Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Researchers found that maternal immune activation alters the activity of multiple genes and pathways in the fetus's brain, including those important for autism development. This effect may be similar to known biology behind conditions like autism.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is directly linked to excess weight gain during pregnancy, especially among young mothers. The research also showed that Hispanic women are less likely to experience excessive weight gain compared to non-Hispanic women.
New UCLA research reveals that clinical interviews about daily activities can help doctors identify pregnant women at risk of postpartum depression. The study found that only 11% of women with a history of major depressive disorder developed postpartum depression, significantly lower than previous studies
A study found that black, Hispanic, and less-educated women consume a less nutritious diet in the weeks leading up to their first pregnancy. The diets were assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2010, which measures 12 key aspects of diet quality.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that pregnant mice treated with vitamin D supplements did not develop autism traits in their offspring. Vitamin D is crucial for brain development and maintaining healthy bones, but its role in preventing autism remains unclear.
A study of 9,410 women without prior childbirth found that fetal fibronectin levels and transvaginal cervical length had poor predictive performance for spontaneous preterm birth. These tests are often used to identify women at risk of preterm birth, but their accuracy is lower than expected.
A molecule naturally produced by the immune system protects mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection, reducing fetal brain damage and microcephaly. Administering 25-hydroxycholesterol to pregnant mice also protected them from Zika-induced developmental defects.
A Johns Hopkins study found lower allopregnanolone levels in the second trimester predict increased risk of postpartum depression. The research may lead to diagnostic markers and preventive strategies for the condition affecting up to 20% of American women who give birth.
Two common tests for predicting preterm birth in first-time pregnancies failed to identify most cases, according to a large NIH study. The tests involved measuring cervical length and testing for fetal fibronectin, but neither method was found to be effective for widespread screening.
Researchers tested over 10,000 women and found that transvaginal cervical measurement and fetal fibronectin tests do not accurately predict preterm birth. The studies findings challenge the use of these tests in routine screening for low-risk pregnancies.
A team of experts concludes that regulatory, behavioral and scientific evidence supports making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter for adults and teens. Studies show that teens can safely use 'the pill' to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and wider access could lead to fewer teen pregnancies.
A new study found that women who undergo failed fertility therapy have a higher risk of developing long-term cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart failure. The study of 28,442 women showed a 19% increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in those who did not conceive.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that most women who become pregnant either stop or decrease drinking after a positive pregnancy test. The researchers suggest promoting early pregnancy awareness as an alternative to promoting alcohol abstinence among all women of childbearing age.
A mouse study found that suppressed immunity during pregnancy creates a window of opportunity for the H1N1 influenza virus to infect and mutate into more virulent strains. The researchers believe that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe flu infections due to their dampened immune system.
Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth and related serious adverse outcomes in women pregnant with twins and have a short cervix. Women who received vaginal progesterone had a lower rate of preterm delivery and respiratory distress syndrome compared to those who did not.
A new study found that Zika virus was as commonly confirmed as dengue in Canadian travellers returning from the Americas and Caribbean, but more severe. The study revealed 10% of cases with severe complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital infection.
Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduced preterm birth, neonatal complications, and death in pregnant women with twins and a short cervix. The study, which included data from six studies involving 303 women, found that vaginal progesterone use was associated with a 31% lower risk of preterm delivery before 33 weeks.
A large national study suggests that treating pregnant women for mildly low thyroid function does not improve the IQs of their babies or reduce preterm births. The results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found no benefit in treating the women during their pregnancies.
A large-scale study published in The BMJ found that taking neuraminidase inhibitors during pregnancy does not increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The study analyzed nearly 6,000 women who received these medications and did not find a link to low birth weight, stillbirth, or birth defects.
Researchers observed banded mongooses fighting over food and territory, often resulting in serious injury and death. However, they found that pregnant females were less likely to lose their litters after conflicts, suggesting a possible strategy to maintain pregnancy and increase group competitiveness.
PSGs are recognized as trophoblast quality and embryo viability markers, with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. The discovery of PSG receptors and interactions with integrins suggests new avenues for drug design and therapeutic intervention.
Research published in The FASEB Journal found that mice fed nutrient-enriched diet during early life learned faster and were more motivated to obtain rewards. This study suggests that adolescence is a critical period for reversing negative effects of poor maternal diet during pregnancy.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that women infected with genital herpes during early pregnancy had twice the odds of giving birth to a child later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers suggested that the mother's immune response to HS...
A new study published in Psychological Medicine has found no link between cat ownership and psychotic symptoms in children. The research, which followed nearly 5,000 people from age 13 to 18, controlled for other factors such as household overcrowding and socioeconomic status.
A new mouse model reveals that the Zika virus can cross the placenta and lead to high percentages of miscarriages and thin brain tissue in babies. The study's findings suggest a mechanism by which the virus may be evading antiviral proteins, highlighting potential targets for treatment or vaccine development.
Researchers have discovered how Listeria monocytogenes travels to fatally attack the placenta and fetus during early pregnancy in macaque monkeys, raising questions about current understanding of listeriosis risk. The study reveals clues that may lead to better screening and interventions during pregnancy.
Researchers found that osteopathic structural examinations can help identify ectopic pregnancies, particularly those located outside the fallopian tubes. This technique is useful in emergency situations where imaging fails due to bleeding caused by a rupture.
Researchers found that listeria causes inflammation and collateral damage to the placenta, allowing bacteria to invade the fetus. The study suggests that listeria may be a culprit in some miscarriages without diagnosed cause. Effective antibiotics are available to treat the infection.
A new study from Aarhus University found that children born to mothers who took anti-epilepsy medicine during pregnancy have no significant differences in doctor visits compared to those not exposed. The study also showed that the use of anti-epilepsy medicine does not affect the general health of children, including those with epileps...
Researchers developed a fluorescent polymer that can detect high levels of mercury in fish, which can lead to reduced fetal growth and placental development. The study found increased mercury levels in swordfish and tuna, with no mercury detected in farmed salmon.
A study published in eLife found that differences in gene activity between the left and right hemispheres are responsible for handedness. The researchers also discovered that environmental influences during pregnancy can affect the development of precursors to handedness.
A study analyzing 5.4 million births found that men are more likely to acknowledge paternity when the mother has good health, education, and private insurance. This can lead to better birth outcomes for children, including higher Apgar scores and lower rates of complications.
A new study found that pregnant women who were supported to quit smoking through the 'BabyClear' programme had heavier, healthier babies. The programme, which screens all pregnant women for smoking using carbon monoxide monitoring, led to a doubling of the number of women who quit smoking during pregnancy.
A study of 3,523 expectant and new fathers found that men experienced elevated depression symptoms when their partners were pregnant (2.3%) and after childbirth (4.3%). Depression symptoms in men during pregnancy were associated with perceived stress and fair to poor health.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of preterm birth, Caesarean section, and cardiac malformations. The study also revealed an increased risk of death for newborns born to mothers with insulin-treated gestational diabetes.
A study from the University of the Basque Country found that women's educational attainment and country of origin significantly impact their risk of undergoing voluntary abortions. Women with lower levels of education have higher rates of terminations, while immigrant women face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services.
Researchers found that glucose supplementation shortens total labor duration by 76 minutes without increasing complication rates. This low-cost and safe intervention is recommended for women experiencing induced labor.
Scientists from King's College London report a significant reduction in maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia, with less than 1 in 10,000 women dying in pregnancy. The study attributes this success to improved monitoring, diagnosis, and timely delivery, as well as the use of low-dose aspirin and antihypertensive medication.
Researchers found significant increases in miscarriage rates among women undergoing IVF with a prior pregnancy loss when embryo transfers occurred during daylight savings time. The study suggests that circadian rhythm changes may impact fertility.
Thailand successfully eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by implementing the WHO four-pronged strategy, including primary prevention, unintended pregnancy prevention, HIV transmission prevention, and treatment care support
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that uterine glands produce several key factors for pregnancies beyond Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), critical for embryo implantation. The study reveals uterine glands play additional roles in promoting pregnancy, including supporting embryo growth and development.
Women born with complex congenital heart disease can now have successful pregnancies thanks to new guidance. The American Heart Association journal Circulation published a road map for healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and expert care.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found that couples with obesity take from 55-59% longer to conceive compared to their non-obese counterparts. The researchers calculated body mass index and found a significant decrease in fertility chances among obese individuals.
A Finnish study found that pregnant women consuming large amounts of liquorice during pregnancy had children who performed less well in cognitive reasoning tests and had more ADHD-type problems. The study suggests that glycyrrhizin, a natural sweetener in liquorice, may have long-lasting effects on fetal development.
Researchers found that using the 25th and 85th centile ranges instead of the traditional 10th and 90th percentiles could prevent one fatal event by offering delivery to women outside these ranges. This expansion may require an additional 1143 deliveries to be made.
A five-year clinical trial aims to test whether losing weight before pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes again, with over 250 overweight or obese women participating. The study will also examine perinatal outcomes for mothers and children.
The Temple Wedge Opioid (TWO) Treatment Program provides state-of-the-art care to pregnant women and their partners, addressing the growing issue of maternal opioid use. The Center of Excellence offers comprehensive treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment and psychiatric evaluation.
A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the cervix and vagina may increase or decrease the risk of premature birth. Researchers found that some species, such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, lower the risk, while others, like anaerobic bacteria, significantly increase it.
Researchers found that treating subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy can reduce pregnancy loss, especially for those with higher TSH levels. However, treated women were more likely to experience preterm delivery and gestational diabetes.
A study published in The BMJ found that hormone treatment among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with a lower risk of pregnancy loss, but an increased risk of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Women treated with thyroid hormone had a lower risk of pregnancy loss compared to untreated...
A recent study found a 19.2% increase in cigarette smoking among pregnant teenagers following the enactment of minimum legal sale ages for e-cigarettes. The policy had the greatest effects on the youngest pregnant women, with an average underage pregnant woman smoking about half a cigarette extra per day.
A study of 11,216 pregnancies across 11 countries found that low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with a 21% increased risk of preterm birth. Vegans and vegetarians are particularly vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency without supplementation.
Researchers found that fetal genomic sequencing increased the detection rate of genetic findings by 10-30% in women with pregnancies complicated by major fetal congenital anomalies. The study also revealed new associations with genes and intolerant OMIM disease-associated mutations, improving patient counseling and neonatal treatment.
A study of 2,000 pregnant women found that certain bacterial species in the cervix were associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, while others increased the risk. The findings offer new hope for preventing prematurity and its devastating consequences.
A new method for filtering genetic study results has been developed to refine understanding of preterm birth risk factors. The technique, known as evolutionary triangulation, uses ancestry patterns to identify key genes involved in preterm birth.
A study found that glucose supplementation significantly reduces the length of induced labor in nulliparous women without increasing complication rates. The researchers tested whether adding glucose to intravenous hydration solution could accelerate labor, concluding it's a low-cost and safe intervention.
Researchers analyzed over 45 million pregnancies to find an association between day of delivery and maternal-fetal mortality. Maternal deaths were found to be significantly higher on weekends than weekdays, suggesting a 'spill-over' effect that is present on both weekend and weekday deliveries.
A new healthcare model integrating obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and behavioral health has significantly reduced the utilization of emergency services and hospital days for pregnant women and their newborns. The study found annual savings of over $800,000 for pregnant women and $1.6 million for newborns.
The SAFE PASSAGES program has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of perineal trauma and Cesarean sections while also improving overall childbirth outcomes. By implementing specific interventions such as eliminating midline episiotomies, the program has demonstrated a reduction in severe perineal lacerations by over 300%.
A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.