Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Researchers found that three antiretroviral drug regimens taken by pregnant women with HIV pose similar risks for adverse birth outcomes, including premature delivery and death. TDF-FTC-ATV/r appears to have a lower risk of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to other regimens.
Researchers found inducing labor at 39 weeks reduced C-section rates by 22 percentage points compared to waiting until after 41 weeks. This study used a rigorous mathematical model of 100,000 patients to simulate patient outcomes, revealing fewer maternal complications and stillbirths.
A recent study found that maternal binge drinking during pregnancy and lactation can impair the mental health of their offspring, leading to mood disturbances and increased vulnerability to alcohol abuse as adolescents. The research suggests that even occasional heavy drinking can have a depressive effect on the mother and pass on chan...
A new study found a significant association between prenatal cannabis use and low birth weights, with a 50 percent increase in risk. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to screen for cannabis use during pregnancy and provide counseling on its adverse health consequences.
Exposure to moderate to high caffeine levels while pregnant is associated with excess weight gain in early childhood. High caffeine intake during pregnancy was linked to a 15-66% increased risk of faster excess growth in infancy and overweight at ages 3 and 5 years.
A study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found a link between prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The analysis shows a 30% increase in relative risk for ADHD and a 20% increase in relative risk for ASD.
Researchers found that black women with obesity burned fewer calories during pregnancy, leading to more retained baby weight. This could influence calorie intake recommendations for pregnant women, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
A recent study reveals that valproic acid can cause lower levels of transporters for essential compounds in the placenta, leading to impaired fetal growth and development. The research suggests a possible link between valproic acid exposure and adverse outcomes such as major congenital malformations and autism.
A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.
A new study found that pregnant women's sugar consumption and their offspring's fruit intake had a positive impact on child cognitive functioning. In contrast, maternal and childhood consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with poorer cognition.
Researchers highlight unique challenges of managing mitral regurgitation in women contemplating pregnancy, emphasizing clinical assessment and echocardiography as critical tools. Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic patients and those with progressive left ventricular dilation or low ejection fraction.
The European Commission considers a partial ban on valproate use in pregnancy amid concerns about physical abnormalities and developmental problems. Experts debate the balance between treatment efficacy and risk, highlighting the need for informed patient choice and regular review.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that a tailored letter with personalized weight-gain recommendations improved pregnancy weight gain among women with gestational diabetes. The intervention, delivered via electronic health record data, resulted in a higher proportion of women meeting national weight-gain guidelines.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 15,000 girls and their mothers found that maternal overweight and hyperglycemia are associated with earlier onset of puberty. The study suggests that the in utero environment may affect pubertal development, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes.
A new emphasis on preparing for conception is needed to improve health in future generations. Research suggests that parental diet and lifestyle before conception can influence the risk of future chronic disease in children.
Research suggests that taking painkillers during pregnancy could reduce the number of cells in the testes and ovaries, which give rise to sperm and eggs. This could lead to an early menopause in females and affect the fertility of future generations.
A study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University has established a link between inflammation in pregnant women and the way the newborn brain is organized into networks. The results may provide promising avenues to explore treatments with potential to change negative impacts on newborn brain function.
A study examining prenatal SSRI exposure and its effects on fetal brain development found associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and increased gray matter volume in the amygdala and insular cortex. The study also linked prenatal SSRI exposure to enhanced white matter structural connectivity between these regions.
A systematic review by ISGlobal found mefloquine to be more effective than SP and cotrimoxazole in reducing parasite levels and anemia in pregnant women. However, it was less well tolerated, with higher risks of adverse events such as vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness
Anti-tumor necrosis factor medications like certolizumab pegol show a low rate of major congenital malformations and similar live birth rates to the general population. These findings support continued treatment with anti-TNFs for women with chronic inflammatory diseases during pregnancy
A recent study published in the Hypertension journal found that elevated blood pressure before becoming pregnant and early in pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. The study, which examined 1,228 healthy women, found a significant association between preconception and early-pregnancy blood pressure and pregnancy loss.
Researchers found that women with high diastolic blood pressure before conception were at an 18% higher risk of pregnancy loss. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure may improve pregnancy outcomes, according to a new study published in Hypertension.
A study from the University of Iowa found that pre-pregnant women with higher fitness levels had a 21% lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. Moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, can help reduce this risk.
Research reveals that women with rheumatic heart disease in Africa and Asia face a double danger: complications during pregnancy, and cultural pressures to become mothers. Health programs targeting the condition must prioritize female patients of childbearing age.
A study found that prenatal choline intake increases grey and white matter in piglets' brains. Piglets from mothers with sufficient choline had higher concentrations of grey and white matter, while those from deficient mothers had smaller brain regions.
A new study found a staggering 433% increase in U.S. infants diagnosed with opioid withdrawal symptoms between 2004 and 2014. Medicaid-covered infants showed even more severe symptoms, resulting in $462 million in healthcare costs and approximately $2 billion in excess Medicaid costs over 10 years.
A review suggests that exposure to thyroid-hormone-disrupting toxins in pregnant women and children may lead to increased incidence of brain development disorders. This has significant implications for child health and underscores the need for targeted public health strategies.
A study by Indiana University found that 93% of pregnant women had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine, correlating with shortened pregnancy lengths. Glyphosate exposure is suspected to be primarily through dietary intake of genetically modified food items and caffeinated beverages.
A study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found a significant link between mother's alcohol use one month prior to or early in pregnancy and an increased risk of gastroschisis. The condition occurs when an infant's intestines form outside the abdomen, posing risks for other organ system anomalies.
Researchers at UCLA have identified two genes associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The genes, GDF15 and IGFBP7, are linked to appetite regulation and placenta development.
The study found significant cultural challenges and infrastructure shortcomings that led to concerns about leaving residency, with 39% of respondents considering quitting. The survey also revealed a lingering negative stigma surrounding pregnancy, with 75% witnessing or experiencing negative comments from colleagues.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that pregnant women consuming a DHA supplement had children with higher fat-free body mass at age 5. The study suggests that improving maternal DHA nutrition has a favorable programming effect on the fetus, influencing body composition in early childhood.
A major international study found that pregnant women with severe anaemia are twice as likely to die during or shortly after pregnancy compared to those without the condition. The research suggests that prevention and treatment of maternal anaemia must remain a global public health priority.
Researchers use ordinary differential equation-based model to calculate effective method of introducing Wolbachia to wild mosquitoes, reducing spread of life-threatening diseases. The two-sex model accounts for aquatic life stage, heterosexual transmission, and multiple pregnant states, capturing entire transmission cycle.
A multicenter study found that metformin lowers the chance of late miscarriage and premature birth among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but has no effect on gestational diabetes risk. The medication also led to less weight gain during pregnancy, a positive finding for overweight women.
Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding have been linked to differences in social behavior in children later in life. The study found that rats born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency displayed abnormal social behaviors, altered brain chemistry, and impaired learning and memory.
A new study found that children born to mothers with a larger waist size (80 cm or more) before pregnancy are at a 65% higher risk of developing autism. The research suggests inflammation may play a key role in this link.
A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that primary care physicians feel underequipped to address prenatal oral health, with only 45% feeling prepared. The authors suggest improving training and education on oral health for primary care physicians.
Research suggests that race and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) affect leptin and adiponectin levels, which can predict weight gain during pregnancy. Lower levels of adiponectin are associated with higher risk of gestational diabetes, while higher leptin levels are linked to pre-eclampsia.
A new study in mice found that prenatal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a common endocrine disruptor, can lead to decreased fertility and reproductive abnormalities in males. The researchers discovered that even the offspring of male mice exposed to DEHP during pregnancy exhibited similar reproductive problems.
Research in mice found that exposure to low levels of BPA during pregnancy can lead to altered brain development and behavior later in life. The study, presented at ENDO 2018, shows that even low doses of BPA can affect the timing of neuron birth and lead to permanent changes in brain function.
A 3D tissue model of the developing heart has been created using human induced pluripotent stem cells, allowing for more accurate and reliable drug safety testing for pregnant women. This model mimics early stage human heart development, providing a valuable tool for assessing embryo toxicity and fetal development.
Researchers have developed a more accurate way to screen for preeclampsia, a condition affecting 2-3% of pregnancies, which can lead to serious health effects for both mother and child. The new screening method uses biomarkers to identify high-risk women, resulting in increased detection rates for preterm-PE by up to 82%.
A new study reveals that 68% of genetic mutations causing fetal death affect the placenta, highlighting its critical role in development. Placental defects often occur alongside brain, heart, and circulation issues.
Researchers found that L-arginine supplementation increased blood vessel development in the placenta and reduced low birth weight/preterm birth and stillbirth. The study suggests that L-arginine may be a critical component in regulating blood vessel development, with implications for other conditions linked to poor birth outcomes.
A new study found that low levels of L-arginine in pregnant women with malaria are associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. Supplementing these women with L-arginine may improve birth weights and viability among their babies, according to research published in Science Translational Medicine.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate bisphenol A levels reaching the fetus, with 100 pregnant women as test subjects. The P-PBPK model monitors compound effects on pregnancy and future health outcomes.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that female soldiers who give birth within six months of returning from military deployment face a higher risk of having a preterm baby. The study also found that women giving birth soon after deployment are younger, with lower education and pay.
A review of available evidence found that pregnant women can safely engage in up to 35 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise at air temperatures of up to 25°C and 45% relative humidity. They can also participate in hot baths or saunas for up to 20 minutes without reaching the recommended core temperature limit of 39°C.
A study following women with preeclampsia found a significant increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Women who had follow-up medical care after preeclampsia were less likely to receive proper monitoring for these conditions.
Women who breastfed for six months or more during pregnancy had higher levels of HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and healthier carotid artery thickness compared to those who never breastfed. This suggests breastfeeding may reduce the risk of heart disease in women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy.
Research from Imperial College London found that taking daily fish oil capsules during pregnancy reduced the risk of egg allergy in children by 30%, while daily probiotic supplements reduced the risk of eczema by 22%. No significant impact on allergy or eczema risk was found from avoiding potentially allergenic foods.
Children born to mothers taking metformin during pregnancy are at increased risk of having obesity or overweight, according to a new study. The research found that the medication crossed the placenta and affected fetal development, leading to higher BMI scores in children.
A study published in JNeurosci found that a woman's immune system during pregnancy influences the development of her child's brain network, which may be linked to psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Higher maternal immune activation was also associated with improved cognitive ability in infants.
A new study published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnant women with hypertension can safely monitor their blood pressure at home using a validated machine. The study of 108 women showed no differences in adverse maternal, fetal, or neonatal outcomes compared to those monitored in a clinic.
A new study identifies novel molecular biomarkers of preeclampsia, which may be used to develop an early diagnostic blood test. The findings suggest that small non-coding RNAs in a pregnant woman's blood can predict the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Researchers argue that taking action before pregnancy is essential to prevent obesity, mental health problems and substance abuse in young people. The first 1000 days of life are crucial, but current policies start too late. Investing in adolescent development can guarantee a healthy future for both parents and children.
Researchers emphasize that addressing obesity, mental health issues, poor nutrition, and substance abuse in adolescents before pregnancy is essential for a healthy start to life. The study highlights the importance of engaging health services with young adults and creating healthier environments to prevent intergenerational health risks.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a hormone called DHEA that can prime cells for implantation and increase active hormones. This discovery could lead to new treatments for infertility in women over 40.
A Drexel University study explores how social media platforms like Facebook facilitate healing for women who experience pregnancy loss and stigmatized disclosures. Researchers found that sharing personal stories online reduces stigma, builds support networks, and promotes emotional well-being.