Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A recent study suggests that smoking during pregnancy may damage daughters' future fertility due to increased testosterone exposure. The research found a significant correlation between maternal smoking and anogenital distance in female infants, which is a marker of testosterone levels.
Research suggests that autoantibodies targeting the NMDA receptor in pregnant women may cause behavioral disorders in their children. Studies have found a link between these autoantibodies and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
A large meta-analysis of over 2 million pregnancies has found a 53% increased risk of gestational diabetes in women who conceived through IVF compared to natural conception. The study also suggests that pregnancies achieved by assisted reproduction technologies are associated with more obstetric and perinatal complications.
A Norwegian study found that a child's gluten intake at 18 months is associated with a 46% increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes for each extra 10g of gluten consumed. The mother's gluten intake during pregnancy was not linked to the risk.
A Swedish study examining 500,000 children found a strong association between maternal anemia during pregnancy and the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that prenatal anemia may play a significant role in the development of these conditions.
Researchers analyzing almost 8,000 pregnancies in South Korea found fetal growth was abnormally large at 20-24 weeks for women later diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Early screening and monitoring may improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.
A Duke University study found that female lemurs' aggression may be programmed in the womb due to high levels of androstenedione. Females exposed to higher doses of this hormone during pregnancy grow up to be more aggressive as adults.
A longitundinal cohort study found an association between paracetamol intake during mid-pregnancy and behavioral problems in children. Hyperactivity and attention issues were common among young children whose mothers took paracetamol 'sometimes' or more often.
A team of researchers investigated the link between pregnancy and lupus flares, finding that gut microbiota may regulate disease severity. The study suggests that modulating the gut microbiota community could lead to improved disease management for pregnant women with lupus.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that a woman's bone marrow plays a crucial role in determining her ability to start and sustain a pregnancy. Bone marrow-derived stem cells travel to the uterus, where they help transform the uterine lining for implantation, essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
Researchers discovered that bone marrow-derived cells contribute to embryo implantation and pregnancy by differentiating into decidual cells in the uterine environment. The study suggests a potential role of these cells in human implantation and pregnancy, potentially leading to new treatments for recurrent implantation failure and pre...
A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that providing adolescents with same-day access to long-acting reversible contraception can lead to significant cost savings for insurance providers. The study also found a decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions associated with same-day placement.
A Rutgers study found a significant increase in chronic hypertension among pregnant women, with black women experiencing twice the rate of white women. Advanced maternal age was associated with the rise, and researchers highlight the need for better blood pressure control before and during pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes.
Research finds that resilient pregnant women experience fewer pregnancy-related concerns, greater psychological wellbeing, and lower cortisol hormone levels. This protective role of resilience suggests a potential benefit for both the mother and baby.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vaping may have negative effects on fertility in young women. The research found that exposure to e-cigarettes during pregnancy can delay implantation of a fertilized embryo, thereby reducing fertility. Additionally, the study discovered that female offsprin...
A new exposome-based approach analyzing over 200 environmental exposures found associations between certain exposures and higher blood pressure in children. Moderate fish intake during pregnancy was linked with lower blood pressure, while exposure to tobacco smoke and bisphenol-A were associated with increased risk.
A low waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in women is associated with higher cognitive test scores and IQ in children, as well as lower birth order. WHR tracks reproduction potential, which peaks in the twenties and drops after pregnancy and menopause.
Exposure to built environment, outdoor temperature, and chemicals during pregnancy may contribute to prehypertension and hypertension in childhood. Children whose mothers lived in urban areas with access to green spaces had lower blood pressure.
A mouse study found that exercise prior to and during pregnancy restores tissues in the body, improving blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of long-term health problems. The researchers suggest that an active lifestyle is crucial when planning pregnancy.
Researchers at MUSC have identified a specific lipoprotein phenotype associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Monitoring these patients closely and taking proactive measures to keep their blood pressure down can help prevent the complication.
Researchers at King's College London found that early planned delivery for women with preterm pre-eclampsia reduces maternal complications and severe hypertension. The study also showed lower costs compared to the current method of care in the UK.
Researchers found that rats fed high fat diets during pregnancy and nursing had slower learning abilities and persistently abnormal brain development. They also had lower levels of insulin receptors, leptin receptors, and glucose transporter 1 compared to rats from mothers on normal diets.
A new study led by University College London analyzed over 600,000 menstrual cycles and found that only 13% of women have a traditional 28-day cycle. The research suggests an individualized approach to identify fertile windows could benefit many women in planning pregnancies.
A small number of pregnant women are exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) before recognition of pregnancy, according to a recent study. The researchers suggest implementing pregnancy screening measures and safety protocols to reduce inadvertent exposures.
A novel quality improvement toolkit, IRON MOM, has shown to enhance early detection and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. The implementation resulted in a nearly 10 times increase in ferritin testing rates and a significant decrease in anemia risk.
An observational study found a significant association between maternal urinary fluoride concentrations and lower IQ scores measured in children aged 3-4. Maternal exposure to 1-mg/L of fluoride was associated with a 4.5-point lower IQ score in boys, while a higher intake of fluoride was linked to a 3.7 point lower IQ score among both ...
A new study found no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy compared with no treatment. The growth parameters of newborns were similar in the OMT and comparison groups, supporting the prescription of OMT drugs to pregnant women with opioid use disorders.
Transgender men who become pregnant are at higher risk for depression, mental health struggles, and difficulty in receiving proper medical care. Nearly 25% reported negative health experiences, with many seeking alternative non-physician providers.
Research by Rutgers University found that moderate to heavy drinking during pregnancy can alter genes in newborns, increasing the risk of health issues. The study also identified biomarkers that predict prenatal alcohol exposure risks.
Researchers found that antibodies generated against the Zika virus itself may contribute to birth defects in some pregnancies. The study suggests that a safe vaccine would need to induce protective antibodies while avoiding those that increase the risk of microcephaly.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that Hispanic women have a higher likelihood of pregnancy than white women after receiving a kidney transplant. The study analyzed data from over 7,900 women and revealed a pregnancy rate of 21.4 per-thousand person years among Hispanic women.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine found that depression is the single largest driver of substance use during pregnancy. Pregnant women with depression were 2.6 times more likely to use cannabis and twice as likely to smoke cigarettes and use alcohol while pregnant.
A new study found that nearly one in eight female adolescents between ages 14 and 19 experienced reproductive coercion, a form of abuse where a woman is pressured to become pregnant against her wishes. The study also highlights the need for clinicians to understand how to spot relationship abuse in younger patients.
Developed by Stevens Institute of Technology researchers, wearable motion sensors can record vibrations sent through a mother's abdomen when her baby's heart beats or squirms. These non-invasive devices could reduce stillbirths worldwide and provide vital insights into fetal health.
A team of experts from Indiana University and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have received a $1.6 million grant to investigate the impact of opioid pain medications prescribed during pregnancy on children's health outcomes. The study aims to identify causal connections between maternal opioid use and adverse childhood outcomes.
A new study found that female offspring of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk for developing cardiac dysfunction. Researchers linked maternal androgen excess and continuous exposure to male hormones during fetal life as contributing factors.
A recent study found that women with malfunctioning natural killer cells may be at a higher risk of developing placental accreta. If confirmed in humans, this discovery could lead to new preventative measures and reduce the need for fertility-ending surgeries.
A new study has found that ursodeoxycholic acid, the current recommended treatment for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, is ineffective in preventing preterm birth and stillbirth. The trial of 605 pregnant women with ICP found no meaningful improvement in outcomes with the drug.
A recent study found that higher maternal Choline levels during pregnancy can prevent fetal brain developmental problems caused by marijuana use. Infants exposed to prenatal marijuana had decreased cerebral nervous system inhibition and lower 'regulation' scores, leading to attention and social function problems later in life.
A new study found that postpartum transfusions carry a greater risk of adverse events, particularly among women with preeclampsia. The number of postpartum transfusions increased by 40% over 20 years, and the risk was twice as high for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.
A UW study found that moving to a new home during the first three months of pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight, premature birth, and smaller-than-expected babies. Despite limitations, the researchers suggest counseling patients on stress-mitigating techniques and care continuity may be beneficial.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were nearly five times more likely to develop end stage kidney disease (ESKD) than those who did not. The study analyzed data from over 1 million healthy women and revealed a significant association between pre-eclampsia and ESKD risk.
Research finds that moving house during early pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight and premature birth, as well as smaller than expected size babies. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 women in Washington state, USA, between 2007 and 2014.
A new study found that many women who use condoms believe they are the most effective pregnancy prevention method, despite condoms being only 85% effective. IUDs were more accurately identified by users as the most effective method, and misconceptions about IUD and oral contraception use persist.
A new study found that mothers living near hydraulic fracking activities were more likely to experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy. The risk was higher among those with lower incomes. Researchers suggest that community-level stressors and air pollution may contribute to these mental health issues.
Researchers examined medical imaging practices among nearly 3.5 million pregnant women in the US and Canada between 1996 and 2016, revealing declining trends in some procedures. The study found that imaging rates decreased over time, with a notable drop in conventional x-rays, angiography, and fluoroscopy.
A new study has found a significant increase in the use of computed tomography (CT) scans during pregnancy in the United States over the last two decades, exposing mothers and fetuses to ionizing radiation. The study suggests that alternative methods without radiation should be considered whenever possible.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes, but has no overall impact on adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. The diet's high intake of nuts, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables was associated with these benefits.
The USPSTF has reaffirmed its 2009 recommendation to screen for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women, identifying infants at risk of acquiring the infection from their mothers. Screening during pregnancy can prevent chronic HBV infection in children who become infected with HBV.
The number of pregnant women using cannabis daily before and during pregnancy is increasing, according to Kaiser Permanente research. Cannabis use has risen from 6.8% in 2009 to 12.5% in 2017, with daily use increasing most rapidly.
Marijuana use among pregnant women in Northern California increased significantly between 2009 and 2017, with daily use rising from 1.17% to 3.05%. The study analyzed data from nearly 277,000 pregnancies, suggesting a possible trend towards more recreational marijuana use during pregnancy.
A new study found mothers living near intense oil and gas development have a 40-70% higher chance of having children with congenital heart defects. The study analyzed 3,324 infants born in Colorado from 2005-2011, estimating monthly intensity of well activity to confirm positive associations between maternal exposure and CHDs.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that pregnancies among women taking isotretinoin continue to occur despite a special restricted distribution program, iPLEDGE. The study reported a range of 218-310 pregnancies per year after 2011, highlighting the need for further regulations to reduce this number.
A new study found that more than one-third of low-income pregnant women who reported suicidal thoughts did not have elevated levels of depression. The researchers suggest using instruments to screen for suicidal ideation as well, as it is a significant risk factor for suicide attempts.
A new study found that mothers who had surgery before pregnancy had a 1.6 times higher risk of their newborns experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed data from almost 2.2 million births in Quebec between 1989 and 2016.
A new study found that mothers who underwent surgery before pregnancy have a 1.6 times higher risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition characterized by opioid withdrawal symptoms in newborns. The study suggests that careful postoperative pain management can help prevent this condition.
Research found that interferon production alters placental development, potentially causing serious complications. Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins block syncytin fusion activity, preventing viral entry but also hindering fetal growth.
Kristin Myers, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) for her research on pre-term birth. Her work focuses on determining the biomechanical mechanisms that cause premature cervical remodeling and softening.
A Canadian study of over 100,000 children born to vaccinated mothers during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic found no association with increased risk of health problems. However, some slight associations were observed for gastrointestinal infections and asthma, but these were small and may be due to confounding factors.
A new study found that a high-fiber diet during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia by promoting a healthy immune system in the developing fetus. The research also suggests that low levels of acetate, a key metabolic product of gut bacteria, may be associated with preeclampsia.