Articles tagged with Pregnancy Complications
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth by 2.6 times and small for gestational age by four times. Babies born to smokers are also more likely to have low birth weight, increasing their risk of developmental problems and poorer health in later life.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
Research led by Vesna D. Garovic reveals that pre-eclampsia causes accelerated aging in women, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop chronic conditions at a younger age.
The new Southern Center for Maternal Health Equity will develop innovative approaches to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths in the Gulf South. The center aims to promote maternal health equity and address disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black pregnant and postpartum people.
The NIH has established 10 research centers to develop innovative approaches to reducing pregnancy-related complications and deaths. These efforts aim to address disparities in maternal health outcomes by racial and ethnic group, age, education, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
Researchers have found that human milk oligosaccharides can stop common prenatal infections in human tissues and pregnant mice, potentially preventing preterm births. The sugars were tested against Group B streptococcus infection, reducing inflammation and bacterial numbers without the need for antibiotics.
A new South Australian study found that breastfeeding for six months or more appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems developing in mothers for at least three years after delivery. Women who breastfed experienced lower blood pressure and body-weight recovery, indicating improved cardio-metabolic health.
A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.
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.
A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia by examining lipids in their blood during pregnancy. The approach worked regardless of whether the women were on aspirin therapy, and could predict the risk of preeclampsia with significant accuracy.
A joint study reveals significant alterations in gene regulation within the placenta due to COVID-19 infection, potentially leading to abnormal blood vessel formation and fetal growth restriction. The research also identifies dysregulation of angiogenesis genes and downregulation of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein genes.
In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
Researchers at the University of Montana discovered genetic differences that protect fetal growth in highland mice, similar to humans with Tibetan or Andean ancestry. These findings may lead to new treatments for pregnancy disorders in humans.
A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease on AI/AN women. The study reveals that more than 60% of these women have suboptimal heart health when pregnant, increasing their risk of heart disease later in life.
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.
Eight low-cost interventions can prevent an estimated 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million babies born preterm or small for gestational age each year. Implementing these interventions in 81 low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of millions of babies and improve long-term health outcomes.
A team of clinicians successfully treated an aggressive vascular malformation in an infant's brain before birth, preventing potentially fatal symptoms and brain damage. The procedure marked a paradigm shift in managing vein of Galen malformation, reducing the risk of long-term disability or death.
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 new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that chemical hair straighteners may affect a person's ability to become pregnant. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to use these products, leading to a slight reduction in fertility rates.
Pregnant women with SLE are more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and fetal morbidity, with higher risks of premature birth, growth restriction, and acute renal failure. The study highlights the need for informed counseling and care for patients with SLE during pregnancy.
Researchers found that timed birth strategies, including induced labor and Cesarean deliveries, can reduce the risk of at-term preeclampsia by more than half. The study analyzed over 90,000 pregnancies and suggested that this approach has huge potential for global good in maternity care.
A national-level analysis found substantial adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection during the early pandemic period. The study highlights increased odds of severe respiratory complications among these patients at delivery.
A new study finds significant variation in life-threatening maternal complications among Medicaid enrollees, with rates differing by state and race-ethnicity. The five states with the highest rates of severe maternal morbidity included D.C., California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
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 finger-prick test for Trichomonas vaginalis has been developed by Washington State University researcher John Alderete. The test detects an antibody specific to the organism and provides rapid, affordable results, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against this prevalent but neglected STI.
Research found that pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes are associated with increased risk of mortality. Women who experienced these complications had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with some complications linked to specific causes of death like cardiovascular diseases.
A Taiwanese study found that pregnant women involved in road traffic collisions, even with minor injuries, are at increased risk of birth complications. Those on scooters faced significantly higher risks than those in cars. The study suggests providing educational materials about road traffic safety during pregnancy.
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 new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging tool to create real-time images of uterine contractions during labor. The electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) technique provides detailed information on contraction patterns, which can help improve labor management and clinical decision-making.
A systematic review of 33 randomized controlled trials found that yoga improved gait speed and lower extremity strength in inactive older people. However, it did not offer a benefit for frailty markers compared to exercise or tai chi.
A new study suggests that pregnant women who have dimmed lights and screens for three hours before sleep are less likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dim light exposure before bedtime may help regulate glucose levels, reducing the risk of this common pregnancy complication.
A UK study found that Black Caribbean-British women are 58% more likely than white women to receive general anaesthesia during elective caesarean births, while Bangladeshi-British and Pakistani-British women are less likely to have epidurals. The study also reveals differences in assisted deliveries and emergency caesarean births betwe...
A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.
A recent study found that adverse pregnancy outcomes are largely driven by pre-pregnancy health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy rose by over 50% during the decade, while the shift in age distribution accounted for less than 2% of that change.
People with technology-assisted pregnancies are twice as likely to develop preeclampsia as those with traditional pregnancies, according to a study. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related complication that poses risks to the pregnant person and baby.
A new study found that babies exposed to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the womb were biologically younger than their chronologic age. The researchers used DNA samples from over 1,800 newborns to evaluate each infant's epigenetic age and compared it to their chronological age at birth.
The DELIVER study found that the vaginal dapivirine ring posed no safety concerns when used in the third trimester of pregnancy. The study enrolled women at different stages of gestation and reported similar pregnancy outcomes between those using the ring and a placebo.
Research highlights the intergenerational impact of prepregnancy heart health on offspring, with low pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health linked to pregnancy complications and higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Improving women's heart health before pregnancy could reduce these risks and have a positive impact on future generations.
A recent study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may have benefits for both mother and baby. Two doses of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine were highly effective against delta infection, while two doses against omicron infection showed moderate effectiveness. A third dose during pregnancy also bolstered protecti...
A new study by researchers from Lund University in Sweden has found that women with pregnancy complications are at an increased risk of heart disease. The study revealed that women with pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension had visible atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, compared to those without complications.