Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A systematic review of data from 35 years found that intrauterine devices (IUDs) have a failure rate of less than one per thousand and are more effective than the morning after pill. IUDs also provide long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy, making them a recommended option for emergency contraception.
A University of Adelaide study found a significant association between assisted reproduction and major birth defects, with IVF and ICSI carrying higher risks. The study also identified cryopreservation as a protective factor, while clomiphene citrate use outside of supervised clinical settings tripled the risk of birth defects.
Researchers discovered that low adrenomedullin levels may contribute to slower muscle contractions and ciliary beating, favoring embryo retention in the oviduct. Administering adrenomedullin reversed this effect, suggesting it could be a useful predictor for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
A pioneering study found that increased maternal choline intake during pregnancy can decrease children's chances of developing hypertension and diabetes. The researchers believe choline alters gene expression patterns involved in cortisol production, potentially reducing stress-related diseases.
The US has the highest preterm birth rate among 130 countries, with 12.0 preterm births per 100 live births. Nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the US each year, resulting in significant human and economic costs.
Research suggests that maternal stress during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to lower iron levels in newborns, which may result in physical and mental delays. The study found a significant correlation between mothers' stress levels and their babies' cord-blood ferritin concentrations.
A study found a possible link between smoking during pregnancy and the development of high-functioning autism, including Asperger's Disorder. The research suggests that certain types of autism may be influenced by environmental factors like maternal smoking.
The review explores the adverse effects of anti-epileptic drugs and antidepressants on fetal development, finding an estimated 1% of congenital malformations attributable to prescription drug use. Pregnant women are excluded from clinical trials, leaving a knowledge gap in drug safety and efficacy during pregnancy.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that immediate induction of labor does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Instead, expectant management is recommended to reduce the risk of maternal infection and neonatal sepsis.
Prevention programmes in adolescents are vital to prevent problems in adolescence and into adulthood. Successful policies include providing minors with free contraception, raising taxes on alcohol, and graduated licensing policies.
A new study of over 3,000 pregnant women finds that obesity and extreme slimness are associated with increased risks of complications during pregnancy, labour, and birth. Underweight women also face specific health challenges, including oligohydramnios and low birth weight.
A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found little vertical transmission of MRSA from mother to child, but babies closely matched their mother's carrier status within six weeks after birth. The study suggests that close contact may lead to horizontal transmission of the bacteria.
A new study found significantly more boys born to Indian mothers in Canada compared to those born to Canadian-born mothers. Indian-born women with prior children had even higher male livebirth rates, suggesting a possible link to prenatal sex selection or other factors.
A University of Illinois study found that obese mothers' placentas have an unhealthy nutrient supply, placing babies at risk for future health problems. Experts advise pregnant women to lose weight before conception to minimize the obesogenic environment.
A new study reveals that overweight pregnant women with mildly elevated blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than previously thought. These women, who do not have gestational diabetes or obesity, carry significant risks for their health and the health of their babies.
A recent study by Yale University researchers highlights the misconception that women can easily have a child at an advanced age using assisted reproductive technologies. While ART is available for women over 40, pregnancy success rates are limited and complications increase with age.
According to UBC research, young males who have been sexually abused are five times more likely to cause teen pregnancy compared to those with no abuse history. Sexually abused boys are also three times more likely to have multiple sexual partners.
A cervical pessary significantly reduces the likelihood of premature delivery in women with a short cervix. The pessary also leads to improved pregnancy outcomes, including reduced rates of low birthweight and respiratory difficulties.
A University of Adelaide study reveals that unnecessary induction increases risk of cesarean sections and newborn treatments. Women with uncomplicated pregnancies are advised to wait for spontaneous labor between 38-39 weeks for lowest risk of adverse complications.
A new study found that pregnancy increases the risk of heart attack, with more severe attacks and different causes than in non-pregnant women. The standard approach to managing heart attacks during pregnancy may not always be best, and alternative treatments may be needed to prevent complications.
A study at Nationwide Children's Hospital has identified proteins in the blood that may indicate whether a mother's urinary tract infection affects fetal growth. The researchers found that infected mothers had higher levels of inflammatory protein IL-6, which correlated with lower birth weights and increased risk for prematurity.
Research found that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants may increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension by 60%, with one SSRI associated with an 81% increase. Women should consult their doctor if concerned, as discontinuation can lead to depressive relapses and post-partum depression.
A study published in Advances in Neuroimmune Biology explores how maternal immunological tolerance of the fetus affects pregnancy outcomes. Researchers have discovered that cytokine expression at the fetal-maternal interface plays a significant role in determining oocyte competence and implantation rates.
Researchers found that consuming two servings of salmon per week improves omega-3 fatty acid levels in both pregnant women and their babies. This increase in omega-3s enhances the body's antioxidant defenses, potentially helping to reduce oxidative stress associated with pregnancy.
New research shows that becoming pregnant after a diagnosis of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer does not increase the risk of recurrence. In fact, patients who become pregnant appear to survive longer than those who do not. The study also found no difference in disease-free survival between women with ER+ or ER- disease.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy, leading to the development of gestational diabetes. The study found that blocking this pathway can lead to impaired glucose regulation and reduced beta cell mass.
A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that exposure to cell phone radiation during pregnancy can cause hyperactivity and reduced memory capacity in adult mice. The findings suggest a potential link between fetal cellular telephone irradiation exposure and behavioral disorders in human children, such as ADHD.
Researchers call for ob-gyns to evaluate patients' exposure to environmental chemicals, provide education, and advocate for policy change to reduce toxic exposures. The human reproductive system is vulnerable to biological changes caused by chemicals during critical periods of development.
Researchers have designed a new partograph to assess labor progress and potentially reduce unnecessary cesarean sections. The tool takes into account the complexity of labor and aims to improve birth outcomes for low-risk first-time mothers.
A UK study published in PLOS Medicine found that uterine rupture is rare but increases with the number of previous caesarean deliveries. Women planning vaginal delivery after a previous caesarean section are at higher risk, especially if labor is induced or has a short interval since the last surgery.
Scientists investigate stress hormones during pregnancy and their impact on brain aging and disease risk. Exposure to stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids, has been linked to increased stress sensitivity and early aging.
Research found that women who had two or more pregnancies had a significantly reduced risk of developing MS symptoms, while men showed no association between children and MS risk. This study suggests a possible link between delayed motherhood and increased MS cases in women.
A team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg has identified a key molecule, Cdk1, responsible for initiating the maturation of mammalian eggs. This discovery could lead to an increased rate of successful IVF treatments for women struggling with egg maturation issues.
A study of 7,696 pregnant women found that taking SSRIs was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, but also delayed fetal head growth. Children born to mothers taking SSRIs had smaller head circumferences and were more likely to be born preterm.
A study found that obstetricians' approaches to managing periviable deliveries vary widely, with many prioritizing patient preference over evidence-based guidelines. The authors recommend improving communication of uncertainty and managing patient expectations to provide more patient-centered care.
Scientists at University College Dublin have developed a new method to predict successful IVF embryos by analyzing follicular fluid. The study found metabolic differences between fluids from women who achieved pregnancy and those who did not.
A new system for processing embryos during IVF treatment has been shown to significantly improve the chances of pregnancy. The innovative design of interlinked incubators provides a controlled environment for all steps of the IVF process, resulting in a 27% increase in pregnancy rate compared to conventional equipment.
A study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that excessive or insufficient weight gain during pregnancy does not affect a child's cognitive development. The research controlled for various confounding factors, including genetic and environmental influences, to separate the effect of gestational weight gain on cognition.
Researchers from five states and Canada are studying cellular-level processes that control uterine muscles, air pollution's effect on pregnancy, and the causes of preeclampsia. The goal is to lower the nation's preterm birth rate to 9.6% by 2020.
A recent study has found that mothers with high levels of the environmental pollutant PFOA during pregnancy have daughters who are three times more likely to be overweight at 20 years old. Elevated insulin and leptin levels were also observed in girls, while a weaker association was seen in sons.
Scientists developed a novel biochemical assay and algorithm to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities in maternal blood, achieving high accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods. The new approach has the potential to reduce unnecessary invasive testing and improve screening for Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome.
A recent study by WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition and University of Liverpool found that pregnant women who own dogs are approximately 50% more likely to meet the recommended daily physical activity level. This research highlights the potential benefits of dog walking as a low-risk exercise strategy for managing weight gain during pre...
Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus tend to have fewer children than desired due to increased infertility rates. The study also revealed that concerns about caring for children and genetic transmission of the disease may contribute to this trend.
A new study by Oregon State University found that half of young adult Latino men and women acknowledge not using regular effective contraception despite expressing a desire to avoid pregnancy. Involvement in sexual decision-making is crucial for contraception use, with those who are more active tend to use male condoms.
A study of over 11,000 pregnant women found that dog ownership was associated with regular brisk walking and improved physical activity levels. While dog walking alone cannot reduce obesity rates, it may be part of a broader strategy to encourage exercise and healthy eating during pregnancy.
Researchers investigated whether high levels of cell-free fetal DNA in the first trimester predict preeclampsia. No significant difference was found between women with and without the condition.
Researchers found that short therapy with Pioglitazone can prevent the long-term effects of maternal obesity on offspring. The study shows a potential role for drugs activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in preventing metabolic syndrome in adult offspring of obese mothers.
A new study found that weight gain and dietary changes are not effective in preventing repeat preterm birth. Women who have had a prior preterm birth should follow standard weight gain guidelines during their second pregnancy to minimize risk.
A study by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women who deliver or intend to deliver outside of hospitals have a lower risk of obstetric intervention. However, newborns intended for home births are at a higher risk of neonatal seizures compared to hospital births.
Breast cancer in pregnant women is common and treatable with surgery or chemotherapy. A normal-length pregnancy should be the aim to avoid premature birth. Chemotherapy can be given as per standard guidelines, but radiation therapy is not advised due to fetal shielding concerns.
A study found that Hispanic women living in the US for less than 10 years have a 3.4% frequency of preterm birth, while those living for 10 or more years have twice the risk and 7.4% frequency. This suggests environmental factors may contribute to preterm birth and are potentially modifiable.
Blood cancers in pregnancy can lead to increased risk of blood clots and health complications for the mother. Termination is recommended at early stages, while cancer therapy is possible later. Progesterone-only contraceptives are considered safe for patients in long-term remission.
A study found that pregnant women with a prior cesarean section often choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor, regardless of their own knowledge on the risks and benefits. The majority of these women opt for an elective repeat cesarean over a trial of labor, despite its higher success rate. Lack of education and provider p...
Researchers discuss management of cervical cancer during pregnancy, focusing on tumour size, nodal staging, term of pregnancy, and histological subtype. Chemotherapy can be used in the second or third trimester to increase chances of fetal preservation, but carries risks of premature birth and low birthweight.
Researchers tested over 20,000 pregnant women and their children's IQ at age three, finding no difference between treated and untreated groups. The study adds support to current UK guidelines against routine antenatal screening for hypothyroidism in pregnancy.
Research from the Colorado School of Public Health shows that breastfeeding can lower body mass index for children of diabetic pregnancies, reducing their risk of childhood obesity. Children who were breast-fed had a slower BMI growth as they grew older compared to those who nursed less than six months.
High levels of cadmium in females and lead in males are associated with delayed pregnancy, according to a NIH study. Couples can reduce exposure by avoiding cigarettes or taking steps to minimize lead-based paint exposure.
Researchers Lorette I. Winters and Paul C. Winters found that while black teens are twice as likely to be pregnant, rates for minor whites have increased and surpassed those of poor black minors. In better economies, the difference between black and white teen pregnancies nearly disappears.
A recent study published in Current Anthropology reveals that women who did not plan their pregnancies are more likely to stop breastfeeding within three months. The research suggests that unplanned pregnancy leads to emotional and physical discomfort, causing women to resist the close physical connection required by breastfeeding.
A new DNA-based prenatal blood test can identify pregnancies with Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). The test was found to be highly effective in detecting these conditions, with a detection rate of 100% for trisomy 18 and 91.7% for trisomy 13.