Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study found that comprehensive sex education increases women's use of contraceptives, while moral objections reduce it. The research highlights the importance of access to accurate contraceptive information in promoting better health outcomes for mothers and children.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a significant link between prenatal exposure to flame retardants and lower IQs in five-year-old children. The researchers discovered that elevated levels of PBDE concentrations were associated with a 4.5 IQ decrement, comparable to environmental lead exposure.
A study by the University of Adelaide found that women who eat a poor diet before becoming pregnant are around 50% more likely to have a preterm birth than those on a healthy diet. Women who consistently ate high protein and fruit prior to conception were less likely to have a preterm birth.
A new review highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of rare causes of headaches in pregnancy, including conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension and cerebral venous thrombosis. These conditions can be fatal if not treated promptly and require prompt medical attention.
A Michigan State University study found that women with a strong 'I can' mentality during pregnancy and postpartum periods retained less weight and performed more physical activities. The research team measured physical activity levels, barriers to exercise, and the ability to overcome them in 56 women.
A recent NIH study found that high cholesterol levels may impair fertility in couples trying to achieve a pregnancy. Couples with the highest cholesterol levels took longer to get pregnant, while those with acceptable cholesterol levels had faster conception rates.
Researchers found pregnant women exhibit stronger physiological responses to music, particularly in blood pressure, compared to non-pregnant counterparts. Music appears to have a prenatal conditioning effect on the fetus, influencing heart rate and movement patterns.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples with high cholesterol levels took longer to conceive a child. The study examined the rate of pregnancies among 501 heterosexual couples trying to conceive and found that those with high cholesterol levels had significantly lower fecundity rates.
Women with diabetes before or during pregnancy are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding their newborns. Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of adverse outcomes such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in children born to women with diabetes.
A study published by JAMA found that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy can improve measures of lung function for newborns and decrease the incidence of wheezing in infants up to 1 year. This intervention may help minimize the harmful effects of maternal smoking on respiratory health.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers that can detect Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a life-threatening disorder in pregnant women, allowing for early treatment and a significant reduction in mortality. The test aims to differentiate PPCM from normal pregnancy symptoms, enabling timely intervention.
A new study published in Diabetes journal found that poor-quality sleep during late pregnancy can increase the odds of weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in offspring. Disrupted sleep can lead to epigenetic modifications that reduce expression of the adiponectin gene, resulting in increased body fat and reduced activity.
A study published in CMAJ found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious traffic crashes during the second trimester, with a 42% increase in crashes compared to baseline. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding excessive speed and minimizing distractions, to prevent accidents.
A study by Royal Holloway University found that pregnant women use the right side of their brain more when processing positive emotions, preparing them to bond with their babies. This increased activity may help new mothers better understand and respond to their baby's emotional expressions.
A study found that pregnant women who watched TV during meals were five times more likely to expose their infants to TV during feeding. Younger mothers and those not exclusively breastfeeding also faced this increased risk. The study suggests that reducing mealtime TV viewing during pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.
Researchers have developed a technique to track fetal development by monitoring RNA levels in the blood, revealing insights into gene expression and cellular processes. This approach has potential applications in diagnosing pregnancy complications and detecting diseases like Alzheimer's.
A randomized trial found no significant difference in cognitive, language, and executive functioning abilities between children receiving prenatal DHA supplementation and those receiving a placebo. The study suggests that DHA supplementation during pregnancy may not enhance early childhood development.
A study found that maternal smoking during the first trimester is linked to an increased risk of congenital heart defects, particularly among older women and heavy smokers. The research suggests that smoking during pregnancy may account for up to 1-2% of all heart defects.
The study found no significant increase in adverse events for mothers or infants who received the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Infants born to vaccinated mothers had higher concentrations of pertussis antibodies, a key finding that could help prevent infant pertussis.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women with high gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels before pregnancy were twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes. The study also suggests a potential risk model to identify women who could benefit from pre-conception interventions.
Since 1990, global maternal and child deaths have declined by nearly half, with significant acceleration after the Millennium Development Goals were set. Improved education, income growth, technological advances, and increased investment in maternal and child health have contributed to this progress.
A comprehensive US study found that pregnant women with sleep apnea are five times more likely to die in the hospital than those without the condition. The researchers also linked sleep apnea to an increased risk of severe medical conditions, including preeclampsia and pulmonary blood clots.
Research reveals that maternal malnutrition can lead to growth restriction, obesity, and diabetes in offspring, with a domino effect on the health of grandoffspring. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, may contribute to this transmission of disease risk.
A new study has identified molecules that send detrimental signals in preeclampsia patients, which may lead to poor health outcomes in babies born to mothers with the syndrome. The researchers found that these molecules are associated with increased risk of disease later in life.
A systematic review of 31,085 deliveries found that induced labor is associated with a lower risk of cesarean delivery. Prostaglandin E2 is linked to significant reductions in cesarean risks.
Researchers found that almonds can help curb appetites, improve nutrient intake and reduce abdominal fat mass in adults. Snacking on almonds may be a weight-wise strategy depending on the foods consumed, with their nutrient profile supporting a healthy weight.
Research found that pregnant immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean islands are at higher risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia compared to women from other regions. Obstetricians should consider these pregnancies as high-risk and provide enhanced surveillance and culturally sensitive care.
A new study by Yale University and UC Davis researchers found that hysteroscopic sterilization is more than 10 times more likely to result in pregnancy over a 10-year period compared to laparoscopic sterilization. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making among women considering sterilization.
A behavioral economic approach offering financial incentives significantly increased smoking abstinence rates among pregnant women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Fetal growth also improved, with a substantial increase in healthy outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found chronic hypertension in pregnant women increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal death. The study analyzed nearly 800,000 pregnancies worldwide, highlighting the need for heightened surveillance and pre-pregnancy counseling.
A study found that women with higher body mass index (BMI) before or in early pregnancy have an increased risk of fetal death, stillbirth, and infant death. Women who are severely obese face the greatest risk, with a two- to three-fold increase compared to those with a BMI of 20.
Research suggests that both underweight and overweight women during pregnancy may increase the risk of their children becoming overweight. Women with normal BMI before pregnancy who gain too much or too little weight are more likely to have a child with obesity.
A new study reveals a strong connection between domestic abuse and postpartum mental health problems, including depression, PTSD, stress, anxiety, OCD, and more. The research found that women who experienced abuse were more likely to suffer from mental health issues, with specific types of abuse linked to specific symptoms.
Researchers found that two-thirds of women on antidepressants stopped breastfeeding after pregnancy, while one-third continued with successful outcomes. The health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children far outweigh any potential risks from medication.
A study of 1228 women found that low-dose aspirin did not improve live birth rates or reduce pregnancy loss, but showed benefits for those who had experienced a single pregnancy loss within the previous year. Women should consult their healthcare providers before taking any medication while trying to conceive.
Unplanned pregnancies remain high despite high contraceptive use and emergency contraception availability. Inadequate knowledge about the emergency contraceptive pill usage and access contributes to this issue.
A recent study found that a large majority of Albertans, 63%, support mental health screening during pregnancy. The survey also showed that 72.7% of women of child-bearing age favour postpartum screening, which jumped to 88.5% among this demographic.
A study found that heat waves in Montreal increased the risk of early-term delivery by 17-27%, with nearly 20,000 births occurring after a day when temperatures reached 32°C or higher. This may lead to increased morbidity in newborns, particularly those born at 37-38 weeks.
Research suggests that women with four or more children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with a two-fold higher risk of abnormal coronary artery calcium scores and aortic wall thickness. This association remains even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, education, race, and known risk factors.
Researchers found that women with high levels of stress biomarkers are more than twice as likely to meet the clinical definition of infertility compared to those with low levels. The study also suggests that managing stress using techniques like yoga and meditation may help women conceive, although it's not the only factor involved.
The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research releases a special issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), highlighting its negative effects and need for recognition. Studies from various countries explore prevention, treatment, and care for individuals with FASD.
A surveillance study found that pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of Haemophilus influenzae infection, which can cause serious complications such as premature birth, stillbirth, and fetal loss. The study also suggests that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing unencapsulated H influenzae disease.
A collaborative study has identified metabolomic biomarkers in urine and serum samples of women with preeclampsia, suggesting an early metabolic profile difference from women with normal pregnancies. The findings may lead to earlier detection and potentially prevent the disease.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy had a larger carotid artery wall thickness, indicating an increased risk of early atherosclerosis and heart disease. This finding suggests that reproductive complications can signal future disease risk.
Research suggests that a history of gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for early atherosclerosis in women during midlife. The study found that pregnant women who developed gestational diabetes had a slightly larger carotid artery intima-media thickness, an early measure of sub-clinical atherosclerosis, compared to those who didn't.
Research finds nicotine patches do not aid pregnant women in quitting smoking; behavioral support remains most effective approach. Average birth weights similar between groups, but nicotine patch linked to higher blood pressure.
A study published in BMJ found that pregnant women who followed a 'prudent' diet pattern had a 15% lower risk of preterm delivery compared to those with an unhealthy diet. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 women and controlled for other known risk factors.
Research suggests that drinking alcohol during early pregnancy may heighten the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with even moderate consumption increasing the likelihood of these outcomes. Women from more affluent backgrounds were found to be more likely to drink excessively.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that preserving a fallopian tube following an ectopic pregnancy has no significant benefit for fertility prospects. The research, published in The Lancet, compared outcomes between two surgical treatments: salpingectomy and salpingotomy.
Researchers found blocking an inflammatory protein in mice prevents brain injury, but not premature birth. The anti-inflammatory drug halted brain damage without affecting birth timing.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that over half of non-smoking pregnant women (55%) are passive smokers. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and cognitive development issues. Researchers attributed this largely to their partners' smoking at home.
Researchers have found that daily exposure to very low concentrations of Bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy can cause fetal abnormalities in primates. The study, which used rhesus monkeys as a model, found significant adverse effects on mammary glands, ovaries, brain, uterus, lung, and heart tissues.
Research reveals that female lizards' bright orange patches on their underbellies signal peak fertility to males, attracting them with showy behavior. Males also exhibit aggressive behavior towards pregnant females, which can be deterred by the females' display of bright orange color.
A large observational study found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy. The risk is cumulative and heightened with the length of exposure.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that secondhand smoke exposure is associated with increased risk of fetal loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth. Women who never smoked but were exposed to secondhand smoke had a significantly higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Overweight pregnant women who believe they are 'eating for two' tend to experience excessive weight gain, while those with a goal-oriented approach and healthy habits gain appropriate weight. Monitoring weight gain during pregnancy can help prevent future complications and obesity.
Women living in world regions with high HIV rates are at high risk of acquiring HIV during pregnancy and postpartum. The combined HIV incidence rate among pregnant/postpartum women was 3.8/100 person-years, significantly higher in African countries than non-African countries.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African-American youth who gambled before age 18 were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, leading to unintended consequences. The research suggests a potential link between gambling and sex behaviors in this demographic.
The UK's mother to child HIV transmission rate has dropped to an all-time low of 0.46%, according to a study published in the journal AIDS. The decline is attributed to earlier initiation of antenatal combination antiretroviral therapy and increased uptake of antenatal HIV screening.
Researchers at UCLA found a significant link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study, which examined data from over 64,000 mothers and their children, suggests that long-term acetaminophen use may disrupt fetal brain development an...