Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that heparin works by blocking the activation of the complement pathway, a series of inflammatory proteins involved in pregnancy loss and placental injury. This new mechanism suggests potential targeted therapy for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are collaborating on a three-year project to address racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to develop more comprehensive and coordinated prenatal care strategies, as well as evaluate the role of leadership, providers, and patients in improving health equity.
A study of 32 pregnant women exposed to organic solvents at work found that their children had significantly lower verbal cognitive functioning and greater inattention, highlighting the need for reduced exposure during pregnancy.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that marijuana use can cause tubal pregnancies by over-stimulating the CB1 receptor, necessary for embryo transport. The receptor's role in regulating muscle contraction to move embryos through the oviduct was discovered using a mouse model.
A large study found that at least one in four pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome, with symptoms worsening during rest and improving with activity. The study suggests a correlation between low iron indicators and the risk of developing RLS, highlighting the need for further research into its causes.
A Canadian study found that fortifying foods with folic acid reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in babies from Newfoundland and Labrador by 70%. The blood folate levels of women and seniors also increased significantly, indicating a positive impact on fetal development.
The March of Dimes survey found that 49 percent of women who have been on low-carb diets in the past six months take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid. This increase suggests that women are becoming more aware of the importance of folic acid for preventing birth defects.
Researchers at OHSU-VAMC found that estrogen increases regulatory cells and FoxP3 protein, key for fighting autoimmune diseases like MS. The study provides a new mechanism for understanding how pregnancy reduces MS symptoms.
A study of 137 newborns found significant brain damage in 36% of early-born and 61% of term-born babies, suggesting that birth-related injuries are often overlooked.
A UK university study found significant brain damage in 36% of premature babies and 61% of full-term infants before labor began. This suggests that key signs were often overlooked during childbirth, leading to potential mismanagement of pregnancy and labor.
Researchers found that women experiencing depressive symptoms, binge drinking, or smoking during pregnancy may be at risk for depression and alcohol use during the first postpartum year. Early identification and treatment of these comorbid conditions can benefit both mothers and children.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that delaying preterm birth by a few days can significantly reduce the risk of disability in premature babies. The research suggests that obstetricians may be delivering too early and that delaying delivery until it is medically necessary could help minimize brain damage.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to influenza may increase the risk of schizophrenia in offspring years later, with a threefold increased risk when exposure occurred during the first half of pregnancy. The study analyzed archived sera from pregnant women and their children born between 1959-1966.
Studies suggest that over-the-counter 'Plan B' emergency contraception may lead to increased risk-taking behaviors and reduced comprehensive healthcare access for US women. The drug has an 11-25% failure rate, resulting in additional pregnancies and abortions.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a possible method for early detection and prevention of premature birth by identifying biomarkers associated with intra-amniotic infections in both animal and human studies. The breakthrough technology has the potential to save young lives and may lead to significant health benefits.
A UK study involving 8000 pupils found that fewer girls reported intercourse before age 16 with peer-led sex education, but the impact on teenage pregnancy rates was unclear. The study's authors suggest broader strategies are needed to improve young people's sexual health.
A study of low-income African-American adolescent girls aged 14-18 found that those with a desire to become pregnant are more likely to have older partners and engage in casual sex. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted education and policy changes to address the root causes of adolescent childbearing.
A study of 2060 children reveals that maternal obesity is a major predictor of cardiac and minor malformations, while gestational diabetes only predicts skeletal malformations. The authors suggest that excess energy and insulin resistance contribute to malformations.
A study found that high maternal anxiety during a specific period in pregnancy (12-22 weeks) can program the fetus's brain, increasing susceptibility to childhood disorders. This effect was more pronounced than other factors such as smoking or low birthweight.
Research suggests that girls with low confidence in themselves and their educational future, as well as those from families with lower education levels, are more likely to become pregnant. Encouraging academic success and supporting young people's aspirations could help reduce teen pregnancy rates.
A new mouse model reveals that early pregnancy loss is triggered by the immune system's interference with reproductive hormones, specifically progesterone. This finding may contribute to human infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, providing a potential target for therapy.
A new mouse model study identifies the connection between maternal immune activation and reproductive hormone secretion systems, linking them to pregnancy loss. The researchers found that an inflammatory response caused by activated CD40 receptor led to embryo resorption due to decreased progesterone levels.
Eastern European countries like Slovenia and Hungary are achieving high IVF success rates comparable to the West, making them attractive options for fertility tourism. The availability of affordable treatment options has increased due to cheaper drugs, bringing costs down.
Researchers have successfully removed and preserved a woman's ovary, allowing for the potential restoration of her fertility after cancer treatment. The procedure shows promise in combating infertility caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, offering hope to women seeking to become pregnant again.
A randomized study of 661 patients found single embryo transfer (SET) had a similar pregnancy rate as double embryo transfer (DET), with an ongoing pregnancy rate of 39.7% and 43.5%. The study highlights the importance of proper embryo selection and freezing program management in SET.
Researchers found that younger patients, rural areas, and pregnant women were more likely to have their smoking status recorded in patient charts. However, only 50% of identified teen smokers received physician advice to quit and counseling was the most common form of assistance offered.
Researchers found that giving antioxidants to pregnant mice exposed to ethanol reduced limb malformations by 36%. The study suggests that improving nutritional status through daily multivitamins may help prevent birth defects. However, excessive vitamin consumption can be harmful to fetuses.
Low thyroid hormone levels affect an estimated 40,000 pregnant and 1.6 million nonpregnant women in the US, with 3.1% of reproductive age women having low levels. Targeted screening before pregnancy may prevent developmental issues.
Researchers found that women over 35 have limited chances of conceiving naturally, with only half the number of births made possible through assisted reproduction. The study suggests that women under 35 should be patient, while those over 35 should consider more aggressive fertility treatments.
Research found that women's intercourse frequency increased during fertile days, peaking at ovulation. The study of 68 women over three months showed a 24% increase in intercourse during fertile days compared to the rest of the cycle.
An Australian study investigated the connection between autism and pregnancy-related complications, finding increased risk for older parents, firstborn children, and certain medical interventions. The research suggests that early nongenetic influences may play a role in some cases of autism development.
A recent study has challenged the widely practiced surgical procedure of cervical cerclage to reduce premature birth. The research found that only a small decrease in premature births occurred among women who received the surgery, highlighting the limitations of this method in reducing the risk of early preterm delivery.
A study found that pregnant women with asthma experience worsening symptoms and increased nighttime problems when carrying a female fetus. Treatment with inhaled steroids can help control symptoms and reduce risks to the mother and baby.
Fortifying food supply with folic acid can markedly lower the risk of neural tube defects in offspring, such as spina bifida. The long-term safety of folic acid has been debated, but fortification is considered a better way to reach most women worldwide.
A study of 273 family physicians and obstetricians found that many doctors overestimated the risk of major fetal malformations from X-rays and CT scans. Most diagnostic imaging exams result in less than 50 mGy of radiation exposure to the fetus, dispelling a misconception that can lead to unnecessary anxiety and terminations.
A study of 10,440 single-born infants found no increased risk of hospitalization for asthma among children born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Despite this, researchers caution that high prenatal alcohol exposure may still have unknown health effects.
Researchers report first clinical experience of preimplantation HLA matching, demonstrating feasibility for stem cell transplantation in siblings with bone marrow failure. The study involved nine couples with children affected by blood disorders and resulted in five healthy children who were HLA-matched to their affected siblings.
MRI is a safe imaging option for pregnant patients, as it uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses instead of ionizing radiation. The study found MRI accurately depicted several disease processes, including appendicitis and uterine fibroids.
A five-year study found that four commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs were associated with varying levels of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and death in children. The study revealed that lamotrigine may cause less harm compared to other medications, while valproate posed the highest risk.
Researchers found decreased pregnancy rates in couples where the man had IgG antibodies, a marker of previous or persistent infection by Chlamydia trachomatis. For those infertile couples with IgG antibodies, 6.8% of women and 7.1% of men carried Chlamydia DNA in their urine, suggesting active infection.
Research found that women who received dental x-rays during pregnancy had a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, especially term low birth weight (TLBW) infants. The study suggested that eliminating all dental radiography during pregnancy could reduce the prevalence of TLBW infants by up to five percent.
A population-based case control study found a significant association between exposure to diagnostic radiography during routine dental care and low birth weights in full-term babies. The study suggests that radiation may affect neurohormonal mechanisms in the head and neck region, leading to potential health effects on pregnancies.
Women with epilepsy face difficulties during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, leading to changes in seizure severity and increased risk of fetal loss and birth defects. Doctors can help women balance medication risks by adjusting dosages or switching medications while minimizing harm.
A study in rats found that prenatal nicotine exposure leads to a decline in brain activity and loss of brain cells, worsening the effects of nicotine withdrawal. This may drive teens to self-administer nicotine, increasing the likelihood of long-term addiction.
Researchers found that black women with high blood pressure during pregnancy had the highest homocysteine levels, while white women had lower levels. The study suggests increasing folic acid intake among blacks to mitigate this risk. Homocysteine levels are influenced by diet and genetic factors.
Researchers found that repeated pregnancies in rats increased blood pressure response to stress and phenylephrine infusion, due to enhanced total peripheral resistance. Vascular sensitivity was also altered, with reduced compliance and sensitivity to phenylephrine.
Early study results show that women with small uterine fibroids may be at increased risk of miscarriage, with smaller fibroids more associated with pregnancy loss. The research aims to investigate the influence of fibroids on pregnancy outcomes and will enroll an additional 3,300 ethnically diverse women.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that providing young women with emergency contraceptive pills at home did not lead to an increase in unprotected sex or inconsistent contraceptive use. Instead, the study showed a corresponding increase in condom use among those who received the pills.
A large-scale re-analysis of data from 53 studies suggests that pregnancies ending in miscarriage or induced abortion do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The findings contradict previous, less reliable studies that suggested a potential link between abortion and breast cancer.
A recent study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that a lack of choline during pregnancy can lead to reduced brain cell formation and impaired memory in children. The scientists discovered that choline plays a crucial role in regulating stem cell division, which is essential for brain development.
Children whose mothers were exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy had reduced scores on tests of cognitive development at age two. They also showed a higher likelihood of developmental delays and lower cognitive performance. The effects were more pronounced for those who experienced material hardship during pregnancy.
A study found that even light to moderate drinking during pregnancy may cause learning and memory difficulties in adolescents. Researchers assessed 580 children and their mothers, and discovered an association between low levels of alcohol consumption and subtle difficulties with verbal/auditory abilities at 14 years old.
Researchers analyzed over 13,000 live term births to assess the effect of medical abortion on subsequent pregnancy's birth weight. The study found that women who had undergone a medically induced abortion had lower rates of Low Birth Weight compared to those with no abortion history.
Researchers developed a new method to increase fetal DNA detection in maternal blood, reducing the risk of pregnancy loss associated with invasive tests. The technique, using formaldehyde to stabilize blood cell membranes, resulted in higher percentages of free fetal DNA in samples.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal explores the trend of elective cesarean sections, highlighting concerns about comparing vaginal birth to planned cesarean delivery. Hannah argues that only a comparison of planned vaginal and planned cesarean births can determine which carries greater risk to mother and baby.
A new study found that the birth control patch had a higher percentage of perfect dosing cycles (88.7%) compared to oral contraceptives (79.2%). This led to better contraceptive efficacy and reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy. The results suggest that the patch may be a more convenient and simple option for women using birth control.
A study of 92 patient cases found that laparoscopy can diagnose abnormalities earlier, reducing the need for hormone therapy and in vitro fertilization. Women with painful menstrual periods, previous natural contraception use, or a history of pelvic disorders are at higher risk.
A $1.7 million NIH-funded study found that bed rest in high-risk pregnancies is associated with weight loss, increased risk of fetal growth restriction, backache, joint soreness, headaches, muscle loss, and depression. The study suggests that prescribed antepartum bed rest may be more harmful than helpful.
The study found increasing calcium levels in cloned equine embryos led to improved pregnancy rates and successful births. The research also suggests a link between calcium regulation and human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
Researchers have identified elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) in pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia. This finding suggests that sFlt1 may serve as a biomarker for early detection and potentially inform treatment strategies through the administration of drug therapies that neutralize its effects.