Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A study found that mothers who underwent bariatric surgery less than two years before childbirth had higher risks for prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and small for gestational age status compared to those with longer intervals. The optimal timing between bariatric surgery and conception is undefined.
Researchers developed a tool to examine genetic differences within bacterial species, uncovering novel transmission patterns in mother-infant microbiomes. Strain-level analysis revealed that early colonizing strains are transferred from the mother, while late colonizing strains are acquired from the environment.
A study found that mothers with higher BMI before pregnancy have shorter telomeres in their newborns, indicating a link between maternal weight and biological age. This association may increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
A recent study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of speech and language disorders in children. The study analyzed data from Finland and found that children whose mothers purchased SSRIs at least twice during pregnancy had a higher risk of speech/...
A Purdue University study of an indigenous group of Maya people reinforces the link between Cesarean births and obesity. The study found that mothers who have high BMI and had a cesarean are going to have the fattest children in the village, with differences in child sizes suggesting birth method plays a role in development.
Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.
Research shows that mothers respond strongly to moral faults in their infants, using high-intensity interventions like physical restraint and commands. In contrast, pragmatic and prudential transgressions are met with lower-intensity responses. Infants are more likely to comply with moral commands and less likely to protest verbally.
Researchers observed wild chimpanzee mothers teaching their offspring to use tools, including termite-fishing probes. By sharing tools and customizing the learning process for local conditions, these mothers help their young develop essential skill sets.
New research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that infection with Zika virus during pregnancy can lead to brain damage in infants born prematurely. In another study, scientists found Zika virus in patients receiving organ transplants, highlighting a new complication of the disease.
A new study led by University of Arizona researcher Katharine Zeiders found that families experiencing ethnic discrimination and acculturation stress have a negative impact on children's behavior and academics. Children exhibited more behavioral problems and worse academic performance by age 5, according to the research.
A new study finds that mothers spend more time on childcare and chores, leading to higher levels of stress. In contrast, fathers engage in enjoyable activities like play and leisure with their children, resulting in lower levels of well-being.
Bovine colostrum exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria strains. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, with a combination treatment showing greater benefits than individual treatments.
A study found that children of mothers who took vitamin D during pregnancy with high levels of the vitamin in umbilical blood had fewer symptoms of ADHD at age 2.5 years. The risk of ADHD decreased by 11% for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D concentration.
Researchers found that mothers experience a greater 'work' of parenting tasks while fathers enjoy more leisure time with their kids. This imbalance leads to increased stress and fatigue among mothers.
A substantial proportion of birth weight variation is attributed to genetic differences, with some 1/6th of the difference being due to genetics. The study also found a link between genetic differences in early growth and increased risk of adult diseases.
Women who undergo gastric bypass surgery for weight loss may give birth to babies with lower average birth weights due to nutrient deficiencies. The study found that 23% of newborns were small for their gestational age and had lower levels of key nutrients like calcium and zinc.
A large study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that individuals born by cesarean delivery were 15% more likely to become obese as children than those born vaginally, and this risk may persist through adulthood.
Two newer antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam and topiramate, show no discernible impact on childhood intellectual development. However, valproate is linked to a lower IQ in children whose mothers took high doses during pregnancy.
A new study from the University of Otago found that high-dose monthly vitamin D supplements for breastfeeding mothers can significantly increase their babies' vitamin D levels. This is particularly important as exclusive breastfeeding increases the risk of infant vitamin D deficiency, leading to conditions like rickets.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that many Egyptian women are still seeking doctors' advice on female genital cutting, a practice with severe health risks. Despite being illegal in Egypt, physicians are legitimizing the procedure, perpetuating the problem.
The study examined how well mother-daughter pairs manage rapid transitions between emotional states. Mothers with moderate flexibility showed higher relationship quality and lower maternal symptoms. A moderate degree of flexibility is optimal for a strong and healthy relationship.
A study by Krysti Ryan explores the journeys of parents who are supporting their transgender or gender-diverse children. Mothers play a central role as advocates for their children, often becoming experts on gender diversity and reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes.
Infants of obese mothers exhibit impaired expression of genes regulating cell energy and metabolism, correlating with higher levels of metabolically deleterious lipids in their blood. This study may pave the way for improved healthcare and early interventions for children at risk of obesity.
Researchers found that infants whose mothers speak tonal languages exhibit higher melodic variation in their cries, which sounds like chanting. This suggests that babies are learning language patterns from the womb and can mimic them in their early vocalizations.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal acetaminophen use was associated with increased risk of conduct problems and hyperactivity symptoms in children. Maternal acetaminophen use at 32 weeks of pregnancy also linked to higher risk for emotional symptoms and total difficulties in children.
A study found an association between maternal high-fat diets and changes in infant gut microbiomes, affecting energy extraction and immune development. The researchers discovered that high-fat diets were linked to reduced numbers of Bacteroides microbes, which play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates.
Researchers found that babies born to mothers on high-fat diets had distinct gut microbiomes with fewer Bacteroides microbes, affecting energy extraction and immune system development. The study suggests a potential link between maternal diet and infant microbiome, emphasizing the importance of considering fat intake in prenatal care.
A team of biologists has discovered a male-harming DNA mutation in fruit flies that reduces fertility in males as they age. The study confirms the 'mother's curse' hypothesis, which suggests that moms may transmit genes to their children that harm their sons but not their daughters.
HIV-infected mothers' breast milk alters oligosaccharide composition, leading to less diverse and immature gut microbiomes in their uninfected infants. This study suggests preventing microbiome disruptions may improve HIV-exposed babies' health.
A study found that maternal HIV infection influences the microbiome of uninfected infants, leading to a relatively immature and dysbiotic microbiome. This disruption can compromise the infant's immune system development. Researchers propose providing beneficial bacterial and prebiotics to improve long-term outcomes.
A recent study found that 72% of children harbor at least one strain of Streptococcus mutans not found in any cohabiting family members. The research suggests that child-to-child transmission is a significant route of infection, particularly among African-American and low-socioeconomic groups.
A new study found that all babies of mothers treated with a specific type of statin survived compared to the standard treatment group, while maternal health also improved. The statin treatment lowered blood pressure and prevented premature birth in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.
The University of Houston will launch a new effort to educate and support Latina mothers and families on postpartum depression, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The two-year project aims to develop culturally responsive interventions to address the high risk of postpartum depression among Latina new moms.
Researchers found that black mothers were nine times more likely to be given formula in the hospital than white mothers, while Hispanic mothers had higher breastfeeding rates due to family history. The study suggests that hospitals and policy makers consider these factors to reduce racial and ethnic disparities
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 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 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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.