Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A study analyzing perinatal records found that 33.1% of pregnant women in Nova Scotia smoked before their pregnancy, with 69.9% continuing to smoke throughout. An accompanying commentary provides guidance for physicians to increase smoking cessation rates among pregnant women.
A new screening test combining blood and ultrasound exams can identify over 90% of Down syndrome cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The test, Ultrascreen, has the advantage of detecting more cases earlier than traditional tests.
A UK study found that men's age significantly impacts conception rates, with the probability of conceiving within 12 months doubling from around 8% at under 25 to 15% at over 35. The study also revealed a decline in male fecundity associated with increasing paternal age.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the mineralocorticoid receptor gene linked to severe hypertension in pregnant women. The findings suggest that progesterone may exacerbate hypertension in pregnancy and could lead to clinical trials of salt restriction.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the mineralocorticoid receptor gene, leading to dangerously high blood pressure in pregnant women. The mutation renders the receptor more sensitive to progesterone, causing excessive salt retention and skyrocketing blood pressure.
A Dutch gynaecologist warns couples about the risks of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and advises them to consider natural conception first. Nearly half of women who have not conceived after a year will conceive naturally, making informed decisions crucial before treatment.
Researchers are using lasers to aid embryonic development by precision-drilling the 'shell' of human eggs. This technique has shown improved IVF success rates and increased implantation rates, allowing embryos to embed themselves in the womb more effectively.
A recent survey by the March of Dimes found that only 32% of women between 18-45 take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid, despite being aware of its benefits. This is concerning given the importance of folic acid in preventing serious birth defects of the brain and spine.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure may cause lasting attention dysfunction in children, impacting their ability to focus despite distractions. The findings support the potential long-term effects of cocaine use during pregnancy on children's cognitive development.
A study published in The Quarterly Review of Biology suggests that morning sickness serves a beneficial function, shielding the mother and fetus from harmful foods and chemicals. Women who experience morning sickness are less likely to miscarry than those who do not, and their aversion to certain foods peaks during the first trimester.
A study of 1424 pregnant women in Newfoundland and Labrador found that less than 4% had deficient serum folate levels, but 27% had low red blood cell folate. The findings highlight a significant public health issue that should be addressed through daily folic acid supplements.
A study by a University of Michigan School of Nursing professor found that moderate exercise can lower diastolic blood pressure in pregnant women, reducing the risk of developing gestational hypertension. The randomized trial involved 16 high-risk women who engaged in treadmill or bicycle exercise three days a week for 10 weeks.
A study of 99 mothers found that those who smoked during pregnancy had toddlers with higher levels of impulsivity, risk-taking, and rebelliousness. The researchers speculate that reducing maternal smoking could lead to a decrease in childhood negativity.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that physically demanding work significantly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The authors recommend improving national maternity leave policies to provide workers with pay, health benefits, and job security.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that women who smoke during pregnancy are 50-70% more likely to give birth to a baby with cleft lip or palate. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily, even after controlling for factors like mother's race, age, and education level.
A recent NICHD study found that antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis was ineffective in preventing premature birth. The study, which treated over 1,900 pregnant women, showed no significant reduction in preterm births among those receiving metronidazole treatment.
Researchers develop a mouse model for intrauterine growth retardation and find that administering indomethacin during pregnancy can rescue underweight fetuses. The study provides promising insights into the underlying biochemistry of IUGR and identifies a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that expectant fathers' hormones fluctuate during pregnancy, mimicking their partners' changes. Testosterone levels dropped significantly after birth, and lower levels were associated with increased paternal behavior.
A study found that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is critical to embryonic development, increasing the risk of prenatal and postnatal death. The deficiency also increases the incidence of birth defects in fetuses exposed to oxidative stress.
Researchers found that pregnant women who received a hormone-like gel called prostaglandin E2 gave birth faster than those who received a placebo, with an average labor time of 5.6 hours versus 8.6 hours. The study suggests that this gel may help prevent the need for induced labor and reduce Caesarean sections in women at risk
A new report by Robert H. DuRant shows a significant link between sexual experience and violent behavior in North Carolina high school males. Males who have been involved in pregnancy are more likely to engage in behaviors increasing their risk of injury or death, such as fighting, carrying a gun to school, and using illegal substances.
Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can lead to seizures, liver or kidney failure, and premature delivery. Women with high cholesterol before pregnancy are more likely to develop the condition, which affects thousands of women each year.
Researchers found moose pregnancy rates fell from 90% in 1966 to 75% today, indicating limited food availability. The abundance of willows limits the number of moose, not wolves and grizzly bears, according to the study.
A recent study found that only 11% of young adults use condoms solely for AIDS prevention, while 41% use them exclusively for pregnancy prevention. The majority (48%) use condoms for both purposes, indicating a pragmatic approach to risk reduction.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to higher levels of testosterone in pregnant smokers may predispose their daughters to develop a smoking habit as they age. Researchers analyzed data from over 240 pairs of mothers and daughters, finding no correlation between prenatal nicotine levels and later smoking behavior.
A study found that untreated hypothyroidism in pregnant women is associated with lower IQ scores in their children. Children of mothers treated for the condition showed similar intelligence levels to those born to healthy mothers. Early detection and treatment may mitigate the negative effects.
Research reveals psychological uncertainty about pregnancy is a major barrier, rather than immigrant status, for Puerto Rican women seeking adequate prenatal care. Despite being U.S. citizens, some women report inadequate care due to unwanted pregnancies or lack of awareness.
Researchers found that women with high HIV RNA levels in their blood transmitted the virus to their infants more often than those with low levels, highlighting the importance of treatment strategies aimed at reducing viral load. The studies also suggest that undetectable viral RNA levels can significantly reduce transmission risk.
A large-scale study by the University of Chicago found that immunotherapy, a treatment aimed at preventing recurrent miscarriage, is not effective. Women who received this treatment had more and later miscarriages compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers found that HIV-infected pregnant women receiving care at specialized centers or state-funded sites were more likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, reducing transmission by up to two-thirds. The study highlights the importance of access to quality medical care in preventing mother-to-newborn transmission of AIDS.
Fetuses that implant late in the uterus have a higher risk of dying in the first weeks of pregnancy. The study found that if a fertilized egg implanted on or after day 12, it had an increased chance of loss, with risks reaching as high as 82%. Daily urine testing revealed that these lost fetuses tended to implant later than those that ...
Researchers found that fertilized eggs attach themselves to the womb six to 12 days after ovulation, with implantation occurring on day eight being the most successful. The later the attachment takes place, the more likely a pregnancy will end on its own. Day eight appears to be the optimal time for successful implantation.
Researchers recommend genetic screening for pregnant women with liver illness and their families to prevent life-threatening conditions. The E474Q mutation is identified in 19 children out of 24 families studied, leading to AFLP or other liver disorders in mothers.
A Penn State-led study found lower concentrations of a stress hormone in pregnant teens are linked to greater numbers of depression and conduct disorder symptoms. The hormone, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), is associated with emotions and behavior during pregnancy.
A research study found that pregnant women who receive supportive counseling are more likely to stay smoke-free, but relapse rates remain high. Ongoing counseling is necessary to prevent smoking relapse in postpartum women.
A study of 270 patients with intracranial aneurysms found that diabetes increases the likelihood of posterior circulation aneurysms, while prior pregnancy is a risk factor for multiple aneurysms. The researchers hope to better detect and treat aneurysms in patients by identifying these risk factors.
A two-year study of 350 pregnant women in Tanzania is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple fortified drink in improving iron and general nutritional status. The drink, made with 11 vitamins and minerals, has shown promising results in improving anemia and other nutritional deficiencies in Tanzanian children.
Researchers find that while smoking may lower risk of pre-eclampsia and uterine cancer, it can lead to reproductive problems such as miscarriage and infertility. Stopping smoking during pregnancy is advised, with nicotine alternatives like gum recommended to minimize harm.
Researchers discovered that lysozyme, a protein abundant in tears, is also present in the urine of pregnant women and acts as a potent anti-HIV agent. Additionally, ribonucleases were identified in the urine, breaking apart viral RNA and potentially inhibiting HIV replication.
Researchers found that dietary choline deficiency changes brain structure in developing rats, reducing cell division and increasing premature cell death. The study suggests a similar effect on human babies, highlighting the importance of prenatal nutrition for long-term cognitive health.
A field trial in rural Nepal found that women taking vitamin A or beta-carotene supplements had a 40% lower risk of death from pregnancy compared to those not receiving the supplements. Vitamin A deficiency plays a critical role in maternal mortality, with rates often 50-100 times higher than in industrialized countries.
A Cornell University study suggests that chelation therapy used to treat lead poisoning in children may have adverse effects on the developing immune system. The therapy, DMSA, was found to impair immune function in offspring of pregnant rats who received the treatment during pregnancy.
A study is testing smart cards for pregnant women to access their medical records. The card contains a computer chip summarizing the patient's record, which can be updated with new information upon each visit. This system aims to improve healthcare efficiency and reduce redundant tests.
Researchers found that treating women to ovulate and inseminating them through the uterus resulted in more pregnancies than other methods. The combination of superovulation and intrauterine insemination was deemed effective for infertile couples with no identifiable infertility factor and motile sperm.
A lifetime of poor health can start with conditions in the womb, according to Cornell University researcher Peter W. Nathanielsz. He argues that adults may suffer diseases due to incompletely formed organs during vulnerable periods of development. The book emphasizes the importance of prenatal care and nutrition for future generations.
Researchers reviewing thousands of ultrasound scans found that many cases of premature delivery and poor fetal growth are likely determined by the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This suggests waiting until after conception to prepare for motherhood may be too late, highlighting a potential benefit from earlier intervention.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that high glucose levels during pregnancy can lead to embryonic cell death, resulting in higher rates of miscarriage and birth defects among diabetic women. The researchers found that controlling blood sugar levels is crucial for pregnant women with diabetes.
A recent study found that teenage girls who engaged in HIV-related sexual risk taking and were currently pregnant viewed more television programs depicting violence, women's abuse, or demeaning behavior. This suggests the need for TV networks to decrease violent content and promote healthy sexual behaviors.
A researcher has reported significant findings on relaxin's effects on the cervix in humans and rats, suggesting its potential as a cervical softening agent in labor induction. Relaxin binds to cells in the human cervix, promoting growth and softening of the cervix during pregnancy.
Researchers are evaluating a combined-risk assessment method that combines blood protein markers and ultrasonography measurements to predict fetal abnormalities. The test has an estimated detection rate of up to 90% and could lead to earlier diagnosis and reduced invasive procedures.
Elevated levels of corticipotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) may predict preterm delivery and shorter gestation lengths in pregnant women. The study found that higher CRH levels at 28-30 weeks gestation were associated with earlier deliveries and increased risk of preterm birth.
A team led by Cappy Rothman has successfully used sperm from a dead man to establish a pregnancy. The woman is now one month pregnant after being injected with eggs harvested from the deceased man's wife. Bioethicist Arthur Caplan fears that regulations are lagging behind technical advances in posthumous reproduction.
A Duke University Medical Center pharmacologist finds that maternal smoking causes massive numbers of crib deaths and severe neurological problems in
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found a link between specific sperm abnormalities and low pregnancy rates. They discovered that samples with premature chromosomal decondensation or acrosome reactions had only a slim chance of leading to a pregnancy.
A longitudinal study found that pregnant women have higher intestinal calcium absorption rates compared to pre-pregnancy levels, indicating increased calcium demand. Postpartum, maternal calcium absorption returns to normal, while breast milk calcium is provided through renal conservation and bone loss.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can detect Down syndrome in the first trimester with accuracy rates exceeding 60%. The test combines measurements of human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated protein A to identify women at higher risk of carrying a fetus with the condition.
Among the Bari of Venezuela, promiscuous mothers who have secondary fathers benefit their children's survival rates. The study found that children with secondary fathers had an 80% survival rate compared to 64% for those without. Small food gifts during times of scarcity are believed to be the primary reason for this increase.
Researchers found that women with scleroderma have higher levels of non-self fetal cells circulating in their blood decades after pregnancy, which may indirectly dysregulate the immune system. The study's findings raise new questions about the nature of autoimmune diseases and their relationship to chimerism.
A study of 103 women in Michigan and North Carolina found that 27% missed two or more consecutive pills, leading to a higher risk of pregnancy. Women who had unprotected sex during the initial cycle or with frequent intercourse were also at increased risk.
A new study conducted at the University of Michigan found that 95% of pregnant women surveyed thought an ultrasound was important for their normal, healthy pregnancies. The survey also revealed that women would pay out of pocket for a routine ultrasound exam and felt it was very important to see their baby.