Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A new study discovered that violence can alter human genes for generations, even in grandchildren who never experienced violence themselves. Researchers found epigenetic changes in the genomes of Syrian families affected by the Hama massacre and subsequent civil war.
Researchers have discovered that commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis in developing brains, potentially affecting neural development and function. The study highlights the need for reevaluating medication safety during pregnancy and early childhood.
Regular psychological health screening during pregnancy and postpartum may improve maternal cardiovascular health outcomes. Integrating comprehensive mental health support into perinatal care is essential to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiovascular risks.
A University of Turku study reveals that mothers' weight and diet during pregnancy influence their child's motor skills up to age 5-6. Children of overweight or obese mothers are almost three times more likely to develop a developmental coordination disorder, highlighting the importance of healthy prenatal nutrition.
A new study has focused on the safety of outdoor swimming during pregnancy, revealing large gaps in knowledge and highlighting the need for further research. Expert-led recommendations have been provided for pregnant people, including advice to only swim in cold water if a regular cold water swimmer before pregnancy.
Researchers found that a Lactobacillus-dominant uterine environment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and increases pregnancy success rates. Disruptions in microbiota composition have been linked to conditions such as chronic endometritis, endometriosis, and recurrent implantation failure.
Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus uses a tunneling strategy to spread in placental cells, hijacking mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. The study found that the formation of tiny tunnels is driven exclusively by a Zika protein called NS1, which triggers tunnel formation in uninfected cells.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found a significant link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research tracked 307 women during pregnancy and followed their offspring for 8-10 years, finding that children exposed to acetaminophen had...
A new study published in Circulation suggests that less than one in five patients are tested for cardiovascular risk factors following pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes. This leaves women without adequate screening for high blood pressure, lipids, and sugars, increasing their risk of future stroke or heart disease.
A new study by Dr Clare Stovell found that women usually lead conversations about parental duties, perpetuating traditional gender roles. Couples rarely discuss or negotiate work and family decisions, with men often assuming full-time work schedules.
A new study from the University at Buffalo measures neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and satellite-based air pollution data, finding that newborns exposed in the last month of pregnancy to higher levels of NO2 have a 30-35% higher risk of NICU admission and an 11-22% increased risk associated with PM2.5.
Researchers discovered a link between neuroactive steroids in pregnant women's blood and the risk of developing postpartum depression. Measuring these molecules via a blood test could enable doctors to provide treatment sooner. The study may lead to a preventive treatment using existing prescription drugs.
A new blood test using cell-free DNA from the placenta during pregnancy can predict preterm preeclampsia with 80% accuracy. The test's development is a significant breakthrough in prenatal care, potentially improving treatment outcomes for high-risk pregnancies.
A new study found that babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after birth. Newborns whose mothers had taken carrot powder capsules reacted favourably to the smell of carrot, while those whose mothers had taken kale powder capsules reacted more positively to the scent of kale.
A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.
The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.
A new study found that fertility-tracking technology use increased in some US states after the Dobbs decision, with more women using apps for pregnancy prevention rather than planning. The study suggests a need for education on tech's reliability and implications for user data security.
A Tel Aviv University study found urban bats have shorter pregnancies and start reproducing earlier due to favorable temperatures and food abundance in cities. This is the first study linking urban living to mammalian reproductive patterns.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that women with complicated pregnancies and their sisters are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Genes and shared environmental factors may contribute to this association.
A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs suggests that mandatory warning signs at cannabis dispensaries may not be effective in deterring pregnant users. In fact, many participants reported distrust towards the content of the warnings, viewing them as stigmatizing or negative. The researchers interviewed 34 ...
A new survey found that many Americans believe common symptoms like fatigue and nausea are normal during and after pregnancy, while ignoring signs of potential heart problems. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is calling for better awareness and care for pregnant women with pre-existing health issues.
A large study found pregnant women with cervical cancer face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth, including premature birth and cesarean sections. However, the babies' health is largely unaffected, with no significant differences in birth defects or stillbirths.
Researchers have found a way to improve the effectiveness of methotrexate in treating choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting pregnant women and new mothers. The new drug delivery system, known as polymersomes, targets a specific protein in cancer cells, reducing tumor size by 95%.
A study found that maternal stress can alter genes related to cortisol regulation in the placenta, potentially affecting foetal development. The research team analyzed placentas from 45 healthy pregnant women and identified epigenetic changes associated with glucocorticoid-related genes.
Researchers analyzed data from 8,843 women with preeclampsia to evaluate the performance of existing risk prediction models. The study found that these models are most accurate only in the days following diagnosis and deteriorate over time.
Researchers found that playing classical music can smooth variations in fetal heart rates, indicating potential benefits for fetal development. The study used mathematical analysis tools to identify patterns in heart rate variability and found that exposure to music resulted in more stable and predictable patterns.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pregnant individuals with no emotional support during childbirth experience higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to a C-section delivery. The research highlights the importance of access to emotional support in reducing stress and improving maternal and child outcomes.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that low vitamin D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length. Pregnant women with low vitamin D concentrations were four times more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.
Research found that mothers of twins are twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease compared to singleton births. Those with twins and high blood pressure during pregnancy are at highest risk. However, deaths from heart disease decrease in mothers of twins compared to singletons over time.
Researchers analyzed over 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark to investigate potential links between a mother's health conditions and her child's risk of autism. They found that most reported associations can be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare.
A new study found that early intervention with iron delivered intravenously during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment for anemia. The study, which involved over 4,000 participants in India, showed that single dose IV iron preparations can reduce the risk of low birthweight infants and anemia by delivery.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
A study from the University of Surrey reveals that delays in cancer diagnosis for pregnant women are often due to misattributed symptoms as normal pregnancy changes. Women experiencing more specific symptoms, such as breast lumps, are more likely to receive quicker diagnoses and referrals.
A new study suggests that women at risk of postpartum depression may have characteristic levels of neuroactive steroids in their blood during pregnancy. Elevated progesterone levels and imbalances in its metabolism may be associated with an increased risk of PPD.
A new study reported that pregnant women with previable premature rupture of membranes (PROM) faced significantly higher risks of severe complications, including sepsis and blood transfusions, after the Texas Senate Bill 8 law went into effect.
The study found a significant decrease in antidepressant use during pregnancy without an accompanying increase in psychotherapy. This suggests that pregnant women with depression or anxiety may be able to effectively manage their symptoms with medication alone.
A systematic review of 24 studies suggests resveratrol can enhance the quantity and quality of egg cells, called oocytes. The compound may also treat infertility related to endometriosis and obesity.
A new national study has found that homicide and suicide are the leading causes of maternal death in the US, with firearm deaths contributing to a significant portion. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact on Black birthing people and suggests that firearm legislation can reduce maternal mortality rates.
A new study suggests that AI can significantly improve a clinician's ability to detect cases suspicious for congenital heart defects, regardless of their experience or training. The AI system also increased confidence levels and reduced diagnosis time among clinicians.
Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in preterm placenta compared to term births. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation may contribute to the risk of preterm birth.
A study published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that adding amniotic fluid to plasma improves blood's ability to thicken and clot. The research also identified changes in amniotic fluid composition over time, which can affect maternal and fetal health.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A new meta-analysis of over 249 studies and 251,713 US teens finds that knowledge about safer sex is not enough to promote condom use. The study highlights the importance of confidence, planning, and effective communication with partners in encouraging condom use among teens.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements significantly reduced the risk of small vulnerable newborn types, including preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational-age birth. These findings suggest that switching from iron and folic acid supplements to MMS as...
A new AI-based analysis of almost 10,000 pregnancies has discovered previously unidentified combinations of risk factors linked to serious negative pregnancy outcomes. The study found that there may be up to a tenfold difference in risk for infants who are currently treated identically under clinical guidelines.
A study found that pregnant patients with chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension are at a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity compared to those with normal blood pressure. The researchers suggest preventing preeclampsia in these patients may reduce this risk, making them comparable to normotensive patients.
A new study found that Colorado's parental notification law imposes emotional, physical hurdles on adolescents seeking abortion care, delaying access and increasing stress. The law disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those with unstable family relationships or histories of trauma.
A cohort study found that women experiencing food insecurity during pregnancy are at a higher risk of perinatal complications. Individuals who received food assistance showed no significant increase in risks, suggesting that access to nutrition support can mitigate these complications.
Researchers found that pregnant people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher chance of experiencing mental illness during their pregnancy and in the first years after giving birth. Mental illnesses included anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicide attempts and substance abuse.
A recent study found that long COVID is more prevalent in women than men, and the association was linked to factors such as age, pregnancy, and menopausal status. The research highlights the need for targeted drug development and improved management strategies for long COVID.
A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis experience a significantly higher risk of perinatal mental illness compared to those with other chronic conditions. Depression and anxiety were the most common conditions reported, with half of people with MS living with a mental illness in the first year postpartum.
A long-term study on wild monkeys in Thailand reveals that maternal stress hormone levels during early pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the stress system of the offspring. The study found that elevated stress hormones later during pregnancy or after birth did not have the same effects.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A study by Brown University researchers found that only 0.8% of clinical drug trials involving women aged 18-45 included pregnant participants, while 75% excluded them. This gap in research leaves critical questions about medication safety and efficacy unanswered for maternal and child health.
A new study from Simon Fraser University found that nurse home visiting programs can reduce intimate partner violence exposure and increase child health outcomes for young, first-time mothers. The program showed a 16% increase in annual income and fewer mental health problems for mothers by the time their children were two years old.
A prospective cohort study of 168 pregnant women found the neutrophil elastase test to be a strong predictor of preterm delivery, with high sensitivity and negative predictive value. The test showed promise as a screening tool for predicting preterm births in women with premature labor.
A study analyzing the brains of women during pregnancy for the first time reveals that 94% of grey matter undergoes changes, particularly in social cognition regions. The research shows a reduction and partial recovery of brain volume, associated with steroid hormone fluctuations and maternal well-being.
A NIH study found that excess weight gain in the first trimester is associated with increased abdominal circumference and arm fat thickness in fetuses. The findings suggest that early intervention may prevent adult obesity and related conditions by targeting fetal weight gain.