Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
Researchers found that elevated sFlt-1 levels and low PlGF levels can predict the development of preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia also have lower VEGF levels, which may contribute to the condition's health problems.
Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that combining RU 486 with relaxin could hasten labor and promote healthy delivery in rats. The study suggests that this two-drug approach may also shorten painful labor and reduce Caesarean sections in humans.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that prenatal genetic testing should be offered to all pregnant women, regardless of age or risk, as it is cost-effective. The researchers found that the benefits of early testing outweigh the costs, particularly for high-risk pregnancies.
A study found that women who experienced miscarriage had lower concentrations of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 compared to those who delivered normally. Low MIC1 levels often preceded miscarriage, suggesting its potential as a predictor and therapeutic target for pregnancy loss prevention.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team has developed a stem cell model that mimics placenta formation during the earliest stages of human development, offering new insights into pregnancy and fetal health. The research could lead to better understanding of diseases like preeclampsia, which affects millions of women and infants worldwide.
A study by Dr. Kimberly O'Brien found that adolescent pregnancy compromises a girl's ability to reach optimal bone growth, potentially leading to osteoporosis. Girls who consumed more calcium during pregnancy showed less bone loss when tested post-partum.
Researchers discovered a two-fold increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with estrogen plus progestin use. Age and obesity were primary determinants of increased absolute risk, while genetic variants such as Factor V Leiden also contributed to thrombosis risk.
Researchers found that girls who became pregnant were more likely to experience higher levels of juvenile delinquency than their peers. However, those who chose to keep their babies had lower rates of delinquency compared to never-pregnant girls.
A study of pregnant women with asthma found that a female fetus can reduce fetal growth if the mother isn't treated with inhaled glucocorticoids. Incomplete arousal processes were linked to SIDS deaths, and active smoking impaired corticosteroid treatment efficacy for asthmatic patients
A new study suggests that women who have had a caesarean section may be at higher risk of stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies. The research found that the risk of stillbirth was greater for women who had previously given birth by caesarean section, with an increased risk starting at around 34 weeks of their second pregnancy.
Women with myasthenia gravis are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including higher rates of cesarean section and preterm rupture of amniotic membranes. However, neonatal deaths and prematurity were not significantly affected by the condition.
Pregnant women exhibit enhanced odor sensitivity and unpleasantness, which may help protect against stress. A study also found that brain areas mediating 'reward' are stimulated by pup suckling in rat mothers, suggesting a potential link between smell, reward, and maternal bonding.
A study published in AIDS found that placental malaria significantly increases the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. The study, which followed 746 HIV-positive mothers and their infants in Rakai, Uganda, suggests that preventing and treating malaria during pregnancy could reduce transmission rates.
A study by the Lister Fertility Clinic in London found that women who participated in an egg-sharing program did not have a lower chance of getting pregnant or having a live birth compared to those who didn't participate. The researchers also found no evidence of increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome among donors.
A study highlights the rise of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children and pregnant women, particularly in immigrant groups in more temperate regions. Experts recommend extra dietary vitamin D supplementation for these populations to prevent deficiencies.
A study analyzing over 1,200 questions from teenagers reveals that most queries focus on bodily symptoms, relationships, and pregnancy, while few address contraception and sexually transmitted infections. The researchers emphasize the importance of integrating mind and body discussions to meet teens' comprehensive needs.
A Mayo Clinic study of 96 women found that embryo quality is key to successful pregnancies, regardless of body mass. The research suggests that uterine function is not the cause of lower birth rates among overweight women using fertility technologies.
A manual, low-tech method for 2nd trimester abortions has been deemed safe and effective. The study, conducted at Johns Hopkins Medicine, compared the procedure to electric vacuum aspiration and found no significant differences in complications or procedure time.
Researchers found that ginsenoside Rb1 can cause abnormalities in rat embryos, particularly at high doses. Pregnant women are advised to be cautious when using ginseng due to potential teratogenic effects.
An environmental epidemiologist from UGA aims to investigate how air pollution affects pregnant women and their unborn babies, building on his earlier research in Peru. He plans to measure personal pollution exposure of 100 pregnant women in Trujillo and analyze blood, urine, and cord blood samples.
Researchers found that fetal exposure to Ecstasy causes changes in brain chemistry and behavior in rats. The study, which mimicked the first trimester of human pregnancy, revealed a 502% increase in dopamine neuron fibers in the frontal cortex of Ecstasy-exposed rats.
A new study found that exposing pregnant rats to MDMA resulted in significant increases in dopamine neuron fibers in the frontal cortex, leading to potential behavioral changes. The study also revealed modest decreases in dopamine metabolism and reductions in serotonin levels, suggesting sex differences in vulnerability to MDMA's prena...
Babies born to African American teen mothers are at higher risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and infant mortality compared to older mothers. Study identifies key risk factors, including inadequate weight gain during pregnancy and inadequate prenatal care.
Researchers found an 84% reduction in preterm births among pregnant women with periodontitis who received scaling and root planing therapy. The study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk of premature delivery, highlighting the importance of regular dental exams for pregnant women.
Researchers have developed a new test that can accurately record baby's heart rates in the womb in just 20 minutes, allowing doctors to monitor health and detect potential arrhythmias. The technique uses sophisticated filtering and signal processing technologies to pick out the baby's heart signal from background interference.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that only 16% of pregnant women with parvovirus B19 exhibited symptoms, while 12% experienced fetal heart failure and 16% suffered fetal death. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and counseling of high-risk patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that administering the drug trichostatin A can effectively delay the start of labor in mice by allowing progesterone to continue functioning. This is significant because mice have a short gestation period, and pre-term birth affects over 460,000 infants annually.
A mandated food additive to combat high fetal development risks may inadvertently harm seniors due to low levels of vitamin B-12. The condition, which affects nearly half of US deaths annually, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases and mental confusion in some cases.
The new test uses PAP smears to isolate and genetically identify foetal cells, allowing for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and single gene disorders. This reduces the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests and increases accessibility to prenatal testing for all pregnant women.
A study of 34 surrogate mothers found that none reported misgivings about handing over the baby, with most enjoying good relations with commissioning couples. However, some experienced mild psychological difficulties after handover, which subsided with time.
A study by Dr Ole Christiansen found that women who gave birth to a boy first were at higher risk for subsequent miscarriages and may not be able to carry a child to full term without treatment. The researcher believes that the immune system's reaction to male foetuses is the explanation for these findings.
A study by Elizabeth Asung found that the risk of ectopic pregnancies after IVF-ET decreases with age in women with tubal disease. This is a surprising finding, as the risk typically increases with age in the general population. The study analyzed data from 97,240 women aged 18-50 who underwent IVF between 1991 and 1999.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that targeted interventions to increase multivitamin use among women of childbearing age had no significant long-term impact. Despite efforts to educate healthcare providers and pharmacists, the success of these interventions was hampered by inadequate implementation and lack of behavioral change.
The study found that single embryo transfer (SET) does not reduce the chances of having a baby, with similar cumulative live birth rates to dual transfers when previously frozen embryos are included. SET also carried fewer risks to mothers and fetuses, with only three sets of twins out of 107 women.
Researchers found a clear association between increased DDT concentrations in maternal blood and decreased chance of pregnancy in daughters. The opposite effect of DDE concentrations was unexpected, but may explain the lack of large changes in human reproductive performance after DDT introduction.
A ferret protein called glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) plays a key role in the reproductive process, allowing fertilized embryos to implant successfully. The discovery also sheds light on the mechanism of cancer cells, which can co-opt this process to invade healthy tissues.
New guidelines improve pregnancy, labour, and delivery care for HIV-positive women. These updated recommendations allow for longer, healthier pregnancies and increased chances of healthy, HIV-free offspring.
Pregnant women should undergo thorough breast examinations to detect breast cancer, as diagnosis is often delayed due to hormonal changes. Ultrasonography is the best method for detecting cancerous lumps during pregnancy.
Research found that women with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing insulin resistance and high blood pressure after delivery. The study suggests that monitoring for these conditions during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later on.
A study found that an estimated 18-67% of women in developing countries report being physically abused during pregnancy. Low socioeconomic status and lack of education are common risk factors for domestic violence.
A study published by Brown University researchers found that nicotine exposure in the womb can lead to behavioral changes in babies, including jitteriness and stiffness. The study suggests that public health officials consider interventions to promote healthy newborns for smoking mothers.
A survey of 793 physicians found that doctors identified smoking status at 81% of visits but only provided counseling to quit 23% of the time. The study also found that geography and race played a role in whether smokers received counseling, with rural and southern physicians less likely to provide guidance.
The research team successfully cloned a mule, marking the first time a hybrid animal has been cloned. The cloning process uses fetal cell culture established in 1998 at the University of Idaho and demonstrates potential for advancing understanding of human cancer.
Researchers found that varicocele treatment had no significant effect on pregnancy rates among subfertile couples. Despite this, men with varicoceles still experience lower sperm quality and quantity due to testicular damage.
Researchers found that early exposure to probiotics Lactobacillus GG reduced the risk of atopic eczema by 40% in children at four years old. The study suggests a potential preventive effect against eczema in infancy and childhood.
A study of over 570 children found that those who were breastfed had better math, spelling, and reading skills compared to bottle-fed children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. The researchers suggest that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk may promote brain development and counteract the negative effects of smo...
Researchers found nearly a third of HIV positive male couples became parents through assisted reproduction, while only one out of ten HIV positive female couples were successful. The study's findings suggest HIV positive men may be more suitable candidates for fertility treatments due to lower infection rates.
A Cumbria study finds a 17% higher risk of neural tube defects and 12% higher heart defect risk near incinerators, but no increased risk for babies born before their operational period. The authors suggest further investigation due to limited emissions data.
A recent study found that 20% of pregnant women show signs of depression, yet only 13.8% receive mental health counseling or treatment during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and screening to address post-partum depression risks associated with hormone imbalances and fetal exposure.
A recent study published by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that consuming large quantities of seafood during pregnancy does not pose a detectable risk to children. The study, which followed 300 children from birth in 1989 and 1990, found no adverse effects from low levels of mercury in fish.
Researchers found evidence of sympatric speciation in seahorses due to their size-specific mating practice and disruptive selection. This study suggests that male pregnancy and monogamy may play a key role in creating new species without geographic barriers.
A retrospective cohort study found that pregnant teens, particularly those from under-resourced backgrounds, require adequate calcium intake to support fetal bone growth. The study's findings suggest a correlation between high maternal dairy consumption and improved fetal bone length and overall nutrition.
A study by Makrina Savvidou and colleagues found that impaired placental blood flow precedes pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Raised concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are strongly associated with reduced arterial dilation and increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
A recent study by French researchers found that nearly two-thirds of unplanned pregnancies occurred among women using effective contraception methods like the Pill and IUD. The study suggests that there is often a mismatch between a woman's contraceptive needs and the methods she uses.
Researchers discovered that lambs born from undernourished mothers exhibit significantly shorter gestation periods compared to those from well-fed mothers. The study suggests that maternal undernutrition around the time of conception may trigger an early birth, potentially due to hormonal changes in fetal development.
Research suggests that undernutrition in pregnant women can lead to premature birth, with fetuses having accelerated adrenal gland maturation and premature delivery. Despite this, lambs born prematurely were not underweight or small for their gestational age.
A collaborative research group investigated whether Down's syndrome and NTD arise more often in the same family. The study found a significant link between the two conditions, with increased rates of pregnancy loss among families at high risk of NTD and Down's syndrome.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that high prenatal alcohol use significantly increases the risk of a child developing drinking-related problems by age 21. The research found that 14% of young adults with prenatal exposure to five or more drinks per occasion had alcohol problems, compared to just 4.5% wit...
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure of less than one drink per day can impair executive functioning (EF) in early childhood, including working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. Children exposed prenatally to alcohol had difficulty following rules and performing tasks that required inhibition.
Researchers found that positive attitudes toward exercise most strongly influenced intention, followed by control over obstructing factors. Pregnant women who exercised reported improved physical condition, reduced discomfort, and increased energy. Postpartum barriers include exhaustion and lack of time.