Articles tagged with Fetuses
A community-based study in New Jersey found meaningful progress in maternal care, but inequities persist, especially for women of color. The study highlights the need to strengthen policies, expand support services, and address transportation barriers to improve maternal health outcomes.
A study published in PLOS One found that fetuses who yawned more frequently during pregnancy had a lower birth weight, suggesting mild fetal distress. The research observed healthy fetuses between 23-31 weeks and recorded their yawning behavior using ultrasound.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind probe to track a fetus's vital signs in utero during surgery. The soft, flexible robotic probe provides accurate and precise measurements of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and temperature, enabling faster interventions in case complications arise.
Researchers have developed a flexible, hair-like device that tracks vital signs of a fetus in real-time during surgery. This innovation provides continuous monitoring without invasive access, enabling faster interventions to prevent complications.
A new study found that gestational diabetes alters the placenta's molecular processes, disrupting gene expression and potentially leading to complications in newborns. The research identified a key protein, SRSF10, that may contribute to these disruptions, offering potential therapeutic targets for preventing pregnancy complications.
Research reveals that Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta's hormone production, reducing complications and improving fetal growth. The study opens up a new approach to assessing pregnancy health through gut microbiome analysis.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
Z-PULSE Ltd's self-powered wearable health sensors can monitor breathing patterns, bed occupancy, and foetal movements without batteries. The technology aims to improve dementia care and potentially prevent up to 3,400 stillbirths in the UK each year.
The study tracks maternal, fetal, and infant mortality trends in the US from 2000 to 2023. Despite improvements in some years, overall rates of maternal and infant mortality increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new study published in Transfusion journal reveals sex-based disparities in the transfusion of whole blood to traumatically injured patients. Women, particularly younger females and those of childbearing potential, are less likely to receive whole blood transfusions compared to men. This disparity is despite whole blood being associa...
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
A new study presents a proof-of-concept leptomeningeal neural organoid (LMNO) fusion model to study meninges-brain signaling. The co-culture system of neural organoids fused with fetal leptomeninges from mice demonstrates stability and interface characteristics.
A new study published in Liver International found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to liver stress and changes in the fetus's bile acid levels. This may be a key factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) later in life.
Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that maternal THC consumption can decrease lung volume in developing fetuses and alter lung gene expression. This study is the first to examine the effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on offspring respiratory health, raising concerns for potential long-term impacts.
A new study from Denmark reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy, characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar, may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Researchers found that even small dietary adjustments away from this pattern could potentially reduce this risk.
A new study has focused on the safety of outdoor swimming during pregnancy, revealing large gaps in knowledge and highlighting the need for further research. Expert-led recommendations have been provided for pregnant people, including advice to only swim in cold water if a regular cold water swimmer before pregnancy.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus uses a tunneling strategy to spread in placental cells, hijacking mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. The study found that the formation of tiny tunnels is driven exclusively by a Zika protein called NS1, which triggers tunnel formation in uninfected cells.
A new study found that babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after birth. Newborns whose mothers had taken carrot powder capsules reacted favourably to the smell of carrot, while those whose mothers had taken kale powder capsules reacted more positively to the scent of kale.
Researchers found that playing classical music can smooth variations in fetal heart rates, indicating potential benefits for fetal development. The study used mathematical analysis tools to identify patterns in heart rate variability and found that exposure to music resulted in more stable and predictable patterns.
Researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital analyzed an AI system to detect heart defects on fetal ultrasound exams, finding it significantly improved detection rates. The study aimed to improve prenatal detection of congenital heart defects, a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
A NIH study found that excess weight gain in the first trimester is associated with increased abdominal circumference and arm fat thickness in fetuses. The findings suggest that early intervention may prevent adult obesity and related conditions by targeting fetal weight gain.
A new Australian study found that IVF pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines during the first trimester, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School has discovered that foetuses possess a functional immune system capable of combating infections before birth. This breakthrough finding suggests that fetuses are not defenceless against diseases and infections like Zika, which can cause serious health conditions such as microcephaly.
A Brazilian study of 89 father-mother-baby triads found that paternal overweight is linked to lower birth weight and may influence the baby's health in adulthood. The research suggests that fathers should prioritize healthy habits during pregnancy to support fetal development.
A new study finds that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure is associated with altered immune responses and increased inflammation in pregnant women, leading to adverse birth outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimizing air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health.
A study found that maternal immune activity during pregnancy affects offspring's long-term memory circuitry and function in childhood and midlife. Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-a in mothers were linked to adverse brain activity in memory circuitry, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Researchers observed distinct growth patterns in brain functional networks during the birth transition, with some areas showing minimal changes and others undergoing dramatic reorganization. The subcortical network was found to exhibit significant increases in communication efficiency at birth.
A study of 831 pregnant women found that only 36% adhere to folic acid supplementation recommendations, with low folate and vitamin B12 status detected in nearly half. Deficiencies can cause miscarriage, malformations, and other health problems.
Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
A recent study found that every 1°C increase in heat exposure increases preterm birth by 4%, while a heatwave can lead to a 26% increased risk. The review also highlights marked increases in gestational diabetes, stillbirths, and congenital anomalies.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that over 80% of women are iron deficient by the third trimester of pregnancy. Despite being considered a high-resource setting, the study revealed alarming rates of iron deficiency among healthy pregnant women. This finding emphasizes the importance of routin...
Research found that babies born to pregnant women consuming high-fat, high-energy diets are more likely to develop heart problems and diabetes as adults due to fetal damage. Consuming a high-fat diet during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of insulin resistance in adulthood.
A recent study uses CNV-seq and WES to detect congenital heart disease, identifying genes contributing to CHD and increasing diagnostic yield. The combination of these technologies boosts detection rates for CHDs, improving prenatal management.
A Kobe University study establishes a new mouse model to study fetal abdominal inflammation caused by meconium peritonitis. The researchers found that heat-treated proteins in the meconium slurry disrupt digestive enzymes, leading to significant reduction in mortality rates.
A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.
A clinical study in Birmingham has found that nipocalimab can improve the survival rate of unborn babies with rare fetal anaemia. The majority of pregnant patients who received nipocalimab gave birth at or after 32 weeks without needing an intrauterine transfusion, resulting in a perinatal survival rate of 92%.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have conducted a Phase 2 UNITY clinical trial involving pregnant women with a history of very severe HDFN. Nipocalimab was found to prevent and mitigate the disease without causing serious side effects in the mother or fetus.
A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A new study creates a framework to reduce confusion around fish consumption during pregnancy and provide clearer guidance on risks and benefits. The research found that consuming low-mercury fish was beneficial, while high-mercury fish was detrimental to neurodevelopment.
A study found that overexpressing a gene responsible for amino acid transport in the placenta can cause fetal growth to increase by 27%, while also providing insights into pregnancy complications like IUGR and obesity. The research has therapeutic implications, potentially informing treatments to prevent or treat these conditions.
A new study led by University of Florida researcher Ashley Malin found a possible link between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and increased odds of neurobehavioral problems in children at age 3. The findings, based on an analysis of 229 mother-child pairs, suggest that higher fluoride levels may negatively affect fetal brain develo...
A study led by BCNatal and UPF found that growth-restricted fetuses have differences in lung vascular resistance, which can be normalized with extra oxygen. The research uses artificial intelligence techniques to analyze fetal blood flow and predicts the development of respiratory health problems later in life.
A new screening algorithm combining maternal history, ultrasound data and several tests for blood markers may predict most preeclampsia cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study found that personalized risk-based treatment decisions may improve adherence to preventative measures.
Researchers discovered that maternal blood cytokines, such as XCL1, play a crucial role in fetal brain development and offspring behavior. Elevated XCL1 levels during pregnancy are associated with improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety in male mice.
Researchers at Hiroshima University explore the ethics of growing brain organoids from human fetal brain cells, highlighting concerns over consciousness, informed consent, and medical applications. The study emphasizes the need for a global regulatory framework to navigate the complex ethical landscape of fetal brain organoid research.
A Zika vaccine candidate has been shown to be safe and effective when administered both before and during pregnancy, according to a new study. The purified, inactivated vaccine (ZPIV) candidate prevented placental damage and blocked transmission of Zika virus from mother to fetus.
UCSF scientists discover delivering therapeutic molecules to amniotic fluid can effectively treat Angelman syndrome and other neurological conditions. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides, which can alter gene expression, and has shown improved motor function and learning outcomes in mice.
Research reveals that males born to obese mothers are more likely to be overweight at birth and develop metabolic complications in later life. The study suggests that male sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of the liver, which can lead to health issues if activated too strongly.
A research team developed a novel blood test called desNIPT to screen pregnant women for genetic diseases in their unborn children. The test has demonstrated effectiveness in identifying alterations in fetal genes, similar to invasive procedures like chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that it takes over a month for negative alcohol effects to wear off, and fathers' sperm are still negatively impacted by drinking even during the withdrawal process. The study suggests that men should abstain from alcohol at least three months prior to conceiving.
Scientists unveiled a spatial cell atlas of the entire developing human limb, capturing intricate processes governing rapid development. The study uncovers new links between developmental cells and congenital limb syndromes, such as short fingers and extra digits.
Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.
A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.
The Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats can reduce the risk of gestational hypertension and preterm birth. The study also linked narrowing of retinal arterioles before conception to reduced fetal growth during pregnancy.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. However, it does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or death within one year.
A clinical trial found that high levels of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of fetal atrioventricular block (AVB), a condition that can be fatal. Home-based fetal heart rate monitoring reliably detects conduction abnormalities, potentially reducing the need for serial echocardiograms.
The Southwest-Midwest Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium has supported over 200 pediatric device innovators and companies, developing several devices in the past five years. The consortium's portfolio includes real-world evidence research projects using digital tools for collecting and analyzing patient data.
A new study has found that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, commonly used for inflammatory arthritis, are not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Women who continued treatment had lower risks of severe infections postpartum compared to those who stopped. The results provide reassuring data on the use of TNF blockers during pregna...
Researchers found that pregnant women with very low titers of anti-Ro antibodies are not at risk for fetal atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious disorder affecting the heart's electrical system. In contrast, high-titer antibody pregnancies can benefit from ambulatory fetal heart rhythm monitoring to detect AV block.
Research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in forming a healthy placenta during pregnancy. Mice with depleted gut microbiomes had smaller placentas and less-developed blood vessels, which can deprive fetuses of nutrients. However, supplementing these mice with short-chain fatty acids restored placental growth.