A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that women who don't attend regular hospital check-ups during pregnancy are more likely to experience physical violence. The research highlights the importance of healthcare professionals detecting warning signs of gender violence.
A research team at INRS has modeled the interaction of commonly used antidepressants with estrogen and aromatase, a key enzyme in fetal development. The study suggests that not all types of antidepressants have the same hormonal affinity, and some may be less harmful to the developing fetus.
A recent analysis found that one-third of all pregnancies in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were delivered by Caesarean section, a two-fold increase compared to women without IBD. Women with IBD also face increased risks of gestational diabetes and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.
A recent study found that disruptions in progesterone signaling between maternal and embryonic tissue may be linked to recurrent miscarriage. The study discovered that migratory cells from the placenta produce enzymes necessary for progesterone production, which are lower in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages.
Women who were overweight at the start of their pregnancy benefit from attending commercial weight management groups post-pregnancy, losing around 3kgs by 12 months. The researchers argue that a larger clinical trial is needed to determine the definitive health and cost-effectiveness benefits of such programs.
Researchers found that pregnant women exposed to persistent organic pollutants had slightly smaller fetuses than those who were not exposed. The study analyzed ultrasound scans and blood samples from over 2,200 pregnant women, finding a significant association between exposure to POPs and reduced fetal growth.
A study of 368 mothers and their children found that maternal obesity during pregnancy was strongly associated with lower motor skills in boys and scores 5 or more points lower on full-scale IQ tests at age 7. A nurturing home environment lessened these negative effects.
Research finds impaired motor skills in preschoolers and lower IQ in middle childhood for boys whose mothers were severely overweight during pregnancy. A nurturing home environment can lessen the negative effects of obesity on child development.
Researchers from Forschungsverbund Berlin isolated and cultured different cell types from domestic cat corpus lutea tissue, enabling detailed characterization of their function. This breakthrough can aid in understanding the causes and mechanisms behind the longevity of corpus luteum in lynxes.
A study of pregnant women found that those who ate at night and consumed lower-quality diets were more likely to retain five kilogrammes or more after giving birth. Practising night eating along with low diet quality demonstrated the greatest likelihood of substantial postpartum weight gain and retention.
A study led by NIH-funded researchers analyzed data on pregnant women with HIV and found that nearly 20% received treatment regimens not aligned with federal guidelines for use during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for further research into prescribing practices for pregnant women living with HIV.
A new study found that a Zika vaccine developed by NIH improved fetal outcomes in pregnant monkeys and rhesus macaques infected with congenital Zika virus. The vaccine reduced virus levels and prevented fetal infection, suggesting sterilizing immunity may not be required for protection.
An experimental Zika DNA vaccine VRC5283 reduced virus levels and improved fetal outcomes in pregnant rhesus macaques. The results suggest the vaccine may prevent transmission to humans as well.
Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnant women, with exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with a 50% higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia. The study highlights the need for further research into the impact of environmental exposures during pregnancy.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of pregnant women with HIV were prescribed medications with insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy. The study, led by Kathleen M. Powis, suggests that physicians may be prescribing ahead of recommended guidelines.
Teenage pregnant women are more likely to experience poorer mental health, higher rates of substance use, and live in poverty. However, a Canadian study found that teenage pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk for preterm birth or low birth weight compared to pregnancies among women aged 20-34 years.
A new study provides national estimates of neonatal abstinence syndrome and its associated healthcare costs, shedding light on the impact of opioid exposure during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for increased support and resources for affected families.
Women experiencing high-risk pregnancies struggle with fears and tears without adequate psychosocial support, feeling isolated and worried. Researchers suggest professional interventions like visualization, mindfulness, and psychotherapy can help manage emotions and reduce poor outcomes.
A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...
Research on mice suggests that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy can lead to long-term changes in brain activity and sensory processing. The study found abnormal brain activity in sensory areas of fluoxetine-exposed mice when stimulated with their front paws.
A new study from the University of California San Francisco and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health challenges assumptions about contraceptive use among women. Despite having a strong preference against pregnancy, over half of the women studied used a contraceptive method.
A Duke University study finds that baby pandas' bones mature at the same rate as other mammals, but are developed at an accelerated pace. The researchers used micro-CT scans to create 3D digital models of each baby's bony interior and discovered that giant panda skeletons are just like those of closely related animals, but smaller.
Researchers found that female mongooses abort pregnancies more frequently during times of food scarcity and high competition. The study suggests that this adaptive strategy enables females to save energy for future breeding attempts.
Researchers developed a Zika vaccine that safely protects both mother and fetus from the virus. However, pregnancy weakens the immune response, requiring a higher dose of vaccination to be effective.
A new study found that nearly one-quarter of people living with HIV are willing to participate in clinical trials that carry significant risks, including near-certain death, in exchange for the potential of an HIV cure. The study highlights the need for additional ethical safeguards when enrolling individuals in such high-risk research.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no conclusive evidence supporting the safety of ivermectin administration among pregnant women. The studies included in the analysis reported some adverse events, but the number of cases was too low to be conclusive.
A new model developed by UBC Okanagan engineer Hadi Mohammadi maps the impact of trauma on a pregnant woman's uterus, aiming to make airbags and seatbelts safer. The study found that pregnant abdomens respond more rigidly to greater impacts, posing a risk to both mother and fetus.
A Hebrew University study found pregnant women who smoke are nearly 50% more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Women who cut down on their cigarette intake still face a 22% higher risk compared to non-smokers or those who quit before pregnancy.
A study on Instagram users' experiences of miscarriage reveals rich descriptions of medical and physical aspects, as well as emotional spectrum, social aspect, and family identity. The findings inform patient care by highlighting the need for clinicians to address emotional needs and redefine recurrent pregnancy loss.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that incentive-based smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce infant morbidity and mortality. The Baby & Me Tobacco Free program provided financial incentives to pregnant women, resulting in a 24-28% reduction in preterm birth and neonatal ICU admiss...
UConn researchers have discovered a connection between pregnancy and cancer metastasis in various mammal species. They found that certain species have evolved to make their stromal cells highly resistant to invasion, unlike humans who are more vulnerable to cancer metastasis.
A new study by UC Davis Health investigates the effects of progesterone on reversing mifepristone's effect in initiating an abortion. The research found that even with high-dose progesterone treatment, women may still experience severe blood loss and risk serious health consequences.
Most studies indicate that women do not meet recommended intake for vegetables, cereal grains, and folate. Pregnant women often exceed fat intake recommendations and fail to meet iron and calcium requirements.
Changes in heart rate due to low oxygen conditions during pregnancy may predict future heart health, according to research published in the Journal of Physiology. The study used sheep models to examine the impact of chronic hypoxia on fetal heart development and identified potential markers for long-term heart disease risk.
Exposure to cooking fumes during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of hyperactivity in young children. Using coal or gas for cooking, poor ventilation, and social class were linked to higher risks of hyperactivity behaviors.
Children of mothers with diabetes have increased rates of early onset cardiovascular disease from childhood to age 40. The study suggests that preventing and treating diabetes in women of childbearing age could help reduce the risk of CVD in their offspring.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that high androgen levels during pregnancy increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in daughters for multiple generations. The study found that altered gene expression and placenta dysfunction contribute to the transmission of PCOS symptoms.
A new study from UNLV Medicine doctors found daily marijuana use during pregnancy may lead to low birth weight, delayed fetal growth, and increased placental vascular resistance. The researchers reviewed sonogram data from nearly 450 pregnant women who self-reported daily marijuana use.
A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who underwent weight loss surgery between pregnancies had lower risks of hypertension and preterm birth in their second pregnancy. The likelihood of adverse outcomes did not decrease to the level observed in the general population.
SourceWiley·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateDec 2, 2019
A rat study found that older mothers' male offspring are more likely to develop heart problems due to changes in placental development and function. The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting fetal growth, but older mothers' placentas show detrimental effects on male fetuses.
A UC study finds that pregnant women rely on their mothers for emotional support and guidance, often valuing mom's advice as equal to or over medical recommendations. This contradicts the narrow perspective of many self-help pregnancy guides, which prioritize medical guidance exclusively.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that women with severe asthma symptoms during pregnancy are at higher risk of pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, and low birth weight. Babies born to these mothers are also more likely to have respiratory issues and congenital abnormalities.
Research finds children of abusive mothers are almost 50% more likely to have a low IQ at age 8, with the risk rising to 34.6% if mothers were repeatedly exposed to domestic violence. The study used data from over 3,997 mother-child pairs and controlled for other risk factors.
A Swedish study of 2,760 women found that induction of labor after 41 full gestational weeks resulted in no deaths, whereas six cases of perinatal death were recorded when labor was waited for until 42 weeks. The study suggests a safer alternative for mothers and babies.
A trial suggests that inducing labor at 41 weeks in low-risk pregnancies is associated with a lower risk of newborn death compared to expectant management. The researchers found no difference in adverse perinatal outcomes between the groups, but estimated that inducing labor could prevent one stillbirth for every 230 women induced.
Researchers found that an inflammatory immune response and altered serotonin levels contribute to severe pregnancy-related depression. The study suggests that targeting this inflammatory pathway could lead to new treatments for perinatal depression.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that babies born to mothers taking antidepressants during pregnancy are at increased risk of reduced breastfeeding rates, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. The study suggests that women prescribed antidepressants should be identified for closer monitoring and targeted support.
The University of Illinois Chicago and the Illinois Department of Public Health will improve maternal outcomes with a five-year federal grant. A new two-generation clinic and research center will provide comprehensive care to postpartum women and their newborns.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that early diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is associated with improved outcomes in women diagnosed during late pregnancy or shortly after delivery. Black women are disproportionately diagnosed later, which may explain disparities in outcomes.
A study found that home-visiting by trained community workers during and after pregnancy can improve mother-child interactions. Mothers who received home visits displayed more maternal sensitivity, had harmonious interactions with their children, and had happier children at three years post-birth.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2019
A Rutgers University study found that women exposed to stress and plastic additives during late pregnancy are at increased risk of premature birth. The research suggests that the third trimester is a critical window for this risk, with higher levels of phthalates in urine and reported stress during pregnancy also linked to preterm births.
Researchers found that infants born in states with punitive policies had higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome, highlighting the need for public health approaches to prevention and expanded treatment access. Policies requiring reporting of prenatal substance use were not associated with increased withdrawal risk.
Researchers at Marshall University found that universal maternal toxicology screening, including gabapentin, led to increased identification of co-exposure and improved timely treatment for newborns experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, averaging 48 days compared to 58 days before the screening began.
A study published by Aalto University found that mothers with high pregnancy-related anxiety gave birth to babies who had reduced brain responses to sad-sounding speech. The effect was more pronounced in mid-pregnancy, suggesting a potential link between maternal anxiety and infant emotional development.
Researchers found that first permanent molars carry life-long records of health information from the womb, storing vital data on Vitamin D intake and its impact on health. These 'living fossils' can provide clues connecting maternal health to a child's eventual fate.
Research confirms women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have higher cardiovascular risk and persistent risks into their 60s. Women are advised to adopt heart-healthy modifications such as exercising, eating healthy and controlling weight.
Pregnant women with low vitamin B12 levels experience increased fat production and reduced breakdown, predisposing them to obesity. A recent study found that vitamin B12 deficiency impairs fat cell metabolism, leading to increased inflammation and impaired metabolic function.
Research from Northwestern University and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center found that mothers' heart health during pregnancy affects their child's cardiovascular health long-term. Children who had good heart health in utero were more likely to have healthy hearts as tweens and teens.
Research suggests that impaired liver function during pregnancy can lead to altered gut bacteria composition in children, increasing the risk of obesity. Maintaining a healthy diet and targeting gut microbiome composition with pre-biotics or pro-biotics may help prevent childhood obesity.
A recent analysis found increasing rates of acute kidney injury in pregnant women, especially those with diabetes. The study revealed a significant increase in the rate of hospitalizations involving acute kidney injury from 0.04% in 2006 to 0.12% in 2015.