Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study found that six out of eight state-level policies aimed at reducing alcohol use during pregnancy have unintended consequences, leading to worse birth outcomes. These policies included mandatory warning signs, child abuse laws, and civil commitment laws, which made women reluctant to seek prenatal care.
A recent meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy. Labetalol, hydralazine, and nifedipine were found to have similar efficacy with negligible differences in their safety profile.
A major study found that one in three pregnant women in Norway has a vitamin D deficiency at the end of their pregnancy. Low levels can affect bone health and increase the risk of asthma in children. The study suggests that small measures, such as taking supplements and eating fish, can have positive effects on vitamin D levels.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found a clear correlation between elevated blood glucose levels in mothers and the risk of heart defects in their babies. Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk, especially those with high blood glucose levels during early pregnancy.
A study published in Microbiome found that maternal diet during pregnancy can influence the infant gut microbiome, with varying effects depending on delivery mode. Vaginal delivery was associated with a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and Enterobactericeae, while caesarean section was linked to increased Streptococcus and Clostridium.
A large randomized placebo-controlled study found no evidence that rhG-CSF improves outcomes in women with a history of unexplained recurrent pregnancy losses. The study involved 150 women and showed similar clinical pregnancy rates between the treatment and placebo groups.
A study on 563 women who froze their eggs between 2009 and 2017 found that only 12.8% returned to the clinic for reproduction treatment, with an overall success rate of 32.6%. The majority of returning social freezers had found a suitable partner to pursue motherhood.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The risk factors emerged shortly after pregnancy and persisted for decades.
A collaborative study between six National Primate Research Centers found that 26% of female nonhuman primates infected with Zika virus experienced miscarriage or stillbirth despite few clinical signs of infection. The study suggests that Zika-associated pregnancy loss in humans may be more frequent than currently thought.
A new study found that Zika virus-infected monkeys experienced a 26% fetal death rate, which could indicate more severe outcomes in human pregnancies. The research used data from six National Primate Research Centers and tracked fetal development in infected macaques.
Women with a history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension in pregnancy developed chronic hypertension at a 2- to 3-fold higher rate than those with normal blood pressure. They also had significantly higher rates of type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, highlighting the need for lifelong cardiovascular screening.
Research suggests that antidepressant Prozac can alter brain circuit development in mice, leading to social and repetitive behaviors reminiscent of autism. Reversibility of these changes is uncertain, with some alterations permanently changed by fluoxetine exposure.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that Zika virus infection increased the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth by 26% in pregnant monkeys. Researchers also discovered damage to the placenta and cell death, which can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes. The true rate of human miscarriage may be higher than previously reported.
Research suggests that Zika virus can cause more miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women without showing symptoms. A recent study found 26% of infected monkeys experienced fetal loss despite few signs of infection.
A collaborative study published in Nature Medicine found that 26 percent of nonhuman primates infected with Zika during early stages of pregnancy experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. This is the first time such a finding has been demonstrated, highlighting the importance of understanding how the Zika virus damages the placenta.
Researchers found that even extremely low doses of an endocrine disruptor caused epigenetic changes in a pregnant sow's DNA and its offspring. The study suggests that humans may also be affected by such chemicals, leading to a re-assessment of acceptable daily intake values.
A study found that women living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods for longer periods had an increased risk of non-optimal weight gain during pregnancy. Non-optimal weight gain is linked to low birth weights and preterm birth.
A study found that women with a bachelor's degree and men who knew someone at high risk for the virus were more likely to have knowledge or concerns about Zika. Targeted prevention interventions by gender and education level can effectively educate the public.
A study found that genetic variations in the progesterone receptor gene are linked to prematurity risk, with different versions affecting various populations. The research suggests that genes play a role in determining risk, but also highlights the importance of environmental factors.
Researchers found no evidence that vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. However, low vitamin D levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of these conditions by suppressing blood pressure-regulating hormones. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A new review suggests that vitamin D may play an integral part in the induction and regulation of critical immune tolerance in early pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.
Researchers used whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing to detect genetic causes of neonatal death in unexplained cases. The study found a genetic cause in 23% of prospective cohort samples and strong candidates in 18% of retrospective cohort samples.
A UNC study found that administering the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy significantly reduces the occurrence of infant pertussis, with a 75% decrease in hospitalizations and a 46% decrease in all cases. The study suggests optimal timing of immunization between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy.
A large study of over 10,000 pregnant women found no increased risk of stillbirth associated with fluconazole use. The results contradict earlier animal data suggesting a potential link between the drug and fetal death.
A study by the University of Cambridge suggests that mothers' thoughts and feelings about their baby during pregnancy are associated with later interactions. Researchers analyzed data from 1,862 mothers and found a modest link between positive attitudes and sensitivity in parent-child interaction.
Research supports thyroid screenings during early to mid-pregnancy due to increased risk of gestational diabetes and adverse health outcomes. Higher thyroid hormone levels in the first half of pregnancy are tied to development of gestational diabetes, affecting up to 2-10% of pregnancies.
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model suggests BUP exposure decreases during pregnancy, requiring dose increases to maintain efficacy. After delivery, a reduction in buprenorphine dose is necessary.
A study of 50,734 Japanese children aged 3 found that prenatal and postnatal exposure to smoking was associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment. Children exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy or at 4 months had a higher relative risk of hearing problems compared to those not exposed.
A pilot study found that virtual reality sessions before sedation for IVF treatment reduce women's anxiety. The study also showed a slight improvement in biological pregnancy rates, but not clinical pregnancy rates at 12 weeks, with results comparable to those without VR sessions.
Women with insufficient vitamin D levels before pregnancy were more likely to experience miscarriage compared to those with sufficient levels. Vitamin D was found to play a protective role in maintaining pregnancy.
A longitudinal study by the University of Sussex found that new mothers' voices temporarily drop after childbirth, becoming lower-pitched and more monotonous. The researchers analyzed women's voices over a 10-year period and found that this 'vocal masculinising' is not caused by aging.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that foetuses with balanced chromosomal aberrations have a higher risk of developing brain disorders such as autism and mental retardation than previously thought. The risk is 20% for these foetuses according to the study.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology suggest that morality should be removed from the equation when it comes to abortion laws, recognizing pregnancy as a risk for any woman. They argue that women should have the legal right to reject this risk and that criminal sanctions against abortion are unjustified.
A study of over 7,000 low-income urban mothers found that fewer than 5% started folic acid supplementation before pregnancy. Despite the high risk of neural tube defects, many women did not take prenatal vitamins preconception or during pregnancy. The research team also found that black and Hispanic mothers had lower plasma folate conc...
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples who eat more seafood tend to get pregnant faster. Seafood consumption was associated with a higher frequency of sexual activity and shorter time to pregnancy, suggesting other biological factors may be at play.
Universal thyroid testing for pregnant women could detect mild thyroid problems that are currently missed in up to 75% pregnancies. However, experts debate the potential risks and benefits of this approach, with some arguing it may not provide significant improvements in pregnancy outcomes.
A new study found that women who used DES during pregnancy had a 36% higher risk of ADHD in their grandchildren. The study analyzed self-reported health data from over 47,000 participants and found no difference by sex.
A major study on pregnant women's fish consumption found no link between mercury exposure and autism. Mercury was only associated with poor social cognition in mothers who avoided eating fish. The study confirms current advice for pregnant women to eat fish at least twice a week is safe.
Depression in male partners is associated with reduced conception and live birth rates among infertile couples. Women taking non-SSRI antidepressants also experience higher early pregnancy loss rates.
New research suggests that rheumatoid arthritis drugs taken during pregnancy are unlikely to cause a large increase in serious infections in children. The study found no marked excess risk of serious infections among RA offspring exposed to TNFi drugs compared to unexposed control children and offspring from the general population.
A new study found that pregnant women in Colombia incur substantial economic costs due to transportation and time lost while seeking care for malaria. The costs range from $16 to $54, representing 18% of the monthly minimum salary in the country.
Exposure to high levels of air pollution during pregnancy is associated with elevated systolic blood pressure in childhood. The study analyzed data from 1,293 mothers and their children, finding that those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter had a 61% increased risk of elevated blood pressure.
A study found that moderate coffee consumption during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of overweight or obesity in school-age children. Researchers suggest increasing caution and reducing caffeine intake to minimize this risk.
Researchers found prenatal marijuana use can affect infant size, weight, and behavior problems, particularly when combined with tobacco use. Infants exposed to both substances showed smaller growth, earlier birth, and increased irritability in later infancy.
A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that women with high physical activity levels had a reduced risk of acute cesarean sections. The Norwegian Fit for Delivery study also showed no other effects on labor or delivery outcomes.
A study by Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology reveals that live-cell imaging can detect chromosomal abnormalities in bovine IVF embryos, increasing pregnancy success rates. The technique identifies half of morphologically transferable embryos as having nuclear/chromosomal abnormalities, which may lead to abortion.
A recent study suggests that walking may improve a woman's chance of becoming pregnant after experiencing one or two pregnancy losses. For overweight or obese women, even limited blocks of time spent walking were associated with an improved ability to conceive.
Continuing antipsychotic medication during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to a new study. Women who discontinued these medications had a significantly lower risk of developing the condition compared to those who continued treatment.
Researchers found that certain antipsychotic medications increased the risk of gestational diabetes by 4.2% to 12% when continued during pregnancy. Women taking olanzapine and quetiapine had an increased risk compared to those who discontinued these medications.
Researchers found that attempted VBAC is linked to higher relative rates of severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to elective repeat cesarean delivery. This is particularly concerning for women with a history of single previous cesarean section, where predicting successful VBAC can be challenging.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who consume more fast food and less fruit take longer to become pregnant. The research, which analyzed data from over 5,500 women, suggests that a diet rich in fruits and low in fast food can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes to get pregnant.
A study comparing child mortality in England and Sweden reveals that the UK's higher rates are driven by factors such as lower birth weights, preterm births, and congenital anomalies. The authors propose population-wide programs to improve maternal health and socioeconomic circumstances to reduce these disparities.
A novel marmoset model of human Zika virus infection offers new opportunities for understanding the virus's impact on congenital disease in humans. The researchers found that infection of marmoset dams recapitulates the human infection more faithfully than other animal models.
A QUT legal academic suggests that laws should not force women to risk death and injury by having a baby, advocating for decriminalization without moral judgment. The researchers believe that recognizing pregnancy as a risk for any woman is crucial for women's autonomy.
A study by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that women who eat less fruit and more fast food take longer to get pregnant. The study also showed that a diet rich in fruits can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes for women to conceive.
A recent study found that DES-exposed patients with clear-cell adenocarcinoma had significantly increased mortality rates, with risks up to 27 times higher than the general U.S. population. The risk of death decreased with age, emphasizing the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women with epilepsy have the same fertility rates as those without, contradicting previous myths. The study of 89 women with epilepsy and 108 without found similar rates of pregnancy, miscarriages, and live births.
Two new studies will investigate strategies to improve care and outcomes for expectant and new mothers with opioid use disorder. The studies aim to identify the most effective ways to provide optimal care, improving birth outcomes and infant health.
A study of 89 women with epilepsy and 108 without found that women with epilepsy had a similar likelihood of becoming pregnant, achieving live births, and experiencing low miscarriage rates. The research suggests that biological and social factors may contribute to previous findings of lower birth rates among women with epilepsy.
A collaborative study led by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that a monoclonal antibody cocktail therapy was effective in clearing the virus from pregnant women's blood but failed to prevent fetal transmission and treat infected fetuses. Researchers are now working on engineering antibodies to target the fetus.