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 the Journal of Affective Disorders found that pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder experience significant mental health problems, including self-harm, substance abuse, and complications during delivery. Researchers emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to mitigate these risks.
A study of 64,322 children found that mothers who used acetaminophen during pregnancy were at higher risk for their children developing ADHD-like behaviors and hyperkinetic disorders. The use of acetaminophen in multiple trimesters increased the risk further.
A study from Queen Mary University of London found that less than 1 in 3 women in England have taken folic acid supplements before pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Women from ethnic minority groups and those under 20 were less likely to take the supplements.
Current Medicaid policies create a two-tiered system of access for low-income women seeking tubal ligation. The 30-day mandatory waiting period is excessive and should be shortened or eliminated. Researchers suggest revisiting the policy to honor women's reproductive autonomy and create more equitable access.
A new study found that malnutrition in pregnant African women reduces the effectiveness of HIV treatment, with up to 41% decrease in antiretroviral exposure. The research highlights the need for nutritional support in HIV-infected pregnant women.
Research at The University of Manchester found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption in early pregnancy can reduce cell growth in the placenta. Drinking levels equivalent to half or one standard drink did not have a harmful effect, but reduced taurine transport from mother to baby was observed.
A major pregnancy study has shown that providing healthy eating and exercise advice to overweight pregnant women can significantly reduce the number of babies born over 4kg. The LIMIT Study, which involved over 2200 women, found an 18% reduction in high birth weight babies.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that intensive dialysis treatments in pregnant women with kidney failure lead to higher live birth rates, with fewer complications. Infants born to these mothers tend to be healthier at birth when their mothers receive more frequent and longer dialysis sessions.
A University of Florida study found that exposure to four air pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of developing high blood pressure disorder. The researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 pregnant women and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and hypertension.
A study by University of Warwick researchers found that high-quality human embryos secrete a chemical signal, trypsin, which supports implantation. Low-quality embryos trigger an alarm response, leading to pregnancy loss or complications.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that women with pregnancy complications were more likely to see a doctor post-delivery, but overall visit rates were low. Women with complicated pregnancies and depression or preeclampsia were also more likely to attend primary care visits.
A study found remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia to be less effective in managing pain relief during labor compared to epidural analgesia. The study, which involved 709 women, showed that patients who received remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia had lower pain appreciation scores and overall satisfaction with pain relief.
Research reveals that obesity in pregnancy is a significant risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Women with pre-pregnancy body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more had higher rates of simple cardiovascular events and non-invasive cardiac procedures ten years later.
Researchers found that babies born at home by midwives had a four times higher risk of neonatal deaths than those born in hospitals. The study, using nearly 14 million data points, also revealed an increased risk for first-time mothers and pregnancies beyond 41 weeks.
Researchers found distinct cervical and vaginal microbiota patterns in women destined for preterm birth compared to those with term births. The study revealed significant differences in microbial communities, particularly lower levels of non-CST III bacteria, weeks before the actual preterm birth.
Researchers analyzed data on over 65,000 women and found no association between NSAID use during the first trimester and miscarriage risk. However, they discovered an increased risk of miscarriage after exposure to indomethacin due to potential 'reverse causation bias'.
A study of over 76,000 women found that advanced maternal age is associated with a 40% decreased risk of major congenital malformations. Women aged 35 and older had lower incidence rates for brain, kidney, and abdominal wall defects, while heart defect rates remained unchanged.
A landmark study by researchers found that women with schizophrenia are nearly twice as likely to experience pre-eclampsia, pre-term birth, and other serious pregnancy and delivery complications. The study also revealed high birth weights, increased rates of hypertension and thromboembolic disease in pregnant women with schizophrenia.
Researchers found that routine delivery did not decrease maternal complications but increased neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, while expectant monitoring reduced risks in both mothers and babies. The study suggests that expectant monitoring should be considered for women with hypertensive disorders between 34-37 weeks of pregnancy.
A new approach may help doctors tailor treatments for women at risk of preterm birth by identifying genetic differences. Progesterone injections have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm births, but not all women respond to treatment.
A three-and-a-half year trial found a significant reduction in cesarean deliveries and neonatal morbidity in hospitals implementing best practices and professional training. The study's results confirm that continuing education and internal audits can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that large amounts of choline are needed during pregnancy to support fetal development, and current recommendations may be too low. This increased demand is linked to elevated levels of homocysteine, which can cause birth defects.
A Yale University study found that 50% of women of reproductive age have never discussed their reproductive health with a provider, while 30% visit providers less than once a year or not at all. The study also revealed knowledge gaps on fertility concerns and optimal conception methods.
Research found that women deficient in vitamin D during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy may be at risk of developing severe preeclampsia. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with a 40% reduction in risk of severe preeclampsia, but not mild preeclampsia.
A study published in the EMBO Journal found that cannabis consumption during pregnancy can lead to defective nerve cell development, affecting higher cognitive functions and memory formation. The study identified THC as a key contributor to these developmental deficits.
Researchers found that fetal surgery activates a mother's T cells, which normally reject foreign organs. In mice, this activation leads to preterm labor and fetal death. The study provides possible clues to the high rate of preterm labor after human fetal surgery.
Poor growth in early pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in childhood, including higher blood pressure and adverse cholesterol profiles. The study suggests that the first trimester of pregnancy may be a critical period for cardiovascular health in later life.
Researchers aim to understand the causes of pregnancy complications in assisted reproductive technologies, as well as how hospital environments impact childbirth. The studies will investigate genetic and epigenetic factors and evaluate obstetrical resources to identify optimal levels of care.
Research reveals that fetal exposure to nicotine increases long-term risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in offspring, as the liver produces more triglycerides. The study found that pregnant rats exposed to nicotine had an increased risk of developing these conditions later in life.
A meta-analysis published in The BMJ suggests that infants exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during late pregnancy are at a higher risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to breathing difficulties. However, the authors stress that the overall risk remains low and that depression during pregna...
A new study by Wellesley College economists finds that MTV's '16 and Pregnant' and 'Teen Mom' led to a 5.7 percent reduction in teen births, accounting for one-third of the overall decline. The shows may have conveyed information to teens who were at risk of childbearing, preventing them from giving birth at a young age.
Prenatal retinoid deficiency linked to airway hyperresponsiveness in adult mice, affecting proper airway development and inflammatory responses. Retinoid signaling plays crucial role in preventing inappropriate pulmonary inflammation.
A new longitudinal study suggests that prenatal exposure to maternal stress hormones and smoking during pregnancy increase the risk of nicotine dependence in daughters, but not sons. The study found that elevated cortisol levels and maternal smoking were associated with increased rates of nicotine dependence in female offspring.
A new study finds that heavy viewers of 'Teen Mom' and '16 and Pregnant' have unrealistic perceptions of teen mothers' quality of life, income, and involved fathers. The research, led by Indiana University professors, suggests that these shows lead to a distorted view of reality TV and teen parenthood.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a high presence of bacteria at the site where fetal membranes rupture may be associated with premature water breaking. The study suggests that bacterial presence is linked to thinning of the fetal membranes, which can lead to preterm births.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant link between intimate partner violence and termination of pregnancy, with rates ranging from 2.5% to 30% among women seeking termination. The study suggests that termination services may be an appropriate setting for testing interventions to reduce intimate partner violence.
Research found that mothers with higher vitamin D levels during pregnancy had children with stronger muscles, which could lead to better health outcomes in adulthood. The study measured grip strength and muscle mass in children born to these mothers at age four.
A recent study by Janni Niclasen found that children of mothers who consumed small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy showed improved emotional and behavioral outcomes at age seven. However, the study also highlighted the importance of considering psychological factors such as attachment between mother and child. The research, conduct...
Children born to mothers who ate more nuts during pregnancy may have a lower risk of developing peanut or tree nut allergies. The study found that nonallergic mothers with the highest P/TN consumption had children with the lowest risk of P/TN allergy.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that hospital-diagnosed maternal bacterial infections during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children. The study included 407 children with autism and 2,075 matched children who did not have autism.
A US study found that women who gained too little weight during pregnancy are at increased risk of losing their baby in its first year of life. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, showed that nearly a quarter of women did not gain enough weight during pregnancy.
A study published in The BMJ analyzed data from 7,870 women and found that around 0.5% reported virgin births without using assisted reproductive technology. Virgins were more likely to have signed chastity pledges and had lower levels of communication about sex and birth control with their parents.
Research reveals widespread ignorance among cat owners about their pets' reproductive cycles, leading to millions of unplanned litters and health problems for mother cats and kittens. Improving owner knowledge could significantly reduce the numbers of accidental litters.
A UK study found that common misconceptions about cat reproduction contribute to a significant number of accidental litters. The research reveals that nearly half of respondents believed female cats should have a litter before being neutered or were unsure.
A Mayo Clinic review article highlights the risks associated with elective early-term deliveries, including morbidity in newborns and maternal health concerns. The study calls for increased patient awareness and public education to promote safe term pregnancies.
Researchers found pregnant women adapt to changing spatial awareness through practice and movement. Their judgments of possible doorways are comparable to non-pregnant adults.
Research suggests a link between red meat and increased risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Women are advised to consume more vegetable protein, nuts, and fish, while replacing some red meat with poultry.
A study from Rice University found that pregnant women face more interpersonal hostility in the job search process than non-pregnant women. Addressing stereotypes, particularly inflexibility and commitment levels, can nearly triple their chances of avoiding such treatment.
The project supports the introduction of two innovative contraceptive vaginal rings in USAID-priority countries, including a one-year ring and a three-month Progesterone Vaginal Ring for breastfeeding women. The rings offer effective, user-controlled methods with no need for healthcare provider insertion or refrigeration.
Maternal deaths from haemorrhage have decreased, but still account for the majority of maternal mortality in France. The French National Expert Committee on Maternal Mortality has made recommendations to improve care and reduce avoidable deaths.
Belgium's policy of limiting embryo transfers with six ART cycles reimbursement shows no negative impact on pregnancy and delivery rates, while reducing multiple births. This 'Belgian model' can be considered by governments worldwide to achieve a 50% reduction in MPR and public health costs.
Researchers investigated epigenetic changes in response to maternal cortisol exposure, finding support for prenatal transmission of risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of treating maternal prenatal depression and anxiety to mitigate newborn behavioral problems.
A large Danish study of over 600,000 children found no significant link between antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the risk of autism. After adjusting for parental psychiatric diagnoses, the researchers determined that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not further increase the risk of autism.
A new study from King's College London suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure prior to conception can boost women's chances of an uncomplicated pregnancy. The research found a high intake of fruit during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of an uncomplicated pregnancy.
A University of Tennessee professor has received a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an improved condom design that enhances pleasure while preventing disease and unplanned pregnancies. The new condom incorporates superelastomers, allowing for thinner, more comfortable designs.
A new study found that women exposed to phthalates during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth. The study, which measured phthalate levels in urine samples from pregnant women, found that those with the highest exposure had two-to-five times the odds of preterm birth compared to those with lower exposure.
A Princeton-Harvard study found that Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy Charter School students are 49% more likely to attend college and 71% less likely to become teen mothers compared to their public school peers. The study also showed improved test scores for poor, urban students.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant women exposed to phthalates are at a higher risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed urine samples from 130 women with preterm birth and 352 control participants, revealing an association between increased phthalate metabolite concentrations and higher odds of preterm birth.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reveals that pregnant women with depression often experience conflict when deciding on treatment. They strongly prefer non-drug treatments like psychotherapy and alternative therapies, citing concerns about antidepressant medications' potential effects on the developing baby.
Research suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in children. The study found a strong correlation between certain chemicals and rates of congenital heart defects, particularly septal defects and conotruncal defects.