Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A new study published in Lancet HIV found that life-long antiviral treatment can prevent viral transmission from mother to baby, offering a promising contribution to the WHO's work on HIV prevention. The results showed up to 90% of women under study had suppressed viral levels for four years after starting Option B+ care.
A Swedish study found that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy, including physical activity and a healthy diet, led to epigenetic alterations in newborn babies. These changes were associated with increased muscle mass at birth and potentially benefited the children's body composition and growth later in life.
A study found that trophoblastic β1-glycoproteins in pregnant women's blood suppress pro-inflammatory immune cells and reduce inflammation. The substance may help prevent pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and autoimmune diseases.
Two studies published in The BMJ found no associations between prescription opioids or macrolide antibiotics and major birth defects during pregnancy. Researchers did find a small increased risk of cleft palate associated with opioid use, but overall risks were deemed minimal. The findings provide reassurance for women and inform clini...
A study found that reimbursing hospitals for postpartum contraception increased the use of long-acting reversible methods among adolescents and young adults. The policy change in South Carolina led to a significant increase in the use of immediate postpartum LARCs, with rates nearly quadrupling in two and a half years.
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests a link between fetal exposure to antibiotics in mid-to-late pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The study found that children born vaginally were more likely to develop asthma, with higher odds for more serious cases.
A new study by the City University of Hong Kong found that desexing cats before 4 months old can significantly reduce the number of unwanted kittens. The research analyzed data from over 52,000 cats and found that only 21.5% of female cats were desexed at four months or younger.
Vaccines against diseases like influenza and whooping cough have shown to be lifesaving when administered during pregnancy. Pregnant women are at increased risk of preterm birth or pregnancy loss if they develop severe COVID-19, highlighting the need for guidance on vaccine administration.
Researchers found that caffeine exposure in utero is linked to changes in brain structure and function, particularly in white matter tracks. This study suggests that high caffeine intake during pregnancy may contribute to behavioral issues in children, highlighting the need for further research and guidance on safe caffeine limits.
A new study by USF Health researchers has discovered that maternal decidual cells act as reservoirs for Zika virus transmission through the placenta. The study also found that tizoxanide can effectively inhibit Zika virus in these cells, offering promise for preventing perinatal transmission and its associated health problems.
Research published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that women with a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a two-fold higher risk of coronary artery calcification, a strong predictor of heart disease. Attaining healthy blood sugar levels after pregnancy does not decrease this risk.
A recent study has found that women who develop high blood pressure during and after pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension. The study, which followed 368 women for six to 18 months after delivery, found that nearly half of the women developed high blood pressure in the first six weeks postpartum.
A study found that Medicaid expansion in 2014 NY increased maternal health, particularly for low-income and minority women. The policy intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that administering a neuroprotective compound during pregnancy can prevent long-term neurodevelopmental problems associated with prenatal stress. The research showed that the compound, P7C3-A20, protected the developing brain from damage caused by chronic prenatal stress.
A large study found that pregnant women with severe COVID-19 are more likely to experience serious complications, such as cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm birth. These outcomes can have long-term health consequences for women and their infants.
A new study found that pregnant women living in areas with high social vulnerability are at increased risk of preterm birth. The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index was used to determine the likelihood of preterm birth, with socioeconomic and household composition themes showing the strongest association.
Researchers found that pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 produce high levels of IgG and neutralizing antibodies, but the transfer of these antibodies to their infants is less than expected. This study is the first to investigate the potency of maternal antibodies in COVID-19.
Researchers at University of Utah Health found hormonal IUDs comparable to copper IUDs for emergency contraception, offering a safe alternative to current options. The study also suggests that hormonal IUDs can provide highly effective contraception for up to seven years, reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should be offered COVID-19 vaccines based on ethical principles, considering individual autonomy and risk of severe illness. Although no adverse effects have been observed in vaccinated participants, those at high risk of severe COVID-19 should prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others.
Researchers used wearable technology to track the heart rate variability of women trying to conceive, finding that overall, they were in better shape after giving birth than before. The study suggests that physiologic markers show fitness gains occur during pregnancy, and may help obstetricians encourage pregnant patients.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that COVID-19 mortality rates were significantly higher among pregnant mothers than similarly aged individuals, with a 3.5 times higher hospitalization rate for pregnant women with COVID-19.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women with serious pregnancy complications are twice as likely to die after childbirth. The research team identified cardiac complications, acute renal failure, and strokes as the main causes of mortality after 42 days.
Psychologists are monitoring pregnant women and their children until age 4 for early markers of psychopathology. Preliminary findings suggest associations between prenatal stress timing and maternal mental health and infant outcomes.
Preeclampsia is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects an estimated 5-8 percent of all pregnancies, resulting in thousands of deaths worldwide. High blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the warning signs of this condition.
Close adherence to low-dose aspirin therapy resulted in 8 more pregnancies, 6 fewer pregnancy losses, and 15 more live births per 100 women. Starting aspirin before or early pregnancy showed stronger benefits than starting after the 6th week.
A CU Anschutz study reveals associations between placental signaling and metabolic disease in children and adults, offering potential early intervention and diagnosis of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Placenta function can illuminate future disease in adults and children.
Researchers discovered that questions used to screen for postpartum depression can also identify depressive symptoms and other mental health issues during early pregnancy. A study of 2,271 women found that 85% of those with high scores had mental disorders or risk factors.
A study found that a cell-surface estrogen receptor called GPER1 plays a critical role in protecting the fetus from maternal inflammation caused by viral infections. The researchers discovered that GPER1 helps to suppress type I interferon signaling, which can lead to serious developmental abnormalities and fetal death.
Cholesterol crystals are identified as a primary cause of preeclampsia, triggering an inflammatory response that affects the communication between mother and foetus. This discovery may lead to more effective treatment options, including cholesterol-lowering medications.
A new test can identify chromosomal mutations in sperm produced after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which may affect fertility and child health. The AM8 FISH protocol measures aneuploidy and other chromosomal aberrations in treated sperm, providing a potential tool for men seeking to have children.
The Ohio State-led Moms2B program has shown a significant reduction in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including lower rates of preterm birth and infant mortality. By integrating education, services, and support directly into affected neighborhoods, the program empowers expectant mothers to deliver full-term, healthy babies.
After Oregon expanded Medicaid in 2014, more women accessed abortion services due to reduced out-of-pocket costs. The number of abortions didn't rise, but the financial burden on low-income women decreased.
A WVU Public Health professor is conducting research to better understand the needs of pregnant women with substance use disorder in rural West Virginia. The study aims to explore telehealth utilization rates and barriers to use, as well as develop interventions to support this vulnerable population.
A new study found that pregnancy rates are higher for fresh embryo transfers compared to frozen embryo transfers in cycles using freshly retrieved donor eggs. The study also showed that live birth rates remained higher for fresh embryos even when compared to frozen embryos known to contain the normal number of chromosomes.
After simplifying full Medicaid enrollment under the ACA standards, North Carolina saw a doubling of low-income women qualifying for full Medicaid during pregnancy. The state's changes led to a decrease in Medicaid enrollment for Pregnant Women program, highlighting the importance of streamlined access to crucial health services.
Most women experience nausea and vomiting symptoms within a three-day timeframe after ovulation, according to a new study from the University of Warwick. This narrower time frame suggests that scientists may be able to identify a biological cause for the condition, previously thought to have psychological roots.
A new study found that 1 in 256 women experienced accidental awareness during pregnancy-related surgery, with 12 reports of awareness identified. The research suggests a higher incidence of awareness in pregnant women compared to the general surgical population.
A recent NIH study found that women who use cannabis while trying to conceive are around 40% less likely to get pregnant each month. The study of over 1,200 women aged 18-40 with one or two miscarriages found no difference in miscarriage rates but noted differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation.
Pregnant women who exercise more during the first trimester of pregnancy may have a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. The analysis found that exercising at least 38 minutes per day lowers the risk of gestational diabetes by 2.1 cases per 100 women and abnormal blood sugar by 4.8 cases per 100 women.
A modelling study suggests that pregnant women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, exposed to poor air quality, are at higher risk of stillbirths and miscarriages. The study estimated 349,681 pregnancy losses per year associated with exposure to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding India's air quality standard.
A recent study found that pregnancy causes the immune system to become sensitized to transplanted organs, particularly those from the father of the child, while becoming tolerant to the fetus. This paradoxical effect increases the risk of transplant rejection.
Two recent studies from Oregon State University found that Oregon's Medicaid expansion led to increased prenatal care among low-income women and improved health outcomes for newborn babies. The expansion resulted in a nearly 2 percentage point increase in first trimester prenatal care utilization.
Researchers developed a multidimensional model of trophoblast motility using a functionalized gelatin hydrogel. The study revealed that EGF and TGF-beta1 play critical roles in modulating trophoblast motility, providing insights into implantation mechanisms during normal and complex pregnancies.
A study published in Nature reveals that the thymus gland plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and metabolic control during pregnancy. The researchers found that female sex hormones instruct changes in the thymus to produce specialized cells called Tregs, which help prevent miscarriage and gestational diabetes.
Researchers found that the thymus produces Tregs specialized in dealing with physiological changes during pregnancy, preventing miscarriages. The study also shows that a deficiency of these cells leads to gestational diabetes and long-lasting effects on offspring.
A study found that the thymus produces specialized cells called 'Tregs' during pregnancy to deal with physiological changes. RANK, a receptor expressed in the thymus epithelium, is the key molecule behind this mechanism.
Researchers found that rural girls in South Africa rely on peer, parental, and environmental factors to prevent pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, rather than modern contraceptive methods. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive education on sexual health beyond HIV/AIDS prevention.
A recent study suggests that pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the third trimester are unlikely to pass the virus to their newborns. The study found low levels of protective antibodies in umbilical cord blood, indicating limited transfer of maternal antibodies through the placenta.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that pregnant women with COVID-19 do not transmit the virus to their newborns, but also show reduced antibody transfer. This has implications for maternal vaccine administration and optimal timing of vaccination.
A recent Dartmouth study reveals that pregnant women who experienced disruptions to their exercise routines due to the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly higher depression scores. The research found that exercise routine changes were more common among women living in metropolitan areas and those experiencing financial stress.
A Rutgers University study found that exposure to metals like nickel, arsenic, and lead can disrupt a woman's hormones during pregnancy. This disruption may contribute to children's later health risks and disease outcomes.
Researchers estimated that US women of reproductive age attempted to end unwanted pregnancies on their own, with nearly half attempting the procedure by 15-19 years old. The study used nationally representative survey data to track this trend and its potential implications for public health.
A study found that Zika infection during pregnancy can impact fetal retinal development and cause congenital ocular anomalies. However, the virus does not appear to affect eye growth postnatally.
A new study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics found that prenatal testing has halved the number of babies born with Down syndrome in Europe. The growth of noninvasive prenatal screening has led to a significant reduction in DS births, with some countries experiencing reductions of up to 71%.
A major new study will investigate the impact of intravenous iron treatment on maternal and newborn health in low-income countries, addressing anaemia prevention, growth development and breastfeeding rates. The two-year trial aims to compare single-dose intravenous iron treatments with oral iron supplements.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC shows that men over 50 who undergo a vasectomy reversal achieve the same rate of pregnancy as those under 50. The study analyzed data from 3,000 men and found that age was not a factor in success rates.
A retrospective study of nearly a million pregnancies in the US found that men with metabolic syndrome had an increased risk of pregnancy loss, with risks increasing by 10-27% for each component. The study suggests that pre-conception counselling should not overlook the father's health as it may impact the pregnancy.
A review of international trial registry data reveals that pregnant women are routinely excluded from most clinical treatment trials for COVID-19, despite being at increased risk of severe illness. The authors argue that this exclusion poses a significant risk to the potential effectiveness and safety of treatments for pregnant women.
Researchers developed a disposable kit for immediate detection of specific airborne viruses in the field. The platform can sample and monitor airborne viruses simultaneously and detects them within 50 minutes on-site.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that maternal asthma medication is associated with an increased risk of premature births and small birth weights. The study analyzed data from over 117,000 births in Wales and found that prescriptions for asthma medicines were linked to lower birth weights and higher rates of preterm birth.