Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
The Penn researchers have developed a placenta-on-a-chip that accurately models the transport of nutrients across the placental barrier. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize research on preterm birth by providing a unique capability to mimic and study the function of the human placenta.
According to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, travelers to Brazil during the 2016 Olympics are at low risk of contracting or spreading Zika virus. The World Health Organization advised that non-pregnant travelers can safely attend events while taking precautions.
A new study found that all babies of mothers treated with a specific type of statin survived compared to the standard treatment group, while maternal health also improved. The statin treatment lowered blood pressure and prevented premature birth in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.
The University of Houston will launch a new effort to educate and support Latina mothers and families on postpartum depression, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The two-year project aims to develop culturally responsive interventions to address the high risk of postpartum depression among Latina new moms.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nicotine patches and Zyban are effective in helping pregnant women quit smoking, with success rates of 80% and 60%, respectively. The use of these products also reduces the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
A new study found that children born to unmarried mothers with no father listed on their birth certificate are more likely to experience weight-related issues. The research suggests that paternal involvement may play a crucial role in influencing childhood obesity outcomes, particularly in terms of feeding practices and prenatal care.
A review of evidence suggests that multivitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant women are unlikely to provide significant benefits, and may be an unnecessary expense. Folic acid and vitamin D supplements, available at a lower cost, are recommended instead.
A 30-year study found that boys are more likely to experience pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia, while girls face a higher risk of early onset pre-eclampsia. The research suggests sex differences in placental function may explain these disparities.
Male cicadas use their calls to attract mates, but they also draw in pregnant female flies looking to lay eggs. The study found that both males and females demonstrated reproductive intent and successfully mated with each other.
A new study reveals a significant gap between reported smoking during pregnancy and actual nicotine exposure, with 16.5% of women experiencing high-level nicotine exposure and 7.5% low-level exposure. The study highlights the importance of targeted public health efforts to decrease tobacco use among pregnant minority women.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that exercise during pregnancy does not increase the risk of preterm birth and may actually reduce it. Women who exercised were more likely to deliver vaginally and had lower rates of C-sections, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
A large multicentre study found that freeze-all embryo protocols are associated with significantly improved IVF outcomes, particularly in women over 35. The study showed a 13% increase in ongoing pregnancy rates for these patients compared to traditional fresh embryo transfer methods.
Infants born to vaccinated mothers show high protection against influenza illness at 8 weeks, but efficacy decreases with age. The duration of this protection is limited to the first 8 weeks of life.
A large randomized study found that a short period of bed rest after intrauterine insemination has no beneficial effect on pregnancy rates, contrary to previous small studies. The results suggest that immobilization after IUI may even hinder fertility in some cases, rendering recommendations for prolonged bed rest obsolete.
A recent ESHRE study found that human growth hormone did not improve live birth rates in women having difficulty conceiving, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 14% in the treatment group and 11% in the placebo group. Poor responders are a challenging group to treat, accounting for up to 30% of patients who respond poorly to treatment.
A study of 290 women found that lifestyle intervention preceding fertility treatment improved natural conception rates, particularly in anovulatory women. However, the intervention had no significant effect on fertility treatment outcomes or overall live birth rates in any subgroup.
A Cochrane review suggests that endometrial scratching may be beneficial for couples trying to conceive naturally or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), increasing the chance of clinical pregnancy and live birth. The procedure involves a biopsy-like action on the uterine lining, which may create an environment more receptive to embry...
A new study finds that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may increase attention-related symptoms, hyperactivity, and autism spectrum symptoms in children. Researchers found a 30% higher risk of attention function detriment and two clinical autism symptoms in boys exposed to paracetamol during pregnancy.
A review of nearly 100 fertility awareness apps found that most don't employ evidence-based methodology, and many include disclaimers discouraging use for avoiding pregnancy. Only six apps scored high on accuracy, with those requiring training in FABMs performing better.
A survey of 15,000 women and men in Britain found that nearly half who experienced infertility did not seek medical help. The study also found that those who sought help were more likely to have higher educational qualifications and better job prospects.
Research funded by NIAID found that Zika virus lingers in pregnant animals for at least 57 days, but provides immunity against future infections. Non-pregnant monkeys cleared the virus within 10 days of infection.
A long-term study in over 200 pregnant women found that a special diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids did not result in children being slimmer or fatter than those from the control group. The study challenges earlier findings that suggested omega-6 fatty acids might contribute to infant obesity.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection can persist for up to 70 days in pregnant monkeys, whereas non-pregnant animals clear the virus within 10 days. The study suggests that immune systems of mothers-to-be may be compromised, allowing the virus to linger.
Research suggests that pregnant women with blood pressure in the prehypertension range have a 6.5 times greater odds of developing metabolic syndrome after giving birth. This finding highlights the dynamic nature of blood pressure during pregnancy and underscores the importance of monitoring blood pressure levels.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health are studying the use of a smartphone app that calculates a woman's chance for pregnancy. The app, Dot, has been shown to be 96-98% effective in women if used correctly and increases accuracy with continued use.
Researchers create a biomechanical model of pregnant women using 3D motion capture, verifying the 'pregnancy waddle' and enabling safer daily tasks. The study aims to improve comfort and reduce falls during pregnancy.
A new study found that Zika warnings significantly increased demand for abortions in Latin America, particularly in countries with restrictive laws. The number of requests for medical abortion through Women on Web, a non-profit organization, nearly doubled in some countries following the health alert.
A study found that Zika virus alerts led to a significant increase in abortion requests in Latin American countries with restricted access. The researchers analyzed data from an online portal and found that women were more likely to seek an abortion after receiving health alerts about the virus.
The National Institutes of Health has launched a multi-country study to investigate the health risks associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The study aims to enroll up to 10,000 pregnant women across several locations affected by Zika outbreaks, followed throughout their pregnancies and into early childhood.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with thicker prefrontal cortex in children. The study found no differences in overall brain volume, but highlights the importance of preventing cannabis and cigarette use during pregnancy.
Researchers investigating gestational diabetes aim to understand its impact on offspring's cardiovascular health. They've identified a mouse model with epigenetic changes that mimic human conditions, suggesting environmental factors during pregnancy may shape lifelong risk.
Research shows that pregnant mongooses reduce their levels of toxic metabolites to protect their offspring, but this comes at the cost of potential long-term harm to themselves. The study found that mothers with lower oxidative damage were more successful in reproducing and raising healthy pups.
Research suggests that mothers' obesity can impair the health of later generations through mitochondrial DNA passed to offspring. Healthy diets and exercise may reverse genetic metabolic abnormalities.
Mothers who develop postpartum depression often experience protective risk factors, but once their babies are born, they show more obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Women who had depression before becoming pregnant were more likely to experience hypersomnia and difficulty falling asleep.
A recent study found that exposure to commonly used antidepressant drugs (SSRIs) during pregnancy can affect the brain activity of newborns. The research suggests that the effects on fetal brain function should be reassessed and non-pharmacological interventions should be prioritized for treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adequate maternal folate levels during pregnancy can mitigate the effect of a mother's obesity on her child's health. Children born to obese mothers with higher folate levels had a 43% lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower folate levels.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that stress during pregnancy and being born with low birth weight can lead to long-term health issues in mothers. The research, led by Jean Ni Cheong from the University of Melbourne, explored the effects of these factors on maternal health after pregnancy.
A team of researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Sonja Entringer, is studying the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on newborn cell biology and cellular aging. The study aims to understand how prenatal exposure to stress affects the unborn child's development and future health.
Research reveals pregnant women often avoid medication due to perceived risks, with UTIs being a significant concern. Women's fears and beliefs about medication use during pregnancy highlight the need for better information and training for pharmacists.
A new study found that viral infections during pregnancy can lead to abnormal fetal brain development, increasing the risk of conditions like autism and schizophrenia. By manipulating serotonin levels, researchers were able to normalize fetal forebrain development and reduce this risk.
Scientists developed an approach for non-invasive testing of pregnant women with preeclampsia, identifying potential peptide biomarkers in their urine. The study found 35 potential biomarkers associated with the condition's severity.
Scientists have discovered that Zika virus can infect and replicate in immune cells from the placenta without killing them. This finding may explain how the virus passes through the placenta of a pregnant woman to infect developing brain cells in her fetus.
A study by Dr. Subhamay Ghosh and colleagues found that only 24% of pregnant women were tested for pregnancy before undergoing surgery, highlighting a significant gap in care. The researchers recommend increasing awareness and implementing standardized testing protocols to improve safety for mothers and babies.
Women with severe depressive symptoms have a decreased chance of becoming pregnant, while psychotropic medication use does not appear to harm fertility. The study found a 38% decrease in the average probability of conception among women with severe depressive symptoms.
A study by Columbia University researchers found a strong association between smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk of schizophrenia in children. Heavy maternal nicotine exposure was associated with a 38% increased odds of schizophrenia.
A Canadian government-funded study found that sending short, informative text messages to young Kenyan women's phones can significantly reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The study showed a 67% increase in HIV testing among participants who received weekly texts compared to those in a control group.
Rates of teenage pregnancy in England have halved since the implementation of the Government's Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, with areas of high deprivation experiencing the greatest effect. Participation in education and work has improved for women who conceive under 18, but rates remain lower than their non-pregnant peers.
A novel laboratory blood test has shown promise in identifying HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening condition affecting 1% of pregnant women. The test measures levels of components of serum and may help reduce pre-term deliveries and complications for mothers and babies.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.
Researchers found that pregnant females reduce oxidative damage to shield their offspring, which is linked to adult survival in both sexes. The study also suggests that oxidative damage can be a marker for fertility and survival across species.
A study assessed the performance of direct-to-consumer teledermatology services, finding they often made incorrect diagnoses and provided inadequate treatment information. The services also failed to disclose potential adverse effects and pregnancy risks in prescriptions.
Research suggests that prenatal stress can lead to epigenetic adaptations in newborns, activating the oxytocin receptor gene and facilitating social behavior. This mechanism could indicate that babies develop more resilience to cope with future adversities.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that at least 85% of intrauterine devices (IUDs) placed immediately after delivery remain in place six weeks later. This is promising news for reducing unintended pregnancies and associated maternal and infant outcomes.
Mayo Clinic's OB Nest study found that patient satisfaction improved with fewer office visits, empowering expectant women to take control of their care. The program provided personalized nursing care and home monitoring equipment, resulting in reduced patient burden and healthcare provider resources.
International research found a direct link between continued marijuana use during pregnancy and pre-term birth, with 6% of pre-term births potentially preventable. Marijuana use was independently associated with a five-fold increase in pre-term birth risk, regardless of other risk factors.
Researchers have developed mouse models of Zika infection in pregnancy, revealing that the virus causes significant damage to the placenta and leads to fetal demise or stunted growth. High levels of viral genetic material were found in placentas, highlighting the importance of understanding how Zika affects pregnant women.
Researchers developed mouse models to study Zika virus infection during pregnancy, revealing fetal brain damage and potential for long-term neurological problems. The studies also showed the importance of understanding how the virus latches onto the placenta to prevent transmission.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that abortion rates have declined significantly in developed countries, but remained unchanged in developing countries. The findings highlight the urgent need for better access to modern contraceptive methods to reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
Researchers have established mouse models of Zika virus transmission from a pregnant mouse to her fetus, demonstrating viral invasion and damage to the placenta. The studies reveal that Zika virus can cause congenital problems, including fetal death, by breaching the placental barrier.
A study found that women with high levels of PFOA during pregnancy had a higher risk of ending breastfeeding early. The study analyzed data from 336 mothers and their children in Cincinnati, where PFOA levels were more than twice the national average.