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Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations may increase care engagement and quality among pregnant and postpartum patients

A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

When the last pit is closed

Researchers investigate four European regions experiencing demographic decline, exploring how relationships between generations and places change over time. The study uses participant observation and participatory action research methods to gather insights from families and local residents.

Decline in global adolescent fertility rates is counteracted by increasing teen births in Sub-Saharan Africa

A new report highlights a troubling trend: while global adolescent fertility rates have significantly declined, sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an increase in teen births. The region's share of global adolescent births surged from 12% in 1950 to 47% in 2020 and is projected to reach a majority by 2035.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalStudies in Family Planning·DateJul 16, 2024

Gestational carriers face higher health risks during pregnancy compared to IVF and natural conceptions, new study shows

A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.

Rheumatic diseases associated with childbearing problems

Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Maternal autistic traits and adverse birth outcomes

A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 23, 2024

Countries and companies need to address declining global fertility rates, doctors say

The global fertility rate is declining, with many countries predicted to have a population decline of more than 50% by 2100. Infertility risk factors, such as environmental pollution and smoking, are on the rise. Governments and companies must take action to address these issues and improve access to affordable fertility care.

SourceInternational Federation of Fertility Societies·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 10, 2024

County–level variation in preterm birth rates

Substantial geographic disparities in US preterm birth rates were observed, with nearly 1 in 6 counties experiencing increases between 2007 and 2019. These disparities are linked to place-based social disadvantage, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 8, 2023

C-sections in Mexico increase with obesity level and health care specialization

A study from the University of Illinois found a correlation between high obesity levels at hospitals and increased C-section rates in Mexico. The researchers analyzed patient data from 226 public hospitals across Mexico, finding that hospitals with higher obesity rates were more likely to perform C-sections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe World Bank Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Endometriosis linked to reduction in live births before diagnosis of the disease

A new study published in Human Reproduction found that women with endometriosis are more likely to experience a reduction in live births before receiving a definitive diagnosis. The research, which included over 18,000 women with surgically-confirmed endometriosis, showed that the number of first live births among these women was half ...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Evictions and infant and child health outcomes

This systematic review found associations between evictions and adverse birth outcomes, with childhood exposure linked to neurodevelopment harms. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing rental housing affordability crises and ongoing racial disparities in evictions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 11, 2023

Impact of coronavirus on states’ fertility rates tracked with economic, social, and political divides

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to steeper declines in fertility rates in some US states than others, with factors like income inequality, racial composition, and political leaning playing a significant role. States with stronger social distancing responses and liberal politics experienced larger fertility rate declines.

Babies born preterm decreased slightly and stillborn rates unchanged during first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns

A large-scale international study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a 3-4% reduction in preterm births worldwide, averting nearly 50,000 preterm pregnancies during the first month of lockdown. However, this decrease was limited to high-income countries, including Australia.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Falling birth rate not due to less desire to have children

A new study suggests that young Americans' concern about the future and difficulties in achieving their goals of having children are delaying parenthood. Despite consistent childbearing goals since the 1960s, unintended births have declined, but people are not having as many children as they say they want, especially at earlier ages.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

Birth choices after previous cesarean and risk of pelvic floor surgery

A study of over 45,000 births in Scotland found that women who had a planned vaginal birth after a previous C-section were more likely to undergo pelvic floor surgery compared to those who planned another C-section. The risk was particularly high for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2022

Fourteen per cent decrease in live births in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns

A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2022

New University of Ottawa research provides theory on why women stopped menstruating upon arrival at Nazi death camps

A new paper published in Social Science & Medicine proposes that synthetic steroids were administered to female captives in Nazi concentration camps to prevent menstruation and fertility. The study, led by Dr. Peggy J. Kleinplatz, is based on historical evidence and testimony from Holocaust survivors, who reported suspicious food ratio...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2022

Smaller female North Atlantic right whales have fewer calves: Declining body size may contribute to low birth rates

A new study reveals that smaller females of North Atlantic right whales have fewer offspring per reproductive year, likely contributing to the species' low birth rates. This decline in body size may be a result of human-caused stressors such as entanglements and vessel strikes, which could limit population growth if not addressed.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

The Trump baby bump among Republicans after the 2016 election

Research from the University of California San Diego finds a significant partisan shift in birth rates among Republicans and Democrats after Trump's 2016 election. Republican-leaning counties experienced a sharp rise in birth rates, while Democratic counties saw a baby slump, with differences amounting to 1-2% of national birth rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Poor women in rural India still denied safe hospital births, with maternal deaths at “alarmingly high” levels, study finds

A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGlobal Health Action·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

A gender dimension of energy: Modern cooking fuels connected to quicker demographic transition

Access to modern cooking fuels like gas and electricity improves health and frees up time for women to seek information and education, ultimately leading to reproductive rights. The study found a significant connection between modern energy access and lower fertility rates in countries with high initial fertility rates.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

New evidence identified on safety of IVF embryo screening method

Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021