Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Researchers found that female mice developed problems with attention due to fewer 'tuning' neurons in the brain's emotion regulation area. Stress in early life led to impaired rule-reversal learning in females, while males were affected by spatial reasoning skills.
The European Perinatal Health Report shows that stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates decreased in Europe in 2015 compared to 2010. However, the rate of decrease varied widely between countries, with some experiencing significant declines while others saw little change.
Research at Lund University discovered a link between fathers' smoking habits and son's sperm count, with men whose fathers smoked having 41% lower sperm concentration. The study adjusted for maternal nicotine exposure and socioeconomic factors.
A team of biologists found that rodent mothers produce litters with about fifty percent more pups when exposed to chemicals from frightened males. This study bridges the proximate and ultimate explanations of small mammal behavioral responses, showing how fear drives reproductive compensation in response to predation.
A Norwegian study of over 4400 children and parents found that moms' weight loss has a significant impact on their children's body mass index (BMI), particularly in families with higher education. In contrast, dads' lifestyle changes show little correlation with children's BMI.
A Henry Ford Health System study found that babies whose parents cleaned their pacifiers with saliva had lower levels of IgE antibodies, associated with allergies and asthma. The researchers believe healthy oral bacteria may be passed from parents to their children, influencing immune system development.
A study of 128 mothers found that children whose parents sucked on their pacifiers had lower IgE levels, indicating a reduced risk of allergies. The effect was most pronounced between 10-18 months of age and may be due to the transfer of beneficial microbes.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discover that infant gut microbes altered by maternal obesity increase the risk of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The study suggests that altering the microbiome through probiotics or supplements may help reduce this risk.
A study found that women face discriminatory attitudes in the Russian public administration, with many preferring male bosses and experiencing bias in hiring. Women often choose informal power over formal promotion, citing societal expectations and physical attractiveness.
Two new studies reveal that previous Dengue infection in pregnant mothers may lead to increased severity of Zika in babies. Conversely, previous Zika infection in mouse mothers may increase severity of Dengue in their pups. The research suggests a unique mechanism by which flaviviruses can cross the placental barrier.
A large percentage of healthy babies don't sleep through the night by six months of age, but researchers found no correlation with developmental problems. Infants who didn't sleep for six or eight consecutive hours had a significantly higher rate of breastfeeding, which offers many benefits.
Researchers found that people with mothers who had multiple partners tend to have more romantic partners themselves, possibly due to inherited relationship skills or traits. The study controlled for economic factors but found no significant impact on the mother-child link.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that children born large for gestational age (LGA) and born to mothers with gestational diabetes are almost three times as likely to be obese as children born a normal size to diabetes-free mothers. Breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of obesity in most children.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that parents consider naturalness a benchmark for consumer choice, driven by concerns over health and protection. This preference is rooted in the increased responsibility felt by parents to make informed decisions about their children's well-being in a knowledge society.
Scientists have identified a rare three-species hybrid warbler found in Pennsylvania, resulting from a Golden-winged/Blue-winged Warbler mother and a Chestnut-sided Warbler father. Genetic analysis revealed the unique combination of traits, shedding light on bird's adaptability and genetic diversity.
A new study found that single mothers, those with less education, and mothers enrolled in the WIC Program may receive fewer resources and information to help them breastfeed. Despite receiving support from professionals, demographic differences and stress levels may affect their ability to engage in breastfeeding practices.
Research found that infants born to fathers over 45 have a higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and healthcare support needs. The study highlights the need for men to be included in preconception care.
Babies born to fathers over 35 have higher risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and seizures. The study used data from 40 million births to show that every year a man ages increases the risk by two new DNA mutations in his sperm.
Researchers identified SIRT1 as a key player in reducing the likelihood of obesity and related metabolic disorders in boys. Increased SIRT1 levels in male offspring prevented excessive weight gain, improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced liver fat content.
A new analysis found that partially paid family leave policies in California and New Jersey increased breastfeeding rates, particularly among higher-income women. However, the benefits were modest and may not be sufficient to support low-income parents who need it most.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute studied Peters' tent-making bats and found that mothers prod their young with forearms, possibly encouraging them to fledge and wean. Bat pups' arms grew faster than the rest of their bodies, allowing them to learn to fly in just a few nights with help from their mothers.
Research found that hospitals with teaching status, system affiliation, and higher volume had better TOLAC use and success rates. In contrast, low-volume and rural hospitals struggled with TOLAC use, suggesting opportunities for improvement in these regions.
Researchers at University of Sussex have developed a non-invasive sensor to measure a baby's heartbeat, providing accurate results without hospital visits. This technology will give expectant mothers peace of mind and enable early detection of congenital disorders.
Researchers found that when mothers reported less flexibility in their work schedules, their children got less sleep. However, consistent bedtimes may be the key to offsetting damage done by tight work schedules. Employers can create policies to give employees more flexibility, which could help promote sleep health from childhood.
A new study suggests that postpartum depression is significantly associated with higher postpartum pain scores, and women in the postpartum depression group were more likely to have delivered by C-section. The researchers found that adequate postpartum care is needed for women at risk of postpartum pain.
The research found that earlier women had their first period, their sons started puberty earlier, and later women had their first period, their sons started puberty later. The association was also seen in daughters.
Researchers discovered a novel defence mechanism in yeast cells that uses centromeres to detect and neutralize foreign genetic material. This mechanism ensures that potentially harmful DNA is confined within one cell, while the daughter cell contains only reliable DNA.
The global cesarean section rate has increased from 12% in 2000 to 21% in 2015, with significant disparities in use between regions and socioeconomic groups. The authors call for improved quality childbirth care globally and emphasize the need for C-sections only to be performed when medically required.
Research reveals Hispanic infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and d-transposition of the great arteries face poorer outcomes in their first year compared to non-Hispanic white counterparts. Maternal education and insurance status are significant factors contributing to these disparities.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that babies born to overweight mothers are more likely to develop regulatory problems, including excessive crying and feeding difficulties. The research suggests that prenatal factors, such as maternal weight during early pregnancy, may contribute to these issues.
A new study analyzing nearly 40,000 hospital stays found that women of color and those with pre-existing health conditions had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care for women around the time of delivery.
A multicenter study involving over 2,400 first-time pregnant women found that delaying pushing during labor increases the risk of severe postpartum bleeding, infections, and sepsis. In contrast, immediate pushing is associated with lower rates of infection and excessive bleeding.
Researchers analyzed 141,431 genomes from Chinese expectant mothers to discover associations between genes and birth outcomes, including twins and age at first pregnancy. The study also identified genes linked to infectious diseases, height, and body mass index.
Researchers found that hospitals with government ownership and lower delivery volumes had the poorest outcomes for both mothers and babies. Jointly considering morbidity outcomes for mom and baby is the best way to measure a hospital's obstetrics program quality.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that women with shorter days during late pregnancy may be at a higher risk of developing postpartum depression. Exposure to natural light and vitamin D can help alleviate symptoms.
An observational study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that bariatric surgery is associated with fewer complications during childbirth, including reduced risk of post-term delivery or uterine inertia. The study compared deliveries in women who had undergone weight loss after bariatric surgery to those who did not.
A new study found that mothers who intended to exclusively breastfeed but used formula had similar health outcomes to those who breastfed exclusively. The findings suggest that a mother's characteristics and access to healthcare information may be more important than breastfeeding itself in determining infant health outcomes.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children whose mothers use marijuana during their first 12 years are more likely to start using cannabis earlier than children of non-users. This relationship holds even after controlling for social environmental factors, suggesting a potential risk factor for early init...
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children whose mothers use marijuana are more likely to start using the drug themselves an average of two years earlier. This can lead to negative consequences such as impairments in concentration and decision-making, increased impulsivity, and reductions in IQ.
A new study estimated the costs of informal care provided by daughters to their mothers, finding that these costs are similar to those associated with full-time institutional care. The study also highlighted the impact of memory-related diseases on caregiving costs and experience.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a physiological test to predict autism risk in pregnant mothers. The study found that differences in plasma metabolites indicate an increased risk of having a child with ASD, with a relative risk of 18.7 percent vs 1.7 percent.
Research suggests that consuming fatty fish during pregnancy can enhance babies' brain function and visual development. The study analyzed 56 mothers and their children, finding that those who ate fish three or more times a week had better test results for visual functioning and maturational changes.
A new study found that concern over fussy eating prompts parents to use non-responsive feeding practices like pressuring or rewarding. Mothers reported higher levels of worry about long-term health consequences, while fathers focused on practical aspects of mealtime.
Untreated gestational diabetes after pregnancy is associated with development of glucose metabolism disorders in mothers, but not childhood overweight/obesity. The study found that new criteria for gestational diabetes diagnosis may be relevant in assessing maternal risk.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that delayed childbearing is a significant contributor to the increase in multiple births in the US. Older women are more likely to have twins, triplets, and quadruplets, with risks increasing by three to six times depending on age and ethnicity.
Mothers with elevated blood glucose during pregnancy were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes a decade after giving birth. Children born to mothers with high blood glucose also had a higher risk of obesity, even when adjusted for the mother's BMI.
A Baylor University study found that bereaved children whose late mothers were very religious are likely to be less religious after their mother's death. In contrast, children whose late mothers placed no importance on religion are more likely to become religious, particularly in prayer and importance of faith.
The project, called Playing & Learning Across a Year (PLAY), will create a digital library of videos of mothers going about their daily activities with their children. Researchers will gather video data from over 900 infants and their mothers, which will be transcribed, annotated, and uploaded to an open-source video library.
Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus are at higher risk of developing postpartum depression symptoms, which affect 10-15% of new mothers. A Finnish study found that 16% of mothers with GDM experienced postpartum depression symptoms, compared to 9% without GDM.
A new study suggests that wearing a device around the waist to prevent supine sleep in late pregnancy can improve both maternal and fetal health outcomes. The intervention reduced supine sleep time and increased minimum oxygen saturations, with minimal impact on maternal perception of sleep quality.
A recent study found that girls who have closer relationships with their fathers tend to report less loneliness as they transition from first grade to fifth grade. This suggests that fathers can help their daughters feel more connected and reduce feelings of isolation.
A study by Penn State researchers found that mothers who engage with their children during playtime and gently guide them to clean up can help toddlers with poor regulation skills maintain a healthy weight. As preschoolers, these children tend to have lower BMIs compared to those with good regulation skills, suggesting that parents' be...
A new study found an association between maternal pesticide levels and autism in children, with elevated DDE levels increasing the risk of autism by twofold. The study suggests a potential biomarker-based link between maternal exposure to insecticides and autism among offspring.
Research by University of Notre Dame professors finds prenatal exposure to violence is associated with increased toddler aggression towards their mothers. The study also reveals that intervening early during pregnancy can significantly reduce the negative impact on children.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that only 1.3% of cities in the US have local safeguards for nursing mothers returning to work outside the home. This lack of protection disproportionately affects women who are not covered by the federal law, highlighting a social-justice and public-health issue.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that women whose mothers lived to at least age 90 were 25% more likely to also live to 90 without serious diseases or disabilities. Additionally, if both parents lived to 90, the likelihood of their daughter's longevity increased by 38%.
Research at the University of Arizona found that single mothers experience no motherhood penalty or fatherhood premium, unlike married counterparts. Single fathers, too, lack benefits. Marital status plays a significant role in workplace assumptions.
Scientists at TU Wien have successfully created an artificial placenta model that closely resembles the natural organ, providing new insights into the exchange of important substances between mother and child. The research uses a high-resolution 3D printing process to produce customized hydrogel membranes populated with placenta cells.
Researchers found that scarlet macaws sequenced from Chaco Canyon and Mimbres areas in New Mexico shared the same haplogroup, indicating a single breeding population. This contradicts previous theories that ancestral Puebloan people brought birds back from Mexico, as transporting adolescent birds would be logistically difficult.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that remifentanil during labour could halve the number of women needing an epidural, providing effective pain relief with reduced risks. The trial involved 400 women and found that remifentanil was associated with lower rates of instrumental deliveries and consequent morbidity.