Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Research at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that pregnant women's feelings about pregnancy are crucial in shaping their toddlers' attachment security. Mothers who struggled with pregnancy acceptance were more likely to feel overwhelmed by parenthood, highlighting the need for supportive policies and social services.
A quarter of NYC adult New Yorkers have elevated blood mercury levels, with higher rates among Asian women and those consuming more fish. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, are advised to limit or avoid high-mercury fish to minimize health risks.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding folic acid to flours significantly reduced congenital neural tube deformation cases in Canada. The incidence dropped from 1.58 per 1,000 births between 1993 and 1997 to 0.86 between 2000 and 2002.
A new study by USC researchers found that when hopes are threatened, consumers turn to the marketplace for help, relying on favorable sources of information. This leads to 'motivated reasoning,' where consumers believe what they want to believe about products promising to help, even if the arguments aren't credible.
Research by Dr. Paul Fowler reveals that low doses of environmental chemicals can disturb the development of ovaries in female sheep fetuses, leading to protein abnormalities and reduced egg production.
Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) does not increase ongoing pregnancy or live birth rates in women over 35 undergoing IVF. The technique's effectiveness has been called into question due to various limitations, including the potential for biopsy errors and chromosomal analysis biases.
A study by Dr. Jacky Boivin found that women using complementary therapies had a lower pregnancy success rate and were more negatively affected by their fertility problems than non-users. The researchers suggest that women may use complementary therapies for stress reduction, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A study of over 4000 twin pregnancies found that complex assisted reproduction procedures increase the likelihood of abnormal umbilical cord development. The research suggests that embryo implantation may play a role in this increased risk.
Two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine found taking SSRIs during pregnancy increases the risk of rare birth defects, including withdrawal symptoms and pulmonary hypertension. However, most birth defects were not associated with antidepressant use.
A study of women's moods during IVF found a strong relationship between negative mood and multiple embryo transfer. Women with more negative moods perceived lower chances of multiple pregnancies and rated their choices as riskier. This research aims to improve understanding of emotional health during IVF treatment.
Researchers discovered periodontal bacteria, including P. Gingivalis, in the amniotic fluid of 30% of pregnant women with threatened premature labor. The presence of these bacteria may pose a risk to both mothers and babies.
A new study has achieved four successful pregnancies using immature oocytes collected from unstimulated ovaries, matured in vitro, and then vitrified, marking a significant breakthrough in fertility preservation. The research has the potential to become an important option for patients with PCOS or those who cannot undergo ovarian stim...
Wide-scale communal use of insecticide-treated bed nets would provide considerable benefit to vulnerable groups, particularly adults and older children. This approach is supported by malaria transmission models suggesting a significant reduction in mosquito-borne disease transmission.
A new algorithm for personalized ovarian stimulation therapy has been developed, demonstrating improved pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatment. The formula, based on four easily measured patient characteristics, was tested in a prospective clinical study involving 161 patients.
A new study finds that children whose mothers were exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy exhibit more symptoms of ADHD and conduct disorder compared to those with no prenatal exposure. The research suggests that nicotine affects brain development during pregnancy, leading to behavioral problems in children.
A new study suggests that women who suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy may be less likely to develop breast cancer later in life. The study found a 30% lower risk of breast cancer among women with nausea and vomiting compared to those without, suggesting potential protective effects against cancer cells.
A review of studies found that two doses of a malaria preventive therapy during pregnancy provide substantial benefit to HIV-negative women, while more frequent dosing is necessary for HIV-positive women. The treatment also reduces the risk of low birth weight and anemia.
A recent study of 583 children born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) found no significant increase in major malformations compared to those born after conventional IVF. The average birthweight and length of pregnancies were comparable to those born after IVF, providing reassurance about the safety of PGD.
In Denmark, non-invasive screening of pregnant women using ultrasound and blood analysis has reduced the number of children born with Down Syndrome by 50%. The new guidelines have also led to a significant decrease in invasive pre-natal diagnostic procedures, from 11% to around 6% of pregnancies.
A new study has found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms significantly improved during pregnancy, with 40% of patients experiencing a notable decrease in disease activity. Postpartum, 64% of patients remained stable or improved, while only 36% experienced flares.
Researchers are examining whether attempting to turn breech babies earlier in pregnancy increases success rate and reduces C-sections. A manual procedure called external cephalic version (ECV) is being tested on approximately 1,000 women from around the world.
Researchers found that TRAIL limits inflammation and brain cell death in bacterial meningitis by regulating the host immune response. In contrast, mice lacking TRAIL exhibited increased inflammation and brain cell death, which was reversed by administering recombinant TRAIL.
A study of 2,046 women found that misoprostol administration under the tongue or vaginally can be effective, but sublingual administration causes more side effects. The optimal interval for vaginal administration is between three and 12 hours, while sublingual administration requires shorter intervals to minimize side effects.
Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.
Researchers at University of Toronto have discovered how HIV works to counteract the natural defense against malaria in pregnant women. The study found that HIV-infected women lose protective antibodies, making them susceptible to severe anaemia and infant deaths.
A recent study has found that maternal alcohol use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of extreme preterm delivery. The effects are more pronounced among women aged 30 years and older. Researchers also found that cocaine use was associated with an increased risk, while smoking had a lesser impact.
A team of scientists found that limiting food intake during pregnancy impairs nutrient supply to fetuses and slows soft tissue growth. Adequate weight gain by pregnant teen girls is crucial to reduce low-birth-weight infant risk, suggesting a need for personalized dietary advice.
A recent study has linked sleep apnea to a higher incidence of gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. The researchers analyzed data from over 4 million deliveries and found that women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop these conditions, particularly when their weight was taken into account.
The study estimates that only 6.7% of households at risk of malaria possess at least one insecticide-treated net (ITN). To meet the 80% coverage target, an estimated 130-264 million ITNs are required for children under 5 and pregnant women in high-risk areas.
A new study found that children of mothers who ate the most apples were less likely to develop asthma or allergies. Fish consumption also showed a protective effect against eczema in children. The researchers suggest that specific nutrients like flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids may be responsible for these effects.
A study found that children of smokers have impaired lung function, regardless of whether they exhibit respiratory symptoms, and that smoking after birth may be more harmful than during pregnancy. Researchers speculate that growing smoking bans could lead to increased home smoke exposure and further lung damage.
A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the relationship between birth weight and future heart disease risk is not as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that other risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, have a greater impact on heart health.
A study found that celecoxib can reduce the production of cells and molecules involved in building new blood vessels in premature infants, which may help prevent germinal matrix hemorrhages. Researchers believe this could lead to improved outcomes for babies born prematurely, reducing the risk of brain damage and related complications.
A recent study published in American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A found no causal link between Rh immune globulin (preserved with thimerosal) exposure before birth and the development of autism. The study included over 200 mothers of children diagnosed with autism, revealing that Rh negative status and pregnancies with thimerosal...
Research highlights the influence of private hospital care on Medicaid patients, flu vaccine shortages, and smoking bans on health outcomes. Smoking bans at home and work significantly improve health status among nonsmokers, while racial diversity in neighborhoods affects pregnant women's decision to smoke.
A study found that new immigrant women had lower risks of maternal placental syndrome and related complications during pregnancy compared to those who had lived in the country for longer. The risk increased with length of residence in Ontario.
Women with migraines during pregnancy are at higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Migraines have been linked to preeclampsia and a connection to the mother's age also exists.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that nearly 22% of pregnant U.S. women smoke cigarettes, with a significant association between smoking and mental disorders among pregnant women.
A study of 105,716 premenopausal women found no association between abortion or miscarriage and breast cancer risk. Women who carried a pregnancy to term may have a reduced lifetime risk of breast cancer due to accelerated breast cell differentiation.
A study of 4,000 pregnant women found that almost 1 in 5 overweight women required emergency Caesarean sections due to poor uterine contraction. Obese women experienced excessive bleeding following delivery, which was attributed to poor uterine activity.
Researchers propose two models to study social science aspects of malaria in pregnancy, considering factors in prevention and treatment. The models aim to improve malaria control and prevention strategies during pregnancy.
Research published in Thorax found that mothers who ate apples during pregnancy had children with a significantly reduced risk of developing asthma and childhood wheezing. Other healthy foods, such as fish, did not show the same protective effect. The study suggests an apple-specific effect due to its phytochemical content.
A study found that daily multivitamin supplements given to HIV-negative pregnant women in Tanzania significantly reduced the risks of low birth weight and a small-for-gestational age birth size. The results suggest that enhancing micronutrient status during pregnancy has significant benefits on maternal immunity and hemoglobin levels.
A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found a significant link between high maternal beef consumption and lower sperm counts in sons. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to anabolic hormones from beef may alter sperm production in the male fetus, leading to reduced semen quality.
Research found that pregnant women who ate more than seven beef meals a week had sons with lower sperm concentrations and higher rates of sub-fertility. The study suggests a link between maternal beef consumption and reduced fertility in sons, potentially due to the presence of anabolic steroids and other xenobiotics in beef.
A promising pilot study has led to a larger clinical trial of estriol as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. The trial aims to recruit 150 women and measure relapse rates over two years, potentially providing a new, affordable option with dual benefits of reducing inflammation and protecting the brain from damage.
Researchers find that consuming folic acid from fortified flour at current mandated US levels and double this amount is probably safe at average intakes. However, long-term surveillance is needed to assess potential safety implications of accumulated folic acid in the population.
Researchers at Yale University developed a new procedure to estimate individual embryo reproductive potential, potentially reducing multiple births. The method uses proton NMR spectroscopy to analyze metabolic profiles of embryos, correlating with pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found a potential biomarker for preeclampsia in elevated autoantibodies, associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The study suggests these autoantibodies may also be related to high blood pressure and inflammation.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that adding cholesterol to zebrafish embryos exposed to small amounts of alcohol restored normal development. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and lowered mental functioning.
A recent study found that few women in underserved populations receive treatment for musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. Researchers suggest expanding musculoskeletal care to address the issue, particularly among those with a history of pain in previous pregnancies.
A study of 47,835 Danish couples found that being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of delayed conception. The researchers found a higher risk of sub-fertility for both men and women, particularly for couples where both partners were overweight.
A recent study by Joslin researchers has identified the glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) protein as a key contributor to the development of birth defects in children born to mothers with diabetes. Glut2 enables high blood glucose levels to enter embryonic cells, increasing the risk of malformations.
Researchers found that exposure to smoke during pregnancy causes permanent cardiovascular damage in children, increasing their risk for stroke and heart attack. The study suggests that smoking in pregnancy has an independent effect on the child's health.
A randomized trial found mild IVF with single embryo transfer resulted in similar livebirth rates to standard IVF while reducing complications and costs. Mild strategies also reduced patients' discomfort and diminished the risks of multiple pregnancies.
Research suggests that giving choline to infants after birth can improve their learning and behavior if they were exposed to alcohol during development. The study found that choline significantly reduced the severity of alcohol-related over-activity and spatial learning deficits in rats.
Researchers found that consuming whole fat milk and eating ice cream reduces the risk of anovulatory infertility in women trying to become pregnant. In contrast, a diet consisting of low-fat dairy products increases the risk by up to 85%. Women are advised to switch from low-fat to high-fat dairy foods to improve fertility.
A study found that vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in northern latitudes and darker-skinned individuals. Vitamin D stores are largely reliant on maternal vitamin D status, highlighting the need for improved public health measures.
A new clinical trial aims to investigate whether low-dose aspirin can improve pregnancy outcomes for women who have miscarried. The study will enroll 535 women and follow them for five years to assess the impact of aspirin on implantation, blood flow, and preeclampsia.
Researchers developed an experimental vaccine that reduces stillbirths among rodents born to mothers infected with cytomegalovirus, a common virus causing mental retardation and hearing loss. The vaccine was found to greatly reduce the total amount of virus in mothers' blood and mortality rates among offspring.