Articles tagged with Mothers
A study published by Queen Mary University of London found that moderate exercise and a healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of cesarean section and diabetes in pregnancy. The research involved over 12,000 women and showed that lifestyle interventions can lead to lower maternal weight gain and a reduced risk of complications.
Researchers have developed a new class of NanoVelcro microchips that can capture and analyze rare circulating fetal cells in a mother's blood. This technology has the potential to noninvasively diagnose prenatal conditions, reducing the risk of miscarriage and harm to the fetus.
A study published in Springer's Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that paternal half-siblings in olive baboons develop stronger bonds when their shared father is present. This challenges the long-held assumption that maternal kin dominate primate social behavior.
A new study documents preeclampsia's alarming rise, with the condition costing $2.18 billion in healthcare expenditure in the first 12 months after birth. Mothers and infants affected by preeclampsia face increased risks of adverse health events, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory distress syndrome.
A study in mice found that antibiotics taken late in pregnancy and during nursing can alter the gut microbiome and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in offspring. The antibiotic treatment also caused lasting changes in the mothers' gut microbiomes, which were passed on to their offspring.
Research found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and increased odds of juvenile conduct disorder and adult antisocial personality disorder. The association was independent of other risk factors often present in smokers, suggesting a small to moderate causal effect on offspring's behavior.
A new study found that distractions occurred in almost half of feedings, with technology-based distractions being the most common. Mothers enrolled in WIC reported better feeding interactions, but frequent engagement in distractions was predicted by having more children or certain infant characteristics.
A study of single-mother-by-choice families found no differences in parent-child relationships or child development compared to heterosexual two-parent families. However, single-mothers-by-choice had a significantly higher social support network, which was valued as crucial for their well-being.
A University of Michigan study finds that low-income mothers view television as a positive tool when watching parent-approved educational programming with their child. The study also highlights the importance of parental mediation and setting limits on screen time, especially for obesity prevention.
Researchers have discovered rare gene variants in Finnish mothers that protect them from pre-eclampsia. The study found two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the sFlt-1 protein gene linked to lower risk of pre-eclampsia.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered banned flame retardants, like PBDEs, are passed from mother to baby through the umbilical cord. The study found higher levels of these chemicals in infant blood compared to their mothers.
A study led by the University of Nottingham has uncovered new clues on the connection between pre-eclampsia and an increased risk of heart disease in later life. The research suggests that the body's normal defence mechanism for flushing out cholesterol from the blood may be disrupted by the illness.
A new study found that breastfeeding duration was associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in mothers. Women who breastfed for two years or more had an 18% lower risk of heart disease and a 17% lower risk of stroke compared to those who never breastfed.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-positive women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are more likely to transmit the virus to their infants, increasing the risk of congenital CMV infection. The study also found a significant association between gonorrhea and CMV transmission.
A study of 338 mothers found no evidence of increased autism risk from maternal influenza diagnosis alone, but a trend towards risk was seen in those with lab-verified infection and symptoms.
A recent Frontiers article explores the origins of music and its significance in human society. The study reveals that music is closely tied to human emotions, bonding, and social cohesion, suggesting that it may have played a crucial role in shaping human culture.
Among well-educated mothers, those who pursued their desired lifestyle experienced overall positive adjustment, while those who were 'misaligned' faced considerable distress and unhappiness. Feeling emotionally supported, unconditional acceptance, and satisfying friendships are key to promoting life satisfaction and mitigating loneliness.
A major international study found that some features in a baby's DNA can increase the risk of its mother developing pre-eclampsia. The condition affects up to 5% of pregnancies and can cause serious complications including high blood pressure and organ damage.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a correlation between slower placental oxygen transport and lower newborn birth weights, brain, and liver volumes. Researchers used MRI to map oxygen delivery across the placenta in real-time, revealing differences in regional function that can predict fetal growth.
A five-year study screened over 2,200 mothers for depression risk, using lay health workers to deliver a depression prevention intervention within the Head Start program. The study found a 40% reduction in clinically significant depressive symptom episodes, with a 61% reduction among those with low initial screening levels.
A randomized clinical trial of 230 Head Start mothers found that a problem-solving intervention significantly reduced depressive symptom episodes. The study suggests that such interventions can be an effective approach to addressing maternal depression, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study led by neuroscientists found that oxytocin in the amygdala inhibits a self-defense reaction, allowing mothers to protect their young. The team manipulated oxytocin levels and observed increased defensive behavior when the hormone was inhibited.
Researchers found that fetuses at 34 weeks gestation turn their heads to look at face-like images, indicating a possible instinctual preference for faces. This discovery suggests that babies' preference for faces begins in the womb and does not require learning or experience after birth.
Research identifies socioeconomic, physical, and mental factors contributing to early breastfeeding cessation in young mothers. Mothers at risk of stopping breastfeeding before 6 months may benefit from targeted interventions addressing known behavioral factors.
A research team at NUS developed an app to deliver postnatal educational programmes and provide supportive care on-the-go. The 'Home-but-not-alone' app improved parenting confidence, perceived social support, and satisfaction among new parents, highlighting a gap in existing postnatal care in Singapore.
Newborns of mothers with sleep apnea have a higher risk of congenital anomalies and resuscitation at birth, with a 26% increased risk. Babies of mothers with sleep apnea are more likely to be admitted to the ICU or special care nursery.
The Natural Caesarean section technique is associated with increased breastfeeding rates and improved patient experience. It allows parents to be actively involved in the birth process, promoting bonding opportunities between mother and baby.
New research suggests that breastfeeding for over 2 months reduces the risk of chronic post-C-section pain. Mothers who breastfed longer had lower rates of persistent pain compared to those who breastfed for less time. The study also found a significant association between anxiety during breastfeeding and increased risk of chronic pain.
A recent study found that mothers' ages don't contribute to preterm births or low birth weights; rather, factors like fertility problems, stress, and unhealthy behaviors may play a role. This research suggests women shouldn't worry about their age when considering having children.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science establish a clear causal link between prenatal stress and the onset of eating disorders. Female mice exposed to maternal stress during pregnancy develop compulsive eating disorder when challenged with a Western diet, highlighting an epigenetic marker introduced prenatally.
New research reveals that women are 'damned' either way on maternity leave, with negative perceptions of competence in both work and family domains. The study suggests that policies allowing women to balance work and family life are crucial, but may have unintended consequences.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that one in five children born as a twin in sub-Saharan Africa dies before the age of five. Twin births carry higher risks for the children and mother, including early delivery and low birthweight. Improving medical support could reduce twin mortality rates in the region.
A large-scale study found that older mothers are at a higher risk of severe morbidity and mortality during childbirth. Maternal age was associated with increased rates of obstetric shock, amniotic fluid embolism, renal failure, and intensive care unit admissions.
A study found that stressed mouse mothers gave birth to pups exhibiting binge-eating-like behavior, which was reversed by a balanced diet. The researchers identified an epigenetic signature in the embryo's brain and suggest non-invasive dietary interventions may prevent binge eating.
First Nations and Inuit babies were hospitalized at twice the rate of non-Indigenous infants for preventable illnesses like respiratory diseases and infections. This disparity highlights substantial unmet needs in Indigenous infant disease prevention and medical care.
Researchers found that prolonged maternal stress can alter placental metabolism and accelerate fetal growth, potentially leading to mental or physical illnesses. The study suggests seeking support from a therapist for pregnant women experiencing longer-term stress situations.
A new study found that even low amounts of digital technology interruptions by parents can cause greater child behavior issues such as oversensitivity and hyperactivity. Researchers suggest carving out technology-free times for family bonding and reducing device use during parent-child activities.
A new study found that mothers who refuse to vaccinate their children are viewed more negatively than those who delay vaccines due to safety concerns. Researchers used an online survey to examine attitudes toward under-vaccinated children and their parents, revealing stigmatization regardless of reason for non-compliance.
Brown-headed cowbirds prefer larger host nests with smaller-than-average eggs to increase their offspring's chances of survival. Researchers found that female cowbirds adjust the allocation of resources in their eggs based on perceived environmental conditions, but not host species or size variations.
Researchers found that female vampire bats who invest in non-kin friendships cope better when a major food donor is removed from their social network. They score more food than those who only focus on close kin relationships.
A Temple University Health System study analyzed the impact of combining baby boxes and personalized sleep education on reducing bed-sharing in infants. The research found that face-to-face postpartum education and providing a baby box with a firm mattress and fitted sheet reduced bed-sharing rates by 25% in the first eight days of life.
A training program evaluating clinical best practices and self-assessment reduced medically unnecessary caesareans by a slight margin without adverse effects on maternal and neonatal health. The program generated significant savings for the healthcare system, primarily due to better case management leading to fewer neonatal complications.
A 100-year-old medical technique, hysterosalpingography (HSG), has been proven to increase fertility rates in infertile women. Using an iodised poppy seed oil solution significantly improves pregnancy rates within six months, with 40% of women achieving successful pregnancies compared to 29% with water-based solution.
A world-first study found that pregnant rays are traumatized by capture, impacting their reproductive potential and offspring health. The study, led by Leonardo Guida, examined the southern fiddler ray and found that trawl capture can affect fetal development, leading to smaller, lighter offspring with compromised immune systems.
Vaccinating pregnant mothers year-round against flu in Nepal reduced infant flu virus infection rates by an average of 30 percent, increasing birth weights by 15 percent. The study also found that expanding year-round flu vaccinations during pregnancy would benefit children in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
A new study by Prof. Ruth Feldman reveals that a positive father-child relationship can buffer the negative effects of maternal depression on family-level functioning. Children in families with sensitive fathers showed improved social engagement and reduced conflict, despite their mothers' depression.
A new study suggests that a mother's cells can directly act as part of her child's immune system, even after birth. Babies born to mothers infected with malaria during pregnancy have higher levels of maternal microchimerism, which may confer some protection against the disease.
A survey of physician moms found nearly 4 out of 5 respondents experienced discrimination, with gender and maternal discrimination prevalent. Women who reported maternal discrimination were more likely to value changes like longer paid maternity leave and breastfeeding support.
A survey of 5,782 physician mothers found that 78% experienced discrimination, with forms ranging from disrespect and reduced pay to being overlooked for promotions. Employers can mitigate this by implementing policies like longer paid maternity leaves, backup child care, lactation support, and schedule flexibility.
Children exposed to cocaine in the womb are more susceptible to addiction due to trouble controlling behaviors and emotions. Many teens in the study showed poor coping strategies, leading to acting out behaviors like substance use, tobacco, and alcohol abuse.
Research by Ulster University found that mothers taking folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy had children with higher levels of emotional intelligence and resilience. The study also showed a correlation between the level of folic acid in mothers' blood and their child's resilience.
Researchers at Georgia State University are testing a new mobile phone application that combines two existing programs to decrease maternal depression and build parenting skills. The project aims to promote infant social-emotional health and development, with the potential to reach larger numbers of mothers than traditional programs.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that pregnant women with a family history of premature births are at higher risk of preterm delivery. The study followed 2,300 mothers and daughters over 22 years and found that the risk was significantly higher among those whose mothers had given birth early in their pregnancies.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that households cooking at home three times a week scored an average of 67 on the Healthy Eating Index, compared to 74 for those cooking six times a week. This suggests that eating home-cooked dinners is associated with better diet quality and lower calorie intake.
Researchers discovered that newborn humpback whales communicate with their mothers using intimate grunts and squeaks to avoid being overheard by killer whales. The study found that these quiet calls help mother-calf pairs stay together in murky waters, reducing the risk of attracting male humpbacks.
Researchers discovered that higher maternal relationship happiness and general social support reduce infant colic rates. The study of over 3,000 women found stronger associations between relationship happiness and lower colic risks, even in postpartum depression cases.
Research found a skewed ratio of male to female babies born to Indian-born women, particularly among Punjabi-speaking mothers. The study suggests that the practice of sex selection through abortion may be driving this imbalance and that it will not correct itself without interventions.
A University at Buffalo study found that simulations of daily care and nightmare scenarios increased the confidence of parents of newborns in the NICU by nearly 30%. The Neonatal Home Environment Learning Program (HELP) used infant simulators to recreate real-life situations, allowing parents to rehearse and experience behaviors, conse...
Antiviral drug tenofovir significantly reduces hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from mother to child when administered during pregnancy. Studies show a 77% reduction in transmission rates, from 90% to just 3%, saving countless lives and preventing liver disease.
Research shows that ocean-going spinner dolphin calves do not develop physical characteristics essential for sustaining deep dives as quickly as shallow-diving coastal species. This slow development may lead to mother-calf separations during tuna purse-seine fisheries, posing a significant threat to dolphin populations.