Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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A study published in Finland found that both educational level and occupational orientation predict a mother's likelihood of smoking during early pregnancy. Low educational levels and vocational education were strongly linked to increased smoking rates, whereas university degrees showed lower smoking rates.
A new study finds that offspring whose mothers had complicated pregnancies may be at greater risk of heart disease later in life. The research suggests that the prenatal environment can directly influence long-term cardiovascular health. Antioxidant therapy during pregnancy could potentially protect against heart disease in offspring.
A new study finds an association between lengthy periods of maternal sleep and late stillbirths, independent of other risk factors. Further research is needed to understand the relationship and its implications for pregnant women.
Cambridge researchers have discovered that placentas can adapt to function properly despite poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy, impacting on pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health. This adaptation helps the placenta transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, mitigating complications such as fetal growth restriction.
A new review by UBC researchers found that up to one-third of pregnant women do not believe cannabis is harmful to their fetus. The study suggests that perceptions about cannabis use influence decision-making among pregnant women. Women who used cannabis during pregnancy were more likely to be under 25, unemployed, or have low income a...
A recent study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health found no association between exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and an increase in blood pressure. In fact, higher exposure to phthalates, BPA, and parabens was linked to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in the second trimester.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that maternal gut microbiota changes significantly during pregnancy and lactation. Coriobacteriaceae and Escherichia bacteria increase gradually over gestational time, while short-chain fatty acids production increases during lactation.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a clinical care pathway to help women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) navigate family planning. The pathway emphasizes the importance of preconception planning, monitoring, and collaboration among healthcare providers to optimize outcomes.
A German study found that routine counseling during pregnancy does not reduce excessive weight gain. Despite this, many participants showed improved dietary habits and physical activity, resulting in slightly smaller newborns.
A review paper found that pregnant military spouses report increased depressive symptoms during pregnancy and partner deployment, attributed to social isolation and stress. Specialised support for military spouses may reduce anxiety during deployments.
A new study published in the journal Gut found that women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing mental illness after giving birth. The study analyzed healthcare data from over 200,000 pregnant women and found that more than one-fifth had a new-onset mental health diagnosis.
A new study using a mouse model found that pregnant mice fed a high-fat diet gained more body fat compared to control mice, but quickly lost the added weight after giving birth. However, they began gaining more fat again and weighed two-fold above levels of control mice due to excess fat mass.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that energy balance - the calories consumed versus burned - may not determine the development of gestational diabetes. Women with obesity tend to develop gestational diabetes due to primary risk factors such as excess fat and insulin resistance, which can be evident early in pregnancy.
A review of evidence reveals that as many as one in four women attending sexual and reproductive healthcare services report being coerced into controlling their own reproductive lives. Coercive control, including 'contraceptive sabotage,' undermines women's autonomy and has serious negative consequences.
A study of over 913,000 Danish children found a significant association between prenatal exposure to valproate and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study also found no associations with other antiepileptic drugs.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that a functional heart cell defect may be the underlying cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of heart failure. The research found that levels of STAT3 protein were higher in PPCM patients' heart cells than in healthy women, and that a defect in releasing growth factors was ...
A study of 2.6 million pregnant women who gave birth in 2015 found wide variation in the use of neuraxial analgesia, with rates ranging from 73% in Maine to 96% in Nevada. The reasons behind this variation are not fully understood and may be influenced by patient-level and hospital-level factors.
Women born with low birthweight are at increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Those who were overweight or obese after pregnancy had even higher risks, highlighting the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in reducing these risks.
A new study published in JAMA examined data from over 88,000 pregnancies where pregnant women took ondansetron during the first trimester. The researchers found no increased risk of cardiac malformations but a slight increase in oral clefts associated with ondansetron use.
A study found that pregnant women who have a family history of food allergies are more likely to avoid certain foods, such as nuts and eggs. However, this avoidance does not necessarily prevent food allergies in their infants, but rather increases the risk of problems with food at 4 months old.
A study of over 2,400 low-income women found that stress and poverty can lead to chronic diseases in mothers and children. Breastfeeding was shown to provide some protection from the negative health effects of stress.
A US study reveals that physicians based on their status as mothers face unique forms of discrimination, including varied expectations of performance, limited career development opportunities, and lack of support before and after birth. The findings emphasize the need for structural changes to address pregnancy, parental leave, and chi...
Researchers studying fetal exposure to inflammation aim to understand its impact on infant immune responses and potential prevention methods. High levels of Th17 cells in pregnancy-inflammation mothers and preterm babies have been linked to tissue damage, but their role in infection protection is unclear.
Administration of fluoxetine to zebrafish embryos reduced cortisol levels in three subsequent generations, affecting gene expression and steroid production pathways. The antidepressant's impact on offspring was more pronounced in males than females.
A large study found that taking metformin reduced weekly pregnancy weight gain, but did not improve other pregnancy outcomes. The research supports the need for pre-pregnancy dietary and lifestyle interventions to break the cycle of intergenerational obesity.
Research reveals that African American race, rural residence, and low socioeconomic status are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in adolescent mothers. Social determinants of health play a crucial role in driving inequalities in adolescent perinatal health.
A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin found that two-thirds of low-income women in Texas did not receive their preferred form of contraception at their six-week postpartum visit. Women who wanted IUDs or implants faced significant difficulties accessing these highly effective methods, with only ten percent receiving the...
Research found that increased brain activity in response to infants' facial cues from pregnancy to motherhood is associated with more positive relationships with the baby. Mothers who showed such increases reported stronger bonds with their infants after birth.
A CU Anschutz study found that female academic hospitalists face inadequate paid parental leave, difficulty with breastfeeding support and diminished career opportunities. The study calls for more generous paid leave policies to attract and retain women in the profession.
A Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of accelerated growth in early infancy. Pregnant women with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 32% lower risk of having children with an accelerated growth pattern compared to those who did not follow such diet.
The UK has seen a significant drop in twin stillbirth rates from 11 to six per thousand total births between 2013 and 2016. This decline is attributed to increased recognition of fetal risks in identical twins and improvements in clinical guidelines and in-utero treatments.
A new study found that amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade, particularly in rural counties. Amphetamine-affected births doubled, while the rate of opioid use quadrupled, resulting in higher risks of severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
A new VA study found that women's attitudes towards becoming pregnant also play a role in their contraceptive use. Women who don't plan on getting pregnant but are open to the idea may be less likely to use birth control. The study, which analyzed data from 858 women veterans, suggests that routine assessment is needed to help women ma...
A new study published in Preventive Medicine suggests that up to 17% of UK children may have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) symptoms, affecting learning and behavior. The research found that nearly 79% of children were exposed to alcohol in pregnancy, highlighting the need for increased awareness and diagnosis of FASD.
Researchers have developed 'mini-placentas', cellular models of the early stages of placenta formation, to study early pregnancy and reproductive disorders. These miniature functional models closely resemble normal first-trimester placentas and may provide insights into pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.
After Medicaid expansion, low-income women in expansion states saw significant increases in preconception health coverage, rising from 43% to 57%. This led to improved access to preconception care and reduced pregnancy risks.
Researchers created a detailed atlas of fetal and maternal cells in the first trimester, revealing 20 distinct cell types and gene expression profiles. The findings could inform further research into pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and pre-term birth.
The European Perinatal Health Report shows that stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates decreased in Europe in 2015 compared to 2010. However, the rate of decrease varied widely between countries, with some experiencing significant declines while others saw little change.
A study found associations between environmental pollutants and metabolic processes in pregnant women, with potential implications for foetal development and child health. Exposure to low levels of contaminants left an imprint on their metabolism.
Research published in Experimental Physiology reveals smoking during pregnancy increases the likelihood of a baby becoming obese. Higher levels of chemerin, a protein associated with obesity, were found in infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. Reduced DNA methylation was also linked to increased expression of this protein.
A study reveals that current screening tools can miss severe infections in pregnant women, highlighting the need for better identification and timely interventions. Simple measures such as frequent vital sign reassessment and prompt antibiotic administration within an hour of diagnosis can significantly reduce maternal deaths.
A recent study found that higher unemployment rates are associated with a lower likelihood of unintended pregnancies among US women. Women with both high and low education experienced declines in unintended pregnancies as unemployment rates rose, particularly those with less than a high school degree.
A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre identified three genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies, a rare complication that occurs when a non-viable pregnancy with no embryo implants in the uterus. They discovered MEI1, TOP6BL/C11orf80, and REC114 mutations linked to genetic causes of fetal loss and miscarriages.
Researchers at UMass Medical School developed an siRNA therapy that reduces circulating sFLT1 levels and normalizes blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant mice. The therapy shows promise as a potential strategy for treating preeclampsia in humans, but further studies are needed to optimize safety and efficacy.
A new Cochrane review finds that increasing omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature births by 11% and early premature births by 42%. The optimal dose is a daily supplement containing between 500 and 1000mg of long-chain omega-3 fats starting at 12 weeks of pregnancy.
A new study found that UK children exposed to smoking from caregivers or friends are more likely to try and continue smoking. The research highlights the 'transmissible' nature of tobacco smoking among young people, emphasizing the need for measures to protect children from smoking in the home and support smoking cessation.
Researchers mapped over 70,000 single cells at the uterus-placenta junction to understand maternal immune system modifications. This study provides a reference map for healthy pregnancy development, shedding light on disorders such as miscarriages and pre-eclampsia.
A new study found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who experience food insecurity are more likely to have their infants treated for severe neonatal abstinence syndrome. The study suggests that screening for food insecurity could be a way to reduce NAS severity and improve infant and mother outcomes.
A new study found that pregnant women with Medicaid support urine testing to promote smoking cessation, but fear consequences such as clinician reaction and government involvement. Clinicians are concerned about the impact on patient relationships, but researchers call for consensual testing to improve public health outcomes.
A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that pregnant women living in areas with high tobacco availability are 70% more likely to smoke. Limiting tobacco supply could help reduce smoking rates and tackle health inequalities.
Researchers found that the thymus, a small organ near the heart, maintains its output of T cells during pregnancy, which is essential for protecting against infection while tolerating the fetus. The study's findings may have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A recent study found that pregnant women who gained normal weight had slightly increased bone mass in their children at age 7, while overweight mothers saw no benefit. The findings suggest following US pregnancy weight gain guidelines may not harm children's skeletal health.
Maternal smoking is associated with a higher risk of strabismus in children, which can lead to visual impairment and emotional problems. A study of 11 relevant articles found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk by up to 79 percent.
Researchers at Washington State University have found that heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can affect the cognitive development of offspring. The study used a new model of exposure to recreate human-like cannabis use and found that rats exposed to high amounts of cannabis had trouble adjusting their strategy to get rewards.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies reduces risks for both mothers and babies. The research suggests that a gap of 12-18 months is the optimal interval, with risks to the mother decreasing significantly after this period.
Researchers at Utah State University found that brucellosis causes a substantial decline in the probability of pregnancy among young adult elk. The disease has previously hidden consequences for the wild elk population, highlighting the need to quantify its effects on reproduction.
Researchers are studying how variations in federally qualified health centers impact efficiency and patient health outcomes. They aim to develop models to better understand the strengths and challenges facing Montana's healthcare system, with a focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes and disparities.
A new review highlights growing evidence that universal thyroid testing in early pregnancy can reduce obstetric complications and safeguard fetal brain development. However, the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment must be carefully considered to avoid unwarranted patient anxiety and potential harm.
Girls taking painkillers like paracetamol during pregnancy enter puberty on average one-and-a-half to three months earlier than expected. A large Danish cohort study suggests a 'dose-response' correlation between prolonged paracetamol use and early puberty in girls.
A major study from Aarhus University found that children of mothers who smoked more than ten cigarettes a day during pregnancy entered puberty three to six months earlier. Early puberty is associated with an increased risk of diseases such as obesity and certain types of cancer.