Articles tagged with Pregnancy
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A study of over 200 pregnant women found that nearly half used alternative methods such as walking, sex, or spicy food to try to bring on labor. These techniques were often tried despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and some may pose risks to mother and baby.
A meta-analysis of 41,000 women found that interventions like decentralised testing and treatment can reduce perinatal deaths by 54% and stillbirths by 58%. Implementing universal screening for syphilis in all pregnant women could lead to significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Research suggests that pregnant women with severe sleep apnea may have a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes and early preterm birth. The study found that moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing was associated with these outcomes, particularly in overweight or obese women.
Research in baboon primates shows that even moderate nutrient deficiencies during critical periods of development can damage the pancreas and predispose to type 2 diabetes. The study found that young baboons whose mothers were undernourished were more likely to develop prediabetes before adolescence.
A blood test for AMH can help predict IVF success, with women having higher AMH levels yielding more eggs and a higher rate of pregnancy. The study found that women with low AMH levels had an average of six eggs harvested, while those with higher levels had around 20.
A new study at Oregon Health & Science University found that immediate IUD insertion after abortion significantly reduces unintended pregnancies compared to delayed insertion. The study also highlighted the challenges of accessing IUDs due to federal policy restrictions.
A new study finds that pregnant women who gain too much weight are more likely to have newborns with high body fat, regardless of pre-pregnancy weight. This increased obesity risk exists even when birth weight is normal and may be associated with higher childhood obesity rates.
A long-term study of 1,749 women found no link between taking the combined contraceptive pill and weight gain. Women who took the pill did not put on more weight than their peers who never took it, with ageing and smoking being the only factors affecting weight.
A new study found that fetal exposure to BPA changes the development of the uterus in female primates. The research suggests that oral and subcutaneous forms of BPA can alter gene expression and affect uterine cell development.
Research in mice reveals a link between pregnancy and tumor dissemination, with decreased NK cell activity and myeloid-derived suppressor cells contributing to metastasis. The study suggests that these immune cells may represent a shared mechanism of immune suppression during pregnancy and tumor growth.
A large population study found that gestational diabetes does not increase cardiovascular risk in all women, but may pose a higher risk to Hispanic women, with a 70% increased likelihood of developing heart disease compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.
Researchers found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells mediate immune suppression during pregnancy, allowing tumors to spread more easily. This mechanism may also be relevant to lung cancer patients with poor prognosis.
A low-cost healthy lifestyle program, including self-weighing weekly or monthly, has been shown to prevent excessive weight gain in pregnant women with pre-existing overweight. Regular monitoring of weight gain and simple health messages can reduce pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and birth complications.
A new study reveals that four common epilepsy medications associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of major birth defects. The research suggests that doctors should select the safest effective treatment for pregnant women with epilepsy by considering individual drug and dose options.
A survey of 541 ED residents found that 84% think it's acceptable for female residents to have children during residency, and 82% would rearrange their schedule to help a pregnant colleague. The study suggests that most emergency medicine residents are supportive of their colleagues having children during residency.
A new study reveals that a high-fat diet during pregnancy can decrease blood flow from the mother to the placenta and increase the risk of stillbirth. Researchers found this effect regardless of whether the mother was obese or slender, and in monkeys with hyper-insulinemia.
Researchers have discovered that combinations of a mother's body size and the shape and size of her baby's placenta can predict heart disease in men in later life. The study found three specific combinations where this prediction is accurate, including an oval-shaped placental surface in short mothers who had not been pregnant before.
A study found that older smokers and men are more likely to successfully quit than younger and female smokers, despite women attending more smoking cessation services. Pregnant women and disadvantaged groups face unique challenges in quitting, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Research found that caffeine inhibits specialized pacemaker cells in the Fallopian tubes, which coordinate muscle contractions and egg movement. This discovery provides a possible explanation for why women with high caffeine consumption take longer to conceive.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women's risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be identified up to seven years before pregnancy based on routine measures of blood sugar and body weight. The study revealed a strong correlation between adverse cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar, hypertension, and bein...
A new study found that folic acid supplements given to mother rats significantly protect their offspring from developing colorectal cancer. The research suggests that folic acid may have different effects on cancer development in different organs, and more studies are needed.
A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.
A new University of Illinois study published in the Journal of Physiology found that a high-fat diet during pregnancy programs a woman's baby for future diabetes. Exposure to such a diet modifies gene expression in the livers of offspring, increasing the likelihood of early insulin resistance and diabetes.
A new study reveals that babies born at 39 weeks have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those born earlier, with mortality rates declining by up to 50% per week after 37 weeks. This research supports the importance of continuing pregnancy until 39 weeks for optimal baby health.
Women who gained 2-3 BMI units between the first and second pregnancy were more likely to develop GDM in the second pregnancy. Conversely, women who lost over 6 pounds between pregnancies reduced their risk of developing GDM by approximately 50%. The association was strongest in women who were overweight or obese in their first pregnancy.
Researchers found that women who gained more than the recommended weight during pregnancy were three times as likely to be overweight or obese. Regular monitoring of weight in pregnancy may need to be reconsidered to prevent these health problems.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating various respiratory diseases. A new algorithm-based treatment for pregnant women with asthma has been found to be effective in reducing exacerbations. Additionally, a selective retinoid agonist may slow disease progression in emphysema, while sirolimus shows promise in patient...
A large randomized trial in rural Bangladesh found that supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene did not reduce all-cause maternal, fetal, or infant mortality. The study suggested that preventing vitamin A deficiency could improve maternal survival, but the benefits of supplementation were unclear.
A large Danish study found no significant association between prenatal use of newer-generation antiepileptic drugs and major birth defects. The study included data on over 837,000 infants and compared their birth defect rates with those exposed to older-generation antiepileptic drugs.
A study from Johns Hopkins researchers found a link between a gene variation and infertility in women, with the altered gene affecting cholesterol regulation and pregnancy hormone production. The discovery may lead to a treatment for this condition, as a cholesterol medication shown to work in mice could potentially restore fertility.
A recent study found that expectant fathers experience unique stress related to pregnancy, which affects the health of their partners and infants. The research recommends providing prenatal care for men to encourage them to take an active role in pregnancy and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
A Cochrane Systematic Review revises conclusions on two fertility treatments, finding GnRH antagonists comparable to agonists in live birth rates while reducing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome risks. This shift justifies the use of GnRH antagonists over agonists.
A new study found that women participating in a mind/body program for stress reduction while undergoing IVF treatment had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (52%) compared to those who did not participate (20%). The study suggests that psychological distress may be an important detriment to IVF outcome.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 reveals that a high carbohydrate intake increases the risk of developing gallstones during pregnancy. Additionally, symptoms of lactose intolerance may actually be linked to somatoform disorders, which can lead to counterproductive behaviors like restrictive diets.
Researchers detected adalimumab levels in cord blood and infants exposed to the medication in utero, highlighting the need for close monitoring of infection risk in newborns. The study suggests that pregnant women with Crohn's disease should not discontinue the medication, as it may exacerbate flares and lead to complications.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight of offspring. Researchers also discovered that the magnitude of decrease in birth weight was greater in children whose mothers were directly exposed to high BPA levels in the workplace.
A new UTHealth trial aims to help pregnant women quit smoking by testing the safety and efficacy of bupropion, a medication that has been shown to almost double the success rate of smoking cessation in nonpregnant smokers. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
A new study found that Latinas who endure domestic violence during or within a year of pregnancy are five times more likely to experience postpartum depression. The researchers suggest that recent exposure to intimate partner violence is a stronger predictor of postpartum depression than prenatal depression.
Researchers found that higher BPA concentrations at 16 weeks of pregnancy were associated with wheezing in children, while effects diminished as they aged. More research is needed to confirm the correlation between BPA and wheezing in children.
Research suggests that obese pregnant women have impaired immune function, leading to fewer cells and proteins that help fight infections. This could have serious consequences for both the mother and newborn.
A study of 367 mothers and infants found that prenatal exposure to BPA was associated with an increased risk of wheezing in childhood, particularly among the youngest group. High levels of BPA detected in women at 16 weeks' gestation were linked to wheeze in their offspring, but not after 3 years of age.
A University of Colorado School of Medicine researcher has won a $100,000 grant to investigate the cause of preeclampsia, which affects four to eight percent of pregnant women in developed countries. The goal is to find a central unifying factor behind the condition, which kills over 75,000 women and babies annually.
A recent study found that medication use among pregnant women is widespread and varies by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of prescription medications during the first trimester, with antidepressants showing dramatic increases.
A new survey by the Interactive Autism Network reveals that approximately half of parents report their child eloping from safe places, peaking at age four. The study highlights critical safety concerns, including increased risk of trauma, injury, or death. Additionally, a new research survey on pregnancy and birth factors associated wi...
Research from Research Australia found a link between stressful events during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. The study analyzed the timing, amount, and types of stressors to determine their impact on child behavior outcomes.
Researchers investigate whether statins can prevent pre-eclampsia by targeting an enzyme that suppresses two proteins linked to the condition. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, aims to test the effectiveness of statins in reducing blood pressure risks for pregnant women diagnosed with very early-onset pre-eclampsia.
New research reveals that thalidomide's toxic effects on embryos result from its breakdown products producing reactive oxygen species, causing DNA damage and birth defects. The study uses a rabbit embryo culture model to demonstrate the link between thalidomide and its hydrolysis products.
Researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah have developed a blood test that can identify high-risk pregnancies for pre-term birth with high accuracy. The test detects three new peptide biomarkers that signal increased risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially prolonging pregnancy by one or two weeks.
Researchers found that variations in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene may increase a woman's risk for delivering her infant prematurely. The study suggests that human gestation has been pushed to shorter times due to evolutionary changes, which could lead to new targets for therapeutic or preventive measures.
Stillbirths in low-income and middle-income countries are a major concern, with 98% of all stillbirths occurring in these regions. The Lancet report highlights the need for improved data collection and classification of programmatic causes of stillbirths.
Despite being among the wealthiest nations, high-income countries like the US, UK, and Australia still experience high rates of stillbirths. The causes are complex, but factors such as obesity, advanced maternal age, smoking, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to these statistics.
Research published at University of Rochester Medical Center found that high induction and primary C-section rates in low-risk pregnant women have no impact on newborn health. The study's findings question the increasing trend of interventions at delivery in the US, suggesting that 'more is not always better'.
Researchers found that low doses of penta-BDEs altered gene expression in reproductive organs and thyroid hormones in female rat offspring exposed in utero and via maternal milk. Osteopontin gene expression was significantly increased, which may have long-term implications for human health.
A randomized trial of 52 pregnant women found that those consuming fish oil supplements had significantly lower postpartum depression symptoms and fewer anxiety-related issues. The study suggests that DHA consumption during pregnancy has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression.
A recent study found no association between corticosteroid use during pregnancy and orofacial clefts in infants. However, dermatological corticosteroids were linked to an increased risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate. The study's results add to the safety information for corticosteroids commonly used during pregnancy.
Researchers found drinking during early pregnancy increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while heavy drinkers were more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and very premature births. The study emphasized the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy.
A study found that exercising during pregnancy can help infants develop healthier hearts, with improved cardiovascular function maintained even after birth. The research suggests that interventions should focus on pregnant women to promote better health outcomes for children.
The Experimental Biology 2011 conference showcased cutting-edge research in biochemical battle of the bulge, DNA replication, and bone health. Researchers presented findings on obesity, cancer, and gene therapy, highlighting the importance of understanding cellular processes in disease prevention.
A NIH study found that progesterone reduced the rate of preterm birth before 33 weeks of pregnancy among women with a short cervix. Infants born to these women were also less likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome.
A new method for preventing premature birth has been announced, showing that treating pregnant women at risk with a low-cost progesterone gel can reduce the rate of early preterm delivery in women with short cervix by 45%. The study found that progesterone also reduced respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies.