Articles tagged with Pregnancy
A large-scale study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found a strong link between physical abuse during pregnancy and premature births. Researchers surveyed 2660 Caucasian women and discovered that 24% of mothers of preterm newborns had experienced physical abuse, compared to 8% of those with term births.
A University of Houston professor found a new side effect of lead exposure: obesity in male mice born to mothers exposed to varying levels of lead. The study suggests that the link may be related to testosterone or other hormones, and highlights the need for lower acceptable lead exposure rates for pregnant women and children.
Researchers have discovered a link between viral infection, particularly from the herpes group, and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease and pre-term birth. The study found viral nucleic acid in heel-prick blood samples of 1326 newborn babies, including over 400 with cerebral palsy.
A study found that in sub-Saharan Africa, more women die from treatable infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria than from pregnancy-related complications. Effective treatment and prevention measures can greatly reduce maternal mortality rates.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have made a breakthrough in diagnosing pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects up to 15% of pregnancies. A user-friendly diagnostic kit is being developed to test pregnant women, with potential savings estimated at £500m for the NHS.
A study of pregnant women with preeclampsia found elevated levels of a peptide that raises blood pressure, potentially explaining its development. The researchers hope the findings may lead to treatment for preeclampsia by targeting specific tissues.
A study on monkeys found that moderate prenatal exposure to alcohol and stress can lead to touch sensitivity in offspring. Researchers suggest that reducing sensory sensitivities at an early age may help prevent behavioral problems associated with fetal alcohol-related issues.
A study of over 1.38 million Danish births found a significant association between exposure to severe stressful events during the first trimester and an increased risk of schizophrenia in children. Chemicals released by the mother's brain in response to stress may affect fetal brain development, particularly in early pregnancy.
A study by Yale University researchers has identified a gene, ENPP1, linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in Hispanic women. The study found that this variant of the gene may be associated with deranged energy metabolism, a possible explanation for preterm births.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that IVF twin pregnancies have a higher prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) compared to singletons. The study, which examined almost 2,000 patients, revealed a three-fold increase in CHD among IVF twins.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals that religious women are less likely to obtain abortions compared to secular women. This is because religious women tend to lead more sexually conservative lifestyles, which reduces their likelihood of becoming pregnant before marriage and seeking an abortion.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that high doses of caffeine daily during pregnancy increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly among women consuming coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Women who consumed over 200mg of caffeine per day had twice the miscarriage risk compared to those with no caffeine intake.
The pharmaceutical industry is failing pregnant women due to a lack of drug development for maternal health, with only 17 drugs in active development. This 'drug drought' is attributed to the high litigation costs associated with testing and developing drugs during pregnancy.
The Lancet study highlights the urgent need to address undernutrition in 20 countries accounting for 80% of the world's undernourished children. Interventions with proven effectiveness should be implemented at scale, and programme efforts should focus on the critical window of pregnancy to 24 months of age.
A new Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal will help women easily identify grain products with folic acid. The seal aims to increase consumption of the essential nutrient among women of childbearing age, reducing neural tube defects by 26% since 1998.
A new study by Queensland University of Technology scientists found that exposure to air pollution significantly reduces foetus size during pregnancy. Mothers with higher exposure to air pollution had foetuses that were smaller in terms of abdominal circumference, head circumference and femur length.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed new modeling tools to create accurate computer simulations of the human body during pregnancy. This breakthrough enables safer and more effective radiation therapy and nuclear medicine imaging procedures for expecting mothers.
A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.
A group of UK doctors call on the government to implement folic acid fortification in flour to prevent neural tube defects, which could save around 400 pregnancies annually. They argue that two studies cited as a delay do not support a link between folic acid and colorectal cancer.
Professor Jens Høiriis Nielsen from the University of Copenhagen receives a JDRF research grant to investigate beta cell expansion during pregnancy. The goal is to discover new approaches for treating type 1 diabetes, potentially leading to regenerative drugs and therapies.
A study at the University of Texas at Austin found that human spines evolved differently in males and females due to back pressure from pregnancy. The adaptation, which first appeared at least two million years ago, includes larger joints and a more angled vertebrae curve in females.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a preference for alcohol's taste and smell, making young people more likely to abuse it. Prenatal exposure also affects the development of the olfactory system, which enhances the sensory impact of alcohol.
A new study from Harvard University reveals that women's lower spines have evolved to be more flexible and supportive than men's, allowing for increased extension and stability during pregnancy. The research found that women lean back by up to 60% to maintain a stable center of gravity, offsetting the weight of the baby.
A new study found that obese women's chances of spontaneous pregnancy are reduced by up to 43%, even if they ovulate normally and have no obvious infertility reasons. The study suggests that obesity may disrupt hormone levels, including leptin, which regulates appetite and energy expenditure.
Research at Emory University found that therapeutic drug monitoring for lamotrigine during pregnancy reduces increased seizure activity and improves health outcomes. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit for pregnant women with epilepsy, allowing for targeted dosage adjustments to minimize risk.
Research shows that therapeutic drug monitoring of lamotrigine during pregnancy significantly reduces seizure activity and improves fetal health. The study found that adjusting dosages based on blood levels can prevent increased seizure frequency and ultimately improve the health of both mother and baby.
The study found a 121% increase in imaging exams performed on pregnant women between 1997 and 2006, with the greatest increases seen in CT exams. The researchers estimated that pregnant women are exposed to low but potentially harmful levels of radiation during these exams.
A new study published in JCI Journals reveals that smoking before pregnancy or while breast-feeding may decrease the fertility of female offspring by reducing resting and early growing follicles. The effects are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), which upregulates expression of the Harakiri gene, leading to cell death.
A new study found that fetal heart rate patterns before birth can predict children's mental, motor, and language abilities through toddler years. Greater variation in fetal heart rate was associated with better performance on standardized developmental exams and more proficient language skills.
Researchers argue that improved understanding of placental function and dysfunction can lead to novel screening tests. These tests could identify high-risk pregnancies and prevent devastating events like stillbirth. Despite the prevalence of stillbirths, research in this area is underfunded.
The November issue of Reproductive Health Matters reports a decline in global maternal mortality rates, with significant reductions in North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. However, sub-Saharan Africa's maternal death rate has increased despite declining access to quality healthcare.
A comprehensive review of published research on binge drinking and prenatal exposure found little evidence that serious harm was caused to the developing fetus. However, some studies suggested that binge drinking might impair normal neurodevelopment with small but notable effects on behavior and cognition.
A study analyzing data from over 4,900 mothers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had increased conduct problems, attention and impulsivity issues. The association remained even after controlling for other variables, suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure may cause childhood conduct problems through environm...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a protein called menin as a key regulator of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that understanding the mechanisms of regulating menin could lead to new ways of growing islets for transplantation and new treatments for diabetes in pregnant women and obese adults.
A new Nordic study reveals a correlation between mothers' body mass index (BMI) and symptoms like hyperactivity in their children. The research, based on over 12,500 children in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, suggests that even moderate weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD-like symptoms in school-age children.
A team of doctors at the University of Bonn performed the first-ever prenatal surgery to treat premature rupture of the fetal membrane. The operation successfully stimulated lung growth in Miriam, who was born after five days with almost doubled lung volume. Her case will be published in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy on October 29th.
A 6-year study found that using 3D/4D imaging to guide embryo placement resulted in a 10.04% increase in pregnancy rates for IVF patients, with an overall rate of 40.34%. The new technique targets the Maximal Implantation Potential (MIP) Point, where embryos typically implant and develop in natural pregnancies.
Researchers studying elevated homocysteine levels on vision found that it disrupts the retina's blood vessel network. Elevated homocysteine levels can also interfere with protein synthesis, collagen structure, and folate transport, leading to retinal damage and vision loss.
Global progress in maternal health is uneven and inequitable, with over half a million maternal deaths occurring annually. Despite this, successes in countries like Sri Lanka show that investment in education, employment, and maternal care can lead to significant improvements.
A study of 1014 women in Burkina Faso found that those with severe obstetric complications were at higher risk of death and mental health problems. The researchers also found that babies born to these women were more likely to die within a year, and that mothers with SOCs were more likely to experience depression or anxiety.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the alarming persistence of maternal mortality despite two decades of global efforts to reduce its burden. The journal urges a renewed focus on women's rights and healthcare, emphasizing that there is both knowledge and resources available to address the issue.
A Saint Louis University study suggests severely obese women should lose weight during pregnancy, while obese women who are pregnant should gain less weight. Limiting weight gain reduces the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and has babies with normal birth weights.
Research reveals that very low maternal cholesterol levels may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, with no such link observed in African American women. Full-term babies born to mothers with low cholesterol also weighed less on average.
According to a study published in Fertility and Sterility, nearly 60% of IVF procedures performed on women over 35 result in successful pregnancies. The researchers found an excellent pregnancy rate for patients undergoing single blastocyst transfer, with 62.2% conceiving and 51.1% having pregnancies beyond the first trimester.
A large study of Norwegian women with cancer found that pregnancy did not affect survival rates, except for breast cancer diagnosed during lactation where mortality was higher. The study tracked 45,511 women over eight years and compared their survival rates to non-pregnant patients.
A comprehensive survey of maternal depression found that 8.7% of women were depressed before pregnancy, 6.9% during pregnancy, and 10.4% after childbirth. Nearly three-fourths of women with postpartum depression also experienced depression before or during pregnancy.
A study found that mothers who gained weight between their first and second pregnancies were more likely to have a baby boy. The researchers analyzed data from over 220,000 women and discovered a significant association between increased maternal weight gain and an increased male-to-female sex ratio in the second pregnancy.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive prenatal testing method that analyzes mother's blood to detect fetal mRNAs, which could be used for prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases. In another study, mice exposed to particulate matter were found to have accelerated blood clotting and thrombosis, highlighting the need to target IL-6...
Researchers have identified a pattern of fetal mRNAs detectable in pregnant women's blood, which could serve as a baseline for diagnosing genetic diseases. This detection method has the potential to replace invasive prenatal procedures, offering a new approach to monitoring fetal health.
A new study finds that a quarter of teenage girls in abusive relationships say their partners are actively trying to get them pregnant. Healthcare providers should ask about the possibility of abuse and reproductive control in relationships, according to researchers.
A study published in JCI Journals reveals that disturbances in sphingolipid metabolism may be a key factor in early pregnancy loss. Sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) and Sphk2 proteins play a crucial role in metabolizing these fats, which are essential for placental development.
A study of HIV-infected women found that pregnancy can actually slow disease progression, not accelerate it. The use of HAART during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to the child, and pregnant women tend to have lower risks of disease progression before and after pregnancy.
A study examines the impact of genetic screening for Gaucher disease on pregnant couples, revealing a 66% reduction in birth prevalence of moderate type 1 GD through terminations. However, it is debatable whether this represents a true benefit, highlighting the need for a combination of traditional and medical counseling.
The American College of Physicians recommends setting blood sugar targets for patients with type 2 diabetes, aiming to prevent microvascular complications. Additionally, a study reveals that many women of childbearing age are prescribed dangerous drugs without proper birth control monitoring.
A seven-year study of 460 Spanish children found that a diet rich in fish and fruity vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of childhood asthma and allergies. The study also reinforced earlier findings that a fish-rich diet during pregnancy can help protect children from asthma and allergies.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences found that maternal vitamin D deficiency early in pregnancy is associated with a five-fold increased risk of preeclampsia. Low vitamin D levels also affect newborns, increasing their risk of mortality.
A study of 100,000 pregnant Norwegian women found an unexpected increase in new cases of binge eating disorder during pregnancy. The research suggests that adequate prenatal care and nutritional support are crucial to prevent the development of disordered eating behaviors.
A recent study found that ethnic minority women can be persuaded to take part in research studies. The factors leading to high retention rates included financial compensation and close communication with researchers. Researchers should tailor their strategies to fit different target groups.
A study by Temple University researcher Kathleen Black identifies warning signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension, including increased stress levels, which can indicate worsening conditions. Women experiencing headaches, dizziness, frequent vomiting and malaise should call their physician immediately.
Pregnant women exposed to passive smoking experience sleep disturbances, including subjective insufficient sleep, difficulty initiating sleep, short sleep duration, and snoring. The study also found that pregnant women who smoke experienced similar sleep issues, as well as excessive daytime sleepiness and early morning awakening.