Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Researchers found that high levels of folate and vitamin B12 after giving birth double and triple the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder. The study analyzed data from 1,391 mother-child pairs and recommends optimal folate levels to ensure offspring's health.
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that smoking during pregnancy and being overweight before pregnancy are key factors contributing to the social divide in childhood obesity rates. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 children born in the UK between 2000-2002 and found a significant association be...
A new study found that children whose mothers used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy had longer umbilical cords than other newborns. The lengthening of the umbilical cord may indicate increased fetal activity and movement in the uterus.
A new UCLA study finds no evidence to link the anti-nausea drug Zofran to an increased risk of birth defects. Women with extreme morning sickness who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and higher live birth rates compared to those without the medication.
A study found that daily consumption of artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase infant body mass index (BMI) and the risk of being overweight in early childhood. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 mother-infant pairs, suggests a possible link between NNSs and obesity.
According to a research review, postpartum depression affects 14.5% of women during pregnancy or after delivery, with many cases going undiagnosed and untreated. Screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, can be used in various settings to identify PPD, which requires close attention from psychiatrists.
A study by the University of Liverpool has identified early life factors that significantly influence childhood obesity rates. The research found that mothers who smoked during pregnancy and those with lower educational attainment were more likely to have children who became overweight at age 11. Socioeconomic circumstances, maternal s...
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 24,000 mothers and their children found that excess pregnancy weight gain and elevated blood sugar increase the risk of childhood obesity, even in normal-weight babies. Children whose mothers had gestational diabetes were at highest risk, with a 30% increased likelihood of being overweight or obese.
The article reviews national and international guidelines for folic acid supplementation, analyzing its potential risks and benefits on maternal and fetal outcomes. Folic acid is known to prevent neural tube defects, but its effects on other pregnancy outcomes are controversial.
Research reveals that type 2 diabetes drug trials frequently exclude women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant without clear justification. The criteria most often excluded women who were currently pregnant or breastfeeding, but more than 50 studies excluded all women of childbearing potential.
Consuming a high-fructose diet during pregnancy may cause defects in the placenta and restrict fetal growth, potentially increasing a baby's risk for metabolic health problems later in life. However, administering allopurinol, a common drug prescribed to treat gout and kidney stones, appears to mitigate these negative effects.
Researchers found that babies whose moms receive flu vaccinations while pregnant have a significantly reduced risk of acquiring influenza during their first six months of life. The study, published in Pediatrics, showed that infants born to vaccinated mothers had a 70 percent reduction in laboratory-confirmed flu cases and an 80 percen...
A study in Mexico reveals that noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, are a growing threat to maternal survival. The reclassification of 1214 deaths identified 13% more maternal deaths than previously thought, with indirect causes accounting for 12.2 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Research found that children exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during gestation had a cumulative incidence of 8.2% of depression by age 15, compared to 1.9% for those without antidepressant use. The study also showed no significant difference in anxiety or ASD diagnoses.
New research suggests that even small amounts of air pollution may have long-term health effects on the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and lifelong neurological and respiratory disorders. The study found biological evidence of intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution.
A new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that only 25% of women taking isotretinoin (Accutane) filled birth control prescriptions during treatment, resulting in a high risk of miscarriage or medical termination. The program's poor adherence rates represent a failure to prevent pregnancies instead of terminating them.
An estimated 140,000 women die in conflict every year, with many more expected to die in pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate protection and medical care. Doctors argue that a focus on women's health could provide an area of common interest between warring parties seeking political solutions.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that consuming high fructose during pregnancy increases the child's risk for heart disease. The research, conducted by UTMB researchers, showed that female offspring had higher peak glucose levels, blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
A new study identifies several risk factors for pre-eclampsia, including having had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy or chronic hypertension prior to the current pregnancy. The researchers developed a tool using routinely collected clinical information to distinguish women who are unlikely to benefit from aspirin therapy.
Exposure to violence during pregnancy may increase the risk of prematurity and low birthweight. A recent study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Leicester found that mothers exposed to homicides had newborns with lower birthweights and higher rates of prematurity, particularly in the first trimester.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of high blood pressure among women who had pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. Women who adhered to such a diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not.
A new study reveals that women with epilepsy have a comparable likelihood of achieving pregnancy and similar time taken to get pregnant as healthy women. The study, which followed over 200 women with epilepsy and healthy controls, found no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes or fertility rates.
A study estimated the number of children born with Down syndrome each year in Massachusetts, along with pregnancies terminated due to prenatal diagnosis. The study found a higher incidence of termination in the Northeast and among Asians/Pacific Islanders.
An interdisciplinary team will focus on ethics and research in pregnancy, beginning with the current Zika context. Bioethicists aim to develop guidance for conducting research with pregnant women in public health crises.
A Lothian improvement project has seen a 13% increase in eligible women receiving food and vitamin vouchers compared to an 8% decline across Scotland. The scheme has also boosted family budgets by £4,500 on average.
Research from the University of Cambridge finds that babies of obese women with gestational diabetes are already abnormally large by 20 weeks, suggesting current screening may be too late. This could lead to lasting health impacts on the offspring, including obesity and diabetes in later life.
A recent study led by Professor Philip Calder found that children born to mothers who ate salmon during pregnancy were less likely to have doctor-diagnosed asthma. The study compared allergy rates between two groups: those whose mothers consumed salmon twice a week, and those who did not.
Research links cannabis use during pregnancy to increased risk of low birthweight and need for intensive care. Infants exposed to cannabis in the womb are 77% more likely to be underweight at birth.
Financial incentives have been shown to be highly effective in aiding smoking cessation among pregnant and post-partum women, especially those economically disadvantaged. According to Stephen T. Higgins, Ph.D., financial incentives in the form of vouchers for retail goods are a cost-effective alternative.
Researchers found that SSRI antidepressants cause decreased bone density in mothers during lactation, leading to higher risks of fractures. Folic acid supplementation may mitigate this effect, suggesting women may need more folic acid while breast-feeding.
A new animal study finds that exposure to triclocarban, a common ingredient in antibacterial soap, can alter the composition of intestinal bacteria and other micro-organisms in offspring. The study suggests that this disruption may have unintended health consequences, including changes in obesity, diabetes, and asthma.
A new study found that higher levels of cord-blood leptin and adiponectin at birth were associated with greater fat in the child at ages 9 and 17. This suggests that fetal overnutrition may program greater adiposity in the child, extending into childhood and adolescence.
A new study found that women who received seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine during pregnancy were 51 percent less likely to experience a stillbirth than unvaccinated mothers. The study's results support the safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy and suggest that it protects against stillbirth.
Researchers found that female mice exercising during pregnancy had offspring more physically active as adults, suggesting movement influences fetal brain development and lifelong activity. The study supports an environmental role in fetal development and may offer a strategy to counter physical inactivity and obesity.
A study of over 6,000 mothers and newborns found that maternal smoking during pregnancy chemically modifies a fetus' DNA, mirroring patterns seen in adult smokers. The research identified new development-related genes affected by smoking, suggesting a potential explanation for the link between smoking and health complications in children.
Researchers found genetic material from the Zika virus can be detected in pregnant women months after infection, indicating potential fetal brain damage. The study also isolated infectious Zika virus from fetal tissue and discovered new mutations that may be linked to the virus's impact on the fetus.
A review of medical treatments for migraine during pregnancy and lactation has identified four treatment options that require caution, including magnesium, ondansetron, acetaminophen, and butalbital. Safe alternatives such as non-pharmacologic options like healthy lifestyle habits, relaxation training, and meditation are available
Researchers developed a mouse model of aneuploidy to investigate the fate of abnormal cells in early-stage embryos. They found that even when half of the cells are abnormal, the embryo can fully repair itself through programmed-cell death.
A recent poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that four in 10 people mistakenly believe Zika virus infection in women is likely to harm future pregnancies. The general public also has misperceptions about Zika virus transmission, including incorrect beliefs about symptoms and transmission methods.
The Oregon law allows pharmacy prescription, reducing barriers and costs. However, limitations on age and types of contraception remain. Experts emphasize the need for further expansion to ensure equal access and safe use of all contraceptive methods.
Higher concentrations of BPA in pregnant mothers' blood are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The study found that women with higher BPA levels were more likely to deliver their babies early compared to those with lower levels.
A study found that high caffeine consumption before conception and during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. In contrast, taking a daily multivitamin reduces this risk. The researchers analyzed data from the LIFE Study and found that women who consumed more than two caffeinated beverages per day were more likely to misc...
A study by Northwestern University found that higher oxytocin levels during pregnancy can predict the severity of postpartum depression symptoms. The research suggests that screening for depression biomarkers in pregnancy could lead to preventive treatment, reducing the likelihood of women seeking help and accepting treatment.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that most female childhood cancer survivors can conceive, but male survivors are less likely to father a child due to chemotherapy exposure. Female survivors treated with certain drugs like ifosfamide and cisplatin may face challenges conceiving, particularly after age 30.
A study in western Kenya assesses the acceptability of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for preventing malaria in pregnancy. The trial found promising results but identified challenges related to adherence and confidence in rapid diagnostic tests.
A recent study by the UCLA-led research team found that women with impaired cortisol levels before pregnancy are more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. Elevated maternal cortisol can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients, leading to lower birth weight and increased risk of infant mortality.
Researchers used a mouse model to explore the causes of preeclampsia and found that Cox2 inhibition can improve symptoms by treating embryos before implantation. This approach has potential for preventing preeclampsia-related complications.
A new study using MRI to examine pregnant women with short cervixes found that high cervical tissue mobility is associated with impending preterm birth. The researchers plan larger trials to confirm the role of this imaging biomarker in predicting preterm birth.
A new study published in JAMA found that excess weight and higher glucose levels in mothers cause their babies to be born heavier, while higher blood pressure causes lower birth weights. The research also found that mothers' blood lipids are not significantly related to the size of their baby.
A major review reveals that nearly half (43%) of pregnant women who successfully quit smoking during pregnancy relapse within six months of childbirth. The study highlights the urgent need for effective post-pregnancy support to help mothers overcome nicotine addiction and reduce the economic burden of smoking-related health issues.
High school girls using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) were less likely to use condoms compared to those using oral contraceptives. LARC users were also more likely to have multiple sexual partners.
A new app aims to inform and remind pregnant women about vaccination options, particularly flu and whooping cough, to protect both mothers and babies. The MatImms app provides personalized schedules, explains vaccine benefits, and addresses concerns, with the goal of increasing vaccination rates.
A two-drug preventive treatment reduces the severity of malaria during pregnancy, providing a reliable alternative to standard treatment. The study found that the treatment reduced the risk of adverse birth outcomes and placental malaria.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was effective in preventing malaria in pregnancy, with no reported cases among women taking monthly doses. The therapy showed better results than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), a widely used but ineffective option due to widespread ...
A Dartmouth-led study found that low levels of arsenic in pregnant women's drinking water and food may be related to decreased head circumference at birth. The study also linked arsenic exposure to lower birth weight and birth length, with associations varying by mother's pre-pregnancy BMI and infant sex.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus are conducting a study to detect prenatal marijuana use and its association with adverse outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and hypertension. The study aims to develop a survey tool for new mothers to provide accurate information on marijuana use during pregnancy.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a lack of stem cells in the womb lining is causing thousands of women to suffer from recurrent miscarriages. The team believes a new treatment could bring hope to those who have suffered failed pregnancies, correcting defects before pregnancy and potentially preventing miscarriages.
Children born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency during early pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adulthood. The study found a significant association between maternal vitamin D levels and MS risk in offspring.
Researchers found that pregnant rats fed antioxidants had longer telomeres and slower aging in adulthood, while those with low oxygen levels aged more quickly. Antioxidants also benefited offspring of mothers without complications during pregnancy.
A large clinical trial found no significant effect on caesarean sections or adverse outcomes in older pregnant women. The study, which induced labour at 39 weeks, proved the safety of this approach, supporting the 'induce more women' advocates.