Articles tagged with Birth Rates
A UCL-led study found that babies born to single mothers by choice have similar birth outcomes to babies of partnered mothers who had conceived naturally. Single mothers by choice were also less likely to have low birth weight or be born pre-term compared to single mothers who conceived naturally.
A study found that lower birth volume, unprofitability, and for-profit status are risk factors for loss of hospital-based obstetric care in rural and urban hospitals. Many hospitals may be at high risk for future closure, highlighting the need for improved obstetric care infrastructure in rural areas.
A new report from City St George's University of London estimates that healthcare costs for women reporting childbirth-related PTSD are over twice as high as those for women without symptoms. The report also found that early prevention of traumatic births and childbirth-related PTSD could save the NHS an estimated £26 million every year.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
Researchers analyzed 18,396 women undergoing first IVF cycle between 2012-2021 across seven Australian fertility clinics. The study found a 68.2% cumulative live birth rate using single embryo transfer in 95.3% of cases and a multiple birth rate of just 2.9%.
A landmark international study found that halving patient out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment significantly increased births achieved through ART, with a 2.67-fold increase reported. Countries with lower cost-to-baby metrics consistently achieved higher levels of ART utilisation, highlighting the importance of affordability in ...
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
A single-center study demonstrates uterus transplant feasibility in multidisciplinary centers, supporting its use for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Ongoing reporting and data sharing will refine risk estimates and optimize patient counseling.
Research finds that women's education level has a minimal direct effect on whether and when women form families. Education shifts the timing of family planning but does not prevent or avoid family formation. Structural barriers persist, including workplaces penalizing mothers and traditional marriage practices.
A population-level cohort study of 20 low-mortality countries found that females aged 35-60 have higher cancer mortality rates than males, despite similar treatment and diagnostic pathways. The study highlights the need for targeted action to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of female reproductive cancers.
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
A new study reveals that exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy significantly alters the human sex ratio at birth, leading to fewer male births. In sub-Saharan Africa, this is driven by biological factors, while in India, it is influenced by cultural practices and behavioral changes.
Access to higher-level neonatal care is limited at rural birth hospitals, where less than 20% offer this care compared to 74% of urban hospitals. Urban birth hospitals are expanding higher-level neonatal care, exacerbating geographic disparities in access to care for high-risk infants.
A meta-analysis of childhood food allergy risk factors reveals a combination of major and minor factors, including genetics and antibiotic exposure. The study provides insights into the complex interplay of these factors in the development of food allergies in infants and children.
Non-Hispanic white births now constitute less than half of US births, while Hispanic births exceed one-fourth. These shifts reflect declining fertility across most groups, contrasted with immigration trends and younger ages among Hispanic women that sustain overall birth rates.
A large cohort study found no association between community water fluoridation and adverse birth outcomes, providing reassurance about its safety during pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of rigorous causal designs in evaluating public health interventions.
A population-based cohort study found that U.S.-born individuals had significantly higher odds of infant mortality, particularly among full-term births. Sudden unexpected infant death was a major contributor to these disparities, highlighting the need for investigation into underlying factors contributing to these disparities.
A population-based study found that US preterm birth rates have increased among low-income households, with racial disparities exacerbating the issue. The study highlights the need to address racism in reducing preterm birth disparities.
A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.
A new study reveals that reducing mortality through large-scale investment in public health is a more effective and ethically sound strategy than encouraging people to have more children. By focusing on lowering mortality rates, countries can slow population decline and maximize the return on investment in their existing population.
Revising newborn hepatitis B vaccination guidelines may lead to increased perinatal infections, according to infectious disease experts. The study estimates that revoking the policy could result in a significant number of new infections.
A US cohort study from 2012-2021 found persistent disparities in cesarean births by race and ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black individuals facing increased risks. The study highlights the need for quality improvement efforts to address structural racism and reduce unnecessary cesarean births.
A study analyzing US birth records found that a cap-and-trade initiative to reduce ozone pollution significantly improved infant health outcomes, including higher birth weight and lower rates of low birth weight and very preterm birth.
The study found that stillbirth rates are higher in low-income communities compared to more affluent areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health
Full-term children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids are at higher risk of infections until age 21, a new study finds. Preterm children, however, show no association between ACS and infections.
A cross-sectional study found that prenatal depression diagnosis and moderate to severe depression symptoms differ by maternal nativity and racial/ethnic background. Non-U.S.-born mothers tend to have better neonatal outcomes, but this association may not hold true for prenatal mental health conditions.
The global study found that women are having babies later in life, increasing health risks and widening inequalities in maternal care. The average age of first-time mothers has steadily increased, with many now starting their families aged 35 years or over.
Despite falling birth rates and hospital delivery volumes, neonatal mortality has decreased significantly in Finland, particularly among preterm infants, according to recent studies. The findings support centralizing high-risk deliveries to university hospitals, while small delivery units continue to have low overall mortality rates.
A new study found that extending Medicaid coverage for 12 months after birth improved access to medical and behavioral health services. This expansion may help mitigate adverse outcomes, including chronic condition management.
Research suggests that the intention to have a child is complicated and nuanced, with many women uncertain about their ability to meet this goal. Women with higher education and income levels are more likely to say they will have children, but even those with a bachelor's degree show a decline in certainty over time.
A cross-sectional study found elevated rates of severe maternal morbidity among marginalized racial and ethnic groups with planned cesarean births. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to improve quality of care and promote equity for this population.
A cross-sectional study analyzing over 18,000 clinical notes found notable disparities in stigmatizing and positive language documentation across racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for improved documentation practices to reduce stigmatizing language use.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The research also suggests a potential link between cannabis use during pregnancy and smaller-than-average newborns.
Researchers found that a fertility rate of at least 2.7 children per woman is needed to reliably avoid eventual extinction in small populations. A female-biased birth ratio can reduce extinction risk, helping more lineages survive over time.
The study reveals wide disparities in mortality across US states, with some experiencing no improvements in life expectancy from 1900 to 2000 birth cohorts. This disparity can inform decision-making around resource allocation and public health interventions.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on primary care interventions to support breastfeeding, citing established associations between breastfeeding and child health benefits. As of 2021, 59.8% of infants at 6 months are breastfed, while 27.2% are exclusively breastfed.
The University of Texas at Arlington has launched a new Mobile Simulation Lab to tackle workforce and training challenges in rural areas. The lab, equipped with advanced patient manikins and simulation bays, will provide specialized training for local healthcare providers to expand their expertise.
A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.
A cohort study reveals lower-quality hospitals for Black and American Indian birthing individuals compared to their white counterparts. Delivering at nearest hospitals would have reduced the disparity if available.
Researchers report a significant increase in congenital heart defects in states with restrictive abortion laws, exceeding pre-Dobbs trends. This trend is associated with higher healthcare utilization needs and potential non-financial strains on families.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that Swiss women had more children at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to better work-life balance and reduced economic uncertainty. However, birth rates have since fallen back, with young people being cautious about having children during the pandemic.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that babies born to teen mothers weigh less and are smaller for their gestational age. The study highlights the role of social, geographical, and educational factors in teen pregnancy prevention.
Researchers propose that timing hypothesis explains the mystery of missing blue whale calves, where births occur in fall and winter, and calves are weaned before returning to feeding areas. This explanation offers alternative insight into high pregnancy rates vs. low sightings of mother-calf pairs.
A recent study found that Germany's stillbirth rate has risen significantly since 2010, despite declining rates in most other European countries. The researchers attributed this increase to rising maternal age and a decrease in multiple births, which have been linked to an increased risk of stillbirths.
A new USC study reveals that the US is facing a shortage of 4.5 million homes due to policy missteps in the early 2000s, which led to a historic housing bubble and subsequent Great Recession. The crisis has disproportionately affected millennials and people of color, with racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership widening over time.
Women with gestational diabetes who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during pregnancy had a lower risk of preterm birth compared to those who were less active. Concentrated periods of physical activity also offered similar benefits in reducing preterm birth risk.
Despite significant declines in teen pregnancies in the UK, regional disparities persist, and some outcomes worsen. Experts warn that the 'rates are down, so the job is done' mentality may be detrimental to progress.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year, providing highly reliable maternity care to expectant parents and newborns. The hospital also excels in breastfeeding support, with nearly 90% of babies fed exclusively breast milk.
Population-level improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels slowed, while adverse trends in glucose levels accelerated in more recent US birth cohorts. Public health initiatives targeting antecedent health behaviors are needed to improve cardiometabolic health across generations.
A new study published in JAMA found that women who experience severe maternal morbidity during their first pregnancy are less likely to have more children. The research, which studied over a million women in Sweden, revealed that such events can have a lasting impact on fertility.
Women who experience severe maternal morbidity in their first birth are less likely to have a subsequent birth. Enhancing antenatal care and reproductive counseling are crucial for women with this history.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity and birth complications in Illinois between 2016 and 2023. The findings highlight the impact of chronic health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and mental health disorders on pregnancy outcomes.
A population-based matched cohort study found that preterm birth is associated with higher mortality risks until the third and fourth decades of life. These findings suggest that preterm birth should be recognized as a risk factor for mortality, informing preventive strategies.
The German wolf population boasts the world's highest survival rates of wolves, with young wolves reaching 75% annual survival probability. The expansion is attributed to suitable habitats and protection, leading to a median survival time of three years.
A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.
A recent cohort study found that prenatal exposure to COVID-19 during pregnancy did not increase the risk of autism screening in toddlers. The research suggests that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-related exposure had no significant impact on autism positivity rates.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
A study reveals discrepancies between preferred and actual sources of contraceptive information among adolescents and young adults. Clinicians are the most commonly preferred source, yet they also pose the largest discrepancy between preference and use. This highlights the importance of clinicians in supporting informed contraceptive d...