Articles tagged with Prenatal Care
Researchers found that daily xylitol chewing gum use reduced preterm births by 12.6% and low birth weight babies by 8.9%. The 10-year study, conducted in Malawi, suggests a simple and inexpensive way to improve oral health and reduce preterm births.
A new BU study found that nearly one in ten infant deaths under 6 months old were caused by RSV, with two-thirds occurring outside of hospitals. The virus was primarily concentrated in infants under 3 months old, and preventative measures such as maternal vaccinations could effectively reduce mortality rates.
Researchers have identified 15 biological markers that can predict severe depression in pregnant women with 83% accuracy. This finding has the potential to improve prenatal care and reduce depressive symptoms in mothers.
Contraceptive use is low among women with kidney transplants in the US, with an overall rate of 9.5%. Younger age and certain racial/ethnic groups are associated with higher likelihoods of contraceptive use, while socioeconomic status and donor type do not impact rates.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
A Rutgers study found that phthalates, commonly found in consumer products, can alter the production of essential placental hormones during pregnancy. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
A study identified 17 military medical treatment facilities that can provide high-quality obstetric care, including emergency cesarean delivery. This collaboration could reduce preventable maternal mortality and improve care for pregnant patients in rural communities.
A cross-sectional survey of 21,027 women from 12 European countries found that half experienced negatively affected maternal and newborn care due to the pandemic. Sweden reported serious quality shortcomings, including insufficient protective equipment and inadequate consent procedures.
The ACA Medicaid expansion significantly improved preconception and postpartum insurance coverage for pregnant people, leading to reduced uninsurance and insurance churn. However, the study found limited evidence that it improved overall perinatal healthcare use or infant birth outcomes.
A study of over 6,000 women found that US-born Black women are at higher risk of preeclampsia, but this is not solely due to their racial background. Factors such as biology, social and cultural elements, and access to healthcare also play a role in this disparity.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women in areas with worse health disparities have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These outcomes include increased risks of preeclampsia, abruption, and preterm birth.
A digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) has been shown to reduce insomnia, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy. The treatment also reduced symptoms of insomnia and depression in non-depressed women for up to six months postpartum.
A survey of 121 fertility specialists in Australia, UK, and New Zealand found that endometrial scratching is still offered by 34% of clinics despite lack of evidence, primarily for psychological benefits. Many respondents considered the procedure's drawbacks, including pain and cost.
A new Rutgers study found that the use of hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse is associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones in pregnant women. Disruptions to these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Socioeconomic variables also influence personal care product use among p...
The Safe Childbirth Checklist, adapted for local needs, increased communication of danger signs, improved baby feeding practices, and reduced stillbirth rates in Indonesian health facilities. The study suggests that long-term adherence to the tool requires continued support for midwives.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board approved funding for nine new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies addressing various health conditions. These studies focus on telehealth and mobile health strategies, reducing disparities in maternal health, and improving care for people with intellectual a...
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a small for gestational age (SGA) baby in subsequent pregnancies. The research analyzed data from nearly 17,000 mothers who received antenatal care for their first two pregnancies and found that women who smoked at the start of eith...
A Rutgers study found that maternal depression in the year following childbirth is associated with increased risk of short-term and long-term household economic insecurity. Women who experienced depression were more likely to be unemployed and experience financial hardship up to 15 years later.
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
Researchers identified clusters of asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality in cities with low per capita GDP, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare interventions. The study's methodology can help policymakers plan strategies to reduce avoidable newborn deaths.
The MC3 program provides a lifeline for primary care providers in Michigan, connecting them with psychiatrists and behavioral specialists for consultation and training. This has led to improved diagnosis and care for young people with mental health concerns, including those who express suicidal thoughts or have harmed themselves.
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.
A national study in Sweden suggests that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 is likely lower than previously feared. The study found that infants born to test-positive mothers had a higher risk of neonatal care and preterm birth, but no significant difference in stillbirths or low Apgar scores.
A Brazilian study found that children exposed to malaria from birth are more likely to develop anemia by age two. The researchers, led by Dr. Marly Augusto Cardoso, followed 1,539 children and discovered that 12.6% were anemic, with a higher prevalence in rural areas not covered by the study.
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 of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
A recent study analyzing over 10,000 community births in Washington state between 2015 and 2020 found that planned home births with licensed midwives are as safe as births at a licensed birth center. The research team discovered no increased risk for parents or babies associated with the birth setting.
The MOMENTUM Study reveals high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in East Africa, particularly on Mfangano Island. The study highlights the need for streamlined hand-off systems, community-based care coordinators, and policy-level interventions to address recurrent health worker strikes and facility closures.
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 Kaiser Permanente analysis of over 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California found a significant increase in cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began. The rate of cannabis use rose from 6.75% to 8.14% during the pandemic.
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.
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 health program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for Black patients by combining four evidence-based strategies, including racially concordant care providers and coordinated care. The five-year study will enroll 432 women and compare their experiences with usual maternity care versus a new model.
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 review advancements in biosensing technologies for neonatal sepsis diagnosis, highlighting the need for faster and more accurate methods. Biosensors offer a promising solution, detecting multiple parameters simultaneously with high sensitivity and accuracy.
Researchers at Temple University are conducting a 5-year study to compare two approaches for reducing heart disease risk factors in Black birthing people. The study aims to eliminate disparities in heart disease among Black women and birthing people during and after pregnancy.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded $254 million to fund 28 new research studies aimed at reducing health disparities in maternal morbidity, preventing youth suicide, and improving behavioral health outcomes. Four studies will assess interventions to improve prenatal care for Black women and their child...
A new study found that patients with employer-sponsored insurance were billed up to $219 million in total for preventive services that should be free. The study revealed that OOP charges varied widely depending on the type of service and geographic location, with rural areas more likely to be billed.
Four North Philadelphia organizations, including Maternity Care Coalition and Oshun Family Center, receive $430,000 in funding to improve access to healthcare, food, and housing, as well as economic empowerment. The Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund aims to foster health equity and economic empowerment.
A new study on banded mongooses found that providing extra food to mothers created initial size disparities among pups. However, the well-fed mothers then provided more care to smaller pups, reducing these differences and promoting fairness in pup survival.
A study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing highlights the importance of respect, agency, and consent in clinical interactions surrounding childbirth. Researchers found that dismissive behavior by providers can hurt self-efficacy, mental health, and willingness to engage with healthcare.
A new study found that 1 in 6 privately insured families spent more than $5,000 on maternal and newborn hospitalizations, with some exceeding $10,000 if neonatal intensive care was required. Researchers analyzed data from 12 million enrollees and identified significant cost-sharing driven by deductibles and co-insurance.
A new study explores how Haitian women's beliefs and values influence their decision making about pregnancy and birth after a C-section. Key findings highlight the importance of family, friends, and providers, as well as cultural background and fear of pain, in shaping birth plans.
A secret shopper study found that pregnant women are 20% less likely to be accepted for opioid treatment than non-pregnant women, citing long on-hold times and difficult interactions. The study highlights the need for increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regardless of pregnancy status.
A study found that lifting FDA restrictions on mifepristone would allow pharmacy dispensing, normalizing medication abortion care and making it more accessible to patients facing barriers. Providers support this change to reduce logistical barriers and increase patient autonomy over their care options.
Two studies published in Contraception found that telehealth abortion improves access to reproductive health services, particularly for low-income persons and those living in rural areas. The studies also showed that most patients prefer receiving abortion pills through the mail and interacting with healthcare providers via telehealth.
A study by Russell et al found that personal factors influence desired scope of practice in family medicine, while workplace, environmental, and population factors impact actual scope. Supportive factors for a broader scope include training, mentorship, organizational leadership, and team-based care.
A comprehensive preconception-to-pregnancy management plan has been developed to reduce the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The study, CARNATION, provides recommendations for healthcare providers covering 20 items of care and significantly lowers severe adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of care for miscarriage, including testing, treatment, pre-pregnancy counselling, and psychological support. The authors estimate that approximately 23 million miscarriages occur every year globally, affecting up to 15% of all pregnancies.
A worldwide study of 2,100 pregnant women found that those who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy were 20 times more likely to die than those who did not contract the virus. The study also showed that infected mothers and their newborns experienced preterm birth, preeclampsia, and ICU admissions.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global increase in stillbirths and maternal deaths, while pre-term births decreased in high-income countries. Women requiring surgery for ectopic pregnancies also saw a significant surge.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened pregnancy and chronic disease-related inequities, researchers argue. Primary care clinicians must adopt holistic approaches to address interconnected health risks, including virtual medicine and self-monitoring tools.
A new study from Finland reveals that undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care, with delayed access to prenatal care and lower rates of infection screening. The study highlights the need for better healthcare systems to cater to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.
New research highlights the need to protect and strengthen care for small and sick newborns during the pandemic. The study found that implementing Kangaroo Mother Care could save over 125,000 newborn lives, with a 65-fold increase in risk of death if not done.
Global findings from a University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researcher highlight concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on birth outcomes and breastfeeding establishment. The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing evidence-based lactation education, care, and technical assistance to protect human milk and breastfeeding.
Research highlights grandmothers' significant role in newborn care across collectivist cultures in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite this, initiatives focus primarily on young mothers and nuclear families, excluding grandmothers and their valuable knowledge and practices.
The updated guidelines provide holistic approach to care, emphasizing quality of life and health beyond traditional medical issues. Key areas covered include bowel function, mental health, mobility, and sexual health, aiming to improve patients' lives across the lifespan.
A new Duke University study reveals that harsher immigration law enforcement led to decreased prenatal care for immigrant mothers and increased birth weight deficits. The findings show a rise in births of babies small for their gestational age, highlighting the negative effects on infant health.
A study found that Medicaid expansion in 2014 NY increased maternal health, particularly for low-income and minority women. The policy intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity.