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 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.
A meta-analysis of three randomized studies found that induction at 41 weeks reduces perinatal death and morbidity compared to expectant management until 42 weeks. For first-time mothers, this approach results in a lower risk of severe illness or death in babies.
A study analyzing over 100,000 births in Philadelphia found no significant changes in preterm birth or stillbirth rates during the first four months of the pandemic. Researchers compared data from 2020 to previous years and found no difference in preterm or stillbirth rates, contradicting earlier reports of a decline.
Research highlights three key periods of dynamic brain changes sensitive to alcohol's effects: gestation, later adolescence, and older adulthood. Low or moderate drinking during pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes in offspring, while binge drinking in adolescence and aging affects brain volume and cognitive functions.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have identified two new genes associated with preterm birth: HAND2 and GATA2. These genes play a crucial role in endometrial decidualization and embryo implantation, suggesting that their roles in pregnancy may be more important than previously anticipated.
The study suggests that the obese figurines were linked to extreme nutritional stress during Ice Age Europe. The researchers propose that these statues represented an idealized body type for young women, conveying ideals of body size for survival in difficult living conditions.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found a link between the number of times a person gives birth and their physical aging process. The study discovered that people who had few or many births showed signs of quicker biological aging compared to those who had given birth three or four times. The effects were only visible after men...
Two UCLA studies reveal that maternal stress prior to conception and during the third trimester can lead to shorter telomeres in children, which is associated with faster aging and increased risk of diseases. The study also found that high maternal stress before pregnancy was linked to shorter pregnancies.
A UMass Medical School study finds that low levels of PAPPA, commonly screened for chromosomal disorders, are associated with adipose tissue remodeling and gestational diabetes. The protein is linked to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which promotes healthy adipose tissue development during pregnancy.
The UK is facing an uphill battle in meeting its target of halving maternal mortality by 2030 due to increasing social inequalities and health risks. Maternal age, obesity, and caesarean sections are contributing factors. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care has highlighted these issues and recommended improvement...
New global guidelines suggest exceeding weekly recommended physical activity levels can counter early death risk linked to long periods of sedentary time. The World Health Organization recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
A new study suggests that female reproductive steroids play a protective role against COVID-19 symptoms, providing anti-inflammatory functions and stimulating antibody production. The research also highlights the importance of nutrition in boosting the immune system, particularly through phytoestrogen-rich foods.
A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that maternal stress levels during pregnancy affect the baby's brain development, particularly the amygdala. The findings highlight the need for pregnant women to receive mental and physical health support to promote healthy brain development in their babies.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that 95% of pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 had no adverse outcomes, while the virus was transmitted to the fetus in only 3% of cases. The study also found that diabetes may increase the risk of severe or critical maternal illness.
A large observational study suggests SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is not associated with adverse outcomes. The study found no significant difference in pregnancy complications or infant health between women with and without the virus.
A new study found that suicidal thoughts and self-harm among childbearing women nearly tripled between 2006 and 2017, with significant increases seen among Black, low-income, and younger individuals. The prevalence of maternal suicidality increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, affecting an estimated 24,000 individuals.