Articles tagged with Pregnancy Complications
A large international study found that additional ultrasound measurements to assess placental function can help determine the best course of action for pregnant women experiencing reduced fetal movement. The study showed that this approach leads to fewer complications during delivery and improves fetal outcomes.
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 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.
A research team at Washington University in St. Louis used machine learning to analyze sleep data from pregnant participants and found that variability in sleep patterns can predict preterm birth. The study aims to provide accurate prediction of preterm birth, which is the primary cause of death among children under age 5.
Researchers found an increased risk of stroke in women who experienced diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm delivery, or low birth weight during pregnancy. These complications could act as early signals for cardiovascular problems, enabling women to receive help and reduce their risk.
Children of older mothers are more likely to be born prematurely or with complications. The study found that babies born to mothers 45 years and older had the highest risks of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight compared to younger mothers.
A new Emory University study found that air pollution particles can disrupt maternal metabolisms, increasing the risk of premature and early term births. The research, which analyzed blood samples from pregnant women in Atlanta, highlights the need for better understanding and strategies to address this issue.
A recent study published in Lancet Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmune conditions among pregnant women in the UK since the millennium. The research analyzed electronic healthcare records from 2000-2021 and discovered a 4.7% rise in expectant mothers beginning pregnancy with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, ...
Researchers will discuss increasing the use of low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention through universal implementation. Additionally, experts will present on the impact of doula care on social determinants of health, exploring its potential to address non-medical healthcare disparities within the system.
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy in England has almost halved since 2014/15, but funding cuts could stall this progress. Experts fear that continued investment is necessary to give every child a smokefree start in life and prevent a surge in rates.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease risk factors in midlife. Prioritizing weight management among those considering pregnancy may promote both maternal and future cardiovascular health.
Researchers used data from 9,000 pregnancies to discover and validate RNA signatures that distinguish between severe and mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study validates Mirvie's simple blood test to predict preeclampsia early, at 17.5-22 weeks gestational age.
Nurses in states with abortion bans face communication gaps and moral distress when providing care to pregnant patients. They resort to 'work-arounds' like reading the room for allies or using online resources to find legal reproductive health care, highlighting the need for better guidance and support.
A new study suggests that menthol in electronic cigarettes may pose risks to a developing baby, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell death. The researchers recommend discouraging the use of mentholated e-cigarettes during pregnancy until more research is conducted.
A new study found that pregnant women who received preventive oral health care had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. The research highlights the importance of integrating oral health education and services into maternal healthcare, particularly in underserved populations.
A new study found that poor sleep health is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who slept six hours or fewer per night had a 32% higher risk compared to those who met the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Dr. Wendy Kuohung's research aims to identify drugs that could treat this disorder, particularly in Black women who are at higher risk due to genetic mutations.
Researchers from Flinders University applied gene editing to explore the role of enzyme ACE2 in healthy placental development. They found that ACE2 plays a key role in helping cells grow properly and that a genetic variation is linked to major pregnancy complications.
A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that women with complicated pregnancies and their sisters are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Genes and shared environmental factors may contribute to this association.
Researchers analyzed data from 8,843 women with preeclampsia to evaluate the performance of existing risk prediction models. The study found that these models are most accurate only in the days following diagnosis and deteriorate over time.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that low vitamin D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length. Pregnant women with low vitamin D concentrations were four times more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.
A large study on preterm birth found that a maternal biomarker test can reduce neonatal morbidities by 20% and NICU admissions by 20%. The test identified high-risk pregnant individuals, who received targeted treatment and showed significant improvements in neonatal outcomes.
Researchers developed a breakthrough technology using Mirvie's RNA platform to identify unique molecular signals in unborn babies. This innovation enables prediction of severe fetal growth restriction, a leading cause of stillbirth.
A study published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that adding amniotic fluid to plasma improves blood's ability to thicken and clot. The research also identified changes in amniotic fluid composition over time, which can affect maternal and fetal health.
A new study reported that pregnant women with previable premature rupture of membranes (PROM) faced significantly higher risks of severe complications, including sepsis and blood transfusions, after the Texas Senate Bill 8 law went into effect.
A new AI-based analysis of almost 10,000 pregnancies has discovered previously unidentified combinations of risk factors linked to serious negative pregnancy outcomes. The study found that there may be up to a tenfold difference in risk for infants who are currently treated identically under clinical guidelines.
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A cohort study found that women experiencing food insecurity during pregnancy are at a higher risk of perinatal complications. Individuals who received food assistance showed no significant increase in risks, suggesting that access to nutrition support can mitigate these complications.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A nationwide Swedish study found that active management and induction of labor in late- and postterm pregnancies significantly reduced the risk of stillbirth and newborn death before 28 days. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed a near halving of this risk, suggesting improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.
A recent study found that pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder enrolled in Medicaid are at a disproportionately high risk of severe maternal morbidity. Targeted interventions, such as early Medicaid enrollment and coverage continuity, may be necessary to reduce adverse outcomes in this group.
A UK study published in Diabetic Medicine found that over half of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were undiagnosed due to slow NHS blood test processing. Faster blood processing identified additional cases, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies.
A new analysis of over 3,000 studies reveals that flooding increases preterm births by around 3% and low birth weights in children born during flood events. The study highlights the need for emergency services to evacuate pregnant people before flooding events.
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 from Northwestern Medicine reveals a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity and birth complications in Illinois between 2016 and 2023. The findings highlight the impact of chronic health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and mental health disorders on pregnancy outcomes.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
The large cohort study identified common pregnancy complications, such as premature rupture of membranes and gestational diabetes mellitus, affecting 18.29% and 16.74% of participants, respectively. High-risk groups were also identified, including women with assisted reproductive technology and those aged 35 and older.
A new study found that pregnant people in Massachusetts who made multiple unscheduled hospital visits during pregnancy were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity. The study revealed that nearly half of these patients visited multiple hospitals, leading to inconsistent treatment and poor maternal outcomes.
A recent study found that every 1°C increase in heat exposure increases preterm birth by 4%, while a heatwave can lead to a 26% increased risk. The review also highlights marked increases in gestational diabetes, stillbirths, and congenital anomalies.
Researchers identified disturbances in glucose regulation after delivery in women who have had gestational diabetes, despite comparable clinical measurements. Continuous monitoring using wearable devices revealed disrupted blood sugar rhythms and internal clocks, suggesting a need for appropriate follow-up.
A multicenter national clinical trial is being conducted to study whether giving antibiotics at the start of labor induction can decrease C-sections in pregnant women with obesity. The trial aims to enroll nearly 800 women and analyze infection rates, complications, and microbiome changes.
Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.
Miscarriage affects 15-20% of pregnancies, causing devastating effects. Outpatient early pregnancy assessment clinics can provide compassionate and tailored care, but services are lagging.
A study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found six proteins that could be used as targets for diagnosing and treating early-onset preeclampsia. These proteins may be linked to cardiovascular complications or the estrogen cycle, suggesting a promising first step toward improved detection and treatment.
A study from Lund University shows that high DNA fragmentation in sperm is associated with doubled risk of preeclampsia and premature birth in women conceived through IVF. The findings suggest that DFI analysis could be used to identify high-risk pregnancies, potentially leading to improved fertility treatment.
Researchers analyzed nationally representative data and found a 76% increase in emergency encounters related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The condition, which causes serious maternal and neonatal complications, accounts for 6.3% of all pregnancy-related deaths in the US.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found that body weight is a significant factor in pregnancy complications, affecting women born in different countries. Researchers estimated that approximately half of all cases of gestational diabetes could be prevented if all women were of normal weight during pregnancy.
Women with recurrent pregnancy loss and anti-β2-glycoprotein I/HLA-DR autoantibodies who received low-dose aspirin or heparin treatment had significantly improved outcomes, with 87% experiencing live births and a reduced risk of complications. The treatment was also effective for women with only the newly discovered antibodies.
A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.
A new study found that gestational carriers have a higher risk of severe complications during pregnancy, early postpartum, and related health issues compared to unassisted or IVF conception. The research analyzed linked health datasets for over 863,000 births in Ontario, Canada, between 2012-2021.
A nationwide cohort study revealed a higher risk of placental problems, premature births, and severe bleeding in subsequent deliveries following uterine artery embolization. Babies born to mothers who underwent UAE also had a higher chance of major birth defects, particularly heart problems.
A new study found that neighborhoods with fewer opportunities are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Hispanic infants. The study suggests that structural racism and discriminatory practices contribute to this racial gap in preterm birth outcomes.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
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.
Research reveals that maternal prenatal smoking can limit a child's academic performance and put them behind their peers at school. The systematic review of 19 studies and 1.25 million participants found that 79% of studies reported reduced academic achievement in children exposed to maternal prenatal smoking.
A Kobe University study establishes a new mouse model to study fetal abdominal inflammation caused by meconium peritonitis. The researchers found that heat-treated proteins in the meconium slurry disrupt digestive enzymes, leading to significant reduction in mortality rates.
A Rutgers University study reveals that women who conceive through IVF and experience placental abruption are twice as likely to deliver early compared to those with only one factor. The research analyzed nearly 79 million hospital deliveries in the US over two decades, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of ART pregnancies.
A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have conducted a Phase 2 UNITY clinical trial involving pregnant women with a history of very severe HDFN. Nipocalimab was found to prevent and mitigate the disease without causing serious side effects in the mother or fetus.