Research on pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies. Covers prenatal exposures, medication safety, anaemia, fetal development, and maternal care.
A recent study found that women with unplanned pregnancies are less likely to breastfeed, which can lead to poorer health outcomes for their children. The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, suggests that doctors may not be adequately addressing the issue.
A study of genetically normal rats reveals that overfeeding during infancy can lead to changes in basic metabolism and reproductive issues in subsequent generations. The research, led by Elsie Taylor at the University of Washington, shows that even without genetic abnormalities, conditions during development can have lasting consequences.
A study published in Child Development found that moderate alcohol exposure during pregnancy can harm infant development, leading to reduced motor skills, shorter attention span, and increased drowsiness. The study, conducted on rhesus monkeys, suggests that even moderate drinking poses a risk to infant health.
The number of women dying from breast cancer is decreasing due to earlier detection through mammography. Physicians play a key role in recommending and performing mammograms, with 93-94% of women complying with requests.
Infants born to mothers imprisoned during pregnancy have healthier birthweights, on average heavier than infants born to mothers jailed at other times. Research suggests that prenatal care, food, and shelter may contribute to this phenomenon, possibly due to reduced domestic and sexual abuse.
Studies show that nurse home visit programs have enduring positive effects on mothers' and children's lives years later. The programs resulted in fewer cases of child abuse, less childhood injury, and lower welfare use among participating women.
A prospective study conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo found that surgery for endometriosis dramatically improves pain and discomfort in most women. The study also showed that women who had previously given birth were twice as likely to get pregnant again following surgery, while advancing age reduced fertility.
Nurse home visits have long-lasting positive effects on low-income women's lives and their children's well-being. The studies found that home-visited women had lower rates of child abuse and neglect, fewer pregnancies, and reduced healthcare needs.
Research found that 2-3% of pregnant women acquire herpes during pregnancy, with the greatest risk to infants when acquired late. Routine testing for herpes can help prevent transmission and inform birthing decisions.
Dr. Nathaniel H. Murdock has been elected president of the National Medical Association (NMA), a group serving 22,000 minority physicians. His top priority is preventing teen pregnancy through education, which he believes is key to addressing this issue.
Researchers found a significant link between maternal cigarette smoking and conduct disorder in boys, with 80% of sons of smokers developing the condition. The study suggests that nicotine may disrupt fetal brain development, highlighting the importance of preventing such disorders.
A review finds existing studies on pregnancy after breast cancer treatment are inconclusive due to biases and limited data. Researchers stress the need for more research to determine potential effects of estrogen levels on tumor growth in pregnant women.
Young physicians who undergo formal training in ultrasound testing on pregnant women perform better than those without such training, according to a Johns Hopkins study. The formal training program includes a checklist of sonographic skills and evaluates residents' progress through practical exams.
A study by University of Georgia researcher Velma McBride Murry found that African-American women who became mothers as adolescents do not suffer as much as previously thought. In fact, many adolescent mothers reported living above the poverty level and having similar backgrounds to those who remained virgins or had abortions.
Research suggests that higher hCG levels are associated with an increased risk of morning sickness during the first trimester. The study also found a link between age and pregnancy-related sickness, with older women experiencing less symptoms.
A new theory and computer model predict gestation length and preterm birth risk using 16 significant factors. The Mittendorf-Williams Rule is twice as accurate as Naegele's rule in predicting gestation, with potential to lower infant mortality rates.