Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
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.
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.