Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
Researchers are working on a four-year project to develop a personalized model that uses detailed blood flow information to detect obstructions in the aorta. The project aims to improve prenatal testing so that doctors can spot problems in the aorta before a baby is born and recommend treatments.
A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.
Oben Health's AI-enabled platform brings preventive care to underserved communities through trusted community spaces. Malama Health's digital maternal health mobile app also receives recognition for its impact on maternal health outcomes.
A new study finds that Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts improved maternal healthcare quality and equity by incorporating maternal metrics and initiatives, but faced challenges in meeting metrics and implementing new initiatives. The researchers offer recommendations to overcome barriers in maternal healthcare delivery.
Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...
A national care improvement programme has led to more equitable access to antenatal magnesium sulphate, a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies. The programme's rollout has narrowed regional and socioeconomic gaps in treatment rates, benefiting mothers and babies across England.
Expectant mothers in the Philippines used creative coping strategies to manage sociopolitical stressors, including reframing difficult circumstances and maintaining a positive outlook. The study suggests that how new moms cope with stressful news may be more important than the news itself, with 67% of participants citing financial stre...
A new study suggests that machine learning models using first-trimester pregnancy data can identify women and babies at risk of serious health problems earlier and more accurately than existing early risk assessment approaches. The models generally outperformed the current methods in Sweden, Chile, and Singapore, highlighting the poten...
A study of 2,400 women found that high folic acid intake was associated with vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, especially in pregnancies carrying a boy. Women taking 800 micrograms or more of folic acid per day were more likely to experience spotting and mild bleeding during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Research shows that integrating oral health screenings into prenatal clinic visits increases the likelihood of patients receiving dental care during pregnancy. A study at New York University found that scheduling immediate appointments and patient navigation both improved engagement with dental care, but scheduled appointments were mor...
A study of Reddit posts about the maternal Tdap vaccine found pregnant women seeking information to clarify concerns and better understand healthcare provider advice. Many posters asked for reassurance around vaccine safety or their choice to refuse the vaccine, but few posts contained discussions of vaccine hesitancy.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can help clinicians assess uncertain variants in prenatal genetic testing, providing more accurate diagnoses and clearer information for families. The approach uses tissue-agnostic episignatures to overcome limitations in epigenetic testing.
Recent studies explore the impact of digital technologies on health outcomes, highlighting innovations in maternal care and wildfire preparedness. Digital tools are being used to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and mitigate adverse effects of wildfires on air quality.
Scientists have identified unusual cell behavior and an overactive immune response in mothers and babies with preeclampsia, providing new therapeutic targets for the condition. The study found that stressed placental cells, poorly functioning blood vessels, and stress molecules released by the placenta contribute to the condition.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that parents' socioeconomic status has a greater impact on their child's health than prenatal behaviors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from over 230,000 participants and found associations between socioeconomic position and 72 different child health outcomes.
A new national study reveals that about two-thirds of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer prenatal care, while one in three do not, highlighting missed opportunities to address inequities in maternal health access. The study underscores the critical role of FQHCs in caring for low-income and racially diverse pregnant popul...
A systematic review found that babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics around the time of birth tend to have differences in their gut bacteria composition, with less diversity and beneficial bacterial groups less abundant. Exclusively breastfed infants appear to show a partial restoration of microbial balance.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that prenatal high fructose exposure impairs fetal brain stem cell function, leading to long-lasting effects on learning and memory. The researchers discovered distinct epigenetic changes in fetal neural stem cells that persisted into adulthood, affecting gene expression and adult neu...
A population-based study found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and risk of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. The study suggests that positive signals from previous research may be due to familial confounding.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
A new study by Emory University researchers has uncovered molecular differences between pregnancies that ended in preterm birth and those that reached full term. The findings provide valuable biological insights into the causes of early birth and may lead to improved tools for identifying risk and guiding prevention strategies.
PrecizionIQ is a health technology startup using high-resolution mass spectrometry and AI to detect chromosomal abnormalities in early pregnancy. The company aims to make prenatal testing more accurate, affordable, and accessible.
Children's Hospital Colorado has pioneered a groundbreaking approach to treating cystic fibrosis before birth, resulting in reduced NICU stays and improved pancreatic function. The pioneering care model uses ETI therapy to improve lung health and offers seamless continuation of treatment after birth through breast milk.
The Mount Sinai Health System has opened the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, which brings together multidisciplinary clinical expertise, structured care pathways, and leading-edge research to deliver personalized, comprehensive care for women. The Center offers guided multi-visit experiences and coordinated care o...
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that state-level abortion bans in the US are associated with a reduction in evidence-based medical care for miscarriage management. This has led to more women waiting longer for treatment and fewer choices, potentially putting their health and fertility at risk.
A large multicenter retrospective study found that stable gestational glucose levels and minimal fluctuations increase the likelihood of low pre-eclampsia risk. The study's key findings suggest that blood glucose management is crucial for preventing pre-eclampsia, particularly in pregnant women with no pre-pregnancy chronic conditions.
Researchers present findings on sociodemographic disparities in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, highlighting the need for better characterization and management of these conditions. Dr. Basma S. Faris discusses reframing PCOS as a chronic disease requiring longitudinal care.
Primary care-based discussions on reproductive goals, immunizations, and risk-reducing interventions optimize pregnancy outcomes. Prepregnancy counseling reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, while also promoting healthy fetal development.
A Swedish study found that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. The research used a register-based cohort of children born between 2006 and 2013 to assess the relationship between maternal exposure and asthma outcomes.
Access to hospital-based obstetric care declined across the US as hospitals closed labor and delivery units between 2010-2021. Rural communities were hit hardest, with access dropping by over 50% in some areas.
Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.
A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.
Researchers found that mild hypoxia in preterm babies can compromise neural communication, impacting the hippocampus region responsible for memory and learning. Abnormal neuronal maturation and loss of synaptic function may lead to academic difficulties and behavioral concerns later in life.
A study extending pregnancy monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum found nearly 10,000 cases of severe maternal complications in Canada each year. This reveals significant cases were previously missed, emphasizing the importance of postpartum care and timely interventions.
Researchers identified key health indicators for a new global system to monitor people's health before pregnancy. The study found that mental health, physical health, supportive relationships, and finances are prioritized by both healthcare professionals and the general public.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that fathers' health and well-being play a significant role in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of investing in the well-being of boys and young men to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for future generations.
A study in Taiwan found a positive association between maternal prenatal acetaminophen use and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. However, associations were not observed in sibling-matched analyses, suggesting unaddressed sources of bias.
A global analysis of two antenatal treatments reveals significant international variation in implementation, with higher-income countries showing better uptake. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities and improve global equity in essential antenatal treatments.
The University of California San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health are now part of the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Care Network, expanding access to research on pregnancy and newborn health. Clinical trials will focus on maternal mortality, prematurity birth rates, and infant mortality rates.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital have developed an AI-assisted tool to diagnose severe congenital heart defects from fetal scans with high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, a machine learning model can predict placenta accreta spectrum based on preconception data, identifying novel predictors like anemia.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure changed aspects of the dopamine system in rhesus monkeys, influencing how quickly they drank alcohol in adulthood. The researchers also discovered individualized neuroadaptive responses to drinking, which may promote the transition to alcohol use disorder.
A quarter of pregnant patients suffering stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed due to overlooked warning signs, according to a new study. The researchers highlight the need for better clinician education and decision-support tools to improve maternal health outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. Researchers concluded that previously reported links may be due to genetic predisposition or maternal factors rather than the medication itself.
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that maternity services in Northern England consistently report higher-than-average rates of perinatal mortality, including stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The study identified ten organizations with higher-than-average deaths and fifteen with lower-than-average deaths, highl...
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal blood pressure increases the risk of preterm delivery, smaller babies, and gestational diabetes. The research used Mendelian randomization to assess the link between maternal blood pressure and 24 adverse pregnancy outcomes, revealing clear causal effects.
Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.
A recent study has found that rates of opioid use during pregnancy have risen two-fold over the past decade, with significant increased risks of maternal and infant health complications. The study emphasizes the urgent need for accessible, wraparound health care for mothers and families affected by opioid addiction.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
A new trial by King's College London found that planned birth at term can reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia in women at high risk by 30%, compared to usual care. The intervention also did not increase emergency Caesarean or neonatal unit admission.
A recent study found that a PFAS mixture can interfere with placental development, impairing nutrient transfer and hormone production. The research used a 3D trophoblast model to simulate placental exposure, revealing disrupted invasiveness, apoptosis, and proliferation processes.
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that nearly all Americans are unaware of the comprehensive women's health services provided by certified nurse-midwives. Only 20% know about annual gynecology exams, while 93% are aware of pregnancy and birth support.
The Mount Sinai Hospital is now using an FDA-approved AI tool that enhances fetal ultrasound screenings for congenital heart defects. The AI tool improved detection rates of suspicious findings to over 97%, while also reducing reading time and increasing confidence scores.
A new study found that hospitals with early ultrasound protocols detected 40% of major fetal anomalies before 16 weeks of pregnancy, compared to 28% in hospitals without such protocols. This suggests that systematic first trimester screening could improve the timeliness of anomaly detection across the population.
Researchers developed a novel tool, the Preterm Birth Actionable Risk Index (PTB-ARIx), to assess risk for premature births. The index identifies 18 specific risk factors during pregnancy that can be treated with evidence-based interventions.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that more prenatal visits are associated with a lower likelihood of delivery at a cardiac surgical center for babies with mild congenital heart defects. This suggests that families can receive the right level of care closer to home, reducing stress and cost.
A new study from University of California Merced found that married fathers' optimism and confidence can lower maternal inflammation during pregnancy, leading to longer gestation periods. Higher paternal resilience also predicted healthier fetal development.