Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma. In contrast, long-acting asthma preventers do not appear to reduce fertility, suggesting that improved asthma control could lead to faster conception rates.
Research highlights shortcomings in pregnancy preparation and prenatal care for women with diabetes, calling for improved care coordination and technology use. A nationwide commitment is needed to deliver integrated reproductive and diabetes healthcare interventions to enhance pregnancy outcomes.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma, but using long-acting asthma preventers has no impact on fertility. The study of over 5,000 women in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland shows a significant difference between short-acting and long-acting treatments.
A recent study published in Epidemiology found that high intake of sugary drinks is associated with lower fertility rates. The researchers analyzed data from 3,828 women and their male partners, finding that consuming at least one soda per day reduced female fecundability by 25% and male fecundability by 33%.
Researchers have identified risk factors for sleep apnea during pregnancy, including frequent snoring and older maternal age. A calculator tool has been developed to help obstetric providers identify women at risk for the condition, enabling early referral for definitive testing.
A study of nearly 3 million births found the ACA's dependent coverage provision led to increased use of prenatal care, higher private insurance payments for births, and a modest decline in preterm births. However, it did not affect cesarean delivery rates or low birth weight.
A University of Cincinnati study reveals that TV's influence on pregnancy and childbirth is stronger than many women think, with educated women downplaying its impact. However, those with lower education levels often rely on reality TV as a valuable source of information.
Researchers found that 6-year-old children born to mothers with very low vitamin D levels during pregnancy had bigger waists and more body fat. Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy might help stem childhood obesity. The study, published in Pediatric Obesity, examined data from 532 mother-child pairs in Greece.
A new tool using biomedical photonics is being explored to improve uterine transplant surgery by providing real-time data on tissue perfusion and viability. The study found that multispectral imaging proved effective in mapping oxygen saturation over the entire graft, demonstrating advantages over existing methods.
Researchers discovered that glands in the uterus must connect directly with the embryo for it to implant and begin a healthy pregnancy. The Vangl2 gene plays a crucial role in this process, producing molecules essential for embryo development.
New studies highlight key differences in stroke risk factors, treatment, and outcomes between men and women. Fluctuations in hormone levels, pregnancy-related complications, and treatment disparities affect women disproportionately.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that infertility is significantly associated with a shorter gestation and diminished birth size. Infertile women's infants weighed less, were shorter, and had smaller head circumferences compared to non-infertile women.
Researchers found that prenatal stress can promote developmental plasticity in babies, making them more likely to benefit from good parenting. However, this effect only manifests when they are reared in supportive environments.
Two studies found that women with MS who stop taking natalizumab before or after pregnancy experience increased disease activity and relapse rates compared to those who continue treatment. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first trimester, but this rate is small and within the general population range.
Young adults with highly committed relationships and strong sexual decision-making roles are more likely to use hormonal or long-acting contraceptives. Conversely, those in less committed relationships or who have played a lesser role in contraceptive decisions tend to rely on condoms.
A recent study has estimated the frequency of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders among first-graders in four US communities, finding rates as high as 50 per 1,000 children. The findings suggest a more accurate prevalence estimate than previous studies, but may not be generalizable to all communities.
A randomized trial found that induced labor at 39 weeks significantly reduced cesarean birth rates compared to expectant management. Healthy, first-time mothers who underwent elective induction had lower rates of preeclampsia and respiratory support for their newborns.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that West Nile and Powassan viruses can cause brain damage and fetal death in mice, similar to Zika. The study suggests that these flaviviruses may also pose a risk to developing fetuses in humans.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that mothers over 40 have an increased risk of preterm birth, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Mothers aged 30-34 years old had the lowest risk of prematurity.
A study reveals that two bacteria can induce cervical changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth, highlighting the potential role of vaginal and cervical bacteria in premature labor.
A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology reveals that 64% of pregnant women experience insomnia in the third trimester, with symptoms worsening throughout pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of addressing this issue to prevent related health problems.
More than 2,000 maternal-fetal medicine specialists will present research on preventing postpartum hemorrhage, reducing cesarean births, and treating opioid misuse during pregnancy. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in Dallas aims to reduce high-risk pregnancy complications and promote public policy advancements.
Researchers found that tranexamic acid prevents blood loss after vaginal births and postpartum hemorrhage among women with operative vaginal deliveries or episiotomies. The study, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, suggests TXA should be considered for women at risk of PPH.
Experts from obstetric care and addiction medicine meet to discuss the current evidence on substance use disorders (SUD) in pregnancy. They aim to review existing barriers to accessing treatment for SUD in pregnant women and provide clinical guidance for obstetric care providers.
Researchers found that women following a Mediterranean-style diet before IVF had a 65-68% greater likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy and birth compared to those with the lowest adherence. The study suggests that a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help increase chances of fertility.
A new study found that women with low carbohydrate intake are 30% more likely to have babies with neural tube defects. Folic acid supplementation is crucial for minimizing this risk, as many women may not take a daily multivitamin before and during pregnancy.
The study aims to evaluate the current preferred first-line regimen for pregnant women recommended by WHO and two newer drug regimens containing dolutegravir. It will provide data on the use of these newer drugs during pregnancy, helping to ensure that women living with HIV and their infants receive the best available treatments.
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare type of stroke occurring in 6% of pregnant women, with better outcomes compared to non-pregnant women. Pregnant women with sSAH have lower mortality rates and are more likely to be discharged home.
Research suggests that C-sections are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of asthma, obesity, and pregnancy complications. The study analyzed data from over 29 million participants and found mixed results on the long-term effects of C-sections.
A study comparing hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization methods found that hysteroscopic sterilization was associated with a higher risk of gynecological complications, but not with an increased risk of medical outcomes. The study followed 105,357 women in France for one to three years after sterilization.
Observational research suggests that probiotic intake during late pregnancy may lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and premature birth. A significant association was found between probiotic consumption and a 20% lower risk of pre-eclampsia, while an 11% lower risk was observed for premature birth during early pregnancy.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine suggests that premature births are associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the mother's reproductive tract. The researchers found that subtle changes in vaginal microbiota were strongly linked to early water breakage and preterm birth, which can increase the risk of sepsis for newborns.
Researchers found increased risk of congenital malformations with methimazole and propylthiouracil use during the first trimester. This association confirms the importance of minimizing MMI use in pregnancy and suggests reevaluating the current recommendation to switch from MMI to PTU.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection in pregnant rhesus monkeys caused placental tissues to become thickened and inflamed, leading to decreased oxygen levels and impaired fetal development. The study's findings may provide important insights into preventing Zika virus infection and disease during pregnancy.
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.