Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers discovered a link between prenatal stress and lower birth weight in children born to mothers experiencing trauma in war-torn regions. The study also found that stressful life experiences can affect genes involved in the body's response to stress, with long-term consequences for child development.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that female mongooses respond to reproductive competition by producing bigger pups. The research, led by Emma Inzani, used ultrasound scans to measure prenatal investment in wild banded mongooses and discovered a link between competition and fetal growth.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between autism and maternal obesity-diabetes, with pregnant mothers 1.5 times more likely to have a child with ASD. The study used electronic medical records and analyzed birth data from over 35,000 mothers.
A study identified a subset of immune signaling proteins associated with autism development in mice. Blocking these proteins during pregnancy eliminated autism-like behavior in offspring, hinting at a potential prevention method.
Research finds that breastfeeding can add billions to the global economy by preventing child deaths and improving cognitive abilities. Globally, improved breastfeeding rates could prevent 820,000 child deaths annually and save over $2.45 billion in treatment costs.
Researchers found that immune cells activated during severe maternal inflammation produce IL-17, which interferes with brain development. Blocking this signal restored normal behavior and brain structure in mice. The study suggests a possible mechanism for how maternal infection may lead to autism-like behavior.
Research shows that Latino kids are more likely to be obese by ages 2-5 due to maternal obesity, less exclusive breastfeeding, and workplace issues. Breastfeeding can reduce obesity by 47 percent among Latino kids, but many Latina moms face barriers to initiating and maintaining breastfeeding.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that middle school years are a challenging time for mothers, with increased stress and depression. The authors suggest two interventions to minimize mother's stress: early information dissemination and ongoing support.
A study of African elephants found that mothers and grandmothers provide significant reproductive and survival benefits to their daughters and grandchildren. Grandmothers' social knowledge and environmental conditions significantly impact calf survival, while early birth years and maternal age also play a role in determining reproducti...
A study found that negative comments from mothers have a significant impact on Asian young adults' self-image, regardless of gender. The research team is now calling for a more tailored approach to treatment, as the Western approach adopted in Singapore may not be effective.
Researchers found that mothers' appetites impact on offspring's appetites, stabilizing population sizes. This helps prevent extinction and counteracts the effect of large numbers being preyed upon.
A University of Iowa study found that babies made more speech-like sounds during book reading than during puppet play or toy play, and mothers were more responsive to these sounds while reading. This interaction is crucial for language development in young children.
Research suggests that postnatal depression can lead to adverse effects on child outcomes, while interventions such as hormone therapy with oxytocin may improve parenting behaviors. However, more study is needed to define the risks and benefits of oxytocin treatment for mothers with postnatal depression.
A study by University of California, Irvine researchers found that inconsistent maternal care can lead to increased risk of risky behaviors, drug seeking, and depression in adolescents and adults. The study suggests that predictable and consistent care is crucial for proper brain development.
A new study found that out-of-hospital births in Oregon were associated with a higher risk of perinatal death, while in-hospital births were linked to increased cesarean deliveries and other obstetric interventions. However, the overall risk for perinatal death was low in all settings.
A recent study published in Body Image found that mothers who discussed their own weight concerns with their daughters were more likely to encourage healthy habits. The study suggests that avoiding conversations about weight altogether may be the best approach for promoting long-term well-being.
A teenage girl's excessive codeine use led to a confusional state and loss of memory. Doctors warn that the lack of evidence supporting codeine's benefits in cough remedies makes its risks particularly unnecessary.
A Yale University study found that group prenatal care substantially improves health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Women who received group care had lower rates of small birth size, preterm delivery, and low birthweight compared to those with individual care.
Researchers found that elephants' social networks remained resilient due to the ability of daughters to fill their mothers' roles, driven by vertical transmission of social roles. This adaptability provides optimism for elephant recovery from human disturbance once pressure is alleviated.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that women who had their first child in early adulthood tend to report worse health at midlife than those who waited until they were older. Single black women, in particular, face worse health if they get married after having a child outside of marriage.
A new study found that women who had their first child in their early 20s didn't report better health at midlife than those who waited until they were over 24. In fact, single black women who had a child and later married reported worse health at midlife compared to those who stayed single.
A new study found that poorer children are almost twice as likely to be obese at age 5 and nearly triple the risk by age 11. The researchers linked relative poverty to childhood obesity, highlighting the importance of early intervention and environmental factors in addressing socioeconomic inequalities.
A Sam Houston State University study found that children of incarcerated mothers are more likely to experience attachment disruptions, separation anxiety, and depression. The study also showed a significant link between maternal incarceration and adult offspring's involvement in the criminal justice system.
Research led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that blood from preschoolers contains molecular evidence of prenatal smoking exposure, detectable 5 years post-birth. The study uses epigenetic analysis to identify a signature associated with smoking during pregnancy, which may also be linked to other toxins and hea...
A recent study by University of Missouri professor Haley Horstman found that daughters 're-author' stories about adversity over time, increasing their positivity through narrative. This change in storytelling can lead to improved mother-daughter interpersonal relationships and well-being.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that younger mothers are less likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms. Daughters of women who give birth at 30 or older are more likely to report higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety as young adults.
Over 600 southern right whale calves died at the Península Valdés calving ground in Argentina between 2003 and 2014 due to Kelp Gull harassment. The number of gull-inflicted lesions increased from 2% in the 1970s to nearly all mothers and calves by the 2000s.
Children exposed to high levels of PFOA during pregnancy experience rapid body fat gain and higher body fat by age 8 compared to those with lower exposure. The study found a significant association between prenatal PFOA levels and childhood adiposity, raising concerns about potential effects on type 2 diabetes.
A new blood test has been developed to detect foetal blood group, sex, and genetic conditions in unborn babies with high accuracy. The test is non-invasive and costs a fraction of traditional amniocentesis tests.
A Nordic research team reviewed scientific articles on surrogate motherhood and found that most surrogacies work well in general terms. Only a small number of surrogate mothers experience problems handing over the child, with no negative signs in children's health or development up to age 10.
A recent study by the CDC and University of Georgia found that 75% of first-time expectant mothers planned to follow the recommended childhood immunization schedule. Most undecided mothers had low levels of confidence in vaccines, suggesting targeted outreach may be needed.
A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.
Research suggests that parent-adolescent communication is positively linked to safer sex behavior. The study found a small but significant association between parent communication and contraceptive use, which was stronger for girls than boys. Open communication about sex can help delay sexual debut and reduce the risk of sexually trans...
Research suggests Apgar score can predict a mother's risk of being critically ill after delivery. Mothers with low Apgar scores had a nine-time higher risk of ICU admission than those with normal scores.
Researchers examine 'information poverty' among young first-time mothers, tackling issues of digital divide and access barriers to empower them. The two-and-a-half year study seeks to develop new services for these vulnerable groups and improve life chances through fair access to information.
A recent UTMB study found that severely obese pregnant women who maintained or lost weight during pregnancy had lower healthcare costs and healthier infant outcomes. The study compared 82 obese mothers with 85 healthy-weight mothers, finding that infants of obese mothers who lost weight were less likely to experience complications.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that four factors - unconditional acceptance, feeling comforted when needed, authenticity in relationships, and friendship satisfaction - play a crucial role in keeping mothers happy, healthy, and able to give of themselves. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 well-educated, upper-...
A new study examines over 50 years of filicide cases in Canada, identifying key differences between mothers and fathers. The research highlights the need for better intervention and social supports to prevent child homicide.
A study of over 869 pre-teen girls found that those from families with a history of breast cancer or genetic mutations did not show increased signs of anxiety and depression. However, they did express more worry about breast cancer, suggesting a potential benefit of early education about risk.
A study examining the safety of Tdap vaccination in pregnant women found no significant differences in acute adverse events or adverse birth outcomes between those vaccinated recently and those not. The researchers' findings provide reassurance for patients and clinicians regarding the use of Tdap vaccine during pregnancy.
Researchers at Duke Medicine have discovered that rhesus monkeys can transmit the virus across the placenta to their unborn offspring, establishing a first primate model to study mother-to-fetus CMV infections. The discovery aims to spur development of potential vaccine approaches against congenital CMV infections.
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that mothers with gestational diabetes have slower-firing brains in their unborn children. This may be due to the mother's metabolism influencing her child's development and increasing their risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.
Research found that people who experience cultural disfluency, such as encountering wrong holiday plates or non-traditional wedding photos, perform better on cognitive reasoning tests and are less likely to engage in mindless consumption. This shift to systematic thinking reduces stress levels and increases brainpower.
A study reveals the best tactics for manipulating your partner's parents, including demonstrating how good you are for their child. Mothers may be more easily won over than fathers, with certain tactics being more successful than others.
Researchers found that infected cells in breast tissues could transmit the influenza virus from mothers to breast-feeding infants and vice versa using a ferret model. The study also showed that mammary glands can harbor live influenza virus and produce it in milk.
A study found that women who were told their babies might be large had higher odds of perinatal interventions, despite only a fraction actually having excessive birth weights. The association raises questions about how much information clinicians should communicate to women about fetal size.
A Norwegian study found that men are most jealous of sexual infidelity, while women are more jealous of emotional infidelity. This difference may be due to evolutionary psychology factors, such as paternity insecurity and the need for men to invest resources in their children.
A new study suggests that a parent's behavior plays a significant role in shaping their child's self-esteem. The research found that English children whose mothers displayed negative parenting traits reported lower self-esteem, while Indian children were more affected by their fathers' behavior.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that maternal lead exposure during pregnancy can cause specific changes in DNA methylation, which can be detected in grandchildren's blood. The study suggests that this epigenetic effect can be transmitted to the next generation.
Research led by Michigan State University scholar Amy K. Nuttall found that mothers who took on too much caregiving role as children tend to be less sensitive to their own children's needs, understanding child development and parenting in a similar harmful manner.