Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study in rats reveals that marijuana exposure during pregnancy can lead to behavioral and memory problems in babies. The research pinpoints how the drug alters neural connections in the hippocampus, a key area for learning and memory.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating sepsis in pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and management. The recommendations are designed to improve care and prevent organ damage caused by sepsis, with a focus on increasing maternal survival rates.
Young children who live close to a major roadway are twice as likely to score lower on tests of communications skills. Children born to women exposed during pregnancy to higher-than-normal levels of traffic-related pollutants have a small but significantly higher likelihood of developmental delays.
A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs are at a higher risk of stillbirth, with the risk increasing by 2.6 times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The NHS has now incorporated the findings into its Saving Babies' Lives care advice information for pregnant women.
Researchers found that modulation of immune system during pregnancy is similar in women with and without lupus. In healthy pregnancies, key immune genes are quieted after embryo implantation, while those with preeclampsia or complications show downregulation of these genes.
A new study found that online diet goal-setting helped women with normal body weight achieve healthy weight gain during pregnancy. However, the tool was not effective for women with higher BMI levels, suggesting a need for personalized approaches to dietary change.
A study has identified early changes in RNA molecules present in the blood that can predict the likelihood of preeclampsia in lupus patients. The researchers also found that failure to modulate immune pathways during healthy pregnancy is associated with complications in pregnant lupus patients.
A new study found that offspring born to mice exercising during pregnancy had increased levels of proteins associated with brown adipose tissue and higher body temperatures, indicating improved thermogenic function. This led to reduced weight gain on a high-fat diet and fewer symptoms of metabolic diseases in later life.
Children born to women with preeclampsia have higher blood pressure during childhood and increased stroke risk. Treating preeclampsia with sildenafil citrate may help protect offspring's cardiovascular health.
A pilot study conducted in Kenya identified a safe and effective strategy to help women with HIV have children, despite the infection being passed on to their babies. The study showed six live births without HIV transmission among 23 couples participating in timed vaginal insemination.
A new AI approach analyzes time-lapse images of embryos to predict pregnancy potential, improving IVF success rates and minimizing multiple pregnancies. Researchers used a large dataset of human embryos to train an algorithm that can classify embryo quality with high accuracy.
A study by Lawson Research Institute found evidence of a strong association between exposure to sulfur dioxide during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Pregnant women were 3.4 times more likely to have a low birthweight baby for every 1-part per billion increase in sulfur dioxide.
Recent studies have shed light on the impact of environmental toxins, food additives, and pain management on human health. Research has found that certain antioxidants can protect cells from harm caused by hexavalent chromium, while other substances may weaken the immune system or cause dental damage.
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Sydney observed a normally live-bearing Australian lizard lay eggs and then weeks later, give birth to a live baby from the same pregnancy. This unusual reproductive trait is known as bimodality, where some individuals lay eggs while others give birth to live young.
A study published in Economics & Human Biology found that pregnant women who commute at least 50 miles to work are at a higher risk of having low-birth-weight babies. The longer the commute, the greater the risk. Long commutes also led to under-use of prenatal care, which could exacerbate birth outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal found that metformin can halve the risk of late miscarriage and preterm births for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women who received metformin during pregnancy also gained less weight, but there was no effect on gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky has identified a potential cellular mechanism that connects smoking during pregnancy with an increased risk of offspring obesity later in life. The research found that expectant mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy induce distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in their offspring.
A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that low oxygen levels during fetal development can lead to premature ovarian ageing and reduced egg availability. Researchers exposed pregnant rats to chronic hypoxia, leading to accelerated ageing of the ovaries and fewer eggs available for future reproduction.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children exposed to metformin in utero had a higher risk of obesity. The research, which followed 141 children from PCOS mothers for 5-10 years, also showed no link between metformin use and healthier growth conditions.
Pregnant women who use cannabis may slightly increase the risk their unborn child will develop psychosis later in life. The study's findings raise concerns about prenatal exposure to cannabis and its potential long-term effects on brain development.
The study found that the widely used antimalarial sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is no longer effective in preventing malaria in areas with high levels of resistance. In areas where more than 37% of parasites carry six mutations, the effectiveness of SP appears to be fully compromised. The researchers are calling for further investiga...
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found that paternal smoking and maternal passive smoking can significantly increase the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring. The analysis of 125 studies involving over 137,000 babies with congenital heart defects revealed a 74% increased risk for me...
Research found that HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of obesity and reactive airway disease compared to their non-exposed peers. Lower prenatal maternal CD4 count was associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in HEU adolescents.
A large study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that treating women with thyroid antibodies and normal thyroid function with Levothyroxine did not improve the chances of live birth. The study showed similar outcomes in both groups, with 56.6% and 58.3% becoming pregnant, respectively.
Research suggests that sperm DNA damage in male partners may cause recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), with affected men having twice as much DNA damage as healthy counterparts. High levels of reactive oxygen species were also found, which can damage cells like sperm.
A high-fat, high-sugar diet in pregnant mice causes heart problems in their offspring, which are then passed down to subsequent generations. The defects in heart mitochondria are thought to be caused by epigenetic changes in the mother's eggs.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study has identified seven bacteria associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, while higher levels of a natural antimicrobial peptide may lower this risk. The findings hold promise for early diagnosis and prevention of premature births, particularly in African American women.
A new research suggests that a single allergic reaction during pregnancy can prompt significant changes in the brains of offspring, leading to more male-like behavior and brain development. Female rats born to mothers exposed to an allergen during pregnancy exhibited higher levels of male-like behavior and brain changes.
A new study found seven bacteria and immune factors in the vagina and cervix that increase or decrease the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly in African-American women. Higher levels of β-defensin-2 lowered the risk of sPTB associated with cervicovaginal microbiota.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine studied 22 US state and federal prisons, tracking 1,396 pregnant women over 12 months. Most pregnancies resulted in live births with no maternal deaths, a significant improvement compared to general population statistics.
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that immigrant women in Norway are more likely to be overweight during pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 219,555 deliveries between 2006 and 2014, also found a significant association between country of birth and weight status.
A Norwegian study found that women under 30 have the lowest risk of miscarriage, while those over 45 face a 53% risk. Previous pregnancy complications also increase the risk, with pre-eclampsia not being a factor.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and women who are unsure about their choice often feel alone. The research highlights the need for more support and training for healthcare workers to help women make informed decisions.
A study found that mild sleep apnea in pregnant women was associated with higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of childhood obesity. The researchers suggest that addressing sleep apnea may help improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Researchers found that a mother's diet during pregnancy can affect the expression of genes regulating lung health in her offspring. Epigenetic changes may contribute to increased rates of lung disease, such as asthma, in children born to undernourished mothers.
A study by Laura Miller-Graff found that breastfeeding for six weeks can protect infants from the negative effects of prenatal intimate partner violence. This protective effect was observed in low-income women who experienced IPV during pregnancy.
Researchers estimate that alcohol use during pregnancy and drunken driving are linked to substantial harm beyond the drinker, including fetal alcohol syndrome and road traffic fatalities. Effective prevention strategies targeting vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and road users, are necessary.
Researchers found that Dot had a typical-use failure rate of 5 percent and a perfect-use failure rate of 1 percent, comparable to other fertility awareness-based methods. The study also found no association between pregnancy and sociodemographic characteristics.
A study of nearly 500,000 women found that taking paracetamol or other painkillers during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in children, but the risk is similar when other types of painkillers are used. The research suggests that another factor linked to painkiller use and asthma risk may be chronic pain and stress.
A study led by the University of Colorado found that choline supplements can prevent fetal brain developmental problems when a mother has the flu during pregnancy. Higher levels of choline in mothers also improved their children's ability to pay attention and regulate their behavior.
Researchers developed a rapid, non-invasive urine test to diagnose preeclampsia, with an accuracy rate of 86% compared to other biochemical tests. The 'Congo Red Dot' test can provide results within three minutes, allowing for early detection and treatment, thereby reducing maternal deaths and premature births.
A CU Anschutz study discovered a genetic component that breaks down contraceptive hormones in some women, potentially leading to pregnancy. The research may lead to the development of more precise medical tools to tailor treatment to individual patients.
Researchers use photoacoustic imaging to detect placental ischemia in pregnant rats, revealing early signs of preeclampsia. The non-invasive procedure poses little risk to the fetus and may lead to better treatment outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial found no association between high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of asthma in children at age 6. The study followed 545 children whose mothers received either high-dose or standard-dose vitamin D supplementation.
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.