Blood test may help identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Researchers identified a blood test that predicts infant outcomes and classifies FASD subpopulations. The test uses biomarkers in maternal plasma miRNAs to predict infant health.
Pregnancy
Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Blood test may help identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, research shows
Researchers identified a blood test that may predict infant disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The study found that moderate to high levels of alcohol exposure during early pregnancy resulted in differences in circulating microRNAs in maternal blood.
Giving more pregnant women common thyroid medicine may reduce risk of complications
A recent study suggests that treating mild hypothyroidism in pregnant women with levothyroxine may lower the risk of low-weight babies and early caesarean sections. However, there was no significant difference in other obstetric outcomes between treated and untreated groups.
Antibody protects developing fetus from Zika virus, mouse study shows
Researchers have identified a human antibody that prevents Zika virus infection in pregnant mice and protects adult mice. The antibody also prevented damage to the placenta and fetuses, suggesting it may be used to prevent Zika-related birth defects.
Antibody protects against fetal disease in mouse model of Zika infection
A human antibody that neutralizes Zika virus has been shown to reduce levels of the virus in placental and fetal tissues and decrease fetal disease in a mouse model of Zika infection. The findings suggest that this antibody could be developed to protect pregnant women and others from Zika-related complications.
Reproductive history and hormone use may affect women's cognitive function
A study of healthy postmenopausal women found that reproductive life events related to sex hormones positively impact cognition and verbal memory. Longer reproductive periods and earlier menarche are inversely linked with cognitive function.
Early study finds antibody that 'neutralizes' Zika virus
A human monoclonal antibody, ZIKV-117, has been isolated that 'neutralizes' the Zika virus in a mouse model and protects against fetal damage. The findings may aid development of an effective anti-Zika vaccine.
Poor nutrition during pregnancy can cause early aging of baby's heart
Research shows that a moderately reduced maternal food intake can accelerate the rate of aging in offspring's hearts. The study used baboons and found signs of impaired heart function at five years of life, equivalent to twenty human years.
Urine of pregnant women could be used to predict fetal growth and birth weight
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to identify a panel of 10 urinary metabolites associated with fetal growth and increased birth weight. Changes in these metabolites could explain 12% of the variation seen in birth weight, independent of other known predictors.
WSU study reveals non-invasive prenatal genetic test is accurate five weeks into pregnancy
The WSU study reveals a non-invasive testing method, Trophoblast Retrieval and Isolation from the Cervix (TRIC), that offers accuracy similar to invasive tests like amniocentesis. TRIC can be performed five to 10 weeks earlier than current testing modalities and has the potential to identify pregnancies at risk for complications.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 3, 2016
No association found between Tdap vaccination during pregnancy and microcephaly, structural birth
A study of over 300,000 births found no significant link between Tdap vaccination during pregnancy and microcephaly or structural birth defects. The researchers concluded that the findings support routine Tdap administration during pregnancy.
Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy may trigger post-traumatic stress disorder
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that women may be at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The research found that nearly four in ten women experienced symptoms of PTSD, including re-experiencing feelings and intrusive thoughts, three months after their loss.
Gaps in knowledge of pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy and their clinical consequences
Researchers found that pregnant women experience decreased drug exposure due to increased elimination, but few studies described clinical outcomes. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of these unique pregnancy-related pharmacokinetics and critically examine their implications.
Study: Pop-culture news helped destigmatize out-of-wedlock childbirth
A University at Buffalo sociologist found that celebrity news coverage contributed to changing family norms, making non-marital births more accepted. The study analyzed People magazine covers and showed a shift from presenting unmarried pregnancies as problems to happy, morally unproblematic events.
Customizing vitamin D supplements to the individual would ensure benefits are felt
A new study suggests that pregnant women respond differently to vitamin D supplementation depending on their individual attributes, such as season of delivery and weight gain during pregnancy. Tailoring supplement levels according to these factors may be necessary to achieve optimal vitamin D concentrations.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016
Customized vitamin D supplements may benefit pregnant women
A new study found that vitamin D supplements are less effective in raising levels in pregnant women if they deliver in winter or have low early pregnancy levels. Customized doses can be used to protect bone health and maternal health.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016
Underfed worms program their babies to cope with famine
A Duke University study finds that underfed worm mothers buffer their babies from early starvation's effects, consistent with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Baby worms reared in lean conditions thrive despite prenatal malnutrition.
Male birth control shots prevent pregnancy
A new study found that injectable contraceptives for men can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies in their female partners. The hormone-based method, which involves injecting a combination of progestogen and testosterone, was effective in nearly 96% of continuing users.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016
Providing interventions during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding recommended
The USPSTF recommends providing interventions to support breastfeeding, which can increase duration and rates of breastfeeding. However, nearly half of mothers in the US stop breastfeeding by 6 months, with disparities among younger mothers and disadvantaged communities.
Pregnancy increases stroke risk in young women, but not in older women
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that pregnancy significantly increased the risk of stroke in women under 35, but not in those over 45. The researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 women hospitalized for stroke between 2003 and 2012.
Choline deficiency during pregnancy influences milk composition in sows
Researchers found that choline deficiency during pregnancy alters choline metabolite profiles, fatty acid compositions, and amino acid levels in sow milk. This study provides new insights into the importance of choline for human development and highlights the need for mandatory fortification programs to address this nutrient deficiency.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 24, 2016
UT Southwestern study links small RNA molecule to pregnancy complication
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that microRNA-515-5p affects placental development in ways that could contribute to preeclampsia. The research suggests miRNA-515-5p might be used to identify women at risk for the condition and potentially lead to a new treatment target.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016
How does pregnancy affect risk of stroke in older, younger women?
Younger pregnant women are at increased risk of stroke compared to their nonpregnant counterparts, with the youngest group seeing more than doubling of stroke risk. The study found that PAS accounted for 15% of strokes in younger women, and death was lower among those with PAS.
System changes improve prenatal care for Medicaid beneficiaries
Research at Oregon State University shows that Oregon's implementation of coordinated care organizations improved expectant moms starting prenatal care on time. The study also found a small narrowing of the gap in prenatal care quality between Medicaid beneficiaries and those with private insurance.
Dartmouth study: How age-related genetic anomalies contribute to the maternal age effect
Researchers found that increased reactive oxygen species in oocytes cause significant chromosome segregation errors, contributing to the maternal age effect. The study suggests that antioxidant-rich diets may slow down the accumulation of oxidative damage, reducing segregation errors.
New evidence that hormone levels measured in hair can affect IVF success
A new study found that elevated cortisol levels measured in hair can predict IVF success rates, with women having almost a third less chance of conceiving. The technique enables doctors to measure cumulative hormonal function over 3-6 months, providing a more reliable measure than short-term methods.
Non-medical causes responsible for many maternal deaths
Researchers found that nearly half of pregnancy-associated deaths were due to unintentional injuries, homicide, or suicide. The study suggests addressing psychosocial contributors to health during pregnancy can effectively prevent maternal deaths.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 13, 2016
Research provides clues to how Zika virus breaches the placental barrier
Researchers found that Zika virus infection damages placental cells and enhances entry of the virus through HSV-2 receptors. Fetuses in pregnant women with HSV-2 infection are at higher risk for microcephaly and other effects caused by Zika virus.
Many adolescent girls with leukemia are not being screened for pregnancy before beginning chemotherapy
A new study reveals low rates of pregnancy screening among adolescent females with acute leukemia before receiving chemotherapy that can cause birth defects. The analysis found that adolescents with ALL had the lowest rates of pregnancy testing, and there was substantial variation in screening patterns across hospitals.
Exposure to SSRIs during pregnancy associated with increased risk of speech/language disorders
A recent study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of speech and language disorders in children. The study analyzed data from Finland and found that children whose mothers purchased SSRIs at least twice during pregnancy had a higher risk of speech/...
Antidepressants during pregnancy associated with childhood language disorders
Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.
Strenuous exercise is unlikely to prolong labor or boost risk of premature birth
Research suggests strenuous exercise has no significant impact on labor duration or risk of premature birth. Exercise is found to reduce excessive birthweight and lower the risk of C-section births. However, more research is needed in elite athletes to fully understand its effects during pregnancy.
Maternal chronic disease linked to higher rates of congenital heart disease in babies
A Taiwanese study of almost 1.4 million births found that pregnant women with maternal chronic diseases have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with severe congenital heart disease. The study also found a slightly increased risk of mild congenital heart disease in offspring of mothers with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 11, 2016
Study gives doctors guidance on reproductive coercion
Researchers found that men are pressuring female partners to get pregnant by breaking condoms and manipulating birth control. A new study provides doctors with a streamlined set of questions to discuss with patients about reproductive coercion, which can lead to unintended pregnancies and other health issues.
Study details Zika virus disrupting fetal brain development during pregnancy
A new study documents abnormal brain development in offspring of a non-human primate infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. The findings provide a model for testing therapeutic interventions to prevent fetal brain injury caused by the virus.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 12, 2016
Steroid treatment for IVF problems may do more harm than good
Research suggests corticosteroids may impair healthy pregnancy, increasing risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects. Women taking these drugs during pregnancy have a 64% increase in miscarriage and a 3-4 times greater risk of cleft palate.
Transgender youth are as likely to become pregnant as other adolescents
A recent UBC study found that 5% of sexually active transgender youth have been pregnant, similar to the general adolescent population. This challenges common assumptions about trans youth and highlights the need for improved sex education and healthcare.
Early impact of the affordable care act on oral contraceptive cost sharing
The Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate has been linked to increased consistency in oral contraceptive use among women with employer-sponsored insurance. Analysis of insurance claims data found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for generic pills led to higher adherence rates, particularly among those using these methods.
MRIs in first trimester of pregnancy not associated with increased risk to fetus: Study
A new study published in JAMA found that performing an MRI on a woman in the early part of pregnancy does not increase the risk of stillbirth, death after birth, or birth defects. The study also found no association between first-trimester MRIs and vision loss, hearing loss, or cancer in children's first four years.
Largest review into twin pregnancies reveals ideal delivery time to prevent stillbirths
Researchers analyzed over 30,000 twin pregnancies to identify the ideal delivery period, recommending 37 weeks for uncomplicated dichorionic twins and 36 weeks for monochorionic twins. The study aims to reduce stillbirth rates and neonatal complications in twin pregnancies.
MRIs during pregnancy and outcomes for infants, children
Exposure to MRI during the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of harm to the fetus or congenital anomalies. However, gadolinium-enhanced MRI was linked to a broad set of rheumatological and inflammatory conditions in early childhood.
Bacterial membrane vesicles can cause preterm birth
Research reveals GBS produces membrane-bound vesicles containing toxins and immune-modulators that can attack the host, leading to inflammation of membranes surrounding the fetus. The study shows that these vesicles can induce preterm birth and fetal injury in mice, with approximately 60% of fetuses born prematurely.
High alcohol intake associated with slightly decreased female fertility
A study of 6,120 Danish women found that high alcohol intake was associated with a slight decrease in fertility, while low to moderate consumption showed no effect. The authors recommend abstinence from alcohol during the fertile window until pregnancy is ruled out.
No link to lower IQs in children of mothers who have taken newer forms of epilepsy drugs
Two newer antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam and topiramate, show no discernible impact on childhood intellectual development. However, valproate is linked to a lower IQ in children whose mothers took high doses during pregnancy.
Transplanted bone marrow-derived cells reduce recurrent miscarriage in mice
Researchers discovered that transplanted bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can contribute to better blood vessel growth, leading to reduced recurrent miscarriages. The study found that EPCs homed to the placenta and worked to normalize uterine blood vessel patterns, resulting in a reduced rate of miscarriage.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateAug 30, 2016
Folic acid fortified food linked to decline in congenital heart defects
A Canadian study found folic acid fortified food reduced rates of congenital heart defects, with significant declines in conotruncal and coarctation of the aorta defects but no impact on chromosomally associated defects. The findings are applicable to the US population due to similar implementation timelines.
Zika virus may persist in the vagina days after infection
A study published in Cell found that Zika virus can replicate in the vaginal tissue of pregnant mice several days after infection, potentially leading to dire consequences for reproduction. The researchers also detected Zika virus in the fetal brains of infected mice, associated with fetal weight loss.
The Lancet: Baby simulator program may make teenage girls more, not less, likely to become pregnant
A randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a teenage pregnancy prevention programme involving an infant simulator and found it did not reduce the risk of pregnancy. In fact, the study showed that teenage girls who took part were more likely to become pregnant compared to those who did not take part.
New technique takes guesswork out of IVF embryo selection
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new technique to choose the best embryo for implantation, boosting IVF pregnancy success rates. The method uses digital imaging and mathematical modeling to analyze differences in embryos not visible under a microscope, helping embryologists make more informed decisions.
Zika virus detected in newborn until 2 months after birth
A baby born with Zika infection remained infected for two months and one week after birth, showing delayed psychomotor development and spastic hemiplegia. The virus may have been sexually transmitted, as the father also showed symptoms before his wife.
SourceUniversity of Sao Paulo Scientific Outreach Unit·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 24, 2016
Reframing body weight as baby weight may help women handle pregnancy
A Penn State researcher found that pregnant women use a dual self-image to cope with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. They differentiate between their pre-pregnancy body weight and 'baby weight,' allowing them to maintain a positive body image during this time.
New report details pre- and postnatal brain defects from Zika virus
The study found that nearly all babies with confirmed and presumed Zika infections had ventriculomegaly, gray and white matter volume loss, and cortical migrational abnormalities. Imaging exams also revealed intracranial calcifications and reduced tissue volume in the brain.
Chemicals banned decades ago linked to increased autism risk today
Research suggests that prenatal exposure to certain organochlorine chemicals may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that children born after being exposed to high levels of these chemicals during pregnancy were 80% more likely to be diagnosed with autism.
Roadblocks to research: UNC bioethicist addresses lack of HIV studies in pregnant women
Despite limited safety data, investigators face significant challenges to conducting HIV research in pregnant women, including complex ethical and legal concerns. To address these gaps, Dr. Anne Lyerly is leading the PHASES Project to develop guidance for ethically advancing HIV research in pregnant women.
Antipsychotic medication poses little risk to developing fetus
Researchers studied a large population-based cohort and found no significant increased risk for congenital malformations or cardiac malformations among women who took antipsychotic medications during the first 90 days of pregnancy. However, risperidone showed a slightly increased risk, highlighting the need for further research.
Study quantifies risk factors for preterm birth
A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that abnormalities in interval between pregnancies, body mass index prior to pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to up to 25% of preterm births. Modifying these risk factors could significantly reduce premature birth rates worldwide.
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateAug 17, 2016
Study examines use of antipsychotics early in pregnancy, risk of birth defects
A study of 1.3 million pregnant women found that antipsychotic medication early in pregnancy was not associated with a meaningful increase in the risk of birth defects when other factors were considered. However, risperidone may have a potential safety signal due to its small increase in risk, requiring further research.
Is acetaminophen use when pregnant associated with kids' behavioral problems?
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal acetaminophen use was associated with increased risk of conduct problems and hyperactivity symptoms in children. Maternal acetaminophen use at 32 weeks of pregnancy also linked to higher risk for emotional symptoms and total difficulties in children.
NIH releases improved guidelines for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
The new guidelines provide a more precise definition of documented prenatal alcohol exposure and offer guidance on evaluating facial and physical deformities characteristic of FASD. The updated criteria aim to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and lead to early intervention for affected children.
Cancer drug for mums-to-be may curb baby girls' future fertility
Researchers found that a cancer drug called etoposide can damage the development of mouse ovary tissue, potentially affecting future fertility. The study suggests that women who take etoposide during pregnancy may have reduced fertility in their daughters.