Articles tagged with Pregnancy Complications
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.
A Swedish study found that mothers who gained 4 kg/m2 or more between pregnancies had a higher risk of low Apgar scores, neonatal seizures, and meconium aspiration. Preventing weight gain could reduce birth asphyxia and improve infant health.
Elevated sFLT1 levels in mice predict preeclampsia-like symptoms, including increased angiotensin II sensitivity and decreased nitric oxide production. Treating preeclamptic mice with sildenafil reversed symptoms and improved fetal health.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends the use of antenatal corticosteroids to improve outcomes for babies at risk of preterm birth in the late preterm period. The recommendations are based on a randomized trial that found significant benefits in reducing neonatal respiratory complications and other adverse outcomes.
A new study has identified pre-pregnancy heart abnormalities as a potential predictor of recurrent preeclampsia. Women who had early pregnancy-related high blood pressure were found to have abnormal changes in the size and function of their left ventricle, which pumps blood throughout the body.
Researchers found that antenatal betamethasone reduced respiratory complications, prolonged ICU stays, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in late-preterm babies. The study enrolled 2,831 women at high risk for preterm delivery and showed a significant decrease in neonatal respiratory morbidities.
A new Tel Aviv University study found that infants born past 42 weeks have twice the risk of contracting infections, experiencing respiratory difficulties, and being admitted to NICUs compared to those born at 39-40 weeks. This is the first time the isolated effect of post-term delivery on neonatal outcomes has been determined.
Researchers have developed a blood test to predict the development of preeclampsia, enabling early diagnosis and prevention of complications. The test measures the ratio of serum sFlt-1 to PlGF proteins, allowing for reliable prediction within one week.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that planned home births among low-risk pregnant women do not increase the risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, or serious events. In fact, these women were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and breastfeed exclusively after delivery.
A recent study published by Hospital for Special Surgery has identified complement activation as a strong predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with lupus. Elevated levels of Bb and sC5b-9 were found to be associated with an over 50% increase in the rate of pregnancy complications.
A new treatment involving the removal of a protein called sFlt-1 from the blood has shown promise in prolonging pregnancy in women with preeclampsia. Pregnancy continued for an average of 8 days and 15 days in treated women, compared to just 3 days in untreated women.
Researchers found that women with pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, and small-for-gestational-age delivery are at increased risk of CVD death. High blood pressure, glycosuria, and hemoglobin decline during pregnancy also predict CVD risk. Early detection and preventive care can help prevent heart disease deaths.
A large international randomized clinical trial found that cervical pessary insertion did not reduce spontaneous preterm births or neonatal complications in women with twins. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 1,180 twin pregnancies and showed no significant differences between groups.
A new study by Montefiore and Einstein researchers recommends referring pregnant women with severe headaches and elevated blood pressure immediately for neuroimaging and monitoring. The study found that high blood pressure is a major indicator of preeclampsia, which can lead to pregnancy complications.
Researchers found that genetically distinct cells in pregnant mothers, known as microchimeric cells, promote reproductive health and prevent pregnancy complications like prematurity and stillbirth. These cells help the immune system recognize and accept non-inherited maternal antigens, suppressing an immune system attack on the fetus.
A nationwide analysis of 14,655 women found that those with endometriosis have a higher risk of early pregnancy loss and later complications. Women with a history of endometriosis are also at a higher risk of haemorrhage, preterm birth, and other issues.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that pregnant women who undergo general surgical procedures do not have a higher risk of postoperative complications. The research analyzed data from over 2,700 pregnant women and 516,000 non-pregnant women, revealing no significant differences in mortality rates, overall morbidity, or pos...
Research reveals pregnant women with severe sickle cell disease are six times more likely to die during or after pregnancy. Women with the most severe form of SCD face increased risks of high blood pressure, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and smaller-than-average infants.
A cross-sectional study of 1,309 children found a significant association between low birth weight and the development of enamel defects. The study suggests that prenatal hypertension and prematurity may also contribute to the severity of these defects.
Researchers found that restricting maternal immune cells from the placenta can protect against pregnancy complications during maternal infection and complications not triggered by prenatal infection. Blocking CXCR3 effectively eliminated fetal resorption and restored healthy live offspring to Listeria infected mice.
Pregnant women after bariatric surgery are at higher risk for complications like preterm birth and small babies, but lower risk of gestational diabetes. Maternal health services should provide extra care to these women.
A recent study found that pregnant women with non-complex congenital heart disease had very low risks of arrhythmias and other heart-related complications during labor and delivery. However, these women were more likely to undergo cesarean section and remain in the hospital longer than expected.
Researchers found that DNA Methyltransferase 3b enzyme prevents Pax3 gene from turning on, leading to neural tube defects. Dr. Loeken's discovery sheds light on a biochemical pathway and may lead to better stem cell therapy.
A recent FDA and EPA guideline update suggests pregnant and breastfeeding women consume at least eight ounces to 12 ounces of fish per week. Omega-3 acids EPA and DHA found in some fish support fetal brain development and maternal health, while mercury levels in other fish pose risks.
Seroprevalence of HSV-1 remains stable, while HSV-2 decreases significantly among all races, with a greater decline for white women than black women. The study found no association between the decline in HSV-2 prevalence and a decrease in neonatal herpes cases.
A new study from China finds that obese pregnant women who adhere to an intensive nutritional and exercise program starting in the first trimester gain less weight and have fewer pregnancy complications compared to peers who receive standard prenatal care. The results show a significant reduction in gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia,...
A study published in the FASEB Journal found that resveratrol supplements caused significant developmental abnormalities in the pancreas of offspring from pregnant monkeys, raising concerns about their safety during pregnancy. Researchers recommend that pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant avoid taking the supplement.
The US has seen a disturbing trend of increasing maternal mortality, ranking 60th globally with 796 maternal deaths in 2013. The largest increase occurred among women aged 20-24, and possible explanations include lack of prenatal care access and high caesarian section rates.
After delivering a baby, women's blood clot risk remains higher than normal for at least 12 weeks due to increased platelets and other blood-clotting factors during pregnancy. Researchers found the risk decreased over time.
Researchers at Yale University found that a combination of hydroxychloroquine may partially reverse the detrimental effects of antiphospholipid antibodies on human placental cell function, potentially benefiting pregnant women with lupus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome. This could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes for these patients.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery identified an imbalance of angiogenic factors as a predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes in lupus patients. Elevated levels of anti-angiogenic protein sFlt1 and lower levels of placental growth factor (PIGF) were associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and other complications.
A clinical trial aims to determine the optimal timing of delivery for preterm pregnancies complicated by poor fetal growth. The study compares three groups and shows better-than-expected health outcomes for the babies, with low mortality rates and minimal severe health issues.
Research from the University of Adelaide found that pregnant women with asthma who smoke are at greater risk of complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight. The study suggests that quitting smoking during pregnancy can lead to some improvement in risks to the child.
Researchers identified two genes, HKDC1 and BACE2, associated with glucose and insulin levels in pregnant women but not in the general population. This study suggests that genetic risk profiles could one day identify individuals at elevated risk for developing gestational diabetes.
A recent study by Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Calgary reveals a molecular feedback loop that governs the earliest steps of placenta formation, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating related pregnancy complications. The research found that this feedback loop involves Gcm1 and Fzd5 signaling cascades.
A recent study found that exercise can alleviate high blood pressure in pregnant rats by restoring balance between vascular growth factors. Exercise also improved endothelial cell function and reduced oxidative stress without compromising fetal weight.