Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new international study reveals that male partners over 45 carry significantly increased miscarriage risks and lower live birth rates even when young donor eggs are used. The study found that older paternal age is linked to genetic mutations, sperm DNA fragmentation, and epigenetic changes, impairing embryo development.
A new study shows that a simple blood test taken in the first trimester of pregnancy can accurately identify women at risk of developing preeclampsia five months before clinical diagnosis. The test uses cell-free RNA, or cfRNA, to capture subtle molecular signals from multiple maternal tissues.
A new study reveals that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a sharp reduction in the beneficial gut bacterium Parabacteroides merdae, alongside elevated levels of branched-chain amino acids. These changes may impair endometrial health and reproductive complications in women with PCOS.
Researchers uncover a key piece to the miscarriage puzzle, tracing risk back to a problem with the womb lining before pregnancy. The decidual reaction, which prepares the womb lining for pregnancy each month, often doesn't progress properly in women with a history of miscarriage.
A new study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that state bans on abortion led to significant increases in travel time, costs, and delays in receiving care. The study, which surveyed 855 people from states with abortion bans, revealed a 17% increase in second-trimester abortions and a 11.3-hour increase in travel time.
The American Medical Association (AMA) emphasizes the importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, citing benefits and risks. Physicians should counsel patients on vaccine safety, considering individual factors and potential risks.
A large global study found that women who experience severe bleeding after childbirth face an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and ischemic heart disease, for up to 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 9.7 million women across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Researchers found an increased risk of stroke in women who experienced diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm delivery, or low birth weight during pregnancy. These complications could act as early signals for cardiovascular problems, enabling women to receive help and reduce their risk.
Children of older mothers are more likely to be born prematurely or with complications. The study found that babies born to mothers 45 years and older had the highest risks of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight compared to younger mothers.
Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.
Elevated cortisol levels in preterm fetuses disrupt normal heart development, potentially leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Cortisol exposure accelerates heart development in ways that may not be beneficial, ultimately compromising heart health.
Researchers found associations between influenza A infection, disrupted gut and nasal microbiomes, and detrimental changes in hippocampal gene expression. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy appeared to offer protection from these changes.
A recent USC study found associations between increased exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress during preconception and the first trimester with the odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant. Living in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood can increase these risks, particularly for women exposed to heat stress.
A UC Riverside study found that Toxoplasma gondii can significantly disrupt brain function by interfering with communication between brain cells. Infected neurons release fewer extracellular vesicles, which can lead to seizures, neural damage, or altered brain connectivity.
A community-based mentoring scheme in Sierra Leone has been found to save lives and help girls return to education, doubling survival rates. The pilot trial reduced maternal and perinatal deaths by almost half, with one baby's life saved for every 18 mentored girls.
A recent study published in Heredity investigated whether female odour-based mating preferences can predict gamete-level compatibility in humans. Women preferred the body odours of MHC-similar men, but sperm from MHC-dissimilar men exhibited higher motility when exposed to female follicular fluid.
Pregnant individuals are at high risk of measles infection and its complications. Experts emphasize the need for urgent access to IVIG and updated hospital protocols to protect vulnerable groups.
A study reveals that pre-eclampsia increases the risk of developing severe cerebrovascular complications, including stroke, after childbirth. The researchers found that a history of PE impairs collateral recruitment and worsens ischemic stroke outcomes due to increased sensitivity to cerebral ischemia and elevated oxidative stress.
A new study finds pregnant women in abortion-ban states have worse access to routine medical care and pregnancy coverage due to skimpy Medicaid programs. The researchers identified three Medicaid policies driving this disparity, highlighting the need for Congress to expand coverage and ensure all women can get needed care.
A study found that between 11.6% and 20.2% of women with a history of pregnancy or testing for pregnancy visited crisis pregnancy centers across four US states, including Arizona and New Jersey. The attendance rates were not correlated with age, race, or socioeconomic status.
A new NIH grant will aid researchers at Wayne State University in studying the effects of fentanyl during pregnancy. The two-year study aims to determine the impact of gestational fentanyl exposure on morbidity and mortality, developmental milestones, and brain development in offspring.
A University of Otago study found that prolactin helps regulate core body temperature during pregnancy, reducing the risk of hyperthermia. This adaptation promotes a safe environment for the fetus and enhances maternal survival and wellbeing.
Children born to mothers with a BMI of 35 or higher are at heightened risk of being admitted to hospital for an infection. Maternal obesity is characterised by chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of a disordered immune system response and unfavourable changes to the gut microbiome.
A new University of Minnesota report shows a continued 30-year decline in MN teen birth rates, with lower chlamydia rates than in decades. The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and providing accurate sexual health information to all youth.
A recent study found that cannabis use during pregnancy can alter DNA methylation in placental tissue, which may impact child behavioral outcomes. The research, conducted by Dr. Emma C. Johnson, suggests a potential link between prenatal cannabis exposure and gene regulation in the developing fetus.
First-time mothers experience significant sleep loss and disruption in the weeks following childbirth, with average daily sleep duration decreasing to 4.4 hours. The study reveals that this unique type of sleep disruption persists throughout the first months of motherhood, affecting new mothers' quality of life.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children whose mothers took triptan medications before or during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 pregnancies and followed the children for an average of eight years.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that higher maternal selenium levels during pregnancy are associated with a lower risk of streptococcal infections in children. The research tracked over 74,000 mothers and their children to explore potential links between maternal metal exposure and infection risk.
A recent survey found that over 83% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine for children outweigh the risks, despite a current measles outbreak. The survey also showed that vaccination rates are dropping and many people lack knowledge about measles symptoms and prevention.
Researchers found that inflammation in the female reproductive tract can hinder fertility, but replenishing progesterone levels can help. This discovery could improve women's chances of becoming pregnant and save more pregnancies.
A UC San Francisco-led study found that delivering medicine for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) via the amniotic fluid was safe and helped prevent damage to nerve cells. The therapy used molecules called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which can alter gene expression, and was tested in mice and sheep with promising results.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
A new study found that a simple oral swab test can increase IVF success rates by identifying the best hormone treatment for each woman based on her genetic profile. The test, developed by researchers at Lund University, shows promise in reducing costs and increasing pregnancies.
A study published in Behavior Therapy shows that a peer support program provides 'rapid relief of symptoms' and 'significant clinical improvement' to new moms struggling with postpartum depression. The program, Alma, pairs new and expectant moms with trained peers who have experienced similar mental health challenges.
Researchers at UCL and the Francis Crick Institute have identified the origin of cardiac cells using 3D images of a heart forming in real-time. They found that cardiac cells emerge rapidly during gastrulation and follow distinct paths to form the heart's pumping chambers and atria.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
Pregnant women with fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, with a threefold higher risk compared to the general population. The study also found that women with fatty liver disease had a 63% higher risk of caesarean section.
A UK study of 48,417 women found that significant weight gain after age 20 and late first pregnancy increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who experienced early first pregnancy were found to have greater weight gain during adulthood than those with a late first pregnancy.
Research found that boys born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or higher testosterone levels during pregnancy are less physically active at age 7. Girls exposed to similar levels of testosterone had lower muscle strength, highlighting the role of maternal testosterone and PCOS in future development.
A new Australian study highlights the need to support women and their families with overweight or obesity before pregnancy. The research found that a woman's BMI in early pregnancy is linked to her child's weight from birth to age 10, with every 5kg/m² increase in maternal BMI associated with an increase in child BMI.
Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
A cohort study of 12,480 mother-offspring pairs found that pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased offspring blood pressure. These risk factors may also promote a faster rate of blood pressure change from age 2 to 18 years.
A new NIH study found that maternal cardiometabolic health before and during pregnancy is associated with higher blood pressure in children. The study analyzed data from 12,480 mother-child pairs and identified three key risk factors: pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children born to mothers with obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study's findings suggest that early blood pressure interventions could start as early as pregnancy.
A national survey found that 1,888 out of 7,332 women reported experiencing words, gestures, or attitudes that shocked or offended healthcare professionals. Disrespectful care was more common among nulliparous women, those with high education levels and birth plans, and those who breastfed.
A study among 2,272 mother-child pairs found that infants whose mothers consumed fresh avocado during pregnancy had a 44% lower risk of developing food allergies at 12 months. Avocado intake was associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes, including breastfeeding duration and diet quality.
A study of three national cohorts reveals increased abortion use among LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the need for tailored support. The findings suggest that these groups are disproportionately impacted by narrowing abortion access in the US after the Dobbs decision.
A recent study on the Haenyeo divers from Korea found that they have distinct genetic adaptations, including gene variants associated with cold tolerance and decreased blood pressure. The researchers also discovered two unique gene variants in the Haenyeo population that may help them cope with the pressures of diving.
A study evaluated AI-ECG and AI-powered digital stethoscope tools for detecting early signs of heart dysfunction in women aged 18-49. The findings showed promising results, with a high negative predictive value and low risk of false positives, indicating potential for quick and cost-effective screening during primary care visits.
A cohort study found associations between pre-pregnancy overweight, smoking during pregnancy, and formula-feeding with adverse cardiovascular health trajectories in early childhood. The study suggests that addressing these factors through interventions may optimize cardiovascular health in children.
A cohort study found maternal hypertension and preeclampsia independently associated with cognitive and language development delays in preterm infants. Recognizing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for targeted risk management strategies.
A cohort study of pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder found that buprenorphine treatment was associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes. The study highlights the need to improve access to treatment nationwide for these patients.
A new study found Haitian immigrant mothers who arrived in the US in 2021 or later experience high blood pressure during pregnancy and financial struggles after giving birth. This highlights serious health risks faced by recent Haitian immigrants, including hypertension and postpartum financial concerns.
Researchers discovered that mothers who are anemic in early pregnancy have a 47% increased likelihood of giving birth to a child with congenital heart disease. This finding suggests that widespread iron supplementation could help prevent congenital heart disease in many newborns before it develops.
Common prescription medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis, potentially causing developmental disorders. The editorial highlights the need for mandatory sterol biosynthesis screening in clinical practice.
The American Heart Association funds research teams to investigate how risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases impact women differently. The project aims to understand the biological significance of certain life cycles and societal factors on disease development.
A new study found that prenatal stress alters the expression of tiny RNA molecules in newborn blood, particularly in female children, affecting key enzymes in the brain's stress-regulation system. This may explain why some children are more vulnerable to developmental or psychiatric challenges.
A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.
Researchers developed a low-cost, non-invasive test that uses cell-free DNA to predict preterm birth with high accuracy. The test has shown promising results in a case-control study.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that reducing socioeconomic disparities can significantly alleviate adverse birth outcomes, with 48% of low-weight births and 15% of premature births possibly avoiding if all women had the same risk level as White British women living in less deprived areas.