Women with infertility are at higher risk of developing SARD, including lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, even after accounting for pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Infertility treatments do not appear to increase this risk, suggesting that women may be undiagnosed or untreated.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that unplanned pregnancies lead to a sharper decline in health during the first two years after childbirth, particularly among young women. In contrast, women who become mothers at an older age recover more easily due to better initial health.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
A new study found that pregnant people in Massachusetts who made multiple unscheduled hospital visits during pregnancy were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity. The study revealed that nearly half of these patients visited multiple hospitals, leading to inconsistent treatment and poor maternal outcomes.
A new AI-based software developed to guide childbirth has been validated in a multicenter study using 2,154 ultrasound images from 16 centers worldwide. The tool provides precise, real-time information on the baby's head position, indicating whether to proceed with a natural descent or use a vacuum extractor.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that Black patients are two to three times as likely to retain or gain additional weight compared to white counterparts. The study suggests interventions addressing the underlying stressors of discrimination could complement community and clinical interventions.
A Columbia University study finds that lower-income families with commercial insurance experience significant financial hardship due to high childbirth and postpartum care costs. Medicaid coverage provides greater financial protection, with most people with a Medicaid-covered birth having no out-of-pocket spending on childcare or healt...
A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.
A new study from ICES and the University of Toronto found that people with a history of concussion face a 25% higher risk of severe mental health issues after childbirth. Early screening and trauma-informed care could help protect new parents’ mental health.
Researchers found that women who chose their birthing position voluntarily were more satisfied with the birth experience. Around three quarters of mothers gave birth lying on their side or back, but up to 40% stated they didn't choose their position. Women who had autonomy over their birthing position reported higher satisfaction rates.
Researchers found that chimpanzees have a similarly narrow pelvis to humans, contradicting previous theories. The study proposes a new hypothesis that the obstetrical dilemma developed gradually and became increasingly exacerbated over evolution.
A new Finnish study reveals that women with a fear of childbirth have a significantly shorter breastfeeding duration. The research found that fear of childbirth is associated with a three times higher risk of not meeting the recommended six-month exclusive breastfeeding period.
Gestational carriers, also known as pregnancy surrogates, are at a higher risk for severe maternal morbidity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and postpartum hemorrhage compared to women carrying their own pregnancies. The study found that these risks were nearly twice as high as in unassisted conception pregnancies.
A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 23, 2024
Researchers identify specific brain area and activity patterns associated with postpartum depression risk in pregnant women. They propose a potential test based on these findings to help detect high-risk individuals.
A study published in Nature Communications found that one in eight newborn babies has a genetic protection against jaundice. The researchers identified a specific gene variant that codes for an enzyme linked to increased bilirubin metabolism, providing an opportunity for personalized medicine.
A new study found that neighborhoods with fewer opportunities are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Hispanic infants. The study suggests that structural racism and discriminatory practices contribute to this racial gap in preterm birth outcomes.
A large study found that women with asthma are more likely to miscarry and require fertility treatment, but most can still have babies. The study analyzed reproductive outcomes for over 700,000 Danish women, finding higher rates of foetal loss and fertility treatment among those with asthma.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.
A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.
A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that general exercise programs can reduce urinary incontinence symptoms almost as much as pelvic floor yoga. The LILA study involved 240 women who experienced urinary incontinence at least daily, and randomly assigned them to either a pelvic yoga program or a physical condit...
A Stanford Medicine study found that premature babies who received more skin-to-skin care had stronger neurodevelopmental performance at 1 year. The intervention was simple: a parent holding the baby on their chest with only a diaper on.
A recent study found that vaginal birth without medical intervention results in the highest level of satisfaction among mothers, while obstetric interventions lead to lower scores. The researchers emphasize the importance of support and empowerment in mitigating negative experiences during childbirth.
A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that outpatient induction of labor is a safe and effective option for first-time mothers. The study showed that three-quarters of the mothers successfully delivered their babies vaginally, with very high levels of patient satisfaction.
The study analyzed comments on Sina Weibo to understand the public response to China's three-child supportive measures. Positive attitudes emerged towards housing subsidies and financial incentives, while negative responses were linked to extended maternity leave concerns.
A randomized clinical study found that a lateral episiotomy reduced the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by 53% in first-time mothers. The procedure also did not increase the risk of other complications, but may lead to wound complications.
A lifesaving package of interventions to objectively identify and treat post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) has been found to be highly cost-effective, incurring minimal additional cost. The intervention resulted in over 1000 fewer PPH cases compared to usual care, with an estimated average additional cost of $0.30 per patient.
A large cohort study found no association between synthetic oxytocin exposure during childbirth and increased risk of ADHD or autism in offspring. Interestingly, sOT was linked to lower ADHD risk among children born to mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity.
A large observational study found that epidural analgesia during labor is associated with a significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity, including heart attacks, sepsis, and hysterectomies. Women with medical indications for epidurals, such as obesity or premature birth, saw greater reductions in risk.
A study from Aarhus University found that women without children engage in more moderate to vigorous physical activity compared to mothers. The researchers suggest that targeted interventions are needed to increase physical activity among mothers, who face unique barriers such as lack of time and sleep.
Researchers developed an AI model to analyze short narrative statements from postpartum patients, identifying a large proportion likely to have childbirth-related PTSD. The model's accuracy was demonstrated through analysis of narratives from patients who tested high for symptoms on a questionnaire.
A new AI model can accurately screen for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in postpartum women, offering a potential solution for early intervention and preventing progression of the disorder. The study collected narrative accounts from 1,295 women and showed the model's superiority in identifying PTSD cases.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A nationwide Swedish study reveals a bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders (PMS/PMDD) and perinatal depression. Women with PMS/PMDD are five times more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression are twice as likely to develop PMS/PMDD.
Researchers found a strong bidirectional relationship between premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression among over 900,000 women. Women with perinatal depression were more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth.
A new study challenges the prevailing view on maternal mortality rates in the US, finding stable rates between 1999-2002 and 2018-2021. The researchers used a more accurate approach to identify and classify maternal deaths, refuting the idea of dramatic increases.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024
A new analysis reveals that approximately 30-90% of first-time mothers worldwide receive medical augmentation with oxytocin, despite only 10-15% experiencing prolonged labor. This excessive treatment increases the risk of stillbirths, brain damage, and complications for subsequent pregnancies.
Two new studies by UCL researchers found that nearly half of teenagers are worried about having children due to fear, self-doubt, and lack of education on reproductive health. The studies also highlighted gaps in sex education, with many students expressing concerns about endometriosis, infertility, and the impact of lifestyle on ferti...
A study by Amsterdam UMC shows that Doppler ultrasound can detect placenta problems in small babies, identifying those at higher risk of oxygen deficiency and health issues. The measurement is added to the care plan for these undersized babies, allowing for better detection and monitoring of potential problems.
A large Finnish study found that external fetal heart rate monitoring without simultaneous maternal pulse recording increases the risk of neonatal encephalopathy and acidemia. The study suggests that combining maternal pulse recording with fetal heart rate monitoring can effectively prevent these complications and improve neonatal outc...
Women following vegan diets during pregnancy may face increased risks of preeclampsia and lower birth weights compared to omnivorous mothers. A recent study found that micronutrient intake was lower among vegans but no major differences were observed when supplements were considered.
Researchers found that access to community perinatal mental health teams significantly improved the risk of acute relapse, but also associated with increased stillbirth and neonatal death rates. Women with severe mental illnesses had a lower risk of relapse after birth in regions with CPMHTs.
A large cohort study in Sweden found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are twice as likely to die from natural or unnatural causes, with an increased risk of death peaking in the month after diagnosis. The study suggests that providing better screening and care for these women is crucial.
Researchers created a single-cell atlas of the human placenta, revealing changes in gene expression patterns among cell types. The study found that cells most affected by labor were in chorioamniotic membranes and generated inflammatory signaling.
No significant disparities in receipt of general anesthesia were found among laboring patients who had labor epidural catheters in situ across different racial and ethnic groups. The study suggests that prior care disparities may contribute to higher rates of general anesthesia among minority groups.
Women with autoimmune disease are 30% more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression have a 30% higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease. The strongest association is seen with multiple sclerosis.
Research suggests delaying cord clamping by two minutes can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature babies. This allows blood to flow from the placenta, easing breathing transitions and potentially saving lives.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A new study reveals that many hospitals fail to accurately post their standard charges online, with significant discrepancies found when comparing phone prices. The research compared prices for vaginal childbirth and brain MRI at 60 US hospitals and found missing data for over half of the hospitals.
A randomized clinical trial found that high-frequency electrical stimulation device reduced opioid use and prescribed opioids after cesarean delivery, suggesting a potential adjunct to decrease opioid use without compromising pain control.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that prior exposure to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) significantly reduces the risk of birth defects and miscarriage during pregnancy. The study found that pre-existing immunity effectively limits transmission and protects against associated birth defects.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that postpartum individuals in low-income neighborhoods are more likely to accumulate medical debt due to high out-of-pocket costs. Researchers suggest policies to reduce maternal-infant healthcare spending can ease financial hardship and improve birth equity.
A large-scale study confirms that playing Tetris for fifteen minutes can prevent psychological trauma in mothers after a difficult birth. The therapeutic activity was found to interfere with memory consolidation of traumatic images, thereby preventing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms linked to childbirth.
Research found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment for postnatal depression was associated with reduced child behavioral difficulties, ADHD symptoms, and maternal depression. The study also suggested long-term benefits of SSRI treatment on child outcomes up to five years after childbirth.
A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.
A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.
Research found no association between oxycodone prescriptions and persistent opioid use after delivery, but those who delivered vaginally were at greater risk. Higher dosages and prescription durations also linked to increased risk of persistent opioid use.
A Northwestern University study found that only 60% of women with heart disease risk factors received counseling on optimizing their heart health during their six-week postpartum visit. The study highlights the need for improved access to care and increased awareness of maternal cardiovascular health monitoring.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.