Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study by researchers at Warwick Medical School reveals that decidual precursor cells play a critical role in pregnancy and their depletion may lead to recurrent pregnancy loss. The study suggests that these cells can be harnessed to prevent pregnancy disorders, offering new hope for women struggling with miscarriage.
Women who experience a miscarriage are more likely to die prematurely due to cardiovascular disease. Research found that miscarriages, especially those occurring early in life or recurrently, can signal an increased risk of premature health risks.
Exposure to hydroxyprogesterone caproate during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of early-onset cancer in offspring, particularly colorectal and prostate cancers. The study found that adult children of mothers who received the drug had more than twice the odds of cancer.
Research suggests that postpartum women are at a higher risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than previously thought, with symptoms often going undetected. The study found that up to 17% of new mothers experience OCD symptoms related to infant-related harm, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and assessment me...
Research investigated associations between maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The study found significant links between these conditions, highlighting the importance of prenatal care for fetal health.
A lifestyle intervention targeting women with obesity and infertility significantly improves pregnancy rates, especially spontaneous pregnancies. The Fit-For-Fertility program shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to fertility treatments, with a live-birth rate 14.2 percentage points higher than the control group.
Women with gestational diabetes who prefer evening activity are more likely to experience preeclampsia and have newborns requiring neonatal intensive care. The study suggests that circadian rhythm disturbances may add an additional risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found that men exposed to endocrine disruptors in utero are twice as likely to have low semen volume and sperm count. Exposure to pesticides, phthalates, and heavy metals is associated with poorer sperm quality.
New research published in CMAJ finds COVID-19 infection during pregnancy associated with increased risks of preeclampsia, stillbirth, and preterm birth. Pregnant individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms are particularly vulnerable to these complications.
Researchers confirm vertical COVID-19 transmission in pregnant woman, resulting in fetal complications and death. The study's proteomics method detects SARS-CoV-2 proteins in infected placenta for the first time.
A new study from Finland reveals that undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care, with delayed access to prenatal care and lower rates of infection screening. The study highlights the need for better healthcare systems to cater to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.
A Washington State University study found that COVID-19 has increased stress among pregnant women in the US, with concerns about baby contracting the disease and financial worries. The pandemic also exacerbated existing disparities in healthcare access and social support for low-income and women of color.
A recent study published by the University of California - San Francisco detected 109 chemicals in pregnant women, including 55 new ones, which may be derived from consumer products or industrial sources. The researchers used high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify man-made chemicals in people.
Researchers found that prenatal stress leads to significant inflammation in the fetal brain, but surprisingly, the mother's placenta and uterus remain unactivated. Instead, stress reduces gut microbial strains and functions, especially those linked to inflammation.
Researchers found that low doses of propylparaben can alter pregnancy-related changes in the breast, potentially lessening its protective effects against breast cancer. Propylparaben was shown to disrupt mammary gland development and increase cell proliferation rates in mice exposed during pregnancy.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's journal found that low doses of propylparaben can alter pregnancy-related changes in the breast, reducing protection against breast cancer. The researchers tested mice exposed to environmentally relevant doses of propylparaben during pregnancy and breastfeeding, finding increased rates o...
A new European Women in Sport (E-WinS) project seeks to address issues specific to women in sport, such as the impact of menstruation and hormone-based contraception on performance. UK football clubs are invited to participate in an online survey and focus groups to share best practices.
Research suggests that maternal exercise during pregnancy can prevent the transmission of metabolic diseases from parent to child. The study found that maternal exercise only during pregnancy completely blocked the negative effects of either mother's or father's obesity on the offspring.
Research suggests a mother's diet during pregnancy influences her child's BMI trajectory from birth to adolescence. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help prevent childhood obesity. Mothers' dietary habits during pregnancy are likely to shape their child's eating behaviors and food preferences.
Research published in Thorax journal found a strong association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the development of childhood allergic rhinitis. The study suggests that infants exposed to high levels of PM2.5 during late pregnancy and early childhood are at increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis.
A new study found that unbalanced progesterone signals may cause preterm labor or prolonged labor in pregnant women. The researchers used genetically engineered mouse models to alter the ratio of PGR-A and PGR-B signaling in the uterus, identifying key biological pathways influenced by both forms.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 40 million pregnant and post-partum women and found that African American women experienced a 41% higher incidence of pregnancy-associated stroke and a 7.8% in-hospital mortality rate compared to white women. The study highlights serious disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes despite adjust...
A new study by researchers at UCSF found that fatal police violence near a pregnant woman's home increases the risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed records of 3.8 million pregnant women and found that deaths due to police violence, particularly among Black victims, were strongly associated with moderate or late preterm delivery.
A survey of pregnant Japanese women and fertility patients found higher levels of anxiety related to health monitoring and social isolation. The study suggests improving communication to help pregnant women cope with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A large-scale randomized trial involving nearly 24,000 women found no significant differences in health outcomes between two gestational diabetes screening methods. The study evaluated rates of gestational diabetes diagnosis, large-for-gestational-age infants, and adverse perinatal outcomes.
A global study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds or with pre-existing conditions. The review also found low rates of stillbirth and neonatal death among infected women.
A study by the University of South Australia found that women with gestational diabetes are ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, only a third of these women understand they are at high risk due to lack of education and lifestyle changes.
The study detected human proteins matching cervico-vaginal fluid, as well as non-human proteins like honey and plants, which were documented in medieval medical treatises. The findings suggest the girdle was worn during pregnancy and childbirth to provide physical and spiritual support.
Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) have a greater risk of premature mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. A new study found that GHTN and preeclampsia were associated with a 42% increase in premature mortality, while women with HDP had an over two-fold higher risk of premature...
A new study found that children born to women taking epilepsy medications during pregnancy have no developmental delays at age three. The study involved 275 women with epilepsy and 77 without the disease, and found no differences in developmental scores between the two groups.
A new Northwestern University study finds that trained paraprofessionals delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce depressive symptoms in pregnant women as effectively as mental health professionals. This approach may help address the growing need for treatment and alleviate the burden on overwhelmed healthcare providers.
A new study finds that only 48% of Colorado clinicians can provide unbiased information on abortion options, while 79% say they lack experience or education on the topic. The majority of clinics refer patients to crisis pregnancy centers, despite professional health organizations recommending informed counseling.
A survey of 18,000 women in 16 countries found that 69% would receive a COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and vaccinate their children. Vaccine acceptance varied by country, with lower rates in the US and Russia.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team discovered that a diet rich in indole-3-carbinole, found in green leafy vegetables like broccoli, can protect premature infants from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The study also found that breast milk from these mothers provided continued immunity against NEC.
A study found that recreational marijuana legalization was associated with increased cannabis use by women before, during, and after pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 1 million pregnancies, showing a significant increase in cannabis use among those living in states where recreational marijuana was legal.
Researchers are using sheep to investigate the multigenerational effects of prenatal exposure to androgen excess and explore dietary interventions to prevent PCOS. The study aims to provide crucial biological information for improving reproductive function across generations and has clinical relevance to women with PCOS.
A new study found no association between COVID-19 infection and stillbirth or early neonatal death in pregnant women. However, the research did reveal a higher risk of preterm birth among those with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The study analyzed data from over 4000 pregnant women in the UK and US.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered that pregnant women can transfer protective COVID-19 antibodies to their babies while in the womb. The study found that most babies born to mothers with COVID-19 antibodies had detectable antibodies, suggesting a potential shielding effect.
A decade after childbirth, women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may experience changes in the structure and function of their hearts, predisposing them to ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Early therapeutic interventions can help prevent long-term cardiac complications.
A study found that the HAND2 gene becomes less active in humans as labor nears, suggesting it may play a role in regulating gestation length. The gene evolved to be turned on in uterine linings of placental mammals during pregnancy.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that mothers who consumed a low-quality diet high in inflammation-associated foods during pregnancy had children with lower levels of muscle mass and higher risk of obesity in late childhood. Promoting healthy diets during pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.
Adequate birth spacing may help alleviate stunting in Indian children, according to a Cornell University study. The study found that when children are born at least three years after their older siblings, the height gap between them disappears.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that children born to mothers with suboptimal cardiovascular health during pregnancy are at higher risk for early declines in their own cardiovascular health, including heart attacks, strokes, and premature deaths.
A new study found COVID-19 infection rates among pregnant women to be 70% higher than in similar-aged adults in Washington state. Pregnant patients from communities of color experienced a twofold to fourfold higher prevalence of infections compared to the general population.
A landmark animal study reveals that exposure to opioids during pregnancy can cause long-lasting impairments in the brain's ability to process sensory information. The study found that newborn mice exposed to fentanyl developed withdrawal symptoms and sensory processing disorders that lasted until adolescence.
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.