Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A University of California, Riverside-led research team adapted an intervention for childhood obesity prevention to better serve Latina mothers, non-maternal caregivers, and families of low-income backgrounds. The study emphasizes the importance of involving non-maternal caregivers in the adaptation process.
A cohort study found maternal hypertension and preeclampsia independently associated with cognitive and language development delays in preterm infants. Recognizing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for targeted risk management strategies.
The study tracks maternal, fetal, and infant mortality trends in the US from 2000 to 2023. Despite improvements in some years, overall rates of maternal and infant mortality increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A cohort study of pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder found that buprenorphine treatment was associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes. The study highlights the need to improve access to treatment nationwide for these patients.
A new study finds that pregnant women treated with buprenorphine have significantly better health outcomes, including reduced preterm birth rates and lower risk of NICU admission. The research highlights the urgent need for expanded treatment access to vulnerable populations.
A recent psychological study found that high levels of toxic metals in mothers and newborns are associated with early childhood development problems. Breastfeeding during the first six months is generally considered favourable to an infant’s health, but exposure to toxic metals reduces its intensity and duration.
Researchers discovered that mothers who are anemic in early pregnancy have a 47% increased likelihood of giving birth to a child with congenital heart disease. This finding suggests that widespread iron supplementation could help prevent congenital heart disease in many newborns before it develops.
A study of 352 newborn pairs found that maternal childhood trauma can lead to excessive weight gain in male children as early as the first two months of life. This may increase future risk of obesity and diabetes, highlighting a potential intergenerational effect.
A study in the Journal of Management Studies found that generous parental leave can promote mothers' entrepreneurship. The research suggests that the duration of parental leave is more significant than the financial component in shaping mothers' entrepreneurial activity.
A new study found that prenatal stress alters the expression of tiny RNA molecules in newborn blood, particularly in female children, affecting key enzymes in the brain's stress-regulation system. This may explain why some children are more vulnerable to developmental or psychiatric challenges.
A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.
A randomized clinical trial found no association between immediate skin-to-skin contact and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm neonates. However, the intervention was shown to enhance breastfeeding practices up to 12 months compared to standard care.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that reducing socioeconomic disparities can significantly alleviate adverse birth outcomes, with 48% of low-weight births and 15% of premature births possibly avoiding if all women had the same risk level as White British women living in less deprived areas.
A study by University College London anthropologists found that macaque mothers experience a short period of physical restlessness after the death of an infant, but do not exhibit typical human signs of grief. In contrast to human bereavement, macaque mothers spent less time resting in the first two weeks after their infants' deaths.
A study by Edith Cowan University found that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes have consistently higher attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Externalising problems, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, were also more prevalent in these children.
The study highlights the need for better identification of autism in mothers and their children, as well as increased awareness of sensory reactivity and anxiety. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized care and collaboration with diverse groups to break down barriers surrounding motherhood and diversity.
A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals a novel mechanism connecting prolactin, estrogen, the brain, and metabolic adaptations during lactation. Hormonal changes during lactation lead to increased hunger and reduced fat-burning, which are sustained by a specific area of brain cells called ERα neurons.
The WNFC's player ambassadors will amplify public service announcements, social media content, and local community education events to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and CPR education in women. The league has also implemented a requirement for all coaches to be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid.
Eight hospitals, including Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, receive funding to refine discharge processes for mothers and babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The program aims to provide continuity of care through prenatally-based education and post-discharge support.
A study by University of Gothenburg found that mothers' adverse childhood experiences increase risk of children developing ADHD and autism. In contrast, fathers' childhood experiences show no association with their children's neurodevelopmental disorders. The researchers call for a broader approach to parental support.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 85% of postpartum-initiated lactation in ICUs aligns with national averages. Limited documentation and delays during mechanical ventilation are identified as barriers to lactation. The research team is developing an algorithm and guideline to support patients' lactation goals.
A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.
A study by Nora Medina found that mothers with stronger prenatal connections had healthier, positive relationships with their children. Young, low-income mothers who faced challenges in their own parenting experiences also struggled with weaker attachments to their infants.
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes has a unique composition that benefits their infant children. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes experience faster linear growth, lower fat percentages, and reduced weight gain.
A new study in the Circulation Journal reveals that babies born with heart defects may be at a higher risk of developing childhood cancer. Mothers of infants with congenital heart defects also show an increased cancer risk. The study highlights the importance of maternal factors and genetic traits in understanding this connection.
A study found that maternal depression can negatively influence children's executive function and lead to emotional overeating. Mothers with postpartum depression may model unhealthy coping mechanisms for their children, affecting their ability to regulate emotions and develop healthy eating habits.
Researchers found that women who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic were more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of COVID-19 infection severity. Moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy also increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
A new study by UCL researchers found that the oxytocin system is affected in breastfeeding mothers with postnatal depression. Oxytocin levels in breast milk were reduced in mothers experiencing depression after using a nasal spray containing the hormone.
A new study published in Liver International found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to liver stress and changes in the fetus's bile acid levels. This may be a key factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) later in life.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that babies born to teen mothers weigh less and are smaller for their gestational age. The study highlights the role of social, geographical, and educational factors in teen pregnancy prevention.
Elevated fluoride concentrations have been shown to impair cognitive abilities in children, particularly verbal reasoning skills and sensory processing. The study suggests that even low levels of exposure can have significant effects, highlighting the need for further research on fluoride health risks.
A Rutgers Health study found that closely monitoring blood pressure of post-partum mothers can lead to a 68% decrease in emergency department visits. The study also showed an improvement in blood pressures throughout the six weeks postpartum and trends towards decreasing hospital readmissions for hypertension.
A new study in rodents reveals that oxytocin can delay an embryo's development for days to weeks after conception, a phenomenon known as diapause. This finding may offer new insights into pregnancy and fertility issues faced by humans.
A Japanese study found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of placental abruption by 2.8%, while second-hand smoke exposure contributes an additional 3.0% risk. The study highlights the importance of preventing all smoke exposure in public spaces and homes to safeguard maternal and fetal health.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that mothers with high prenatal psychosocial stress and depressive symptoms developed higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum. Social cohesion during pregnancy was also associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting a protective factor.
A study from the University of Missouri found that rural first-time moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding due to a lack of practical knowledge, community support, and access to lactation consultants. The research aims to improve support and resources for new mothers in rural areas.
Virtual breastfeeding support through telelactation services has been shown to increase breastfeeding rates among new mothers, particularly among Black mothers. The study found that 70.6% of mothers who received virtual support reported any breastfeeding at 24 weeks, compared to 66.8% of those without access.
A new study discovered that violence can alter human genes for generations, even in grandchildren who never experienced violence themselves. Researchers found epigenetic changes in the genomes of Syrian families affected by the Hama massacre and subsequent civil war.
A University of Turku study reveals that mothers' weight and diet during pregnancy influence their child's motor skills up to age 5-6. Children of overweight or obese mothers are almost three times more likely to develop a developmental coordination disorder, highlighting the importance of healthy prenatal nutrition.
A new study has focused on the safety of outdoor swimming during pregnancy, revealing large gaps in knowledge and highlighting the need for further research. Expert-led recommendations have been provided for pregnant people, including advice to only swim in cold water if a regular cold water swimmer before pregnancy.
Researchers found that cytomegalovirus infection significantly worsens necrotizing enterocolitis in mouse models, triggering inflammation and disrupting energy production. The study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of NEC and may lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.
A study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis reveals most US infant formulas contain primarily added sugars, rather than naturally occurring lactose. This contradicts medical recommendations for babies under 2 years old, who require a diet closest to human breast milk.
Researchers propose that timing hypothesis explains the mystery of missing blue whale calves, where births occur in fall and winter, and calves are weaned before returning to feeding areas. This explanation offers alternative insight into high pregnancy rates vs. low sightings of mother-calf pairs.
A longer paternity leave can improve the co-parenting relationship between moms and dads by making mothers less likely to discourage fathers' involvement. When fathers take more time off after their child is born, mothers relax unrealistic high standards for fathers' parenting and are less reliant on others' evaluations.
Researchers from Flinders University applied gene editing to explore the role of enzyme ACE2 in healthy placental development. They found that ACE2 plays a key role in helping cells grow properly and that a genetic variation is linked to major pregnancy complications.
Researchers discovered a link between neuroactive steroids in pregnant women's blood and the risk of developing postpartum depression. Measuring these molecules via a blood test could enable doctors to provide treatment sooner. The study may lead to a preventive treatment using existing prescription drugs.
A new study by Dr Clare Stovell found that women usually lead conversations about parental duties, perpetuating traditional gender roles. Couples rarely discuss or negotiate work and family decisions, with men often assuming full-time work schedules.
A new study published in Scientific Reports challenges Japan's long-standing belief that children should be raised at home until age three for healthy development. Research found that early childcare improves communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social skills.
New research reveals that mothers of formerly incarcerated children experience significant financial strain, especially for Black mothers whose starting wealth is already lower. This study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to address the social and economic impacts of incarceration on families.
A new study found that babies show positive responses to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb after birth. Newborns whose mothers had taken carrot powder capsules reacted favourably to the smell of carrot, while those whose mothers had taken kale powder capsules reacted more positively to the scent of kale.
A new study found that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of prolonged pregnancies. Prolonged pregnancy can lead to serious health implications for both mother and baby, including increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, and emotional impacts on families.
A large study found pregnant women with cervical cancer face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth, including premature birth and cesarean sections. However, the babies' health is largely unaffected, with no significant differences in birth defects or stillbirths.
Researchers analyzed data from 8,843 women with preeclampsia to evaluate the performance of existing risk prediction models. The study found that these models are most accurate only in the days following diagnosis and deteriorate over time.
A new study found that mothers whose firstborn children experienced adverse childhood experiences had a significantly higher risk of having children with mental health problems. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed data from over 333,000 families and found a 71% increased risk.
Research found that mothers of twins are twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease compared to singleton births. Those with twins and high blood pressure during pregnancy are at highest risk. However, deaths from heart disease decrease in mothers of twins compared to singletons over time.
A new research project funded by a $600,000 grant is exploring the mechanics behind episiotomies, with the goal of developing safer and more effective surgical practices. The study uses advanced experimental techniques and computational simulations to understand how incisions spread and potentially lead to tears.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements significantly reduced the risk of small vulnerable newborn types, including preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational-age birth. These findings suggest that switching from iron and folic acid supplements to MMS as...
Research suggests that labor and delivery units with adequate nurse staffing have lower cesarean birth rates and higher vaginal birth rates. Hospitals aligned with national standards for nurse staffing saw a 11% decrease in C-sections, indicating improved maternal outcomes.
A study found that pregnant patients with chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension are at a higher risk of severe maternal morbidity compared to those with normal blood pressure. The researchers suggest preventing preeclampsia in these patients may reduce this risk, making them comparable to normotensive patients.