Articles tagged with Mothers
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 study found that pregnant women and new mothers in Cambodia use bear products to treat pregnancy and post-partum related ailments. This practice poses a significant threat to bear populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce demand pressures.
A study published in Current Biology found that dolphins can learn new foraging skills by observing and imitating their peers, not just their mothers. The researchers identified over 1,000 individual dolphins performing the behavior, which spreads primarily within social networks.
A new study from Purdue University finds that mothers do not have diminished attention and may even have better executive control attention compared to non-mothers. The research used a revised Attention Network Test to compare reaction times among 60 mothers and 70 non-mothers, finding no evidence to support the 'mommy brain' stereotype.
UC Davis Health researchers outline three potential mechanisms of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to fetus, emphasizing the importance of understanding timing and infection routes. Intrapartum or early postnatal infection can occur through exposure to infected maternal blood or secretions.
A five-minute role-play with a doll predicted parenting quality nine months after birth, measuring intuitive parenting skills such as talking to the face and showing concern. The study found that these skills can be taught, and good co-parenting relationships and personality traits also predict better parenting.
Researchers from Aarhus University found that boat engines can disturb humpback whales, causing them to change behavior and reducing their resting time. The team recommends a 150 dB noise emission standard to minimize disturbance, ensuring whales receive some peace and quiet.
A recent study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that COVID-19 transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy is rare. The research examined 49 studies involving 666 neonates and 655 women, revealing that only a small percentage of babies tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the s...
Research at the University of Guelph found that parents under stress are less likely to monitor and limit their children's screen time. Mothers who reported high levels of parenting stress were more likely to use devices in front of their kids, while fathers experiencing similar stress were more likely to enforce rules.
A study by University of Queensland researchers found that maternal depression is linked to higher risks of behavioral problems and poor development in children. The study suggests that reducing depressive symptoms at any stage can improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
The study found that siblings of infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly are at a 10-fold increased risk of suffering a similar death, with rates nearly 4 times higher than the general population. Modifiable risk factors for SUDI include smoking, mental health issues, unsafe sleeping, and child abuse/neglect.
One in five Australian mothers is not receiving critical perinatal mental health checks, according to a University of Queensland study. The study found that older mothers and those with emotional distress are less likely to be screened for mental health issues.
Researchers found that a specific histone modification, H4K16ac, is essential for embryonic development and drives gene activation in fruit fly offspring. The study suggests that mothers pass this information to their children through epigenetic modifications.
A recent study published by Princeton University researchers reveals that the 'healthy immigrant' effect experienced by foreign-born black women is lost within a single generation due to discrimination and inequality. In contrast, foreign-born Hispanic women maintain a modest advantage in birthweight across generations.
Researchers found only 34% of mothers exclusively breastfed to six months due to milk shortages or breastfeeding difficulties. Mothers may need to supplement or stop if they experience problems.
A new study suggests that taking extra choline supplements during pregnancy may mitigate the negative impact of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, on fetal brain development. Higher prenatal choline levels have been shown to protect the fetus's developing brain from the effects of virus infection.
The study found that women who watched videos of themselves and their peers experienced increased autonomous motivation and self-efficacy, leading to a significant decrease in fat intake. The intervention's emphasis on coping self-efficacy also reduced participants' stress levels.
Female roundworms release serotonin when sensing danger, passing warning signals to eggs and future offspring. This mechanism protects the young from harm, increasing birth rates and survival success.
Research suggests that COVID-19 has added stress on mothers during pregnancy, affecting their mental health, and potentially impacting their child's future well-being. Four factors of prenatal maternal stress were identified: anxiety/depression, somatic, general affective symptoms, and pregnancy-specific worries.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that smoking by pregnant mothers increases the risk of asthma in their offspring between ages 31 and 46. The risk is higher for those with a history of respiratory symptoms or the RUNX-1 susceptibility gene, highlighting early airway vulnerability.
A study by Korean researchers found that breastfeeding lowers maternal postpartum diabetes incidence and improves metabolic health through serotonin production. The research showed sustained improvements in pancreatic beta cells lasting years after lactation cessation, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.
Researchers found that nicotine exposure during lactation can alter development of the head and face in mice, leading to premature closure of joints that connect sections of the skull. This could result in craniosynostosis, a disorder that requires neurosurgery to correct.
A new systematic review highlights the importance of emotional and psychological support, community involvement, and personal growth for new mothers during the postnatal period. The study identified four recurring themes that shape a positive post-birth experience, providing insights for caregivers to improve maternal care.
A large study found that giving antibiotics after C-section umbilical cord clamping is equally safe as before, with no increase in surgical site infections. The results challenge the current WHO recommendation of administering antibiotics before incision.
A recent study analyzing reproductive attitudes in Russia found that most families desire two children, but the actual number is often lower due to various factors. The average desired and expected numbers of children have been declining over the past five years, with a slight decrease in both indicators.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping mothers and infants together, citing no evidence that separation improves outcomes. Separation may minimize virus transmission but can have negative consequences for both mother and infant, including disrupted breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
Researchers identified four cases of newborn babies with COVID-19 infection in China, showing only mild symptoms. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women and newborns against COVID-19 infection.
Project Nurture, a novel treatment and social services program, has been shown to reduce child maltreatment and foster care placement by more than 8 percentage points. The program also increases prenatal visits and hospital length-of-stay for new mothers with opioid use disorder.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that a damaged fertilized egg sends a molecular signal to the mother that protects her from cellular stress and environmental damage. This allows the mother to live longer and produce healthier eggs.
A study of 33 newborns born to mothers with COVID-19 in China found that most infants recovered from the illness, with no long-term health consequences reported. The research aimed to better understand the impact of maternal COVID-19 on infant health and provide insights for medical professionals.
A recent study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is a safe option for many women, with 64.1% opting for TOLAC and 91.3% experiencing successful vaginal births. Health professionals are advised to educate expectant mothers on the risks and benefits of each delivery option.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that Mexican women living in Texas breastfed longer than their counterparts born and educated in the US. The research showed that early formula use, returning to work, and smoking were risk factors for discontinuing breastfeeding earlier than intended.
Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children whose mothers ate fish 1-3 times a week during pregnancy had lower metabolic syndrome scores than those who ate fish rarely. Moderate fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced inflammation and improved child metabolic health.
A Chinese case study found that COVID-19 is not transmitted from pregnant mothers to newborns, with all four infants in the study remaining healthy. Researchers are now exploring potential risks of transmission through other means, such as perinatal and postnatal transmission.