Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A study found that pregnant women and new mothers in Cambodia use bear products to treat pregnancy and post-partum related ailments. This practice poses a significant threat to bear populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce demand pressures.
A new study reveals that the immune system works differently between a woman's first and second pregnancy, with potential implications for preventing miscarriages and preterm births. The research found that the immune pathways promoting a healthy first pregnancy are distinct from those in later pregnancies.
Research found that vitrification technology is safe for embryos, but storing them for longer periods reduces chances of pregnancy and live birth. The study analyzed outcomes from 24,698 patients and found lower implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates with longer storage times.
A new University of Otago study found that mating with sterile males early in life increases female growth but reduces lifespan. Mating with fertile males later in life has the opposite effect, increasing reproductive output. The findings suggest long-term consequences of social interactions between males and females.
Researchers found that female mice mated with sterile male mice experienced a growth-reproduction trade-off, resulting in weight gain and increased reproductive output in late life. However, this also led to a reduced lifespan compared to those housed with other females.
A global study found broad support for alcohol warning labels in seven countries, including Australia (68%) and New Zealand (67%). The study suggests that governments should introduce clear and visible health warnings on alcohol products to improve public health.
A Columbia University study found that crowded homes and poor neighborhoods increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Women living in high-density households were three times more likely to contract the virus.
A recent study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that COVID-19 transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy is rare. The research examined 49 studies involving 666 neonates and 655 women, revealing that only a small percentage of babies tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the s...
A study by University of Queensland researchers found that maternal depression is linked to higher risks of behavioral problems and poor development in children. The study suggests that reducing depressive symptoms at any stage can improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
Pregnant patients with COVID-19 are often excluded from drug trials due to lack of fetal safety data. A new position paper suggests using electronic health record (EHR) data to simulate drug trials, identifying safer therapeutics for treatment. This approach could offer an alternative to delivering all pregnant patients with COVID-19.
Women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pregnancy face increased risks of maternal and infant health complications. The study found that NAFLD is associated with hypertensive complications, preterm birth, and maternal bleeding after delivery, independent of other metabolic diseases.
A national surveillance study found that more than half of pregnant women recently admitted to a UK hospital with COVID-19 infection were from black or other ethnic minority groups. Most women had good outcomes, but the high proportion of women from these groups warrants urgent investigation and explanation.
A study of nearly 1.7 million women found that benzodiazepine use before conception is associated with a 50% higher risk of ectopic pregnancies. This increases the risk of complications and infertility, highlighting the need for more research on safe treatment options.
Researchers found TSH testing performed on most pregnant women without thyroid disease, leading to unnecessary thyroid hormone therapy. The study suggests that minor elevations in TSH may not require treatment, raising concerns about overmedicalization during pregnancy.
A new study suggests that taking extra choline supplements during pregnancy may mitigate the negative impact of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, on fetal brain development. Higher prenatal choline levels have been shown to protect the fetus's developing brain from the effects of virus infection.
Researchers used MRI to investigate blood flow to the placenta in healthy and pre-eclampsia pregnancies, identifying differences in blood flow and a new phenomenon called the 'uteroplacental pump'. This finding could help explain why babies born to mothers with pre-eclampsia are often small and premature.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the use of medications for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Black and Hispanic women were less likely to receive or consistently use these medications compared to white non-Hispanic women.
Researchers found that pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk by reprogramming breast cells to tuck away the potent cancer gene cMYC and keep them in a state of pre-senescence. This protective mechanism may provide new insights into future cancer treatment and help identify risk before tumors develop.
Researchers propose target trials to gather human drug exposure data for pregnant people, offering a basis for causal inference. Genomic data and organ-on-a-chip technologies will help validate results, making this a valid and ethical workflow for large-scale drug screening.
Research reveals that natural products ingested by pregnant women can be broken down into harmful substances by the intestinal microbiota. This can pose a risk to the unborn child's development and immune system.
Women with a history of miscarriage who engage in high-strain exercise may be at a greater risk of subclinical pregnancy loss, according to new research. The study found a two-fold higher risk of very early pregnancy loss for highly active women compared to those who were less active.
A new study has found that high blood glucose levels before pregnancy can increase the risk of severe maternal morbidity and death, even in women without diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 31,000 women and found that elevated hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes
A new study found that COVID-19-positive pregnant women's placentas showed signs of injury, including abnormal blood flow between mothers and babies. This could lead to increased monitoring during pregnancy, including non-stress tests and growth ultrasounds.
Over half of mums-to-be at risk of pre-eclampsia are not receiving preventive aspirin treatment, says consultant obstetrician. Making aspirin available from local pharmacies could help ward off the condition, says Dr Joanna Girling.
A new study found significant disparities in reproductive health care access in Ohio after increasing abortion regulations. The researchers discovered that rural counties experienced a sharp decrease in abortions, while medication abortion care also decreased significantly.
A new study of Google search data found that residents in states with limited access to contraceptives and high rates of unplanned pregnancies are more likely to seek out family planning information online. Researchers also discovered that policies restricting abortion access, such as the Title X gag rule, lead people to search for abo...
A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that only two asymptomatic pregnant women out of 82 tested positive for COVID-19, with the remaining 80 women being symptom-free. The findings suggest that hospitals may not need to conduct universal testing on all admitted pregnant patients.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that women who experience more pregnancy losses are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 247,000 women and found that each additional pregnancy loss increased the risk by 18-71%. Women with no previous pregnancies also had a significantly higher risk.
A study published in The BMJ found a small increased risk of musculoskeletal malformations in babies born to mothers who took fluconazole during the first trimester, but no association with oral clefts or heart defects. The risk was higher for women taking higher doses.
Researchers found two single-miRNA and 29 two-miRNA biomarkers in serum plasma that can predict later onset of preeclampsia in asymptomatic pregnant women. Early identification could lead to prevention and better maternal and newborn outcomes.
A Vanderbilt-led study found that pregnant women involved in the criminal justice system are less likely to receive medications for opioid use disorder compared to their peers. Medication rates increased by 68% in states that expanded Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act.
A team of researchers at McMaster University developed a reliable and accurate blood test to track individual fat intake. The test detects specific non-esterified fatty acids, allowing for an objective assessment of dietary fats and potentially informing public health policy.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to detect fetal brain impairments in rhesus macaques exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. The study suggests that early detection of fetal-alcohol syndrome could lead to timely therapy and improved outcomes.
Rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome have plateaued, with NAS per 1,000 live births stabilizing in 2016 after peaking in 2014. The study found significantly higher rates than 20 years ago, highlighting the need for continued action to improve outcomes.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that women's treatment decisions during pregnancy should be tailored to their individual values and preferences. The research found that half of the women preferred tight control of blood pressure, while half preferred less-tight control, with Caucasian ethnicity, uni...
A study led by Dr. Karl Hansen aims to investigate the health risks associated with two types of frozen embryo transfers used in IVF, one with a natural cycle and the other with artificially stimulated cycles. The research hopes to identify which protocol carries a lower risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia.
A recent study of over 1,400 couples in Italy found that despite lockdowns, most people did not plan to conceive during the COVID-19 crisis. The main reasons cited were economic difficulties and concerns about pregnancy complications. Meanwhile, some 140 people even expressed a new desire for parenthood during quarantine.
Healthcare professionals outside general practice often neglect recommending long-acting reversible contraception like IUDs or implants for young women without children. Despite their proven safety and effectiveness, these superior options are underutilized compared to oral contraceptive pills.
Laws punishing pregnant drug abusers are ineffective in reducing substance use during pregnancy, instead decreasing treatment admissions by 29% and referrals to healthcare professionals by 18%. The study found no significant reduction in babies born with withdrawal symptoms or exposed to narcotics.
Researchers from University of California, Davis, found that immune responses before pregnancy can predict behavioral deficits in offspring if the mother's immune system is activated during pregnancy. The study used a mouse model to identify baseline immunoreactivity as a predictor of resilience or susceptibility to immune activation.
Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions should receive preconception counseling and specialized maternity care from a cardio-obstetrics team. Regular exercise during pregnancy may improve blood vessel function and prevent preeclampsia.
A recent study found that women who experienced hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing heart or kidney diseases earlier in life. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,500 women, suggests that this risk may be underestimated when considering only per-pregnancy rates.
A new statement emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. Cardio-obstetrics teams comprehensively manage cardiovascular conditions, reducing pregnancy-related deaths and improving maternal outcomes.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that smoking by pregnant mothers increases the risk of asthma in their offspring between ages 31 and 46. The risk is higher for those with a history of respiratory symptoms or the RUNX-1 susceptibility gene, highlighting early airway vulnerability.
A study found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria in pregnant women. ACTs, such as artemether-lumefantrine, showed better tolerability and efficacy compared to quinine, with lower recurrence rates of malaria after treatment.
A meta-analysis of existing data from 4,968 pregnant women found that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were significantly more effective than quinine in treating malaria. ACTs had better tolerability, with a lower risk of side effects, making them a safer option for pregnant women.
Researchers warn of COVID-19's impact on pregnant women and newborns, highlighting the need for infection control measures and vaccine evaluation in clinical trials. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of viral transmission and its effects on maternal health.
Researchers have identified a new potential agent for treating preeclampsia using small interfering RNA molecules that target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In animal models, the treatment reduced symptoms of preeclampsia and improved fetal nutrition, suggesting a safe therapeutic option.
A pregnant woman shares her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty on her mental health. She also discusses how healthcare providers can better support pregnant patients during this time, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
A new study by ISGlobal found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and delays in physical growth in early childhood. The research analyzed data from over 1,700 mother-child pairs and estimated exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter during the first trimester of pregnancy.
A recent study found that the progesterone receptor gene evolved rapidly in humans, but its function was compromised, potentially leading to complications like preterm birth. The research provides insight into the evolution of human pregnancy and raises more questions about this complex process.
Research from North Carolina State University found that sexual health interventions increased both abstinence and condom use in Black adolescents. The study analyzed data from 29 studies involving over 11,900 Black teens and showed modest increases in these behaviors, particularly among those who received school-based interventions.
A Finnish study found associations between hypertensive pregnancy disorders, including preeclampsia, and childhood mental disorders. Maternal preeclampsia was associated with a 66% higher risk of mental disorders in offspring, while severe preeclampsia increased the risk by two-fold.
A study published in Science Advances found that exercise during pregnancy stimulates the production of brown adipose tissue in fetuses, leading to improved metabolic health and reduced obesity. The findings suggest that physically fit women exercising during pregnancy may be setting their children up for better fitness too.
A review assesses the potential of mesenchymal stem cells to treat preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can cause high blood pressure and organ damage. The study found promising results in animal models, with MSCs or their secreted cargo showing promise as novel treatment options.
A study of over 9,500 women veterans found that those with PTSD or moral injury are more likely to experience negative pregnancy outcomes and postpartum depression. The researchers highlight the importance of screening for these conditions in obstetric settings.
A VA study found that PTSD and moral injury are linked to increased risks of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression in pregnant women. Women with more severe symptoms were at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
A team of scientists discovered that genetic alterations in the immune system of pipefishes and seahorses allow them to tolerate paternal genetic information and develop their offspring. The study found that genes involved in female mammalian pregnancy are also activated in male pregnancy, suggesting similar molecular mechanisms.
A mathematical model developed by Rutgers University scientists can help explain why many pregnancies and IVF attempts fail. The study highlights the importance of understanding errors in female cell division, which increase with age and are linked to aneuploidy, a leading cause of early miscarriage and IVF failure.
The evolution of pregnancy in seahorses and pipefishes is linked to modifications of the adaptive immune system. Genomic analysis reveals divergent genomic rearrangements in the MHC II pathway, which may help study immune deficiencies.