Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
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.
A study published in CMAJ found that excess maternal weight before and during pregnancy is a significant predictor of larger-than-average babies. Researchers analyzed data from 472 women and found that maternal glucose levels and lipid levels also play a role, but to a lesser extent.
A systems approach to preventing childhood obesity is proposed, beginning in pregnancy and continuing through early life. The strategy combines behavior change interventions with environmental changes to support healthy parents, infants, and toddlers.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to air pollution can have persistent effects on lung function development in children with asthma. The research found associations between nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter exposure during pregnancy and lower pulmonary function growth in childhood.
Researchers are studying the genetic link to pre-eclampsia, aiming to predict and prevent the disease. By understanding which genes cause pre-eclampsia, it may be possible to improve treatment and provide additional ante-natal care for high-risk women.
A systematic review found high prevalence rates of malaria and STIs/RTIs among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence estimates indicate that 32% of peripheral malaria and 25.8% placental malaria were present, while bacterial vaginosis affected 50.8% of the population.
Researchers have found that nearly 4 out of 10 women at health facilities have a malaria infection, with an estimated 25 million pregnancies at risk each year. The new treatment combines anti-malarial and antibiotic therapy to prevent and treat these conditions simultaneously, which could save thousands of lives.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pre-birth exposure to tenofovir did not increase birth defects or growth abnormalities among infants born to African HIV-positive women. The researchers analyzed data from the DART trial and found no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes or infant health.
The study found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) combined with early food supplementation reduced infant mortality rates. Infants in the early invitation with MMS group had a lower risk of death compared to those receiving usual invitation with 60 mg of iron and 400 μg of folic acid.
Research at Hebrew University and US researchers found a direct correlation between maternal overweight and increased tendencies towards adult child overweight, high blood pressure, and excess sugar and fat levels. This suggests that avoiding weight gain during adulthood may reduce these risk factors.
Dr. Gregor Reid and his team will study the impact of probiotic yogurt on pregnant women and their children in Tanzania to investigate potential benefits for disease prevention. The project aims to understand how nutrition and bacteria can be passed from mothers to their children, a critical period for health development.
Research from the University of Edinburgh found that stillbirths and neonatal deaths were less likely to occur when labor was induced at 40 weeks compared to births where the pregnancy was allowed to continue. Women who underwent elective inductions also had lower rates of Caesarean sections.
A team of researchers, led by Professor Todd Coleman, has been awarded a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop flexible tattoo-like devices for continuous pregnancy monitoring. The devices, which use skin-mounted electronics systems, aim to detect signs and symptoms of pre-term labor in a reliable and non-invasive manner.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening heart condition, is revealed to be a vascular disease caused by an imbalance of angiogenic proteins in the heart. The study suggests that proangiogenic therapies may be beneficial treatments for this condition.
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.