Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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A Lehigh team, backed by the Canadian government and philanthropic foundations, is developing test strips for women's health issues in rural Africa. The project aims to quickly diagnose urinary tract infections and prevent premature labor, low birth weight, or spontaneous abortion.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pregnant women in North Carolina experienced reduced secondhand smoke exposure since the passage of the 'smoking ban' in 2009. Despite overall reductions, racial and socioeconomic disparities persisted among African-American, unmarried, and less-educated women.
Researchers found that women who underwent failed outpatient sterilization procedures were more likely to experience a live birth and less likely to have an ectopic pregnancy compared to those who had surgical options. The study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, included data from nearly 1,000 pregnancies after sterilization failure.
A two-year study in Milan found that providing parents with information and 'nudges' to donate cord blood increased collection rates significantly. The study used behavioral science techniques to encourage expectant mothers to donate their baby's cord blood.
A recent study discovered a significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of language delay in girls. The research found that girls born to mothers who took more than six doses of acetaminophen were nearly six times more likely to experience language delays.
The International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis, Perinatal Quality Foundation, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine issued a joint position statement on the use of diagnostic genome-wide sequencing for fetal diagnosis. The consensus opinion emphasizes that routine use of genome-wide sequencing as a diagnostic test is not currently ...
A powerful antiviral protein acts as a checkpoint for keeping or ending pregnancy. Mouse fetuses with the protein commit cell suicide when exposed to Zika virus, while those without it continue to develop. The study suggests that this signaling pathway plays a role in spontaneous abortions and other human pregnancy complications.
A review of rodent studies found that paracetamol exposure during pregnancy can reduce the number of eggs in female offspring, potentially impairing future fertility. The findings have implications for pregnant women taking pain relief medication.
A new analysis reveals a significant increase in maternal mortality rates in Texas, with a 87% rise from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting of maternal deaths to inform prevention efforts and save lives.
A new study suggests that consuming sufficient amounts of choline during pregnancy can lead to enduring cognitive benefits in offspring. Half of the women in the study consumed 480mg/day and the other half 930mg/day, with faster information processing speeds seen in those who received more choline.
A new device, SPARTAN, uses an obstacle course to select the fastest and healthiest sperm cells for use in IVF treatment. The device can reduce IVF treatment cycles and potentially increase pregnancy rates by selecting sperm with excellent motility, normal morphology, and better DNA integrity.
A large Israeli study found that mothers who took folic acid and multivitamin supplements before and during pregnancy had a lower likelihood of having children with autism spectrum disorder. However, the researchers note that other factors may explain this association.
Researchers found that estrogen treatment exerts positive effects on immune cells in the brain and oligodendrocytes, providing complementary actions that protect against MS damage. Estrogen's protective effect is mediated by protein ERb, targeting both cell types for disease prevention.
The study found that expanded Medicaid coverage led to a 2.3% decrease in uninsured rates among pregnant women who already had a child, and a 7.9% decrease in the number of uninsured mothers during pregnancy. Additionally, lower-educated mothers were 1.7% more likely to receive adequate prenatal care due to the expansions.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that taking topiramate in early pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts, particularly at high doses. The risk is approximately three times higher for women who took topiramate compared to those who did not take anti-epileptic medications.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women taking topiramate during the first trimester had a three times greater risk of giving birth to a baby with cleft lip or palate. The risk was higher for those taking high doses of the drug, and was comparable to lamotrigine.
Research from the University of Adelaide suggests that taking folic acid in late pregnancy may increase the risk of allergies in children. This contradicts previous studies showing a protective effect against childhood allergies in offspring born with growth restriction during pregnancy. The study found that continued folic acid supple...
A University at Buffalo study found that Somali Bantu refugee women are hesitant to use hormonal birth control due to Western cultural norms. However, they are open to using family planning methods to space births and have children. The research highlights the importance of considering cultural perspective in healthcare.
The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recommends multidisciplinary long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery, with primary care playing a crucial role. Guidelines cover essential topics such as nutrition, co-morbidities, pregnancy, and mental health, aiming to provide appropriate first-level medical care.
Researchers develop 3D images of the cervix using MRI to better understand its micro-structure and how it supports pregnancy. The findings suggest a fibrous structure running along the upper part of the cervix, which provides strength and support during pregnancy.
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pregnant women with pre-gestational diabetes who take metformin are at a higher risk for major birth defects and pregnancy loss compared to the general population. The increased risk is not due to metformin, but rather the underlying diabetes.
New Hampshire's neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) diagnoses increased fivefold from 52 to 269 between 2005 and 2015. The average hospital stay for NAS-diagnosed newborns rose to 12 days, compared to three days for non-exposed infants.
Researchers identify subset of natural killer cells that secrete growth-promoting factors, reversing impaired fetal growth. These cells may hold key to treating fetal growth restriction and recurrent spontaneous abortion, improving maternal-fetal microenvironment.
Research suggests that women with unexplained infertility have higher levels of a hormone stimulating the thyroid gland, negatively impacting their ability to conceive. The study found nearly twice as many women with unexplained infertility had elevated TSH levels compared to those with known infertility causes.
A cervical pessary significantly reduced the risk of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks. Pregnant women with a short cervix who used the device had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to those without the device.
A hospital-based behavioral intervention protocol, including sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy, improved sleep in women hospitalized for a high-risk pregnancy. Women in the intervention group had significantly lower sleep disturbance scores and fewer symptoms that can interfere with sleep compared to controls.
A study led by Stanford University School of Medicine found that higher blood sugar levels in early pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of congenital heart defects in babies. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 pregnancies and found a significant link between blood glucose levels and the risk of heart defects.
Researchers have found a potential new treatment for fetal growth restriction, a condition where the fetus doesn't grow at a normal rate during pregnancy. The treatment involves injecting a growth factor into sheep fetuses, which increased their growth without increasing stillbirths or deaths.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a small increase in the risk of heart defects after first-trimester exposure to methylphenidate. In contrast, amphetamines were not associated with an increased risk of birth defects or congenital heart defects.
A study of 600 Chinese women found no improvement in pregnancy and live-birth rates among those treated with levothyroxine for infertility due to thyroid autoantibodies. The results contradict previous studies suggesting potential benefits.
Exposure to air pollution just prior to conception or during the first month of pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, such as cleft lip or palate. The study found that fine particulate matter is a significant health hazard and public health efforts should minimize population-level exposure.
A nationwide cohort study found a link between maternal rheumatoid arthritis and increased risks of thyroid disease, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis in offspring. The study's results highlight the importance of monitoring child development if exposed to rheumatoid arthritis in utero.
Researchers at George Mason University and the University of South Carolina found that heterosexual-discordant women are less happy about their births due to relationship pressures and societal expectations. The study highlights a gap in understanding birth happiness among sexual minority women, particularly those who prefer women.
A new review study suggests that nicotine replacement therapy is safer for pregnant women than smoking and should be recommended to more pregnant patients who are not able to quit on their own. The therapy can improve smoking cessation rates by up to 40 percent, even if the user receives less nicotine than while smoking.
A University of Liverpool-led trial found that sildenafil, commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, is ineffective in improving outcomes for pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. The study recruited 135 pregnant women with severely growth-restricted fetuses and found no benefits from administering sildenafil.
A recent review found a link between morning sickness, smoking, and healthy pregnancies, suggesting that impaired endokinin activity may be involved in poor placental implantation. Smoking during pregnancy is known to lead to negative outcomes, while morning sickness symptoms may be caused by overspill of endokinin levels in the brain.
A study found that most people, including those without a prior connection to the condition, support newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy. Key benefits cited include better healthcare and life expectancy for affected infants, as well as informed decision-making for future pregnancies.
Research analyzed 43 trials involving 8,406 women and found that vitamin D supplementation increased birth weight and reduced small baby risk, but results were inconsistent and limited by study quality. Further large-scale trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal vitamin D supplementation.
A review of 13 studies on war's impact on pregnancy found that mums-to-be in conflict areas are at higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies. However, the evidence for other complications like miscarriage and premature birth is less clear.
A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.
The report examines how financial constraints, clinical expectations, and societal pressures impact reproductive autonomy. It also delves into the 'criminalization of pregnancy' causing racial disparities in reproductive autonomy.
A recent publication found that women with abnormal vaginal microbiota and undergoing IVF have a significantly lower chance of becoming pregnant compared to those with a normal Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota. Fertility clinics are now treating abnormal vaginal bacteria in women undergoing IVF to improve reproductive outcomes.
A new analysis of published studies found a 45% increased risk of congenital heart defects in IVF-conceived children compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study included 25,856 children from IVF and 287,995 from spontaneous conception, finding 1.30% and 0.68% cases of congenital heart defects respectively.
A study published in Autism Research found a correlation between shorter time intervals between pregnancies and increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in second-born children. The researchers suggested that couples planning pregnancy should discuss their options with a trusted doctor or healthcare provider.
Research suggests that mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy face a higher risk of compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy may also be crucial for optimal brain development.
Research published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that a mother's diet can protect nursing newborns against food allergies. The study, supported by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), suggests that mothers should feel free to eat a healthy and diverse diet throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that some women who develop symptom-free Zika infections may acquire immunity that protects them from future infections and their offspring. This finding suggests the possibility of developing diagnostic tests to identify naturally immune women, which could help pr...
Scientists from the German Center for Infection Research found that the Zika virus has a high seroprevalence rate in Salvador, northeastern Brazil, suggesting that further outbreaks are unlikely. The study linked this finding to increased population immunity and socioeconomic factors such as poverty.
Prior Zika infection protects against reinfection during pregnancy in mice, according to new research published in PLOS Pathogens. Protective antibodies from previous infection defend against reinfection, reducing Zika RNA levels and fetal risk.
A new study from McGill University Health Centre found that women with gestational diabetes and high blood pressure are 15-37 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and hypertension, respectively. The risk also affects fathers, particularly when they share similar lifestyle habits with their partners.
Researchers found pregnant Asian women with pregnancy-related hypertension at highest risk for heart failure hospitalization. White and Hispanic/Latina women fell between the two groups, while Black women had lowest likelihood of heart failure hospitalization.
Researchers found a strong link between low vitamin D concentrations and lower live birth rates after ART compared to those with sufficient levels. Women with adequate vitamin D were 34% more likely to have a positive pregnancy test and 46% more likely to achieve a clinical pregnancy.
A study found that Medicaid coverage for methadone maintenance therapy increases planned use of opioid agonists among pregnant women with opioid use disorder. The rate of planned OAT use was about 61% in states with Medicaid coverage compared to 28% in states without coverage.
A review and meta-analysis found a strong link between low vitamin D concentrations and lower live birth rates after assisted reproduction treatment. Women with sufficient vitamin D had a 34% higher chance of having a positive pregnancy test and a 46% higher chance of achieving clinical pregnancy.
Chronic preconception exposure to genistein affected pregnancy rates in mice, resulting in prolonged labor, smaller litters, and higher pup mortality. The study found that high doses of genistein may boost fertility rates but also have adverse effects on reproductive outcomes.
A large study found that unhealthy weight before pregnancy is associated with a small increased risk of severe maternal illness or death. Women with underweight, overweight, and obese body mass indexes before pregnancy had higher absolute risks of severe complications.
Researchers found that hair cortisol levels in pregnant women who developed postpartum depression were higher throughout pregnancy than those who didn't. The study suggests that detecting these differences can help anticipate the psychological state of new mothers and prevent potential negative effects on their babies.
A new DNA antenatal screening method has been shown to be more accurate and safer than existing methods, detecting 101 out of 106 affected pregnancies. The method reduces false-positive rates by 100-fold, providing women with fewer anxious moments.
A study on rabbits found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and liver, leading to changes in gut bacteria. This could have long-lasting health effects for the offspring, increasing the risk of obesity and inflammation-promoted diseases like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.
A new analysis found an approximate 80% increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth when women conceive through in vitro fertilization. This risk is significant enough to warrant ultrasound cervical screening to apply preventive strategies.