Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A US-Italian study found that women's fertility starts declining before age 30, but not necessarily their overall chance of pregnancy. Meanwhile, men's fertility also begins to decline in their late 30s, but the duration of the fertile window remains unchanged.
A study of over 27,000 breast cancer patients in Finland found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk after menopause. Researchers discovered that each 1 kg increase in pregnancy weight boosts the risk by 3.9%, with women who retain excess pounds post-pregnancy facing the greatest threat.
Researchers found that women who develop preeclampsia have reduced levels of SHBG protein in their first-trimester blood tests. The association remains even in lean or overweight women, suggesting insulin resistance as a true risk factor.
A recent Ohio State University survey found that two-thirds of pregnant women believe walking and sex can induce labor. However, experts say these methods may not be effective and could pose health risks to the mother and baby. The study's author emphasizes the importance of waiting for natural labor to begin.
A retrospective review of 6 cases involving HIV-positive infants whose mothers did not know their own HIV status revealed incomplete application of guidelines. The authors recommend universal HIV testing and counselling to prevent perinatal transmission, while a commentary discusses 5 critical steps needed for prevention.
A study published in Health Education & Behavior found that community programs aimed at preventing teen pregnancy can reduce birth rates. The implementation of these programs led to a 15% decrease in birth rate in one area, while the other saw a slight increase.
A state-of-the-art portable ultrasound system is being tested on two Indian reservations in South Dakota to monitor pregnant women. The system, MUSTPAC-3, requires little training and allows specialists to diagnose patients remotely, potentially reducing infant mortality rates.
A five-year study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver babies prematurely or at a lower than normal weight. The research suggests that germs from mothers' mouths can target the fetus, increasing the risk of pre-term delivery.
A recent study found that 51% of pregnant minority women experienced depression, with levels similar between African-American and Hispanic groups. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to identify and address social support issues in these vulnerable populations.
A recent survey of over 500 first-time mothers found that 35% experienced urinary incontinence and 4% suffered from faecal incontinence. The study suggests that damage to the pelvic floor may occur during pregnancy as well as childbirth, highlighting the need for improved maternity care.
A large trial involving 593 pregnant women has shown that traditional acupuncture can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. A type of acupuncture called p6 took around a week longer to have an effect.
A study suggests that metformin, an oral diabetes drug, reduces the risk of miscarriage in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that 8.8% of pregnancies treated with metformin ended in miscarriage, compared to 41.9% in those not receiving the medication.
A study of urban pregnant Native American and African American women found that these groups have higher rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) than white women. The research reveals distinct beverage preferences, with beer being the preferred choice among Native Americans and malt liquor among African Americans.
Despite modern IUDs' excellent safety record, their use is limited due to misconceptions and restrictive criteria among obstetrician-gynecologists. Education on IUDs' benefits can increase their adoption among women.
A prospective study found that women with Factor V Leiden mutations had low live birth rates compared to those without the mutation. The research suggests that targeted anti-blood clotting treatment may be beneficial for these women, and screening is recommended.
Researchers found that maternal serum HCG levels are nearly a fifth higher when carrying a girl than a boy less than three weeks into pregnancy. The study also revealed that these early differences are due to the placenta expressing proteins differently in female pregnancies.
A multi-center study led by Dr. Jay Iams found that home uterine monitoring has no clinical value in predicting early birth, despite its widespread use for high-risk women. The study's results reinforce previous findings that ambulatory monitors are not more effective than other diagnostic tools or surveillance programs.
A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that women with overactive or underactive thyroid have an increased risk of birth defects in their babies, including cardiac problems and cleft lip or palate. The research suggests routine testing for thyroid disease prior to pregnancy may be warranted.
A study of premature infants born in the late 1970s has found that they continue to face educational challenges into adulthood. The research, which followed 242 infants until age 20, found that fewer premature adults had graduated from high school and had lower I.Q. scores compared to their full-term peers.
A study found that alcohol consumption during the third trimester of pregnancy alters thyroid function in both mothers and fetuses, which could lead to brain defects. The researchers used sheep as a model and administered varying doses of alcohol to pregnant ewes, resulting in altered thyroid hormone levels in both mother and fetus.
A recent study found that pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have a premature or low birthweight baby if two specific genes related to chemical modification of cigarette smoke are inactive. The research, funded by the March of Dimes, identified these genetic variations as risk factors for low birthweight and prematurity.
Researchers found a significant link between exposure to high levels of ozone and carbon monoxide during the second month of pregnancy and an increased risk of conotruncal heart defects. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 babies born in Los Angeles and found that women exposed to elevated pollution levels were three times as likel...
Researchers at Ohio State University recommend using lower doses of penicillin during labor to protect newborns from group B strep infections. A study found that a single dose of 0.5 grams provides sufficient protection against sepsis, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance.
A population-based study in Western Australia suggests that folate and iron supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by up to 60%. The protective effect was found to vary little with time of first use or duration of supplementation.
A large study of nearly 40,000 women in Denmark found that moderate drinkers became pregnant faster than non-drinkers. However, high alcohol intake was related to longer waiting times, particularly among older women and those who smoked or were overweight.
Severe periodontal disease poses significant threats to pregnant diabetics, exacerbating the condition and pregnancy outcomes. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends routine periodontal exams for pregnant diabetic women.
Researchers at Ohio State University found a link between major stressors during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. The study, which included over 200 mothers, showed that stress levels for mothers of autistic children were nearly twice those of other mothers.
Researchers found that levels of IL-12 and TNF alpha decreased during pregnancy, while cortisol, norepinephrine, and 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D3 increased. After birth, these stress hormones surged, possibly contributing to the resurgence of immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers developed a new algorithm called TwoDay, which uses vaginal dampness as a predictor of fertility. Women can reduce pregnancy risk by avoiding unprotected sex for 2 days after noticing vaginal dampness.
Research suggests that the FVL mutation may have advantages for fetal implantation, resulting in higher success rates for fertility treatments. Women with the mutation experience improved receptivity to fertilized eggs, leading to increased pregnancy rates.
A recent study found that 10% of pregnancies in healthy women remained undetectable by early pregnancy tests, even when using sensitive methods. The researchers analyzed daily urine specimens to pinpoint the day of implantation, which occurs roughly nine days after fertilization.
Researchers discovered that fathers' cigarette consumption levels impact children's lung function, with higher levels associated with greater deficits. Non-asthmatic girls showed the greatest declines in pulmonary function tests, suggesting a potential link between paternal smoking and childhood respiratory health.
A study of 199 women planning in vitro fertilization found that a 50% pregnancy rate was significantly higher for those who had people praying for them compared to the non-prayer group. The researchers acknowledge the results are incredible and hope to provoke discussion on potential biological or other factors at play.
A new genetic testing service using quantitative fluorescence PCR has been implemented in the UK NHS, providing rapid diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities. The service has shown high accuracy and efficiency, with all tested samples yielding results within 1.25 working days.
A study in Matlab, Bangladesh reveals that improved family planning services decrease abortion rates without increasing population growth. The availability of better-quality services led to lower abortion rates compared to areas with standard government services.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made a breakthrough in gene transfer technology by inserting a jellyfish gene into rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in transgenic placentas that produce the desired protein. The study promises new insights into pathologies of pregnancy and has implications for human gene therapy.
A large-scale study found no association between folic acid supplement use and increased risk of miscarriage. The researchers assessed 23,806 women who had taken part in a folic-acid campaign before becoming pregnant for the first time.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a lower dose of mifepristone is as effective as higher doses when used with misoprostol for early pregnancy termination. The study showed that 72 out of 80 women experienced complete abortions after using the lower dose regimen.
Researchers have discovered colchicine, a toxic substance, in the blood of human placentas, raising concerns about its potential impact on pregnancy. Expectant mothers should avoid taking Gingko biloba supplements due to the risk of complications.
A study found that moderate alcohol exposure during early pregnancy can cause noticeable reductions in infant attention and motor maturity, similar to continuous or late exposure. This contradicts previous research suggesting growth and behavioral problems only occur with later exposure.
A study of 170 pregnant women in treatment for drug dependency found that those with co-occurring alcohol problems have more severe psychological issues, including depression and anxiety. The findings highlight the need for universal screening and tailored treatment approaches to address these women's unique needs.
A study by Israeli fertility experts found that a quarter of women and two husbands had abnormal chromosomes, leading to repeated embryo implantation failure. The researchers are calling for an international registry to be established to record chromosomal aberrations in infertility patients.
Researchers have successfully used frozen ovarian tissue to induce live births in large mammals, including lambs. The study offers a promising solution for women who become infertile due to cancer treatments, providing an alternative to traditional fertility preservation methods.
A study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that long-term contraceptives, such as Norplant, reduced second pregnancy rates among teens. Among the participants who chose these methods, only 11% became pregnant within a year, compared to 25% of those using oral contraceptives and 38% of those not using birth control.
A Cornell University study found that women who gained more than the recommended amount during pregnancy are four times more likely to be obese one year after giving birth. This excessive weight gain contributes significantly to the rising levels of obesity in the US.
Researchers found that most women (70%) are in their fertile window before day 10 or after day 17, leaving few universal 'safe' days for natural birth control. The study also revealed that late ovulation can occur even in women with regular cycles, increasing the chances of pregnancy during the fifth week.
A study found no significant difference in reducing maternal weight gain and gestational diabetes among Cree women, suggesting cultural factors and intervention intensity as contributing factors. Culturally appropriate modifications to interventions are proposed to reduce the risk of diabetes in pregnancy among this population.
Involuting mammary glands undergo two stages of apoptosis, with the first wave triggered by Fas binding to its ligand FasL. Mutant animals lacking Fas or FasL experience delayed epithelial cell death.
A new study by UNC Chapel Hill researchers found that pregnant women with low calcium intake have higher levels of lead in their bloodstream due to rapid bone turnover. Calcium consumption can minimize this effect, but the study also suggests that even low-level exposure may pose health risks.
New research suggests angiotensin-(1-7) levels may predict and prevent preeclampsia. The hormone helps regulate high blood pressure during normal pregnancy.
A new study reveals nearly 12 million American women aged 15-44 are uninsured, with ethnic minorities facing greater gaps in coverage. State disparities also exist, with some states having up to 30% of women without insurance.
The Smoke-Free Families National Dissemination Office aims to increase cessation rates by up to 70% through counseling and strong social support. The office will disseminate current best practices and conduct research to integrate effective quitting methods into clinical settings.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility suggests that most infertile men cope with their situation well, with no significant differences among three groups of men. The researchers found that fertile men reported higher stress levels compared to those with low or no sperm count or unexplained infertility.
African-American women are more likely to relapse into postpartum smoking due to various factors such as ethnicity, maternal weight gain, and stress. Women with higher levels of stressful events are nearly twice as likely to relapse compared to those with no stressful events.
Research in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that around one in five young children were wheezy between 18-30 months, with the risk higher if the mother smoked during pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy and environmental tobacco smoke are linked to an increased risk of wheezing and asthma in early childhood.
A new study suggests that social support during pregnancy can positively impact fetal growth and birth weight. Women with multiple sources of support during pregnancy had higher birth weight infants. The research also found that social support may inspire healthier behaviors and improve treatment outcomes for pregnant women.
Researchers found that nurse home visits reduced child abuse and neglect by up to 80% among low-income, unmarried women and their first-born children. The program had little effect on homes with moderate to severe domestic violence.
A mathematical model developed by Population Council scientists John Bongaarts and Charles Westoff shows that increased contraceptive use and effectiveness can significantly reduce abortion rates. The study estimates that a woman who uses no contraception would need about 12 abortions to restrict her fertility to two births.
A study examines the drinking habits of American Indians and African Americans during pregnancy, revealing misconceptions and misunderstandings about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome risk. The research aims to improve health warnings and social norms to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
A new prenatal screening test has been developed to detect Down syndrome cases in the first trimester, identifying over 90% of cases. The test combines a blood test and an ultrasound exam, detecting more cases than traditional triple tests and providing earlier reassurance to pregnant women.