Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that pregnant ewes and their female lambs exposed to sewage sludge-derived fertilizers showed reduced ovary development, potentially affecting future reproductive health. The research highlights the need for steps to reduce contamination of sewage sludge-derived fertilizers.
Researchers discovered that a special type of dietary fibre, known as prebiotic, can impact the mother's gut microbiota and reduce obesity risk in moms and their babies. The study found that mothers who took a prebiotic supplement had lower body fat and healthier gut bacteria, which were then transferred to their babies.
Pregnant women with asthma may be at greater risk of preterm birth due to exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Early exposure, particularly in the months leading up to conception and during early pregnancy, was found to increase preterm birth risk by nearly 30%.
A new study found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy can increase bone mass in babies born during the winter months, potentially leading to stronger bones and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. The supplement showed no difference in overall bone mass but had a positive impact on children born during the colder months.
A national free ambulance services programme in rural Ethiopia has seen a drastic reduction in pregnancy-related deaths, with the model potentially paving the way for improved maternal health outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that Asian-American adolescents desire more open discussions about sexual health with healthcare providers. Key themes included confidentiality concerns, a general lack of knowledge regarding STIs and contraception, and hesitation to discuss sexual histories. Providers can a...
A Brazilian woman infected with Zika virus had a stillborn baby with severe tissue swelling and central nervous system defects, suggesting the virus may cause damage outside the CNS. The case raises concerns about the risk of stillbirths and other adverse outcomes in pregnant women exposed to the virus.
A pregnant Brazilian woman infected with the Zika virus had a stillborn baby with severe tissue swelling and central nervous system defects. The case provides evidence that congenital Zika infection may be linked to hydrops fetalis, hydranencephaly, and fetal demise.
The Zika epidemic underscores the importance of prioritizing vaccine development for pregnant women, who face specific challenges in clinical trials and labeling guidelines. Researchers highlight the need for a pregnancy-specific ethical framework, standardized measurement of outcomes, and more baseline data to optimize vaccine safety ...
A cohort study found no significant differences in growth, psychomotor development, and health outcomes between infants born to mothers treated with mefloquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. However, a slight increase in risk of developmental delays was observed at 9 months among those treated with mefloquine.
A new hospital-based rapid detection test for the Zika virus is now available, allowing for quicker diagnosis and testing in a large metropolitan area. The test can detect Zika virus-specific RNA sequences directly, enabling healthcare providers to offer rapid answers to anxious patients.
A study in Swaziland found that implementing Option B+ greatly increased the number of women initiating antiretroviral therapy and improved ART coverage among pregnant women. However, retention in care postpartum was low and no better under Option B+ than previous approaches.
A new study has identified pre-pregnancy heart abnormalities as a potential predictor of recurrent preeclampsia. Women who had early pregnancy-related high blood pressure were found to have abnormal changes in the size and function of their left ventricle, which pumps blood throughout the body.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood links parental anxiety and depression during pregnancy and preschool period to increased risk of fussy eating behavior in children. Mothers' antenatal symptoms were found to predict their child's fussy eating behavior at age 4, while fathers' pre-school period anxiety was linked to...
Women who become pregnant at age 40 or older face a greater risk of stroke and heart attack later in life compared to younger women. Established cardiovascular risk factors explained most of the higher risk, but not the link between advanced age pregnancy and hemorrhagic stroke.
Researchers detected Zika virus in the amniotic fluid of two pregnant women whose fetuses had been diagnosed with microcephaly. However, further research is needed to understand the biological mechanism linking Zika virus to microcephaly.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that an adolescent male's attitude toward risky sex, pregnancy, and birth control can predict whether he will end up living with his future offspring. Young men who felt more favorable towards pregnancy had a higher chance of becoming nonresident fathers.
Eating fish more than three times a week during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of rapid growth in infancy and childhood obesity. Women who consumed high amounts of fish had children with higher BMI values at various ages compared to those who ate less.
Women with asthma experienced a significantly longer median total time to pregnancy (32.2 months vs 55.6 months) compared to those without asthma. Additionally, the birth rate was lower among asthmatic women, with fewer successful conceptions (39.6% vs 60.4%).
Higher intake of food-based vitamin D during pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of development of allergies in children. Vitamin D modulates the immune system and its potential role in asthma and allergy has been of interest.
A new study finds that pregnancy can reduce PTSD symptoms in some women, while exacerbating them in others. Women who suffered a new stress or trauma during pregnancy and had anxiety about giving birth were at highest risk of worsening symptoms.
Research found a consistent link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and asthma development, with the strongest association seen in children who had been exposed for multiple complaints. The study, the largest of its kind, also found no strong evidence for an association between maternal or paternal paracetamol use outside pregnancy.
Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic sources during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of 5 years. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, two markers of traffic-related air pollution, was found to increase this risk.
A simple test can rapidly detect preeclampsia, a deadly pregnancy-related condition affecting 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. The Congo Red Dot (CRD) diagnostic test has an accuracy rate of 86%, identifying high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
The study found that pregnant mice exposed to a high fructose diet developed higher peak glucose, insulin resistance, and obesity in their offspring. Female offspring were also heavier and had more visceral adipose tissue, indicating a potential link between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood health.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early treatment with the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir can shorten the time a pregnant woman spends in the hospital, especially for those with severe illness. Annual flu vaccination is also crucial to prevent complications and protect the newborn baby.
Researchers at UTHealth have developed a targeted liposomal indomethacin, called LIPINDORA, which reduces preterm uterine contractions and premature delivery in near-term pregnant mice. The treatment is being tested in human uterine tissue donated from C-sections to assess its effectiveness.
Researchers studied exposure to antidepressants in mice, finding that SSRIs like citalopram rapidly transfer to fetuses and brains. The study's findings suggest potential risks for children of mothers taking these medications during pregnancy.
Researchers developed a new biosensor test system based on magnetic nanoparticles to measure protein concentrations in various samples. The system provides high sensitivity and accuracy, exceeding laboratory methods, and can detect proteins even in opaque liquids.
A study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that women with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy have an increased risk of early mortality. The study analyzed birth certificates from 1939 to 2012 and found that these women had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality, parti...
A new study found that lupus during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia, hypothyroid disease, stroke, and infection among women. The study also reveals worse infant outcomes, including preterm birth, infection, and mortality.
Researchers studied 36 pregnant women to determine if T-follicular helper cell response varies by trimester after vaccination. The results show that the immune system's response is greatest during the first trimester, suggesting immunologic changes may affect vaccine effectiveness.
A team of researchers has developed a new way to prevent preterm birth using nanoparticles, which deliver medication directly to the uterus without crossing the placenta. The treatment, called LIPINDORA, shows promise in reducing preterm labor and avoiding fetal risks.
A new study published in Science found that viral infection during pregnancy can cause autism-like behaviors in mice offspring, characterized by deficits in social approach behavior and repetitive behaviors. Blocking the immune response with antibodies restored normal brain structure and function.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are more than twice as likely to develop high blood pressure in the first year after delivery. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling blood pressure not only during pregnancy, but also after delivery.
A recent study suggests that using paracetamol during pregnancy may reduce female fertility in subsequent generations. Researchers tested the effects of paracetamol and another painkiller on rats and found that female offspring had fewer eggs, smaller ovaries, and reduced reproductive function compared to those not exposed to the drugs.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that women using contraception have three times more regular sexual intercourse than those not using it. The study analyzed data from over 210,000 women in 47 countries, highlighting the importance of separating sex and pregnancy in family planning.
The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in adults, including pregnant and postpartum women, to improve accurate identification of patients with depression. Screening with adequate support systems can also improve clinical outcomes and reduce symptoms.
A new study published in Environmental Health found a 19% increased risk of preterm birth among women exposed to high levels of small particle air pollution. The study also identified higher risks among mothers over 40, black mothers, and those with lower education levels.
Researchers have identified over 13,000 Zika cases in Colombia, with the country now second only to Brazil in reported infections. The team is exploring ways to control the spread of the virus using a bacterium that infects mosquitoes, aiming to prevent transmission and mitigate serious consequences like microcephaly.
Two randomized trials examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on asthma and persistent wheezing in offspring. While no significant protective effect was found, a clinically important effect could not be excluded, suggesting further studies are needed.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the most commonly used TB test failed to accurately diagnose tuberculosis in up to 50% of pregnant women who are HIV+. The researchers developed a new method to identify which women carrying latent TB infection are most likely to develop ...
Researchers discovered an abnormal gene expression in the lining of the womb that is associated with IVF failure. This finding could lead to a new test to predict treatment success and guide patient counseling, helping women understand their chances of achieving a pregnancy before starting treatment.
The University of Warwick is partnering with doctors from University Hospital, Coventry to investigate the causes of early miscarriage. Researchers aim to develop new treatments and improve understanding of why miscarriages occur in some women more frequently than others.
Researchers Christina Diaz and Jeremy E. Fiel found that socioeconomic disadvantage can mitigate the negative impact of young motherhood on educational attainment and future wages. Their study analyzed data from over 3,600 young women and found that better-off teenagers were more affected by early pregnancy.
Researchers discovered a significant link between pregnancy and higher risk of melanoma, including increased death rates, metastasis, and recurrence.
The University of Exeter Medical School has received a £1 million donation from the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation to expand its research on genetic disorders. The gift will support new staff and fund innovative diagnostic testing, improving patient care in the NHS.
A new app called QUiPP was tested in high-risk women to predict preterm birth risk. The app performed well as a predictive tool, outperforming individual factors like cervical length and fetal fibronectin levels.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain development. A balanced diet rich in fish can help prevent premature aging of fetal neural stem cells and improve brain function in children.
Expectant mothers treated at trauma centers experience better outcomes than those treated at non-trauma hospitals, with a 40% lower risk of preterm labor. The study also found decreased odds of premature birth, low birth weight, and meconium at delivery among neonates.
A National Institutes of Health study found that women who eat more potatoes before pregnancy may have higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to those who consume fewer potatoes. Substituting potatoes with other vegetables, legumes or whole grains may help lower gestational diabetes risk, according to the researchers.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher potato consumption before pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Swapping potatoes for other vegetables, legumes, or whole grains may lower this risk, possibly due to their lower glycaemic index.
The use of prescribed opioids during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and other birth defects. Experts recommend limiting opioid use to severe cases only, with careful monitoring if necessary.
A new study by King's College London found that measuring fetal fibronectin at 18-21 weeks of gestation offers a similar predictive value to measurements at 22-27 weeks for spontaneous preterm birth. Combining cervical length with the biomarker test improves diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers have developed a blood test to predict the development of preeclampsia, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The test measures the ratio of serum sFlt-1 to PlGF proteins, allowing for reliable prediction within one week.
A large prospective observational study found no association between oral contraceptive use and major birth defects. The study included over 880,000 live-born infants and found no increased risk among women who became pregnant while using or after stopping the drug.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark found that oral contraceptive use is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, with a prevalence of major birth defects consistent across all pregnant women regardless of contraceptive use.
A University of Cincinnati study using RNA-sequencing analysis on a pregnant cockroach has identified 11,000 possible genes, with unique expressed genes corresponding to each developmental stage. The research holds potential for understanding how stress during pregnancy affects both mother and offspring in mammals.
A recent analysis found that using paroxetine during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase newborns' risk of congenital malformations and cardiac malformations. The study suggests that the benefits of antidepressants during pregnancy are questionable, and non-use or alternative treatments like psychotherapy may be a better option.
A study found that women with breast cancer who received chemotherapy and triptorelin had a higher long-term probability of ovarian function recovery without affecting pregnancy rates or disease-free survival. The treatment showed modest benefits regarding potential prevention of treatment-associated infertility.