest impact on the development of emotional problems in children.
A new study shows that personalized online coaching can help women improve their lifestyle behaviors before and after pregnancy, particularly in overweight women. The coaching program resulted in significant reductions in smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as increased odds of becoming pregnant.
Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of obesity and related diseases. Hispanic mothers who lived in areas with high levels of pollutants had babies who grew unusually fast, gaining excess fat that puts them at risk of obesity later in life.
Two studies find that a plant-based diet protects rats from hypertension and preeclampsia, even when exposed to high-salt diets. The researchers believe that dietary alterations can shift the gut microbiota, reducing disease incidence.
A new study explores how Haitian women's beliefs and values influence their decision making about pregnancy and birth after a C-section. Key findings highlight the importance of family, friends, and providers, as well as cultural background and fear of pain, in shaping birth plans.
Researchers found that a mother's birth weight and litter size were associated with early neonatal death, but not adult maternal characteristics. The study suggests that current approaches to understanding perinatal mortality are incomplete and highlight the need for further research on structural and intergenerational factors.
A study by RUDN University found that magnesium-vitamin B6 supplementation can alleviate painful symptoms and improve quality of life for pregnant women and those with hormone-related conditions. The treatment reduced the risk of miscarriage, high blood pressure, and other associated health issues.
Research published in Acta Paediatrica suggests that a pregnant woman's mental health impacts the touch behavior of twins and singletons, with maternal depression affecting soothing mechanisms for fetuses. The study also found differences in touch and movement behaviors between singletons and twins.