Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Chronic kidney disease exacts a significant toll on women's sexuality and gynecologic health, with hormonal changes affecting body functions. Experts will explore the impact of CKD on women's sexual life cycle, fertility, and pregnancy from adolescence through menopause.
Research found that mothers who smoked during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a baby with a cleft palate or lip. Nearly 7,000 babies are born annually with oral-facial clefts in the US, which can lead to feeding difficulties and other health issues.
Researchers found that teenage girls are more aware of the complexities of relationships and see their partner's point of view, while boys often use aggressive language and pressure girls into sex. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to address alcohol use and promote healthy attitudes towards sex education.
Researchers found that high blood pressure during pregnancy can be an early warning sign of future cardiovascular problems. A study followed 400 Ontario women with pre-eclampsia and found they had higher rates of elevated blood pressure and lipids, suggesting a link between the condition and increased cardiovascular risk.
New practice guidelines in Canada recommend prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities be offered to all pregnant women. The guidelines aim to balance reproductive autonomy with the potential legal liability of failing to screen, which could harm disabled children.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that adolescents exposed to high levels of sexual content on TV are twice as likely to be involved in a pregnancy over three years. The study suggests that TV programming typically does not highlight the risks and responsibilities of sex, contributing to higher teen pregnancy rates.
A study of over 40,000 women found that those who gained more than 40 pounds during pregnancy were nearly twice as likely to have a heavy baby. Heavy babies are at risk for birth complications and may become overweight or obese children and adults.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that overweight women are more likely to report having sex with men than their normal-weight counterparts. The research suggests that physicians should not make assumptions about a woman's sexual behavior based on her weight.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that women with stable or mildly active lupus have relatively infrequent flares during pregnancy and deliver healthy babies. The PROMISSE study identified factors to help plan a low-risk pregnancy, including monitoring antiphospholipid antibodies.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that depressed pregnant women have twice the risk of preterm delivery as those with no symptoms of depression. The severity of depressive symptoms also increases the risk, with severe symptoms more than doubling it.
Research at University of New South Wales finds a link between maternal obesity and increased body fat in offspring. Pups from obese mother rats were nearly twice as heavy as those born to lean mothers with regular milk consumption.
A study found that early exposure to drugs and alcohol increases the risk of early pregnancy, substance dependence, and criminal convictions. The research tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealand residents from birth to age 32 and showed that even 'good kids' who used substances before 15 faced poorer health outcomes.
A University of Oregon anthropologist found that women experience poorer dental health than men due to dramatic changes in female-specific hormones, reduced saliva production, and increased food cravings during pregnancy. The study suggests that these factors contribute to a higher risk of cavities in women as they age.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that statins can prevent white blood cell activation and protect pregnancies in women with APS. The study suggests that statins may be used as a treatment for women with APS-induced pregnancy complications.
The new guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy, with benefits including reduced risk of complications and improved long-term child health. Regular postpartum physical activity also supports a woman's overall health and weight management.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that listening to soothing music for 30 minutes a day reduced stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnant women. The music intervention showed significant reductions in these psychological symptoms after just two weeks.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prenatal test for Down syndrome that requires only a maternal blood sample, significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage. The test uses fragments of fetal DNA in the woman's blood to detect chromosomal disorders and could provide an earlier diagnosis than current methods.
Women who have a history of dieting or restrictive eating practices are at risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The study found that restrained eating behaviors were associated with higher weight gains in normal, overweight, and obese women, but lower weight gains in underweight women.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that Asian-White couples face increased risks of gestational diabetes and caesarean delivery compared to same-race couples. The researchers also discovered that the average Asian woman's pelvis may be smaller than the average white woman's, contributing to these disparities.
Research published in The FASEB Journal found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to oversized offspring and an increased risk of obesity in children. This is because fat causes the placenta to produce excessive nutrients for the fetus.
Leading bioethicists argue that pregnant women should be included in research due to the potential risks and benefits. Studies have shown that excluding pregnant women from research can lead to a lack of effective treatment options for pregnant women with chronic diseases.
Studies found that women who habitually diet before pregnancy tend to gain more weight during pregnancy and have higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adequate dietary fiber intake is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease and other health issues.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that supervised exercise helped pregnant women quit smoking, with a quarter of participants giving up before birth. Regular exercise was also linked to weight loss, improved self-image, and reduced cravings.
Research suggests that a mother's diet during pregnancy can induce epigenetic changes in her offspring, increasing their risk of developing allergic asthma. The study found that high-methyl-donor diets led to more severe airway disease and increased IgE levels in the blood.
A study found that hookworm infections are prevalent among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, linked to lower haemoglobin levels and increased risk of anaemia. The research estimates that over 37 million women of reproductive age are infected with hookworms, highlighting the need for effective deworming treatment policies.
A new study found that pregnant women with bulimia have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those without eating disorders. They also report lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationships.
Researchers studied 1021 pregnant women who attempted suicide with drugs and found that most congenital abnormalities were associated with psychiatric disorders and lifestyle factors rather than the drugs themselves. The study suggests using self-poisoning data to estimate human teratogenic risks of drugs in pregnancy.
Researchers have identified a critical protein called connexin 43 that is essential for the growth of new blood vessels supporting the development of embryos. Without this protein, embryo implantation may fail, with important implications for early pregnancy loss and female infertility.
A study at the University of Michigan found that high-dose calcium supplements can significantly lower lead levels in pregnant women. The researchers analyzed data from 557 women and discovered that those taking calcium supplements had an average reduction of 11% in blood lead levels, with some groups experiencing even greater reductions.
A new study highlights the need to develop systems to assess antimalarial drug safety in early pregnancy, as artemisinins have been shown to be toxic to embryos in animal models. An international antimalarial pregnancy exposure registry is proposed to enable targeted pharmacovigilance and timely assessment of risk-benefit profiles.
A study published in the Journal of Social Issues finds that certain disadvantages experienced in adolescence can lead to lower voter turnout in young adulthood. For example, early pregnancy or being arrested can result in a decline of over 30% in turnout among Whites and Blacks, respectively.
A University of North Carolina study finds that strong social support, internal belief systems, and concrete strategies for dealing with temptations are crucial for women to remain smoke-free postpartum. In contrast, easy access to cigarettes, reliance on cigarettes to cope with stress, and low self-esteem can lead to relapse.
Scientists discovered a 75-million-year-old pregnant turtle fossil with a nest of 26 eggs in the badlands of Alberta, Canada, shedding light on ancient reptile reproduction. The fossilized eggs are found to have extremely thick and hard shells that may have evolved to protect them from desiccation or predators.
Research found pregnant women experiencing high psychological stress are more likely to give birth to a child with schizophrenia. The study, which analyzed data from 88,829 people born in Jerusalem between 1964 and 1976, discovered a significantly higher incidence of schizophrenia among females.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that pregnant women experiencing severe stress during the second month of pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop schizophrenia. Women born in Jerusalem during the Arab-Israeli war had a higher risk of schizophrenia, particularly females.
Researchers used proteomics to compare the nuclear proteome of immature and mature gonadotrophic cells, revealing novel proteins that regulate gonadotropin gene transcription and RNA splicing. Urban air pollution was found to affect placental development, leading to reduced fetal growth and pregnancy complications.
Researchers found that many teens have misconceptions about emergency contraception, including side effects and confidentiality. Targeted health education is needed to address these concerns and promote effective use of the pill.
A study of 439 Latinas found elevated levels of depression among those more 'Americanized', with being single and pregnant also associated with depression. Screening during pregnancy is crucial for this population, particularly acculturated U.S.-born Latinas.
A two-year study by UT Houston researchers found that 53% of women who tested positive for GBS during their first pregnancy were also positive during their second. The study suggests that retesting women in subsequent pregnancies may not be cost-effective due to the high recurrence rate.
A new study found that pregnant women who binge drink early in pregnancy are more likely to have infants born with oral clefts. The researchers also found that the frequency and total amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy matters most, not just the frequency or duration of drinking.
A new study provides a mouse model that may lead to the development of new treatments for mood disorders associated with pregnancy. The research found that alterations in GABA neurotransmitter system and GABAA receptor sensitivity during pregnancy and postpartum are linked to depression-like behaviors.
A group of women will test new exercises and educational programs to manage their recovery after bed rest and birth. Researchers hope to discover if longer intervention is needed to help women regain lost strength and stamina.
A large population-based study of 659,000 women found that almost 20% develop type 2 diabetes within 9 years of pregnancy. The rate of diabetes increased rapidly after delivery, peaking at 9 years. Higher urban statistics and older mothers also increase risk factors for gestational diabetes.
Researchers have induced pre-eclampsia in mice by injecting human autoantibodies, demonstrating a potential pathway for the disorder. Blocking these autoantibodies prevented the development of pre-eclampsia in mice, suggesting a new approach to diagnosis and treatment.
A minimally invasive treatment called venous embolization has been shown to significantly improve a couple's chances of pregnancy in infertile men. The study found that patients with high sperm motility prior to treatment had the highest success rates, with over 26% of couples becoming pregnant after six months.
Researchers found that pregnant mice ignore alien male urine smells after day 3 of pregnancy due to dopamine surge. This chemical change helps avoid infanticide and protects fetal development.
A new study found that pregnant women who eat nuts or peanut butter daily during pregnancy increase their children's risk of developing asthma by more than 50 percent. The researchers also noted a small effect of daily maternal fruit consumption on reducing wheeze in children.
The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased nearly twice as much as standard IVF in Europe, according to new data. ICSI is now used more frequently in countries with southern European roots, despite lacking medical evidence that it provides better pregnancy rates than IVF.
A major international study found that many South-East Asian hospitals still employ worrying health care practices, including improper use of antibiotics and episiotomies. The study aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by identifying gaps in knowledge and implementing evidence-based interventions.
A Danish study of over 1,200 children found that those born from frozen embryos had higher birth weights and longer pregnancies compared to those born after fresh embryo transfers. The study also showed no increased risk of congenital malformations in the frozen embryo group.
Research finds that many normal-looking sperm used in ICSI have DNA damage, decreasing pregnancy chances and increasing risk of miscarriage. The study urges for more careful selection methods to avoid problems in the future.
A study analyzing 8,970 ICSI cycles found that younger women (35 and under) achieved a pregnancy in 50.8% of their first attempts, decreasing to 18.2% by the fifth attempt. In contrast, women over 40 had a lower pregnancy rate of about 20%, consistent throughout four attempts.
A recent study found that pregnancy increases a woman's risk of heart attack 3-4 fold. The study provides key recommendations for diagnosing and managing this condition in pregnant women, considering both maternal and fetal health.
A recent study found that pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. However, pregnancy alone is not associated with an increased risk of most prevalent mental disorders. Post-partum women may face a higher risk of major depressive disorder.
A recent study by Dr. Stéphanie Belloc found that men over 35 have a negative impact on pregnancy rates and increase miscarriage risks in women undergoing intrauterine inseminations (IUIs). This marks the first time a strong paternal effect has been shown, contradicting previous assumptions about the role of the father in fertility.
Researchers are gathering genetic samples from 10,000 people across Australia to investigate the possible genetic causes of cerebral palsy. The study aims to identify specific genetic mutations that may lead to the condition, with the goal of developing potential disease preventions and treatments.
Scientists found that delaying childbirth has contributed to rising caesarean sections, with advancing maternal age associated with impaired uterine function. The study suggests that understanding the effects of age on childbirth is crucial in addressing increasing rates of intervention in pregnancy.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a method to predict IVF success with 70 percent accuracy. The new method uses four critical factors, including total number of embryos, eight-cell embryo percentage, and follicle-stimulating hormone level, to determine a woman's chance of becoming pregnant.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that rats fed a junk food diet during pregnancy and lactation had offspring with high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance. These rats also showed increased obesity and fat around the kidneys.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that rats whose mothers ate an unhealthy diet during pregnancy were more likely to develop obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. This effect was even more pronounced in female offspring, suggesting a long-term health impact.