Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A Vanderbilt study found that pregnant women who have had prior preterm births may benefit from additional hormone, progestogens, to prevent early childbirth. However, the review also found that progestogens do not seem to help prevent preterm labor in women carrying twins or triplets.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway leading to preeclampsia in humans, characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. The imbalance of PlGF and sFlt-1 proteins disrupts placental blood supply, affecting the mother and unborn baby.
Preeclampsia is a significant risk factor for long-term health issues, including chronic hypertension and hospitalizations. The study, published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, found patients with preeclampsia had higher rates of chronic hypertension diagnosed after pregnancy.
A study found that prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of adolescent obesity. The authors suggest that this may be due to subtle structural variations in the brain's amygdala, which could influence dietary preferences for fatty foods.
Human pregnancy length is limited by a mother's metabolism, not birth canal size, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The EGG hypothesis suggests that babies are born when their mother cannot put any more energy into gestation and fetal growth.
A new study finds that everyday discrimination against pregnant women of color may contribute to low birth weight babies. Women who experienced more discrimination reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, leading to babies with lower birth weights. The study suggests reducing discrimination could eliminate health disparities in b...
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that can detect subtle changes in fetal brain structure and facial features associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. The study's findings suggest that the timing of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy can influence the severity and type of birth defects, expanding the scope for dia...
A new study suggests pregnancy could have a positive impact on bipolar disorder, with fewer and shorter episodes in pregnant women. The study's findings call for large, multicenter, prospective studies to better understand the natural course of the disorder.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of wheeze and asthma in preschool children, with a dose-response pattern related to maternal cigarette consumption. Exposure to maternal smoking before birth and early life is associated with an increased likelihood of developing respiratory symptoms.
Research warns that highly potent marijuana and synthetic marijuana pose a real threat to pregnant women's unborn children. These substances contain high levels of THC, which can interfere with brain development as early as two weeks after conception.
Pregnant women experiencing depression may benefit from mindfulness yoga, which can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve attachment to their babies. This study provides promising evidence that yoga could be an effective alternative to pharmaceutical treatment for pregnant women showing signs of depression.
A new paper reveals the off-label use of dexamethasone to engineer fetal sex in pregnant women at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The synthetic steroid is known to cause significant developmental changes, raising questions about the ethics of prenatal experimentation.
Research suggests that pregnant women's gut microbes become less diverse and healthier bacteria decrease in abundance over time, promoting energy storage and supporting fetal growth. These changes can have negative consequences outside of pregnancy, leading to conditions like type 2 diabetes.
A recent study by Ellen Langer found that first-time mothers who practice mindfulness during pregnancy report better well-being, positive feelings, and lower emotional distress. The research suggests that mindfulness can have a positive impact on health and happiness beyond just the mother's own well-being.
Researchers analyzed jailhouse phone calls between men charged with felony domestic violence and their victims, revealing that violence often followed accusations of sexual infidelity. The study also found chronic stressors like unmet mental health needs and traditional gender roles contributed to abuse.
A recent report by Queen Mary University of London reveals that congenital anomalies are underreported due to lack of national surveillance, with 2.2% of babies affected in England and Wales in 2010. The prevalence of anomalies was consistent with those in other European registers.
The state of Michigan has adopted a new plan to combat infant mortality, which includes the use of progesterone therapy to reduce preterm birth. This therapy has been shown to reduce the rate of preterm birth by up to 45% in women with a short cervix.
A diet high in choline during pregnancy may lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes in offspring. Choline, found in eggs, helps protect against prenatal stress effects on fetal development.
A new study associates excess maternal iodine supplementation with congenital hypothyroidism, a condition that can lead to neurocognitive impairments if left untreated. The research highlights the potential hazard of exceeding the safe upper limit for daily iodine ingestion during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A NIH study found that fetal alcohol exposure is associated with abnormal intellectual and behavioral development in children, rather than distinct facial features. The researchers documented cognitive delays, language delays, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and intellectual delays in about 44% of exposed children.
A study of over 9,600 children in Chile found that 80% had one or more abnormalities associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, with functional neurologic impairment being the most frequent. This highlights the importance of considering prenatal alcohol exposure as a potential risk factor for functional deficits in offspring.
Researchers at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit found a six-fold decline in maternal mortality from 499 to 79 amongst refugees between 1986 and 2010. Frequent antenatal screening significantly reduced malaria-related deaths, with the number falling from an estimated 1,000 deaths per 100,000 pregnant women before screening to zero in 2005.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that delivering a high-birth-weight infant more than doubles a woman's breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that this increased risk is due to an elevated hormonal environment during pregnancy, which creates a pro-carcinogenic effect.
Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.
The NYC trans fat ban resulted in a significant reduction of trans fat consumption among fast food patrons, with a notable decrease in saturated fat intake. Young women who have never been pregnant are also at risk for urinary incontinence, affecting up to 12.6% of those surveyed. Prophylactic antidepressant therapy may help prevent tr...
A systematic review found that the level of evidence for emergency obstetric referral interventions is poor, making it difficult to determine their effectiveness. The design limitations of individual studies also hindered the assessment of referral interventions.
Research from Tufts University found that being born to an obese mother with elevated hepcidin levels is associated with lower iron status at birth. Overproduction of hepcidin interferes with the transfer of iron from mother to infant, potentially leading to health problems.
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology announces a breakthrough in fertility preservation, with Italy's first successful pregnancy and live birth after cryopreserving ovarian tissue. The technique has shown promising results, even after lengthy storage periods.
A meta-analysis suggests that freezing all embryos for later transfer in a non-stimulated cycle may improve implantation and pregnancy rates, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfers. The study found a relative risk of 1.31 for clinical pregnancies, with higher ongoing pregnan...
A Danish study found that women who drink five or more cups of coffee a day have a 50% reduced chance of success in IVF treatment. The live birth rate was also lower by 40%. The researchers suggest that women should not consume more than five cups of coffee a day when undergoing IVF.
Researchers found that smoking reduces the production of a key gene called BAD in Fallopian tubes, creating an environment conducive to ectopic pregnancies. This finding may lead to new ways to prevent and diagnose ectopic pregnancies.
A new study presents the largest number of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) treatments for BRCA1/2 in Europe, with a significant proportion of successful pregnancies. The results suggest that PGD offers an established option for couples seeking to avoid inherited BRCA mutations.
A new UCLA study published in Basic Research in Cardiology found that heart attacks in late pregnancy result in worse heart function and more damaged heart tissue than in non-pregnant females. The research suggests that the heart may be particularly vulnerable to injury during this critical period, but partially recovers after giving b...
A study by Princeton University researchers reveals that expectant mothers who experienced a hurricane or major tropical storm during pregnancy had children at elevated risk for abnormal health conditions at birth. The study controlled for other factors and found increased risk following exposure to weather-related stressors in the fir...
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
Research published in BMJ Open finds that stillbirth rates are twice as high among the least well-off in England, with the gap remaining constant over eight years. Socio-economic inequalities in stillbirths by cause have been evident across all causes, including bleeding before birth and congenital abnormalities.
A new study found that even mild thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy significantly increases the risk of serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight. The study recommends universal screening for all pregnant women in the first trimester to prevent these complications.
A comprehensive study of 1,628 Danish children found no adverse effects of moderate alcohol consumption on their IQ, attention span, or executive functions. The research provides important new information for pregnant women and health professionals, suggesting that small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to harm the unborn child.
A contingency management program significantly improves smoking reduction and abstinence in drug-dependent pregnant women. The study found that nearly half of the participants met a 75% reduction target and a third achieved total abstinence.
A study by Scottish researchers found that women who experience an initial ectopic pregnancy are less likely to conceive in the future and at increased risk of having another ectopic pregnancy. However, their obstetric outcomes following the ectopic pregnancy were no worse than those in first-time mothers.
A University of Alberta researcher analyzed data from over 6,400 new mothers to find that teens are more likely to experience physical abuse and postpartum depression. The study highlights the need for screening for depression and violence among pregnant women, particularly teens.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
A new study has led to the introduction of rapid syphilis tests in six countries, including China, Peru, Brazil, Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tests have been shown to be effective in remote areas and could save up to one million children's lives every year.
Weekly fertility hormone injections are as safe and effective as standard daily injections in increasing pregnancies and minimizing serious side effects. Women undergoing fertility treatment may prefer weekly injections for their patient-friendly nature.
Roughly 28% of low-income HIV-positive pregnant women reported depression, with African-American women facing barriers to care due to mistrust and unequal quality of care. Untreated depression poses significant risks to both mothers and fetuses, highlighting the need for targeted screening and treatment strategies.
A simple point-of-care test has been adopted in six low- and middle-income countries to diagnose syphilis in pregnant women, resulting in over 100,000 screenings and 90% treatment rates. The test has improved health worker job satisfaction and increased the adoption of syphilis screening programs in these countries.
Researchers discovered a process that turns off key pathway required for immune system to attack foreign bodies, preventing maternal immune rejection of the developing fetus. Epigenetic modifications in decidua cells silence chemokine genes, inhibiting T cell recruitment and immune response.
Researchers successfully sequenced the fetal genome without invasive sampling, enabling the detection of thousands of disorders. They overcame obstacles by applying statistical modeling and technical advances to resolve maternal haplotypes with high accuracy. The breakthrough paves the way for comprehensive prenatal genetic screening.
Researchers have identified three types of fetal cells in maternal organs: trophoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune system cells. These cells may help the mother's immune system tolerate the fetus and aid in organ repair.
A recent study found that higher taxes on cigarettes and implementation of smoke-free policies are effective in reducing smoking during pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, also showed that these policies can help prevent relapse after delivery, with a $1.00 increase in tax resulting in a 4.8 ...
Research indicates that algal DHA supplementation during pregnancy increases DHA blood levels in both mother and newborn, as well as infant birth weight, length, and head circumference. Additionally, studies suggest that DHA deficiency during pregnancy may limit infants' development potential.
Research at UCSF links smoking during pregnancy to increased risk of acute asthma symptoms in teens. The study found a significant association between maternal smoking and asthma severity in African-American and Latino children.
New strategies targeting pregnancy, infancy, and toddlers are needed to combat rising childhood obesity rates. A community-wide approach that addresses behavioral and environmental factors is proposed to tackle the epidemic.
A comprehensive review by Charlene Krejci found female hormones fluctuate throughout women's lives, allowing bacteria to grow and exacerbate conditions like bone loss and pre-term births. Women need to be vigilant about maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent or lessen severity of these health issues.
A new study has identified a gene expression fingerprint associated with low sperm fertilizing capacity, predicting male infertility. The research used RNA profiling to analyze semen samples from 68 donors and found significant differences in gene expression between fertile and infertile individuals.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels are more likely to have children with increased body fat. The research, which analyzed data from over 977 pregnant women, suggests a potential long-term health consequence for children born to mothers with vitamin D i...
A study of over 7,500 women found that IUDs and implants were significantly more effective than birth control pills, patches, or rings in preventing unintended pregnancies. The study also showed that educating women about the effectiveness of these methods and providing them for free could reduce unintended pregnancy rates.
A Northwestern University study reveals that female shift workers and women with circadian rhythm sleep disorders experience fertility and menstrual issues due to disrupted circadian clocks. The researchers found that mice subjected to advances of the light-dark cycle had greater circadian clock disruption and lower reproductive success.
A new study at Oregon Health & Science University finds that daily Vitamin C supplementation improves pulmonary function tests in newborns born to pregnant smoking women, potentially altering the fetal origins of respiratory disease. The treatment may block some effects of smoking on lung development.
A new study suggests that MTV shows '16 and Pregnant' and 'Teen Mom' send mixed messages about teenage pregnancy. The study found that frequent viewers whose fathers communicated openly with them about sex were less likely to have recently had sex, while those whose fathers rarely did so were more likely.