Articles tagged with Childbirth
Researchers found teenage mothers more likely to have premature babies due to biological immaturity and social factors. The study highlights the importance of antenatal care and post-natal contraception for pregnant teenagers.
The article shares harrowing accounts of women who gave birth during the Israeli assault on Gaza strip in December 2008 and January 2009. The women described severe trauma, complications such as sepsis and hypothermia, and their heroic struggles to survive with their families amidst destruction.
The Global Report on Preterm & Stillbirth identifies known causes and 21 proven interventions to improve these outcomes. A new repository of tissue samples will contribute to global research, helping to understand the causes of preterm birth and stillbirth.
Researchers report that black women are significantly more likely to develop peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially deadly weakening of the heart muscle around childbirth. The study found that African-American race was the most important predictor, with 93% of those who developed cardiomyopathy being black.
A Kansas State University study found that people favor mothers who stay at home full-time over those who work outside the home, even when the working mother's child is involved. The study also showed that participants devalue mothers employed full-time and perceive their children as troubled and their relationships as problematic.
A study by Dr. Tiziana Nazio found that public sector workers are more likely to have children due to the relative security of employment, flexible hours, and career progression linked to seniority. In contrast, men's careers do not directly influence their decision to have children, but rather the pattern of women's careers and househ...
The study found a significant decrease in delivery-related perinatal deaths in term infants, with a 38% reduction in overall mortality rates. The largest contributor was a decline in oxygen deprivation cases, which dropped by 48%.
Data show ATryn safely prevents peri-operative and peri-partum acute deep vein thrombosis in patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. Dosing algorithms allow for normalization of antithrombin levels during high-risk situations, providing a safe treatment option.
A £2.8m grant will support a three-year programme to increase skilled birth attendance and quality obstetric care in 5 target countries, aiming to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. The programme will evaluate the impact of training and supportive supervision on healthcare provider capacity and care delivery.
A recent study found that post-partum haemorrhage is a significant threat to new mothers in high-income countries, resulting in severe outcomes including infertility and death. The authors recommend increased access to active management of the third stage of labour to reduce PPH rates.
Anthropologist Karen Rosenberg sheds light on the evolutionary significance of childbirth, revealing that social assistance during labor is a distinctive human characteristic. Her research highlights the importance of cooperative childcare and social intelligence in reproductive success.
Research found that normal-weight mothers who accurately assessed their pre-pregnancy weight had half the odds of excessive gestational weight gain compared to those who underestimated. Under-assessors were younger, non-white, lower-income, and less educated, with poorer dietary habits.
High-profile meeting at UN General Assembly tackles financing issues surrounding MDG 4 and 5; authors emphasize need for innovative financing to reduce maternal and child mortality. A child dies every 3 seconds, a mother every minute, the statement reads.
Scientists found that delaying childbirth has contributed to rising caesarean sections, with advancing maternal age associated with impaired uterine function. The study suggests that understanding the effects of age on childbirth is crucial in addressing increasing rates of intervention in pregnancy.
The HealthGrades Women's Health in American Hospitals study found that top-performing hospitals have significantly lower maternal complications rates for vaginal births (51% fewer) and C-sections (76% fewer). These top-hospitals also saw improved cardiovascular disease mortality rates, with a 15% overall reduction from 2004 to 2006.
Research shows that ewes fed a diet enriched with polyunsaturated fats have a significantly higher chance of giving birth to male offspring. This finding suggests that dietary composition around conception can influence sex ratio in farm species.
A study found that doula support during labor significantly reduced cesarean delivery rates by 12% and the need for epidurals by 11%. Continuous presence of a non-medical companion provided benefits even when male partners or family members were present.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that behavioral change strategies improved public hospital care in Latin America by reducing bleeding and saving lives. Interventions reduced episiotomies and increased oxytocin use, leading to significant improvements in childbirth safety.
The Duke of York highlights a global shortage of trained anaesthetists, inadequate equipment, and poor healthcare facilities in the developing world. Effective anesthesia is crucial for universal human rights, including safe childbirth and relief from pain, but progress has stalled due to lack of investment.
A large study of Australian women found that epidurals during labor and birth are associated with decreased rates of breastfeeding in both the short-term and long-term. Women who had epidurals were more likely to experience difficulty breastfeeding and give up breastfeeding before six months compared to those without analgesia.
Researchers at PLOS Medicine analyzed gene expression in labor and autoimmune disease APS1, finding complex networks of co-regulated genes. The study highlights the importance of making original data available for reanalysis.
A recent study found that women who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are more likely to experience difficulties during childbirth and their babies are at a higher risk of death. The study also estimated that in the African context, an additional one to two babies die per 100 deliveries due to FGM.
A recent WHO study found that female genital mutilation (FGM) is associated with a higher risk of baby loss and complications during childbirth, including prolonged hospital stays. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 women across six countries in Africa.
A neoprene suit, called NASG, can save lives of women suffering from obstetrical hemorrhaging due to childbirth by reversing shock and decreasing bleeding. The study found a 69% decrease in death and severe illness among patients treated with the NASG.
A new study suggests that persistent fatigue is a better indicator of postpartum depression than stress or family history. Women who experienced prolonged fatigue were more likely to develop symptoms of postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention.
Maternal mortality rates in Canada are significantly higher than those in many developed countries, according to a Canadian Medical Association Journal study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal healthcare and increased awareness of pregnancy-related complications.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that coaching women to push during labor does not significantly affect the length of labor or long-term pelvic floor problems. However, coached women experienced shorter labors and smaller bladder capacities, with bladder function returning to normal over time.
A study published in The Lancet found that pregnant women with maternal placental syndromes have a double the relative risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Women with restricted fetal growth or pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease are at higher risk.
Research shows that limiting episiotomies can lead to less perineal trauma, fewer need for suturing, and fewer postpartum complications. Episiotomy rates vary widely across countries and regions, with the US having a higher rate than many other English-speaking countries.
A new study explores how consumers perceive risks in natural vs medicalized childbirth, revealing cultural anxieties over technology and loss of autonomy. The research highlights the struggles consumers face when approaching childbirth and the risks associated with both natural and medicalized methods.
A survey of over 250 women found that prolonged labor can have a significant emotional impact on first-time mothers, with 60% reporting it will affect them for life. Despite this, many women remain calm and find the experience exciting, with 84% saying they were excited to give birth.
The RELEASE study is a randomised clinical trial testing a new technique to treat retained placenta, aiming to improve outcomes for women in developing countries and the UK. The technique involves injecting oxytocin into the placenta via umbilical cord injection.
A study conducted in South Africa found that mild iron deficiency in mothers can disrupt healthy mother/infant interactions. The research showed that mildly iron-deficient mothers were less sensitive to their baby's cues and appeared bored or distant more frequently, leading to changes in child behavior.
A Canadian study found that fortifying foods with folic acid reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in babies from Newfoundland and Labrador by 70%. The blood folate levels of women and seniors also increased significantly, indicating a positive impact on fetal development.
A cluster-randomised trial in Nepal found that women's groups addressing childbirth and care issues led to a 26.2 per 1000 neonatal mortality rate, compared to 36.9 in control clusters. The intervention also reduced maternal mortality by 80%.
A study found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth reduced mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission by around 15% compared to nevirapine alone. This combination therapy resulted in a protective efficacy of 36%.
A new study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science reports that Europe's population will likely continue to shrink despite increasing birthrates. The timing of childbirth is cited as a key factor, with women delaying births for longer periods, reducing potential mothers and contributing to negative population momentum.
A new study aims to prevent urinary incontinence in women after childbirth by promoting spontaneous pushing and daily perineum massage. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, hopes to empower women with tools to have a natural birth experience.
A new study found that the continuous stitching technique significantly reduced pain in women with perineal damage after childbirth. The method also resulted in fewer suture removals within three months compared to interrupted suturing. This could lead to cost savings and improved outcomes for patients.
Short-course regimens and pre-delivery, labour, and post-delivery therapy significantly reduce HIV-1 transmission rates from mother to child. Triple drug combinations may be even more effective.
A recent study found that postpartum fatigue is significantly linked to postpartum depression, with women reporting symptoms after just 28 days, highlighting the need for screening tools and self-care support
A recent survey of over 500 first-time mothers found that 35% experienced urinary incontinence and 4% suffered from faecal incontinence. The study suggests that damage to the pelvic floor may occur during pregnancy as well as childbirth, highlighting the need for improved maternity care.
A study published in The Lancet found that pregnancy and childbirth are leading causes of death among Afghan refugee women, with a mortality rate of 5.5 per thousand population. The study also highlighted the importance of rebuilding Afghanistan's health-care infrastructure to prevent further maternal deaths.
Workers were more willing to pay for policies that directly benefited them than those with no direct benefit. Notably, teachers with a low probability of using paid childbirth leave had the highest willingness to pay.
Low-dose combined spinal epidural and infusion techniques have been shown to increase the rate of normal vaginal delivery compared to traditional epidurals. However, these methods may also be associated with longer recovery times for newborns and increased risk of breathing difficulties.
A UCSF study found that women who have had a hysterectomy are at a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence by age 60, with a 60% increased risk compared to those who have not undergone the surgery. Incontinence often develops several years after the procedure and can significantly impact quality of life.
A University of Toronto researcher found that home births enable women to connect childbirth with their religious beliefs and family relationships. The study involved 45 American women from diverse backgrounds who valued having loved ones nearby during birth.