Articles tagged with Childbirth
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A systematic review of 12 million births in 25 European countries found that private hospitals have a significantly higher caesarean section rate than public hospitals. Among low-risk first-time mothers, the increase in caesarean sections is attributed to non-medical factors such as local routines and financial incentives.
A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.
Patients who undergo unscheduled cesarean deliveries are at substantially increased risk for acute psychological stress during childbirth. Results show that over 1 in 4 patients experienced clinically significant acute stress shortly after birth.
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that maternity services in Northern England consistently report higher-than-average rates of perinatal mortality, including stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The study identified ten organizations with higher-than-average deaths and fifteen with lower-than-average deaths, highl...
A recent study has found that rates of opioid use during pregnancy have risen two-fold over the past decade, with significant increased risks of maternal and infant health complications. The study emphasizes the urgent need for accessible, wraparound health care for mothers and families affected by opioid addiction.
Researchers found that Asian and Singaporean women with PCOS have better reproductive outcomes, including higher pregnancy rates and oocyte retrieval per cycle, compared to women without PCOS. Women with PCOS tend to maintain a higher ovarian reserve as they age, allowing for more robust responses to fertility treatment.
A new wireless fetal heart rate monitoring device improved perinatal mortality by 60% and detected abnormal fetal heart rates 8-10 times more frequently than standard techniques. The technology also reduced the risk of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, but its effectiveness was limited by late introduction in pregnancy.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that nearly all Americans are unaware of the comprehensive women's health services provided by certified nurse-midwives. Only 20% know about annual gynecology exams, while 93% are aware of pregnancy and birth support.
A Cochrane review found no significant effect of calcium supplementation on pre-eclampsia, contradicting long-held assumptions. The review excluded small and unreliable studies that previously suggested benefits of calcium supplementation.
A new study found that hospitals with early ultrasound protocols detected 40% of major fetal anomalies before 16 weeks of pregnancy, compared to 28% in hospitals without such protocols. This suggests that systematic first trimester screening could improve the timeliness of anomaly detection across the population.
A recent study found distinct changes in NAD-related metabolites in women with recurrent miscarriage, suggesting a deeper metabolic imbalance. The findings may lead to the identification of potential biomarkers for risk assessment and new avenues for treatment.
Researchers developed a novel tool, the Preterm Birth Actionable Risk Index (PTB-ARIx), to assess risk for premature births. The index identifies 18 specific risk factors during pregnancy that can be treated with evidence-based interventions.
A recent Finnish study found an association between severe nausea during pregnancy and depression, both before and after childbirth. Women who experienced severe nausea were more likely to develop depression and receive earlier diagnoses.
A new Scripps Research study reveals that the uterus senses and responds to physical forces during childbirth through specialized pressure sensors. The findings could help scientists better understand conditions like stalled labor and preterm birth, guiding future efforts to develop treatments.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that general anesthesia may be a suitable option for women undergoing C-sections, offering them more control over their delivery experience. The study analyzed 30 years' worth of data and found small differences in newborn health between babies born under general ane...
The study found that stillbirth rates are higher in low-income communities compared to more affluent areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health
A new Harvard study found that US stillbirth rates are higher than previously reported, with many cases having no identified clinical risk factor. The study highlights the need for improved stillbirth risk prediction and prevention efforts.
A new survey conducted by Orlando Health found that less than half of Americans are aware of the technology and testing available to decrease risks for a healthy baby after 35 years old. Advanced prenatal testing and care can help older mothers have safe and healthy pregnancies, dispelling common misconceptions about age and pregnancy.
Researchers found that Medicaid accountable care organizations (ACOs) can improve some maternal health outcomes if designed thoughtfully. The study highlights the importance of value-based care delivery design within Medicaid programs to support low-income women before, during, and after pregnancy.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher among babies whose mother experienced a pregnancy-associated death, with rates 14-22 times higher than when the mother survived. Nonpremature infants who survived after their mother’s pregnancy-associated death were also more likely to be hospitali...
New studies from Karolinska Institutet show that mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to long-term consequences, including depression and psychosis. The risk of these conditions increases significantly after childbirth.
Researchers aim to prevent maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage with a wearable device that tracks blood loss through cardiovascular features. The device, developed by Christine O'Brien at Washington University, uses light-based sensors and machine-learning algorithms to detect changes in hemoglobin and blood flow.
A comprehensive review highlights VET's potential to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and reduce maternal mortality. High-quality research on its use is limited, and a large-scale US-based study is needed to test its effectiveness.
A recent study suggests that high levels of folic acid during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes. The research highlights the need for a safe upper limit for folic acid intake and improved guidelines for supplementation. The study's findings are based on over 2,000 women and were published in the journal Nutrients.
A study from India found that mothers who received primary support from their own mothers experienced improved postpartum wellbeing. In contrast, women whose mothers-in-law provided primary care reported significantly lower overall wellness levels.
A study of 344 Japanese women found that a diet rich in fermented foods, soy products, mushrooms, and seaweed was associated with improved gut microbiota and reduced depressive symptoms. Traditional Japanese cuisine may hold the key to preventing postpartum depression.
The percentage of births via cesarean section increased from 20.27% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 21.19% during the pandemic, peaking at 22.14% during the sixth wave.
A significant amount of mothers experience strong symptoms of worry and insecurity after childbirth, which is now being recognized as a natural part of parenthood. The study aims to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations between new mothers and healthcare professionals about their emotional challenges.
Researchers identified a distinctive CT imaging pattern called PRACE that predicts severe postpartum hemorrhage cases requiring emergency procedures. The finding was strongly associated with the need for uterine artery embolization and improved maternal outcomes.
A global study reveals that women's mental wellbeing and self-efficacy are key predictors of fear during childbirth. Research shows that antenatal care should focus on building women's confidence rather than just teaching coping strategies.
A study of nearly 5 million Chinese women found that those with low blood sugar levels prior to conception had a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study also showed varying risks associated with different body mass indices.
Research found that premature babies who had early skin-to-skin contact with their mother were more likely to be breastfed at discharge and for up to one year. Early contact also promotes bonding, reduces stress, and supports long-term development.
A large international study found that additional ultrasound measurements to assess placental function can help determine the best course of action for pregnant women experiencing reduced fetal movement. The study showed that this approach leads to fewer complications during delivery and improves fetal outcomes.
Despite falling birth rates and hospital delivery volumes, neonatal mortality has decreased significantly in Finland, particularly among preterm infants, according to recent studies. The findings support centralizing high-risk deliveries to university hospitals, while small delivery units continue to have low overall mortality rates.
A new study from Uppsala University finds that targeted training for healthcare professionals and parents significantly increases skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their parents in the first 48 hours after birth. This leads to improved health benefits for both the baby and parent, with a notable increase in the proportion of ba...
A study published in The International Journal of Cancer found that children born by planned C-section have a higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) later in life. The risk was 21% higher in children born by planned C-section compared to those born vaginally.
Caroline King, a UTA undergrad, published her research on rural midwifery in the Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care. Her study explores the benefits of midwife-assisted births for women with low-risk pregnancies, finding it to be safe and cost-effective.
Children of older mothers are more likely to be born prematurely or with complications. The study found that babies born to mothers 45 years and older had the highest risks of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight compared to younger mothers.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that infants who survive serious health problems in the first few weeks of life have a higher risk of dying during childhood and adolescence. Children with neurological health problems had almost six times the risk of death compared to healthy children.
A new study uses preserved plants and animals from natural history museums to track pollution trends over two centuries. Researchers found significant changes in pollutant levels between specimens collected in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the impact of industrial activity on human health.
A new Emory University study found that air pollution particles can disrupt maternal metabolisms, increasing the risk of premature and early term births. The research, which analyzed blood samples from pregnant women in Atlanta, highlights the need for better understanding and strategies to address this issue.
A new prediction model developed by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has been found to accurately assess the risk of severe birth injuries during childbirth. The study's findings suggest that larger babies are the main risk factor for these injuries, and previous obstetric anal sphincter injuries also play a significant role.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
Pregnant women with fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, with a threefold higher risk compared to the general population. The study also found that women with fatty liver disease had a 63% higher risk of caesarean section.
A national survey found that 1,888 out of 7,332 women reported experiencing words, gestures, or attitudes that shocked or offended healthcare professionals. Disrespectful care was more common among nulliparous women, those with high education levels and birth plans, and those who breastfed.
A new study analyzing data from 2000 to 2023 found that the introduction of a 'pregnancy checkbox' on death certificates contributed significantly to rising maternal deaths between 2000-2019, accounting for two-thirds of the increase. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp spike in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Native Amer...
A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology has found that optimizing darbepoetin dosage can reduce the need for blood transfusions in premature babies. The research, led by Intermountain Health, tested two different dosing schedules and found that both resulted in similar overall health outcomes.
A study in the Journal of Management Studies found that generous parental leave can promote mothers' entrepreneurship. The research suggests that the duration of parental leave is more significant than the financial component in shaping mothers' entrepreneurial activity.
Hormonal contraceptives initiated immediately after childbirth may increase the risk of developing depression in new mothers. Researchers found that combined oral contraceptives were associated with a higher risk of depression when started earlier postpartum.
The University of Texas at Arlington has launched a new Mobile Simulation Lab to tackle workforce and training challenges in rural areas. The lab, equipped with advanced patient manikins and simulation bays, will provide specialized training for local healthcare providers to expand their expertise.
A new study led by Dr. Geva Shenkman-Lachberg found that only sociodemographic factors like parental age, number of current children, and economic status predict the desire to have more children among LGB parents, contrary to previous findings on stigma and social support
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
A new rapid diagnostic test can accurately identify pregnant women with high levels of the hepatitis B virus, allowing for early detection and intervention. This breakthrough test could have a significant impact on hepatitis B management in low- and middle-income countries, reducing the spread of the infection.
A Stanford Medicine study demonstrates how an AI algorithm can enable doctors to make better clinical decisions for sick newborns. The algorithm predicts which nutrients preemies need and in what quantities, reducing medical errors and saving time.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic mothers found that women with normal blood pressure levels during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension after giving birth. Tracking blood pressure patterns during pregnancy may help identify these women and prevent cardiovascular disease.
A new study by UCL researchers found that the oxytocin system is affected in breastfeeding mothers with postnatal depression. Oxytocin levels in breast milk were reduced in mothers experiencing depression after using a nasal spray containing the hormone.
A study from the University of Missouri found that rural first-time moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding due to a lack of practical knowledge, community support, and access to lactation consultants. The research aims to improve support and resources for new mothers in rural areas.
A large study found pregnant women with cervical cancer face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth, including premature birth and cesarean sections. However, the babies' health is largely unaffected, with no significant differences in birth defects or stillbirths.