Articles tagged with Pregnancy Complications
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...
A study on horse miscarriages revealed that 42% of cases were due to triploidy, a condition characterized by an extra set of chromosomes. This finding provides insight into the frequency of chromosome errors during early human pregnancy, which has been difficult to determine.
The UK has released a pioneering Code of Practice for the use of stem cell-based embryo models in research, providing standards for rigorous ethics and maximizing benefits. The code sets out processes for decision-making in research using these models, allowing scientists to proceed confidently while maintaining public trust.
A world-first study found that low-dose aspirin can create better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy, potentially preventing complications caused by flu infections. The research also showed that mice treated with low-dose aspirin had improved fetal development and offspring survival.
A recent study has identified three subgroups of gestational diabetes with different treatment needs, enabling personalized therapy and reducing complications for mothers and children. The analysis used cluster methods and machine learning to analyze data from 2682 women with gestational diabetes.
A study found that overexpressing a gene responsible for amino acid transport in the placenta can cause fetal growth to increase by 27%, while also providing insights into pregnancy complications like IUGR and obesity. The research has therapeutic implications, potentially informing treatments to prevent or treat these conditions.
The number of US individuals with chronic hypertension in pregnancy increased significantly, while medication treatment remained low, according to a new study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal health strategies to address high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
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%.
Researchers at Dartmouth College found that fruit fly oocytes can renew chromosome-linking proteins, potentially helping older women reduce pregnancy complications. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for enhancing protein rejuvenation in human eggs.
A study published in Neurology found that people who give birth to infants less than 5.5 pounds may be more likely to experience memory and thinking problems later in life. The association was equivalent to one to two years of aging for those with low-birth-weight deliveries.
A study found that higher phthalate exposure is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women. Pregnancies involving female fetuses are more susceptible to these hypertensive disorders.
A mobile app survey during the first trimester predicted future depression with a high level of accuracy, identifying modifiable risk factors such as sleep quality and access to food. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting perinatal depression and tailoring preventive care for pregnant individuals.
Research links higher blood sugar levels at gestational diabetes diagnosis to complications in newborns, including low blood sugar and large birth weight. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after birth.
A new screening algorithm combining maternal history, ultrasound data and several tests for blood markers may predict most preeclampsia cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study found that personalized risk-based treatment decisions may improve adherence to preventative measures.
Researchers created panoramic view of infection pathways in human placenta, highlighting potential drug targets for severe pregnancy complications. The study used 'mini placenta' models to map placental response to infections in early development, revealing secondary inflammation as a cause of complications.
A new study finds that military health care beneficiaries are more prone to excessive pregnancy weight gain and substantial postpartum weight retention, leading to costly complications and fitness challenges. Researchers emphasize the importance of weight management before, during, and after pregnancy for military populations.
A study found that quitting smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of stillbirths by over 80% and premature deliveries by more than 30%. However, smokers who quit may experience extra weight gain and related complications. The researchers recommend nutrition counseling to minimize these risks.
A new study has identified a deficit in the placental expression of IGFBP1 and low circulating levels as associated with insulin resistance during pregnancy. The findings suggest that measuring IGFBP1 levels could help identify people at risk of developing gestational diabetes early in pregnancy.
A new review article highlights the complexities of stroke risk in women, which extends beyond age and includes various modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Women are more sensitive to high blood pressure, and other disorders such as late puberty, early menopause, pregnancy, and hormonal therapy also significantly affect their risk.
Researchers found that first-time mothers carrying a breech baby may experience reduced risks if they choose a planned cesarean delivery instead of attempting a vaginal birth. However, these women also have an elevated risk of experiencing uterine rupture during their next pregnancy.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
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.
Researchers found a link between miscarriage and increased risks of developing gestational diabetes (44% higher) and pre-eclampsia (37% higher), but not with abortion. The study analyzed over 4 million pregnancies and suggests new ways to mitigate risks or prevent these conditions from progressing.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel imaging platform to visualize the growth of the placenta throughout pregnancy. The approach provides detailed images of blood flow and oxygen metabolism, shedding light on how lifestyle factors and health complications affect placental development.
A new study found that women with a history of adverse pregnancy complications can reduce their risk of developing heart disease by maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. The research, presented at the American Heart Association's 2024 meeting, used data from the UK Biobank to evaluate the association between Life's Essential 8 score...
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 new study finds that objective information about preeclampsia risk could drive patient behavior change and motivate pregnant women to follow prevention strategies. The research highlights the potential of personalized risk data to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce complications.
A new study challenges the prevailing view on maternal mortality rates in the US, finding stable rates between 1999-2002 and 2018-2021. The researchers used a more accurate approach to identify and classify maternal deaths, refuting the idea of dramatic increases.
A recent study published in BMJ found that progesterone is more effective than a cervical pessary at reducing extreme preterm birth in women with a short cervix. Women with a cervix shorter than 25mm can benefit from progesterone treatment to prevent severe preterm birth.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports significant increase in STI cases across Europe, with gonorrhoea cases rising by 48%, syphilis cases by 34%, and chlamydia cases by 16%. The surge highlights the need for enhanced prevention, access to testing, and effective treatment to address this public health challenge.
A new study by the Microbicide Trials Network found no safety concerns with using the dapivirine vaginal ring during all stages of pregnancy. The research provides sufficient evidence that the ring is safe to use throughout pregnancy to protect against HIV, which poses a higher risk than at any other time.
Women with complicated pregnancies are 2-5 times more likely to die of cardiovascular diseases later in life. A study found that a woman's total pregnancy history at 40 years of age is strongly associated with ASCVD mortality.
A USC study found that diets high in solid fats and refined grains may increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia, while a diet rich in vegetables, oils, and fruit may reduce the risk. Low-income Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by this health disparity.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of heart disease as a major health risk for women, particularly those with pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment of risk factors may help prevent future heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
A large study of nearly 200,000 newborns in Sweden and Norway found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risks in newborn infants. In fact, babies born to vaccinated mothers had lower mortality rates and fewer serious complications.
A study by Washington State University researchers found a potential link between high maternal cortisol levels and unpredictable birth complications. Cortisol measurements in hair samples revealed elevated stress hormone levels among women who later experienced unexpected birth problems, such as early births or hemorrhaging.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. However, being overweight also has a lower risk of anaemia during pregnancy and low birthweight babies. The research used mul...
A new study found that e-cigarettes are more commonly used by pregnant smokers than nicotine patches, and regular use of nicotine products is not associated with adverse effects on mothers or babies. The study suggests that e-cigarettes can be a safe stop-smoking aid for pregnant women.
A new study found that low-dose calcium supplementation (500mg per day) was as effective as high-dose supplementation (1,500mg per day) in preventing preeclampsia, with no significant difference in preterm birth rates. The findings provide an opportunity to revise the WHO's current recommendation for pregnant women with low-calcium diets.
A large-scale study found exposure to low and high biothermal stress during pregnancy linked to a higher risk of babies being born too small or large for their gestational ages. The study also identified specific subpopulations at higher risk, including non-Caucasian people and those aged 35 and above.
A new two-year study will examine the impact of environmental factors on children's health, including those with disabilities. The researchers aim to recruit a diverse population of pregnant people and their children to understand the bidirectional relationship between mother and child.
Women who have had a C-section may face difficulties conceiving due to reduced fertility and increased risk of labor complications. The study found that women with fertility problems also had more C-sections.
A pregnant patient with severe vasospastic angina successfully carried a healthy baby to full term after starting treatment with calcium channel blockers. The case highlights the importance of careful diagnosis and treatment, which can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
A National Institutes of Health-supported study found that Hispanic/Latina women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are more likely to have abnormalities in their heart structure and function decades later. The study suggests that having high blood pressure later in life contributes less to these changes than the his...
A study published in Science Advances found that abnormal cell stress in the placenta's syncytiotrophoblast layer may lead to preeclampsia. Researchers also developed a mouse model to demonstrate the effects of this stress, showing similar signs of high blood pressure and kidney damage.
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 study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A new study has found that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, commonly used for inflammatory arthritis, are not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Women who continued treatment had lower risks of severe infections postpartum compared to those who stopped. The results provide reassuring data on the use of TNF blockers during pregna...
A study of over 50 years found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with greater postpartum weight retention and increased risks of pregnancy complications and death. The researchers estimated associations between gestational weight gain and loss and mortality, including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that COVID-19 vaccination in female and male partners does not increase the risk of miscarriage. In fact, vaccinated individuals had a slightly lower risk of miscarriage compared to unvaccinated individuals. The study analyzed survey data from over 1,800 female participants...
A new study published in the University of East Anglia shows that automated insulin delivery technology can help pregnant women with type 1 diabetes better manage their blood sugars. The technology, known as Hybrid Closed-Loop or Artificial Pancreas, helps to substantially reduce maternal blood sugars throughout pregnancy.
A new analysis of 50 years of data found that pregnant people who gained more than the recommended amount of weight had a higher risk of death from heart disease or diabetes in the decades following. Higher risk was found for all weight groups studied, but no increase in risk was uncovered among those who were obese.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.
A new study found that hybrid closed-loop technology significantly improved maternal blood sugars in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Women who used the technology spent more time within the target range for pregnancy blood sugar levels, gained less weight, and had fewer complications.
A new study found that pre-pregnancy obesity is a primary driver of future cardiovascular disease risk, rather than pregnancy complications. The research followed 4,216 individuals from early pregnancy to postpartum and found those with overweight or obese BMI had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Having obesity before and during early pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. These complications account for a small percentage of increased cardiovascular disease risks in the years following pregnancy for people with obesity.
A new study has identified 40 genetic variations linked to placental growth, which can contribute to the risk of preeclampsia and earlier delivery. Faster-growing placentas were also found to be associated with shorter pregnancies.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that prior exposure to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) significantly reduces the risk of birth defects and miscarriage during pregnancy. The study found that pre-existing immunity effectively limits transmission and protects against associated birth defects.
A study using wearable device data found that reduced sleep and physical activity during pregnancy are linked to an increased risk of preterm birth. The research, led by Stanford Medicine, collected data from over 1,000 women throughout pregnancy and identified patterns that can help prevent early deliveries.
A new study examines the pros and cons of advanced maternal age, finding that while older mothers face increased risks, they also have significant advantages due to their socioeconomic status. The research aims to untangle the truth about this complex issue by investigating how biomedical knowledge is produced and disseminated.