Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A collaborative study between Seattle Children's Research Institute and Microsoft data scientists found that smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The study estimated that up to 800 deaths from SUID could be prevented each year if women smoked no cigarettes during pregnancy.
A Rutgers study found that exposure to ultrafine particulates restricts blood flow and nutrients to the uterus, potentially leading to delayed growth and development. Pregnant women are advised to monitor indoor air quality and avoid high-smog days.
Research confirms that women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations experience a decreased risk of breast cancer after multiple full-term pregnancies. The study found that breastfeeding also reduces breast cancer risk for these women. However, the timing of pregnancy appears to play a crucial role in determining the level of risk reduction.
According to a recent study published in the American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, giving birth at age 50 is as safe as at 40, without increasing risk to mother or baby.
A major Swedish observational study of nearly 1.8 million children found that maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of autism and depression in children. The risk was highest for infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes virus, but even mild infections were linked to increased mental ill-health.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that women who develop gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy are at double the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those without GDM. The study also revealed that this increased risk remains even if women with GDM do not go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
A new study found that the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) is lower during and after pregnancy than previously thought. Women with MS can have children without an increased risk of relapses, according to a preliminary study published by the American Academy of Neurology.
New research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) found that 67% of pregnant women in London aged between 16 and 24 years have mental health problems. Anxiety disorders are especially high, with social phobia being particularly prevalent.
A study reveals that eight out of ten women of childbearing age have never had their cholesterol levels checked, highlighting gaps in lipid screening. Research suggests that high cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to early birth and low birth weight babies, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.
Researchers found that mothers infected with Zika also had dengue antibodies led to worse fetal brain damage. An immune complex forms when dengue antibodies attach to the Zika virus, recognized by a receptor on placental cells, allowing the virus to travel across the placenta.
The study found improved access for historically marginalized castes and tribes, but women with low education and poorest households were relatively excluded from program benefits. Utilization of ICDS services increased significantly between 2006 and 2016, especially in central and southern states.
A study of 241 high-risk families found that mothers who took prenatal vitamins during the first month of pregnancy had a lower ASD recurrence rate compared to those who didn't. The proportion of children with ASD was 14.1% among vitamin-takers versus 32.7% among non-users.
A recent study by the University of Turku found a strong association between prenatal nicotine exposure and offspring ADHD. The research used cotinine levels from pregnant maternal serum specimens collected during pregnancy, revealing a significant link between maternal smoking and offspring ADHD.
A clinical trial found that inducing labor at 41 weeks of pregnancy leads to a small reduction in birth complications, with an absolute risk difference of 1.4% in favor of the induction group. However, the results are not conclusive enough to change current practice, according to a linked editorial.
Research published in CMAJ found that taking oral fluconazole during pregnancy may be associated with a higher chance of miscarriage and birth defects. The study analyzed data from 441,949 pregnancies and linked it to filled prescriptions, highlighting the need for safe prescribing practices.
A new study from the University of Warwick shows that medical and surgical treatment options for miscarriage are similarly effective, but with different side effects. Conservative treatment resolves about 70% of cases, while surgery and medication have comparable success rates.
A simple blood test can now identify women at high risk of stillbirth due to a liver disorder, allowing targeted interventions and reducing unnecessary early deliveries. For most women with the condition, regular bile acid testing will suffice, reassuring them that their pregnancy is not at increased risk.
The USPSTF recommends providing counseling interventions to pregnant and postpartum women at increased risk of depression, or referring patients to those services. Depression is a common complication during pregnancy and after childbirth, affecting both women and children.
A study found that pregnant women who underwent gallbladder removal during pregnancy had longer hospital stays, increased readmissions, and higher rates of preterm delivery compared to those who delayed the operation until after childbirth. The researchers recommend waiting as long as possible for pregnant women with symptomatic gallst...
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have gained new insight into the triggers for preterm birth. The study found that exosomes, a type of cell-to-cell communication, play a crucial role in labor and delivery timing.
Nearly 3,000 maternal-fetal medicine physicians will share their expertise on preventing maternal morbidity and mortality at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's Annual Meeting. The event also includes a partnership between SMFM and Rancho High School, where students will learn from physicians about prenatal care and childbirth.
Researchers analyzed medical records from nearly 3,000 pregnant women to find that the ACOG criteria identifies those at highest risk for complications. The study suggests obstetric care providers need more information about the implications of 'high normal' blood pressure during pregnancy.
A study of 959 obese pregnant women found no significant difference in birth outcomes between early and routine gestational diabetes screening. Early screening was associated with increased insulin use, a potential drawback for patients.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found that dengue virus infection can enhance the severity of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, leading to increased placental damage, fetal growth restriction, and fetal resorption. This mechanism may explain the high rate of microcephaly and birth defects observed in recent Zika outbreaks.
Research from the University of Bristol found that mothers with an internal locus of control before their child was born were more likely to have a child who excelled in math and science. These internally focused mothers also provided better nutrition, read to their children more frequently, and showed interest in their homework.
A study analyzing 10 episodes each from the original Venezuelan telenovela 'Juana la Virgen' and its US remake 'Jane the Virgin' found that the American adaptation has more sex, violence, and alcohol use. In contrast, it also features more pro-health messaging.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, in mice infected with a common oral bacteria. The study suggests a new strategy for protecting pregnancy in women and may lead to the development of a prophylactic treatment.
A study found that phthalates, particularly DiNP and DEHP, can disrupt reproductive cycles and reduce fertility in female mice. The research suggests that these chemicals may impair fertility long after exposure has stopped.
A new study found that prenatal maternal depression affects infants' temperament, with those born to depressed mothers experiencing greater distress and lower emotional regulation. The negative impact was amplified when pregnant women lived through Superstorm Sandy.
Two studies reveal pregnant women face a significantly greater risk of hemorrhagic stroke, with some groups facing even higher risks. Women with pre-existing medical conditions and those with abnormal blood vessel tangles in the brain are at particular risk.
A study found associations between depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods with smoking, intimate partner violence, and pre-existing medical conditions like migraines or premenstrual syndrome. The findings suggest that different perinatal depression trajectories have distinct characteristics, paving the way for individualize...
Researchers at the University of Houston's Akay Lab found that chronic nicotine exposure during pregnancy significantly activates dopamine neurons in newborns, leading to unusually high levels of dopamine. This altered gene expression may hold the key to developing targeted medication to eliminate addiction in offspring.
Women who undergo infertility treatment are more likely to experience severe pregnancy complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis. Researchers found a 40% increased risk among women who received in vitro fertilization compared to those without treatment.
Scientists used genome sequencing to improve diagnoses of abnormalities in developing babies picked up during ultrasound scans, with a 10% increase in accurate diagnoses. The study supports the mainstream use of genetic testing to provide clearer answers for parents about their child's condition.
A new prenatal genetic testing approach has been shown to improve the diagnosis of fetal anomalies, identifying a significant cause in nearly half of affected pregnancies. The technique, known as whole exome sequencing, offers a valuable addition to standard prenatal tests, providing clear diagnoses and easing parental fears.
Researchers found a strong relationship between infections during delivery hospitalization and stroke within the following month. Women with an infection during delivery hospitalization were more than five times as likely to be readmitted to the hospital for stroke.
A study published in Environment International found that PFAS substances, commonly used in consumer products, accumulate in fetal tissue throughout pregnancy. The study also revealed higher levels of these chemicals in male fetuses than female, highlighting the need for further research on their effects.
A new study by the American Heart Association finds that rising temperatures from climate change may lead to a significant increase in congenital heart defects among newborns in the US. The research estimates up to 7,000 additional cases in eight states over an 11-year period.
Black women are at a significantly increased risk of pregnancy-related stroke during delivery and postpartum admissions compared to white women. Black women with pregnancy-related conditions like preeclampsia are twice as likely to experience a stroke during delivery.
Higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) were found in US counties with high unemployment and clinician shortages. NAS rates often peaked in rural, remote areas, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a grant to develop and evaluate an artificial pancreas for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The project aims to improve patient and fetal outcomes by adapting automated insulin delivery technology.
A new study has identified reliable symptoms for diagnosing antenatal anxiety in pregnant women, improving screening tools for health professionals. The findings suggest that elevated worry, panic symptoms, and excessive concerns about the baby's health are robust indicators of antenatal anxiety.
Researchers analyzed dataset of singleton births in Michigan from 1990-2012, finding a 3% increase in preterm birth odds with each one percentage point increase in state unemployment. This study suggests that broader socioeconomic factors, such as economic conditions, may contribute to pregnancy health disparities.
A study analyzed combined results from 18 randomized clinical trials on morphine and other medications for treating neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. Buprenorphine was associated with the shortest length of treatment, but further research is needed for wide-scale adoption.
New research reveals that shift work can impair glucose tolerance and disrupt maternal circadian rhythms in early pregnancy, leading to reduced fetal growth and longer pregnancies. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of shift work on human metabolism and pregnancy outcomes.
A new scientific paper proposes an omega-3 DHA target blood level of 5% or higher for pregnant women to reduce their risk of preterm birth. DHA levels below this threshold have been linked to a reduced intake and increased risk of inadequate nutrition.
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.