Articles tagged with Pregnancy
Elevated fluoride concentrations have been shown to impair cognitive abilities in children, particularly verbal reasoning skills and sensory processing. The study suggests that even low levels of exposure can have significant effects, highlighting the need for further research on fluoride health risks.
Research suggests that higher levels of essential minerals such as copper, manganese, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure in middle age. The study analyzed data from over 500 women and found a significant association between these mineral levels and lower blood pressure risk.
A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.
A Japanese study found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of placental abruption by 2.8%, while second-hand smoke exposure contributes an additional 3.0% risk. The study highlights the importance of preventing all smoke exposure in public spaces and homes to safeguard maternal and fetal health.
A new study in rodents reveals that oxytocin can delay an embryo's development for days to weeks after conception, a phenomenon known as diapause. This finding may offer new insights into pregnancy and fertility issues faced by humans.
Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.
A survey by SCAI highlights alarming trends in radiation exposure and orthopedic injuries for interventional cardiologists and staff. The study proposes concrete steps to mitigate these hazards, including the adoption of new shielding technologies and expanding formal radiation safety education.
A preliminary study found that taking higher doses of folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy was safe and associated with improved verbal abilities and behavior skills in children at age six. The study, which included 345 children, showed no evidence of negative effects at higher doses.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that mothers with high prenatal psychosocial stress and depressive symptoms developed higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum. Social cohesion during pregnancy was also associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting a protective factor.
Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that maternal THC consumption can decrease lung volume in developing fetuses and alter lung gene expression. This study is the first to examine the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on offspring respiratory health, raising concerns for potential long-term impacts.
A large psychotherapy trial has demonstrated that trained nurses, midwives, and doulas can deliver effective talk therapy, significantly improving symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant and postpartum individuals. The study also found that online therapy is equally beneficial to in-person sessions.
A new study from Denmark reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy, characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar, may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Researchers found that even small dietary adjustments away from this pattern could potentially reduce this risk.
A new study reveals a one-hour glucose tolerance test outperforms the traditional two-hour test in predicting future risk of diabetes, potentially transforming clinical practice. The test captures peak blood sugar levels, identifying an elevated risk of developing diabetes.
A study published in The Lancet found that tocolytic drugs after 30 weeks of pregnancy do not improve the baby's health. Premature birth often has a medical cause and delaying childbirth may actually be harmful.
A new study discovered that violence can alter human genes for generations, even in grandchildren who never experienced violence themselves. Researchers found epigenetic changes in the genomes of Syrian families affected by the Hama massacre and subsequent civil war.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
Regular psychological health screening during pregnancy and postpartum may improve maternal cardiovascular health outcomes. Integrating comprehensive mental health support into perinatal care is essential to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiovascular risks.
A University of Turku study reveals that mothers' weight and diet during pregnancy influence their child's motor skills up to age 5-6. Children of overweight or obese mothers are almost three times more likely to develop a developmental coordination disorder, highlighting the importance of healthy prenatal nutrition.
A new study has focused on the safety of outdoor swimming during pregnancy, revealing large gaps in knowledge and highlighting the need for further research. Expert-led recommendations have been provided for pregnant people, including advice to only swim in cold water if a regular cold water swimmer before pregnancy.
Researchers found that a Lactobacillus-dominant uterine environment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and increases pregnancy success rates. Disruptions in microbiota composition have been linked to conditions such as chronic endometritis, endometriosis, and recurrent implantation failure.
Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus uses a tunneling strategy to spread in placental cells, hijacking mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. The study found that the formation of tiny tunnels is driven exclusively by a Zika protein called NS1, which triggers tunnel formation in uninfected cells.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found a significant link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research tracked 307 women during pregnancy and followed their offspring for 8-10 years, finding that children exposed to acetaminophen had...
A new study published in Circulation suggests that less than one in five patients are tested for cardiovascular risk factors following pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes. This leaves women without adequate screening for high blood pressure, lipids, and sugars, increasing their risk of future stroke or heart disease.
A new study by Dr Clare Stovell found that women usually lead conversations about parental duties, perpetuating traditional gender roles. Couples rarely discuss or negotiate work and family decisions, with men often assuming full-time work schedules.
A new study from the University at Buffalo measures neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and satellite-based air pollution data, finding that newborns exposed in the last month of pregnancy to higher levels of NO2 have a 30-35% higher risk of NICU admission and an 11-22% increased risk associated with PM2.5.
Researchers discovered a link between neuroactive steroids in pregnant women's blood and the risk of developing postpartum depression. Measuring these molecules via a blood test could enable doctors to provide treatment sooner. The study may lead to a preventive treatment using existing prescription drugs.
A new blood test using cell-free DNA from the placenta during pregnancy can predict preterm preeclampsia with 80% accuracy. The test's development is a significant breakthrough in prenatal care, potentially improving treatment outcomes for high-risk pregnancies.
A new study found that babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after birth. Newborns whose mothers had taken carrot powder capsules reacted favourably to the smell of carrot, while those whose mothers had taken kale powder capsules reacted more positively to the scent of kale.
A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.
The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.
A new study found that fertility-tracking technology use increased in some US states after the Dobbs decision, with more women using apps for pregnancy prevention rather than planning. The study suggests a need for education on tech's reliability and implications for user data security.
A Tel Aviv University study found urban bats have shorter pregnancies and start reproducing earlier due to favorable temperatures and food abundance in cities. This is the first study linking urban living to mammalian reproductive patterns.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that women with complicated pregnancies and their sisters are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Genes and shared environmental factors may contribute to this association.
A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs suggests that mandatory warning signs at cannabis dispensaries may not be effective in deterring pregnant users. In fact, many participants reported distrust towards the content of the warnings, viewing them as stigmatizing or negative. The researchers interviewed 34 ...
A new survey found that many Americans believe common symptoms like fatigue and nausea are normal during and after pregnancy, while ignoring signs of potential heart problems. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is calling for better awareness and care for pregnant women with pre-existing health issues.
A large study found pregnant women with cervical cancer face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth, including premature birth and cesarean sections. However, the babies' health is largely unaffected, with no significant differences in birth defects or stillbirths.
Researchers have found a way to improve the effectiveness of methotrexate in treating choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting pregnant women and new mothers. The new drug delivery system, known as polymersomes, targets a specific protein in cancer cells, reducing tumor size by 95%.
A study found that maternal stress can alter genes related to cortisol regulation in the placenta, potentially affecting foetal development. The research team analyzed placentas from 45 healthy pregnant women and identified epigenetic changes associated with glucocorticoid-related genes.
Researchers analyzed data from 8,843 women with preeclampsia to evaluate the performance of existing risk prediction models. The study found that these models are most accurate only in the days following diagnosis and deteriorate over time.
Researchers found that playing classical music can smooth variations in fetal heart rates, indicating potential benefits for fetal development. The study used mathematical analysis tools to identify patterns in heart rate variability and found that exposure to music resulted in more stable and predictable patterns.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pregnant individuals with no emotional support during childbirth experience higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to a C-section delivery. The research highlights the importance of access to emotional support in reducing stress and improving maternal and child outcomes.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that low vitamin D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length. Pregnant women with low vitamin D concentrations were four times more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.
Research found that mothers of twins are twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease compared to singleton births. Those with twins and high blood pressure during pregnancy are at highest risk. However, deaths from heart disease decrease in mothers of twins compared to singletons over time.
Researchers analyzed over 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark to investigate potential links between a mother's health conditions and her child's risk of autism. They found that most reported associations can be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare.
A new study found that early intervention with iron delivered intravenously during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for anemia. The study, which involved over 4,000 participants in India, showed that single dose IV iron preparations can reduce the risk of low birthweight infants and anemia by delivery.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
A study from the University of Surrey reveals that delays in cancer diagnosis for pregnant women are often due to misattributed symptoms as normal pregnancy changes. Women experiencing more specific symptoms, such as breast lumps, are more likely to receive quicker diagnoses and referrals.
A new study suggests that women at risk of postpartum depression may have characteristic levels of neuroactive steroids in their blood during pregnancy. Elevated progesterone levels and imbalances in its metabolism may be associated with an increased risk of PPD.
A new study reported that pregnant women with previable premature rupture of membranes (PROM) faced significantly higher risks of severe complications, including sepsis and blood transfusions, after the Texas Senate Bill 8 law went into effect.
The study found a significant decrease in antidepressant use during pregnancy without an accompanying increase in psychotherapy. This suggests that pregnant women with depression or anxiety may be able to effectively manage their symptoms with medication alone.
A systematic review of 24 studies suggests resveratrol can enhance the quantity and quality of egg cells, called oocytes. The compound may also treat infertility related to endometriosis and obesity.
A new national study has found that homicide and suicide are the leading causes of maternal death in the US, with firearm deaths contributing to a significant portion. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact on Black birthing people and suggests that firearm legislation can reduce maternal mortality rates.
A new study suggests that AI can significantly improve a clinician's ability to detect cases suspicious for congenital heart defects, regardless of their experience or training. The AI system also increased confidence levels and reduced diagnosis time among clinicians.
Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in preterm placenta compared to term births. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation may contribute to the risk of preterm birth.
A study published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that adding amniotic fluid to plasma improves blood's ability to thicken and clot. The research also identified changes in amniotic fluid composition over time, which can affect maternal and fetal health.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A new meta-analysis of over 249 studies and 251,713 US teens finds that knowledge about safer sex is not enough to promote condom use. The study highlights the importance of confidence, planning, and effective communication with partners in encouraging condom use among teens.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements significantly reduced the risk of small vulnerable newborn types, including preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational-age birth. These findings suggest that switching from iron and folic acid supplements to MMS as...
A new AI-based analysis of almost 10,000 pregnancies has discovered previously unidentified combinations of risk factors linked to serious negative pregnancy outcomes. The study found that there may be up to a tenfold difference in risk for infants who are currently treated identically under clinical guidelines.