Articles tagged with Premature Birth
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.
A new blood test identified biomarkers in maternal blood that accurately predicted gestational age and preterm delivery, which may help doctors assess pregnancies more effectively. The study's findings offer hope for preventing premature birth, a crisis affecting millions of babies worldwide each year.
A study found that premature birth impacts brain function in infants, particularly in the frontal lobe, which is crucial for cognitive development. The research used EEG signals to measure functional networks in infant brains, revealing selective effects on cognitive functions.
A new U.S.-wide report card ranks all 50 states on their maternity care quality, revealing a strong connection between midwifery integration and improved birth outcomes. States with high midwifery integration scores tend to have lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.
A study found a strong correlation between midwife integration and better birth outcomes, with higher rates of vaginal births and breastfeeding. States with high midwife integration, such as Washington and Oregon, had lower rates of premature births, cesarean deliveries, and newborn deaths.
Observational research suggests that probiotic intake during late pregnancy may lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and premature birth. A significant association was found between probiotic consumption and a 20% lower risk of pre-eclampsia, while an 11% lower risk was observed for premature birth during early pregnancy.
A review of high-quality observational studies found that drinking up to four units a week during pregnancy was associated with an 8% higher risk of having a small baby. The researchers conclude that the evidence is sparse, and guidance should advise abstention as a precautionary principle.
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.
A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the cervix and vagina may increase or decrease the risk of premature birth. Researchers found that some species, such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus, lower the risk, while others, like anaerobic bacteria, significantly increase it.
A study of 2,000 pregnant women found that certain bacterial species in the cervix were associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, while others increased the risk. The findings offer new hope for preventing prematurity and its devastating consequences.
A new study identifies calciprotein particles as a culprit in premature birth, a leading cause of infant death and disability. The research suggests therapies or dietary supplements blocking these particle formations could prevent preterm birth.
Research suggests strenuous exercise has no significant impact on labor duration or risk of premature birth. Exercise is found to reduce excessive birthweight and lower the risk of C-section births. However, more research is needed in elite athletes to fully understand its effects during pregnancy.
Researchers at Imperial College London found a significant association between thicker cervical stitch threads and increased rates of premature birth and intrauterine death. The study suggests that switching to thinner threads could prevent up to 170,000 premature births globally every year.
A new study by NYU Langone Health reveals that air pollution in the US is responsible for approximately 3% of premature births, with a total economic cost of $4.33 billion annually. The majority of these births occur in urban counties, primarily in Southern California and the Eastern U.S.
The US earns a 'C' grade for its preterm birth rate, with racial and ethnic disparities persisting in many states. Cities like Portland, Oregon, and St. Paul, Minnesota, have lower rates, while Shreveport, Louisiana, has the highest rate among major cities.
Researchers found early ultrasound signs of water absorption changes in cervix before delivery, indicating potential preterm birth risk. Current cervical length measurement methods are limited in their usefulness.
A proof-of-concept study suggests using ultrasound to detect cervical stiffness changes that indicate an increased risk of preterm labor. Researchers found patients between 24 and 35 weeks pregnant with below-average cervical stiffness were at higher risk of preterm birth.
Scientists investigate placental microbiome, genes, and uterine muscle cells to understand preterm labor triggers. The goal is to develop novel drugs and treatments to prevent premature birth.
A new study by King's College London found that premature birth alters the connections between key areas of the brain. This can lead to difficulties in learning, concentration, and social skills later in childhood.
Preterm birth is now the world's number one killer of young children, accounting for nearly 1.1 million deaths in 2013. Direct complications from preterm births killed an additional 125,000 children between one month and five years old.
The national preterm birth rate fell to 11.4% in 2013, beating the federal Healthy People 2020 goal seven years ahead of schedule. Despite this progress, the US still ranks among high resource countries with one of the highest preterm birth rates.
The March of Dimes aims to reduce US preterm birth rates to 5.5% by 2030 through evidence-based interventions such as eliminating early elective deliveries and optimizing birth spacing. The organization is also funding research to discover unknown causes of premature birth and identify new interventions.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that stretching the amniotic membrane leads to the overproduction of prostaglandin E2, damaging tissue and reducing its mechanical properties. This overproduction activates a protein called connexin 43, potentially leading to rupture and pre-term birth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are investigating the role of genetic variations, infection, inflammation, fetal lung development, and cervical ripening in triggering preterm labor. The study aims to identify women at risk of preterm labor and develop new treatments to prevent it.
A surveillance study found that pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of Haemophilus influenzae infection, which can cause serious complications such as premature birth, stillbirth, and fetal loss. The study also suggests that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing unencapsulated H influenzae disease.
Researchers seeking to understand the causes of premature birth aim to identify women at risk and develop new treatments. Genetic variations, infection, fetal lung development, and cervical changes are being investigated as potential triggers for preterm labor.
The US preterm birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, but the country still earns a 'C' grade. Since 2006, about 176,000 fewer babies have been born too soon, potentially saving $9 billion in health and societal costs.
Researchers found that women infected with chlamydia or gonorrhoea before pregnancy had a heightened risk of stillbirth and premature birth. Despite controlling for other factors, the study suggests that these infections may be an important predictor of adverse obstetric outcomes.
Researchers are studying the evolution and biology of human pregnancy, genetic factors contributing to preterm birth, and racial disparities in preterm birth rates. The study aims to identify potential targets for further research and address environmental factors such as drinking or smoking.
Researchers used MRI to identify disrupted brain processes in premature infants, showing a link between preterm birth and impaired cognitive function. The study found that cortical development was reduced in premature infants, with the greatest effect in the most premature babies.
The US preterm birth rate dropped for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 to 11.7 percent, giving thousands more babies a healthy start in life and saving billions in health and social costs. Four states earned an 'A' on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, while the US earned a 'C', despite progress.
The US has the highest preterm birth rate among 130 countries, with 12.0 preterm births per 100 live births. Nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the US each year, resulting in significant human and economic costs.
New research challenges conventional wisdom on C-sections for preterm babies, finding they may contribute to breathing problems. Small for gestational age babies delivered by c-section before 34 weeks had a 30 percent higher odds of developing respiratory distress syndrome than those born vaginally.
A QUT study found a link between temperature increases and the incidence of stillbirth and shorter pregnancies. The study, which recorded 101,870 births over four years, estimated that increased temperatures increase the risk of stillbirth by 15°C, with the lowest risks seen in the coolest weeks.
Research suggests children born moderately preterm (32-35 weeks) have higher scores on behavioral and emotional problem measures at preschool age. This includes increased levels of anxiety/depression, aggression, attention disorders, and somatic complaints.
A Californian-based study found traffic-related air pollution, particularly PAH, is linked to a 30% increase in premature births. Seasonal changes and proximity to the coast also affect pollutant concentrations.
A new study found that moderately premature babies have reduced lung function at 8-9 years old, which can cause breathing difficulties. However, these issues may improve as the child grows older, according to a research presented at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress.
Researchers found drinking during early pregnancy increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while heavy drinkers were more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and very premature births. The study emphasized the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy.
Research led by Dr. Errol Norwitz found that progesterone prevents preterm labor by hindering apoptosis in fetal membranes, resulting in stronger and thicker fetal membranes. This study contributes to the understanding of what triggers labor and the role of progesterone in preventing premature birth.
The US saw a two-year decline in preterm birth rates, primarily among babies born just weeks early, while many states improved in at least one contributing factor. The overall national rate remains high compared to top-scoring countries.
The March of Dimes has awarded $2.6 million to six scientists studying the causes of preterm birth, with a focus on predicting and preventing premature labor. The funding aims to improve baby health by understanding genetics, environment, and vitamin D's role in preventing preterm birth.
Researchers from Loyola University Health System found a link between premature births and cerebral palsy, with inflammation of the umbilical cord being a common complication. The study suggests that managing inflammation may reduce the risk of certain complications in these infants.
Research reveals genetic variants increasing risk of preterm labor, but also necessary for fighting infection; identifying high-risk individuals may lead to personalized care and healthier outcomes.
Researchers discovered DNA variants in genes involved in fighting infection that increase the risk of preterm labor and birth. These variants, carried by both mothers and fetuses, can lead to an inflammatory response that triggers early childbirth.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that the loss of a 'guardian angel' gene leads to premature birth due to altered signaling pathways in the pregnant uterus. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating and preventing prematurity.
The US received a 'D' grade on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, with over half a million newborns not receiving a healthy start. Seven states improved their preterm birth rates by reducing smoking, uninsured rates, and late preterm births.
A 25-year study found premature births increased by nearly 10 times, yet survival rates more than halved, with a 10% reduction in stillbirths associated with pre-term births. Researchers attribute the findings to better understanding and medically induced early births.
A new study found that women who deliver prematurely have higher levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those who carry to term. The researchers analyzed data from Mexican women and discovered a significant association between phthalate exposure and premature birth.
Researchers found pre-pregnancy depressive mood may be a risk factor for premature birth among both blacks and whites, but the study did not establish cause and effect. Black women have nearly twice the odds of having a preterm birth compared to white women, potentially due to declining health over time.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a treatment intended to prevent premature births in single pregnancies may be ineffective in women expecting twins. Researchers discovered an underlying difference between premature births in women with single and multiple pregnancies, which could inform improvements in treatment.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before becoming pregnant are less likely to have premature babies. The research suggests a significant reduction in very early and early preterm deliveries, with a 70% decrease in the most high-risk category.
Taking folic acid supplements for at least a year before conception reduces the risk of premature birth by 70% and 50%, according to a large cohort study. The findings suggest that folic acid supplementation may be an effective prevention method for premature birth.
The US received an overall 'D' grade on the first Premature Birth Report Card, with 18 states and Puerto Rico receiving failing grades. The report highlights contributing factors and prevention opportunities, including smoking and uninsured women of childbearing age.
The March of Dimes has launched a national petition to reduce the rate of premature birth, which affects over 530,000 babies each year. The four-point petition calls for hospitals to review cesarean-section births and inductions before 39 weeks gestation to prevent early deliveries.
A new computer program may reveal a way to predict premature birth with greater accuracy. The system, developed by Australian researchers and a pathology company, analyzes hormone levels to identify high-risk pregnancies.
The March of Dimes has awarded $3.5 million to scientists studying the role of genes and heredity in premature births. The organization aims to understand the causes of preterm birth, which affects over half a million babies annually.
A large-scale study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found a strong link between physical abuse during pregnancy and premature births. Researchers surveyed 2660 Caucasian women and discovered that 24% of mothers of preterm newborns had experienced physical abuse, compared to 8% of those with term births.