Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study has shown that Zika virus can create a robust inflammatory environment in the placenta, leading to pathological changes and impact on fetal development. The findings provide valuable insights into mother-to-baby transmission of Zika virus and may lead to the development of detection methods and treatments.
A large Swedish study found no association between H1N1 influenza vaccination during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. Researchers adjusted for potential confounders to minimize influence from other factors.
A new study aims to assess the safety of a monthly dapivirine ring and daily oral PrEP in breastfeeding women, who are at high risk of HIV infection. The study, called B-PROTECTED, will enroll up to 200 mothers and their babies in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Researchers found that opioid use during pregnancy can negatively affect the placenta's structure, reducing cells that produce essential by-products for normal brain development. The study also identified specific genetic expression differences between female and male placentas in response to maternal oxycodone exposure.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy improved cardiopulmonary function and decreased inflammation in six pregnant patients with severe COVID-19. The treatment resulted in rapid resolution of viral infection within 22 days, with no adverse side effects.
Researchers report a case where a pregnant mother transmitted COVID-19 to her prematurely born baby, highlighting the need to limit exposure for pregnant women. The study adds to evidence that SARS-CoV-2 virus can be transmitted in utero and emphasizes the importance of protecting mothers and newborns.
A study published in The Lancet found that community health workers can significantly reduce maternal, fetal, and newborn deaths by improving access to care. Researchers recommend expanding the workforce and improving healthcare standards to reach more women.
Research suggests that providing a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant supplement to mothers with complicated pregnancies can prevent heart disease in their offspring. The study used sheep and found that MitoQ protects against fetal growth restriction and high blood pressure in adults.
A study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that women with a history of high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy reported more bothersome menopausal symptoms. Women using hormone therapy also experienced more severe symptoms compared to those without a high blood pressure history.
A National Institutes of Health study has found that women trying to conceive who use opioids are more likely to experience lower chances of achieving pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Opioid use was associated with a 29% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a given monthly cycle.
A high fructose diet in pregnant women can alter the metabolism of their offspring, researchers found. The study, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, showed that fructose intake before and during pregnancy led to significant changes in maternal metabolic function and milk composition.
The study found that the fetal skull and maternal pelvis show covariation to facilitate smooth delivery, contradicting previous hypotheses about bipedalism's role in this process. Researchers used CT scans to analyze the anatomy of rhesus macaques and found evidence of this adaptative relationship.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that pregnant women face significant challenges accessing opioid treatment, including limited provider availability and high out-of-pocket costs. The study calls for policymakers to intervene and establish systems for timely access to life-saving medications.
Researchers found a higher prevalence of anemia in pregnant women with malaria and HIV coinfections compared to those without infections. The study suggests that multipronged strategies to prevent and treat these infections are critical to ensure the survival of mothers and their unborn babies.
Researchers have found that male seahorses transport nutrients to their developing babies during pregnancy, a complex process similar to human pregnancy. This breakthrough provides new insights into the biology of seahorse pregnancy and its potential parallels with human reproduction.
Pregnant obese women are at higher risk of early and late-onset hypertensive disorders, with the risk increasing with higher body mass indexes (BMI). The study found a strong association between maternal obesity and both early- and late-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
A recent study found that only half of pregnant women worldwide who need Rh disease treatment actually receive it. The study, published in PLOS One, estimates that complications of Rh disease may be linked to the deaths of at least 50,000 fetuses and 114,000 newborns annually globally.
A recent study examines the consequences of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes, child development, and long-term health effects. The research highlights the importance of continued monitoring and support for affected families.
A large study has found a link between cannabis use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. The study, published in Nature Medicine, looked at data from over 500,000 women in Ontario and found that children exposed to cannabis in utero were at greater risk of developing autism.
A nationwide analysis of data from over 6,300 pregnant women reveals that those who underwent surgery during pregnancy had better outcomes compared to those whose surgeries were delayed. The study found a significant increase in maternal-fetal complications among women who did not have gallbladder surgery.
A study published in The BMJ found that freezing embryos for later transfer does not result in a higher chance of pregnancy compared to fresh embryo transfer. Researchers recommend using fresh embryo transfer as the gold standard for women with no immediate risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Researchers identified three antidepressant dispensing trajectories during pregnancy: continued treatment, interrupted and resumed, and stopped. Women on continuous treatment had more frequent complications and postpartum psychiatric disorders.
A new vaccine against RSV could protect infants under six months old against severe illness and death. Infants born to mothers from low- and middle-income countries were particularly well-protected by the vaccine, with hospitalization rates 53% lower for RSV LRTI.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that pregnant Black and Hispanic women are five times more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus than white and Asian women. The study analyzed serological data from over 1,200 women and found significant variation in virus exposure rates across racial and ethnic groups.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a new technique that can spot potential preterm births in asymptomatic high-risk women with up to 73% accuracy. The technology uses volatile organic compound analysis to characterise airborne chemicals and is designed to be cost-effective and non-invasive.
A phase I clinical trial found that the antiviral drug cocktail ledipasvir/sofosbuvir resulted in a 100% hepatitis C cure rate among nine pregnant volunteers, with none of their babies contracting the virus. The study suggests that pregnancy could be an excellent time to diagnose and cure hepatitis C infection.
A research group has identified a novel autoantibody as a major risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss, with the antibody found in 52 out of 227 patients. The discovery suggests that the antibody may be connected to RPL even after ruling out other common causes.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnancy and birth outcomes for women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar across different racial and ethnic groups, defying previous expectations of disparate treatment. Researchers attribute this finding to close follow-up care implemented by the medical center.
A new male fertility test, Cap-Score, has been developed to predict which men need treatment and which couples might have success with different forms of assisted reproduction. The test quantifies sperm capacitation ability, enabling doctors and couples to make informed decisions about their fertility.
Research on heat-stressed gestating dairy cows found negative effects on the productivity and health of their female offspring, including reduced milk yield, length of productive lifespan, and increased rates of illness. These impairments translate to considerable annual costs to US dairy producers.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.
A study published in EBiomedicine reveals a genetic link between the HLA-G gene and preeclampsia. The researchers found that certain alternative forms of the HLA-G gene are connected to the male-to-female ratio at birth, fetal survival, and pregnancy complications.
A new study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers shows that the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the incidence of congenital heart block (CHB) in newborn babies, a rare and sometimes fatal condition. CHB affects as many as one in 15,000 live births and is strongly linked to immune proteins in mothers.
The report aims to clear an ethical pathway forward for research on HIV and co-infections in pregnant women. It provides 12 concrete recommendations to promote the study of pregnant women's own health needs, enhance post-approval safety evaluations, and contextualize risk findings.
A University of Rochester Medical Center partnership increased long-acting reversible contraception adoption among adolescents in Rochester by 20 times compared to the national average. The Hoekelman Center's community outreach initiative empowered adults to educate teens, providing accurate information and resources.
A study of over 2,000 women found that those who delivered by C-section were less likely to conceive after unprotected intercourse, with approximately 69% conceiving compared to 78% for vaginal deliveries. The association remained even after accounting for various factors.
A new study found that women with higher manganese levels in early pregnancy had a lower risk of developing preeclampsia later on. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 women and found an association between higher manganese levels and reduced preeclampsia risk.
Research found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels impact egg quality and IVF success rates. NAD+ helps maintain cellular building blocks during egg maturation.
A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that despite federal and state policies to expand access to birth control, only 10.1% of Los Angeles County pharmacies provide this service without age restrictions. The study suggests that regulations alone are not enough to address disparities in contraceptive use, hi...
Researchers have discovered two novel biomarkers, FKBPL and CD44, that can predict key underlying causes of preeclampsia. The biomarkers show potential for early diagnosis in both early and late pregnancy, as well as targeted treatments.
A University of Colorado Boulder study found that mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were more likely to report their children having clinical sleep problems. The researchers also discovered that frequent marijuana use was associated with somnolence symptoms in children, such as excessive tiredness and difficulty waking up.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.
Research found a significant increase in insulin pump use and a decline in diabetic nephropathy, while pre-pregnancy obesity rose. The percentage of mothers with excess weight gain during pregnancy also increased. Despite this, the prevalence of very large babies born remained the same.
Researchers found that symptoms like nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day, not just morning. A significant number of women experience these symptoms throughout the waking day.
A Washington State University study found that 63% of pregnant women experienced 'stereotype threat,' leading them to conceal their pregnancy and take actions that harmed their health. The study highlights the need to address workplace stereotypes and provide support for pregnant employees.
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.