Articles tagged with Postnatal Care
A study extending pregnancy monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum found nearly 10,000 cases of severe maternal complications in Canada each year. This reveals significant cases were previously missed, emphasizing the importance of postpartum care and timely interventions.
Researchers discovered that 53% of newborns with myelomeningocele had sleep-disordered breathing, highlighting the need for routine screening and early intervention to prevent long-term complications. The study's findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders in high-risk infants could meaningfully improve their neurodevelopment.
A new study from University of Liverpool and King's College London recommends a personalized and tiered model of postnatal care, considering convenience, individual preference, and clinical concerns. Women value virtual care for its convenience but emphasize the need for physical examinations in certain situations.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that early hydrocortisone treatment increases the chance of surviving without lung disease for extremely premature babies. The treatment is safe and does not increase serious side effects.
A new study found that the Baby2Home smartphone app significantly reduced symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety in first-time mothers, improving overall health and parenting confidence. The app provided personalized educational information, infant care trackers, and mental health self-management tools.
A cohort study found a disproportionate increase in postpartum depression among women and adolescents in low-socioeconomic status communities following state abortion bans. The legislation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support and policy interventions.
A quarter of pregnant patients suffering stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed due to overlooked warning signs, according to a new study. The researchers highlight the need for better clinician education and decision-support tools to improve maternal health outcomes.
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 study found that many Norwegian mothers do not attend postnatal check-ups, with women citing a lack of information about the service and fear of discussing sensitive topics. The study suggests that providing clear information and supporting women in discussing their birth experiences could improve attendance rates.
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 explores the potential of long-acting injectable treatments for HIV-positive breastfeeding women, finding that they can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year. The research suggests that these formulations could be cost-effective and widely available globally to reach those who need them most.
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 new study suggests that long-acting injectable treatment can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year in Zimbabwe. The treatment, LA cabotegravir with rilpivirine, could be cost-effective if priced at $156/year or lower for women whose HIV has not been fully suppressed at delivery.
The study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly used for postpartum weight loss in overweight women without a documented diabetes diagnosis. The primary indication for use was weight reduction, suggesting a potential shift in treatment guidelines.
A clinical trial found that antibiotics within 24 hours of an obstetric tear can significantly reduce the risk of clinically relevant wound complications. The treatment group experienced fewer complications and reported better wellbeing compared to the placebo group. This finding supports the use of prophylactic antibiotics in routine ...
A large cohort study found associations between prenatal fine particulate matter components and postnatal ozone exposure with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest that air pollution may play a role in the etiology of autism, warranting further research.
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 systematic review found little to no benefit from prenatal and postnatal support apps in reducing postnatal depression, anxiety, or improving infant bonding, breastfeeding, or parenting satisfaction. The study also investigated the effects of perinatal mobile apps on psychosocial and parenting outcomes for couples.
Researchers found that women who had Caesareans during advanced labor are eight times more likely to develop scars near or within the cervix, increasing the risk of premature births. The study also discovered that scars lower down the womb heal less well than those higher up.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) has released new guidance on diagnosing and managing heart failure during pregnancy and postpartum. The guidance highlights the importance of preconception counseling, assembling multidisciplinary care teams, and referring patients to centers with expertise.
A comprehensive international analysis of donor human milk found dramatic variations depending on lactation stage and region. Donor human milk was found to have higher concentrations of nutrients like protein, minerals, and B-vitamins in early donation models from Kenya.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.
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.
A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina reveals that shorter storage durations of donor human milk are linked to reduced gastrointestinal complications in premature infants. The findings suggest minimizing milk storage time may help preserve protective properties crucial for preterm gut health.
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.
Research found higher fetal movement frequencies correlate with greater maternal attachment; paying attention to these signals may strengthen prenatal attachment and postnatal caregiving. Fetal movements contribute to emotional attachment formed during pregnancy.
A new study finds that postpartum mothers with hepatitis C who received treatment while still in the hospital were twice as likely to be cured compared to those referred for outpatient follow-up appointments. The 'Meds to Beds' model dramatically improves cure rates by bringing treatment to bedside before discharge.
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.
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.
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 nationwide observational study found significant regional differences in antibiotic use among newborns in Sweden, with the goal of treating no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices to reduce overuse of antibiotics.
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.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that how healthcare providers describe babies during ultrasounds impacts parent perceptions and can influence a child's future behavior. Positive descriptions are associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in toddlers, while negative descriptions lead to greater challenges.
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.
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.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
A five-week creative play programme has significantly improved new parents' and carers' mental health by reducing postnatal depression symptoms. The programme, Let's Play, encourages social connections between parents and boosts confidence.
Deepshika Ramanan, a Salk Assistant Professor, has been recognized as a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar for her innovative research on maternal immunity and lactation. She will receive annual grants of up to $110,000 to conduct groundbreaking work in neuroscience, cancer, immunology, and pain.
Research found that women whose sister experienced postpartum psychosis are over 10 times more likely to experience it themselves. The study highlights genetic and shared environmental influences and suggests early recognition and prevention are crucial.
A recent study found that LGBTQ+ individuals receive lower-quality care in the postpartum period, with increased use of emergency departments and specialist care. Despite comparable access to pregnancy-related care, LGBTQ+ people experience significant inequities in unmet healthcare needs and cost-related medication nonadherence.
A research team of over 60,000 OB-GYNs in the US found that doctors are not systematically leaving states where abortions are banned or threatened. The study suggests that concerns about reproductive health care may be offset by ties to patients and local communities, as well as significant relocation efforts.
A University of Liverpool study shows that a novel tech-assisted intervention combining peer-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy with a digital app is as effective as standard therapy in treating perinatal depression. The programme, led by Professor Atif Rahman, reduces depressive symptoms significantly and offers a scalable soluti...
A new study reveals a one-hour glucose tolerance test outperforms the traditional two-hour test in predicting future risk of diabetes, potentially transforming clinical practice. The test captures peak blood sugar levels, identifying an elevated risk of developing diabetes.
A new study published in JAMA found that women who experience severe maternal morbidity during their first pregnancy are less likely to have more children. The research, which studied over a million women in Sweden, revealed that such events can have a lasting impact on fertility.
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.
Pregnant women exposed to buprenorphine combined with naloxone had similar or more favorable outcomes compared to those exposed to buprenorphine alone. This suggests that both formulations are safe treatment options for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
A new study found that an intervention involving automated appointment scheduling and reminder messages can increase primary care visits by 19 percentage points and improve screening tests and services. This low-cost intervention may help bridge the gap in postpartum care for individuals with chronic health conditions.
A new study has validated the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ) with incarcerated and perinatal women, revealing strong connections between trauma exposure and negative mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that increased attention to mental health care is necessary for these vulnerable populations.
A global meta-analysis of 1.8m women found COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of infection during pregnancy by 61% and hospitalization by 94%. Vaccination also lowers caesarean section risk by 9%, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy by 12%, and intensive care unit admission for newborns by 8%.
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.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine found that the US maternal mortality rate increased by nearly doubling between 2014 and 2021, with no correlation to increasing pregnancy-related deaths among older adults. The study highlights the need to investigate other causes of maternal mortality, particularly cardiovascular disease.
A recent study from The Hospital for Sick Children found that pregnant teenagers in Ontario were at a 50% higher risk of premature death before age 31 compared to those with no teen pregnancy. The Young Prenatal Program and Young Families Program offer integrated physical, mental, and developmental care to support adolescent parents.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found a significant drop in satisfaction with postnatal care when partners were excluded due to COVID-19 restrictions. Partners of first-time mothers experienced the greatest decline in satisfaction, with a 43% drop compared to labor wards where partners were still allowed.
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.
Participating in baby massage has been linked to lower rates of postnatal depression and improved parent-child interactions. A systematic review found that mother-led infant massage can have a positive impact on maternal mental health and relationships.