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.
Research reveals a single missing gene in mothers leads to miscarriages due to placenta problems, including fewer blood vessels and altered shape. The study provides new insights into recurrent miscarriage in humans and lays the foundation for further research on placenta development.
A study of breast cancer survivors found that natural pregnancies are possible after chemotherapy, but many no longer wish to have children. The study also showed that fertility preservation measures are not widely needed among young breast cancer patients.
A new study found that antiepileptic drug clearance significantly changes by the first trimester for one commonly used medication and by the second trimester for two others. The findings have implications for adjusting medication doses during pregnancy to keep women with epilepsy seizure-free and safe.
Elective induction of labor in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies from 39 weeks' gestation is associated with lower complication rates. Women should be aware that induction can lead to a more prolonged and painful process.
Research from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reveals a significant preference for cesarean delivery among women, with rates exceeding 30% in these regions. The primary reasons cited are the fear of pain during labor, antagonistic relationships with healthcare providers, and concerns over deteriorating quality of care during birth.
Young women previously treated for cancer with cardiotoxic treatments are more likely to develop clinical congestive heart failure (CHF) during and after pregnancy. According to the study, there's approximately a 1 in 3 chance of developing CHF for women who have been exposed to cardiotoxic treatments and had prior cardiotoxicity.
Researchers studied 3.6 million pregnancies and found beta-blockers not associated with a large increase in cardiac or general birth defects. The risk estimates were generally consistent across Nordic and US data.
A first-of-its-kind study found that a fertility app called Dot is as effective as other modern methods for avoiding unplanned pregnancies. The app provided women with information about their fertility status each day of their menstrual cycle, resulting in a typical-use failure rate of 3.5%.
Researchers at University of Connecticut have discovered a potential treatment for premature birth by targeting the immune system. Studies in mice suggest that inhibiting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) could prevent preterm labor and birth.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that proposed Title X guidelines restricting abortion counseling and referrals may adversely impact pregnant women's health care. The study, published in Contraception, compares pregnancy options counseling and referral practices at state-funded and federal organizations.
The global cesarean section rate has increased from 12% in 2000 to 21% in 2015, with significant disparities in use between regions and socioeconomic groups. The authors call for improved quality childbirth care globally and emphasize the need for C-sections only to be performed when medically required.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that drinking water fluoride levels significantly impact pregnant women's urine. Researchers discovered that Canadian cities with fluoridated public drinking water have higher urinary fluoride levels compared to non-fluoridated areas.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that babies born to overweight mothers are more likely to develop regulatory problems, including excessive crying and feeding difficulties. The research suggests that prenatal factors, such as maternal weight during early pregnancy, may contribute to these issues.
A multicenter study involving over 2,400 first-time pregnant women found that delaying pushing during labor increases the risk of severe postpartum bleeding, infections, and sepsis. In contrast, immediate pushing is associated with lower rates of infection and excessive bleeding.
A recent NIH-funded study calls into question common practice of delaying pushing during the second stage of labor. Women who pushed immediately had a shorter average duration of labor and lower rates of infection and bleeding compared to those who delayed pushing.
A study analyzing over 937,000 single embryo transfer cycles found that the proportion of multiple pregnancies is 1.6% and 1.36% result from true zygotic splitting. Factors increasing the risk include frozen-thawed embryos, longer blastocyst maturation, and assisted hatching.
A pilot study found that pregnant women with a history of depression or bipolar disorder process infant facial and vocal signals of emotion differently. Pregnant women with bipolar disorder had difficulty recognizing all facial expressions, while those with previous depression showed a negative bias in adult facial expression recogniti...
Researchers found that acute respiratory failure, obstetric hemorrhage, and hypertensive disorders were common indications for mechanical ventilation. Factors associated with higher mortality included vasopressor use, blood transfusions, neurological dysfunction, coagulopathy, and ARDS.
Research suggests that efavirenz may increase the risk of a neurological condition, such as microcephaly or seizures, in children born to HIV-positive mothers on this ART regimen. The SMARTT study found that 60% more babies exposed to efavirenz developed a neurological condition compared to those not exposed.
A new study based on SWAN data suggests that women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes may experience a greater burden of hot flashes during the menopause transition. The study identified social factors such as education as influential in shaping pregnancy outcomes and hot flashes.
A comprehensive epidemiological study published in Neurology reveals that women with epilepsy are at a significantly increased risk of mortality during pregnancy. Despite the small absolute risk, the probability must be multiplied by five, making pregnant women with epilepsy a critical group to follow closer.
Scientists successfully inserted human DNA into transgenic laboratory mice, allowing them to study the biology of preterm birth. They discovered a stress hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its interaction with a transcription factor called DLX3 in the placenta.
A new study finds that delayed pregnancy may increase cardiovascular disease risk in both women and their children, with boys at higher risk. Researchers also found sex-specific differences in health risks of the offspring, highlighting the importance of assessing cardiovascular health during pregnancy.
A care package aimed at reducing the risk of stillbirth showed a marginal drop in rates, but effects were too small to prove its benefits. The study suggests other interventions will likely be needed to reduce stillbirth rates worldwide.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that women with shorter days during late pregnancy may be at a higher risk of developing postpartum depression. Exposure to natural light and vitamin D can help alleviate symptoms.
A Northwestern University study shows that obese and overweight pregnant women can safely restrict weight gain through healthy diet and lifestyle habits guided by a smartphone app. This approach resulted in normal birth weights and reduced the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.