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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers from the University of Malta applied genomics to identify genetic variants causing pregnancy-induced diabetes, highlighting the disorder's genetic heterogeneity. The study provides new insights into the aetiology of complex traits and reinforces precision medicine research.
A new study from Northwestern University found that each additional pre-pregnancy cardiovascular risk factor increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Women with multiple risk factors are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as maternal ICU admission, preterm birth, low birthweight, and fetal death.
A new study has found that pregnant women with migraines are at a higher risk of obstetric and postnatal complications. Migraine pregnant women had increased risks of gestational diagnosis of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and blood clots.
Researchers developed a prototype device that measures placental oxygen levels using near-infrared light, potentially diagnosing common pregnancy complications. The study found that women with anterior placenta and complications had lower placental oxygen levels compared to healthy pregnancies.
A healthy diet before and during pregnancy may reduce risks of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure disorders, and preterm birth. Women who followed healthier eating patterns had lower risks for these pregnancy complications.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 and pneumonia have a lower mortality rate compared to non-pregnant women. The study analyzed medical records from over 1,100 pregnant patients and more than 9,800 non-pregnant women, revealing less than 1% of pregnant patients died...
A study found that pregnancies among women with multiple sclerosis were just as healthy as those without the disease. However, mothers with MS were more likely to have elective cesarean sections and babies born small for their gestational age due to symptoms like muscle weakness and fatigue.
A large study found that pregnant women with severe COVID-19 are more likely to experience serious complications, such as cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm birth. These outcomes can have long-term health consequences for women and their infants.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women with serious pregnancy complications are twice as likely to die after childbirth. The research team identified cardiac complications, acute renal failure, and strokes as the main causes of mortality after 42 days.
A meta-analysis of breast cancer survivors found they are less likely to get pregnant due to higher risks of complications. However, when they do conceive, most deliver healthy babies with no adverse effects on their long-term survival or overall health.
Researchers found genetic variation related to placental biology is partly responsible for miscarriage etiopathogenesis. Miscarriage has been linked to health outcomes such as asthma, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.
A nationwide analysis suggests that pregnant women who undergo immediate surgery for ruptured or abscessed appendix have significantly better outcomes than those managed without an operation. Immediate surgery reduces the risk of serious complications, including loss of the fetus and mother's death.
A nationwide analysis of data from over 6,300 pregnant women reveals that those who underwent surgery during pregnancy had better outcomes compared to those whose surgeries were delayed. The study found a significant increase in maternal-fetal complications among women who did not have gallbladder surgery.
Researchers identified three antidepressant dispensing trajectories during pregnancy: continued treatment, interrupted and resumed, and stopped. Women on continuous treatment had more frequent complications and postpartum psychiatric disorders.
A new study reveals that the immune system works differently between a woman's first and second pregnancy, with potential implications for preventing miscarriages and preterm births. The research found that the immune pathways promoting a healthy first pregnancy are distinct from those in later pregnancies.
Researchers found two single-miRNA and 29 two-miRNA biomarkers in serum plasma that can predict later onset of preeclampsia in asymptomatic pregnant women. Early identification could lead to prevention and better maternal and newborn outcomes.
A Norwegian study found that women who experience complications during their first full-term pregnancy are more likely to deliver preterm in subsequent pregnancies. The researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 women and discovered a significant link between term complications and increased preterm risk.
A study of 443 women with RA found that those who followed an ideal clinical pathway had a 40% lower risk of complicated birth or miscarriage. This suggests that simple interventions can positively impact pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study found that postpartum transfusions carry a greater risk of adverse events, particularly among women with preeclampsia. The number of postpartum transfusions increased by 40% over 20 years, and the risk was twice as high for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.
A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (by 35%) and weight gain (average 1.25 Kg) in pregnant women, particularly those with pre-existing obesity or metabolic risks. The study suggests that this intervention could be effective for high-risk pregnant women.
A nationwide cohort study reveals that pregnant women with migraines face a higher risk of miscarriage, cesarean sections, and low birth weight babies. Migraine medication may help mitigate some complications.
A prospective study of 18,481 pregnant women found obesity in early pregnancy associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and large birth weight. Being underweight during pregnancy was linked to early neonatal deaths and low birth weight.
A study has identified early changes in RNA molecules present in the blood that can predict the likelihood of preeclampsia in lupus patients. The researchers also found that failure to modulate immune pathways during healthy pregnancy is associated with complications in pregnant lupus patients.
Researchers found that modulation of immune system during pregnancy is similar in women with and without lupus. In healthy pregnancies, key immune genes are quieted after embryo implantation, while those with preeclampsia or complications show downregulation of these genes.
A Norwegian study found that women under 30 have the lowest risk of miscarriage, while those over 45 face a 53% risk. Previous pregnancy complications also increase the risk, with pre-eclampsia not being a factor.
Women with severe influenza during pregnancy are more likely to have preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine and those treated promptly with antiviral medications may reduce the risk of adverse infant outcomes.
Women born with low birthweight are at increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Those who were overweight or obese after pregnancy had even higher risks, highlighting the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in reducing these risks.
Researchers created a detailed atlas of fetal and maternal cells in the first trimester, revealing 20 distinct cell types and gene expression profiles. The findings could inform further research into pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and pre-term birth.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies reduces risks for both mothers and babies. The research suggests that a gap of 12-18 months is the optimal interval, with risks to the mother decreasing significantly after this period.
A multicenter study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that inducing labor in healthy first-time mothers at 39 weeks reduced cesarean sections compared to waiting for labor naturally. Infants born to induced mothers did not experience more stillbirths or newborn deaths.
A team of Purdue researchers is developing an app and wearable technology to detect preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can cause organ damage and premature birth. The device uses a simple but underused tool called the supine pressor test to assess blood flow through the kidney and identify the risk for preeclampsia.
A new study found that low levels of L-arginine in pregnant women with malaria are associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. Supplementing these women with L-arginine may improve birth weights and viability among their babies, according to research published in Science Translational Medicine.
A powerful antiviral protein acts as a checkpoint for keeping or ending pregnancy. Mouse fetuses with the protein commit cell suicide when exposed to Zika virus, while those without it continue to develop. The study suggests that this signaling pathway plays a role in spontaneous abortions and other human pregnancy complications.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique to detect placental perfusion abnormalities in pregnancies with fetal congenital heart disease. Global placental perfusion decreased and regional variation increased as pregnancies progressed, indicating early warning signs of placental dysfunction.
Researchers developed a novel framework using 3D MRI to characterize the shape, volume, morphometry, and texture of placentas during pregnancy. The framework accurately predicted pregnancies complicated by FGR with 86% accuracy, and estimated birth weight reasonably well.
Researchers found Zika-infected monkey fetuses showed unusual inflammation in the eyes, retina, and optic nerves, suggesting a wider threat in human pregnancies than previously thought. The study used animal models to study the progression of infection and associated health problems, opening doors for studying other infections and pote...
Research finds a strong association between maternal pregnancy complications and early coronary heart disease in young adult offspring. The study suggests that optimal health and nutrition for expectant mothers may help reduce the risk of heart disease in their children.
Women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at greater risk for serious pregnancy complications, including ICU admission and increased risk of rare but severe complications such as hysterectomy and congestive heart failure. OSA also increases the risk of hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes.
The study found substantial benefits from fetal reduction, including lower rates of preterm birth and serious illness. However, the benefits were more pronounced among fertility-treated pregnancies.
A new study reveals pregnant women are nearly twice as likely to experience a traumatic injury resulting from violent assault and die from their injuries compared to non-pregnant women. The research highlights the need for universal screening in Ob/Gyn clinics.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that pregnant women with a family history of premature births are at higher risk of preterm delivery. The study followed 2,300 mothers and daughters over 22 years and found that the risk was significantly higher among those whose mothers had given birth early in their pregnancies.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that uterine glands produce several key factors for pregnancies beyond Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), critical for embryo implantation. The study reveals uterine glands play additional roles in promoting pregnancy, including supporting embryo growth and development.
Early research led by Queen Mary University of London found that neutrophils play a role in promoting blood vessel growth and normal placental development. Treating pre-eclamptic neutrophils with hormone therapy may help improve fetal growth, according to the study.
Researchers found that women with CHD who are deemed high risk by conventional measures are more likely to have safe, healthy pregnancies than current risk-assessments suggest. The study used CARPREG and ZAHARA risk scores and found significant discrepancies between estimated and observed risks.
A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found a protein in pregnant women's blood could predict fetal growth and pregnancy complications. Low levels of DLK1 are associated with poor foetal growth and reduced nutrient supply to the baby.
Researchers analyzed over 30,000 twin pregnancies to identify the ideal delivery period, recommending 37 weeks for uncomplicated dichorionic twins and 36 weeks for monochorionic twins. The study aims to reduce stillbirth rates and neonatal complications in twin pregnancies.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in obese pregnant women. The study involved 91 women who were divided into an exercise group or control group, with the exercise group experiencing a significant drop in diabetes rates and lower blood pressure.
A study found late preterm and early term birth rates decreased in the US between 2006 and 2014. Clinician-initiated obstetric interventions also declined, particularly among births over 37 weeks, suggesting a positive association with delayed interventions.
A 30-year study found that boys are more likely to experience pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia, while girls face a higher risk of early onset pre-eclampsia. The research suggests sex differences in placental function may explain these disparities.