Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Research found that heart disease accounted for approximately one-quarter of pregnancy-related deaths in California between 2002-2005. Women who died from cardiac causes were more likely to be African-American or obese, and often had undiagnosed high blood pressure during their pregnancies.
Global health leaders have outlined a comprehensive research agenda to tackle the growing problem of preterm birth, the leading cause of newborn deaths. The 'Solution Pathway' aims to accelerate prevention and reduce mortality and disability through innovative research and practical interventions.
Research from Bispebjerg University Hospital in Denmark found that women with asthma took longer to conceive compared to those without. The study revealed a higher proportion of prolonged time to pregnancy among asthmatic women, particularly those with untreated asthma.
Pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery are at higher risk of giving birth to preterm or small-for-gestational age babies. The study found a lower risk of large babies in these women. Researchers conclude that women with bariatric surgery history should be counselled regarding their increased risk.
Researchers discovered that changes in vaginal bacteria and placental levels of lactobacillus can alter the newborn's gut microbiome and affect brain development. The study also found a potential link between placental OGT protein levels and offspring neurodevelopment.
Pregnancies with twins or higher-order multiple births cost significantly more due to increased maternal morbidities, cesarean sections, and neonatal intensive care. Strategies to minimize multiple embryo transfer are recommended to reduce the burden associated with multiple pregnancies.
Research at the University of Montreal found that even 20 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week during pregnancy enhances brain activity in newborns. The study suggests that this early stimulation can lead to improved cognitive and motor development in children.
Research suggests that pregnant women who receive allergy shots may reduce their child's risk of asthma, food allergies, and eczema. Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can modify and prevent disease progression.
A Vanderbilt study found that women with chronic autoimmune diseases who take immunosuppressive medications during their first trimester of pregnancy are not putting their babies at significantly increased risk of adverse outcomes. The study included over 600 infants and used health plan data from three geographically diverse health pl...
Hospital admission during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of serious blood clots (venous thromboembolism), with a particularly high rate among women aged 35 and over. Women hospitalized for three or more days also face an increased risk.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that prenatal group visits for expectant Japanese women who discussed childbirth and baby care topics with peers felt less anxious and better prepared. The groups allowed women to connect on a personal level, share experiences, and take control of their pregnancy.
A new Clinical Practice Guideline recommends that all pregnant women with no prior diagnosis of diabetes be tested for the condition at their first prenatal visit. Early detection can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy. The guideline also provides recommendations for testing, treatment, and follow-up care for wom...
A study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that syphilis screening and treatment in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa could be a cost-effective use of resources, preventing up to 25,000 newborn deaths and 64,000 stillbirths each year. The intervention could also prevent 2.6 million DALYs annually.
A study found that clinicians are more likely to recommend invasive prenatal tests like amniocentesis for mothers who conceived naturally, compared to those who used assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The 'precious baby' phenomenon may affect medical advice, with doctors being influenced by the method of conception.
A new test identifying low levels of placental growth factor may predict severe high blood pressure in pregnant women. It could also prevent unnecessary hospitalizations by monitoring those at high risk for developing preeclampsia.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that physiological changes during pregnancy reduce the effects of commonly used bipolar medications, making women more vulnerable to recurring episodes. Women with bipolar disorder may require higher doses to stay well during pregnancy.
Researchers found that prenatal music exposure can lead to long-lasting changes in the brain after birth, influencing the development of the auditory system. The study showed that fetuses can learn and retain musical melodies for a long time, even up to four months of age.
A Penn State researcher is conducting a study on the effectiveness of a web-based intervention aimed at helping women plan for pregnancy in the future. The tool, recommended by the CDC, helps women determine suitable birth control methods based on their life goals and preferences.
A new study suggests that prenatal exposure to paracetamol may increase the risk of adverse effects on child development, including poorer gross motor skills and behavioral problems. The study found that occasional use for short periods is likely not harmful to the fetus, but more research is needed to confirm these results.
A new study found that pregnant rats exposed to an obesity-linked hormone during pregnancy lost their reduced breast cancer risk after birth. Researchers believe this may be related to gene changes in healthy breast cells.
A researcher at Miriam Hospital has been awarded a $2.9 million NIH grant to investigate the physiological impact of maternal smoking on fetal development. The study will use ultrasound technology to identify real-time fetal markers of risk among pregnant smokers, with the goal of predicting infant neurobehavioral deficits.
Researchers found an association between autism spectrum disorder risk and prenatal weight gain, after accounting for important related factors. The study suggests that weight gain during pregnancy may serve as an important marker for autism's underlying gestational etiology.
A new study suggests that pregnant women with hepatitis C can pass a more replicative viral strain to their newborns, which increases the risk of persistent infection. This occurs due to immune changes during pregnancy, which impair CD8+ T-cell function and allow the virus to thrive.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery identified an imbalance of angiogenic factors as a predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes in lupus patients. Elevated levels of anti-angiogenic protein sFlt1 and lower levels of placental growth factor (PIGF) were associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and other complications.
International experts call for a broader definition of poverty to account for risks to the unborn child, which can have devastating consequences. The World Health Organisation estimates that 200 million conceptions occur annually, mostly in disadvantaged areas, posing significant risks during pregnancy.
A recent study published in Experimental Physiology has found that exercise during pregnancy significantly alters the vascular smooth muscle of offspring into adulthood. This research suggests that maternal exercise may have long-lasting implications for cardiovascular disease susceptibility in children born to exercise-trained mothers.
Kidney transplant recipients who discontinue immunosuppressive drugs before conception have a higher rate of live births and a lower rate of birth defects without an increased risk of kidney problems, according to research published by the American Society of Nephrology.
A study found that high blood pressure during pregnancy may increase a woman's lifetime risk of stroke by as much as 40 percent. Women with pre-eclampsia, a more severe form of high blood pressure, are at even higher risk. Monitoring blood pressure after pregnancy is crucial to avoid longer-term risks.
A study found that mothers with high LDL cholesterol before pregnancy have a 5-fold increase in their children's risk of developing high cholesterol as adults. This risk factor may be influenced by epigenetic changes, highlighting the importance of managing cholesterol levels throughout life.
A recent study by Celmatix Inc. suggests that women may be stopping IVF treatment prematurely, with 68% conceiving within two cycles and over half (60%) becoming pregnant if they proceeded with an additional two cycles. The study also explored genetic markers for female infertility and IVF success.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that children under five are equally likely to contract bilharzia as their infected mothers. The researchers recommend improving access to clean water and sanitation to reduce the spread of the disease.
A study including over 40,000 pregnant women found no significant association between metoclopramide use and major congenital malformations. Additionally, metoclopramide was not linked to increased risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, or fetal growth restriction.
A study of 66,111 pregnant women in Norway found that those with negative affectivity were more likely to engage in light alcohol use and binge drinking. This increased risk was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for further research into this issue.
A large European study found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birthweight babies. The study estimated that reducing PM2.5 levels could prevent up to 22% of cases of low birthweight.
A recent study found that high-risk travelers, including those with medical comorbidities and pregnant women, account for nearly 20 percent of patients using the Boston Area Travel Medicine Network. These travelers often visited destinations with malaria and typhoid risk, highlighting the need for pre-travel care.
New diagnostic thresholds published in the New England Journal of Medicine aim to balance ultrasound use and ensure accuracy in diagnosing viable pregnancies. The guidelines suggest raising gestational sac size limits and improving blood test reliability to prevent misdiagnosis.
Researchers found elevated rates of preterm birth, placental abruption, and premature rupture of the membranes among pregnant drivers involved in a single or multiple car crashes. Stillbirth rates were also significantly higher for unbelted pregnant drivers. The study highlights the importance of crash prevention strategies during preg...
A Finnish study found that women with eating disorders have lower pregnancy rates and increased risk of miscarriage compared to their peers. The likelihood of abortion was more than double for bulimics and nearly half of pregnancies ended in miscarriage among women with binge-eating disorder.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found a strong link between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Maternal psychological distress also played a significant role, with children experiencing anxiety, depression, attention problems, and aggressive behavior.
A 40-year longitudinal study found that prenatal exposure to stress hormones and maternal smoking during pregnancy predict nicotine dependence in adult daughters. Mothers who smoked 15 cigarettes a day or more during pregnancy were 52% more likely to have a daughter addicted to nicotine.
A study of 41,133 mothers and children in Arkansas found that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in children through age 12. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to the obesity epidemic, with children whose mothers gained 40 lbs or more having an 8% increased risk of obesity.
A study of 41,133 mothers and children in Arkansas found that high pregnancy weight gain increases the risk of obesity in children through age 12. Researchers suggest that limiting pregnancy weight gain could help prevent childhood obesity.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests a strong association between prenatal tobacco exposure and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD) in adult children. The study, which analyzed data from the Child Health and Development Study, found that maternal smoking during pregnancy was associat...
Researchers studied over 400 South Australian women to understand the link between body image and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The results show that most pregnant women who are overweight or obese under-estimate their weight, leading to a higher rate of weight gain.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are more likely to have overweight and obese children. The study, which analyzed data from over 10,000 mothers and their children, suggests that measures to limit pregnancy weight gain may help prevent obesity in the subsequent generation.
New research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol suggests that fish accounts for only seven per cent of mercury levels in the human body. This finding has significant implications for official advice warning against eating too much fish during pregnancy, which may need to be reviewed.
A study published by UC San Francisco researchers found that levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women's blood have declined by two-thirds since the chemicals were banned in California. This decline suggests that regulations can impact people's everyday lives.
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.