Articles tagged with Postnatal Care
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.
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 randomized clinical trial found that self-monitoring and physician-guided titration of antihypertensive medications reduced postpartum blood pressure compared to usual care. The study involved 220 participants in the UK and showed promising results for long-term blood pressure control.
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 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.
Participation in a home visiting program reduced risk of adverse birth outcomes by up to 23% among Medicaid recipients. Black individuals saw greater risk reductions, highlighting disparities in prenatal and postnatal care.
The study found that fathers who supported their partners' breastfeeding goals had higher rates of successful breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Fathers were also more likely to implement safe sleep practices when they received guidance on infant sleep safety. However, racial disparities in safe sleep practices persist, with Bl...
A new study finds that midwifery care is associated with higher levels of autonomy and respect during childbirth, particularly in community settings. Midwives attended 12% of births, mostly in hospitals, while community births were more common with midwife attendance.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
A comprehensive care plan has been published to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the US. The plan provides specific recommendations for both expecting parents and clinicians, including daily low-dose aspirin, surveillance, and behavioral strategies.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that rats exposed to high-fat diets during pregnancy and early life developed a preference for salty taste. This preference was linked to increased levels of AT1 protein in the taste buds, which can lead to higher sodium intake and potentially contribute to obesity and diet-linked diseases.
Research found that newborns of low-income immigrant mothers had a significantly lower risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to those of Canadian-born mothers. The study suggests that immigration status may influence birth outcomes, with healthier immigrants possibly being more likely to migrate.
A recent study found that hospitals serving more vulnerable childbearing populations tend to have inadequate nurse staffing levels, which can lead to poor maternal health outcomes. The researchers surveyed 3,471 registered nurses from 271 hospitals and discovered inconsistencies in nurse-to-patient ratios with national staffing standards.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals a 104% increase in pregnancy-related deaths among American Indian/Alaska Native people, with rates nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. The Delta and Omicron variants contributed to the worsening burden of mortality, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.
A study of over 11,000 women with obstetric anal sphincter injuries found that the severity of problems increases with the number of injuries, affecting everyday life and quality of life. Women with two injuries reported high-frequency anal incontinence and a greater impact on their lives.
A new study reveals that US pregnancies are shorter than those in England and the Netherlands, with average lengths declining by over half a week between 1990 and 2020. This finding suggests that reducing medical interventions during the birthing process could improve maternity care outcomes in the US.
A new study by Brown and NYU researchers found that expanding Medicaid led to improved postpartum health for low-income birthing people. The study showed a 17% reduction in hospitalizations during the first 60 days postpartum, primarily due to decreased childbirth-related hospitalizations.
Researchers developed a framework to address women's reproductive needs holistically, combining family planning, contraception, and preconception care. The model suggests teaching children about reproductive health in school and using social media campaigns to raise awareness of reproductive preferences.
A new study found that postpartum visit attendance declined by 5.8% during the pandemic, with uninsured women, Black women, and women under 19 facing the largest decreases. The study highlights the need to address health policy and system challenges to reduce ongoing disparities in postpartum care.
A cross-sectional survey found extensive inequities in postpartum care content, particularly for patients with multiple disadvantaged identities. The study highlights the need for further research on postpartum care visits to better address these disparities.
A survey reveals that 87.7% of South Korean mothers of young children face extremely high levels of maternal distress. The findings are more severe compared to a previous Australian study on the same topic.
A new study published in Cochrane Reviews found that tocolytics, or preterm delay treatments, are beneficial for women worldwide. The researchers reviewed 122 clinical trials and concluded that the benefits of these drugs outweigh any risks associated with side effects.
The NIH announced five cash prize winners and four honorable mentions in its Maternal Health Diagnostics Challenge. The winning technologies aim to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, with a focus on detecting and differentiating common pregnancy-related conditions.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that up to 3 in 100 couples experience late postnatal depression, while approximately 2 in 100 couples experience antenatal and early postnatal depression. The study emphasizes the importance of considering both parents' mental health during the perinatal period.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
The ACMG Foundation presented four Next Generation Fellowship Awards to outstanding individuals in medical genetics and genomics. Ibrahim Elsharkawi and Jessica Priestley received the awards for their dedication to biochemical genetics, with support from Bionano Genomics, Spark Therapeutics, Takeda, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Pfizer.
A study by Lund University found that women with two midwives assisting during birth had a lower incidence of severe perineal tears compared to those with standard care from one midwife. The researchers suggest that this practice can help reduce the risk of severe perineal trauma and improve women's quality of life.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...
A digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) has been shown to reduce insomnia, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy. The treatment also reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression in non-depressed women for up to six months postpartum.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a small for gestational age (SGA) baby in subsequent pregnancies. The research analyzed data from nearly 17,000 mothers who received antenatal care for their first two pregnancies and found that women who smoked at the start of eith...
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found no correlation between COVID-19 vaccinations and risk of first-trimester miscarriages. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to the newborn infant against COVID-19 infection.
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.
A new health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.
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 University of Houston study finds that plastic drapes can lower hypothermia rates in premature babies during PICC placement. This innovative nursing intervention shows promise in improving thermoregulation for VLBW neonates.