Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
The study found the maternal mortality rate after C-section in Africa is substantially higher than expected at 5.43 per 1,000 operations, compared to 0.1 per 1,000 operations in high-income countries. Neonatal mortality rates also double the global average.
Researchers found that in 9% of cases, embryos produce males when sperm genetic material is used after fertilization. This unique case suggests that males play a crucial role in helping females produce descendants without contributing their own genes.
A study led by the University of Colorado found that choline supplements can prevent fetal brain developmental problems when a mother has the flu during pregnancy. Higher levels of choline in mothers also improved their children's ability to pay attention and regulate their behavior.
A collaborative study between Seattle Children's Research Institute and Microsoft data scientists found that smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The study estimated that up to 800 deaths from SUID could be prevented each year if women smoked no cigarettes during pregnancy.
Researchers found that a combination of wolf reduction and short-term caribou penning during calving season maximized population growth. Adaptive management is recommended for direct population restoration of endangered species.
A major Swedish observational study of nearly 1.8 million children found that maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of autism and depression in children. The risk was highest for infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes virus, but even mild infections were linked to increased mental ill-health.
An Australian study found that regular telephone support from experienced breastfeeders increased breastfeeding rates among first-time mothers by 75%, compared to 69% in the control group. The program also improved mothers' ability to cope with challenges, leading to a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding at six months.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.
Researchers found that mothers infected with Zika also had dengue antibodies led to worse fetal brain damage. An immune complex forms when dengue antibodies attach to the Zika virus, recognized by a receptor on placental cells, allowing the virus to travel across the placenta.
Research suggests that infants as young as six months old can detect anger in their mothers' voices and respond with increased brain activity. Maternal interactions also play a crucial role in shaping the infant's brain response to angry vocalizations.
A study of 241 high-risk families found that mothers who took prenatal vitamins during the first month of pregnancy had a lower ASD recurrence rate compared to those who didn't. The proportion of children with ASD was 14.1% among vitamin-takers versus 32.7% among non-users.
Researchers found no significant difference in breastfeeding duration between early-term and full-term infants, suggesting that healthy premature babies can have successful breastfeeding outcomes. The study included 2,700 pairs of mothers and infants and monitored them from birth to 12 months or until breastfeeding ceased.
A new study published in Risk Analysis: An International Journal found that mothers who give birth at night, on weekends, or in teaching hospitals are more likely to experience delivery complications. The study analyzed over two million cases from 2005 to 2010 and found a significant increase in complications during night shifts, weeke...
A University of Michigan study found that stressed Kalahari meerkat mothers alter the growth and behavior of their daughters, leading them to redirect energy towards helping future offspring, thereby benefiting their mothers. This phenomenon highlights a unique example of maternal effects on offspring in nonhuman animals.
Researchers found that new mothers and fathers experience decreased sleep duration and satisfaction for up to six years after giving birth. Mothers tend to experience more severe sleep disruption than fathers due to their increased caregiving responsibilities.
A recent clinical trial found that pregnant mothers who consumed daily 600 milligrams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had offspring with protected blood pressure levels despite excessive weight gain during early childhood. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure increases associated with obesity.
A clinical trial found that inducing labor at 41 weeks of pregnancy leads to a small reduction in birth complications, with an absolute risk difference of 1.4% in favor of the induction group. However, the results are not conclusive enough to change current practice, according to a linked editorial.
In a five-year study, over 87% of golden snub-nosed monkey infants were nursed by females other than their mothers, highlighting the behavior in Old World monkeys for the first time. This phenomenon, called allomaternal nursing, was found to be reciprocal and beneficial for infant survival.
A recent study found that parents' ability to self-regulate and think flexibly is crucial in navigating conflicts with teenagers. Fathers were less capable of set-shifting and physiological regulation than mothers, leading to more hostile behavior. However, better-set-shifting fathers could counteract dysregulation and reduce angry res...
Researchers developed a microfluidic model of the placenta, allowing for the study of caffeine transport from mother to fetus. The model showed that some caffeine does pass through, raising questions about maternal intake and fetal exposure. Further studies aim to personalize the technology and explore effects on individual cells.
A study found that Chilean food regulations targeting obesity have a positive impact on mothers' understanding, perceptions, and spending habits. Mothers recognized healthier choices and perceived a cultural shift toward healthier eating.
New research from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine shows that interventions in West Africa can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The study found that women who received support reported being 70% more likely to exclusively breastfeed than those who did not receive the intervention.
Research from the University of Bristol found that mothers with an internal locus of control before their child was born were more likely to have a child who excelled in math and science. These internally focused mothers also provided better nutrition, read to their children more frequently, and showed interest in their homework.
A study found that grandchildren of adolescent mothers have lower school readiness scores and lag behind in physical and social development. The multigenerational effect suggests that interventions targeting children born to adolescent mothers should also consider their own grandchildren.
A new study finds that climate change increases the risk of mental health problems in children born to mothers with prenatal depression who experience natural disaster-related stress. Infants of depressed mothers displayed greater distress and fear, less smiling and laughter, and lower soothability.
Conflict with mothers during early years of elementary school may predict a child's struggle to find purpose as an adult. A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that children who reported conflicted relationships with their mothers were more likely to experience a sense of confusion and uncertainty about their life path.
A large study found that parental time has a powerful impact on educational achievement. The longer a parent is absent, the less impact their education has on their child's success. Mothers' education levels have a stronger effect than fathers', particularly in larger families where mothers spend more time with children.
A new study highlights the importance of involving all family members in nutrition education programs for children. Researchers found that many mothers face conflicting advice from older female relatives on feeding their babies, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits. To balance family harmony and healthy diets, mothers use strategi...
The USPSTF reaffirms its recommendation for using an antibiotic ointment to prevent gonococcal eye infections in all newborns. This infection can spread to the cornea and cause blindness as early as 24 hours after birth, with transmission rates of 30% to 50% from mother to newborn.
A new study from the University of York found that first-time mothers who give birth via unplanned cesarean section are 15% more likely to experience postnatal depression. The study highlights the need for increased mental health support for women whose babies are delivered via emergency C-section.
A study published in Finland found that both educational level and occupational orientation predict a mother's likelihood of smoking during early pregnancy. Low educational levels and vocational education were strongly linked to increased smoking rates, whereas university degrees showed lower smoking rates.
New research reveals that shift work can impair glucose tolerance and disrupt maternal circadian rhythms in early pregnancy, leading to reduced fetal growth and longer pregnancies. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of shift work on human metabolism and pregnancy outcomes.
Research from Arizona State University and Oklahoma State University reveals that women who feel overly responsible for household management and parenting are less satisfied with their lives and partnerships. The study found strong links between invisible labor and feelings of overwhelm, emptiness, and low partner satisfaction.
A study found that supplementing mouse moms with nicotinamide riboside increases the quantity and quality of their milk, resulting in long-lasting physical and behavioral advantages in their offspring. The pups benefited from improved metabolic health, better motor coordination, learning and memory, and resilience to stress.
A new Northwestern University study identifies four factors that can accurately predict the severity and longevity of postpartum depression in new mothers. The study found that early intervention can improve treatment outcomes, and clinicians can tailor care to individual women's needs.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect up to 14% of women in their lifetimes, leading to adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. Integrated care approaches, including screenings in primary care clinics, NICU, and ED, are being implemented to help women with PMADs receive timely treatment.
A study from the University of Kent discovered that part-time working mothers with flexible schedules often end up doing more unpaid overtime. This is despite having more control over their work hours. The researchers found an average increase of around 20 minutes in unpaid overtime for part-time working mothers.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that stressed mothers are more likely to have overweight children, with girls being particularly vulnerable. The research, which analyzed data from over 498 mother-child pairs, suggests that maternal stress during the first year of life can lead to long-term weight development issues ...
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that maternal stress during the first year of life is a significant risk factor for developing overweight in infancy. The study, which analyzed data from 498 mother-child pairs, shows a high correlation between stressed mothers and their daughters' weight development up to age five.
Russian neuroscientists discovered that early stress in mice impacts both the individual and their offspring, affecting memory, learning, and maternal behavior. The study found that separated mice showed reduced hippocampus neurons and altered exploratory behavior, while their offspring exhibited behavioral changes related to sex.
The study will investigate the impacts of iron deficiency on infant brain development and physical growth. The trials aim to recruit over 6000 women and children in developing countries.
Researchers found that post-natal depression in fathers is linked to increased risk of depression in their teenage daughters. Girls whose fathers experienced depression after birth were more likely to develop depression at age 18.
A new special issue of Birth Defects Research explores the role of maternal contributions on fetal development, including organ formation and immune system regulation. Studies show that mother-to-baby transmission affects the risk of birth defects and diseases like food allergy and schizophrenia.
A study of over 2,400 low-income women found that stress and poverty can lead to chronic diseases in mothers and children. Breastfeeding was shown to provide some protection from the negative health effects of stress.
A new study found that a strong parental relationship can change how children perceive environmental cues, overriding some negative effects of violence or poverty. The study used fMRI to observe activity in the amygdala and found that mothers' positive expressions reduced fearful responses in younger children.
A US study reveals that physicians based on their status as mothers face unique forms of discrimination, including varied expectations of performance, limited career development opportunities, and lack of support before and after birth. The findings emphasize the need for structural changes to address pregnancy, parental leave, and chi...
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin C supplementation reduced harm to infants' lungs caused by smoking during pregnancy. Infants whose mothers took 500mg of vitamin C in addition to their prenatal vitamin had significantly better lung function at three months of age, according to the study.
Research reveals that African American race, rural residence, and low socioeconomic status are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in adolescent mothers. Social determinants of health play a crucial role in driving inequalities in adolescent perinatal health.
A new study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children finds that breastfeeding mothers are more likely to quit smoking when they have access to evidence-based assistance. The CEASE program, which trains pediatric office staff to screen and support smoking families, provides nicotine replacement prescriptions and referrals to state quitlines.
A new study links maternal stress levels at conception to children's cortisol responses at age 11, with different associations for boys and girls. The researchers measured cortisol levels from mothers-to-be and their children over several years.
Research found that increased brain activity in response to infants' facial cues from pregnancy to motherhood is associated with more positive relationships with the baby. Mothers who showed such increases reported stronger bonds with their infants after birth.
New research reveals that a third of UK workers believe flexible working creates more work for others and harms their career prospects. Men are more likely to view part-time and reduced-hour workers as negatively impacted, while women suffer from such stereotypes, leading to low uptake of flexible working rights.
A study found that prenatal environmental factors, including maternal age and nutrition, influence genomic imprinting in humans. The researchers analyzed DNA methylation data from Gambian children and found varying levels of imprinting depending on the season of conception.
A long-running study of mothers and children found that chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and phenols are associated with earlier puberty in girls. The study suggests that these chemicals may mimic or interfere with natural hormones in the body, leading to an earlier onset of puberty.
Researchers at IST Austria found that plant cells inherit knowledge of where is up and down from their mother cell. The directional transport of hormone auxin sets up polarization, but this depends on polar distribution of PIN auxin transporters. Endocytosis and phosphorylation of PIN transporters are crucial for re-establishing polarity.
Researchers found that African-American mothers rated boys as displaying more frequent ADHD symptoms than Caucasian mothers did, regardless of child race. This suggests that racial differences in ADHD diagnosis may be more due to maternal race than child race.
A new study reveals that jumping spiders exhibit lactation-like provisioning behavior, where motherly care and nutritious milk are provided to offspring until they become independent. Spiderlings remained in the nest and nursed on spider milk for nearly 40 days, ensuring their overall health and adult survival.
A 33-million-year-old fossil whale named Maiabalaena from Oregon had neither teeth nor baleen, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary origin of these structures. The discovery provides new insights into the feeding habits of early whales and sheds light on the complex evolution of whale species.
A recent study reveals that a species of jumping spider provides milk to its offspring, similar to mammalian lactation. The researchers observed that the mother continued to care for her young even after they could forage for themselves, resulting in a high adult survival rate and normal body size.
Researchers have developed 'mini-placentas', cellular models of the early stages of placenta formation, to study early pregnancy and reproductive disorders. These miniature functional models closely resemble normal first-trimester placentas and may provide insights into pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.