Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study found that nearly one in seven Ohio women of reproductive age has visited a crisis pregnancy center, which are often funded by state dollars but not regulated by the medical board. This can lead to concerns about access to proper medical care and potential misinformation about reproductive health.
A 23-year study found strong links between gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the development of type-1 and type-2 diabetes later in life. Women who experienced gestational diabetes were more prone to developing these conditions, highlighting the importance of autoantibody testing for risk assessment.
A NIH-funded study found that taking 1,000 mg of DHA daily in pregnancy was associated with a lower rate of early preterm birth. Women with low DHA levels at study entry showed the greatest reduction in early preterm birth rates.
Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in stillbirths, particularly in low-resource settings where women are already disproportionately affected. The study found a link between high and low ambient temperatures during pregnancy and increased risk of stillbirth, with the highest risk above 29.4 degrees Celsius.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 2,600 donors and 2,500 pregnant women to estimate past COVID-19 infection rates. The study found nearly all positive samples displayed virus-neutralizing responses, suggesting milder infections provide some protection against re-infection.
Researchers are studying the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, using data from Ontario's vaccination registry and province-wide birth registry. The study aims to inform decision-making for ongoing COVID-19 vaccine administration programs in Canada.
A study published in EClinicalMedicine found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements can significantly reduce the risk of early preterm births. Women with low DHA levels who received a higher dose of 1000 mg had half the rate of early preterm birth compared to those given a 200 mg supplement.
Sperm deliver signals that increase the chances of conception by persuading female reproductive tissues to accept the male partner's genetic material. Factors like age, diet, and environmental exposures can affect sperm quality, impacting pregnancy health.
A University of Otago study found that people with anti-abortion views tend to believe a fetus can feel pain before the 23rd week of pregnancy. Women are more likely than men to hold this belief, which may be due to targeted disinformation campaigns.
A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines triggered immune responses in pregnant and lactating women, with maternal antibodies transferred to infant cord blood and breast milk. This suggests that vaccinating pregnant mothers may protect infants from COVID-19 infection.
A new study found that one in four pregnant women were denied medication for severe nausea and vomiting, with over-the-counter doxylamine being a common issue. Healthcare providers' lack of awareness about clinical guidelines and misinterpretation of medication labels contribute to these denials.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a model for studying uterine fluid in the lab without invasive monitoring or experimentation during active pregnancies. The discovery paves the way for precision medicine approaches to maintaining healthy pregnancies and detecting potential complications.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia have a lower mortality rate compared to non-pregnant women. The study analyzed medical records from over 1,100 pregnant patients and more than 9,800 non-pregnant women, revealing less than 1% of pregnant patients died...
A study of nearly 1,100 pregnant women and 9,800 non-pregnant patients found that pregnant women with severe COVID-19 infections have significantly lower death rates than their non-pregnant counterparts. However, differences in health conditions between the two populations may affect mortality risk.
A new study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that a combined drug treatment for missed miscarriage is more effective and cheaper than current standard medication. The treatment, combining mifepristone and misoprostol, was on average £182 cheaper per successfully managed miscarriage.
A new Northwestern Medicine study of placentas from vaccinated patients found no evidence of injury, supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The study adds to growing evidence that vaccination can protect fetuses without increasing harm.
A large US health care database study suggests that pregnant patients with COVID-19 have a lower rate of in-hospital death compared to non-pregnant women. The study revealed that pregnant patients were less likely to have comorbid conditions, resulting in a substantially lower mortality rate.
Researchers have developed soft sensors that comprehensively monitor pregnant women without wires, providing more precise data on vital signs, physical movements, and laboring positions. The devices offer improved comfort and freedom of movement, while also increasing the reliability of data collected during labor.
A new wireless sensor network tracks maternal and fetal vital signs, including heart rate and oxygenation. The system's performance and safety were demonstrated in field trials with over 500 women in diverse healthcare settings.
A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.
A recent analysis examined 164 studies on mental health treatments in pregnant and postpartum women, finding potential benefits of brexanolone and sertraline for depressive symptoms. Mood stabilizers may also reduce bipolar disorder recurrence, but more high-quality research is needed.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...
Researchers found that most top-rated fertility apps mismanage and misuse user data, compromising reproductive health and rights. The study calls for stricter categorization of these apps to protect women's intimate information from exploitation.
The Pediatric Academic Societies meeting discussed prenatal environmental contaminants and childhood disease, highlighting epigenetic mechanisms associated with transgenerational disease. Three generational animal models demonstrated that fetal exposure to pesticides, dioxins, and other toxins leads to multigenerational diseases.
New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows that planned cesarean deliveries on maternal request are safe for low-risk pregnancies. The study analyzed data from over 422,000 pregnancies and found that mothers who requested cesarean delivery were more likely to have certain characteristics. Planned cesarean ...
New research reveals that deworming expectant mothers significantly reduces infant mortality and low birth weight, with a 14% decrease in neonatal mortality risk. In countries with lower transmission rates, deworming treatment decreases the odds of low birthweight by 11%.
Researchers studied 90,000 newborns in Sweden and found only 0.9% were infected with COVID-19. The study supports the Swedish recommendation not separating mother and baby after delivery, as it poses no risk to the baby's health.
A study of 9,290 children found that those with multiple classes of prenatal exposures had a higher risk of psychiatric symptoms. The risk was highest among those with unplanned pregnancy, substance use, or obstetrical complications.
A comprehensive preconception-to-pregnancy management plan has been developed to reduce the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The study, CARNATION, provides recommendations for healthcare providers covering 20 items of care and significantly lowers severe adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A recent study found that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure and increased residential traffic density are strongly associated with child behavioral problems. Children who received more hours of sleep, ate a healthy diet, and had strong parental ties or social connections exhibited fewer behavioral issues.
Researchers have found a link between certain blood types and increased risk of diseases such as kidney stones, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and bleeding conditions. A study scanning health data on over five million people revealed new connections and confirmed previously reported associations.
Researchers at University of Utah Health found a strong association between preeclampsia and stroke risk in women who had the condition during pregnancy. Over an average follow-up period of 32 years, women with preeclampsia were 3.8 times more likely to have strokes compared to those without the condition.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open explores the link between preeclampsia during pregnancy and increased risk of stroke in later life. The research suggests that women with a history of preeclampsia may be at higher risk for stroke, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing this condition.
A worldwide study of 2,100 pregnant women found that those who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy were 20 times more likely to die than those who did not contract the virus. The study also showed that infected mothers and their newborns experienced preterm birth, preeclampsia, and ICU admissions.
A Yale University study found that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 are more likely to experience preterm births and neonatal problems due to a robust immune response in the placenta. The researchers also discovered that the virus's ACE2 receptors are present in most placentas during the first trimester, but disappear later.
A study investigated maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with and without COVID-19, finding COVID-19 diagnosis associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The results highlight the need for enhanced prenatal care and monitoring for pregnant women with COVID-19.
A worldwide survey found pregnant and postpartum women experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as excessive information seeking and worries about children's well-being were linked to worse mental health outcomes.
A new study found that taking a specific probiotic strain improves iron levels in healthy pregnant women, reducing the risk of iron deficiency and anemia. The probiotic product Lp299v was shown to reduce prevalence rates by 78% compared to placebo.
A study in rats found that low womb oxygen can impair adult brain function and memory. Vitamin C supplements during pregnancy protected the offspring's brain health. The results suggest a potential preventative medicine approach for long-term brain health.
A study published in Circulation found four new genetic variants associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare condition characterized by weakened heart muscle. The research suggests that these genetic mutations may be linked to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting middle-aged men and women.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined the association between paternal drinking before pregnancy and the risk of birth defects in Chinese children. The research found a significant correlation, suggesting that fathers' consumption of alcohol prior to conception may pose a potential threat to fetal development.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that underweight and overweight women are significantly more likely to experience recurrent miscarriages due to their abnormal Body Mass Index. The research highlights the importance of weight management in reducing the risk of repeated pregnancy losses.
A Mayo Clinic study found that pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a first-time symptomatic kidney stone. The risk peaks close to delivery and improves by one year after delivery.
Researchers found that breast cancer cells trigger uncontrolled inflammation and remodel tissue, making the cancer more aggressive. The study suggests targeting inflammatory pathways could improve treatment outcomes for pregnant women with breast cancer.
Researchers found that accelerating over speed bumps poses a danger for pregnant women and their fetuses, leading to minor injuries to the fetal brain and other complications. The study advises drivers to slow down over 45km/h when hitting a speedbump, with even lower speeds recommended for maximum safety.
A study of over 42,000 children found that mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy were more likely to have children with affective disorders, but not due to the medication itself. The research suggests that parental mental illness may be the underlying cause.
The UC Davis Conte Center will discover biomarkers for at-risk pregnancies and develop new treatments to prevent detrimental effects of maternal infection on brain development in offspring. The center aims to understand the origins of significant mental health disorders, with implications for current and future generations.
Researchers discovered that pregnancy-related hormones significantly increase concentrations of CYP3A4, a key enzyme in drug metabolism. This finding has significant implications for managing medications during pregnancy and may provide insights into the development of new ADME-tox models.
Research by the University of Granada found that women experiencing stress before conception are almost twice as likely to give birth to a girl. Higher cortisol levels in hair were also detected in mothers who gave birth to girls, suggesting a possible biological mechanism.
Women with cardiovascular disease require reproductive planning to ensure optimal health and minimize risks during pregnancy. The American College of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of sharing decision-making with healthcare providers to create an action plan for contraception and medical decision-making.
A small study found that exposure to phthalates and bisphenols, commonly found in plastics, may contribute to lower progesterone levels during pregnancy and an increased likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could be a potential avenue for preventing postpartum depression.
A new study suggests that a stricter definition of high blood pressure during pregnancy could identify more women at risk of developing life-threatening complications. The revised definition would make over 50,000 additional women eligible for aspirin treatment to prevent preeclampsia.
A recent review of over 10,000 medical records from four African countries has shed light on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, as well as the frequency of various complications. The study's findings will help determine the safety of PrEP and dapivirine ring for HIV prevention in pregnant women.
A systematic review of 31 clinical trials found that vaginal progesterone and 17-OHPC reduced the risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks for high-risk single baby pregnancies, particularly for women with a previous preterm birth or short cervix.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global increase in stillbirths and maternal deaths, while pre-term births decreased in high-income countries. Women requiring surgery for ectopic pregnancies also saw a significant surge.
A new pilot study suggests that administering platelet-rich plasma and gonadotropins near the ovarian follicles can restore ovarian function in women during early menopause. The results show that 11 out of 12 participants resumed menstruation, with one achieving clinical pregnancy.
Research at Joslin Diabetes Center found that exercise in pregnancy boosts SOD3, a protein linked to glucose metabolism, and improves metabolic health in offspring. Vitamin D also plays a critical role in this process.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
A large study found that COVID vaccines produce high levels of antibodies in pregnant women, which can be passed to newborns through breastmilk and the placenta. The study also showed that lactating women receive a similar immune response, providing benefits for both mothers and infants.
A new study has found a link between early exposure to flame retardants and an increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women. Women with high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their blood were more likely to deliver their babies early, with no such association seen for those with lower exposure levels.