Articles tagged with Mothers
A clinical trial found that HIV-infected mothers taking a three-drug antiretroviral regimen during breastfeeding can virtually eliminate HIV transmission to their infants. The study, which included over 2,400 pairs from sub-Saharan Africa and India, showed nearly all babies survived their first year of life.
New research reveals that newborn ducklings can learn to identify and follow abstract relational concepts, such as 'same' and 'different', without reinforcement training. This ability was previously known only in highly intelligent animals like apes and parrots.
A study of 29 mother-child pairs found that mothers who were overweight or obese served larger portions to their children when they perceived their own hunger as higher. The researchers suggest that parents can intervene by providing objective guidelines and allowing children to have control over their portion sizes.
A new study found that daughters and sons of mothers who married young are more likely to want to marry in their late teens or early 20s, while those whose moms divorced tend to delay marriage. This suggests that children's marital expectations may be influenced by their parents' choices.
A recent study by Chapman University found significant racial disparities in breastfeeding rates among US mothers, with Black mothers being nine times more likely to receive formula in the hospital than white mothers. The research also identified higher poverty rates and lower education levels as contributing factors, while a strong fa...
A 30-year study found that boys are more likely to experience pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia, while girls face a higher risk of early onset pre-eclampsia. The research suggests sex differences in placental function may explain these disparities.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a home-based intervention to improve oral hygiene and feeding practices among South Asian mothers in the Bronx. The program aims to reduce childhood obesity and cavities by targeting common risk factors such as bottle-feeding and extended use of sippy cups.
New research reveals that nearly one in five Aboriginal children under 16 have unregistered births, sparking concerns about access to official identity and rights. The study found that socioeconomically disadvantaged and remote areas had higher rates of unregistered births.
A study of 51 solo mother families and 52 heterosexual two-parent families found no significant difference in child adjustment. However, higher financial difficulties and parenting stress were associated with child adjustment problems. Children reported generally positive feelings about family life and enjoyed school.
Researchers develop mathematical model of animal social networks, finding that newborns copy their mother's connections to form social relationships. The study captures key properties of observed networks in four diverse species, suggesting a simple 'social inheritance' mechanism drives social structure.
Research suggests that overly involved parents can hinder emerging adults' development, leading to lower self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression. Students with more autonomous mothers reported higher life satisfaction and physical health.
A long-term study in over 200 pregnant women found that a special diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids did not result in children being slimmer or fatter than those from the control group. The study challenges earlier findings that suggested omega-6 fatty acids might contribute to infant obesity.
Female beetles with fighting experience spend more time feeding their offspring, helping them survive. The study found that conflict-experienced mothers laid the same number and size of eggs but had a higher survival rate among their young.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A recent study found that 72% of children have S. mutans strains not found in family members, suggesting external transmission from other children or population sources. Children can share strains with siblings or cousins, highlighting another dimension to inter-familial transmission.
Research shows that pregnant mongooses reduce their levels of toxic metabolites to protect their offspring, but this comes at the cost of potential long-term harm to themselves. The study found that mothers with lower oxidative damage were more successful in reproducing and raising healthy pups.
Researchers found that diabetic women were three times more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies, which may be linked to increased inflammation and neurodevelopmental conditions in children. The study suggests that metabolic conditions during pregnancy may alter maternal immune tolerance to the fetus.
Researchers found that adding a specific bacterial species to the guts of mice with autism-like social behavior reversed their deficits, improving social interaction and oxytocin levels. The study suggests using probiotics as a potential treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
Research suggests that mothers' obesity can impair the health of later generations through mitochondrial DNA passed to offspring. Healthy diets and exercise may reverse genetic metabolic abnormalities.
A single species of gut bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri, has been identified as a key player in reversing social deficits in mice with autism-like behaviors. The bacteria promotes the production of oxytocin, a hormone crucial for social behavior, and restores synaptic function in reward areas of the brain.
Mothers who develop postpartum depression often experience protective risk factors, but once their babies are born, they show more obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Women who had depression before becoming pregnant were more likely to experience hypersomnia and difficulty falling asleep.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adequate maternal folate levels during pregnancy can mitigate the effect of a mother's obesity on her child's health. Children born to obese mothers with higher folate levels had a 43% lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower folate levels.
Research from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that caregivers often serve large portions to show affection, leading to unnecessary food waste. The study suggests connecting food pantries with nutritional educators can reduce food waste in lower-middle class households.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that stress during pregnancy and being born with low birth weight can lead to long-term health issues in mothers. The research, led by Jean Ni Cheong from the University of Melbourne, explored the effects of these factors on maternal health after pregnancy.
Researchers have observed a link between stress exposure during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. Mothers carrying a specific variant of a stress-sensitive gene reported higher levels of stress, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
Researchers found a link between maternal immune dysfunction during pregnancy and autism combined with intellectual disability. The study identified distinct immune profiles for mothers of children with both conditions, as well as those with intellectual disability without autism.
A new responsive parenting intervention has been shown to reduce the rates of overweight toddlers by half, with benefits seen in both breastfed and formula-fed babies. The study found that mothers who practiced responsive parenting had less likely to have overweight babies at their one-year checkup.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that girls whose mothers were overweight before pregnancy and had gestational diabetes are more likely to experience earlier pubic hair development. The study also suggests that metabolic programming may be affected in the daughters, manifesting in early onset of puberty.
A study by Kimberly Greder at Iowa State University found that low-income, rural mothers value outdoor activities with their families for improved physical and emotional health. The research highlights the need for accessible outdoor spaces in small rural communities to support healthy lifestyles.
A study by Dr. Subhamay Ghosh and colleagues found that only 24% of pregnant women were tested for pregnancy before undergoing surgery, highlighting a significant gap in care. The researchers recommend increasing awareness and implementing standardized testing protocols to improve safety for mothers and babies.
A University of Michigan study found little mother-child dialogue among preschoolers using media, such as TV and video games. Children with highly educated mothers who discuss media had more interaction.
Researchers found that mothers' parenting stress affects both men's and women's sexual satisfaction, with women experiencing a greater impact. The study of 169 expectant couples suggests that the transition to parenthood can strain relationships.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology identified risk factors for ophthalmoscopic findings in infants born with microcephaly and presumed Zika virus infection. Infants with smaller head diameters at birth and those whose mothers reported symptoms during the first trimester were more likely to have ocular involvement.
A recent study found that mothers who consumed more fruit during pregnancy gave birth to children with better cognitive development. The study, led by University of Alberta researcher Piush Mandhane, discovered that increased prenatal fruit intake was associated with higher IQ scores in one-year-old infants.
A study by Ohio State University found that new mothers who feel societal pressure to be perfect parents and strongly identify with their motherhood role tend to post more frequently on Facebook. This behavior can lead to stronger emotional reactions to comments, including feelings of validation or disappointment. The study also found ...
Research shows that spending time in nature promotes health and well-being among rural, low-income mothers and their families. Despite living in areas with abundant natural spaces, these mothers often lack access to safe and accessible outdoor recreation resources due to financial constraints and geographical barriers.
Grand Challenges Canada funds nine creative ways to protect and nurture cognitive development of children in developing countries. Kangaroo Mother Care is expanded to improve lives of low birth weight infants in West Africa, while eight new innovations pursue approaches to help children reach their full potential.
A new study has found a significant association between prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and lower birth weight. Infants exposed to SSRIs for two or more trimesters weighed 205 grams less than those not exposed, on average.
A new Stanford study reveals that a child's mother voice activates diverse brain regions involved in emotions, reward processing, and face recognition. Children with stronger brain connections to their mom's voice exhibit better social communication skills.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have 16% more body fat at two months old compared to babies born to healthy mothers. The research used MRI scanning to measure body fat in 86 babies, revealing significant differences in body composition despite no differences at birth.
Research found a fifth of families rely on the father as the sole full-time breadwinner despite growth in dual earning households and non-standard working patterns. The study suggests a shift towards gender balance but notes that societal infrastructure still promotes traditional models
According to a research review, postpartum depression affects 14.5% of women during pregnancy or after delivery, with many cases going undiagnosed and untreated. Screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, can be used in various settings to identify PPD, which requires close attention from psychiatrists.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 24,000 mothers and their children found that excess pregnancy weight gain and elevated blood sugar increase the risk of childhood obesity, even in normal-weight babies. Children whose mothers had gestational diabetes were at highest risk, with a 30% increased likelihood of being overweight or obese.
A study found that mothers with depression are not physiologically synchronized with their kids, even during positive interactions. The researchers measured heart rate variability and found that depressed moms missed matching their children's physiology, leading to a mismatch in social engagement.
A new study provides first-person perspectives from African-American and Latina mothers on their experiences with postpartum depression, revealing that conventional treatments often provide little relief. The research highlights the need for concrete services like transportation and flexible work environments to manage depression effec...
A study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has identified two genetic variants that increase the chance of mothers having dizygotic twins. These variants are associated with fertility measures such as age of first menstruation and polycystic ovary syndrome, a major cause of infertility in women.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children of non-US-born Hispanic mothers may have a lower risk for certain types of childhood cancers, including glioma, astrocytoma, and neuroblastoma. However, they also had higher risks for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma compared to white children.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that children whose mothers were nurturing during the preschool years have more robust growth in brain structures associated with learning, memory and stress response. The study suggests there is a sensitive period when the brain responds more to maternal support.
Researchers discovered that the cell cycle clock inhibits the formation of centrioles, ensuring each daughter inherits a single copy. This mechanism is critical for maintaining homeostasis and preventing infertility and cancer.
A study found that teenage mothers in Colorado were aware of safe sleep guidelines but chose to disregard them due to misconceptions about infant comfort and safety. The researchers suggest innovative public service announcements and improved healthcare provider communication could improve safe sleep behaviors among this high-risk group.
A study from the University of Houston finds that mothers' perceptions of their children's weight status are closely tied to their own weight status and concerns. Mothers who perceive their child as healthy are more likely to underestimate their weight, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to broaden their health screenings.
A Florida State University researcher found that Latino immigrants experience significant stress due to threats to 'familismo', deeply held cultural beliefs about the centrality of family. This ambivalence can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being, particularly in terms of parenting and economic adjustment.
Research suggests that children of older mothers are healthier, taller, and more educated than those born to younger mothers. Despite the risks associated with advanced maternal age, the benefits of delaying childbearing may outweigh these risks due to improvements in public health and social conditions over time.
A study published in CMAJ Open found that Indian-born women living in Canada with two or more children gave birth to significantly more boys than girls. The sex ratio increased with the number of abortions and when the fetus's sex could be accurately determined by ultrasound.
A study by Dawn Marie Dow reveals that middle-class African American mothers employ bias-preparation strategies to address the challenges their sons face in a society that often criminalizes black bodies. These strategies include managing daily interactions, emotional expression, and physical appearance to mitigate negative stereotypes.
Experts estimate that expanding proven interventions in pregnancy care, infectious disease treatment, and childhood nutrition could avert millions of maternal, newborn, and child deaths annually. The estimated investment required is approximately $6-12 billion per year, equivalent to just $4.7-$6.7 per person.
Research from the University of Cambridge finds that babies of obese women with gestational diabetes are already abnormally large by 20 weeks, suggesting current screening may be too late. This could lead to lasting health impacts on the offspring, including obesity and diabetes in later life.
Researchers found that over 70% of mentioned exemplars represented practical wisdom, which includes insight into real-life issues and strategic problem-solving. The study identified three prototypes: practical, philosophical, and benevolent, with practical wisdom being the most frequently mentioned.
A recent study led by Professor Philip Calder found that children born to mothers who ate salmon during pregnancy were less likely to have doctor-diagnosed asthma. The study compared allergy rates between two groups: those whose mothers consumed salmon twice a week, and those who did not.
A recent study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy causes epigenetic changes in enhancer regions of the genome, affecting gene regulation and increasing the risk of diseases such as lung disease. The researchers also discovered that these changes can persist for several years after birth.