Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A new study found that male adolescents with ADHD who have positive relationships with their mothers exhibit less external conflict about their career choices. The findings suggest a potential link between negative career thoughts and family dynamics.
A study by Children's National Hospital researchers found that maternal anxiety during pregnancy can alter neural connectivity in the womb. Fetuses of anxious mothers showed stronger connections between the brainstem and sensorimotor areas, while those with lower anxiety had weaker connections between executive cognitive functions.
A large-scale study found that genetics contribute to most cases of extremely large or small birth weights in full-term babies. However, the role of genetics was less significant in the smallest three per cent of babies, suggesting other factors such as placental health may be involved.
A University of California, Davis study found that children who experienced compassionate love from their mothers were more willing to give up tokens for others. The study also showed that being generous had a calming effect on the children, reinforcing the behavior and promoting prosocial orientation.
A recent genetic study has identified DNA variants in ZNF831, FTO, MECOM, FGF5, and SH2B3 genes as risk factors for pre-eclampsia, increasing the risk by 10-15%. The study also highlights the importance of inherited predisposition to hypertension and obesity in the development of pre-eclampsia.
A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that maternal stress levels during pregnancy affect the baby's brain development, particularly the amygdala. The findings highlight the need for pregnant women to receive mental and physical health support to promote healthy brain development in their babies.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that 95% of pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 had no adverse outcomes, while the virus was transmitted to the fetus in only 3% of cases. The study also found that diabetes may increase the risk of severe or critical maternal illness.
A research team from MedUni Vienna found that around half of children with a migration background have no clinically relevant language acquisition impairment, but rather sociolinguistic factors such as limited input in their mother tongue. The 'Vienna Model' incorporates native speakers to facilitate more accurate diagnosis.
A study analyzed autism diagnoses in California from 1992 to 2018, revealing a non-uniform increase in incidence rates across sociodemographic groups. The results showed that more children of Black and Asian mothers, as well as those from low socioeconomic status, were diagnosed with autism.
A recent study found that maternal body condition and stress hormone levels can affect the traits of jacky dragon offspring, including gender and growth rate. The research suggests that thermal opportunity may play a role in conveying environmental information from mother to offspring.
A study by RUDN University linguists found that vocabulary size in a foreign language impacts the ability to distinguish between vowel sounds. Russian and English speakers were tested on their ability to match L2 vowels with those of their native tongue, regardless of their vocabulary size.
A UK-wide analysis of COVID-19 infections in newborn babies found that severe infection was rare, affecting only 0.06% of births. The study also found higher proportions of Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were affected, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Researchers found that teacher-mothers face immense stress due to unequal distribution of second-shift responsibilities, inadequate parental leave policies, and low teacher pay. The study advocates for improved parental leave, higher teacher pay, and equal distribution of household labor to support teacher-mothers.
A home-visiting program delivered by trained Native American family health coaches improved healthy growth and feeding practices in babies of mothers on the Navajo Nation. The intervention lowered infant weights and reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, supporting a healthier growth trajectory.
A study found that vitamin D status during pregnancy is associated with altered gene expression in the placenta, which may contribute to the development of preeclampsia. The researchers also observed a correlation between sFLT1 and VEGF gene expression levels.
A new study found that pregnant women with obesity can alter their children's DNA through diet and lifestyle modifications, reducing the risk of metabolic disease. The research suggests that a healthy diet and increased physical activity during pregnancy can have a positive impact on infant health.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers' cardiovascular health significantly affects their children's risk of developing heart disease. Offspring of mothers with ideal cardiovascular health lived nine more years without cardiovascular disease compared to those with poor health.
A University of Delaware researcher studies the impact of birth experiences on hormone development, finding that C-sections disrupt natural hormonal signals. He proposes investigating potential interventions to promote healthier outcomes, such as reintroducing missing microbes or hormones in children born via cesarean.
A new study published in Neurology found an association between working for pay and slower memory decline, regardless of marital or parenthood status. Engaging in paid work may offer some protection against memory loss due to cognitive stimulation, social engagement or financial security.
The study reveals that fertile female helper beetles reproduce alongside their mother, the colony foundress, while non-fertile females focus on caring for the brood and fungus. A specialized fungus in the genus Raffaelea is the primary food source for larvae.
Researchers found that maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and trigger allergic reactions in foetal mast cells, leading to lifelong allergies. The study suggests a potential new intervention strategy to limit such transfer and reduce the incidence of neonatal allergies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months to reduce the risk of respiratory illness. COVID-19 positive or exposed mothers can safely breastfeed and pump milk by following these evidence-based guidelines.
A study found that children exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. The risk was lower among those exposed to lower doses of the drug.
A large American study found that pregnant mothers with low thyroid hormone levels are more likely to have children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study of 329,157 children showed that Hispanic children born to hypothyroid mothers were at highest risk.
A Durham University study found that e-cigarette use during pregnancy may lead to abnormal reflexes and impaired brain development in babies. The researchers recommend that mothers avoid using e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes during pregnancy.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection rarely transmit the virus to their newborns when basic infection-control practices are followed. This suggests that more extensive measures like separating COVID-19-positive mothers from their newborns may not be necessary.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University found that COVID-19 pandemic causes a significant increase in maternal anxiety and insomnia levels. Mothers reported mild-to-high levels of acute anxiety and up to 23% experienced clinical insomnia, more than doubling from pre-pandemic levels.
A Duke University study found that automatic enrollment combined with an opt-out option significantly increased parent participation in early language and learning programs. The research showed that 88.7% of participants stayed in the program for the full 26 weeks, compared to just 1% in a control group.
A study found that higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy may protect against childhood high blood pressure, particularly for children born to mothers with preeclampsia. The analysis of data on 754 mother-child pairs revealed a dose-related association between cord-blood vitamin D levels and reduced offspring blood pressure.
Researchers found that postnatal fecal microbiota transplantation can restore normal gut microbiota development in C-section infants. The study showed that treatment had no negative effects and improved microbiota composition compared to untreated C-section born infants.
Researchers found that feeding C-section newborns their mother's feces in breast milk builds a healthier gut microbiome, similar to those born vaginally. The babies' immune systems mature rapidly after receiving the fecal microbiota transplant, suggesting a potential reduction in asthma and allergy risk.
A new study of 388 pregnancies in 22 countries found that COVID-19 infection during early pregnancy significantly increases risk of adverse fetal outcomes. Only one baby tested positive for the disease and was asymptomatic, suggesting rare transmission from mother to child.
A recent study of 492 first-time mothers found that a prior induced abortion did not predict maternal or paternal well-being or feelings of parental competence. The study's authors noted the importance of information about abortion consequences in countries with permissive laws, such as Finland.
According to a new study, infants born to mothers infected with COVID-19 generally do well six to eight weeks after birth. However, there was a higher rate of NICU admissions reported if the mothers had COVID-19 up to two weeks prior to delivery.
Researchers found that male chimpanzees who lose their mothers early in life are less competitive and have fewer offspring. Chimpanzee mothers provide support throughout prolonged childhood years, which is likely a trait shared with humans six to eight million years ago.
A study led by King's College London found that pregnant women with obesity who received a diet and exercise intervention showed improved cardiovascular function in their children at three years old. Mothers also maintained healthier diets three years after delivery.
Research at Hiroshima University found that mice offspring of mothers on high omega-6 fat diets show hedonic consumption of hyper-caloric diets, driven by dopamine release in the brain. This imbalance primes offspring for obesity.
A study found that antibiotics can alter the diversity and abundance of microbes in breast milk, particularly those with potential to influence growth and disease in newborns. The research suggests that antibiotic stewardship programs should focus on mothers as well as newborns.
Children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including emotional problems, autism, ADHD, and delayed development. The study found a significant link between PCOS and increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, independent of maternal obesity.
A new study found that infants from households with very low food security are more likely to have above-average body mass indices, higher fat levels, and other measures indicating greater obesity risk. This association suggests that household food insecurity may be especially hazardous for infants.
Children born to obese mothers face higher risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to microbiome disruption, which can be influenced by maternal diet during pregnancy. The study aims to investigate the role of pyrroloquinoline quinone in improving the microbiome and lowering the risk for NAFLD.
A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists suggests that breastfeeding changes the body's insulin sensitivity, particularly in highly insulin-sensitive organs like the liver and fat tissue. This increase in insulin sensitivity may provide a buffer against insulin resistance even decades later, lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers report a case where a pregnant mother transmitted COVID-19 to her prematurely born baby, highlighting the need to limit exposure for pregnant women. The study adds to evidence that SARS-CoV-2 virus can be transmitted in utero and emphasizes the importance of protecting mothers and newborns.
A study published in The Lancet found that community health workers can significantly reduce maternal, fetal, and newborn deaths by improving access to care. Researchers recommend expanding the workforce and improving healthcare standards to reach more women.
Researchers found that mother bats adjust their vocalizations to provide positive feedback to their pups during vocal practice, while male bats transmit the social group's vocal signature. This complex parent-offspring communication may be a key feature of bat language development.
A UC Davis Health study found that children with autism born to mothers who had immune conditions during their pregnancy are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems. Maternal immune conditions, such as asthma, were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems in male offspring.
A new study reveals that women often receive excessive opioid prescriptions after childbirth, leading to a higher risk of addiction and misuse within communities. The research emphasizes the need for revised prescribing practices to prioritize patient health and safety.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in California have increased among certain groups, including obese mothers, smokers, and African American women. The study analyzed data from over 4 million single births and found that children of African American women had nearly twice the risk of infant mortality compared to those of whi...
New research found prenatal depression alters child's brain connectivity, with weaker white matter connections linked to increased aggression and hyperactivity in male children. The study suggests a need for better prenatal care to recognize and treat prenatal depression.
Research suggests that 1 in 4 UK puppies may be acquired before the minimum recommended age, risking health and behavioral problems. Factors associated with early adoption include visiting the puppy before taking it home or intending to use the dog for work.
A study of infants and young children with mothers having ankylosing spondylitis (AS) found their growth and development comparable to offspring of other women. Despite having a rheumatic disease, mothers can have healthy children.
A new study finds that Medicaid-covered mothers are three times less likely to feel they had a choice about their birth experience, compared to those with private insurance. Women on Medi-Cal were also half as likely to have a choice of prenatal provider or be encouraged to make decisions about labor and birth.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal depression during and after pregnancy significantly increases the odds of depression in offspring during adolescence and adulthood. The research, which examined over 15,000 children, shows that perinatal depression can have a lasting negative impact on mental health.
A team of Princeton researchers used optogenetics to activate the Ras/Erk pathway in fly embryos lacking Torso signaling. This allowed them to investigate where and when Ras/Erk signaling is needed for terminal patterning, revealing a surprisingly simple system controlling complex developmental patterns.
A small observational study found no cases of virus transmission from mothers with COVID-19 infection to their newborn babies after two weeks of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Mothers can safely breastfeed and stay in the same room as their newborns if they use appropriate face coverings and follow infection control procedures.
A Rutgers researcher has found that a weakened immune system, rather than HIV itself, contributes to the prevalence of dental cavities in children. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sampled nearly 300 children and found that those with normal immunity levels had lower cavity rates, regardless of HIV status
A recent Canadian study found that DHA supplements have no effect on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants born before the 29th week of pregnancy. The study involved 461 breastfeeding mothers who received either a daily supplement or a placebo, and the results showed no improvement in respiratory conditions by 36 weeks.
A management study led by Baylor University found a troubling connection between workplace pregnancy discrimination and the health of mothers and babies. Perceived pregnancy discrimination can lead to increased postpartum depressive symptoms for mothers and lower birth weights, gestational ages, and doctor visits for babies.
Researchers found that mothers engage in various protective behaviors to shield their children from domestic abuse, such as controlling the home environment and 'keeping the peace.' A strengths-based approach is essential for practitioners to recognize and support these efforts, rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes of motherhood.
A new study reveals that offspring of older mothers are less fit to survive and reproduce, affecting their health, lifespan, and fertility in humans and other species. Mathematical modeling suggests a decline in natural selection pressure with maternal age may contribute to the persistence of this phenomenon.