Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study found that pregnant women with higher blood levels of a common flame retardant had altered thyroid hormone levels, which could impact fetal growth and brain development. The study linked exposure to these chemicals to decreased TSH levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism.
Researchers found that pyruvate kinase enzyme is reduced in pregnant women, leading to a modified immune response. This discovery may lead to the development of drugs targeting pyruvate kinase activity to treat conditions like pre-eclampsia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that no new medical strategies exist to prevent or treat fetal alcohol syndrome, a disorder caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Despite ongoing research, sensitive diagnostic tools are lacking, and more investigation is needed into biomarkers and prevention programs.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that pregnant women with an inherited condition making them more likely to form blood clots only face a small increase in the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. The study also showed no significant association between thrombophilia and placenta-related problems, suggesting that prescribing anti...
A recent study has found that women who use IUDs are less likely to become pregnant compared to those using hormone injections. The IUDs' longer duration and lack of hormonal effects also make them a preferred long-term option.
A 25-year study found that intrauterine devices significantly reduced repeat abortions among young women. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should increase the use of long-acting contraceptive methods like IUDs as an effective alternative to the pill.
A new study found that choline supplementation during pregnancy and nursing may improve cognitive and emotional abilities in people with Down syndrome. The research also suggests potential protection against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in CMAJ found a significant association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 women, found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly at higher doses.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel protein called Preimplantation Factor, which is crucial for successful pregnancy. The protein modulates maternal immunity and promotes early embryo attachment, influencing uterine cell remodeling.
Researchers found that CDP-choline can reduce cell death and ceramide levels, preventing damage when exposure to alcohol is stopped. The study suggests a potential preventive measure for fetal alcohol syndrome.
Researchers found that folate supplementation prevented heart valve defects and restored heart function in mouse embryos exposed to alcohol. High doses of folate were necessary to protect against defects, contradicting current dietary recommendations.
A new study has found that pregnancy doubles the risk of HIV transmission to men, with their risk increasing by double if their partner is both HIV-infected and pregnant. Researchers have also tested a vaginal microbicide in pregnant women, finding that it shows promise for preventing HIV transmission.
A recent study by the University of Illinois found that food insecurity is associated with a higher body mass index, greater weight gain during pregnancy, and a higher risk for gestational diabetes. Pregnant women who experienced food insecurity were more likely to develop health complications.
Good oral health during pregnancy combats adverse effects of oral disease, preventing pain, infections, and nutrient deficiencies. Regular dental treatment can be safely performed at any time during pregnancy.
A recent study by Brandeis researchers found that medicalizing human problems has led to substantial economic costs, with $77.1 billion spent on conditions like menopause and ADHD in 2005.
Researchers found that biological differences between men and women can impact vaccine efficacy, with women typically generating a more robust protective immune response. This knowledge could inform strategies for optimizing vaccination programs, including the timing and dose of vaccines.
A recent study reveals that seven out of ten pregnant women in the United States have insufficient vitamin D levels. Prenatal vitamins may not be enough to meet the needs of all women, particularly those with darker skin or living in regions with limited sunlight during winter months.
A nationwide study found that nearly a quarter of women between 25 and 45 consider themselves 'OK either way' when it comes to getting pregnant, contradicting the long-held notion that women are always trying to get or not get pregnant. This ambivalence was linked to higher numbers of ideal children and slightly more religious attitudes.
Scientists have developed technology to screen newborns for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a lethal disease caused by gene mutations. Effective screening may allow parents to access proactive treatments before symptoms become irreversible.
A recent trial in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce maternal mortality, contradicting previous findings from a Nepalese trial. The study showed similar rates of pregnancy-related and all-cause female mortality between the intervention and control groups.
A new study highlights the high prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women living in food-insecure households. Women from these households were more likely to experience severe pregravid obesity and greater gestational weight gain, which can lead to pregnancy complications.
The ObaapaVitA study in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation had no significant impact on pregnancy-related mortality or female mortality rates. This result contradicts the earlier Nepal trial which showed a 44% decrease in maternal mortality with vitamin A supplementation.
A new study finds that nearly 76% of pregnant Arab women have low levels of vitamin D, with many having insufficient dietary intake and limited sun exposure. This deficiency can lead to health issues for both mother and child, highlighting the need for urgent attention to prevention strategies.
Researchers highlight underdiagnosis of pediatric hepatitis C, increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease from antibiotic use in infancy. Gastroenterologists must consider unique health needs of women and children when prescribing medication.
Vitamin D supplementation may prevent preterm labor and infections in pregnant women, with the highest dose of 4,000 IU per day showing significant benefits. Researchers recommend all pregnant women take 4,000 IU vitamin D daily for optimal maternal and infant health.
Researchers analyzed medical records of over 239,000 women to find no significant difference in preeclampsia, preterm birth, or other complications. The study suggests that commonly used medications can be safely administered during pregnancy.
Obese pregnant women who gain too little or lose weight during pregnancy may be at increased risk of preterm births and restricted infant growth. The new study recommends tailored weight gain ranges based on the woman's BMI category, with more lenient limits for severely obese women.
Children born to mothers prescribed methadone during pregnancy may experience significant vision problems, including nystagmus, strabismus, and refractive errors. Up to 80% of these cases require treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
A study found pregnant women had a disproportionately higher risk of death due to 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in the US. Early antiviral treatment was associated with fewer ICU admissions and deaths. Pregnant women are at increased risk due to changes in their immune, cardiac, and respiratory systems.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that epigenetic marks on human placentas change throughout pregnancy, potentially allowing for early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The study's findings suggest that genomic imprinting appears to be an ever-changing process in the placenta.
A study demonstrated the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus in vivo, critical for fetal development. This finding clarifies indirect evidence of maternal thyroid hormone passage to the fetus during pregnancy, with significant implications for the development of the nervous system and overall quality of life.
A study by Penn State researchers found that women undergoing in vitro fertilization had lower success rates if exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,400 women, suggests that air pollution may be a factor in reproductive health.
A recent NIH study found that vitamin C and E supplements starting in early pregnancy do not reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders and their complications. The supplements did not show any significant difference in preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related hypertension complications, contradicting earlier small studies.
A recent study found two genetic regions associated with lower birth weight, one of which is also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The research analyzed over 38,000 Europeans and showed that individuals with a specific gene variant were 25% more likely to develop diabetes if they had low birth weight.
A study by Pitt/Magee research team found that women with preeclampsia have reduced numbers of endothelial progenitor cells, which are thought to help grow and maintain blood vessels. This adaptation didn't happen in patients with preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure.
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are at a high risk of developing epilepsy or seizure history, according to a new study. Researchers found that six percent of individuals with FASD developed epilepsy and 12 percent had one or more seizures in their life.
A new study found that regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during pregnancy reduces offspring birth weight by approximately 143g, while not impacting maternal insulin sensitivity. This reduction in birth weight may lower the risk of obesity later in life.
A review of 1098 studies found that pregnant women are more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on the left side, particularly in the left leg. The study suggests that routine examination of the iliofemoral system may be prudent when diagnosing DVT in pregnant patients.
A new study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that women who have given birth may be at increased risk for breast cancer due to inflammatory-related genes in their breast tissue. The researchers discovered a protective effect of pregnancy on breast cancer risk, suggesting a balance between high-risk inflammatory and protectiv...
A recent meta-analysis of 14 trials found that pregnancy after breast cancer diagnosis reduces the risk of death by 42%. The study suggests that hormonal changes during pregnancy may have an inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells, and that foetal antigens may also play a role in reducing the risk of recurrence. The findings support t...
Women diagnosed with breast cancer after pregnancy are 48% more likely to die than others, but risk is similar if cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy. Further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between cumulative pregnancy effects and breast cancer prognosis.
Young women with breast cancer are concerned about their fertility, with treatments like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy affecting egg production. Fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing or ovarian tissue transplantation, can help alleviate these concerns.
The Norwegian Influenza Study (NorFlu) aims to understand the effects of influenza in pregnancy on maternal health and childhood development. Pregnant women in Bergen and Oslo will participate in the study, providing a blood sample and completing a questionnaire.
Research found that high stress levels in mothers are associated with differences in immune function markers in cord blood, which may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in offspring. The study suggests a link between prenatal stress and the development of asthma later in life.
Researchers found that male pipefishes who like their mates tend to be nurturing fathers, while those who don't show less care for their offspring. The key factor influencing this attitude is how the male feels about the mother.
A new review found that advance emergency contraception provision does not decrease pregnancy rates despite increased use and faster use after unprotected sex. Women with access to emergency contraception had similar rates of unintended pregnancy as those without it.
Research suggests that maternal signals associated with overweight mothers can permanently alter a child's ability to regulate their weight. Studies found that offspring of overweight dams gained more weight and fat mass when given unlimited high-fat rations, indicating increased susceptibility to obesity.
A study found that sexually experienced girls resume sexual activity after periods of abstinence, with short-term factors including good relationships, personal interest, and mood influencing the decision. Long-term predictors include relationship quality and personal interest.
A study found that rhesus monkey babies born to mothers with flu during pregnancy had smaller brains and brain changes similar to those in human patients with schizophrenia. This suggests a possible increased risk of schizophrenia in human babies whose mothers had the flu while pregnant.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered that exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy causes permanent abnormalities in the uterus of offspring. The study found that BPA exposure permanently alters gene expression and DNA modification in the uterus, leading to hyper-responsiveness to estrogens.
A new study by Northwestern University recommends raising pregnancy blood sugar levels to nearly double the risk of complications for mothers and babies. The revised guidelines suggest that a fasting blood sugar level of 92 or higher poses serious risks to both mother and baby.
Researchers found that high iodine intake during pregnancy increases the risk of thyroid dysfunction in mothers. The study's findings highlight the need to monitor iodine nutritional status before recommending supplements. Iodized salt is still essential for maintaining proper thyroid function and preventing potential health issues.
A woman gave birth to two healthy girls, Aviaja and Lucca, in 2007 and 2008, respectively, after receiving fertility treatment following an ovarian transplant. The breakthrough case report supports the use of cryopreservation of ovarian tissue as a valid method for fertility preservation.
A study found that women who gained excessive weight during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women who exceeded recommended weight gain had a 50% increase in the risk of developing gestational diabetes compared to those within or below guidelines.
A Stanford University study found that acupuncture significantly reduced depression symptoms in pregnant women. The treatment was associated with a 63% response rate, compared to 44% for other groups. The researchers hope to raise awareness of the problem and provide an alternative to antidepressants.
Researchers report that black women are significantly more likely to develop peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially deadly weakening of the heart muscle around childbirth. The study found that African-American race was the most important predictor, with 93% of those who developed cardiomyopathy being black.
Maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is largely preventable due to a lack of basic healthcare measures. The main causes of death are haemorrhaging, infection, pre-eclampsia, and obstruction during birth. An effective health system and access to clean drinking water are crucial for reducing maternal deaths.
Infants born to bilingual mothers show different language preferences than monolingual infants. Bilingual babies exhibit equal interest in both languages, suggesting prenatal bilingual exposure prepares them for multilingualism. Discrimination between languages helps prevent confusion, enabling young bilinguals to navigate two languages.
The study aims to better understand the cause, diagnosis, and history of preeclampsia and diabetes in pregnant women, particularly those with hypertension or obesity. Researchers hope to develop effective treatments and therapies to save lives, reducing maternal mortality and complications.
A preliminary study found that drinking milk during pregnancy can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in babies. The study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting, revealed that high milk and vitamin D intake during pregnancy lowered the risk of MS by up to 56%.