Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Women with IBD had higher rates of Caesarean section and intrauterine growth retardation compared to those without IBD. Those with mild Crohn's disease did as well during pregnancy as women without IBD, but those with more severe disease experienced increased miscarriage and low birth weight.
A study published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology examined the effect of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) on stillbirth rates. The findings suggest that other public health measures are responsible for the decline in stillbirth rate in Scotland, not the GAP program.
Researchers found that women who deliver prematurely have a more diverse vaginal microbiome, especially in the first trimester. This link highlights specific bacteria associated with premature birth, which could aid future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The USPSTF advises against routine screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant individuals without symptoms or increased risk of preterm delivery. However, it suggests caution for those at higher risk, with current recommendations dating back to 2008.
A scoping review found that many popular fertility and pregnancy planning apps lack accuracy, particularly in predicting fertile windows and preventing unplanned pregnancies. The studies suggest that these apps should be developed with the involvement of fertility specialists to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that paternal alcohol exposure before conception can negatively impact brain development and behavior in offspring. Choline supplementation during pregnancy showed promise in reducing adverse outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
A new study links pregnant women's PFAS exposure to their granddaughters' increased obesity risk. The research found that higher levels of PFAS in grandmothers were associated with a greater risk of obesity in granddaughters, even when controlling for other factors.
Screening for thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Abs) before pregnancy is crucial for patients with a history of autoimmune thyroid disease. This is because TSH-R-Abs can lead to irreversible impairment in fetal neurodevelopment. A case report highlights the importance of screening, especially in women with Graves' ...
A recent study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a safe option for many women, with 64.1% opting for TOLAC and 91.3% experiencing successful vaginal births. Health professionals are advised to educate expectant mothers on the risks and benefits of each delivery option.
A new study found that hospitalized pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), with black and Native American women at increased risk. The study also suggests that awareness and detection of AKI may be contributing to the rising rates of kidney damage in pregnant women.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that an online program for women with infertility doubled their pregnancy rate, comparable to in-person programs. The Mind/Body Program offers ten hour-long modules of instruction covering stress management, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children whose mothers ate fish 1-3 times a week during pregnancy had lower metabolic syndrome scores than those who ate fish rarely. Moderate fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced inflammation and improved child metabolic health.
A Chinese case study found that COVID-19 is not transmitted from pregnant mothers to newborns, with all four infants in the study remaining healthy. Researchers are now exploring potential risks of transmission through other means, such as perinatal and postnatal transmission.
A new study found that racial and ethnic minority women are more likely to experience gaps in insurance coverage during pregnancy, leading to increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that extending Medicaid coverage to one year after birth could reduce disparities in postpartum health.
A recent study on Zika virus found that individuals who thought they knew more about the threat were actually more likely to feel uncertain and anxious. The researchers suggest that public health agencies should focus on providing ongoing updates and shaping messages that encourage people to stay informed, as uncertainty can fuel fears...
Early-career family physicians with maternity care and buprenorphine prescribing skills are undertrained, posing risks for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Family medicine residencies must prioritize training in treating substance use disorder during pregnancy to address rising maternal mortality rates.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant African adolescent girls and young women have significantly lower concentrations of the PrEP drug tenofovir compared to non-pregnant individuals. The study suggests that daily PrEP adherence is crucial for this population, despite potential physiological changes during pregnancy.
A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that women who had late abortions experienced a higher risk of extremely preterm birth. The research included over 418,000 first-time mothers and observed an increased risk of very low birthweight among those with late abortion(s) compared to early abortion(s).
Scientists at the University of Alberta found that prenatal fruit exposure enhances memory consolidation in infants, suggesting a nonpharmacological intervention to improve infant cognition. The study replicated previous findings in humans and fruit flies, offering valuable information for pregnant mothers.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis. The study, based on nationally representative data, also revealed that depression increases vulnerability to cannabis use even among those who perceive substantial risk.
Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.
Researchers found that swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while still pregnant, suggesting continuous pregnancy throughout their lives. This unique reproductive strategy challenges the traditional view of marsupial reproduction and may have implications for our understanding of female fertility.
A study of over 6,000 newborn babies found that longer pregnancies are associated with chemical DNA changes in thousands of genes. These epigenetic modifications may influence fetal organ development and potentially affect the health of premature birth children.
Researchers confirm swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while carrying a full-term fetus, creating a unique reproductive strategy that supports continuous embryo development. This phenomenon allows the female to be pregnant throughout her reproductive life, exceeding the duration of the oestrous cycle.
A high sugar diet during pregnancy can lead to increased progesterone levels and changes in dopamine function, which may affect mother-pup interaction and long-term mental health. The study suggests that limiting added sugars to 5-10% of daily calories may have benefits for metabolic and hormone health.
A new study found pregnancies among women with disabilities are 42% more likely to be unintended, linked to societal views on sexuality and parenting. Women with independent living challenges, hearing loss, or cognitive disability showed higher proportions of unintended pregnancy.
A mother's gut microbiota can influence her offspring's energy homeostasis and metabolism. Research using mouse models suggests that targeting the maternal microbiota could be a preemptive strategy to protect against metabolic diseases.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland analyzed data from 1.4 million births and found that quitting smoking during the first trimester reduces low birth weight risk but doesn't fully prevent smaller brain size and body length issues. The study highlights the importance of quitting smoking before pregnancy to minimize lo...
A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego identified a strong link between heatwave exposure and increased risk of preterm delivery. The study found that longer duration heatwaves were associated with the highest risk of preterm birth, while ambient humidity also played a role in exacerbating the issue.
Researchers from NIST and Griffith University developed a new test that measures multiple hormones simultaneously, providing a more reliable marker of pregnancy. This technique improves the accuracy of hormone tests, enabling biologists to better understand whale populations and their environmental health.
A study found that macrolide antibiotics prescribed during early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of major birth defects, particularly cardiovascular malformations. Alternative antibiotics should be used instead until further research is available.
A large observational study found an association between cannabis use during pregnancy and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and trauma diagnoses. The study analyzed data from over 1 million women screened for prenatal cannabis use in California.
A recent study found that a quarter of local maternity services in England lack midwifery units (MUs), and women face barriers when trying to access them. The research identified several factors contributing to low MU use, including a lack of information and misconceptions about their safety and cost.
A NIH study suggests that mothers who are obese before pregnancy may be more likely to report their child having ADHD symptoms. Nearly 2,000 children were analyzed, revealing that women of normal weight have a significantly lower risk of reporting these symptoms.
A UK study found that mothers prescribed macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy were at higher risk of having children with cardiovascular and genital malformations. The study suggests avoiding macrolides during pregnancy when alternative antibiotics can be used.
Researchers have found that natural antioxidant L-ergothioneine can relieve some clinical symptoms of Pre-eclampsia in rats, including reduced blood pressure and fetal growth restriction. Further study is needed to validate its safety and efficacy in humans.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that fewer than 1 in 4 Tennessee infants exposed to hepatitis C at birth were tested, highlighting inadequate testing rates. The study also revealed disparities in testing rates based on the mother's racial background, with African American mothers being tested less frequently.
A computational study identified lansoprazole and 12 other FDA-approved drugs that reduce inflammation and may prevent preterm birth. The drugs act on biological pathways affecting the immune response, which is implicated in preterm birth. Further testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
A new study from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University found that pregnant urban African American and immigrant Afro-Caribbean women can improve access to prenatal health information through the use of mhealth apps like Text4baby. The study showed a 14% increase in intent to use the app and a 28% increase in intent to speak with pr...
A study at the University of Queensland found that a non-invasive treatment can maintain or restore egg quality and alleviate the biggest barrier to pregnancy for older women. The treatment uses a metabolic compound to boost energy levels in cells, which were found to be lower in older female mice.
A small observational study found no evidence of intrauterine transmission of the new coronavirus and similar symptoms to non-pregnant adults. The study results were based on nine pregnant women with COVID-19 infection, all of whom gave birth via cesarean section.
Researchers found a positive correlation between butylparaben exposure and increased body-mass index in children until their eighth birthday. Parabens may disrupt the regulation of natural satiety in the brain through epigenetic modifications, leading to higher food intake.
Legal epidemiology examines how law affects disease and injury in a population. Research studies, such as those on community health workers and pregnancy-specific alcohol policies, provide key evidence to inform policy decisions.
A recent study by MUSC Health found that telemedicine can be an effective way to reach pregnant women with opioid use disorder, with no significant differences in maternal and newborn outcomes compared to in-person care. Integrated, collaborative care models are crucial for treating this chronic disease, and telemedicine maximizes the ...
A study by NIH researchers found that higher maternal blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with chemical modifications to placental genes, including DNA methylation. The findings suggest a potential link between early origins of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in pregnancy.
The DELIVER trial examines the safety of PrEP and a dapivirine vaginal ring in pregnant women, providing critical data for HIV prevention choices. The study will enroll 750 healthy, HIV-negative women aged 18-40 years and assess the acceptability and feasibility of these tools.
A study found a significant association between low maternal vitamin D levels during early to mid-pregnancy and an increased risk of diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research used the Finnish Maternity Cohort, which included 1,067 children with ADHD and their matched controls.
A new study called DELIVER will enroll 750 healthy, HIV-negative pregnant women to test the safety of two HIV prevention methods: a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring and daily Truvada. The study aims to provide much-needed information about these products' safety in pregnant women, an area currently lacking in data.
A study found nearly 4 out of 10 women readmitted for high blood pressure had no prior history. All women should be educated on postpartum hypertension before discharge.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana are at a higher risk of experiencing a homicide. The research team analyzed vital records data from 2016-17, revealing an estimated rate of 12.9 per 100,000 compared to other causes of maternal death.
A study of Danish women found a peak risk for hypertensive disorders in spring and summer, peaking midsummer. Vitamin D levels may explain the seasonal variation.
A study by Northwestern Medicine and CDC found that unmarried mothers with paternal involvement are more likely to breastfeed and engage in protective health behaviors. This is compared to married mothers who also experience benefits from their partner's presence, suggesting a positive impact of fatherhood on maternal health.
A Washington State University study found that pregnant women use marijuana to manage health issues and reduce stress, with many feeling stigmatized by healthcare providers. The research emphasizes the need for patient-centered care and more information on marijuana's safety during pregnancy.
Researchers found that pregnant women in poor countries with lower access to education and employment are more likely to experience stillbirths. The study mapped global patterns of stillbirth rates and identified 37 countries with high rates, including Nigeria and Pakistan.
A vaccine clinical trial for pregnant women with malaria has shown promising results, demonstrating safety and an appropriate immune response. The PRIMVAC vaccine was found to be well-tolerated and induced antibodies capable of recognizing the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
A study by Tulane University found that homicide was a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana. The researchers estimated that for every 100,000 pregnant or postpartum women, there were 12.9 homicide deaths, outnumbering deaths from any single obstetric cause.
A recent study examines the causes of death among pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana, revealing a disturbing trend. Homicide was found to be a leading cause of death for these women, highlighting a pressing need for increased support and resources to address this critical public health issue.
Researchers found that giving progesterone to women with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of miscarriage can increase their chances of having a baby. The treatment is estimated to cost £204 per pregnancy and could lead to an additional 8,450 live births per year.
A recent study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that US birth weights have fallen significantly due to increasing rates of cesarean deliveries and inductions. The average length of pregnancy decreased from 40 weeks to 39 weeks, resulting in a decline of 67 grams (about 2.4 oz) in baby weight over 23 years.