Articles tagged with Premature Birth
A new gene therapy has shown promise in reversing a condition that causes significant stillbirths and premature deliveries globally. The therapy, developed by University of Florida Health researcher Helen N. Jones, successfully boosted placental function and delivered normal-weight offspring in guinea pig models.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.
A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.
A new study found that neighborhoods with fewer opportunities are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black and Hispanic infants. The study suggests that structural racism and discriminatory practices contribute to this racial gap in preterm birth outcomes.
Researchers developed an AI model to detect lung disease in premature babies by analyzing their breathing patterns while sleeping. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model achieved 96% accuracy in classifying flow values as belonging to a patient with BPD or not, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that Brazilian women are giving birth too early, impairing the health of their babies, due to manipulation of birth timing around Carnival. Preterm deliveries via cesarean section lead to reduced gestational age and birth weight, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
A study from Stockholm University found that the Swedish speed premium policy, introduced in 1980, led to a 26% increase in premature birth rates over six years. However, relaxation of the policy to a 30-month window resulted in an 11% decrease in premature birth rates in subsequent years.
Researchers have developed a new, synthetic lung surfactant that mimics the functionality of animal-derived formulations. The surfactant has shown promise in reducing surface tension and may offer a cheaper alternative to Infasurf.
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.
A study of 15,000 preterm infants reveals racial disparities in care treatment, with Black and Hispanic infants receiving less intensive care. The findings highlight the need to address social determinants of health and improve healthcare access for all infants.
Research found that experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy. Higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were linked to glucocorticoid resistance, a potential mechanism underlying preterm birth.
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 novel study has implicated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in both bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity, making it a promising therapeutic candidate. G-CSF deficiency was shown to protect against these diseases, suggesting wide-ranging protection.
A study of 50 children infected with Listeria monocytogenes at birth found that two-thirds had sequelae, mainly due to prematurity. Long-term screening and tailored support can be offered to inform science-based guidance for parents.
Researchers found that early skin-to-skin contact with parents significantly improves premature babies' social skills at four months old. The study also showed that fathers play a more important role than previously thought in developing their infants' social skills.
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 new study by Northwestern University found that immigrants living in the US have lower preterm birth rates than native-born individuals, with Black people born in the US experiencing the highest rate. This disparity highlights the importance of considering nativity as a social determinant of health.
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 Michigan State University and Corewell Health research found that in-home prenatal services can significantly reduce the risk of premature births and infant deaths. Pregnant individuals receiving enhanced prenatal care saw a 57% reduced risk, while expectant Black mothers experienced an even greater reduction.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that preterm babies given a supplement with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had improved visual function by age 2.5. The supplement also seemed to improve the brain's ability to interpret visual impressions.
A new study has found that an inflammation-targeting antibody may improve preterm birth outcomes by reducing inflammatory signals in the placenta. The same antibody has also shown promise in preventing obesity-linked fatty liver disease, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Researchers found that probiotics help preterm babies achieve a balanced gut microbiome and eradicate harmful bacteria. The study also shows that probiotic-supplemented preterm newborns have lower risk of carrying antimicrobial resistant bugs despite frequent antibiotic treatment.
A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found an association between evaporated alcohol from incubator disinfectants and alcohol absorption in premature infants. They introduced a new practice to reduce alcohol exposure, which was associated with decreased alcohol levels in infants' blood and air.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
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 study published in Science Translational Medicine suggests that preterm infants' gut microbiomes play a role in the development of dangerous bacterial bloodstream infections. The researchers found that the most common bacteria causing these infections are also commonly found in the gut, and that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of...
A study of over 2.6 million people from Finland and Norway found that babies born preterm are more likely to develop asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The risk was highest among those born extremely preterm, before 28 weeks of gestation.
A large-scale international study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 3-4% reduction in preterm births worldwide, averting nearly 50,000 preterm pregnancies during the first month of lockdown. However, this decrease was limited to high-income countries, including Australia.
A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.
A UK program using magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies has been shown to be both effective and cost-effective. The PReCePT program increased the use of magnesium sulfate by 9.5 percentage points on average, resulting in a lifetime saving of £3 million.
Researchers found that increasing arginase 1 availability helps alleviate unhealthy responses and interrupt destructive inflammation in diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. This is achieved by reducing L-arginine levels, which in turn reduces inducible nitric oxide synthase activity.
A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that babies with lower birth weights are more likely to experience mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. The research used data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, following the same children repeatedly throughout their childhood and adolescence.
A new study published in PLOS ONE explores the relationship between preterm birth and educational attainment in U.K. children. The research found that children born before 32 weeks had higher rates of poor school attainment, but only those born very preterm remained at risk by the end of secondary school.
A pooled data analysis found that experience of race discrimination is associated with a heightened risk of premature birth and low birthweight. The study highlights the importance of addressing racism in healthcare to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
A new modeling study found that reducing excess prevalence of low birthweight, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in low- and middle-income countries could lead to substantial long-term human capital gains. The study estimates potential gains of 20.3 million school years and $68.8 billion in lifetime income per birth coh...
A large-scale study of COVID-era birth data found a 6.5% decrease in premature births from cesarian and induced deliveries. The researchers believe this may be related to fewer prenatal visits during the pandemic. However, further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal health.
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 study of 383 extremely preterm babies found that most had neurodevelopmental disorders and/or other diagnoses during childhood. The children were referred for habilitation services and had a range of additional diagnoses, including asthma and short stature.
Researchers have discovered signature epigenetic biomarkers in mothers and fathers of preterm infants, which may lead to a non-invasive test to predict preterm birth. This could help prevent premature births and their related health impacts on infants.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.
A team of researchers has created a detailed map of the proteins in human lungs, shedding light on how the organs develop and function. The study found that the immune system in the lungs continues to mature after birth, providing new avenues for understanding diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.
A new smartphone app, MyHealthyPregnancy, evaluates preeclampsia risk and patient adherence to low-dose aspirin recommendations. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients were unaware they needed to take the medication, highlighting a need for improved communication between providers and patients.
New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.
A study by researchers at Wayne State University found a dose-response relationship between SARS-CoV-2 severity and the risk of preterm birth, with severely infected mothers more likely to experience early birth. The study also linked severe COVID-19 infection to an increased risk of preeclampsia.
A systematic review found that azithromycin reduced low birth weight and prematurity in Africa and Asia but didn't lower infant deaths or hospital admissions. The study suggests the potential benefits of this intervention on neonatal outcomes may be limited, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at McGill University found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. The study, which examined over nine million deliveries, also discovered that smoking mildly decreases the risk of preeclampsia.
A study by the University of Geneva found that maternal voice significantly reduces signs of pain in premature babies during medical interventions. The presence of a mother's voice also increases oxytocin levels, indicating better pain management.
A Stanford University study suggests that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, with as many as 7,000 extra births attributed to this factor between 2007 and 2012. The research highlights the need for investment in prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or other efforts to reduce extreme wildfires.
A traditional vegetable diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can lower the risk of premature birth. Consuming high amounts of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and other vegetables before conception helps women reach full term pregnancy.
Researchers found that women who deliver prematurely have a more diverse vaginal microbiome, especially in the first trimester. This link highlights specific bacteria associated with premature birth, which could aid future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Children born to mothers with eating disorders face increased risks of premature birth, microcephaly, and hyperemesis during pregnancy. The study also found that the risk varies depending on the type of eating disorder and whether the mother has an active or previous eating disorder.
A study published in The BMJ found that China's universal two-child policy resulted in an additional 5.4 million births, with a significant increase in births to older mothers and multiparous mothers. However, the policy's impact on premature births was not significantly increased.
Research finds that moving house during early pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight and premature birth, as well as smaller than expected size babies. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 women in Washington state, USA, between 2007 and 2014.
A UW study found that moving to a new home during the first three months of pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight, premature birth, and smaller-than-expected babies. Despite limitations, the researchers suggest counseling patients on stress-mitigating techniques and care continuity may be beneficial.
A new Cochrane review finds that increasing omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature births by 11% and early premature births by 42%. The optimal dose is a daily supplement containing between 500 and 1000mg of long-chain omega-3 fats starting at 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Researchers at University of Connecticut have discovered a potential treatment for premature birth by targeting the immune system. Studies in mice suggest that inhibiting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) could prevent preterm labor and birth.
Early premature birth at less than 34 weeks was associated with increased risk of symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The association was most pronounced among girls, suggesting a potential link between prematurity and ADHD symptoms that may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
A Stanford-led study developed a blood test detecting premature birth with 75-80% accuracy. The test also estimates gestational age, reducing infant mortality risk and improving prenatal care in low-resource settings.