Articles tagged with Mothers
A study in a mouse model found that viral infections during pregnancy can affect the mother's brain and disrupt maternal care behavior after birth. The research team identified structural, molecular, and functional changes in the brains of mothers with viral-like immune activation.
A new NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on infant and childhood immunity, filling a knowledge gap in SVOC health impacts. The research aims to identify specific SVOCs or mixtures that impair immune function, which could lead to new preventive measures and interventions.
Rates of postpartum depression symptoms increased nationwide during the pandemic, reaching a high of 7.7% in December 2020 to March 2021. States with fewer COVID-19 deaths and lower unemployment rates showed greater increases in symptoms, likely due to reduced access to support systems.
A statewide CHAMPS program in Mississippi increased breastfeeding rates among birthing women and reduced racial disparities. The program reached 98% of eligible patients, resulting in a 10-point increase in breastfeeding initiation rates.
A $66,000 NIH grant will support Karry Weston's two-year study on the lack of breastfeeding in rural Missouri. The goal is to identify cultural factors influencing mothers' decisions, with a focus on improving maternal care in rural communities.
A new quality improvement study from Cedars-Sinai found that comprehensive nurse training is key to successfully screening women for postpartum depression. The initiative identified framing the screening as part of family wellness and normalizing the transition to parenthood as helpful strategies.
Researchers developed a genetic-risk score to identify women most at risk for gestational and postpartum diabetes. Intensive lifestyle intervention reduced their risk, but only benefited those with the highest genetic risk.
A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that mothers with limited financial resources experienced tremendous stress during the pandemic. However, they also valued the opportunity to spend more quality time with their children, showcasing their resilience.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A Canadian research team found that pregnant women and their unborn babies are sensitive to environmental contaminants like endocrine disruptors. The study highlighted the role of the placenta in regulating maternal physiology and fetal development, and linked early exposure to certain EDs with breast cancer and prostate cancer risk.
A new Rutgers study found that younger mothers with children by multiple fathers are more likely to experience psychological or physical harassment, economic abuse, and sexual violence. The study, published in the journal Family Relations, suggests a strong link between intimate partner violence and multiple partner fertility.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
Research found that 3.4% of pregnant women who caught COVID-19 passed antibodies to their babies, providing some protection. However, these antibodies gradually decrease over time and disappear within 100 days after birth.
New research suggests that ADCC responses and strain susceptibility influence HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding. Enhancing ADCC through a vaccine may not be sufficient to prevent transmission due to chronically infected individuals' ADCC-resistant strains.
A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that women's earnings drop substantially after childbirth, with the gap widening across all education levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, making it more challenging for mothers to restart their careers and leading to worse hiring prospects and wage penalties.
Rutgers scientists found that inhaled nanoparticles can migrate from the lungs to the placenta and possibly fetal tissues after maternal exposure throughout pregnancy. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health effects of nanoparticle exposure on human fetuses.
A new study finds that asymmetrical family structures, such as single-father or single-mother households, are associated with higher delinquency rates among adolescents. In contrast, symmetrical arrangements like mother-stepfather families show lower rates of delinquent behavior.
A study found that mothers in a 19th century Dutch village had low rates of breastfeeding, likely due to their busy work schedules and easy access to cow's milk. Researchers analyzed the remains of 277 individuals and found little evidence of breastfeeding, surprising given the community's cultural associations with breastfeeding.
A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.
A new review found that Autistic women face significant challenges in breastfeeding, despite being motivated to do so. The lack of understanding of their needs and limited support from healthcare professionals exacerbate these issues.
A kindness training program adapted from Children's Kindness Network improves both parents' resilience and children's empathy. The study found that teaching kindness at home boosts parental resilience and enhances emotional intelligence in preschoolers, supporting overall brain health.
Research reveals nearly a third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries screened for hepatitis C test positive, but fewer than a fifth receive follow-up care. A sustainable pathway to treatment is crucial, especially with expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and highly effective oral medications.
Researchers analyzed breast milk samples from 15 nursing mothers to track gene expression changes in mammary gland cells. The study identified various changes linked to factors such as hormone levels, illness, and lifestyle changes.
A study of over 6,000 households reveals that when mothers earn more than their spouses, they do more household chores. This challenges economic theory suggesting a more efficient sharing of responsibilities.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that the brain region responsible for social behavior, the locus coeruleus, is activated precisely when a mother retrieves her pup. This finding could help reveal causes of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and autism, leading to potential new treatments.
A new video tool aims to help mothers understand that stillbirth is not their fault by explaining the aging process of the placenta. The research identifies that unexplained stillbirth is often due to 'aging of the placenta,' which is complex and not affected by the mother's behavior.
Research finds that less than 2% of babies test positive for COVID-19 around birth time, with a higher risk in severe cases. The study also found no association between transmission and factors like mode of delivery or breastfeeding.
A new study found that fewer than 2% of babies born to mothers with COVID-19 test positive for the virus, but those with severe cases or diagnosed after childbirth are more likely to be infected. Vaginal births and breastfeeding do not increase the risk of transmission.
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
A recent study published in Environmental Research found a significant association between air pollution and low birth weight in Israel. The study, which analyzed data from over 380,000 births, revealed that mothers who were underweight or of lower socioeconomic status were more vulnerable to exposure to air pollution.
A study by the University of Otago found that 15-year-olds who had conversed with their mothers about everyday past events reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. These adolescents also narrated difficult events from their lives with more insight.
Researchers identified a mechanism that helps explain how certain kinds of genetic disorders are transmitted from mother to child. The study showed that mutant mtDNA builds up in the final stages of egg formation and can impair mitochondrial function, leading to disease.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that many women with preeclampsia lack awareness about symptoms and long-term cardiovascular risks, underscoring the need for improved patient education and support. The research team surveyed over 800 pregnant women, revealing a significant gap in mental health support and preventive measures.
Postpartum mothers experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts about harming their babies, which are not associated with an increased risk of actual harm. Research suggests these thoughts may lead to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in vulnerable women.
Research from Tufts University scientists finds that opioid exposure in mothers can lead to metabolic disorders and type 2 diabetes in their sons. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that even short-term use of opioids before pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the health of future generations.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...
A study published in Human Reproduction found that smoking by mothers during the periconceptional period is associated with delayed embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weights. The delay in embryonic development was found to have a greater impact in the second trimester of pregnancy.
A recent study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found a genetic mutation in a specific gene associated with perceived inadequate milk supply (PIMS) in women. The researchers identified this mutation, MFGE8, as a key predictor of low milk production and shorter breastfeeding durations. By screening for this mutation combined with mat...
A new study of over 1.1 million new mothers worldwide found that first-time mothers, women under 25, and mothers of twins are at higher risk for postpartum depression. Women aged 40 and older having twins are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.
Research found that mothers with metabolic syndrome can switch on an imprinted gene in their mice offspring, leading to liver disease. The study suggests a key role for imprinted genes in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy results in higher and more lasting antibody levels in infants. After two months, 98% of vaccinated infants had detectable IgG antibodies, while only 8% of uninfected mothers' babies did.
A study by the University of Essex found a significant spike in depression rates (30%) and anxiety rates (37%) among expecting mothers. Social support played a crucial role in protecting mental health.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London found that a high BMI in mothers before and during pregnancy is not a major cause of childhood obesity. Instead, lifestyle factors play a more significant role in determining a child's weight.
A new study examined caregiver-child interaction in the US and Japan, finding that mothers directed their children's attention differently and Japanese children shifted their attention to become more sensitive to contextual background. The research provides insights into the role of social interaction and cultural diversity in cognitiv...
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.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.
A new study by the University of Auckland found that mothers working from home and experiencing psychological distress were more likely to increase alcohol consumption during lockdown. The research, which analyzed data from over 37,000 adults across 38 countries, suggests that increased psychological distress led to increased alcohol c...
A recent study by UCLA Health researchers found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through breast milk feeding. The study analyzed breastmilk samples from 110 lactating women and discovered that even when mothers had COVID-19, the virus was not present in their infants.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
Researchers found that the way a newborn is fed affects its oral bacteria makeup, with exclusively breastfed infants sharing fewer maternal bacteria than those fed formula or a combination of both. This suggests that breast milk may play a role in regulating the mother-derived oral bacterial colonization.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers who perceive themselves as lower in social status have worse health outcomes one year after childbirth. The study highlights the importance of subjective social status in maternal health disparities.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
A meta-analysis found that breastfeeding significantly lowers a mother's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. The review analyzed health data from nearly 1.2 million women across eight studies conducted in different countries.
A new study found high rates of trauma for mothers and babies from forceps and vacuum deliveries, with over 25% of forceps deliveries resulting in severe perineal tears. Researchers call for a reassessment of the safety of these birthing practices.
Researchers have discovered a pattern of immune activity in normal pregnancies that can detect abnormalities and predict complications. The study found elevated immune activation in the first three months, followed by a calmer phase, and higher activity in the last three months, especially when childbirth is imminent.