Articles tagged with Mothers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
A new study found that women who received seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine during pregnancy were 51 percent less likely to experience a stillbirth than unvaccinated mothers. The study's results support the safety of influenza vaccination during pregnancy and suggest that it protects against stillbirth.
A study of over 6,000 mothers and newborns found that maternal smoking during pregnancy chemically modifies a fetus' DNA, mirroring patterns seen in adult smokers. The research identified new development-related genes affected by smoking, suggesting a potential explanation for the link between smoking and health complications in children.
Researchers found that female mice exercising during pregnancy had offspring more physically active as adults, suggesting movement influences fetal brain development and lifelong activity. The study supports an environmental role in fetal development and may offer a strategy to counter physical inactivity and obesity.
A new study finds that paid maternity leave policies can reduce infant mortality by 13% in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers analyzed data from 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and found that extending paid leave by one month prevents about 8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
Researchers at EMBL have observed the elimination of centrioles from starfish egg cells, a process essential for viable embryo development. The study reveals the role of appendages in directing centriole expulsion and provides insights into the molecular logic underlying this mechanism.
A new study in mice suggests that a mother's microbiome shapes her offspring's immune system. The research found that maternal antibodies facilitate the transmission and retention of microbial molecules from a mother to her offspring.
A recent study by the UCLA-led research team found that women with impaired cortisol levels before pregnancy are more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. Elevated maternal cortisol can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients, leading to lower birth weight and increased risk of infant mortality.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that baby monkeys in groups with higher risks of infanticide develop faster. This accelerated growth may be triggered by stress hormones in maternal milk, allowing mothers and infants to better survive.
A study on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals that mothers who experienced normoxic conditions early on tend to provision their young with more glycogen, equipping the embryos with tools to survive oxygen deprivation. This adaptation leads to improved hatchability and survival rates in offspring.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that allowing women to extend labor by four hours instead of three resulted in a significant reduction of cesarean deliveries. The incidence of cesarean delivery was about 19.5 percent in the extended labor group, compared to 43 percent in the usual labor group.
A study found that planned repeat C-sections are not associated with worse long-term health outcomes in children compared to vaginal births after cesarean sections. The only consistent difference was a slightly elevated risk for hospitalization with asthma in children born by C-section, but this was deemed clinically insignificant.
A new study published in JAMA found that excess weight and higher glucose levels in mothers cause their babies to be born heavier, while higher blood pressure causes lower birth weights. The research also found that mothers' blood lipids are not significantly related to the size of their baby.
A study by Georgia State University suggests that digital picture frames can increase positive bonding behaviors in parent-infant interactions, reducing child maltreatment risk. The SafeCare model, a parent training program, has been improved with the addition of technology to support skill mastery and address high-risk families.
A study published in Respirology found that mothers who smoke are more likely to have children with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The risk is particularly pronounced when children exposed to maternal cigarette smoke take up smoking later in life.
A Norwegian study found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse are 22% more likely to stop breastfeeding before four months. Women exposed to multiple types of violence have a 41% greater chance of stopping early. Breastfeeding helps mothers' health, but trauma can hinder it.
A new study by the University of Houston found that supervisor and co-worker attitudes significantly impact working mothers' decisions to breastfeed. Women with supportive supervisors were eight times more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the importance of workplace climate in supporting breastfeeding mo...
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus are conducting a study to detect prenatal marijuana use and its association with adverse outcomes, such as fetal growth restriction and hypertension. The study aims to develop a survey tool for new mothers to provide accurate information on marijuana use during pregnancy.
A new study found that a substantial proportion of women globally do not stay in health facilities long enough after giving birth, resulting in inadequate postnatal care. The average length of stay varies greatly across countries, with some women staying as little as 0.5 days or as long as 6.2 days.
A comprehensive study has found that new mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders are at a four times higher risk of death from natural or unnatural causes compared to those without the disorder. The research highlights the need for medical staff to be aware of the risk and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent suicide.
A University of Illinois study reveals that parents and child-care providers forming a partnership benefits the child's development during the transition from home to child care. Factors such as child temperament and maternal depressive symptoms influence the ease or difficulty of this transition.
Researchers discovered that a special type of dietary fibre, known as prebiotic, can impact the mother's gut microbiota and reduce obesity risk in moms and their babies. The study found that mothers who took a prebiotic supplement had lower body fat and healthier gut bacteria, which were then transferred to their babies.
A large clinical trial found no significant effect on caesarean sections or adverse outcomes in older pregnant women. The study, which induced labour at 39 weeks, proved the safety of this approach, supporting the 'induce more women' advocates.
Researchers found that pregnant rats fed antioxidants had longer telomeres and slower aging in adulthood, while those with low oxygen levels aged more quickly. Antioxidants also benefited offspring of mothers without complications during pregnancy.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplements during pregnancy have no significant effect on the bone density of babies. However, further analysis suggests that supplementation may counteract the seasonal drop in vitamin D levels caused by lack of sunlight, potentially improving bone health in winter-born babies.
Despite increased demand, medical professionals are unable to recommend vaginal seeding due to the lack of evidence. Research suggests a potential risk of transferring harmful bacteria to the baby via swabbing, and there is currently only one ongoing study into its effects.
A study in Swaziland found that implementing Option B+ greatly increased the number of women initiating antiretroviral therapy and improved ART coverage among pregnant women. However, retention in care postpartum was low and no better under Option B+ than previous approaches.
A widely recommended therapy to prevent premature birth has been found to be ineffective in preventing early delivery. The treatment, which involves administering the hormone progesterone, does not appear to pose any risk to mothers or babies, but its effectiveness in reducing premature births is zero.
A cohort study found no significant differences in growth, psychomotor development, and health outcomes between infants born to mothers treated with mefloquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. However, a slight increase in risk of developmental delays was observed at 9 months among those treated with mefloquine.
A new study found that atazanavir-exposed infants have lower scores for language and social-emotional development compared to unexposed infants. However, the differences are small and may not have large clinical implications. Further studies are needed to assess the persistence of these effects beyond one year of age.
A study by University of Stirling researchers found that older, experienced mothers have a strong effect on their daughters' reproduction and the survival of their grandchildren. The research revealed that having a grandma can provide essential care, leading to higher reproductive rates and longer lifespans among females.
Research by Professor Cecilie Svanes of the University of Bergen has identified three development factors that influence lung aging. Children born during winter months or exposed to severe respiratory infections at a young age are more vulnerable to lung damage.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that mothers' positive attitudes towards involving their children in everyday activities and feeling competent as parents significantly contribute to their children's successful participation. The research suggests that mothers should prioritize their own self-care and interests to promote their chil...
A study by University of Utah researcher Elisabeth Conradt found that a mother's sensitivity can buffer her infant from the negative impacts of maternal depression. Infants whose mothers were sensitive had lower cortisol levels and less DNA methylation, indicating reduced exposure to maternal stress hormones.
Research by the University of British Columbia found that babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic had a higher risk of developing asthma before age six. The study, which included over 65,000 children in Metro Vancouver, linked increased exposure to traffic-related pollutants with an increased risk of asthma.
A study of 678 women found that frequent bed-sharing with infants and a strong motivation to breastfeed were linked to longer breastfeeding durations. This challenges recommendations against bed-sharing due to SIDS fears, suggesting these practices may hinder some mothers from achieving their breastfeeding goals.
A multicenter trial found that corticosteroids significantly reduced severe respiratory complications and hospital stays in late preterm babies. The study's lead investigator believes this will transform the way healthcare is delivered to mothers at risk of late preterm delivery.