Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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.
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 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.
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.
A new study by Southern Methodist University found that children who assume they are responsible for their mother's sadness or depression are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This phenomenon highlights the critical role parents play in intervening when children make such comments.
A randomized controlled trial found that tailored messages addressing HPV vaccine concerns improved intent to vaccinate, while a bundled approach was less effective. The study suggests that personalized messaging may be essential for increasing HPV vaccination uptake among hesitant parents.
A new guide seeks to provide healthcare providers with useful tools and information to support new mothers with the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. The guide addresses gaps in knowledge and support created in previous decades, providing evidence-based solutions for breastfeeding management.
Researchers found that baboon mothers in the wild carry dead infants for varying lengths of time, with an average duration of three to four days. The mother's age, infant cause of death, and climate conditions may influence the length of time a mother carries her dead infant.
A new study found that people who experienced the greatest levels of hardship, stress, and personal loss were five times more likely to experience a lower quality of life, with significantly more health and physical difficulties in later life. Those raised by emotionally cold mothers were also less likely to experience good quality of ...
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.
A national paid maternity leave policy of at least 12 weeks can reduce postpartum depression, infant mortality, and improve mother-child interactions. Paid leave also has economic benefits, including increased breastfeeding duration and wage stability.
Researchers found that younger females adapt their reproductive strategy based on the size of the carcass available, while older females consistently put high effort into reproduction. This age-dependent plasticity in parental care allows younger beetles to conserve resources for future reproductive opportunities.
Research reveals that mothers with chronic depression in poor rural communities experience increased health problems, distrusted doctors, and a worse outlook on life. Their children also suffer from emotional and behavioral issues due to lack of childcare options and support.
A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.
A study published in Frontiers found that mothers can accurately detect their child's developmental stage through their body odor. The research suggests that infantile body odors mediate affectionate love towards the child during bonding periods, while postpubertal classifications could indicate a mechanism for detachment.
A new study published in Clinical Pediatrics found that young children from low-income homes whose mothers used toxic household chemicals frequently showed delays in language development and scored lower on cognitive tests. The researchers analyzed data from 190 families and found no link between neighborhood pollution, mold, or pestic...
A new study links maternal depression during pregnancy to lower immunoglobulin A levels in infants, linking them to higher risks of infection, asthma, and depression later in life. The research found that even mild depressive symptoms had a significant impact on the infant's immune system.
Two out of three young mothers have at least one mental health problem, with almost 40% having multiple issues including depression and anxiety. The study's findings can be used to develop better screening processes for this vulnerable population.
A study found that macrolide antibiotics prescribed during early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of major birth defects, particularly cardiovascular malformations. Alternative antibiotics should be used instead until further research is available.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy report improved lung function in infants born after FETO therapy, which involves a minimally invasive procedure to block the fetal trachea. The study found that prenatal and postnatal monitoring and care were highly coordinated, allowing for favorable outcomes in the 14 infants born.
Parents receiving prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis face complex decision-making, with most choosing to continue pregnancy despite low prenatal screening uptake. Key factors influencing their decisions include perceived welcome of a child with DS, quality of screening test, and information provided.
A novel elective program for pediatric residents has increased time spent at home with newborns, leading to improved income and academic outcomes. The four-week rotation provides up to four weeks of paid leave, benefiting breastfeeding establishment and fetal health.
A UK study found that mothers prescribed macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy were at higher risk of having children with cardiovascular and genital malformations. The study suggests avoiding macrolides during pregnancy when alternative antibiotics can be used.
A new study of wild chimpanzees finds that males whose mothers were present during their tween and teen years had higher odds of survival later in life. The study also suggests that adolescent males benefit from their mother's wealth of experience and knowledge, such as how to avoid predators or find food.
Female marmot offspring born to older mothers exhibit greater annual and lifetime reproductive success compared to those born to younger mothers. In contrast, low-elevation environments exacerbate the decline in reproductive success of female offspring born to older mothers.
A small observational study found no evidence of intrauterine transmission of the new coronavirus and similar symptoms to non-pregnant adults. The study results were based on nine pregnant women with COVID-19 infection, all of whom gave birth via cesarean section.
Researchers found that calf mortality at taming age differs from wild elephants and that calves with less experienced mothers are more likely to die. However, overall calf survival has massively improved over the decades, thanks to changes in management, such as daily veterinary care and access to natural habitats.
Researchers found a positive correlation between butylparaben exposure and increased body-mass index in children until their eighth birthday. Parabens may disrupt the regulation of natural satiety in the brain through epigenetic modifications, leading to higher food intake.
A recent study by MUSC Health found that telemedicine can be an effective way to reach pregnant women with opioid use disorder, with no significant differences in maternal and newborn outcomes compared to in-person care. Integrated, collaborative care models are crucial for treating this chronic disease, and telemedicine maximizes the ...
Researchers estimate that more than half of African mothers have experienced the death of a child under age five, and nearly two thirds have experienced any child's death. This study highlights the burden of bereavement as a public health threat in low-income regions.