Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Researchers have found no significant evidence of an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The study, which followed over 1,000 pregnant women across the US and Canada, also found that vaccinated women were more likely to deliver earlier, but only slightly so.
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of coelacanth offspring and found high overlap between mothers and their offspring, suggesting a single father. The study suggests that coelacanth females are monogamous, likely due to mating with a single male for successful fertilization.
A new study from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found no evidence to support suggestions of increased risks of certain birth defects associated with antihistamine use in pregnancy. The study considered over 20,000 new mothers and commonly-used antihistamines available OTC or by prescription.
Researchers from McMaster University found that pregnant women's nesting behavior is an adaptive mechanism to protect and prepare for childbirth. Women exhibit selective company choices and intense cleaning and organizing, peaking in the third trimester.
A revised Medicaid sterilization policy could remove logistical barriers, reducing unintended pregnancies by 29,000 annually and saving $215 million in public health costs. The updated policy would prioritize informed decision-making and equitable access to sterilization, benefiting vulnerable populations.
A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
Researchers found that combining gefitinib with methotrexate treatment effectively cured ectopic pregnancies and reduced the need for surgery, potentially improving fertility outcomes.
Good asthma control is crucial during pregnancy to prevent adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. Studies suggest that poor asthma control can lead to increased risks of hypertension, caesarean section, and low birth weight.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that pregnant women with asthma who smoke are at greater risk of complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study suggests that quitting smoking during pregnancy can lead to some improvement in risks to the child.
Researchers found that women infected with chlamydia or gonorrhoea before pregnancy had a heightened risk of stillbirth and premature birth. Despite controlling for other factors, the study suggests that these infections may be an important predictor of adverse obstetric outcomes.
International experts agree on priority areas for preconception care, including cost-effective integration into health programs, increasing healthcare provision through community workers, and reducing tobacco smoke exposure. The goal is to improve pregnancy outcomes by preparing women for optimal health before conception.
Researchers from The University of Manchester have identified two new proteins that could predict women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy. These proteins, PSG5 and PSG9, were found to be as good a predictor of disease risk as the current best marker, placental growth factor.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women with low adiponectin levels prior to pregnancy are nearly seven times more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Low adiponectin levels were also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
A University of Maryland research team identified a cell signaling pathway that contributes to developmental defects in babies of women with diabetes. The study suggests that reducing ASK1 activity may prevent these defects and proposes the use of a naturally occurring antioxidant, thioredoxin, as a potential therapeutic target.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a link between drinking alcohol before first pregnancy and an increased risk of breast cancer and benign breast disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 91,000 women, suggests that breast tissue is particularly susceptible to carcinogens during this pe...
The American Academy of Periodontology urges pregnant women to prioritize periodontal health to minimize risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Regular dental cleanings and monitoring can help prevent premature birth or low-birth weight babies.
A new study has found a link between high doses of epilepsy medication valproate and increased risk of physical birth defects such as spina bifida and hypospadias in babies. Reducing the dose of valproate during pregnancy can significantly lower this risk, providing pregnant women with epilepsy new hope.
A recent study found a strong association between gestational diabetes and sleep apnea in pregnant women. Women with gestational diabetes lost an hour of sleep each night, increasing their risk for stroke, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
A study by Michigan State University found that participation in a Medicaid-eligible pregnant women's program leads to improved health care during pregnancy and after birth. Women in the program had 25% more postnatal visits than those not enrolled, promoting healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes.
Researchers found that cows fed controlled energy diets became pregnant 10 days sooner than those fed high-energy diets, and had improved body condition scores and lower disease incidence. This is due to the fact that they eat more after calving, reducing negative energy balance.
A study by the University of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that children born to obese mothers are one-third more likely to die before age 55. Hospital admissions for heart problems were almost a third greater among these children.
A study of 64 pregnant women in NYC found that common hearsay and media play a significant role in shaping their expectations about pregnancy. Women often referenced media sources when discussing their experiences, despite minimizing the influence of cultural mythologies in daily conversations.
Research found that pregnant women rely on common hearsay and entertainment media to shape their expectations about pregnancy. Women often cited ethnic-religious traditions and personal experiences in shaping their understanding of pregnancy mythologies.
A high-fat diet fed to pregnant rats for 20 days resulted in preeclampsia-like syndromes and increased expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 in the rat hippocampus. This finding suggests that controlling fat intake may be crucial in preventing pregnancy-induced eclampsia.
A recent study found that pregnant Hispanic women in California consume high levels of toxins such as methylmercury from tuna and PCBs from farmed salmon, which can cause birth defects and developmental delays. The researchers also highlighted the dangers of tap water and caffeine consumption during pregnancy.
A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal suggests that pregnant smokers with low scores on a scale rating emotional attachment to their fetuses may be inclined to smoke more. Women who feel less attached to their fetus tend to have higher levels of cotinine, an indicator of nicotine use.
Researchers at LA BioMed discovered a link between maternal nicotine exposure during pregnancy and asthma in the third generation. The study found that even though the third generation was not directly exposed to nicotine or smoking, they were still more likely to develop asthma due to epigenetic modifications caused by maternal smoking.
Researchers found that rats fed high-fat or high-sugar diets during pregnancy weighed more as adults, drank more alcohol, and had stronger responses to abused drugs. Exposure to sugar-rich diets before birth or nursing increased sensitivity to amphetamine and hyperactivity.
A new analysis of over 4,700 women found that obesity does not significantly affect pregnancy rates when using donor eggs. The study suggests that doctors should not discourage obese women from pursuing treatment if they need donor eggs to conceive.
Researchers found no association between fertility treatment and long-term cardiovascular disease, contradicting previous theories. Women who received fertility therapy had a lower risk of death and major cardiovascular events compared to those without the treatment.
Researchers found that pregnant sows housed on rubber slat mats had a reduced risk of swelling and wounds on the limbs, but an increased risk of sole and heel lesions. The study suggests that rubber slat mats could improve animal well-being by reducing locomotory problems in swine.
Researchers identified two genes, HKDC1 and BACE2, associated with glucose and insulin levels in pregnant women but not in the general population. This study suggests that genetic risk profiles could one day identify individuals at elevated risk for developing gestational diabetes.
Research suggests that mothers stressed during pregnancy, especially those with a passive stress coping style, are more likely to have obese offspring. This style is typically seen in introverted personality types, whereas proactive coping styles are more common in extroverts.
A significant association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring conduct problems was observed among genetically related and unrelated mothers. Conduct disorder is a significant concern globally, and the study sheds light on prenatal risk factors for child psychological problems.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that barriers to preventing malaria in pregnant women are consistent across sub-Saharan African countries. Common issues include unclear policy, healthcare facility shortages, and confusion among providers, delaying antenatal care and impacting uptake of interventions.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no correlation between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum-like behaviors among children in the Republic of Seychelles. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,700 participants, suggests that low-level exposure to mercury may not contribute to developmental problems.
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy has a detrimental effect on fetal central nervous system development. Prenatal ethanol exposure can lead to changes in cyclin-dependent kinase 5 expression, affecting synaptic plasticity and impairing learning and memory functions in offspring.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that poor sleep quality during pregnancy can disrupt the immune system, leading to lower birth weights and other complications. Women with depression are more likely to experience disturbed sleep and immune system disruption.
A study of 172 expectant mothers found that those who gained excessive weight during the first half of pregnancy gave birth to heavier and longer babies with more body fat. Healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy have long-lasting benefits for both mother and child.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that moderate-intensity exercise three times a week during pregnancy halves the risk of having a high birth weight newborn, and reduces the need for a caesarean delivery. The intervention group showed a 58% decrease in macrosomia and a 34% decrease in caesarean deliveries.
The study found that men face more difficulty accessing treatment due to occupational roles, while women are more likely to receive treatment. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women often lack awareness of safe medicine use, leading to missed treatments.
Childhood cancer survivors were nearly 50% more likely to experience clinical infertility compared to their siblings. Around two-thirds of those who reported clinical infertility eventually became pregnant, comparable to the historical pregnancy rate in all women with clinical infertility.
A study published in Epigenetics suggests that a high-folate diet during pregnancy can prevent the development of an obesogenic phenotype in Wistar rat offspring. The diet has epigenetic effects on hypothalamic mechanisms regulating food intake, leading to reduced obesity.
A large Dutch nationwide cohort study found that women giving birth to multiples after IVF treatment have a higher risk of breast cancer. The study suggests a link between high embryo implantation potential and breast cancer risk, with increased levels of VEGF possibly playing a role.
According to scientists, cat feces carry an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that has linked to various diseases and even mental health issues. The accumulation of oocysts in soil, grass, and water may be a significant public health problem, prompting calls for better cat population control.
A study of data from Scotland found that abortion was a strong risk factor for subsequent preterm birth in the 1980s, but this link weakened and disappeared over the next 20 years. Modern methods of abortion reduced the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
Macrophages are essential for producing progesterone, a crucial hormone for embryo implantation. Insufficient macrophages lead to poor embryo implantation and miscarriage. Treatment with progesterone can reverse the effects of reduced macrophage levels.
Researchers found that macrophages help regulate corpus luteum development during embryo implantation, which is essential for successful pregnancy. The absence of macrophages can lead to infertility due to disrupted hormone levels, but restoring them or administering hormones can correct this issue.
A new genome sequencing technique has been used to select embryos for IVF, resulting in the first birth following embryo screening. The 'next generation sequencing' method reveals information on genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the chances of successful pregnancies.
Women who give birth vaginally are at increased risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse during the year after delivery. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when connective tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are damaged, leading to complications such as urinary incontinence and bowel control.
A systematic analysis of acupuncture and in vitro fertilization (IVF) found that adding acupuncture to IVF treatment increased pregnancy success rates at fertility clinics with lower baseline pregnancy rates. The study, published in Human Reproduction Update, suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial as an add-on procedure for these ...
Researchers at the University of Montreal found that a liver protein plays a crucial role in pregnancy and the human menstrual cycle. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that mice genetically engineered to lack the protein had defective placentas and failed pregnancies.
A rare metabolic complication during pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is found to program babies to be overweight and more prone to type 2 diabetes in later life. The study suggests that the environment in the womb plays a major role in metabolic diseases in adults.
Research in Finland and mice found a prenatal link between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and increased child obesity risk. Teenagers born to mothers with the condition had altered metabolic profiles and higher BMI. A mouse model also revealed offspring were more susceptible to metabolic disease and diet-induced obesity.
A study of over 90 studies found that daily iron intake during pregnancy increases average haemoglobin levels and reduces the risk of anaemia. Birth weight is also improved, but no reduction in preterm birth risk was observed.
A study from the University of Adelaide found South Australian women are mildly iodine deficient despite the inclusion of iodized salt in bread. Women taking an iodine supplement during pregnancy received healthy levels of iodine, while those not taking a supplement suffered from deficiency.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that twice weekly iron supplementation is equally effective to daily supplementation in improving birth weight and infant growth outcomes. In contrast, it showed improved cognitive development in infants aged six months and higher adherence rates among pregnant women.
A large study found that moderate drinking during pregnancy does not seem to affect a child's ability to balance. However, social advantage may be a factor, as more affluent and educated mothers tend to drink more. Better static balance was associated with greater levels of affluence and educational attainment.
Women who have given birth are at a higher risk of developing ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study. The increased risk is more pronounced among those who deliver within the first year of symptoms.
The lack of hard data on drug safety during pregnancy is leading to a doubling of deaths among mothers with underlying health conditions. Pregnant women are hesitant to take medications due to concerns about their developing baby, while doctors are also reluctant to prescribe due to limited evidence.