Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Experts recommend prioritizing pregnant women for long-lasting insecticide treated nets through antenatal care clinics. This distribution strategy can help improve maternal, neonatal, and infant health by preventing malaria, which has adverse effects on mothers and infants.
A phase III trial found that continuous REVLIMID (lenalidomide) with dexamethasone improved progression-free survival and reduced risk of disease progression compared to standard treatment. Patients treated with continuous REVLIMID plus dexamethasone showed a significant reduction in risk of progression or death.
A study published in Epidemiology found that exposure to parabens and triclosan during pregnancy may hinder boys' growth, while bisphenol A was not associated with any significant impact. The research also suggested a link between parabens and increased weight at birth and three years old.
Women with mechanical heart valves are at high risk of thrombotic complications, haemorrhagic events, and late foetal loss during pregnancy. The study found that 1.4% of pregnant women with a mechanical valve died, while nearly 20% lost their baby.
New research found an epigenetic link between a mother's diet and an offspring's risk of future obesity. Excess methylation on the Pomc gene blocks its expression, leading to delayed satiety response and increased food intake.
A study of 158 pregnant teenagers found nearly half engaged in pica behaviors, such as consuming ice and starches, which are also associated with lower iron levels. This can lead to anemia, premature births, and low birth weights, posing a significant risk to infant mortality rates.
A new study by CU Denver researcher Zaneta Thayer found that poor women experience higher cortisol levels during pregnancy, giving birth to infants with elevated cortisol responses to stress. These early life disparities can lead to serious disease later in life and highlight the need for stress reduction and social support.
Seroprevalence of HSV-1 remains stable, while HSV-2 decreases significantly among all races, with a greater decline for white women than black women. The study found no association between the decline in HSV-2 prevalence and a decrease in neonatal herpes cases.
A new national survey reveals that only 13% of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of abortion, with no correlation between state or politics. The study suggests that comprehensive and evidence-based sexual reproductive health education is needed to address lack of informed decision-making.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that white, straight women are more likely to seek fertility help than racial or sexual minority women. Lack of insurance is a significant factor in lower rates of fertility assistance for lesbian and bisexual women, especially in recent years.
Researchers developed XRay, a first step in understanding online personal data transparency. The tool analyzes data inputs and outputs to detect abusive practices, revealing sensitive topics and obscure targeting behaviors.
A UK study found that smoking during pregnancy affects grandkids' growth, with paternal grandmother's smoke increasing daughters' height and both sexes' bone mass. Maternal grandmother's smoke, however, linked to sons' increased weight and muscle mass during adolescence.
A statewide survey in Oregon found that most doctors recommend flu vaccine to healthy pregnant patients, but only half of American women receive the vaccine while pregnant. Doctors who see more pregnant patients or are younger are more likely to recommend vaccination.
A new trial in Bangladesh aims to assess the effect of lactoferrin on treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. If successful, it could lead to cost-efficient improvements in global newborn health and development.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells exploit a signaling pathway used by normal mammary stem cells during pregnancy to produce faster-growing, more aggressive tumors. This connection may contribute to the increased short-term risk of highly aggressive breast cancers following each pregnancy.
A recent study found triclosan in all pregnant women's urine samples and in half of umbilical cord blood samples, posing developmental and reproductive problems. The exposure to these antimicrobial agents could contribute to antibiotic resistance and affect birth sizes.
Research in rats reveals that stress experienced by mothers, grandmothers, or even great-grandmothers can lead to shorter pregnancies and higher glucose levels in their offspring. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inherited epigenetic effects and preterm birth risk.
A systematic review of studies found that 1 in 4 pregnant women experience malaria, yet most receive inappropriate treatment. Barriers include poor knowledge among healthcare providers and reliance on clinical diagnosis.
Researchers found a red blood cell folate concentration range of 1,000 to 1,300 nmol/L may prevent neural tube defects. This biomarker could inform folic acid fortification programs and monitor their success.
Researchers at Oregon State University found two alternative strategies to counteract the negative impact of obesity on birth control pills. These include a slight increase in pill dose or continuous use without a 'period week', potentially improving pregnancy prevention for obese women.
A new study led by Dr. Marc Rodger finds that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has no positive benefits for pregnant women, and may even cause harm by increasing bleeding and reducing access to anesthesia during childbirth. The study's results are a significant relief for many women who had been prescribed the treatment for decades.
A new study by UT Arlington researchers found that many young adults are not aware of the female condom, a barrier method protecting against STIs and unplanned pregnancies. The study suggests that effective communication is crucial for its adoption, with design, protection, and convenience being key characteristics.
A study found that receiving antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) during pregnancy did not result in significant differences in pregnancy incidence, birth outcomes, and infant growth compared to those who received placebo. The study's findings suggest uncertainty regarding the safety of PrEP therapy prior to pregnancy.
A crucial molecular key, Wnt5a, has been identified for healthy embryo implantation and pregnancy. Disruption of this signaling pathway can lead to infertility, miscarriage, or preterm birth.
A recent study analyzing data from 77,701 women found that those who experienced a history of miscarriage or stillbirth had a higher risk of coronary heart disease later in adulthood. Women with two or more miscarriages were found to have an odds ratio of 1.18 for coronary heart disease compared to those with no miscarriages.
A study from Duke University found that the sex of children born to couples is linked to relationship conflict and pregnancy stress. Girls are more likely to be born into strained marriages, while boys may not survive such pregnancies as easily as girls do.
Researchers at Imperial College London found a link between specific urine metabolites and spontaneous premature birth. Decreased levels of certain molecules were associated with poor fetal development and increased risk of diabetes.
A study found that women who experienced a third or fourth degree perineal tear in a previous delivery have a five-fold increased risk of severe tearing in subsequent births. The study analyzed data from over 639,000 first-time mothers and revealed that elective caesarean sections were more common among those with a previous tear.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that 50 pregnant women develop life-threatening maternal sepsis, often progressing rapidly, while antibiotics do not prevent progression to severe sepsis. The authors recommend closer monitoring of symptoms and follow-up for pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected infections.
University of Iowa researchers have identified a biomarker that can predict preeclampsia at least 6 weeks into pregnancy, enabling early detection and potentially preventing severe health issues. The study's findings hold significant implications for obstetric care in rural and underserved communities.
Pregnant women are relying on internet search engines and social media for medical guidance, as they feel doctor's office literature is insufficient. The structure of prenatal care has changed little over the past century, leading to a disconnect between what healthcare providers offer and what patients want.
High-volume neonatal centers have been shown to significantly improve premature newborn survival rates, with a 30% increase for overall premature births and a 50% increase for very premature babies born after less than 27 weeks of pregnancy. This study suggests that centralized care in these units leads to better outcomes.
A new study suggests that using computer-automated, time-lapse embryo photography during in-vitro fertilization can improve embryo selection, leading to a higher chance of pregnancy. The technology allowed researchers to assess embryo development and predict which embryos were more likely to become viable blastocysts.
A large Danish study found that women who had a Caesarean section were at a slightly increased risk of subsequent stillbirth (14%) and ectopic pregnancy (9%), but not miscarriage. The overall risk remains small, however.
A large case-control study found that pregnancies from egg donation are associated with a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The study included over 580 pregnancies and found that the risk was more than three-fold higher for routine IVF patients.
A study found that oral contraceptive users have significantly lower measures of ovarian reserve compared to non-users, with a marked suppressive effect on anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count. The results suggest that women taking the Pill may need more frequent assessments of their reproductive status.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that deploying a small number of skilled midwives in the world's poorest nations could prevent over a quarter of maternal, fetal, and infant deaths worldwide. Increasing midwife coverage to 60% by 2015 could save nearly 2.3 million mothers and babies.
A UCSF-led study found that nearly 80% of obstetricians agree that physicians have a role in helping patients reduce exposures to environmental health hazards. However, only one in five physicians routinely ask about these exposures or receive training on toxic chemicals' effects.
A California-based study found that pregnant women living near fields with chemical pesticide applications had a higher risk of having children with autism or developmental delays. The study identified associations between specific classes of pesticides and increased risks of these conditions.
A major new Series in The Lancet emphasizes the critical role of midwifery in saving millions of women and children worldwide. Effective midwifery can prevent up to three-quarters of stillbirths and maternal deaths, and even modest improvements in coverage could halve current rates by 2030.
A new study from Turkey finds that women with gestational diabetes perform worse on cognitive function tests, including a 30-point test for mild cognitive impairment and visual memory tests. The researchers suggest that early interventions and therapies may delay cognitive impairment in diabetes.
A blood kisspeptin level test may effectively predict the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women, with levels 60% lower than those in healthy pregnancies associated with a higher risk. The test more accurately predicted future miscarriage compared to hCG levels.
Research from McMaster University suggests a correlation between maternal use of fluoxetine during pregnancy and increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children. The study's findings raise concerns about the long-term metabolic complications in children born to women who take SSRIs during pregnancy.
A new study found that maternal use of the antidepressant fluoxetine during pregnancy increases the risk of fatty liver disease in adult offspring. The researchers studied rats exposed to fluoxetine in utero and found a significant association with metabolic abnormalities.
Research published in Nature Communications reveals a faulty electrical switch in the uterus of overweight women, causing irregular contractions and increasing the risk of caesarean sections. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind labour complications in overweight women, paving the way for potential treatments.
A new registry study from Aarhus University found that severe stress during pregnancy can lead to increased risk of overweight and obesity in adulthood. The study, based on data from 119,908 young men, suggests that mothers who experienced bereavement had a significant impact on their sons' BMI, with those who lost their husbands havin...
A special issue of Studies in Family Planning examines the reasons behind unmet need for contraception, highlighting factors such as social pressure, insufficient information, and side effects. The articles provide practical strategies to increase contraceptive knowledge and uptake, ultimately improving family planning programs.
A study of 2,654 pregnant women found that PTSD and a major depressive episode were associated with a four-fold increased risk of preterm birth. The risk appears independent of antidepressant or benzodiazepine medication use.
A new report from the March of Dimes reveals that Hispanic women are more likely to have a baby with a neural tube birth defect and nearly a quarter of all preterm births in the US are Hispanic. Thalia, a global ambassador for the organization, is urging Hispanic women to be informed about pregnancy and baby health.
A new study found that a text messaging program, Text4baby, significantly improves health risk beliefs and behaviors in pregnant women. The pilot study recruited 943 pregnant women and found that exposure to the program reduced targeted health risks, including pre-natal care attitudes and alcohol use during pregnancy.
Women with shorter birth spacing have shorter pregnancy lengths, increasing the risk of preterm birth. African-American women are more likely to experience this issue, regardless of timing.
A new study from Drexel University suggests that in utero exposure to antidepressant medications may contribute to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study analyzed large population-based registers and found a two-fold increased risk for ASD associated with in utero exposure to SSRIs.
Research suggests that resveratrol supplements during pregnancy can cause pancreatic abnormalities in fetuses, posing a risk to human health. The study found benefits of resveratrol for blood flow and obesity protection but negative effects on the fetal pancreas.
A new study from Project Ice Storm found that prenatal maternal stress predicts asthma-like symptoms and autistic-like traits in 6 1/2 year-old children. The greater the mothers' objective hardship and subjective distress, the more severe their children's autistic-like traits at 6½ years of age.
A seven-year study of pregnant women taking antipsychotics found that 43% of babies needed special care after birth, with increased rates of premature birth, respiratory distress and withdrawal symptoms. The study highlights the need for clearer health guidelines on using antipsychotic medication during pregnancy.
A substantial proportion of hypertensive pregnant women have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that can reduce blood oxygen levels during the night. Habitual snoring is often an early sign to identify this risk, which can improve health outcomes if recognized and managed.
A study published in the FASEB Journal found that resveratrol supplements caused significant developmental abnormalities in the pancreas of offspring from pregnant monkeys, raising concerns about their safety during pregnancy. Researchers recommend that pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant avoid taking the supplement.
Research found pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit low-grade inflammation, worsening during pregnancy. This abnormal inflammation may contribute to increased risk of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Researchers found that female mice deprived of dietary zinc before conception experienced fertility problems and had smaller, less-developed fetuses. Zinc deficiency caused a high incidence of pregnancy loss and delayed or aberrant embryo development.
Female bark scorpions exhibit poor sprinting ability but rapidly sting in response to simulated threats. In contrast, male scorpions have superior sprinting ability and longer legs.