Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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A new study found that early intervention with iron delivered intravenously during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for anemia. The study, which involved over 4,000 participants in India, showed that single dose IV iron preparations can reduce the risk of low birthweight infants and anemia by delivery.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
A study from the University of Surrey reveals that delays in cancer diagnosis for pregnant women are often due to misattributed symptoms as normal pregnancy changes. Women experiencing more specific symptoms, such as breast lumps, are more likely to receive quicker diagnoses and referrals.
A new study suggests that women at risk of postpartum depression may have characteristic levels of neuroactive steroids in their blood during pregnancy. Elevated progesterone levels and imbalances in its metabolism may be associated with an increased risk of PPD.
A new study reported that pregnant women with previable premature rupture of membranes (PROM) faced significantly higher risks of severe complications, including sepsis and blood transfusions, after the Texas Senate Bill 8 law went into effect.
The study found a significant decrease in antidepressant use during pregnancy without an accompanying increase in psychotherapy. This suggests that pregnant women with depression or anxiety may be able to effectively manage their symptoms with medication alone.
A systematic review of 24 studies suggests resveratrol can enhance the quantity and quality of egg cells, called oocytes. The compound may also treat infertility related to endometriosis and obesity.
A new national study has found that homicide and suicide are the leading causes of maternal death in the US, with firearm deaths contributing to a significant portion. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact on Black birthing people and suggests that firearm legislation can reduce maternal mortality rates.
A new study suggests that AI can significantly improve a clinician's ability to detect cases suspicious for congenital heart defects, regardless of their experience or training. The AI system also increased confidence levels and reduced diagnosis time among clinicians.
Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in preterm placenta compared to term births. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation may contribute to the risk of preterm birth.
A study published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that adding amniotic fluid to plasma improves blood's ability to thicken and clot. The research also identified changes in amniotic fluid composition over time, which can affect maternal and fetal health.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A new meta-analysis of over 249 studies and 251,713 US teens finds that knowledge about safer sex is not enough to promote condom use. The study highlights the importance of confidence, planning, and effective communication with partners in encouraging condom use among teens.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements significantly reduced the risk of small vulnerable newborn types, including preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational-age birth. These findings suggest that switching from iron and folic acid supplements to MMS as...
A new AI-based analysis of almost 10,000 pregnancies has discovered previously unidentified combinations of risk factors linked to serious negative pregnancy outcomes. The study found that there may be up to a tenfold difference in risk for infants who are currently treated identically under clinical guidelines.
A study found that pregnant patients with chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension are at a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity compared to those with normal blood pressure. The researchers suggest preventing preeclampsia in these patients may reduce this risk, making them comparable to normotensive patients.
A new study found that Colorado's parental notification law imposes emotional, physical hurdles on adolescents seeking abortion care, delaying access and increasing stress. The law disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those with unstable family relationships or histories of trauma.
A cohort study found that women experiencing food insecurity during pregnancy are at a higher risk of perinatal complications. Individuals who received food assistance showed no significant increase in risks, suggesting that access to nutrition support can mitigate these complications.
Researchers found that pregnant people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher chance of experiencing mental illness during their pregnancy and in the first years after giving birth. Mental illnesses included anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicide attempts and substance abuse.
A recent study found that long COVID is more prevalent in women than men, and the association was linked to factors such as age, pregnancy, and menopausal status. The research highlights the need for targeted drug development and improved management strategies for long COVID.
A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis experience a significantly higher risk of perinatal mental illness compared to those with other chronic conditions. Depression and anxiety were the most common conditions reported, with half of people with MS living with a mental illness in the first year postpartum.
A long-term study on wild monkeys in Thailand reveals that maternal stress hormone levels during early pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the stress system of the offspring. The study found that elevated stress hormones later during pregnancy or after birth did not have the same effects.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A study by Brown University researchers found that only 0.8% of clinical drug trials involving women aged 18-45 included pregnant participants, while 75% excluded them. This gap in research leaves critical questions about medication safety and efficacy unanswered for maternal and child health.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found that nurse home visiting programs can reduce intimate partner violence exposure and increase child health outcomes for young, first-time mothers. The program showed a 16% increase in annual income and fewer mental health problems for mothers by the time their children were two years old.
A prospective cohort study of 168 pregnant women found the neutrophil elastase test to be a strong predictor of preterm delivery, with high sensitivity and negative predictive value. The test showed promise as a screening tool for predicting preterm births in women with premature labor.
A study analyzing the brains of women during pregnancy for the first time reveals that 94% of grey matter undergoes changes, particularly in social cognition regions. The research shows a reduction and partial recovery of brain volume, associated with steroid hormone fluctuations and maternal well-being.
A NIH study found that excess weight gain in the first trimester is associated with increased abdominal circumference and arm fat thickness in fetuses. The findings suggest that early intervention may prevent adult obesity and related conditions by targeting fetal weight gain.
A Swedish study found a significant decrease in infant mortality and morbidity among babies born after 41 weeks of gestation. The study showed a 47% reduction in stillbirths or infant deaths within four weeks, with researchers attributing the improvement to routine induction practices.
A nationwide Swedish study found that active management and induction of labor in late- and postterm pregnancies significantly reduced the risk of stillbirth and newborn death before 28 days. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed a near halving of this risk, suggesting improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.
The MedStar Health D.C. Safe Babies Safe Moms program has been found to have better pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum outcomes for patients cared for by the program compared to those receiving prenatal care elsewhere. Additionally, the study shows a significant reduction in low birthweight babies and preterm births among Black patients
A new Northwestern University study reveals that achieving equity in social drivers of health, particularly education, can nearly eliminate the gap in heart health between Black and white women. The study found that educational attainment had the largest impact on maternal cardiovascular health disparities. Improving access to healthy ...
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
Gaps in maternal health care for pregnant women in UK prisons are due to barriers, say experts. Improved provision is needed to protect the health of pregnant women and their babies while incarcerated.
A restrictive episiotomy policy implemented in France has led to a decrease in episiotomy rates and anal sphincter injuries during labor. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal rate of episiotomies and assess potential risks to specific subgroups.
A new Australian study found that IVF pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines during the first trimester, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation.
A new national survey by Orlando Health finds that 56% of Americans are unaware that bariatric surgery is an effective way to improve fertility. Bariatric surgery has been shown to regulate hormones and normalize menstrual cycles, increasing a woman's chances of conception. The study highlights the connection between obesity and infert...
A new study by the University of East Anglia found that rewards and financial incentives are highly effective in helping people quit smoking, particularly pregnant women. The research showed that for every 100 people who received financial incentives, 10 were likely to successfully quit smoking at six months or longer.
A Cochrane review found financial incentives significantly improve smoking cessation rates for pregnant people, with a six-month success rate of 13 out of 100 who received incentives compared to six in 100 without them. The study also suggests that offering different value rewards does not impact quit rates.
A cohort study found that individuals with higher radon exposure are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The study suggests a potential link between radon exposure and metabolic health in nulliparous pregnant women.
Researchers found associations between gender-based racial microaggressions and higher blood pressure postpartum, particularly in the later period. Microaggressions experienced during pregnancy and delivery may lead to increased systolic blood pressure.
Researchers in Kenya, Norway, and Denmark are collaborating on a project to develop and test an improved dietary supplement for pregnant women. The goal is to reduce incidences of low birth weight, improve maternal and child health, and enhance growth and cognitive development in children. The new supplement, MMS+, will include additio...
A recent study found that pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder enrolled in Medicaid are at a disproportionately high risk of severe maternal morbidity. Targeted interventions, such as early Medicaid enrollment and coverage continuity, may be necessary to reduce adverse outcomes in this group.
The new guidelines aim to reduce trauma and delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Led by Dr Georgia Mills and Dr Gisele Kidson-Gerber, the guidelines provide a practical guide for doctors, including recommendations for diagnosis, staging, imaging safety, therapy, and supportive care.
A cohort study found a strong association between prenatal exposure to systemic glucocorticoids and an increased risk of certain mental disorders in children. The study suggests that continued caution is necessary when using glucocorticoids during pregnancy, given the potential long-term effects on offspring mental health.
A study found that persistent short sleep duration from pregnancy to 2-7 years after delivery is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. The researchers suggest exploring sleep-targeted interventions for improved cardiometabolic health, particularly among high-risk populations.
Switzerland is affected by Chagas disease, a tropical disease that can cause severe cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. The Swiss government has established the Swiss Chagas Network to address this issue through coordinated measures.
Women with gestational diabetes who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during pregnancy had a lower risk of preterm birth compared to those who were less active. Concentrated periods of physical activity also offered similar benefits in reducing preterm birth risk.
A new study reveals that pregnant and postpartum individuals often have low-quality diets, which can impact their short- and long-term health outcomes. The study found that lower-income women and those with higher body mass indexes tend to have lower diet quality scores.
Researchers found that delivering at 39 weeks provides the optimal balance between stillbirth risk and infant health issues, making it an ideal time frame for safest births. The study used a large-scale data set to provide evidence-driven recommendations for delivery timing among women with chronic hypertension.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that placentas from fresh embryo transfers are smaller on average compared to those from frozen embryo transfers. The researchers also identified altered gene function and DNA methylation in ART-conceived children, particularly in relation to metabolism and growth.
A systematic review of 1500 research papers found that pregnant women who contract bird flu have a high risk of death and birth defects. The study stresses the importance of early inclusion of pregnant women in public health vaccination programs during pandemics.
Pregnant women with MS receiving disease-modifying therapies show increased risk of low birth weight and serious infections. Exposure to S1P modulators, natalizumab, and anti-CD20 antibodies is particularly concerning.
A UK study published in Diabetic Medicine found that over half of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were undiagnosed due to slow NHS blood test processing. Faster blood processing identified additional cases, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Researchers used drone imagery to measure calf growth and maternal body condition in Hawaiʻi and Alaska, finding larger females produced larger calves. Humpback whales lose significant weight during lactation, with mothers losing nearly 214 pounds per day.
A new AI tool called PlacentaVision can rapidly evaluate placentas at birth to detect abnormalities associated with infection and neonatal sepsis. This could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies, particularly in areas with limited medical resources.
Humpback whales' reproductive success is linked to maternal characteristics and energy balance. Researchers found fetal growth rates increased with maternal length and energy demands peaked in the final third of pregnancy, coinciding with fasting and migration. This study highlights a vulnerable period for pregnant humpback whales and ...
A new study suggests that cesarean sections performed during labor are associated with an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth and mid-trimester loss in subsequent pregnancies. Cervical damage may be the underlying mechanism for these findings, highlighting a growing clinical concern.
Reproductive justice leaders discuss the need for intersectionality, economic and public health impacts, youth leadership, and state-based solutions to protect reproductive rights. The discussion aims to harness young people's energy and foster intergenerational collaboration.