Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A study examining child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa found that many mothers experienced child death, even as global rates declined. The research suggests that child mortality remains a significant issue in the region.
A new study suggests that when children experience discrimination, it can harm their mothers' health, particularly African American mothers. The research analyzed data from two generations of families and found a link between acute and chronic discrimination and a decline in mothers' self-rated health between ages 40 and 50.
A study by Northwestern Medicine and CDC found that unmarried mothers with paternal involvement are more likely to breastfeed and engage in protective health behaviors. This is compared to married mothers who also experience benefits from their partner's presence, suggesting a positive impact of fatherhood on maternal health.
An Australian study found that formal flexible work arrangements alone are not enough to meet the demands of working mothers and fathers. Informal 'catch-up' strategies, such as performing family-related tasks at work or leaving early, were common among parents. The researchers recommend employers provide transparent information about ...
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that breastfeeding does not pose a risk for infants of mothers with epilepsy who take antiepileptic drugs. The study measured the drug concentrations directly in infants through breast milk, showing substantially lower levels than maternal blood concentrations.
A recent study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that US birth weights have fallen significantly due to increasing rates of cesarean deliveries and inductions. The average length of pregnancy decreased from 40 weeks to 39 weeks, resulting in a decline of 67 grams (about 2.4 oz) in baby weight over 23 years.
A study published in Advances in Neonatal Care found that continuous skin-to-skin contact does not lead to better interaction between mothers and preterm infants. Despite its potential benefits for infant development, the study discovered no clear results regarding the effect on mother-infant interaction.
A new longitudinal study shows a link between multiple metabolic disorders in mothers during pregnancy and children's body mass indexes later in life. The study found that when a mother experiences both gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, the child has an increased risk of high childhood BMI over time.
Despite federal guidelines in place, many working mothers struggle to access breastfeeding resources such as private rooms, lactation consultants, and breast pumps. Experts recommend employers designate a point person for breastfeeding support to improve work-life balance for new mothers.
A systematic review of existing literature found that leaving school and getting a job leads to a decrease in physical activity, while becoming a mother is linked to increased weight gain. As young adults transition into adulthood, they tend to put on weight due to changes in diet and lifestyle habits.
A new study reveals that autistic mothers experience higher rates of post-natal depression, with 60% reporting difficulties in coping with domestic responsibilities and creating social opportunities. Despite challenges, many reported prioritizing their child's needs and seeking help when needed.
A study led by Professor Halvor Sommerfelt found that kangaroo mother care increased the chance of survival among low-birth-weight infants by 30% in the first month and 25% in the first six months. This intervention is considered easy and inexpensive.
Research shows that maternal microbiota provides immunity to newborns against E. coli, a disease-causing microbe. The study reveals that antibodies are passed on to offspring through milk and the placenta, offering protection beyond just breastfeeding.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that Medicaid expansion in Colorado improved access to postpartum care, particularly for mothers with pregnancy/childbirth complications. This narrowing of the 'postpartum coverage cliff' has significant implications for reducing maternal mortality.
A study on wild chimpanzees found that offspring who lost their mother after weaning had less muscle mass, while mothers of high social status produced offspring with higher muscle mass. Even without direct provisioning, mothers' presence and influence food consumption in their offspring's lives.
A new study shows that chimpanzees using complex tools to gather termites are more likely to share tools with novices and teach them skills. This behavior has implications for the evolution of human cultural abilities, suggesting a greater role for social learning in transferring complex tool traditions.
A study by Flinders University found that mobile apps support breastfeeding decisions but can also overwhelm mothers with information. The apps provide a modern way of tracking baby care aspects, but some may not be tailored to individual needs.
A study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that mothers' coaching styles can impact adolescent peer adjustment. Low reactive youth benefited from active, engaged coping strategies, whereas high reactive kids fared better with self-reliant suggestions. This suggests a personalized approach to parenting is necessary to address...
Research found that mothers' positive emotions strengthen brain connectivity with their babies', enabling efficient information sharing. This neural connection is crucial for learning and development, particularly in infants of depressed mothers.
Since the 1950s, women's magazines have featured idealized images of the 'knowing mother' who prioritizes her family's needs. Over six decades, this representation has shifted, from mothers following expert advice to becoming experts themselves, yet still focused on domestic responsibilities.
Exposure to cooking fumes during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of hyperactivity in young children. Using coal or gas for cooking, poor ventilation, and social class were linked to higher risks of hyperactivity behaviors.
Children of mothers with diabetes have increased rates of early onset cardiovascular disease from childhood to age 40. The study suggests that preventing and treating diabetes in women of childbearing age could help reduce the risk of CVD in their offspring.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a common cold virus can infect cells from human placentas, suggesting a possible link between maternal infection and fetal lung infections. Researchers suspect RSV could attack lung tissue within the fetus, potentially predisposing offspring to asthma.
A rat study found that older mothers' male offspring are more likely to develop heart problems due to changes in placental development and function. The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting fetal growth, but older mothers' placentas show detrimental effects on male fetuses.
A UC study finds that pregnant women rely on their mothers for emotional support and guidance, often valuing mom's advice as equal to or over medical recommendations. This contradicts the narrow perspective of many self-help pregnancy guides, which prioritize medical guidance exclusively.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that women with severe asthma symptoms during pregnancy are at higher risk of pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, and low birth weight. Babies born to these mothers are also more likely to have respiratory issues and congenital abnormalities.
Children's daily screen time increased significantly from age 12 months to 3 years, with an average of 150 minutes per day at 3 years. Higher levels of parental education and being born to first-time mothers were associated with higher screen time.
A team of researchers has developed an AI-powered system that can analyze placentas using computerized photographic image analysis, potentially improving health outcomes for mothers and babies. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect features linked to abnormalities and potential health risks.
A new UK study suggests that single motherhood is associated with lower verbal cognitive abilities in children, even after controlling for mothers' education and age at birth. Children who lived with a single mother before age 11 had lower verbal cognitive attainment than those whose parents stayed together.
Researchers found that nurse home visits have long-term benefits for children born to high-risk mothers, improving cognitive function and academic performance. The program also resulted in significant savings of $17,310 per family in public benefit costs.
A trial suggests that inducing labor at 41 weeks in low-risk pregnancies is associated with a lower risk of newborn death compared to expectant management. The researchers found no difference in adverse perinatal outcomes between the groups, but estimated that inducing labor could prevent one stillbirth for every 230 women induced.
Children born to mothers with eating disorders face increased risks of premature birth, microcephaly, and hyperemesis during pregnancy. The study also found that the risk varies depending on the type of eating disorder and whether the mother has an active or previous eating disorder.
Research reveals alcohol-dependent mothers exhibit harsher parenting when children express intense negative emotions or frustration. Harsh parenting decreases among non-alcohol dependent mothers over time, while increasing among those with greater psychological-behavioral difficulties stemming from alcohol impairment.
A study reveals how mitochondrial DNA is transmitted between generations, showing that a bottleneck occurs during oogenesis, reducing genetic diversity. This process can affect the inheritance of disease-related mutations, making it crucial for genetic counseling in women planning pregnancies.
A study found that home-visiting by trained community workers during and after pregnancy can improve mother-child interactions. Mothers who received home visits displayed more maternal sensitivity, had harmonious interactions with their children, and had happier children at three years post-birth.
Researchers found that first permanent molars carry life-long records of health information from the womb, storing vital data on Vitamin D intake and its impact on health. These 'living fossils' can provide clues connecting maternal health to a child's eventual fate.
A large cohort study found that children exposed to non-TNFi biologics or tofacitinib in utero experienced very few serious infections, with only two cases reported. The study provides the first data on infectious risk in offspring exposed to these drugs during pregnancy.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the recurrence rate of congenital heart block in subsequent pregnancies, regardless of health status. The study evaluated 74 mothers who had a previous child with congenital heart block and were exposed to HCQ during pregnancy.
Two new studies found that vaginal delivery and exclusive breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing allergic conditions in children. Meanwhile, a mother's diet during pregnancy and history of allergies can also influence eczema and food allergy development in offspring.
Researchers warn of risks in allowing skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns after a C-section, as cardiac activity can interfere with electrocardiogram readings. Both cases involved abnormal heart rhythms triggered by the baby's touch on ECG electrodes, highlighting the need for safe protocols.
A new study suggests that humans' ability to cooperate and share childrearing duties is key to our demographic success. Cooperative childrearing increases the number of children that mothers can successfully raise, leading to faster maturation and increased reproduction.
Families with single children tend to have less healthy eating practices and beverage choices compared to families with multiple children. This is attributed to differences in household dynamics and family eating habits rather than peer exposure.
A University at Buffalo study found that mothers' warmth and sensitivity during active play, not feeding interactions, were associated with reduced obesity risk from infancy to second grade. The research focused on families with low socioeconomic status and prenatal exposure to substances like cigarettes and cocaine.
A new study by Colorado State University researcher Jennifer Harman found that mothers use more indirect alienating strategies, while fathers use a mix of direct and indirect tactics. This can lead to children's ultimate rejection of parents for false reasons, creating an 'enmeshed identity' with the alienator.
A study by University at Buffalo found that teenagers with a positive relationship with their mother are less likely to enter abusive relationships. The research discovered that the child's relationship with their mother serves as a buffer, promoting feelings of self-worth and reducing the risk of abuse.
A recent study published by Wake Forest Baptist Health suggests that the microbes living in our gut play a key role in childhood obesity. The review of existing studies reveals how a mother's health, diet, exercise level, and birth method can affect the risk of obesity in her children.
A major Australian study found that planned birth center births had high rates of normal labor and birth, low maternal complications, and comparable perinatal mortality outcomes compared to hospital births. Planned home births also showed positive maternal outcomes with no significant differences in perinatal mortality or NICU admissions.
A recent study found that telehealth effectively diagnosed and managed fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) in rural patients, achieving significant cost savings while maintaining high patient satisfaction. The study used real-time video consultation between medical experts and pediatric cardiologists, resulting in improved diagnostic ...
A new study finds community-based health programs improved healthcare for mothers and newborns in rural Nigeria, Ethiopia and India but inequities persist. Despite progress, many newborns still lack early postnatal care.
A new epigenetic study suggests that mothers' behavior can also have a substantial impact on their children's developing oxytocin systems. The study found that infant temperament was reflected in DNA methylation levels, with higher methylation indicating lower oxytocin receptor expression.
Research from the University of South Australia found that young maternal age at first birth is strongly associated with an increased risk of having a child with ADHD. The study, published in Nature's Scientific Reports, explored the genetic relationship between female reproductive traits and key psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia have developed a simple, low-cost test to predict preeclampsia. The Suboptimal Health Questionnaire assesses health status and combines with blood tests to accurately predict the development of preeclampsia in almost 80% of cases.
Rat pups exposed to infant maltreatment exhibit elevated stress-hormone levels, amygdala, hippocampus, and social behavior deficits. These changes are influenced by the presence or absence of a nurturing mother, highlighting specific effects of stress and social context on brain and behavioral development.
A study found that mothers have a positive influence on adult children's health, while fathers are often seen as 'cautionary tales' about poor health behaviors. Mothers tend to be supportive and available when needed, whereas fathers may encourage unhealthy habits.
A new study in rats reveals the extent of brain damage caused by short-term maternal abuse, which can lead to fear and memory problems. Researchers also found that the combination of stress and abuse can restrict growth of certain parts of the brain, leading to behavioral problems.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that sexual selection alone could spark the formation of new species through imprinted behaviors. The research, which focused on strawberry poison frogs, suggests that females prefer mates with similar colors to their mothers and males become more aggressive against rivals with matching colors.
A new study found that mothers' involvement in play with their children can influence the development of their oxytocin systems. Higher maternal involvement was associated with reduced DNA methylation and increased expression of the oxytocin receptor gene, which can lead to a stronger bond between mother and child.
A Swedish study found that children born to women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a lower risk of major birth defects, which could be attributed to improved blood sugar control and weight loss. The researchers recommend special antenatal care for bariatric surgery patients to ensure fetal health.
Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies the types of physical and psychological stress that may matter most to pregnant women. Physically stressed mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely and have a female baby, while socially supported mothers are more likely to have a male baby.
Research reveals that maternal psychosocial, physical, and lifestyle stress are associated with distinct offspring health outcomes. Babies born to stressed mothers exhibit reduced fetal heart rate-movement coupling, indicating neurodevelopmental issues.