Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that married American moms are more likely to try to time their pregnancy for a spring birth, with factors such as age, education, and marital status influencing this decision. On average, a married woman aged 20-45 would be willing to pay $877 USD to guarantee a spring birth.
A study by Michigan State University found overdoses and suicides as leading causes of deaths among new mothers in California. The research highlights the need for increased focus on prevention, particularly among non-Hispanic white and low-income women.
Princeton researchers found that learned avoidance behavior in C. elegans can be inherited for multiple generations through the germline, with the behavior remaining elevated for up to four generations before returning to normal levels. This study provides new insights into transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and its potential rol...
A new study found an increased risk of behavioral problems in children of mothers with epilepsy who took common antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. Valproate-exposed children were most affected, but parents also reported behavioral problems for other medications.
A study by University of Zurich researchers found that fathers' reliable care is crucial for brain development, while help from other group members is less essential. This discovery explains why some animal species with large-brained mammals have bigger brains due to their fathers' dependable assistance.
Research from Loma Linda University suggests that unsupportive parenting styles may have negative health implications for children, including shorter telomeres and increased disease risk. The study found that cold parenting was associated with smaller telomeres, which can accelerate cellular aging.
A new genomics study explores the genetic signatures of a pair of wolves isolated on Isle Royale, revealing the impact of inbreeding on the population's health. The research found that close inbreeding leads to genetic anomalies, which are likely driving the wolf population crash over the past decade.
A study found that brain size in offspring is associated with paternal care, while higher fertility is linked to alloparental care from non-biological parents. This suggests that energy inputs from different caregivers may impact brain development and reproductive output in mammals.
A study of 643 young men found that those exposed to stressful life events during early gestation had worse sperm quality and lower testosterone concentrations than those not exposed. This suggests that maternal exposure to stress may have long-lasting effects on male fertility.
A large-scale study of nearly half a million births in Canada found that first-trimester fainting episodes are linked to preterm births, low birth weight, and increased heart problems. Researchers urge expectant mothers who faint during pregnancy to report it to their doctors.
Research by Sara Davis and Abby Dubisar found a stark contrast in information provided for women and men seeking elective sterilization, reinforcing gender roles and stereotypes. The study recommends improved communication strategies for doctors to better counsel patients on the procedure's benefits and risks.
Research in rats found high linoleic acid intake may harm pregnant women, increasing inflammation and disrupting hormone regulation. The study suggests reducing linoleic acid consumption during pregnancy may mitigate these risks.
Researchers found that matching mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA could be important when selecting potential donors for mitochondrial donation treatment. They discovered that mitochondria are fine-tuned to the nucleus and may influence the likelihood of certain mutations being passed on.
Research in The Journal of Physiology found that exercise during pregnancy improves placental function, preventing excessive fetal growth and obesity in offspring. Maternal exercise also enhances metabolic health, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders.
Research finds that bonobo moms play an active role in helping their sons find a mate by preventing other males from mating and bringing them to ovulating females. This increases the sons' chances of becoming fathers, a finding that suggests bonobo mothers have a significant impact on male fertility.
A mindfulness-based parenting intervention has been shown to decrease depression symptoms in mothers with opioid use disorder, particularly those with moderate to severe depression symptoms. The study, published in Issues in Mental Health Nursing, found that the intervention was a practical alternative to pharmaceutical treatment.
Researchers found that bonobo mothers aid their adult sons in copulation efforts, protecting them from other males and giving them access to popular spots within social groups. This behavior, rare in chimpanzees, is linked to higher male fertility and reproductive success for the bonobos.
A new study by IFPRI examines the links between teenage pregnancy and child undernutrition in India, finding a strong association between adolescent mothers and undernutrition. The study suggests that ending early marriage is a key policy target to address the problem.
Studies found that writing prompts influencing positive attributes led to stronger recall of love for mothers in early childhood, but effects faded over time. Researchers also discovered that participants' current feelings were misremembered 8 weeks later.
A new study found that first-time fathers feel closer to their mothers as co-parents and romantic partners when they believe they have her confidence in child care. The researchers used data from the New Parents Project, which investigated how dual-earner couples adjust to becoming parents for the first time.
An online intervention with real-time information on locally circulating viruses reduced mothers' intentions to visit the doctor for a respiratory tract infection. Participants in the intervention group had lower intentions than those in the control group, according to the study published in The Annals of Family Medicine.
Researchers found toddlers actively initiate conversations with their parents, choosing topics and driving the conversation. The study used automatic speech recognition technology to analyze over 1,400 hours of recordings from 17 toddlers and their parents.
A University at Buffalo researcher emphasizes the importance of considering community realities and resources in treating postpartum depression among low-income mothers of color. The study's findings highlight the need for social workers to advocate for expanded services, including childcare, transportation, and access to healthcare.
A new UCL-led study found that women with a history of eating disorders are more likely to experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy and beyond. The research suggests that early identification and treatment of eating disorders in pregnant women could reduce the long-term impact on both mothers and children.
A study at Boston Medical Center found that mothers of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants who expressed first milk within 8 hours had a higher probability of successful lactation. The research suggests prioritizing early milk expression to support long-term lactation success.
A study characterizes the phenotypic spectrum of individuals with aggrecan gene (ACAN) mutations, revealing common symptoms such as short stature and accelerated bone age. Researchers investigate the efficacy of growth hormone therapy in improving height SDS scores in children with ACAN deficiencies.
A new framework, secure base provision, predicts infant attachment with greater accuracy than traditional sensitivity-based approaches. Caregivers need only respond correctly 50% of the time to have a positive impact on their baby's development.
A PSU researcher is working to identify the behavioral health needs of NICU parents and develop a sustainable program to support them. Studies show that parents with babies in the NICU are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found a strong link between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and improved cognitive function in children. The research, conducted in Spain, analyzed data from over 2,200 mother-child pairs and discovered that those who consumed more nuts during the first trimester sco...
A genomic study of a mass grave in Neolithic Poland reveals an extended family structure, with mothers and children together, but older males absent. The analysis suggests that the massacre may have been linked to the expansion of Corded Ware groups, supporting the notion that violence was a common response to population pressure.
A study found that maternal obesity affects sperm RNA, influencing offspring's behavior and health. Sperm tsRNAs contribute to transgenerational transmission of addiction and obesity traits in mice.
A new study published in Public Health Nutrition found that 61% of low-income infants received formula in the first few days of life. Mothers who set an exclusive breastfeeding goal were five times more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at three months post-partum, highlighting the need for education and culturally appropriate sup...
The largest study of its kind has identified 190 links between genetic code and birth weight, with two-thirds being discovered for the first time. Both maternal and fetal genetic effects play a role in influencing birth weight, with some genes promoting growth while others restrict it.
A large-scale international collaboration has identified 190 genetic links to birth weight, with two-thirds discovered for the first time. Research found that a baby's genes play a substantial role in determining their birth weight, while also influencing factors in their intrauterine environment.
A study found that new mothers who slept more had greater well-being, while fathers who slept more reported lower overall well-being. The researchers also discovered that on days when fathers exercised more, there was a lower likelihood of arguments with their partners.
A systematic review by Newcastle University researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity by over three times. The study also identified higher risks for children born to mothers with overweight BMI, emphasizing the need for early interventions focused on weight management.
The study found that African-American mothers live in fear for their sons' safety, leading to physical symptoms and impacting their parenting style. The mothers reported sharing 'the talk' with their sons to enhance their chances of survival.
Research from Florida State University finds that pregnant women are more likely to feel 'pushed out' of their workplaces, leading them to opt-out. The study confirms inherent biases against expectant mothers and highlights the need for employers to provide equal career support to both men and women with children.
A new study found that a maternal vaccine can effectively protect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in mouse offspring, transferring infection-fighting antibodies to their nervous system. The vaccine has shown promise in preclinical animal models and phase 1 human trials, offering new hope for preventing neonatal herpes infections.
A new study found that routine ultrasounds can eliminate undiagnosed breech presentations, lower emergency caesarean sections, and improve maternal health. The research suggests that screening for breech presentation near term could be introduced in a cost-effective manner.
A new study led by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop type 1 diabetes before the age of 22. Early detection is crucial in preventing complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes before age 22. Early detection is crucial, as many cases are diagnosed when symptoms like frequent urination and weight loss arise.
The Healthy Start program aims to address longstanding perinatal health disparities in Houston's most disadvantaged communities. The initiative will provide community-based services and health education to black women, their partners, and families to promote preconception care and behaviors that reduce risk.
A study of 1,700 physician mothers found that those in procedural specialties who take on more household tasks report higher career dissatisfaction. The authors suggest more equitable distribution of tasks or outsourcing duties may help sustain physician moms.
Researchers found that vaccinated mothers can protect their newborns from neonatal herpes, a disease that can cause brain damage and death. The study also identified two scenarios that are particularly dangerous for newborns: acquiring genital herpes late in pregnancy or exposure to the virus through non-protected contact.
The article review found no risks associated with breastfeeding mothers receiving routine and standard vaccinations. In fact, there are benefits for both mothers and infants, including enhanced antibody response and reduced vaccine-related fever after infant vaccination.
New research finds differences in breast milk composition between normal weight and overweight mothers, with specific metabolites identified as risk factors for childhood obesity. The study suggests that a tailored mix of nutrients in breast milk could be therapeutic targets to protect children from obesity.
A two-center study used EEGs to assess the impact of maternal stress on infant brain development, finding distinct patterns in brain activity at just 2 months old. Babies whose mothers reported higher levels of stress tended to have lower power in higher frequency bands and relatively higher power in lower-frequency bands.
A study of 70 mothers and infants found that maternal stress impacts neurodevelopment at 2 months old. Higher maternal education acts as a protective factor against the stress effect.
Researchers observed mountain gorillas gathering around the bodies of deceased group members, spending time in contact with their corpses, and even grooming them. These behaviors were surprisingly similar across different gorilla groups and suggest a complex understanding of death among these animals.
New research published in CMAJ found a higher risk of severe maternal complications after cesarean delivery, particularly among women aged 35 and older. Women under 35 had 1.5 times the odds of complications, while those over 35 had almost twice as high odds.
A recent study by the University of Kentucky has identified a potential cellular mechanism that connects smoking during pregnancy with an increased risk of offspring obesity later in life. The research found that expectant mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy induce distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in their offspring.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children exposed to metformin in utero had a higher risk of obesity. The research, which followed 141 children from PCOS mothers for 5-10 years, also showed no link between metformin use and healthier growth conditions.
Researchers found that offspring from older mothers are more responsive to dietary interventions known to increase lifespan. However, caloric restriction did not improve overall fitness in these offspring.
A recent study of child-feeding habits among Marshallese in Arkansas found high compliance with medical standards for breastfeeding infants, but also reliance on rice and processed foods. Researchers identified economic and cultural barriers to incorporating fruits and vegetables into the diet.
A recent University of Michigan-led study found that mothers of fussy babies are at a higher risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. The study explored whether a baby's level of prematurity in combination with infant fussiness influences the severity of maternal depressive symptoms.
A high-fat, high-sugar diet in pregnant mice causes heart problems in their offspring, which are then passed down to subsequent generations. The defects in heart mitochondria are thought to be caused by epigenetic changes in the mother's eggs.
Research shows indigenous Mexican mothers can breastfeed successfully after C-sections, reducing negative child health effects. The practice is culturally mediated and offers protective benefits that reduce health problems.
A study analyzing data from over 11,600 mother-child pairs found that having a child with eczema was associated with difficulty falling asleep, insufficient sleep, and increased daytime exhaustion for mothers. The severity of a child's eczema was linked to worse sleep outcomes for mothers.
A multidisciplinary team-based approach involving cardiac and maternal/fetal/newborn specialists saved the life of a pregnant woman with heart failure. The team successfully managed her care for seven weeks, delivering the baby prematurely but saving both mom and child.