Articles tagged with Pregnancy Complications
A new Northwestern Medicine study found patient navigators can ease the transition to motherhood, leading to better health in the postpartum period and more consistent primary care. Navigators helped patients access care, manage social needs, and improve health literacy, resulting in improved health outcomes.
A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends maximizing patient access to abortion care and counseling to improve maternal safety. The new guidance highlights the importance of evidence-based reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, in high-risk pregnancy situations.
Oben Health's AI-enabled platform brings preventive care to underserved communities through trusted community spaces. Malama Health's digital maternal health mobile app also receives recognition for its impact on maternal health outcomes.
A national care improvement programme has led to more equitable access to antenatal magnesium sulphate, a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies. The programme's rollout has narrowed regional and socioeconomic gaps in treatment rates, benefiting mothers and babies across England.
Researchers identified a key protein, isthmin-2, as a predictor for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The protein's association with placental cell invasion could lead to better test development and treatment options for at-risk pregnancies.
A University of East Anglia report suggests that tens of thousands of new mothers in Britain may be suffering from undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth. The report highlights the need for better guidance and training for GPs to identify post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Exposure to drought during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and, when persistent, with a greater likelihood of the baby being small for gestational age. The study analyzed nearly 30 million births in Brazil, showing a 2% relative increase in preterm birth likelihood across analyzed time scales.
Researchers at Kumamoto University and collaborators developed a method to produce human trophoblast stem cells from late-gestation placentas, opening a new avenue for studying pregnancy complications. The resulting patient-derived models reproduce key features associated with preeclampsia, enabling the uncovering of molecular mechanis...
A large-scale study in China found the prevalence of PCOS among pregnant women increased from 0.79 to 19.0 per 10,000 between 2012 and 2021, with significantly higher risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women with PCOS had increased risks of diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery, as well as fetal risk...
A randomized clinical trial found that pregnant women who followed a strength training program had a 0% incidence of gestational diabetes, compared to 7.3% in the control group. The program also improved quality of life and reduced pregnancy symptoms.
Research shows that integrating oral health screenings into prenatal clinic visits increases the likelihood of patients receiving dental care during pregnancy. A study at New York University found that scheduling immediate appointments and patient navigation both improved engagement with dental care, but scheduled appointments were mor...
A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and other adverse outcomes were associated with greater social needs, such as inadequate food, employment, and education among Black and Latina women. Integrating social needs assessment into postpartum care could improve long-term...
Recent studies explore the impact of digital technologies on health outcomes, highlighting innovations in maternal care and wildfire preparedness. Digital tools are being used to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and mitigate adverse effects of wildfires on air quality.
Scientists have identified unusual cell behavior and an overactive immune response in mothers and babies with preeclampsia, providing new therapeutic targets for the condition. The study found that stressed placental cells, poorly functioning blood vessels, and stress molecules released by the placenta contribute to the condition.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
Researchers analyzed data from 2,201,446 women and found associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased long-term risk of developing peripheral artery disease. Women who experience gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm delivery have a significantly increased risk of PAD later in life.
A Rutgers University study found hormone-mimicking mycotoxins in 100% of participants, linked to corn and grain products consumed. The study's findings suggest persistent exposure to these contaminants among pregnant women in the US.
A new national study reveals that about two-thirds of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer prenatal care, while one in three do not, highlighting missed opportunities to address inequities in maternal health access. The study underscores the critical role of FQHCs in caring for low-income and racially diverse pregnant popul...
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
A major new study suggests that age-related changes in the uterus may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, with women aged 49 and over experiencing lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage risk despite donor-oocyte treatment. The study found that cumulative live birth rates declined substantially with age, from 80% among women...
Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that women with pre-eclampsia during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease later in life. High protein levels in the urine during pre-eclampsia are linked to an increased risk of these conditions.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that doctors in hospitals treating the most premature babies were more likely to diagnose eye disease requiring treatment. This contradicts expectations that these doctors would be over-diagnosing. The researchers are now investigating possible reasons for this difference, in...
A recent international study identified 26 genetic regions associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), including ten previously unknown regions. The study found a strong link between genetic susceptibility to ICP and bile acid metabolism, offering new avenues for research into maternal health and pregnancy-related live...
Dr. Samantha Parker Kelleher and researchers will examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The team aims to identify ways to decrease HDP rates among mothers and develop new prevention strategies.
A new study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a common sexually transmitted infection, is not linked to an increased risk of recurrent preterm birth. Researchers tested nearly 500 pregnant individuals with a history of preterm birth or related complications and found no ass...
Researchers analyzed over 264,000 pregnancies to confirm the safety of NSAIDs and paracetamol during pregnancy. The studies found no association between painkiller use and birth defects, dispelling long-standing myths.
Researchers developed a wearable ultrasound patch to monitor high-risk pregnancies, providing continuous, real-time information about blood flow in the fetus and umbilical cord. The device holds promise for helping doctors detect conditions like intrauterine growth restriction, which affects 10% of all pregnancies.
Research finds gestational diabetes significantly increases risk of type 2 diabetes in women with normal pre-pregnancy weight. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, analyzed over 1.15 million Swedish mothers and found elevated blood sugar levels predict future type 2 diabetes.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
A recent study found that sleep disturbances in pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, and daytime sleepiness were linked to an increased risk of GDM.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that state-level abortion bans in the US are associated with a reduction in evidence-based medical care for miscarriage management. This has led to more women waiting longer for treatment and fewer choices, potentially putting their health and fertility at risk.
Pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications account for 20-30% of maternal deaths in the US. Researchers analyzed claims data to find that underlying cardiovascular risk drives these events, rather than older age. This may encourage doctors to address cardiovascular health before pregnancy.
A large Israeli pregnancy registry study found no association between first-trimester nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and major congenital malformations. The study analyzed over 264,000 pregnancies and found no increased risk of birth defects, even at higher doses.
A new preclinical study reveals that an overactive viral sensor in the immune system can cause severe complications during flu infection in pregnancy. By blocking this sensor, researchers hope to prevent harmful inflammation and protect developing babies.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that young adults whose mothers had high blood pressure during pregnancy had more signs of early arterial injury, higher blood pressure, and higher body mass index. This suggests that cardiovascular risk may be transmitted across generations through a combination of biological, environmental, and...
A large multicenter retrospective study found that stable gestational glucose levels and minimal fluctuations increase the likelihood of low pre-eclampsia risk. The study's key findings suggest that blood glucose management is crucial for preventing pre-eclampsia, particularly in pregnant women with no pre-pregnancy chronic conditions.
Researchers present findings on sociodemographic disparities in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, highlighting the need for better characterization and management of these conditions. Dr. Basma S. Faris discusses reframing PCOS as a chronic disease requiring longitudinal care.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that small abnormalities in blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation years before pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The findings may contribute to earlier risk assessment and preventive measures.
Researchers identified ten previously unknown symptoms strongly associated with eclampsia, including twitching and impaired speech. These symptoms were rare among women without seizures but frequently occurred before an episode, increasing the risk of seizures.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that racism and socioeconomic stress can alter key physiological processes in the body during pregnancy, leading to higher rates of preeclampsia and preterm birth in black women. These changes are not due to genetic differences but rather persistent socio-environmental stressors.
A Reproductive Justice (RJ) lens is crucial for addressing systemic inequities in high-risk pregnancy care, argues a new commentary. This approach recognizes that structural forces, not just medical factors, shape the options available to families navigating complex fetal diagnoses.
A massive genetic study has uncovered six new genes linked to pregnancy sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), in over 10,000 women. The findings point to biological mechanisms behind HG and potential new treatment pathways, with several medications identified as potential targets.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that women with diabetes are less likely to receive recommended preventive care services such as conception counseling and breast/cervical cancer screening. This oversight puts them at risk for preventable medical conditions like pregnancy complications.
Access to hospital-based obstetric care declined across the US as hospitals closed labor and delivery units between 2010-2021. Rural communities were hit hardest, with access dropping by over 50% in some areas.
Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.
A Rutgers Health study found that children born to mothers with premature placental separations are three times more likely to develop or die from cardiovascular disease. This risk is higher among those younger than 12 months old, and pregnant women over 35 or experiencing twin pregnancies are also at increased risk.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released the first evidence-based clinical guidance for cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. The guidance aims to support both maternal health and pregnancy goals, while also prioritizing effective cancer therapy and fetal well-being.
A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.
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 global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.
New research shows that Rytvela, an anti-inflammatory drug candidate, decreases premature birth and infant mortality when administered after the onset of preterm labor in a preclinical mouse model. The treatment prolongs gestation and fetal growth while allowing newborn organs to develop in utero.
A multinational study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia. The study suggests that maternal vaccination may influence pathways involved in preeclampsia development, potentially offering protection even in the absence of COVID-19 infection.
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health are now part of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Care Network, expanding access to research on pregnancy and newborn health. Clinical trials will focus on maternal mortality, prematurity birth rates, and infant mortality rates.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital have developed an AI-assisted tool to diagnose severe congenital heart defects from fetal scans with high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, a machine learning model can predict placenta accreta spectrum based on preconception data, identifying novel predictors like anemia.