Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study led by Stanford University School of Medicine found that higher blood sugar levels in early pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of congenital heart defects in babies. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 pregnancies and found a significant link between blood glucose levels and the risk of heart defects.
Researchers have found a potential new treatment for fetal growth restriction, a condition where the fetus doesn't grow at a normal rate during pregnancy. The treatment involves injecting a growth factor into sheep fetuses, which increased their growth without increasing stillbirths or deaths.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a small increase in the risk of heart defects after first-trimester exposure to methylphenidate. In contrast, amphetamines were not associated with an increased risk of birth defects or congenital heart defects.
A study of 600 Chinese women found no improvement in pregnancy and live-birth rates among those treated with levothyroxine for infertility due to thyroid autoantibodies. The results contradict previous studies suggesting potential benefits.
Exposure to air pollution just prior to conception or during the first month of pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, such as cleft lip or palate. The study found that fine particulate matter is a significant health hazard and public health efforts should minimize population-level exposure.
A nationwide cohort study found a link between maternal rheumatoid arthritis and increased risks of thyroid disease, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis in offspring. The study's results highlight the importance of monitoring child development if exposed to rheumatoid arthritis in utero.
Researchers at George Mason University and the University of South Carolina found that heterosexual-discordant women are less happy about their births due to relationship pressures and societal expectations. The study highlights a gap in understanding birth happiness among sexual minority women, particularly those who prefer women.
A new review study suggests that nicotine replacement therapy is safer for pregnant women than smoking and should be recommended to more pregnant patients who are not able to quit on their own. The therapy can improve smoking cessation rates by up to 40 percent, even if the user receives less nicotine than while smoking.
A University of Liverpool-led trial found that sildenafil, commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, is ineffective in improving outcomes for pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. The study recruited 135 pregnant women with severely growth-restricted fetuses and found no benefits from administering sildenafil.
A recent review found a link between morning sickness, smoking, and healthy pregnancies, suggesting that impaired endokinin activity may be involved in poor placental implantation. Smoking during pregnancy is known to lead to negative outcomes, while morning sickness symptoms may be caused by overspill of endokinin levels in the brain.
A study found that most people, including those without a prior connection to the condition, support newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy. Key benefits cited include better healthcare and life expectancy for affected infants, as well as informed decision-making for future pregnancies.
Research analyzed 43 trials involving 8,406 women and found that vitamin D supplementation increased birth weight and reduced small baby risk, but results were inconsistent and limited by study quality. Further large-scale trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal vitamin D supplementation.
A review of 13 studies on war's impact on pregnancy found that mums-to-be in conflict areas are at higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies. However, the evidence for other complications like miscarriage and premature birth is less clear.
A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.
The report examines how financial constraints, clinical expectations, and societal pressures impact reproductive autonomy. It also delves into the 'criminalization of pregnancy' causing racial disparities in reproductive autonomy.
A recent publication found that women with abnormal vaginal microbiota and undergoing IVF have a significantly lower chance of becoming pregnant compared to those with a normal Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota. Fertility clinics are now treating abnormal vaginal bacteria in women undergoing IVF to improve reproductive outcomes.
A new analysis of published studies found a 45% increased risk of congenital heart defects in IVF-conceived children compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study included 25,856 children from IVF and 287,995 from spontaneous conception, finding 1.30% and 0.68% cases of congenital heart defects respectively.
A study published in Autism Research found a correlation between shorter time intervals between pregnancies and increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in second-born children. The researchers suggested that couples planning pregnancy should discuss their options with a trusted doctor or healthcare provider.
Research suggests that mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy face a higher risk of compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy may also be crucial for optimal brain development.
Research published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that a mother's diet can protect nursing newborns against food allergies. The study, supported by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), suggests that mothers should feel free to eat a healthy and diverse diet throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that some women who develop symptom-free Zika infections may acquire immunity that protects them from future infections and their offspring. This finding suggests the possibility of developing diagnostic tests to identify naturally immune women, which could help pr...
Scientists from the German Center for Infection Research found that the Zika virus has a high seroprevalence rate in Salvador, northeastern Brazil, suggesting that further outbreaks are unlikely. The study linked this finding to increased population immunity and socioeconomic factors such as poverty.
Prior Zika infection protects against reinfection during pregnancy in mice, according to new research published in PLOS Pathogens. Protective antibodies from previous infection defend against reinfection, reducing Zika RNA levels and fetal risk.
A new study from McGill University Health Centre found that women with gestational diabetes and high blood pressure are 15-37 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and hypertension, respectively. The risk also affects fathers, particularly when they share similar lifestyle habits with their partners.
Researchers found pregnant Asian women with pregnancy-related hypertension at highest risk for heart failure hospitalization. White and Hispanic/Latina women fell between the two groups, while Black women had lowest likelihood of heart failure hospitalization.
Researchers found a strong link between low vitamin D concentrations and lower live birth rates after ART compared to those with sufficient levels. Women with adequate vitamin D were 34% more likely to have a positive pregnancy test and 46% more likely to achieve a clinical pregnancy.
A study found that Medicaid coverage for methadone maintenance therapy increases planned use of opioid agonists among pregnant women with opioid use disorder. The rate of planned OAT use was about 61% in states with Medicaid coverage compared to 28% in states without coverage.
A review and meta-analysis found a strong link between low vitamin D concentrations and lower live birth rates after assisted reproduction treatment. Women with sufficient vitamin D had a 34% higher chance of having a positive pregnancy test and a 46% higher chance of achieving clinical pregnancy.
Chronic preconception exposure to genistein affected pregnancy rates in mice, resulting in prolonged labor, smaller litters, and higher pup mortality. The study found that high doses of genistein may boost fertility rates but also have adverse effects on reproductive outcomes.
A large study found that unhealthy weight before pregnancy is associated with a small increased risk of severe maternal illness or death. Women with underweight, overweight, and obese body mass indexes before pregnancy had higher absolute risks of severe complications.
Researchers found that hair cortisol levels in pregnant women who developed postpartum depression were higher throughout pregnancy than those who didn't. The study suggests that detecting these differences can help anticipate the psychological state of new mothers and prevent potential negative effects on their babies.
A new DNA antenatal screening method has been shown to be more accurate and safer than existing methods, detecting 101 out of 106 affected pregnancies. The method reduces false-positive rates by 100-fold, providing women with fewer anxious moments.
A study on rabbits found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and liver, leading to changes in gut bacteria. This could have long-lasting health effects for the offspring, increasing the risk of obesity and inflammation-promoted diseases like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.
A new analysis found an approximate 80% increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth when women conceive through in vitro fertilization. This risk is significant enough to warrant ultrasound cervical screening to apply preventive strategies.
The study found Africa has the highest burden of GBS, causing 54% of estimated cases and 65% of stillbirths and infant deaths. A vaccine could potentially prevent 231,000 infant and maternal GBS cases with an 80% effective rate.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria affect an estimated one in five pregnant women worldwide, leading to stillbirths and infant deaths. A new study estimates that GBS is responsible for at least 147,000 stillbirths and infant deaths globally each year.
A study found that pregnant women exposed to high levels of perchlorate, a common environmental pollutant, had lower levels of thyroxine (T4), a thyroid hormone essential for normal foetal brain development. This suggests that exposure to this chemical may lead to potential neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children.
A history of kidney stones may increase the risk of metabolic and hypertensive complications during pregnancy. Research found that women with pre-existing kidney stones were more likely to experience gestational diabetes and hypertension.
A new study suggests that biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy do not significantly increase the risk of opportunistic infections in infants. Researchers found no significant difference in infection rates among infants whose mothers used biologics compared to those who did not.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that vitamin D deficiency may be a key factor for pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) getting pregnant. The research revealed that women with PCOS who were vitamin D deficient had a 40% lower chance of achieving a pregnancy compar...
A five-year, $2.6 million grant will fund the Pregnant and Mothers Postpartum Enhanced Recovery-Oriented Residential Services (PAMPERRS) program at Santa Maria Hostel in Houston. The program aims to treat underlying mental health conditions in high-risk pregnant and postpartum women seeking recovery services.
A national study by CU & Duke finds that transferring one embryo during IVF doubles the chance of a healthy baby. Fresh donor eggs provide a higher chance of implantation compared to frozen eggs.
A new Brazilian study found that pregnant women with confirmed Zika diagnosis should be tested multiple times due to the intermittent presence of the virus in their urine. The study detected Zika virus in some women's urine for up to seven months after previous tests indicated a non-existent viral load.
A Canadian study created a website tailored for men transitioning to parenthood, addressing their specific information needs. The site provides resources on parenting, relationships, work-life balance, stress management, and sleep improvement.
Pregnant women who consume high-dose omega-3 fatty acids daily during the 3rd trimester are less likely to develop asthma in their children. Researchers recommend 8-12 ounces of low mercury fish per week for similar benefits.
Eating high-pesticide residue fruits and vegetables was associated with lower probabilities of pregnancy and live birth following infertility treatment. The study found no negative association with low-pesticide residue intake, suggesting a possible link between pesticide exposure and decreased fertility outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that pregnancy does not incur a greater risk of relapse for survivors of breast cancer. The study found no significant difference in breast cancer recurrence rates among pregnant and non-pregnant women with a history of ER-positive breast cancer.
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.