Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that the Early Start program reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and stillbirths, resulting in an average net cost benefit of $5.9 million annually. The program's accessibility to patients and integration with prenatal care significantly contribute to its success.
A comprehensive study found that maternal use of inhaled glucocorticoids for asthma during pregnancy is not associated with most diseases in childhood, but may increase the risk of endocrine and metabolic disorders. The study followed 65,085 mother-child pairs from early pregnancy to childhood.
A new UBC study found that 63.5% of pregnant women in B.C. took at least one prescription medication, including those with known risks. The study highlights the need for more research on safe and effective treatment options during pregnancy.
A new study found that applying vaginal progesterone to women at risk of preterm birth significantly decreased the odds of premature delivery. The treatment was effective in reducing both early and late preterm births, as well as hospitalizations and complications.
A recent study found that fetal exposure to carcinogens can lead to different types of cancer later in life, with the type of cancer depending on the stage of pregnancy when the fetus is exposed. The research also showed that mice who received multiple doses of a carcinogen had a higher rate of ovarian and lung cancer.
A QUT study found a link between temperature increases and the incidence of stillbirth and shorter pregnancies. The study, which recorded 101,870 births over four years, estimated that increased temperatures increase the risk of stillbirth by 15°C, with the lowest risks seen in the coolest weeks.
A landmark study found that vaginal progesterone significantly reduced the rate of preterm birth by 42% and neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with a short cervix. The treatment also decreased respiratory distress syndrome and the need for mechanical ventilation.
A new study found that both pre-pregnant weight and weight gain during pregnancy are important predictors of babies' birthweight. Women with higher education levels had the highest offspring birthweight, highlighting the importance of a healthy weight before conception and moderate weight gain during pregnancy.
Previous research on stillbirth has identified strong associations between reproductive factors, health conditions, and socio-demographic characteristics. The study found that these factors significantly increase the risk of stillbirth, highlighting the importance of early prenatal care and monitoring for women with known risk factors.
A recent study found that over 1 in 50 babies are born with a birth defect, significantly more common than previously estimated. The report highlights the need for improved regional monitoring to identify causes and reduce occurrences of anomalies.
Researchers found that obstetric conditions, genetic abnormalities, and infections were common causes of stillbirth. The study also identified racial disparities in stillbirth rates, with black women more likely to experience stillbirths during pregnancy or childbirth.
A new study assesses the effects of malaria and its treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy, revealing that the disease increases the risk of miscarriage. However, treating with standard antimalarial drugs reduces this risk significantly.
A UK-wide cohort study found a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) diagnoses among postpartum women, with a higher risk of TB in the six months following pregnancy. The study suggests that targeted screening of pregnant and post-partum women in high-risk groups may be necessary to prevent poorer outcomes.
A study of 107 pregnant women found that the H1N1 flu vaccine boosted their immune system and protected their newborns via transplacental transfer of antibodies. The results show that the influenza vaccine is safe during pregnancy and recommended for pregnant women to protect themselves and their babies.
Recent studies have shed light on the rising trend of total knee replacements, with researchers finding that increasing knee pain may be a contributing factor. Additionally, a single dose of influenza vaccine administered during pregnancy has been shown to protect both mothers and their newborns from swine flu. Meanwhile, a review of s...
A University of Michigan Health System-led analysis of federal data found that over half of women who killed themselves had a known mental health diagnosis, with mood disorder being the most common. The study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors in pregnant and postpartum women to intervene and prevent suicide.
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that states with abstinence-only sex education programs have significantly higher teenage pregnancy and birth rates than those with more comprehensive programs. This analysis provides evidence for policymakers to inform their decisions on sex education policies.
A UK study published in The Lancet found that a surveillance-only policy can be effective for women with high human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations after molar pregnancies. Nearly all patients will spontaneously remit, avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy and its side effects.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that pregnant bottlenose dolphins experience significant reductions in swimming speed and adopt a new gait style as they approach delivery. This is due to the extreme physical changes caused by pregnancy, including increased body size and buoyancy.
A Swedish study found that babies who started eating fish before nine months are less likely to suffer from pre-school wheeze. However, children who were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the first week of life or whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy faced an increased risk, particularly of multiple-trigger wheeze.
A new study suggests that increasing the expression of certain developmental genes in the uterus at precise times may improve IVF success rates. The researchers found that these genes, Msx1 and Msx2, play a crucial role in ensuring uterine receptivity for successful embryo implantation.
A mid-pregnancy test can predict preeclampsia, a late-pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are at increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure, kidney problems, and stroke later in life.
A new study published in European Obstetrics & Gynaecology shows that DuoFertility's monitoring and support service can achieve pregnancy rates comparable to IVF for many infertile couples. This viable, non-invasive alternative could save the NHS millions of pounds each year.
Research shows poor sleep quality during pregnancy increases risk of preterm birth. Early intervention through improved sleep habits may help reduce this risk. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disruptions during critical pregnancy periods.
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that infiltration of white blood cells into expectant mothers' blood vessels may explain high blood pressure in pregnancy. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for preeclampsia, a leading cause of premature delivery and maternal mortality worldwide.
A study found that amino acid concentrations were reduced in cloned embryos compared to in vitro fertilized pregnancies. This may explain developmental abnormalities and complications leading to embryo death. The findings highlight the importance of researching maternal-embryo interactions.
Researchers at Wayne State University are developing a computer-delivered intervention to screen for and reduce alcohol use among pregnant women, with the goal of improving fetal health outcomes. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of handheld mobile devices and anonymous self-interview formats in identifying at-risk drinkers.
Researchers found that left-handed individuals are more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a potential indicator of PLMD. Additionally, patients treated with CPAP experience significant weight gain due to reduced energy expenditure. Pregnant women carrying multiples are also at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while ...
Researchers found that violent deaths from homicide and suicide exceed traditional maternal mortality causes like hemorrhage and preeclampsia. Mental health awareness and treatment are crucial for preventing these deaths, particularly among younger, unmarried women.
A study published in Diabetologia found that African American women with gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy have a 52% increased risk of developing overt diabetes in the future. These women are also at almost 10 times greater risk if they had developed GDM in a past pregnancy.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation reveals that women who undergo a kidney transplant can successfully carry a pregnancy with a live birth rate of 73.5%. However, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery are common, especially among those pregnant within two years of the transplant.
A study by U-M-led researchers found that internet message boards are increasingly used by women to cope with pregnancy loss, revealing significant disparities in support. The study revealed that only half of the women surveyed had experienced a recent loss, and those from African American backgrounds were underrepresented online.
A new DNA-based prenatal blood test can significantly reduce the number of risky diagnostic procedures needed to identify pregnancies with Down syndrome. The test identified 98.6% of affected pregnancies while only 0.2% of normal pregnancies were misidentified as positive.
A faulty molecular switch, SGK1, has been found to be associated with infertility and miscarriage. High levels of the protein are common in women with unexplained infertility, while low levels increase the risk of miscarriage. The research suggests that a temporary loss of SGK1 during the fertile window is essential for pregnancy.
Research suggests exercise can stimulate the expression of two proteins thought to play a role in blood vessel health, reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Higher levels of VEGF and heat shock proteins were found in rats that exercised before and during pregnancy.
Research published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that current definitions for miscarriage diagnosis can lead to incorrect diagnoses. The studies also revealed a 20% variation in gestational sac sizes reported by different clinicians, which can cause false conclusions about pregnancy growth.
A study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after conception reported a significantly lower prevalence of severe language delay in their children at age 3. Researchers analyzed data from the Norwegian pregnancy cohort MoBa, which included over 38,000 children.
A Norwegian study found that folic acid supplements during early pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of severe language delay in children at age 3. The study followed over 38,000 children and found no association with gross motor skills delays.
A new study published in Reproductive Sciences describes the mechanism that keeps these conflicting goals in balance. The placenta tricks the mother by creating a diversion to occupy her lymphocytes, allowing invasive trophoblasts to sneak into her arteries and increase blood flow to the placenta.
A new Stanford University study found that the overall quality of a pregnant woman's diet is linked to a lower risk of two types of serious birth defects. Women who ate better before and during pregnancy had fewer infants with brain and spinal cord malformations or orofacial clefts, such as cleft lip and palate.
A team of scientists has discovered a link between pregnancy protein and Alzheimer's disease, finding elevated levels in women destined for the condition years before symptoms appear. They found that the protein, pregnancy zone protein, is being produced in senile plaques, a hallmark of AD.
A study by the University of Granada found that low plasma levels of copper and zinc are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. The research involved 265 pregnant women, with 132 experiencing miscarriage, and revealed significant differences in maternal plasma concentrations of these essential minerals.
Researchers found a link between fibroids and recurrent miscarriages, with removal of distorting fibroids reducing risk of miscarriage in second trimester. Removing such fibroids also doubled live birth rate in subsequent pregnancies for women with unexplained RM.
New research suggests that prenatal exercise improves brain plasticity, decreases toxic protein deposits and inflammation in mice, which wards off Alzheimer's disease. Exercise during pregnancy may have a lifetime benefit for the health of newborns.
A large-scale study found that mothers exposed to certain agents during pregnancy were more likely to have children with asthma. The Danish National Birth Cohort assessed over 42,696 children and found an association between maternal occupation and asthma prevalence among the children at age 7.
A new study by Brown University toxicologists found that male mice exposed to high doses of BPA during pregnancy showed no signs of harm to their testes as adults. The researchers suggest that the mother's metabolism may detoxify much of the BPA, reducing exposure to the fetus.
A recent study found that pregnant women who consumed low-fat yogurt with fruit daily had children more likely to develop asthma and allergic rhinitis. Milk intake during pregnancy was not linked to increased asthma risk but may offer protection.
A new study published in American Journal of Physiology and Endocrinology Metabolism found that mice born to mothers on a high-fat diet before and during pregnancy have higher fat mass and smaller livers. Switching to low-fat diet reduces risk, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University.
Researchers developed an improved algorithm to tailor asthma treatment during pregnancy based on actual airway inflammation measures. The study found a significant reduction in asthma exacerbation rates among pregnant women using this approach.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology identifies a link between maternal diet and child allergies, finding that polyunsaturated fatty acids improve gut immune cell response. This may reduce allergy risk by accelerating the development of a healthy immune system.
Researchers found a higher likelihood of conception in March among school-aged adolescents compared to adults. The study suggests that biological factors and increased access to contraception during Spring Break may contribute to this phenomenon.
Nonaspirin NSAIDs increase the risk of miscarriage by 2.4 times compared to control groups. The study found a class effect on the risk associated with diclofenac and other nonaspirin NSAIDs, suggesting caution when using these medications during pregnancy.
The ESC Congress 2011 in Paris saw a record-breaking attendance of 32,946 participants, with a focus on the quality of scientific content and new clinical guidelines. The congress highlighted significant findings on apixaban, dual antiplatelet therapy, and the importance of registries for cardiovascular disease prevention.
The study found a very high hospitalization rate during pregnancy, with 338 patients hospitalized (26% of all pregnancies) and 203 cardiac cases. Maternal death occurred in 13 patients (1%) and fetal death in 59 cases (4.5%). The authors suggest that further analysis and larger numbers are needed to identify the underlying causes of hi...
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health found that exposure to flame retardants during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. The study, led by Kim Harley, found a significant correlation between PBDE levels in mothers' blood and baby weights, with a 115-gram decrease ...
The number of patients with cardiac problems during pregnancy is increasing, and careful screening for heart disease is crucial. New ESC guidelines recommend regular screenings, appropriate risk assessment, and counseling to minimize complications and ensure fetal and maternal health.
Research finds children of mothers with extreme morning sickness may suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression as adults. A UCLA-USC study suggests prolonged malnutrition and stress during fetal brain development could contribute to these lifelong neurobehavioral disorders.
A large study found substantial delays in early neurological development among babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. Poor families were particularly vulnerable to the effects of prenatal smoking, which may be stronger than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce pre...
A new study tracked wild black bears' heart rates throughout the year, revealing that they experience extreme variations in heart rate during hibernation. Pregnant bears showed increased heart rates as their pregnancy progressed, while mothers exhibited reduced movement after giving birth to prevent accidental harm to their cubs.