Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Wild animals studying seals' extreme environments could provide answers to pressing problems in human reproductive health. Seals' unique physiology offers insights into managing gestational diabetes and improving IVF success rates.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease risk factors in midlife. Prioritizing weight management among those considering pregnancy may promote both maternal and future cardiovascular health.
Researchers found Oropouche virus is massively under-diagnosed in Latin America, with over 1 in 10 people experiencing a prior infection. Climatic conditions, including rain and temperature, significantly influence the virus's spread, posing risks to unborn babies.
A study by Edith Cowan University found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes have consistently higher attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Externalising problems, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, were also more prevalent in these children.
A new study published in Transfusion journal reveals sex-based disparities in the transfusion of whole blood to traumatically injured patients. Women, particularly younger females and those of childbearing potential, are less likely to receive whole blood transfusions compared to men. This disparity is despite whole blood being associa...
A study found abortion rates remained steady in Ontario, Canada from 2020-2022, unlike countries across the UK and Europe. The researchers attribute this to Canada's policies supporting primary care and telemedicine abortion care.
A pioneering study has identified interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a powerful diagnostic biomarker for the early detection of sepsis in high-risk patient groups. IL-6 outperformed traditional biomarkers in distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial infections and stratifying sepsis severity.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have found that guinea pigs can serve as a reliable and robust small animal model to study human preimplantation development. The study provides new insights into the development of healthy embryos and fetuses, which could lead to improved fertility treatments and reproductive technologies.
A landmark clinical trial found that blocking inflammation with certolizumab significantly reduces the risk of serious adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with antiphospholipid syndrome. The study showed a dramatic improvement in pregnancy outcomes, including lower complication rates and healthier babies.
A study found that smaller embryos already hatching are more likely to be chromosomally normal. This insight helps fertility clinics select better embryos during IVF, particularly for women over 35 or those undergoing PGT-A.
Pregnancy-related deaths in the US rose during 2018-2022, with significant disparities by state and ethnicity, underscoring the need for urgent public health action.
A fully automated ICSI system has successfully conceived the world's first baby, promising to transform fertility treatment with greater standardization and consistency. The system, developed by Conceivable Life Sciences, uses AI to position sperm cells and execute microinjection with unprecedented accuracy.
Researchers used data from 9,000 pregnancies to discover and validate RNA signatures that distinguish between severe and mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study validates Mirvie's simple blood test to predict preeclampsia early, at 17.5-22 weeks gestational age.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on primary care interventions to support breastfeeding, citing established associations between breastfeeding and child health benefits. As of 2021, 59.8% of infants at 6 months are breastfed, while 27.2% are exclusively breastfed.
A 131-million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur named Fiona has been studied for her well-preserved skeleton, which provides details about the anatomy of these marine predators. The researchers also found evidence of her final meal and a healed injury in her fin bones.
Women who experienced pre-eclampsia have an accelerated accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors compared to those without the condition. The study found that these risk factors occur almost a decade earlier, primarily due to premature and accelerated hypertension development.
A pilot study in western Sweden found that 5.5% of fourth-grade students had fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), including severe cases like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The study's lead author suggests that the results may indicate a higher prevalence in Sweden compared to other European countries.
Elite female athletes in the UK shared their experiences with pregnancy, citing a lack of guidance on nutrition and training that complements athletic ambition. They also expressed concerns about the impact of training on pregnancy and child development, as well as limited support networks within the sporting community.
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can affect newborns' metabolisms and brain development. The study, led by researchers at Emory University, discovered that these chemicals can cross the placenta and impact baby's biology before birth.
Scientists at ISTA create a new brain organoid model that incorporates microglia to study viral infections, such as Rubella, and test the effectiveness of ibuprofen. The results show that microglia play a crucial role in inflammatory reactions and that ibuprofen exerts its protective effects by inhibiting two inflammatory enzymes.
A research group has uncovered a potential mechanism linking maternal inflammation to delayed neurodevelopment in infants. CD11c-positive microglia, crucial for myelination, play a key role in this process.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that pregnancy may offer protection from developing Long COVID. The research analyzed data on approximately 72,000 pregnant women and 208,000 non-pregnant controls, revealing lower rates of long-term complications related to COVID-19 among pregnant women.
Between 2015-2020, 893,430 pregnant women were identified with a cannabis use disorder diagnosis, resulting in 1,058,448 total pregnancies. The cumulative prevalence of CUD diagnosis was 0.26%. Clinicians are well-positioned to intervene but may lack structural support due to fear of legal repercussions and underestimated diagnoses.
Nurses in states with abortion bans face communication gaps and moral distress when providing care to pregnant patients. They resort to 'work-arounds' like reading the room for allies or using online resources to find legal reproductive health care, highlighting the need for better guidance and support.
A new study shows that AI-assisted 20-week pregnancy scans are accurate and reliable, taking only over 40% less time than standard scans. This allows sonographers to focus on other aspects of the scan, such as communicating with parents.
A new study suggests that menthol in electronic cigarettes may pose risks to a developing baby, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell death. The researchers recommend discouraging the use of mentholated e-cigarettes during pregnancy until more research is conducted.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found a significant link between maternal diet's glycemic index and risk for mental health disorders in offspring. The study suggests that nutrition during the third trimester may impact infant temperament and behavioral trajectories.
A new rapid diagnostic test can accurately identify pregnant women with high levels of the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early detection and intervention. This breakthrough test could have a significant impact on hepatitis B management in low- and middle-income countries, reducing the spread of the infection.
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that postpartum female mice prefer cooler temperatures due to changes in the preoptic area of the brain, particularly a decrease in estrogen receptor alpha neurons. These changes affect the animal's warmth-seeking behavior and are regulated by reproductive experience.
A University at Buffalo study found that pregnant women who ate chili once per month had a 3.5% risk of developing gestational diabetes, compared to 7.4% for those who never ate chili. The researchers attribute the benefits to capsaicin and phenolic compounds in chili.
Research reveals that pregnant mice experience irreversible intestinal growth due to increased nutrient demand during pregnancy. The small intestine remains longer after birth and even more so after a second pregnancy, with changes in villi and crypts contributing to this effect.
Environmental factors such as rainfall and water availability before and during pregnancy predict future growth outcomes of children in Uganda. The study found that children born to mothers living in areas with high rainfall had a lower risk of malnutrition, while those born to mothers experiencing drought had a higher risk.
A new study reveals that maternal immune activation can alter hippocampal neuron excitability in newborn rats, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Prenatal inflammation has been linked to conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and depression, and may underlie their increased risk.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic mothers found that women with normal blood pressure levels during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension after giving birth. Tracking blood pressure patterns during pregnancy may help identify these women and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Oropouche virus has been reported in travellers from Canada and the US who visited Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba, with symptoms including fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. The risk of miscarriage and microcephaly is high for pregnant individuals, prompting cautionary measures.
A new study found that poor sleep health is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who slept six hours or fewer per night had a 32% higher risk compared to those who met the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep.
Researchers found that women who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic were more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of COVID-19 infection severity. Moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy also increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
Elevated KLF12 levels impair placental development and lead to miscarriages. Researchers propose KLF12 as a biomarker for high-risk pregnancies and explore strategies to normalize its levels.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that Swiss women had more children at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to better work-life balance and reduced economic uncertainty. However, birth rates have since fallen back, with young people being cautious about having children during the pandemic.
The Camden Study, a 4,765-woman pregnancy cohort from the US's poorest city, has yielded significant findings on adolescent growth during pregnancy. New research at Rutgers University aims to explore this data and develop new projects, attracting global collaborations.
Researchers found that PRP treatment increased gene expression related to metabolism, cell survival, and communication between cells in cumulus cells. This suggests that PRP may help support egg development and fertility in women with poor ovarian response.
The Dobbs decision has been linked to moderate but significant decreases in obstetrics and gynecology practitioners in the most restrictive states compared to control states. Clinician migration is likely affecting reproductive care access, quality, and equity as abortion rights are increasingly decided at the state level
A recent MSU study found that experiencing stress in mid-gestation affects girls' HPA axis and temperament, while late gestation stress impacts boys. The research team discovered periods of higher sensitivity to stress in both mid and late gestation, but with differing patterns for girls and boys.
Research suggests that CFTR modulators improve lung function during pregnancy and are likely safe for exposed babies. The study analyzed data from 307 pregnancies between 2010 and 2021 and found better maternal health outcomes for those using highly effective CFTR modulators.
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.