Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study found that nearly a third of HIV-infected women experiencing antiretroviral therapy became pregnant over a four-year period. Pregnancy rates increased over time for those on ART, while remaining low for those not yet receiving treatment.
A study by Ohio State University found that college-age women who watched a televised drama about teen pregnancy were more likely to use birth control, compared to those who watched a news program. The drama's narrative effect was linked to feelings of vulnerability and emotional connection with the characters.
A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women with fibroids are at a significantly increased risk of stillbirth. The research discovered that pregnancies with fetal growth restriction had an even higher risk of IUFD, with absolute risk remaining rare.
A longitudinal study found that pregnant mothers who experience depression are four times more likely to have children exhibiting violent behavior at age 16. The study suggests a link between maternal depression during pregnancy and increased antisocial behavior in children, with no apparent influence from family environment factors.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington has demonstrated a link between gastroschisis, a congenital abdominal wall defect, and exposure to atrazine, an agricultural chemical. The risk of gastroschisis increased for women who conceived in the spring and resided near areas with high surface water contamination.
Researchers found that universal screening of pregnant women is cost-effective and improves pregnancy outcomes, reducing the number of premature births. The study also showed that routine care costs more than screening for short cervix, resulting in cost savings.
Women with IUGR may experience similar adverse neonatal outcomes when waiting for birth versus induced labor, according to a randomized controlled trial. The study suggests individualizing care based on patient comfort and needs.
Researchers discovered DNA variants in genes involved in fighting infection that increase the risk of preterm labor and birth. These variants, carried by both mothers and fetuses, can lead to an inflammatory response that triggers early childbirth.
A statewide initiative in Ohio reduced the number of near-term scheduled births without a documented medical reason, from 25% to below 5%. The program, led by the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, implemented education and intervention tools to promote delayed births until 39 weeks.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Yale University found that measuring the fetal zone of the adrenal gland using 2D ultrasound is a better predictor of preterm birth than measuring cervical length. The d/D ratio was calculated as an index of FZE, which showed significant correlation with cAGV and d/D.
Researchers have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The variants were found in genes involved in inflammation and extracellular matrix regulation, suggesting a link between immune response and preterm birth.
Researchers found acupuncture to be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy, with participants experiencing significant symptom reduction and higher response rates. The study's results suggest that acupuncture could be a viable treatment option for pregnant women struggling with depression.
Research reveals genetic variants increasing risk of preterm labor, but also necessary for fighting infection; identifying high-risk individuals may lead to personalized care and healthier outcomes.
Researchers found an association between genes regulating maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm delivery. A cohort study identified nine SNPs in three genes associated with increased risk of preterm birth among women with bacterial vaginosis.
Researchers found that sutures resulted in significantly lower rates of wound separation and composite wound complications compared to staples. The use of staples was associated with a higher risk of wound complications and post-operative physician visits.
A new LSTM-led study aims to investigate the effects of long-term weekly iron and folic acid supplementation on anaemia and malaria risk in young women. The research seeks to strengthen adolescent health services and develop effective preventative programmes for anaemia control.
Researchers found that Viagra can aid fetal development in pregnant female sheep by enhancing blood flow and supplying vital nutrients. The study's results suggest that the medication may have similar benefits for humans, particularly in preventing low birth-weight babies and related health issues.
About 5 million women in the US suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a metabolic disorder causing infertility and obesity. Women are often told they are too fat, leading to delayed diagnoses, expert Andrea Dunaif advocates for increased awareness and treatment.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that the loss of a 'guardian angel' gene leads to premature birth due to altered signaling pathways in the pregnant uterus. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating and preventing prematurity.
A recent study found that ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. The new findings provide women and healthcare providers with an alternative option for emergency contraception, available up to five days post- intercourse.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that women with higher blood levels of PBDEs took longer to become pregnant compared to those with lower levels. The study linked each 10-fold increase in PBDE concentration to a 30% decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant.
A recent study found that young women and teenage girls are targeted by male partners attempting to sabotage birth control or coerce pregnancy, frequently associated with physical or sexual violence. The risk of unintended pregnancy doubles when women experience both reproductive coercion and partner violence.
A new study estimates that over 125 million global pregnancies are at risk from malaria every year, representing 60% of all pregnancies globally. The study provides a reliable estimate of the numbers at risk globally and will inform policy decisions for research and control efforts.
Researchers simplified standard warning labels on prescription medicine bottles to improve patient comprehension. The study found that patients with low health literacy benefited from newly designed icons and concise language.
A demographic study estimated that 125.2 million women are at risk of malaria each year, with most cases caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The study found that pregnant women and their unborn babies are highly vulnerable to malaria, leading to thousands of deaths annually.
Researchers found Fusobacterium nucleatum in the lungs and stomach of a stillborn baby, linked to its mother's pregnancy-associated gum disease. The study suggests that oral bacteria can be transmitted from mother to fetus through the blood, emphasizing the importance of good oral health care during pregnancy.
A mussel-inspired sealant has been developed for repairing defects in human fetal membranes, showing promise as a biocompatible and effective solution. The sealant, inspired by the sticky properties of mussels, can seal tiny holes in the membrane without causing cell death.
Research shows that later birth years are associated with higher survival rates for children with congenital anomalies. Advances in treatments, surgical techniques, and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to this trend. The study analyzed data from the UK Northern Congenital Abnormality Survey and found varying survival rates for diffe...
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that Doppler ultrasound can reduce infant deaths and caesarean sections in high-risk pregnancies by monitoring fetal health. However, the quality of the included studies is questionable, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers developed a device that gently rocks embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF), improving pregnancy rates in mice by 22%. The procedure may lead to significantly higher IVF success rates in humans, reducing the incidence of twins and triplets.
An insecticide-treated net program in Tanzania targets pregnant women and infants but suffers from attrition at each step. Researchers suggest simple changes to improve the program's success rate, which currently stands at 30%.
A study found that almost 1 in 5 pregnant women receive 4 or more ultrasounds, despite guidelines recommending only two. This increase is more pronounced in low-risk pregnancies, highlighting the need to review current practices.
Recent IOM guidelines recommend obese women gain more weight, contradicting research that shows higher BMI levels are associated with severe medical conditions. Obese pregnant women can safely limit weight gain through a nutrient-rich diet and physical activity under doctor guidance.
A nurse home visitation program has been shown to reduce the likelihood of girls entering the criminal justice system by age 19, according to a recent study. The program, which focuses on promoting maternal health and caregiving skills during pregnancy and infancy, was found to have long-term benefits for these young women.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal shows that choline plays a critical role in fetal brain development, particularly in regions associated with memory. Choline is found in meats like bacon and eggs.
A new study reveals that over half of pregnant women experience physical risks at work, including standing or lifting heavy objects and exposure to stress. The study highlights the need for improved workplace protection in Spain to safeguard reproductive health.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 16,000 women in Hawaii found that Korean-American and Chinese-American women are at one-third higher risk for gestational diabetes. Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and Puerto Ricans also face a higher risk compared to Caucasian and African-American women.
Researchers found that exposure to environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in pregnant mice, rendering their offspring resistant to allergies. This protective mechanism could potentially prevent allergies in people by conditioning the developing immune system to tolerate microbes and allergens.
A study by Sheryl Thorburn found that women with lower incomes were more likely to experience insurance-based discrimination, particularly among those with Medicaid coverage. The analysis of 1998-2001 data showed that women with incomes below $15,000 reported the highest rates of discrimination.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 39-86 percent for women without gestational diabetes and 44-86 percent for those with gestational diabetes. This protective association is attributed to favorable blood levels of glucose and lipids after delivery.
A study simulated car crashes involving pregnant women, aiming to improve safety in the automotive industry. The research aims to better understand how crash forces specifically affect pregnant women and their developing babies.
Researchers link beta 2 adrenergic agonists to increased autism risk in children of mothers treated for asthma and pre-term labor. Long-term neurophysiologic and behavioral impairment is also a concern with prolonged exposure to these drugs during pregnancy.
Research from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center found that drinking sugary cola drinks weekly before pregnancy significantly elevates the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. Consuming more than 5 servings per week was associated with a 22% greater risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
A recent study conducted in Southern Malawi found that azithromycin antibiotic had no significant impact on reducing the risk of preterm labour. The research suggests that infection may not be the primary cause of preterm birth and highlights the need for further investigation into other factors contributing to this issue.
Researchers have discovered a protein produced during pregnancy that directly inhibits breast cancer growth. The protein, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), may serve as a potential treatment and prevention agent for breast cancer.
A new study from Research Australia found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of behavioral issues in children, including anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors. The study suggests that both timing and intensity of alcohol exposure affect the type of behavior problems expressed.
Researchers found that adding a genetic sonogram to non-invasive prenatal screening increases the detection rate of Down syndrome by up to 98%, while decreasing false positive rates. This maximizes the capacity for noninvasive detection with currently available technology.
A recent study found that only 60% of pregnant women in Eastern and Southern Africa were tested for HIV in 2007. The authors suggest that women may be avoiding testing due to opt-out policies or concerns about the stigma associated with HIV. This highlights the need for increased awareness and access to HIV screening in these regions.
The US received a 'D' grade on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, with over half a million newborns not receiving a healthy start. Seven states improved their preterm birth rates by reducing smoking, uninsured rates, and late preterm births.
A Université de Montréal investigation found that over six percent of expectant mothers in Quebec use prescription drugs known to be harmful to their fetuses. The study also revealed that the abortion rate among these women is 11 percent higher than in the rest of the population.
Women with a history of preeclampsia may be at increased risk for reduced thyroid functioning, according to researchers. The study found that women who developed preeclampsia during pregnancy had higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and were more likely to have hypothyroidism later in life.
A study of Mexican swine flu cases reveals that young people are most likely to get infected, while the elderly have the highest mortality rates. The study also found that vaccination significantly lowers infection risk and prompt treatment is crucial for pregnant women.
Dr. Gail Harrison receives the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award for her groundbreaking research on maternal-fetal nutrition, particularly in developing countries. Her work has led to advances in understanding fetal growth and the importance of nutrient-rich diets during pregnancy.
Researchers found a significant increase in gastroschisis births in Washoe County from April 2007 to April 2008, with case mothers more likely to report infections and recreational drug use before pregnancy. The cluster appears to have subsided, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying causes.
A University of Adelaide study found a link between late pregnancy folic acid supplements and increased risk of asthma in children. The study suggests that the timing of supplementation is crucial in minimizing potential adverse effects.
Research by Michigan State University's Barbara Luke found that obese women are 28% less likely to become pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Women who are overweight also face a 14% lower chance of a successful pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 50,000 women using assisted reproductive technology.
A clinical trial has shown that healthy pregnant women mount a robust immune response after receiving just one dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. The vaccine has been well-tolerated and elicits protective immune responses in a significant majority of participants.
Infants born to vaccinated mothers had lower hospitalization rates for influenza, highlighting the effectiveness of flu vaccination during pregnancy. The study found that vaccinating pregnant women significantly reduced hospitalizations in infants under six months old.
A study examined associations between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birth defects, finding that certain antibiotics like sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins may be associated with severe birth defects. Many commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, were not linked to an increased risk of birth defects.
A Phase II clinical study found that a vaccine candidate can cause a modest but sustained reduction in genital and gastrointestinal GBS bacterial colonization. The vaccine was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, eliciting a strong immune response.