Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado found that at-home use of Doppler fetal heart rate monitors can detect potentially fatal heart arrhythmias in fetuses, reducing the risk of death or complications. The study uses commercially available Dopplers for medical indications and has shown promising results.
A new study published by Binghamton University found that even small amounts of alcohol exposure during pregnancy can cause anxiety in offspring, lasting through adolescence and adulthood. The research used low levels of alcohol exposure to reach this conclusion, differing from previous studies that used high levels.
A recent study examined how men and women use communicated perspective-taking (CPT) to cope with miscarriage, finding that wives taking their husbands' perspectives led to improved understanding and lower grief. Couples who were more committed to being parents also experienced higher relational satisfaction and well-being.
Leading medical organizations have issued new clinical guidance on hepatitis C in pregnancy, recommending screenings, treatments, and management strategies to minimize the risk of transmission. The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination against Hepatitis A and B during pregnancy for HCV-positive women.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that using lamotrigine during pregnancy does not increase birth malformations or neurodevelopmental disorders. The research monitored 83 children born to epileptic mothers who took the medication between 2004 and 2014.
A study published in JAMA found that receiving a red blood cell transfusion from an ever-pregnant female donor was associated with an increased risk of death among male recipients compared to male donors. In contrast, mortality rates were similar for female recipients of transfusions from pregnant or non-pregnant female donors.
Receiving a blood transfusion from an ever-pregnant female donor is associated with increased mortality among male recipients, but not among female recipients. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is also linked to transfusions from female donors, particularly those with pregnancy history.
A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
A simpler early pregnancy test for cattle has improved animal welfare and food production by enabling pregnancy to be determined after just 25 days. This detection method has contributed to reduced animal costs, more efficient food production, and ultimately good human health.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs during late pregnancy may be at increased risk of late stillbirth. Fetal activity levels were lower when mothers slept on their backs, suggesting a potential link between maternal position and fetal wellbeing.
Researchers found that maternal fever increases the risk of heart defects and facial deformities, with fever itself interfering with heart and jaw development. Acetaminophen may help reduce this risk if taken judiciously during pregnancy.
Experts recommend quality measures for preterm birth, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and other high-risk pregnancy complications. The measures aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and improve healthcare outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that fever in early pregnancy can cause heart and facial birth defects, but using a fever reducer like acetaminophen may help prevent these defects. The study used zebrafish and chicken embryos to demonstrate the impact of fever on development.
A new study will investigate the biological mechanisms triggered by exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, leading to lower birth weight in newborns. The research aims to understand how air pollution affects fetal growth and development.
Scientists develop an antibody-based Zika virus therapeutic that protects monkeys from infection and neutralizes the virus. The treatment has been shown to be effective in preventing Zika virus replication in rhesus macaques.
A Drexel University-led study found that multivitamin use during pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism with intellectual disabilities by 30%. The study, published in BMJ, looked at data from over a decade and controlled for other factors. However, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between diet and autism development.
A collaborative study has found that a combination of three monoclonal antibodies prevents Zika virus infection in primates. The treatment completely blocked the virus from taking hold in the animals, indicating a promising intervention to protect uninfected pregnant women and their fetuses.
The Congenital Zika Virus Program at Children's National evaluated 36 women and their fetuses, revealing that 89% had been bitten by Zika-tainted mosquitoes or exposed via sex with an infected partner. Tragically, four fetuses suffered severe birth defects, leading to two non-viable pregnancies and one infant death.
Research suggests that multivitamin use during pregnancy is associated with a lower likelihood of child autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with intellectual disability. However, study limitations and inconsistent findings warrant further investigation to verify these results.
A USAID-funded campaign in Tanzania linked to increased prenatal visits, birth planning, and improved maternal health outcomes. The study found that women exposed to the campaign were more likely to create birth plans, attend prenatal appointments, and give birth at a health facility.
A study found that a more intensive text messaging program helped some pregnant women quit smoking during pregnancy. The combo of Text4baby and Quit4baby was particularly effective for women age 26 and older and those in the second and third trimester. However, resolve to quit seemed to disappear postpartum.
The Magee Prize will be awarded to a collaborative team of researchers proposing innovative projects in women's health research. The winners will collaborate with MWRI researchers to improve women's health globally, focusing on topics like early human development, reproductive sciences, and gender-based biology.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii aim to develop strategies to prevent Zika virus transmission to the fetus and treat patients infected with the virus. Dr. Mukesh Kumar will work on understanding how the virus is transmitted and developed effective therapeutics.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that expectant mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop childhood obesity. Women with high blood pressure, even within the normal range, were associated with a higher risk of overweight or obese children.
A recent study found that most milk-alternative drinks have inadequate levels of iodine, making them an unsuitable substitute for cows' milk. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and fetal brain development during pregnancy.
A new study shows an antibody that prevents dengue disease also protects mice from Zika. Administering the antibody soon after infection can protect fetuses from Zika-related birth defects.
Researchers found that oxidative stress produces microfractures in amniotic membranes, increasing the risk of early water breakage and preterm birth. The study used specialized microscopic techniques to detect these fractures in donated amniotic membranes.
Washington State University researchers found that exposure to atrazine herbicide during pregnancy led to increased diseases in grand- and great-grand offspring, including testis disease, altered sperm production, and early-onset puberty. Epigenetic inheritance changes were identified as the underlying mechanism.
A University of British Columbia study suggests that providing women with early knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth can help reduce unnecessary Caesarean deliveries. Young women who had sufficient information on childbirth preferred vaginal births over Caesarean deliveries by a significant margin.
A new study by researchers at the University at Buffalo found that pregnant smokers who learn to manage their negative emotions are more likely to quit. The study showed that an emotion regulation treatment program significantly improved quitting rates among these women.
A recent study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology found that the HPV vaccine is associated with improved fertility in some women, particularly those with a history of sexually transmitted infections. The research, led by Boston University School of Public Health, suggests that vaccinated women with an STI history have s...
Research presents evidence that women who develop preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy are more likely to experience thickening in their heart's left ventricle one month after delivery. Women with early-onset preeclampsia also showed more severe left ventricular changes, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI had a 98% sensitivity rate in detecting postpartum breast cancers, leading to changes in surgical management for 28% of patients. The study also highlighted the importance of preoperative planning in managing these aggressive cancers.
Researchers found that preeclampsia can permanently change blood vessel function, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Applying a drug to restore dilation response shows promise as potential treatment strategy.
Researchers found that maternal e-cigarette vaping increases the risk and severity of allergic asthma in offspring, with detrimental effects partially mediated through mitochondrial function. The study highlights the need for caution when considering e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
International panel recommends older alternative medications to reduce risk of premature birth and neonatal death, supporting patient-centered decision-making. The new guidelines take a public health perspective into account, acknowledging operational challenges in low-resource settings.
Research finds that women with asthma are more likely to receive fertility treatment, suggesting improved asthma control may enhance pregnancy. The study's findings do not prove a causal link but encourage future investigations into the relationship between asthma and fertility.
A review of high-quality observational studies found that drinking up to four units a week during pregnancy was associated with an 8% higher risk of having a small baby. The researchers conclude that the evidence is sparse, and guidance should advise abstention as a precautionary principle.
A nationwide register-based cohort study in Denmark found that children born to mothers taking antidepressants during pregnancy were at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that medication alone may not be the sole cause, as heritability also plays a part in determining mental health later in life.
A landmark study has identified six gene regions associated with the length of pregnancy and timing of birth, which may lead to new ways to prevent preterm birth and its consequences. The study, involving over 50,000 women, provides a robust understanding of genetic factors contributing to preterm birth.
A study published in The BMJ found an association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and a higher risk of psychiatric disorder diagnosis in children. Researchers stress that this finding should be interpreted with caution, as the underlying maternal illness may contribute to the increased risk.
Researchers found that older wombs have trouble supporting placenta growth, leading to poor blood supply and birth defects. The study suggests that aging wombs may contribute to increased risks of pregnancy complications in humans.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that maternal mobile phone use was associated with lower risk of language and motor skills delays at ages 3 and 5. Children born to mobile phone users had a 27% lower risk of lower sentence complexity, 14% lower risk of incomplete grammar, and 31% lower risk of moderate language delay.
Researchers have discovered a fetal gene associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, which affects around 5% of all pregnancies worldwide. The genetic variant identified is linked to the FLT-1 protein, which damages the mother's vascular system and leads to symptoms such as high blood pressure.
Researchers discover that coyote populations are difficult to control due to increased immigration of younger animals vying for territories. The population's reduced reproductive capacity, largely composed of juveniles that rarely breed, contributes to the challenge.
Women who breastfed for longer periods had significantly lower risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis, with exclusive breastfeeding offering even greater protection. Longer durations of breastfeeding were associated with an 8-14% drop in risk, and women who breastfed exclusively across multiple pregnancies saw a nearly 30% lower risk.
Researchers discover potential of fetal membranes in treating various medical conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases, diabetes, and more. Fetal membranes contain diverse stem cells, making them a promising tool for bioengineering applications.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mothers exposed to very high levels of pesticides during pregnancy experienced increased risk of adverse outcomes, including a 5-9% increase in birth weight and preterm births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 single births between 1997 and 2011.
Children from unintended pregnancies experience more depressive symptoms in early adulthood, but the study's findings suggest a causal relationship is unlikely. The research highlights the importance of social resources and socioeconomic background in shaping a child's development.
A new study published in CMAJ found that maternal suicide is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. The study suggests that perinatal women who are suicidal may be at higher risk to complete suicide, and highlights the need for improved mental health supports.
A recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Federico Rey group found that high levels of microbes consuming choline lead to nutrient deprivation in mice. The results showed increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases, altered epigenetic patterns, and changes in behavior in the offspring.
A new Yale University study reveals that women undergoing IVF to become pregnant report a more intense bodily experience compared to those donating eggs for money. Researchers found a direct correlation between the intensity of bodily experiences and the motivation for harvesting eggs.
A new study from Mayo Clinic researchers found that women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to experience atherosclerosis, hardening and narrowing of the arteries, decades after their pregnancy. This condition can pose a risk to the mother's cardiovascular health even after menopause.
A common type of flame retardant was associated with reduced likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth following IVF. Women with higher urinary concentrations of a specific flame retardant had lower reproductive success rates.
The global prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is estimated to be about 8 per 1,000 in the general population, with 1 in every 13 pregnant women delivering a child with FASD. Higher prevalence rates are observed in special populations, such as Aboriginal populations and children in care.
A USC study found that the Zika virus targets specific white blood cells in pregnant women, handicapping their immune system and increasing the chances an unborn baby will be harmed. The virus exploits this weakness to infect and replicate, particularly during the first and second trimesters.
A new study by CAMH estimates nearly 8 out of 1,000 children globally have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The prevalence varies by country, with Eastern Mediterranean Region having the highest levels at nearly 20 cases per 1,000 children.
A study found that women who experience hypertension during pregnancy have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension after pregnancy. Long-term follow-up is necessary to manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Inprenha Biotecnologia have discovered a molecule that increases bovine pregnancy rates and reduces early embryo loss. The product, which enhances reproductive efficiency in domestic animals like cattle and horses, has been tested by the company and shown to be effective.
A new study from McMaster University highlights the importance of public health messaging to South Asian women who are considering pregnancy. The research found that a healthy diet and pre-pregnancy weight can significantly decrease gestational diabetes risk, with approximately one-third of cases preventable.