Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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 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 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 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 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.
A recent US study found that working mothers with nonstandard schedules experience insufficient sleep more often than those with standard hours. Working more than 35 hours per week was linked to increased difficulty in balancing work and family life for many mothers.
A new study reveals breastfeeding mothers experience shame due to exposure, while those who don't breastfeed face judgment and condemnation for perceived failures. The study emphasizes individualized support and addressing cultural constraints associated with infant feeding.
A study of 517 mothers found that nearly 15% had taken recreational drugs during pregnancy, and mothers of babies with brain birth defects were more likely to have used drugs. The study suggests a link between brain birth defects and recreational drug use in expectant mothers.
A new acoustics study suggests that mothers alter their speech patterns to both babies in a twin pair, even if only one infant has hearing loss. Mothers use lower pitch and more variable intonation with the normal-hearing twin compared to the hearing-impaired twin.
A recent survey conducted by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that mothers are more likely than fathers to read nutrition labels when considering food and drink purchases. Nearly half of mothers report checking the labels always or very often for added/total sugars.
Researchers have found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can stimulate soluble sFlt1 production in the placenta, contributing to the development of preeclampsia. Elevated VEGF levels during early pregnancy can cause severe placental damage and embryonic lethality.
A new study found that mothers with gestational diabetes and those who were overweight before pregnancy have daughters who are more likely to be obese. The research, published in Diabetes Care, suggests that behavior modifications during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of obesity in offspring.
New QUT research found that 100% of three and four-year-olds opted for sweet or savory snacks after a filling lunch, highlighting the risk of unhealthy weight gain. The study suggests that children's ability to self-regulate their food intake may be compromised by frequent exposure to high-calorie foods.
Researchers found that women with children carrying high-risk HLA genes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between fetal microchimerism and the disease, which may be mediated by interactions between immune system proteins encoded by these genes.
A recent study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital found that newborns of mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy show lower levels of stress hormones and altered DNA. This may lead to a higher risk of behavior problems and nicotine addiction in later life.
According to a recent editorial in Anaesthesia, pre-eclampsia may be caused by problems meeting the oxygen demands of the growing fetus. The condition can lead to serious health complications, including seizures, kidney failure, and haemorrhage.
A study by Penn State scientists found that children born to older mothers have higher rates of mitochondrial DNA mutations, which can cause over 200 diseases. The researchers also discovered the size of the 'bottleneck' period during egg-cell development, providing crucial information for genetic counseling and family planning.
A survey of over 50,000 US mothers aged 18-50 found that the top reasons for extended breastfeeding were nutritional benefits, social bonding, and enjoyment. The American Academy of Pediatrics presented this study to highlight the importance of breastfeeding beyond infancy.
A new study finds that intensive parenting and health education provided in homes of pregnant American Indian teens reduced drug use, depression, and behavior problems. The Family Spirit intervention was also cost-effective and created badly needed jobs in low-income communities.
A new study found that a mother's harsh behavior towards her child at 2 years old is a strong predictor of problem behaviors in kindergarten. Maternal harshness can be influenced by drug use and affects parenting, leading to less emotional engagement with the child.
Researchers at UNSW Australia found that the size of young flies is determined by the first male mated with, not the second. The team proposes that molecules from seminal fluid are absorbed by eggs and influence growth.
A UGA study reveals that socio-economic concerns drive mothers' decisions to bed-share. Salm Ward recommends personalized options and harm-reduction techniques to educate the population about safe sleep.
A study by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that mothers of children with autism are less likely to report taking iron supplements before and during pregnancy. The risk is five-fold greater in children whose mothers had low supplemental iron and other risk factors for delivering a child with ASD.
Researchers found that obese adults and their children often underestimate sizes, while mothers of overweight children have a particularly poor showing. This misperception can contribute to adolescent and adult obesity if not addressed in a timely way.
A new study found that mothers with positive childhood experiences and those who have come to terms with negative ones are more infant-oriented when seeing videos of crying babies. Mothers who responded negatively to crying were more likely to focus on themselves, indicating a need for stress management support.
Research shows that mothers living in greener neighborhoods are more likely to deliver at full term and their babies are born at higher weights. The study controlled for factors such as air pollution and neighborhood walkability.
Research from North Carolina State University reveals that home-cooked meals and family dinners can be stressful and impossible for many families due to financial limitations. The study found that middle-class and poor families face significant challenges in accessing healthy food, including transportation and kitchen tools.
A new study suggests that a maternal diet low in protein can predispose offspring to type 2 diabetes. Offspring of mothers fed a low protein diet had decreased insulin levels and fewer β cells, leading to defective insulin secretion by adulthood.
A recent University of Georgia research study reveals that peer groups and clinicians play a critical role in developing effective breastfeeding programs. Mothers who received support from peer counselors reported higher success rates with breastfeeding, attributed to the positive influence of role models.
Parents who engage with their infant's babbling can accelerate their child's vocalizing and language learning, according to a new University of Iowa study. Infants whose mothers responded to their babbling showed an increase in developmentally advanced vocalizations and began directing more of their babbling towards their mothers.
A CU Denver study reveals that vaccine refusal is more common among children from higher-income families with educated mothers. These parents often rely on alternative practices like breastfeeding and social monitoring to prevent disease, rather than vaccinations. In contrast, lower-income families face barriers to accessing healthcare...
A new study by Queensland University of Technology found that mothers trust the opinions of other mothers when recommending products, making online communities a powerful marketing tool. The study suggests that fostering word-of-mouth in these environments is crucial for businesses looking to increase sales.
Researchers found that infants exposed to opioids in utero had more severe symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome, with higher DNA methylation levels. This study suggests a link between early exposure and lasting epigenetic changes, potentially affecting future sensitivity to addictive substances.
A UK study found that smoking during pregnancy affects grandkids' growth, with paternal grandmother's smoke increasing daughters' height and both sexes' bone mass. Maternal grandmother's smoke, however, linked to sons' increased weight and muscle mass during adolescence.
A new study reveals that cultural expectations of parenting and social pressures on new parents, particularly fathers, can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The research highlights the need for improved screening and social policies to address these challenges.
Research in rats reveals that stress experienced by mothers, grandmothers, or even great-grandmothers can lead to shorter pregnancies and higher glucose levels in their offspring. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inherited epigenetic effects and preterm birth risk.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with high levels of perchlorate during pregnancy may have children with below-average IQs. Perchlorate, a common chemical contaminant, can affect thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with cognitive impairment.
A study of 86 mother-infant pairs found that maternal singing during skin-to-skin contact improved preterm infant heart rate variability patterns. This combined effect also caused mothers to experience reduced anxiety levels.
A recent study by an international team of scientists has clarified the frequency and influence of mosaicism in genomic disorders. Mosaicism was found to be much more common than previously thought, contributing significantly to recurrence risk in future offspring.
A QUT study found that one in two new mothers experience excessive sleepiness four months after giving birth. Despite stable night sleep times, they reported being tired during the day. The study highlights the importance of preserving sleep quality for new mothers.
A study of dominance in female baboons found that close ties with mom and supportive sisters play a crucial role in determining social status. Females born to high-ranking mothers tend to reach higher ranks, while those with more sisters are more likely to rise within their family group.
Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are at risk due to limited access to formula and breastfeeding challenges. Researchers advocate for immune-based interventions, including vaccines and nutritional supplements, to prevent postnatal HIV-1 transmission. The development of novel prophylaxis strategies is crucial to achieving an HIV-free...
Researchers discovered that mother rats can transmit fears to their babies through odor, which could explain how traumatic experiences affect children long after birth. The study pinpointed the brain area responsible for learning these fears and suggests potential interventions to prevent irrational fear responses.
A new study found that peer-led interventions targeting parental well-being can significantly reduce stress, depression, and anxiety in mothers of children with disabilities. The interventions led to improvements in mental health, sleep, and life satisfaction, as well as fewer dysfunctional parent-child interactions.
A study found that women who identify with their profession work more hours and spend less time with children, but have a more balanced childcare split. In contrast, men's paternal identity has no impact on childcare time or duties taken by mothers.
Researchers found that maternal presence and social interactions directly mold infant brain activity and growth. The study showed that the mother's presence regulated and controlled electrical signaling in the infant pup's brain, leading to healthy brain development.
A new study found that mothers who return to work full-time are less likely to meet their breastfeeding goals, while part-time work shows no association. Mothers who delayed their return to paid employment or returned at part-time hours may have better chances of achieving their breastfeeding intentions.
Research found that babies born to immigrant mothers have a significantly lower rate of cerebral palsy, particularly those from the Caribbean and East Asia. The study suggested that wealthier immigrants lose the 'healthy immigrant effect', which may explain why they are not at lower risk of CP than non-immigrant counterparts.
A new study in mice shows that epigenetic effects, such as those caused by under-nutrition during pregnancy, can be passed down to offspring but may not persist indefinitely. The study suggests that these 'memories' of environmental impact on health may be limited and potentially reversible.
University of Iowa researchers have identified a biomarker that can predict preeclampsia at least 6 weeks into pregnancy, enabling early detection and potentially preventing severe health issues. The study's findings hold significant implications for obstetric care in rural and underserved communities.
A University of Colorado study found that home visits from nurses significantly reduced preventable child deaths and maternal mortality among low-income families. The Nurse-Family Partnership program improved pregnancy outcomes, childhood health, and women's economic self-sufficiency.
A randomized clinical trial found that women who received prenatal and infant/toddler home visits by nurses had lower maternal all-cause mortality rates compared to those who did not receive these services. Additionally, children whose mothers received home visits were less likely to die from preventable causes before the age of 20.
A landmark study by Oxford University researchers found that babies' bone growth in the womb and their length and head circumference at birth are strikingly similar globally when born to educated, healthy, and well-nourished mothers. The study involved almost 60,000 pregnancies across eight urban areas worldwide.
A new study from Duke University found that unwed parents are more likely to marry when their child is young, with the 'magic moment' lasting longer than previously thought. However, the study also revealed that many of these marriages are fragile and do not last.
Research by Dr. Joel Ray of St. Michael's Hospital found that a father's ethnic background influences a child's birthweight, similar to the effects seen in mothers. Babies born to mixed-ethnic parents tend to weigh less than those with two European-born parents.