Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
An Australian study found that daily sex for seven days reduces sperm DNA damage and improves fertility in men with high DNA fragmentation. Men who ejaculated daily showed a significant decrease in DNA damage and an increase in good-quality sperm.
A recent study found that women with diminished ovarian reserve are at increased risk of trisomic pregnancy, regardless of age. The study analyzed data from 19,840 women undergoing fertility treatment in the Netherlands and found a history of ovarian surgery, low egg retrieval, or menopausal status to significantly increase trisomy risk.
Researchers have found that transferring a single embryo at a time after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and freezing at the blastocyst stage results in comparable pregnancy rates to those for non-biopsied embryos. This approach can reduce multiple pregnancies and their associated complications.
The study found that an accelerated path to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can offer a shorter time to pregnancy and cost savings. Couples who followed the new shortened protocol had a higher success rate and lower risk of multiple births.
A new ovarian transplantation technique has successfully restored fertility in two patients who had lost their ovaries due to cancer treatment. The two-step procedure involves grafting small pieces of frozen ovarian tissue before the main transplant, allowing for faster recovery of ovarian function and improved response to stimulation.
A new genetic test has increased pregnancy rates for older women undergoing IVF by 20% compared to 10% without the test. The test examines chromosomes in human eggs after fertilization and identifies healthy embryos, reducing chromosomal abnormalities and congenital issues.
Researchers at Imperial College London hope to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stress and anxiety in expectant mothers. Studies have shown that maternal stress can alter fetal brain development, leading to increased risk of emotional problems, behavioral issues, and lower cognitive development.
A comprehensive review of 75 studies found that complications in early pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm or very preterm delivery, placenta praevia, and congenital malformations. Identifying these risks allows clinicians to provide targeted monitoring and care for high-risk patients.
A UCLA study found that miniscule levels of carbon monoxide during pregnancy cause permanent brain damage in fetuses. The exposure level was established as safe by Cal/OSHA but still led to oxidative stress and protein loss.
Survival rates for placental-site trophoblastic tumours (PSTTs) vary depending on how long ago the related pregnancy occurred. The study found that patients with stage I disease had a 10-year probability of overall survival of 90%, while those with recurrent disease or disease resistant to treatment had poor survival.
A recent study found that teen contraceptive use declined between 2003 and 2007, despite no change in teen sexual activity. The authors suggest faltering HIV prevention efforts or inadequate sex education as contributing factors.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a treatment intended to prevent premature births in single pregnancies may be ineffective in women expecting twins. Researchers discovered an underlying difference between premature births in women with single and multiple pregnancies, which could inform improvements in treatment.
A randomized trial of 500 women with twin pregnancy found that progesterone treatment did not reduce the likelihood of delivery or intrauterine death before 34 weeks. The meta-analysis also confirmed that progesterone does not prevent early preterm birth in twin pregnancies.
Researchers found pre-pregnancy depressive mood may be a risk factor for premature birth among both blacks and whites, but the study did not establish cause and effect. Black women have nearly twice the odds of having a preterm birth compared to white women, potentially due to declining health over time.
Researchers found that BPA exposure during pregnancy leads to a permanent change in the DNA of offspring, affecting uterine development and fertility. The study's findings suggest that pregnant women should avoid BPA exposure to minimize potential harm to their unborn children.
A large cohort study found that metoclopramide poses no significant risks for fetal development when used to relieve morning sickness nausea, supporting its safe use during pregnancy. The study analyzed data from over 80,000 infants born to mothers who received the medication during the first trimester.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that dioxin exposure during pregnancy can cause premature cell death and alter milk-producing genes in mammary glands. This may explain why some women struggle with breastfeeding or produce inadequate milk, affecting an estimated three to six million mothers globally.
Research finds that grades and parents' education play a significant role in determining abortion decisions among young unwed women. The study also reveals that conservative Protestant classmates may have an 'abortion-limiting effect' on women in their 20s, but not in their teens.
A study conducted by Oregon State University found that a specialized foster care program reduced teen pregnancy rates among juvenile justice teens. The program, which involved one-on-one care in highly supervised homes, resulted in a 26% pregnancy rate compared to 47% for teens in group care.
A study suggests that obese women should not aim to gain excessive weight during pregnancy, challenging previous guidelines. Instead, a well-balanced and nutritionally monitored program can provide better health outcomes for both mother and baby.
A study using genetically modified mice found a link between low levels of inositol and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The research suggests that increasing inositol doses may help prevent these birth defects.
A study found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis than white women. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the production and function of antimicrobial molecules, which can help prevent bacterial infections.
A recent study found that women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are seven-and-a-half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes post-birth. This increased risk remains for several years, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention. Early identification and treatment of related factors, such as lip...
A University of Georgia study found that a lower legal drinking age is associated with an increased risk of unplanned pregnancies and pre-term births. The study suggests that when it's easier for young people to get alcohol, birth outcomes are worse.
Researchers from Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that even mild abnormalities in glucose testing during pregnancy increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with these mild abnormalities are 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those with normal glucose testing.
A recent study found that children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy and early childhood years are at a higher risk of taking up smoking as teens and young adults. The researchers also discovered that offspring of mothers who smoked during this critical period were less likely to quit smoking in adulthood.
Pregnant women undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery experience higher rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and increased economic costs compared to non-pregnant women. The study highlights the need for cautious approach and careful deliberation on benefits versus risks.
A study of 469 pregnant women found that vitamin D insufficiency was associated with an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is more common in black women due to lower vitamin D levels. The study suggests that poor vitamin D status may contribute to the racial disparity in BV prevalence.
Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre found that folic acid fortification in grain products led to a significant decrease in congenital heart defects. The rate of these defects decreased by 6.2% per year after 1999, according to provincial databases.
Researchers identified a common genetic variant associated with reduced ability to quit smoking during pregnancy. The study found that women carrying the addictive gene were less likely to stop smoking during pregnancy compared to those without it.
A study highlights the need for hospitals to develop formal plans to address priority treatment for pregnant women and newborns in case of an influenza pandemic. Despite 78% having written plans, concerns remain about resource allocation, vaccination safety, and coordination with public health agencies.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that trauma experienced by mothers prior to pregnancy influences the emotional and social behavior of their offspring. The research, conducted on rats, showed varied effects on the offspring's behavior depending on the duration and intensity of pre-pregnancy stress.
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) has awarded €11 million to the MiP Consortium to investigate new approaches to prevent and treat malaria in pregnancy. Researchers aim to develop more effective interventions that can prevent up to 50 million women at risk every year, saving lives and reducing ma...
A new study found that taking probiotics during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of obesity in women, particularly central obesity and body fat percentage. The study involved 256 pregnant women who received either dietary counselling alone or with daily capsules of probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
A collaborative Canada-France study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that metoclopramide worked faster to quell symptoms of nausea and vomiting than droperidol. The treatment protocol improved symptoms more quickly and provided a safer option for pregnant women.
Research suggests that women with actively managed asthma are as likely to have healthy pregnancies and babies as those without asthma. The study recommends comprehensive approach to management and treatment of asthma during pregnancy, including assessment, medication management, and patient education.
The American Dietetic Association and American Society of Nutrition recommend counseling on diet and physical activity to reduce health risks associated with excess weight in mothers and children. Infants born to obese mothers have a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies.
New American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society guidelines suggest pregnant women with epilepsy consider avoiding valproate, a drug linked to increased fetal malformations and decreased thinking skills. The guidelines recommend regular blood testing to adjust medication doses.
The 64-slice CT scanner is the most efficient radiation source for evaluating pregnant patients with possible pulmonary emboli, according to a study. This technology reduces fetal exposure by shortening scan times and minimizing scatter radiation, while still providing accurate diagnoses.
A study by researchers at the University of Virginia found that MRI is highly accurate in diagnosing appendicitis in pregnant patients, with a success rate of 94%. This non-invasive imaging technique offers a safe alternative to radiation-based CT scans and ultrasound, which often fail to provide accurate results.
A mouse study found that genetics play a role in susceptibility and resistance to prenatal alcohol exposure, with some strains showing teratogenic effects while others resisted, suggesting genetic influence. The study also highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in human FASD research.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that prenatal exposure to maternal antibodies can trigger neurobehavioral changes similar to autism in mouse pups, including increased anxiety and hyperactivity. The study suggests that the immune system may play a key role in some cases of autism.
Research reveals that exercising during pregnancy does not require sacrificing time for other activities. Exercisers actually spent slightly more sleep and reading time, while non-exercisers spent more on TV/computer time. The study also found significant differences in BMI and maternal weight between exercisers and non-exercisers.
A new study published in Neurology has found that prenatal methamphetamine use is associated with abnormal brain development in children. The research used MRI scans to compare the brains of 29 children exposed to meth in utero with 37 unexposed children, revealing differences in white matter structure and maturation.
A new study led by NYU dental researcher Dr. Ananda P. Dasanayake found that pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. The study, conducted in Sri Lanka, eliminated smoking and alcohol use among participants to isolate the impact of gum disease on glucose levels.
A new study suggests that balancing two types of estrogen and a hormone in the placenta can signal labor. Researchers found that when estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) are in balance, there is no drive to labor, but an imbalance leads to the onset of labor.
A new Norwegian study suggests that HPV vaccination can prevent up to 35-128 preterm births per 100,000 births by reducing the risk of surgical treatment after cervical cell changes. The vaccine may have an important impact on preventing extremely preterm births.
The medical cost of caring for one premature baby can reach nearly $50,000, exceeding the cost of caring for a dozen healthy full-term infants. This highlights the importance of preventing preterm birth and improving maternal healthcare to reduce healthcare costs and save lives.
A study found that imaging exams on pregnant women have more than doubled, with CT scans increasing by 25.3% annually due to growing radiation exposure concerns. The researchers evaluated 5,270 examinations and estimated fetal radiation exposure, highlighting the need for alternative imaging tests like MRI and ultrasound.
Research reveals that over half of children born before 26 weeks need extra help with maths and reading, struggling with simultaneous processing of complex information. These children are more likely to require special educational needs support and multiple services.
Pregnant women with asthma are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely if they stop taking their medication. According to a University of Montreal study, women who interrupt their asthma treatment also experience an increased probability of developing hypertension during pregnancy.
A new study led by Anita Raj found that nearly half of adult Indian women, aged 20 to 24, were married before the legal age of 18. Child marriage is significantly associated with poor fertility outcomes, including unwanted pregnancies and sterilization rates.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine's Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium has been awarded €3.6 million to research optimizing the use of an antimalarial drug given to prevent malaria in pregnancy in Africa. The project aims to determine whether pregnant women need a different dose of the SP drug due to changes during pregnancy.
The Lancet Series on Health in The Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights the urgent health struggle of mothers and children in the OPT. Despite high fertility rates, infant mortality has not decreased since 1990, and interventions require a functioning health system for effective delivery.
A new study suggests low levels of vitamin B12 may increase neural tube defects risk. Doctors agree pregnant women can thrive on well-planned vegan diets, offering nutritional benefits like lower saturated fat and higher fiber.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a prenatal testing method for identifying tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in the womb. The technique, which sequences TSC genes in amniotic fluid cells, has been shown to detect nearly 93% of mutations, offering improved treatment options for affected families.
Women with low vitamin B12 levels have a 5 times increased risk of having a child with a neural tube defect compared to those with high levels. Vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk due to limited food sources, while intestinal disorders can also lead to deficiencies.
Research in Cameroon reveals that 88.3% of women are willing to accept HIV testing during labor, leading to a higher rate of detected infections compared to previously estimated rates. The study recommends an opt-out approach for HIV testing during labor to increase the number of mother-infant pairs receiving appropriate treatment.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan and more years of exposure to their own sex hormones may be protected from Parkinson's disease. Women with four or more pregnancies were at greater risk of developing the disease compared to those with fewer pregnancies.
A recent study found that post-partum haemorrhage is a significant threat to new mothers in high-income countries, resulting in severe outcomes including infertility and death. The authors recommend increased access to active management of the third stage of labour to reduce PPH rates.