Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the RBP4 protein that causes severe vitamin A deficiency and eye deformities. The mutation creates a functional 'double-whammy' by blocking both the transport of retinol to the developing embryo and the cell surface receptor for RBP4, leading to birth defects.
A study of wild baboons in southern Kenya reveals that the size of a female's swollen rump doesn't matter as much as previously thought. Females with bigger backsides don't necessarily make better mothers, and males actually prefer females with more postpartum cycles over larger derriers.
A study discovered that smoking can raise the likelihood of producing twins in women with certain genetic backgrounds, particularly those with a variant in the TP53 gene. The researchers found significant interactions between smoking and genetic variations, suggesting a possible explanation for reports of mothers of twins being more li...
A Saint Louis University study found that text messages can provide private support for at-risk mothers suffering from postpartum depression, with 86.1% of delivered messages successfully received by 54 mothers over six months. The low-cost intervention was well-received and had a positive impact on the child's development.
African American mothers who smoke and have a specific genetic profile are more likely to conceive twins. The study found that the presence of a TP53 gene variant is crucial in 'twinning'. Researchers discovered a significant interaction between smoking and this genetic factor, leading to an increased likelihood of having twins.
Researchers found that Victorian-era babies' nitrogen isotope levels could predict their likelihood of survival and potential health issues later in life. High levels were linked to malnutrition and stress, while low levels indicated breastfeeding and a healthy start.
A new analysis found no link between induction of labor at full term and rates of C section in uncomplicated pregnancies. Induction was associated with slightly less blood loss and lower risk of meconium staining, but birth weight was lower in induced babies by 136 grams.
A workplace intervention increased employed parents' daily time with their children by an average of 39 minutes per day, found a study published in Pediatrics. The Support-Transform-Achieve-Results (STAR) program improved family life by increasing employees' control over schedules and supervisor support for personal and family lives.
Researchers found that a gene affecting breast milk production influences gut bacteria development in infants. Breast milk sugars nourish specific bacteria, shaping the infant's gut microbiota.
A Danish study of 311 women reveals that single women seeking donor semen differ little from cohabiting women in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward motherhood. The study suggests that the myth surrounding single women's suitability for parenthood may be overstated.
A study of 155 breastfeeding women in Manila found that they experienced an increase in sexual activity after childbirth, which may be a strategy to maintain relationships and invest in future children. This suggests that women's priorities shift from mating efforts to parenting efforts during the postpartum period.
A new study found that exercise alone can lower the risk of heart defects in babies born to older mouse mothers. The research suggests that genetic mutations are tied to age, not egg quality, and that healthy metabolism and exercise may play a crucial role in preventing congenital heart disease.
A systematic review found that postnatal care services are under-utilized in low- and middle-income countries due to lack of accessibility, affordability, and education. Governments can prevent 289,000 maternal deaths and 2.9 million newborn deaths by increasing access to postnatal care services.
A new study from the University of Guelph found that maternal genetic effects play a significant role in determining the fitness of squirrel offspring. Genetically gifted mothers tend to give birth earlier, have more successful pups, and exhibit other traits that contribute to their offspring's success.
Research by Penn State College of Medicine found that maternal high-fat diets during pregnancy and lactation may prime offspring for weight gain and obesity. Neural activity involved in energy balance and appetite regulation was compromised, suggesting a link between maternal diet and obesity later in life.
Researchers discovered a link between prolactin levels and parental behavior, including increased cuddling and sex among paired cotton-top tamarins. The study adds to the growing understanding of parallels between oxytocin and prolactin in pair bonding.
A new intervention teaches mothers to interpret and respond to subtle cues of premature infants, resulting in better weight gain and growth for the infants. The study also shows that infants who received this intervention developed muscle control needed for feeding more rapidly.
A large longitudinal survey of Norwegian mothers found that children with autism spectrum disorder were two-and-a-half times more likely to have persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms than children with typical development. The study also found that these symptoms appeared in infancy and persisted through age 3.
A study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, and food allergies/intolerances than their typical development peers. Mothers of children with ASD also reported more persistent GI symptoms in the first three years of life.
The unregulated online market for human breast milk puts infants at risk due to lack of pasteurization and proper testing. Experts call for legal regulation and training for healthcare workers to ensure safe alternatives are offered to mothers struggling with breastfeeding.
High-definition scans of fetuses whose mothers smoked showed a significantly higher rate of mouth movements than normal declining rates. The researchers believe this may be due to delayed fetal development of the central nervous system, which controls facial movements.
Chromothripsis, a hidden genetic disorder, can cause severe birth defects in children despite its absence in healthy parents. The condition affects multiple genes and leads to difficulties getting pregnant, miscarriages, and intellectual disability.
Mothers connected to recently incarcerated men experience lower overall relationship quality, supportiveness, and physical abuse. Current paternal incarceration is positively associated with some indicators of relationship quality.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility found that underlying subfertility may account for some of the risks associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) births. Singletons born to mothers with ART had higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, while twins had better outcomes.
MDC researchers identify a crucial gene regulator, GRHL2, that controls placental development in mice and humans. The study reveals that perturbations of this pathway can lead to developmental defects of the placenta and related pregnancy disorders.
Research shows that eviction from housing can result in multiple negative consequences, including depression, poorer health, and higher levels of stress. Evicted mothers are more likely to experience depression, poor child health, and material hardship, highlighting the need for eviction-prevention initiatives.
A new study suggests that maternal age at childbirth may affect glucose metabolism in adult male children. Research found that sons of mothers under 25 or over 34 years old were more insulin resistant and had higher fasting blood sugar levels compared to those whose mothers gave birth between 30 and 34 years old.
A novel study published in Nature Genetics shows that mammals use more of the DNA inherited from their dads to develop and express genes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding complex diseases like type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and schizophrenia.
Portugal's cesarean section rates dropped by 10% between 2009 and 2014, with a 14% reduction in state-hospitals. This decrease is linked to improved information sharing and training among healthcare staff, as well as the inclusion of C-section rates in hospital funding criteria.
A recent study found that new mothers experiencing higher social stressors have a 2.5 times higher odds of having only partial or no restrictions on smoking in their home, exposing infants to secondhand smoke. The researchers identified statistically significant socio-demographic and socio-economic trends in home smoking rules, highlig...
A new study reveals that children of undocumented Mexican immigrants are more likely to experience internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, such as sadness and aggressiveness. The researchers rule out explanations based on socioeconomic status or maternal mental health, highlighting the need for culturally-sensitive services.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that children of undocumented Mexican immigrants have a significantly higher risk of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems compared to their co-ethnic counterparts with documented or naturalized citizen mothers. The study used data from over 2,500 children ages three to 17 in L...
Research reveals that telephone-based peer support can significantly reduce postnatal depression in new mothers. Social support from peers was found to be effective for maternal depression up to two years after delivery, with a decline in depressive symptoms after the intervention.
Researchers found a possible link between maternal age and abnormal chromosome numbers, which can cause birth defects like Down syndrome. The study used genetic data from over 4,000 families and found that the shuffling process of parental chromosomes becomes less regulated with age.
A recent study revealed that surrogate mothers in Indian fertility clinics lack knowledge about embryo transfer risks, while doctors make unilateral decisions. The existing laws need stricter regulation to ensure rights of all parties are protected.
Researchers have found a way to reverse damage caused by obesity in females that leads to fertility problems and alters fetal growth. By using compounds known to alleviate stress in cells, they were able to stop the damage from being passed on to offspring.
A new model developed by Harvard researchers explains how motives impact cooperation and why people trust genuine altruists over those who open envelopes. The 'envelope game' helps capture the notion that people value principle-driven behavior, especially in situations where cooperation comes with a cost.
New reproductive technologies identify genetic disorders through fetal DNA analysis. Social pressures hinder breastfeeding adoption in Western nations, while advanced parental age increases autism risk.
Researchers found that female sticklebacks prime their offspring with information about their living environment through the mitochondria, allowing them to adapt better to warmer waters. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the species' ability to cope with climate change.
A recent study found that women with kidney transplants in childhood and adulthood have comparable live birth rates, premature birth rates, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The findings suggest that early onset of kidney failure and longer periods of immunosuppression do not negatively impact pregnancy outcomes.
Research finds that mothers with low birth weight or preeclampsia are more likely to have offspring with similar conditions. This study of over 2,300 mother-daughter pairs suggests careful surveillance may help detect complications early.
Mothers who support their children's autonomy tend to be viewed more positively by their children, according to a study of over 2,000 mothers and their children. Mothers' controlling behaviors predicted the extent to which children viewed their mothers positively or negatively when they were in fifth grade.
Research suggests mothers speak slightly less clearly to infants than adults, contradicting the widespread view of hyperarticulation. This finding may explain why babies excel at learning their language's distinct sounds despite less clear input.
New research published in Psychological Science suggests that mothers may speak less clearly to their infants than they do to adults. The study found that mothers tend to use cutesy words and a sing-song voice when talking to babies, but still pronounce sounds slightly less distinctly than when addressing adults.
Research in Seychelles finds that fish consumption during pregnancy may offset mercury exposure risks, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) counteracting toxic effects. Higher PUFA levels in mothers are linked to better neurological development in children.
A new study found that BPA exposure during pregnancy causes oxidative stress, which may lead to the development of diabetes and heart disease. Researchers analyzed blood samples from mother-infant pairs and found higher levels of BPA associated with increased oxidative stress in both mothers and babies.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children whose mothers consistently supported their autonomy had higher executive functioning skills. The mother's ability to teach problem-solving skills and take her child's perspective was crucial in shaping the child's cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that family function is affected by the mental illness diagnosis type and caregiver sense of coherence. Caregiver strain and client dependence are associated with greater family disruption. Interventions for all family members may improve cohesion and support.
A lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in birth settings is killing mothers and newborns in the developing world, a new publication reports. The World Health Organization and other organizations are calling on governments to take action to save lives and enable skilled health workers to do their jobs.
A new study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that households with obese mothers and stunted children often rely on high-energy, low-nutrient foods like chocolate and biscuits. In contrast, diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower rates of double-burden households.
A new study has identified key steps for hospitals to improve care for pregnant mums and babies affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The report highlights inconsistencies in care delivery, with some areas showing better patient-centered models. Key recommendations include focusing acute care on specialist centers and deve...
Mothers who use mobile devices while eating with their young children have fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions, potentially affecting child health outcomes. This study found that mothers with the most mobile device use had 20% fewer verbal interactions and 39% fewer nonverbal interactions.
A large study found that mothers of children with autism were over twice as likely to have had preeclampsia pregnancies. Children with autism and developmental delay also showed greater cognitive impairment when their mothers experienced preeclampsia. The study suggests a potential link between preeclampsia and autism development.
Postpartum anxiety and depression are prevalent in new mothers, affecting both maternal well-being and infant health. Animal research provides valuable insights into the causes of these conditions, which may lead to better treatment options and earlier diagnosis.
Research at Brunel University London found that increasing breastfeeding duration can save the NHS £31m annually by reducing infant illnesses. The study suggests that doubling breastfeeding duration could lead to significant cost savings, with a potential total of £40m per year.
Researchers develop a method to activate expression of paternal Ube3a allele, reducing cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. A study in mice showed promising results, paving the way for future human trials.
Research on Tanzanian chimpanzees reveals that the mothers of sons are 25% more social than those of daughters. They spend more time with other adults and associate with more kin, which helps their young males develop social skills. This finding suggests a potential link between early social exposure and gender-typical behavior in humans.
A new study found that mothers working full-time are more likely to have preschoolers who get less sleep and are overweight. The researchers followed 247 mother-child pairs and found that children whose mothers worked full-time had higher BMIs at the end of the study period.
Researchers found that fathers' positive engagement increased as their intuitive parenting increased, but only when mothers had shown lower levels of intuitive parenting. The study involved highly educated, dual-earner couples and few in which the mother would be staying at home full-time.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children exposed to antibiotics in the second or third trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of childhood obesity at age 7. Additionally, delivery by Caesarean section was also associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity.