Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that metformin decreases the production of toxins elevated in preeclampsia and helps heal injured blood vessels. The drug is considered safe during pregnancy, offering a potential new treatment option for women with preeclampsia.
The UK's failure to fortify flour with folic acid has caused around 2000 avoidable cases of neural tube defects since 1998. Researchers recommend adopting the US policy to curb associated deaths and disability, citing a potential fall in prevalence of 21% if implemented.
Research found that immigrant parents in Canada had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. The study also identified specific countries with higher rates of preterm birth among certain groups.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that antidepressants used during the final two trimesters of pregnancy were associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The study, which analyzed data on over 145,000 pregnancies and infants, found a significant increase in ASD diagnoses among children exp...
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of autism in children. The study analyzed data from over 145,000 pregnancies and found an 87% increased risk of autism when antidepressants were used during the second or third trimester.
A new Canadian guideline provides recommendations for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. The guideline recommends counseling women and their partners about abstinence during pregnancy, screening pregnant women for alcohol use, and conducting complet...
A study combining parents' and professionals' views sets research priorities for stillbirth, identifying areas such as ultrasound evaluation and bereavement care as key focuses. The study received over 1600 responses, providing valuable insights into the complexities of stillbirth and its impact on families.
Research shows that inadequate prenatal iron intake can exert subtle effects on infant brain development. Higher dietary iron intake is associated with greater complexity and maturity of cortical gray matter, while lower intake is linked to lesser complexity and more immaturity.
New research involving over 450,000 Swedish women found that mothers who gained a moderate amount of weight between their first and second pregnancies increased the risk of their baby dying in its first year of life. Weight loss before pregnancy also reduced the likelihood of neonatal death in babies of overweight women.
A new study suggests that antibiotic use during the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood wheeze. However, when confounding factors such as maternal infections and respiratory conditions are accounted for, the link between antibiotic use and childhood wheeze becomes less clear.
A Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled study found that taking estriol along with conventional medications helped RRMS patients avoid relapses. Estriol treatment improved cognition and prevented brain atrophy, potentially providing a one-two punch against the disease.
A recent study found that neural tube defects in Europe have not declined substantially over the past 20 years, despite long-standing recommendations for folic acid supplements. The study analyzed data from 11,000 cases and suggested that mandatory fortification of food staples with folic acid could be an effective means of prevention.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Public Health examined why African American and Hispanic women have higher rates of unintended pregnancies than White women. Researchers found that unique factors such as maternal age, income, health insurance status, US born status, and educational level contributed to these dispar...
Research led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that blood from preschoolers contains molecular evidence of prenatal smoking exposure, detectable 5 years post-birth. The study uses epigenetic analysis to identify a signature associated with smoking during pregnancy, which may also be linked to other toxins and hea...
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that breastfeeding significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. Women who exclusively or mostly breastfed for at least two months after giving birth were half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes within two years after delivery.
Physicians' conscientious objections to assisted death will be respected in Canada, with a system created to allow patients to receive medical support for dying while vulnerable patients and caregivers fight their doctors for rights. A direct service will be offered to patients, and physicians informed of the service.
A new study suggests parasitic worms can impact human reproduction rates, with roundworms increasing childbearing by up to two more children than uninfected women, while hookworms decrease it by up to three fewer children.
A recent study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy do not harm the child's intelligence or behavior. Researchers analyzed data from 2,197 expectant mothers and found no associations between maternal caffeine intake and childhood obesity or behavioral problems.
Research by UCSB anthropologists found that parasitic intestinal worms can impact the timing of pregnancies among Tsimane women, with hookworm infection increasing intervals between births and roundworm infection shortening them. This study suggests helminth infections may affect demographic patterns in developing populations.
Women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder have a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly within three years before or after disease onset. Preeclampsia is also more common among women with the condition, especially those with multiple autoimmune disorders or previous miscarriages.
A new study has revealed key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies in cases of term stillbirth. The investigation found 'missed opportunities' that could have potentially saved baby lives, highlighting areas such as diabetes testing, fetal growth monitoring, and bereavement care.
Achieving a healthy weight before becoming pregnant significantly reduces the risk of infant death in the first year of life. Gaining an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy also plays a crucial role in infant mortality.
Researchers investigated skin samples from pregnant women with recent-formed stretch marks, finding disrupted elastic fibers that remain damaged after giving birth. The study suggests that preserving existing elastic fibers may be a more effective approach than repairing damaged ones within stretch marks.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports suggests that genetic identical twins may exhibit uneven growth as early as the first few days after conception. This phenomenon occurs when two inner cell masses within a single embryo are at different stages of development, leading to unequal growth throughout pregnancy.
A new study found that financial incentives significantly increase engagement with stop-smoking services and improve quitting rates among pregnant smokers. The report's findings support the use of these incentives as a sound investment in public health, particularly in high-income countries.
A new platform, GEneSTATION, combines diverse 'omics' data with life history information to advance scientific understanding of human pregnancy. Researchers hope it will lead to new treatments for preterm birth and other complications.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect approximately 7,000 UK infants annually, causing irreversible brain damage and long-term health issues. The UK lags behind other developed countries in FASD research, leading to confusion among pregnant women and inadequate support for those affected.
A Dartmouth College-led study finds that children born to mothers exposed to higher levels of arsenic during pregnancy are at a greater risk of infections and respiratory symptoms within their first year of life. This increased susceptibility may signal a greater risk of later-life allergic diseases or respiratory impairment.
A recent study published by Hospital for Special Surgery has identified complement activation as a strong predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with lupus. Elevated levels of Bb and sC5b-9 were found to be associated with an over 50% increase in the rate of pregnancy complications.
Recent studies focus on hypertension in overweight and obese adolescents, revealing under-diagnosis despite risk factors. Lead exposure in pregnancy is linked to higher blood pressure in young children. Microparticles released from cells cause fetal death, preeclampsia, and embryonic growth restriction in mice.
Researchers found pregnant women with depression symptoms spend more time sitting down, leading to greater weight gain and higher risk of gestational diabetes. Reducing sitting time may improve metabolic health during pregnancy.
A NOAA-led team found that only 20% of pregnant dolphins in Barataria Bay gave birth to healthy calves, compared to an 83% success rate in a similar population. The study also revealed high rates of reproductive failure and death among dolphins exposed to oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Researchers found that women with higher levels of abdominal fat during their first trimester are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes later on. The study used ultrasound scans to measure visceral and total abdominal fat, both of which were predictors of gestational diabetes.
Dr. Christine Olson, a renowned expert in fetal-maternal nutrition, has been named the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins honoree. Her research has provided critical information on the risks of excessive weight gain during pregnancy and its impact on baby health.
A comprehensive review of 135,000 pregnancies found that two most commonly prescribed macrolides have no adverse effects on child's physical development. The study used data from Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and failed to find any meaningful association between macrolide use and major congenital malformations.
Transgender men who can bear children face significant healthcare challenges due to a lack of training and inadequate policies. Healthcare providers often struggle to provide quality care, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital confirmed that the drug praziquantel is safe for use in pregnant women following their first trimester, a finding that could spur improved access to treatment for millions of women worldwide. The study showed no adverse events for pregnant women or newborns, and iron status improved in both groups.
Researchers found that female mongooses with high stress hormone levels have fewer pups survive their first month. The study provides insight into the effects of maternal stress on offspring survival in cooperative animal societies.
A recent study suggests that offering pregnant women a DNA test for Down's syndrome on the NHS could reduce the number of invasive tests and potentially save lives. The 'cell-free' DNA test has been found to be highly reliable and can be easily incorporated into routine clinical care within the NHS.
Researchers have identified a cellular signal in amniotic fluid that builds up when a pregnant woman is about to go into labor. The study found that telomere fragments in the fluid increase with fetal maturity and can trigger inflammation, signaling fetal readiness for delivery.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that high post-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse. Maintaining a healthy weight after delivery may play an important role in preventing early stages of prolapse, according to the research.
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that nearly three-quarters of mothers and fathers start developing vaccine preferences for their newborns before they know they are having a baby. Parents who were more educated and had previously discussed vaccines with their partner were more likely to form these early preferences.
A new study published in JAMA found that pregnant women with preeclampsia have a higher risk of delivering an infant with a congenital heart defect. The research examined hospital records of over 1.9 million mother and infant pairs, revealing significant association between the diseases.
Research found that excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy is associated with greater body fat and weight seven years after delivery, particularly among women who begin pregnancy at normal or slight overweight. The study suggests that these women may need additional support to gain weight appropriately during pregnancy.
A Japanese study found that exposure to secondhand smoke at four months old is associated with a twofold increased risk of caries in deciduous teeth. The study analyzed data from over 76,000 children and found that household smoking was also linked to an increased risk of tooth decay.
A large analysis found that preeclampsia is associated with a higher risk of noncritical heart defects in infants. Infants born to mothers with early-onset preeclampsia before 34 weeks also showed an increased risk of critical heart defects. However, the absolute risk remains low.
Researchers analyzed 640 pregnancies in 142 mares to understand the impact of maternal lineage on gestation length and foal characteristics. The study found that certain maternal lineages produce more female foals, with young and older mares contributing to this trend. These findings have implications for horse breeding practices.
A new study found that the signatories to the Public Health Responsibility Deal alcohol labelling pledge are not fully meeting their pledge. Labelling information frequently falls short of best practice, including poor legibility and clarity.
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that mothers with gestational diabetes have slower-firing brains in their unborn children. This may be due to the mother's metabolism influencing her child's development and increasing their risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.
A new study found that mothers who experienced more stressful events during their pregnancies had children who scored lower on a test of movement competence. Children born to stressed mothers showed poorer fine and gross motor skills, which can lead to difficulties in everyday life.
A large study published in The BMJ found that women who underwent hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure device had a significantly higher risk of reoperation following complications. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 and 44,000 women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization.
Research finds expectant mothers near fracking wells face increased risk of preterm birth and high-risk pregnancies, with potential links to air quality and maternal stress. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider health impacts when permitting future wells.
Researchers identified a common genetic variant associated with aneuploidy, a condition causing chromosome gains and losses during embryonic development. The variant was found to be strongly linked to early pregnancy loss and IVF treatment failure.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercising up to five times a week before pregnancy can help prevent pelvic girdle pain. High-impact activities like jogging and ball games were most beneficial.
A study of 41 Danish women who received ovarian tissue transplants found that the procedure is effective in restoring ovarian function and fertility in up to 10 years. The majority of patients (31%) became pregnant, with some even experiencing full-term pregnancies.
Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol due to the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome and developmental abnormalities. Current guidance is inconsistent and often misleading, leaving women uncertain about safe levels of consumption.
A growing number of state Medicaid agencies cover contraceptive devices immediately after delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes. IUDs inserted postpartum have a slightly higher risk of falling out than delayed placement, but the risk of complications is low.
Pregnant women with rare autoimmune diseases face higher risks of hypertensive disorders, bleeding complications, and preterm births. Infants born to these mothers are also at increased risk of life-threatening conditions, emphasizing the importance of close prenatal care.
A new Indiana University study reveals that sexual activity promotes types of immunity supporting conception. The research found higher levels of helper T cells and immunoglobulins in sexually active women compared to those who were abstinent.
Research from the South Asian Birth Cohort study suggests that South Asians may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes immediately after birth due to higher levels of adipose tissue and waist circumference.