Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study found that Oregon's CCO model significantly improves the timeliness of prenatal care for pregnant women on Medicaid. The study reveals that more women began prenatal care in the first trimester, particularly among white and Asian women and those in urban areas.
Exposure to air pollution during the first two trimesters of pregnancy has been shown to increase risk for preterm birth and low birth weight. The study's findings also suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to decreased body length, placental weight, and anogenital distance.
A new study found that calves born to cows experiencing heat stress during early pregnancy exhibit related effects throughout their lives. Milk production and fat yield are higher for winter-conceived calves compared to summer-conceived calves.
A study found that pregnant women who took antidepressants were 45% more likely to have children diagnosed with autism, but the effect was limited. The research suggests that only a small proportion of cases would be prevented if antidepressant use was completely cut off during pregnancy.
A US study of the dapivirine ring among lactating women found that the drug is absorbed in very low concentrations into breastmilk. The results support further studies on the safety of the ring during breastfeeding and pregnancy, which are planned to be conducted in Africa.
Researchers found standard maternal screening methods can overlook cases of congenital CMV infection in up to 70% of women. A more comprehensive approach, including PCR tests on all newborns, is needed for early detection and treatment.
Researchers find that a high-fat diet during pregnancy alters brain and endocrine system development in offspring, leading to anxiety and depression. A control group showed no such effects.
Researchers have developed a method to quickly diagnose preeclampsia, which affects 5% of pregnancies and is linked to elevated fetal hemoglobin levels. The findings may lead to better diagnostics and treatments for affected women.
Researchers have developed a new class of NanoVelcro microchips that can capture and analyze rare circulating fetal cells in a mother's blood. This technology has the potential to noninvasively diagnose prenatal conditions, reducing the risk of miscarriage and harm to the fetus.
A large Swedish study found a link between antidepressant use in pregnancy and autism risk, with 4.1% of exposed children developing autism compared to 2.9% of unexposed children. However, the absolute risk was small, and researchers stress that these results should not be considered alarming.
A study published by The BMJ finds that healthy eating and physical activity during pregnancy limits weight gain and lowers the odds of having a caesarean section. The benefits are consistent regardless of age, ethnicity, BMI, or underlying medical conditions.
A study analyzing 139,938 births in Quebec found links between clindamycin, doxycycline, and quinolones with organ-specific malformations. Physicians should consider alternative antibiotics for pregnant patients
A study published by Queen Mary University of London found that moderate exercise and a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of cesarean section and diabetes in pregnancy. The research involved over 12,000 women and showed that lifestyle interventions can lead to lower maternal weight gain and a reduced risk of complications.
Researchers found that thyroxine and metformin can repair memory and learning deficits caused by fetal alcohol exposure when given after birth. The study provides potential treatment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Researchers argue that excluding mothers-to-be from clinical studies perpetuates the knowledge void around the impact of drugs taken during pregnancy. They found that lack of scientific data on the potential impact of drugs during pregnancy renders pregnant women vulnerable.
A recent survey found that adolescent girls seeking medical care in emergency departments are open to receiving information on preventing pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 219 non-pregnant females aged 14-21, revealed that 72% of participants wanted EDs to provide pregnancy prevention and contraception info.
A new study reveals that restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in pregnant women, associated with poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor daytime function. RLS symptoms were experienced by half of the women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for identification and treatment.
A new study shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. Two vaccines provided substantial protection against Zika infection, reducing viral genetic material in fetuses and placentas.
Researchers found that heavier mothers were associated with higher risk of behavior problems in their sons, but not girls. Early intervention with women to attain healthy weights before pregnancy is critical to promoting healthy behavioral and emotional development in children.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a Zika vaccine that can protect the developing fetus against infection and birth defects during pregnancy. The study showed that two different potential vaccines could prevent the Zika virus from infecting the fetus.
A recent study found that stress can amplify the health effects of toxic chemical exposure, leading to higher risks of low birth weight babies. The research suggests that poverty-related stress may make people more susceptible to environmental health hazards, highlighting an important consideration for policymakers and regulators.
A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D levels had children with lower scores in pre-school development tests. Vitamin D insufficiency was also associated with impaired social development at age 3½ years, while no associations were found at older ages.
Women who breastfed for 15 months or more have a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those with no breastfeeding. The study, published in Neurology, found that this association held true even when considering factors like age and ovulation.
A study in mice found that antibiotics taken late in pregnancy and during nursing can alter the gut microbiome and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in offspring. The antibiotic treatment also caused lasting changes in the mothers' gut microbiomes, which were passed on to their offspring.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that hydroxychloroquine effectively blocks viral transmission to the fetus, protecting it from Zika infection. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that suppressing autophagy promotes Zika virus survival and infection in the placenta.
A malaria drug approved for treating certain autoimmune diseases during pregnancy may also reduce the transmission of Zika virus from mother to fetus. The study found that inhibiting autophagy with hydroxychloroquine limited Zika infection in fetal head and led to a larger body size, suggesting potential benefits.
Research found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and increased odds of juvenile conduct disorder and adult antisocial personality disorder. The association was independent of other risk factors often present in smokers, suggesting a small to moderate causal effect on offspring's behavior.
A new study by UCR psychology professor Kelly Huffman found that prenatal ethanol exposure causes abnormalities in the brain and behavior that may be passed on for many generations. The research shows that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes in future grand- and even great-grandchildren, including reduced bod...
Researchers found that maternal antibodies against HSV-1 can travel to the nervous systems of unborn babies, preventing the development and spread of infection during birth. This protection may help prevent serious brain disease related to these conditions in fetuses and newborns.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found a strong association between high maternal sugar intake during pregnancy and an increased risk of allergy and allergic asthma in offspring. The research, which analyzed data from over 9,000 mother-child pairs, suggests that high fructose intake may cause a persistent po...
A new study reveals that chromosomally 'abnormal' embryos can still result in pregnancy through IVF, with the potential for self-correction and development into a healthy fetus. The extent of mosaicism influences clinical outcomes, suggesting priority should be given to mosaic embryos with low aneuploidy levels.
Spain now holds the pace of European ART with over 100,000 cycles performed annually, resulting in a steady pregnancy rate of around 35%. The data collected by ESHRE also reveals that IVF remains more successful than ICSI, but pregnancy rates from egg donation continue to rise.
A study has shown that an inexpensive fertility drug can be just as effective as more recent reproductive hormones in treating unexplained infertility. The 50-year-old drug, taken orally, was found to have a comparable pregnancy rate to newer hormones used in intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation.
A large population study found that female cancer survivors are 38% less likely to achieve a pregnancy than women in the general population. The detrimental effect on fertility was evident in almost all types of cancer diagnosed, with variations between different cancer diagnoses.
Researchers have discovered rare gene variants in Finnish mothers that protect them from pre-eclampsia. The study found two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the sFlt-1 protein gene linked to lower risk of pre-eclampsia.
A new study of almost 19,000 IVF treatment cycles reveals that the age of the male partner significantly affects live birth success rate. The study found a decline in cumulative incidence of live birth with increasing male partner age, particularly among women aged 30-35 and those over 40.
Most reproductive-age and pregnant women who use opioids for non-medical purposes also use at least one other substance, including nicotine, alcohol, or cocaine. This finding suggests that public health efforts addressing the opioid epidemic should include interventions targeting concurrent use of multiple substances among these women.
A multi-year study of southern resident killer whales found up to two-thirds of pregnancies failed due to nutritional stress, primarily caused by low or variable Chinook salmon abundance. The research suggests that boosting salmon runs could help the population recover.
A new trial by University of Exeter researchers found that taking low-dose aspirin before bed can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a condition causing premature birth and maternal and foetal death. The study showed a 62% reduction in pre-term preeclampsia rates.
Researchers found that multiparous female mice had increased metabolic risk but showed surprising resistance to ischemic brain injury and improved behavioral recovery after stroke. They exhibited less brain inflammation, smaller injuries, and enhanced angiogenesis compared to non-reproducing females.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that paracetamol can reduce sex drive and aggressive behavior in mice by inhibiting testosterone development. The research suggests that pregnant women should exercise caution when taking paracetamol, as it may have unintended effects on their children's masculinity.
Women who received specialist care were eight times less likely to have a stillbirth. The clinic helps spot signs of complications sooner and provides tailored advice on healthy eating and weight management during pregnancy.
A major international study found that some features in a baby's DNA can increase the risk of its mother developing pre-eclampsia. The condition affects up to 5% of pregnancies and can cause serious complications including high blood pressure and organ damage.
A free mobile app has been developed to help healthcare providers assess and address intense grief in patients following a pregnancy loss or newborn death. The app uses the Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale (PGIS) to predict patients at risk for clinical-level anxiety, depression, and continuing grief.
A pharmacokinetic study found no significant placental transfer of certolizumab pegol (CZP) from mothers to infants during pregnancy. CZP levels in infant blood samples were below the lower limit of quantification, suggesting a safe treatment option for women with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy.
A new study suggests that human embryo mortality rates are exaggerated, with many more embryos surviving than previously claimed. In vitro embryos also show poor survival rates, which may reflect the natural situation or be due to artificial environments.
A study found that fever during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, increases autism spectrum disorder risk by 40 percent. The risk is further elevated for children of mothers who experienced three or more fevers after the twelfth week of pregnancy.
A new study published in Radiology found that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can help restore fertility in women with uterine fibroids. After an average follow-up of six years, 41.5% of women who underwent the procedure became pregnant and gave birth to 150 babies.
A study of predominantly African-American women found that decreases in vaginal microbiome diversity between the first and second trimesters are associated with preterm birth. Researchers hope to design targeted therapies focused on the microbiome to prevent early delivery.
Researchers found that Zika viral load and dengue antibodies were not associated with severe symptoms or fetal harm, contradicting previous theories. The study's findings suggest a lack of correlation between the amount of virus in the blood and severity of symptoms in pregnant women.
Researchers found that simultaneous genetic and chromosomal screening of a single biopsy improved pregnancy rates. The study used double genetic tests on cells taken from 1122 blastocysts, resulting in 99 pregnancies and 70 healthy births. This approach reduces the risk of implantation failure and miscarriage.
A study found that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a common periodontal pathogen, may delay conception in young women. The bacteria were more frequently detected in saliva among women who did not become pregnant, and higher antibody levels were also associated with conception delays.
Experts agree on routine screening, medication-assisted treatment, and addressing pain management for women with opioid use disorder. Research is needed to improve outcomes for affected women, newborns, and families.
Low-income patients in non-expanded states are more likely to travel out of state for abortion care, pushing procedures into the second trimester. This highlights the growing inaccessibility of abortion services and the need for compassionate public health policies.
A new study published in NEJM suggests a modest increased risk of cardiac defects with lithium use during the first trimester, approximately two cases per 100 live births. The dose-dependent association found supports a more nuanced understanding of lithium's effects on fetal development.
A National Institutes of Health study found that children born to women with gestational diabetes who consumed high amounts of refined grains during pregnancy were twice as likely to be obese at age 7. The study controlled for factors such as physical activity and vegetable consumption.
Research suggests that physical exercise during pregnancy and postpartum periods can improve psychological well-being and alleviate depressive symptoms. The study analyzed 12 studies and found no correlation between exercise intensity or frequency and the effectiveness of exercise in reducing postpartum depression.
A 10-year Vanderbilt University Medical Center study disputes the long-held notion that uterine fibroids increase the risk of miscarriage. Contrary to previous research, women with fibroids have an identical risk of miscarriage as those without them when accounting for other pregnancy loss factors.
A recent study reveals the reasons why pregnant women decide to stop or continue cycling to work, including ambiguous medical guidelines and perceptions of risk. Women prefer Dutch-style bikes with a low crossbar and wide seat for comfort, highlighting the need for safer cycling infrastructure and informed medical guidance.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood obesity. Women who consumed at least one artificially sweetened beverage per day were more likely to have children with high birth weights and increased obesity risk at age 7.