Articles tagged with Birth Rates
A Chinese Medical Journal study developed an AI-based system to automate embryo selection and eliminate subjectivity in IVF. The system improved human embryo assessment and selection, achieving higher accuracy in embryo aneuploidy screening than experienced embryologists.
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.
A new study published in Aging explores the potential of three large DNA methylation datasets to identify biological age signals in dogs. The researchers found that biological age methylation clocks are affected by population stratification and require heavy parameterization to achieve effective predictions.
A population-level study found no increase in neonatal and infant mortality rates during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, social distancing measures were linked to higher preterm birth rates with a lag period.
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.
A new study has found that exposure to fine particulate matter prior to oocyte retrieval during IVF can reduce the odds of achieving a live birth by almost 40%. The research analysed 3,659 frozen embryo transfers and found that even in areas with excellent air quality, higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with decreased live birth rates.
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.
A Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of OXO-001 in increasing embryo implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates among infertile women. The study showed significant improvements in biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates, with a notable increase in live birth rates.
A new study has validated the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ) with incarcerated and perinatal women, revealing strong connections between trauma exposure and negative mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that increased attention to mental health care is necessary for these vulnerable populations.
A recent study investigated COVID-19 vaccine exposure in the first trimester and its potential impact on major structural birth defects. The results indicate that mRNA COVID-19 vaccine exposure during this period is not associated with an increased risk for selected birth defects among live births.
A cohort study found that heat waves were associated with increased rates of preterm and early-term deliveries, especially among vulnerable populations. The results suggest that extreme heat events pose a significant threat to perinatal health.
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.
By 2100, over 97% of countries will have fertility rates below replacement level, leading to huge shifts in global livebirths and significant challenges for economies. Low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to continue driving population increases despite declining fertility rates globally.
Continuous Medicaid eligibility during the pandemic significantly reduced loss of Medicaid after birth. Post-pandemic postpartum Medicaid extensions may also reduce uninsurance rates similarly.
A positive association was found between total prescription opioid dose dispensed and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth in a study of 251,000 pregnant patients. Minimizing opioid exposure during pregnancy is crucial to prevent spontaneous preterm delivery.
A new study found that 17% of young mothers in Wales experienced at least one child being taken into care between 2014 and 2021. The study also revealed that many care-experienced mothers experience early motherhood and placement instability, leading to concerns about family separation.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study published by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that suicide rates among Black women rose from 2% in 1999 to 3.4% in 2020. The highest rates were observed in the West region, with a significant increase in deaths among young Black females aged 15-24.
A new Stanford University study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy lowered the risk of preterm birth. The research analyzed natality data from California and found a significant reduction in preterm births among vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated ones.
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.
A new study by Northwestern University found that immigrants living in the US have lower preterm birth rates than native-born individuals, with Black people born in the US experiencing the highest rate. This disparity highlights the importance of considering nativity as a social determinant of health.
A study by Michał Gulczyński reveals a strong relationship between population density and sex ratios, indicating imbalanced marriage markets in rural areas. The researcher found that men tend to outnumber women in rural areas due to gender-specific migration patterns.
A cross-sectional study found that most survey respondents who gave birth between June and December 2020 did not use prenatal telehealth. Personal preference for in-person care was the most common reason among those who chose not to use telehealth services.
Researchers found that delivering at 39 weeks reduced perinatal risk in term singleton pregnancies conceived through infertility treatment. This study suggests a specific gestational age for optimal birth outcomes in these cases.
A study of over 500,000 children found no significant difference in math and reading scores between those born between 39-40 weeks' gestation and 41 weeks' gestation. The results inform decisions on delivery timing at term birth and long-term cognitive development.
Participation in a home visiting program reduced risk of adverse birth outcomes by up to 23% among Medicaid recipients. Black individuals saw greater risk reductions, highlighting disparities in prenatal and postnatal care.
A new study analyzed data on women born between 1916 and 1975, revealing increases in primary involuntary childlessness and secondary infertility. Meanwhile, the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) increased over time, with significant contributions to population growth.
Researchers found a 30% higher likelihood of live births when eggs were collected in summer rather than autumn. They also discovered that bright sunshine on the day of egg collection increased the chances of a successful pregnancy.
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 ...
A novel county-level index, Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI), was associated with preterm birth after individual confounders adjustment, suggesting its utility for policy implications and lowering preterm rates improvement.
A study of 2,165 Dutch adolescents suggests no difference in global brain volume between those reporting gender diversity and those not. However, a correlation was found with specific brain features in the inferior temporal gyrus among males assigned at birth.
A nationwide survey in the Central African Republic found a severe health emergency with a 5.6% mortality rate, four times higher than UN estimates, and widespread malnutrition, food insecurity, and violence, with 82.3% of households reporting adults ate ≤1 meals per day
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.
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.
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.
A 20-year study by Swansea University researchers found that mothers with a history of substance misuse, smoking, or mental health conditions are at higher risk of having low-birth-weight babies. The study analyzed data from over 693,000 children born in Wales between 1998 and 2018.
A new study reveals that US pregnancies are shorter than those in England and the Netherlands, with average lengths declining by over half a week between 1990 and 2020. This finding suggests that reducing medical interventions during the birthing process could improve maternity care outcomes in the US.
A recent study from West Virginia University found that states permitting nurse practitioners to exercise full practice authority (FPA) tend to have a more diverse and racially aligned NP workforce. In FPA states, Black NPs serve 2.8% more Black Medicare beneficiaries than in non-FPA states.
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.
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.
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.
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...
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with small but significant increases in pregnancy-related complications and maternal death during delivery hospitalization. The number of live births also decreased by 5.2% during this period.
A study of 6,300 women found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with decreased fertility. The study suggests that environmental factors may play a role in reproductive health outcomes.
A study of over 45,000 women found racial and ethnic disparities in postpartum care accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that Black and Hispanic women experienced slower access to postpartum care compared to their white counterparts.
A new study found that most severely injured North Atlantic right whales die within three years, with severe injuries increasing their mortality rate. The study also revealed a worrisome trend in females, including lower birth rates and longer intervals between calving.
A Norwegian study found that vaccinated mothers had a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their infants within the first four months of life. The study analyzed all live births between September 2021 and February 2022 and showed a significant reduction in infections among vaccinated infants.
This study analyzed global data from the Global Burden of Disease study to track changes in neonatal preterm birth incidence and mortality. The results showed significant declines in preterm birth rates and mortality globally, regionally, and nationally between 1990 and 2019.
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.
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.
A study of 1.1 million pregnancies in Denmark found a significant association between seasonal patterns and the rate of extremely preterm births. The analysis revealed that rates of extremely preterm births were higher during the winter months.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Swedish study of over 2 million women found preterm delivery significantly increases future risks of chronic high blood pressure. The association remains strong even 40 years later.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that China's declining birth rate and aging population may not negatively impact future prosperity. The researchers found that higher education levels among women can lead to increased labor force participation, potentially offsetting the negative effects of population aging.
A new study found that COVID-19 led to a significant decline in births across high-income countries, with the strongest declines observed in southern Europe, while northern Europe showed little impact. The researchers attribute this variation to differences in economic disruption and social support policies.