Articles tagged with Mothers
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 new study found that adults with obese mothers before pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers analyzed data from 1971 to 2012 on 879 participants, who were followed for 41 years, resulting in 193 cardiovascular events and 28 cardiovascular deaths.
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.
A recent NIH-sponsored study has identified a superior three-drug regimen for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery. The findings support World Health Organization guidelines, recommending a triple-drug anti-HIV regimen to all pregnant women with HIV infection.
Preterm birth is now the world's number one killer of young children, accounting for nearly 1.1 million deaths in 2013. Direct complications from preterm births killed an additional 125,000 children between one month and five years old.
Research found that babies born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis have lower fetal growth and are more likely to be born prematurely. Studies show a 1.5 times higher risk of preterm birth in children exposed to maternal or preclinical RA compared to those without exposure.
A new study found that mothers tend to use more emotional words and content when conversing with their daughters than sons. This may lead to girls growing up more attuned to their emotions, having an edge in expressing themselves and coping with emotions.
A new University of Michigan study finds that children born to mothers with higher education levels tend to excel academically in reading and math. The research suggests that the educational attainment of adolescent mothers has a lasting impact on their children's academic achievement, particularly if birth occurs later in life.
A study by Dr. Marcelo Urquia found that using birthweight curves tailored to specific ethnic groups can help identify babies who are at risk of adverse events, such as premature death or complications during delivery. The new charts can provide more accurate measurements and trigger fewer unnecessary medical interventions.
A large study found that using world region-specific birth-weight curves for immigrant mothers and their babies can predict adverse outcomes more accurately than Canadian curves. This method may help avoid unnecessary interventions and reduce parental stress.
A Stanford/VA study found that pregnant women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely. The study analyzed over 16,000 births to female veterans and found that having PTSD in the year before delivery increased the risk by 35 percent.
The book 'In Our Hearts' shares narratives of women parted from children, highlighting the importance of wellbeing and finding strength in individual stories. The project aims to provide support for mothers living apart from their children, promoting hope and understanding.