Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.
Research challenges assumption that severe preeclampsia cases are more dangerous for mothers, finding instead that women with large preterm infants face increased cardiovascular disease risk despite smaller infant size.
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortion requests doubled in 18 states following the Dobbs decision, with the majority of requests occurring before 6 weeks of pregnancy. This increase builds upon previous findings indicating a rise in telehealth requests among individuals living far from in-person abortion services.
A study found that preexisting hyperlipidemia in pregnancy is associated with heightened risks of obstetric complications and early cardiovascular events postpartum. Women with high cholesterol are at increased risk of arrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, gestational diabetes, and labor delivery complications.
A new survey conducted by Orlando Health found that less than half of Americans are aware of the technology and testing available to decrease risks for a healthy baby after 35 years old. Advanced prenatal testing and care can help older mothers have safe and healthy pregnancies, dispelling common misconceptions about age and pregnancy.
A cohort study of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine exposure in the first trimester found no association with major congenital malformations. The study supports the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during early pregnancy.
A new study found that cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, with increases seen across all age groups. The rise in health risk factors before and during pregnancy drives these complications, emphasizing the importance of early identification and prevention strategies.
Research reveals that Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta's hormone production, reducing complications and improving fetal growth. The study opens up a new approach to assessing pregnancy health through gut microbiome analysis.
A recent survey found that only 38% of US adults recommend taking a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy, while only 42% believe it is safe. Women aged 18-49 are even less likely to support vaccination, with 36% and 28% respectively, suggesting a decline in vaccination rates among childbearing women.
Dr. Megan McLaughlin's research highlighted critical gaps in postpartum care for individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, a major risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Her study confirms missed opportunities to improve long-term heart health in a high-risk population.
A decision analytical model study estimates COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy will continue to yield meaningful benefits, especially in reducing infant hospitalizations. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to be safe for pregnant individuals.
New Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines protect against severe lung infections in high-risk groups. Vaccination with RSV prefusion vaccines reduces lower respiratory tract disease by 77% in older adults, while pregnant people's children benefit from reduced hospitalization risk by 54%.
Cincinnati Children's researchers tracked out-of-hospital births and found that numbers doubled in the region from April 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023, compared to births from January 1, 2018 - February 29, 2020. Young, highly educated mothers were more likely to have higher body mass index and fewer prenatal visits.
A significant association was found between maternal smoking prior to conception and gastroschisis in infants. The incidence of gastroschisis decreased linearly from 2.4 per 10,000 births in 2017 to 1.6 per 10,000 births in 2023 as maternal smoking rates declined from 9.4% to 4.1%.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher among babies whose mother experienced a pregnancy-associated death, with rates 14-22 times higher than when the mother survived. Nonpremature infants who survived after their mother’s pregnancy-associated death were also more likely to be hospitali...
New studies from Karolinska Institutet show that mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to long-term consequences, including depression and psychosis. The risk of these conditions increases significantly after childbirth.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the precise location where human chromosomes break and recombine to form Robertsonian chromosomes. The study reveals that repetitive DNA sequences play a central role in genome organization and evolution, explaining how these rearrangements form and remain stable.
A new study from the University of Illinois shows that severe flu infection in pregnant mice leads to a breakdown in placental and brain barriers, allowing potentially harmful molecules to accumulate in the fetal brain. Fibrinogen accumulation has also been linked to neuroinflammatory conditions, and researchers found it accumulated in...
A UCLA study reveals that morning sickness symptoms are part of a natural inflammatory response to biological changes during pregnancy. Women's immune systems produce cytokines to protect both mother and fetus from infection while avoiding harmful substances.
Interdisciplinary primary care teams in Oregon's Project Nurture and Nurture Oregon model deliver comprehensive substance use disorder care to pregnant individuals. These teams perform medical, behavioral health, and coordination functions, providing social support, advocacy, and quality improvement activities.
A cohort study found that poverty and social disadvantage are associated with lower fecundability and increased risks of subfertility in both women and men. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind these findings.
A large international clinical trial found that elinzanetant significantly reduces hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women by over 73%. The drug also shows secondary benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced sleep disturbances, with no harmful effects on the liver or bone density.
Research found higher fetal movement frequencies correlate with greater maternal attachment; paying attention to these signals may strengthen prenatal attachment and postnatal caregiving. Fetal movements contribute to emotional attachment formed during pregnancy.
Dr. Alex Tsompanidis proposes placental hormone production shaped human cognitive capabilities, redefining autism origins and neurodiversity. His research could lead to screening protocols and support for children with developmental differences.
These rare tumors often present with aggressive behavior, early metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Early detection and disease staging are key factors associated with improved survival.
A Swedish study of over 1.2 million children found no significant association between prenatal exposure to opioids and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The researchers attributed the observed differences in ASD rates among exposed versus unexposed children to other pre...
Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough by 3D bioprinting miniature placentas, which can accurately replicate the human placenta. This technology has the potential to transform pregnancy research by allowing for the study of serious complications like preeclampsia.
A national study reveals gaps in healthcare screenings, lack of family networks, and insufficient paid leave for caregivers with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The study calls for a coordinated effort to strengthen community resources and advance workplace and healthcare policy to support perinatal mental health care.
A landmark study found gestational diabetes during pregnancy is associated with declines in intellectual function for mothers and higher risks of developmental, behavioural and autism spectrum disorders in children. Mothers with GDM scored 2.47 points lower on cognitive assessments than peers without GDM.
Researchers at Scripps Research found that wearable devices can detect unique patterns specific to live birth pregnancies, potentially allowing for the monitoring of maternal health throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The study identified correlations between physiological patterns, such as heart rate, and hormonal fluctuations.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found a significant link between the maternal gut microbiome and preterm birth. The researchers identified Clostridium innocuum as a key bacteria species that may contribute to preterm birth by degrading estradiol, a critical hormone during pregnancy.
A new preclinical study from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that inflammation during pregnancy may prime offspring for anxiety. The researchers discovered that adversity in the womb configured a small percentage of brain cells to be overly active when faced with a threatening situation, creating a vulnerability to anxiety.
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
Researchers identified genes associated with breastfeeding disorders and postpartum breast cancer in the mammary gland, revealing potential new targets for investigation. The study provides a detailed atlas of genetic expression for the adult developmental cycle of the mammary gland.
Researchers find CenteringPregnancy fosters social ties among expectant parents and builds trust between healthcare providers and patients. The model also improves healthcare provider job satisfaction and reduces burnout. Group sessions show higher breastfeeding rates and postpartum visits among participants.
A population-based study found that CT radiation exposure before conception may increase the risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss and congenital anomalies. Women with prior CT scans were more likely to experience miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, or stillbirths, as well as birth defects in their offspring.
A new study found that Australian women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 receptor agonists are not using effective contraception, despite known risks during pregnancy. The research revealed a higher risk of pregnancy among younger women with diabetes and those without diabetes in their early thirties.
A new study reveals that more than half of affected women consider terminating their pregnancy due to extreme morning sickness, with high rates of anxiety and depression. The condition is linked to significant disruptions in daily life and a need for personalized care.
Research with rats found that maternal diet lacking protein during pregnancy and lactation can compromise reproductive health of male offspring. Changes in epididymis structure and function lead to impairments in motility, viability, and sperm concentration.
A survey of Australian women with hyperemesis gravidarum found half considering termination and 9 in 10 having fewer children. Only half rated popular treatments as effective.
A study by Minttu Venetkoski found that pre-eclampsia increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease and stroke by approximately 1.5-fold. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are advised to inform their doctors, as this can help mitigate cardiovascular risks during menopause.
The global consensus conference aims to provide standardized, evidence-based recommendations for providers caring for women with IBD during pregnancy. The guidelines include continuing biologics throughout pregnancy and lactation, preconception counseling, and administering the rotavirus vaccine on schedule.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical researchers found that pregnant women with metabolically unhealthy obesity were twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes and had more body fat at birth. Despite lower weight gain, these mothers' metabolic health played a crucial role in their baby's development.
Researchers at Rice University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on ovarian aging and menopause timing. The study reveals synchronized and predictable patterns of follicle depletion, accelerating during midlife, which helps explain why menopause typically occurs at similar ages for most women.
The global study found that women are having babies later in life, increasing health risks and widening inequalities in maternal care. The average age of first-time mothers has steadily increased, with many now starting their families aged 35 years or over.
A recent study developed a highly accurate risk prediction framework for preterm birth using genomics, transcriptomics, and large language models. The model achieved an AUC of nearly 90%, making it the most powerful approach in predicting preterm birth.
A large-scale study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between early life antibiotic exposure and the development of autoimmune diseases in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 4 million Korean children and discovered no increased risk of Type 1 diabetes, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.
A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds that punitive laws are largely ineffective and may actually harm those they aim to protect. Prosocial laws, on the other hand, prioritize access to care and harm reduction, recognizing the complex nature of substance use.
Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.
Researchers developed a first-trimester blood test that accurately predicts gestational diabetes risk, using just seven biomarkers. The test's strong ability to distinguish high-risk from low-risk pregnancies could enable early interventions and reduce long-term health burdens.
A pediatric investigation study reveals that male fetuses prioritize growth while female fetuses focus on placental development under gestational hypertension. The findings support the growth strategy hypothesis and suggest sex-specific differences in fetal responses to prenatal stressors.
A study found that expectant mothers are often left to navigate decisions on prenatal screening for Down syndrome without sufficient information or emotional support. The research highlights the need for a national pathway to support families and provide clear information about screenings.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that weight loss interventions before IVF increased unassisted pregnancy rates, while the effect on live births was unclear. Weight loss interventions studied included low-energy diets, exercise programs, and pharmacotherapy.
Researchers discovered a strong association between pregnancy complications and an increased risk of early stroke. Preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth were among the most significant risks found in the study.
A new study by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort suggests that higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy may be associated with better cognitive test scores in children. Children of Black mothers, in particular, showed strongest association between vitamin D and cognitive development.
A new study found that mothers living in resource-poor neighborhoods in Arizona were 20% more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus compared to those in less deprived areas. The study also highlighted the high incidence of GDM among Native Americans, who had a rate nearly double the overall population.
A new study found that heavy drinking among women with a high desire to avoid becoming pregnant increased their risk of undesired pregnancy by 50% compared to moderate or non-drinking levels. In contrast, cannabis use did not elevate the risk of undesired pregnancy.
The book examines antibiotic-induced reproductive toxicity, microbiome alterations, and emerging concerns around antibiotic resistance. It provides critical insights for clinicians, pharmacists, researchers, and students in reproductive medicine and pharmacology.
A large-scale study in China found that nearly one-quarter of pregnant women experience depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for effective preventive and management strategies. Socioeconomic factors and partner support play crucial roles in the development and risk reduction of antenatal depression.
Researchers discovered that immune cells called T cells are abundant in mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with some relocating from the gut. This finding may help explain the benefits of breastfeeding and inform dietary decisions to enhance breast milk production and quality.