Articles tagged with Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart attack, arrhythmias, and long-haul symptoms from COVID-19. Vaccination is critical to ensuring safe pregnancy and birth in the COVID-19 era.
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.
Researchers found higher levels of brain cell damage and inflammation markers in women with severe preeclampsia compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. The study used health record data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and explored extracellular vesicles as potential early risk indicators.
A new study of over 8 million pregnancies found that pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, and other complications. IBD can also lead to longer hospital stays and increased medical costs.
Researchers at OHSU developed an efficient and accurate assessment of placental health using standard MRI, detecting complications early in pregnancy. The method identifies T2* values that provide key information about oxygen availability and placental blood flow.
A new strategy using nanoparticles restores damaged stem cells, enabling them to grow new tissues again. The approach, which uses specially formulated 'backpacks' to deliver medicine, shows promise for treating gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications.
A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...
A new study found that pregnant people in the South and Midwest experienced higher risk of miscarriage in late August and early September, respectively. Researchers suggest exploring links between extreme heat and pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for further research to understand potential causes.
The study examines severe adverse health conditions, outcomes, and death among pregnant women with cancer in the US. Researchers found increased risk of maternal mortality due to cancer treatment, underlying health conditions, and socioeconomic factors.
A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.
A new multicenter study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa have a significantly increased risk of needing intensive care and dying compared to uninfected hospitalized pregnant women. The study also highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination as part of prenatal care to improve mother and infant outcomes.
A study published in PLOS ONE identified a biomarker panel that could help predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy, potentially reducing its impact on mother and baby. Researchers found distinct expression of microRNA genes in extracellular vesicles isolated from maternal blood samples taken during the first trim...
Two Medical University of South Carolina epidemiologists investigate how COVID-19 disruptions affected pregnancy outcomes, particularly for racial and ethnic minority communities. They aim to determine whether pandemic-caused disruptions worsened already poor maternal and infant health statistics.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to characterize chromosomes with unprecedented detail. This allows for the detection of hidden chromosome defects that can cause miscarriages.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating even mild forms of high blood pressure during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both mother and developing baby. The study's results demonstrated a significant decrease in pregnancy complications, including severe preeclampsia and preterm births.
A blood test can differentiate between severe COVID-19 and preeclampsia in pregnant women by analyzing indicators of endothelial dysfunction, blood clotting, and immune function. The study also highlights similarities between the two conditions, including activation of the complement system.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
A Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy was associated with reduced preeclampsia risk, particularly among Black women. The study found that following this diet resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of developing preeclampsia, which is a major cause of complications and death for mothers and their unborn children.
A new study found that following a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of preeclampsia by at least 20% in pregnant women. The research surveyed over 8,000 women and found that racial differences in rates of preeclampsia were more related to socioeconomic factors than genetic or biological ones.
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.
A large-scale registry study found no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, growth retardation, or neonatal care. Vaccination was associated with a slightly lower risk of neonatal care and provided protection against COVID-19 for the newborn.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis found that pregnant patients with COVID-19 were at twice the risk of poor outcomes, including preterm birth and venous thromboembolism. The study also showed a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity, including conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.
A blood test may identify risk of stillbirth and placentitis in pregnant individuals who have had COVID-19. The finding could improve care for high-risk pregnancies and lead to the development of a new screening tool.
A study by American College of Cardiology reveals that childbearing women cardiologists face discriminatory violations of maternity leave practices, with 75% experiencing potential illegal violations. The survey found a significantly higher rate of pregnancy complications among these women compared to the general population.
A new study found significant variation in preterm birth rates among Black parents by region, country of origin, and nativity. Despite adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and behavior factors, the researchers suggest that racism and discrimination may be key drivers of these inequities.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.
A nationwide study led by University of Utah Health found that pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 are about 40% more likely to develop serious complications or die during pregnancy than those who aren't infected. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms was a key indicator of heightened risk of pregnancy complications.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a greater risk for common pregnancy complications, including cesarean delivery and preterm birth. The study also highlighted the importance of vaccination to protect pregnant women and their babies.
A study found that risks of preterm birth, infant sepsis, and other adverse outcomes associated with CIN-3 treatment have decreased over time. Pregnancies after CIN-3 treatment should be managed as 'high risk' to reduce these risks.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago identified changes in the gut microbiome that can lead to gestational diabetes. They found a specific metabolite, kynurenine, that is increased during pregnancy and contributes to insulin resistance.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.
A Rutgers study found that phthalates, commonly found in consumer products, can alter the production of essential placental hormones during pregnancy. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center created a new resource to manage long-term heart disease risk after specific pregnancy complications. The review synthesizes recommendations for primary care clinicians to assess and manage risk, focusing on preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery.
A study published in Nature has developed a new tool to predict pre-eclampsia by analyzing genetic material in a single blood sample. The test uses machine learning and sequencing approaches to identify molecular profiles that signal fetal development and pregnancy progression, allowing for earlier detection of complications.
Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a pattern of immune activity in normal pregnancies that can detect abnormalities and predict complications. The study found elevated immune activation in the first three months, followed by a calmer phase, and higher activity in the last three months, especially when childbirth is imminent.
A recent NIH study found that pregnant women with disabilities have a significantly higher risk of severe pregnancy- and birth-related complications and death. Women with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery.
A survey of 121 fertility specialists in Australia, UK, and New Zealand found that endometrial scratching is still offered by 34% of clinics despite lack of evidence, primarily for psychological benefits. Many respondents considered the procedure's drawbacks, including pain and cost.
A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who experienced pre-eclampsia in both pregnancies were 17 times more likely to have another preterm birth. The research also showed a three-fold higher risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia after a preterm birth.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including ICU admission, preeclampsia, and cesarean section. Vaccination may help protect these women, especially those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
Researchers found that COVID-19 infection in mothers leads to distinct immune changes in babies, including altered cytokine profiles and T cell responses. The study also identified potential correlations with clinical complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
Researchers at CNIC have identified the essential role of GPR126 in placental development, revealing its critical function in fetal growth and viability. The study also highlights a possible link between GPR126 dysfunction and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
A new study estimates that banning abortion would result in a 21% increase in pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase among Black women. The study suggests that staying pregnant is more dangerous to a woman than having an abortion, with carrying a pregnancy to term being 33 times riskier than having an abortion.
A national study in Sweden suggests that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 is likely lower than previously feared. The study found that infants born to test-positive mothers had a higher risk of neonatal care and preterm birth, but no significant difference in stillbirths or low Apgar scores.
A recent study found a significant increase in maternal deaths in the US, with drug and alcohol poisoning and homicides being major contributors. The mortality rate for all causes increased by 4.4% per year from 2015-2019.
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.
The study found a significant increase in pregnancy complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting approximately 1.4 million women in the US. Researchers attributed these changes to various factors, including social distancing measures, delayed prenatal care, and increased risk of maternal mortality.
A study of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
A new study found a significant increase in adverse outcomes for COVID-19 positive pregnant women, including gestational diabetes, low white blood cell counts, and heavier bleeding during delivery. Respiratory complications were also witnessed in their babies, highlighting the importance of vaccinating all pregnant women against COVID-19.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation to include low-dose aspirin use, which demonstrates reduced risks of perinatal death, and is consistent with its previous 2014 recommendation. Preeclampsia affects approximately 4% of pregnancies in the US and is a serious health complication.
A recent study published in JAMA Network investigated the potential link between epidural analgesia during labor and autism spectrum disorder in children. The research found that administration of epidural analgesia during labor was not significantly associated with autism spectrum disorder in offspring.
A new study has identified unique genetic codes in the placenta that could detect pregnancy complications earlier than current tests. The researchers found specific biomarkers in maternal blood that indicate placental health and fetal well-being, allowing for real-time assessment throughout pregnancy.
A study of over 20,000 medical records found pregnant women with regurgitant or 'leaky' heart valves are up to 100 times more likely to experience cardiac complications during delivery. Women with any type of valve disease should receive increased screening and attention before and during pregnancy.
A Mount Sinai study found significant inequalities among low-risk births, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher rates of unexpected complications. Hospital quality was identified as a key contributor to these disparities, with lower-quality hospitals serving more Black and Hispanic women.
This observational study found no association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and increased risk of preterm birth, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study's findings suggest that antipsychotics during pregnancy do not pose a significant risk to fetal development.
A new proposal aims to enable parents to participate in decision-making about life-saving treatment for premature infants. This balance is crucial as treatment can do great harm, while without it, the infant dies. Guidelines vary between countries, with some allowing treatment up to gestational week 23.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has made a recommendation to screen for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant women at 24 weeks or later. The organization concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening before this time frame.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine, MAHEC, and community partners will address racial disparities in maternal care by improving data accountability and providing community-based doula support. The study aims to decrease pregnancy complications for Black women and improve outcomes in maternal care.
A study of 692 female surgeons found that nearly half experienced major pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and preterm birth. The researchers call for policy changes to support pregnant surgeons and change the culture surrounding childbearing.