Articles tagged with Childbirth
A new study found a 1.1-percentage-point increase in stillbirths and a 0.72-percentage-point increase in newborn deaths in Nigeria during the pandemic. This increase of 22% and 23%, respectively, threatens the hard-won gains in child survival made over the past two decades.
A recent study has called for reduced forceps use in Canada and better education for both clinicians and mothers on how to avoid injury during childbirth. The researchers analyzed nearly two million birth records from Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Austria, finding that five percent of women had third or fourth degree tears to the perineum.
A study of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
A study of over 29,000 American women found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Women who breastfed for longer periods had lower rates of postpartum depression, with those breastfeeding for 6-12 months showing the greatest reduction.
A recent study published in JAMA Network investigated the potential link between epidural analgesia during labor and autism spectrum disorder in children. The research found that administration of epidural analgesia during labor was not significantly associated with autism spectrum disorder in offspring.
A study of over 20,000 medical records found pregnant women with regurgitant or 'leaky' heart valves are up to 100 times more likely to experience cardiac complications during delivery. Women with any type of valve disease should receive increased screening and attention before and during pregnancy.
A new study found that nearly one in five babies in Brazil were born 'small' and at increased risk of mortality. The researchers identified six 'small vulnerable newborn' phenotypes, which showed the highest mortality risk was 62 times greater than full-term babies.
This observational study found no association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and increased risk of preterm birth, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study's findings suggest that antipsychotics during pregnancy do not pose a significant risk to fetal development.
This observational study of 869,000 births found increased mortality, intubation needs, and ICU admissions among COVID-19 patients. Women with COVID-19 were more likely to experience severe health consequences during childbirth.
A UK team developed a portable ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients in developing countries. The Field Ventilator can be used beyond COVID-19 to treat various respiratory diseases and patients needing respiratory support.
Researchers review advancements in biosensing technologies for neonatal sepsis diagnosis, highlighting the need for faster and more accurate methods. Biosensors offer a promising solution, detecting multiple parameters simultaneously with high sensitivity and accuracy.
A large study of over 2.4 million births in Ontario found no increases in preterm births or stillbirths during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from an 18-year period, including trends before and during the pandemic, to provide reassurance for pregnant women.
A study of 692 female surgeons found that nearly half experienced major pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and preterm birth. The researchers call for policy changes to support pregnant surgeons and change the culture surrounding childbearing.
Researchers used engineering tools to investigate the pelvic floor hypothesis, which states that trade-offs exist between supporting childbirth and protecting organs. A larger pelvic floor would facilitate easier childbirth but risk deforming under weight, causing organs to fall downward.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that a smaller pelvic canal is biomechanically advantageous for supporting the fetus and organs, despite being disadvantageous for childbirth. This 'pelvic floor hypothesis' was tested through finite element analysis, revealing that larger pelvic floors deform disproportionately more under pressure.
A new study from Finland reveals that undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care, with delayed access to prenatal care and lower rates of infection screening. The study highlights the need for better healthcare systems to cater to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.
The study detected human proteins matching cervico-vaginal fluid, as well as non-human proteins like honey and plants, which were documented in medieval medical treatises. The findings suggest the girdle was worn during pregnancy and childbirth to provide physical and spiritual support.
Researchers discovered that questions used to screen for postpartum depression can also identify depressive symptoms and other mental health issues during early pregnancy. A study of 2,271 women found that 85% of those with high scores had mental disorders or risk factors.
A comprehensive analysis of 16 previous trials found that providing supplemental oxygen to mothers during labor and delivery has no benefit for infant health. The study suggests that the practice could be safely discontinued for many women, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions and healthcare costs.
A new World Health Organization Labour Care Guide was evaluated in six countries for its usability, feasibility and acceptability among healthcare providers. The study found that the guide supported woman-centered care and precise monitoring during labor, with providers identifying design improvements.
A study of over 300,000 UK births found that many new mothers miss their scheduled postnatal check-ups, with younger women and those from deprived areas being the least likely to attend. This gap in care can have serious consequences for women's physical and mental health.
A recent NIH study found that approximately 1 in 4 women experience high levels of depressive symptoms at some point in the three years post-childbirth. Women with underlying conditions like mood disorders and gestational diabetes are more likely to have persistent symptoms.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that poor women in Dhaka slums are unwilling to give birth at maternal facilities due to fears of undocumented payments, lack of support and cultural perceptions. The study highlights the importance of providing pregnant women with information to break free from these fears.
A new study found that women in states with less restrictive reproductive rights policies are less likely to give birth to low-birth weight babies. Specifically, US-born Black women have a 7% lower risk of low-birth weight compared to those in more restrictive states.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that over 40% of women experience constipation during pregnancy and right after childbirth. Daily exercise, balanced diet, and hydration can help prevent constipation. Lifestyle changes may not be enough to alleviate symptoms, with laxatives needed in some cases.
A new study reveals that women often receive excessive opioid prescriptions after childbirth, leading to a higher risk of addiction and misuse within communities. The research emphasizes the need for revised prescribing practices to prioritize patient health and safety.
A PLOS Special Collection explores current norms and practice in childbirth, focusing on positive transformation and balancing interventions. Key findings include the importance of oxytocin and one-on-one support during labor and birth.
A study found that women with a rare genetic variant in the KCNG4 gene have a higher pain threshold, allowing them to experience less pain during childbirth. The researchers believe this variant acts like a natural epidural, requiring stronger contractions to switch on pain signals.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that opioid prescriptions after childbirth are associated with a higher risk of overdose and persistent use. Over 160,000 pregnant women were followed for their opioid prescription filling rates after delivery.
A recent study analyzing reproductive attitudes in Russia found that most families desire two children, but the actual number is often lower due to various factors. The average desired and expected numbers of children have been declining over the past five years, with a slight decrease in both indicators.
A new study by MIT economists finds that doctors who have immunity from liability lawsuits perform slightly more C-section operations compared to those who are legally liable, about 4% more over a 10-year period. This challenges the common perception that defensive medicine leads to less treatment of patients.
Researchers found that swamp wallabies ovulate and mate while still pregnant, suggesting continuous pregnancy throughout their lives. This unique reproductive strategy challenges the traditional view of marsupial reproduction and may have implications for our understanding of female fertility.
A study found nearly 4 out of 10 women readmitted for high blood pressure had no prior history. All women should be educated on postpartum hypertension before discharge.
A retrospective study found that participating in childbirth education classes nearly tripled the likelihood of a successful normal vaginal delivery. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and other differences, suggesting that these classes lead to lower intervention needs and less instrumental deliveries.
A new study found that out-of-pocket health care spending for maternity care increased significantly between 2008 and 2015, with 98% of women paying some costs. The Affordable Care Act requires full coverage of preventive services but leaves room for plans to impose co-pays, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
A Linköping University study reveals that LGBTQ+ women's fear of childbirth is comparable to heterosexual women's but exacerbated by identity-related concerns. Healthcare staff must receive training to address minority stress and create trust with these patients.
A new study has found that rural women in the US experience higher rates of life-threatening childbirth complications than their urban counterparts. The research, published in Health Affairs, analyzed 6.8 million births between 2007 and 2015 and found a 9% greater chance of dangerous childbirth situations in rural areas.
A new clinical trial at Trinity College Dublin seeks to compare the effectiveness of two fetal wellbeing tests, FSS and FBS, in reducing unnecessary interventions during labour. The study has the potential to improve global maternity care by making childbirth safer while minimizing medical interventions.
A large Canadian study found episiotomy can reduce the risk of severe perineal tears in instrument-assisted vaginal deliveries, particularly among first-time mothers. The rate of severe perineal tears has increased in Canada due to improved detection and reporting, affecting up to 15% of births.
New UBC research finds a higher risk of severe tears with unassisted episiotomies, while assisted births like forceps deliveries show some protection against perineal injury. The study suggests caution in applying general guidelines for all vaginal deliveries.
A study published in The Lancet found that more than a third of women in four low-income countries experienced mistreatment during childbirth. Younger and less educated women were disproportionately affected. The study highlights the need for effective communication, informed consent, and respectful care to improve health equity.
A study in four low-income countries found that over a third of women experienced mistreatment during childbirth, including physical and verbal abuse. Younger and less educated women were more likely to experience mistreatment, highlighting gaps in quality and respectful maternity care.
A recent WHO-led study in four countries found that over one-third of women experience physical and verbal abuse during childbirth, with younger, less educated women at highest risk. The study highlights the need for respectful maternity care and informed policies to address these inequalities.
A Swedish study of over 384,000 women found that those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a higher likelihood of giving birth as teenagers. The research suggests that teenage girls with ADHD may face increased risk of early childbirth, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and support.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that postpartum women experiencing headaches from anesthesia after neuraxial anesthesia during childbirth are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with intracranial subdural hematoma. The study suggests a potential association between these two conditions.
A study by Michigan State University found overdoses and suicides as leading causes of deaths among new mothers in California. The research highlights the need for increased focus on prevention, particularly among non-Hispanic white and low-income women.
Research at Karolinska Institutet links high HbA1c levels during pregnancy to increased preterm birth risk, affecting up to 22% of infants born to women with type 1 diabetes. The study also identifies risks of other complications for newborns, including respiratory problems and low blood sugar.
The study found that India's cesarean delivery rate has increased significantly since 2005-06, reaching 17.2% in 2010-16. However, significant regional and socio-economic disparities exist, with poorer regions having lower rates and richer areas experiencing high rates above 50%.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that home births are three times more dangerous than hospital deliveries, with a significant increase in perinatal mortality. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 women who gave birth at home and compared it to hospital births, resulting in a higher risk of infant mortality.
A US-funded program aimed at reducing childbirth complications in Indonesia has prompted more efficient care, leading to significant reductions in maternal and newborn mortality. The Expanding Maternal and Neonatal Survival (EMAS) initiative improved quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care and referrals, resulting in a 50% decr...
Researchers found that new mothers and fathers experience decreased sleep duration and satisfaction for up to six years after giving birth. Mothers tend to experience more severe sleep disruption than fathers due to their increased caregiving responsibilities.
The USPSTF recommends providing counseling interventions to pregnant and postpartum women at increased risk of depression, or referring patients to those services. Depression is a common complication during pregnancy and after childbirth, affecting both women and children.
A study found associations between depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods with smoking, intimate partner violence, and pre-existing medical conditions like migraines or premenstrual syndrome. The findings suggest that different perinatal depression trajectories have distinct characteristics, paving the way for individualize...
A study found that breast cancers diagnosed in young women within 10 years of giving birth are more likely to metastasize than those diagnosed less recently or not at all. The risk is highest among women up to 10 years postpartum and is most pronounced in stage I or II breast cancer.
A study of 1,500 women found that cesarean delivery was associated with lower risk of stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Operative vaginal deliveries, such as those using forceps or vacuum-assisted, were linked to higher risk of anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Women who have given birth experience a lower risk of breast cancer, but this protective effect may not begin until as many as 30 years after the last pregnancy. A new study found that breast cancer risk increases in the years following childbirth, with the highest risk about five years later.
Breastfeeding did not mitigate increased cancer risk, and older women are more susceptible to enhanced risks. The study analyzed data from 15 prospective studies and found that the heightened risk continued for about 24 years after childbirth.
A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin found that two-thirds of low-income women in Texas did not receive their preferred form of contraception at their six-week postpartum visit. Women who wanted IUDs or implants faced significant difficulties accessing these highly effective methods, with only ten percent receiving the...
A new study suggests that postpartum depression is significantly associated with higher postpartum pain scores, and women in the postpartum depression group were more likely to have delivered by C-section. The researchers found that adequate postpartum care is needed for women at risk of postpartum pain.
Research at the University of York suggests that Neanderthals had a well-developed system of care for injuries and childbirth challenges. The study of over 30 individuals with minor and serious injuries found evidence of healthcare dating back 1.6 million years ago, indicating a fundamental role in survival strategies.