Articles tagged with Mothers
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study of nearly 1 million California births found that women who are obese before becoming pregnant face an increased risk of delivering a very premature baby. The risk was highest at the earliest gestational ages and for non-Hispanic, white first-time mothers in the most obese category.
A study of Australian mothers and daughters found that alcohol consumption increased significantly over a generation, with daughters between 18-25 years old consuming more alcohol than their mothers. Higher education had no effect on consumption levels.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme in the placenta that translates maternal stress into a reprogramming signal for the brain before birth. This enzyme, OGT, is linked to brain mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study found that wild yak mothers venture on steeper terrain than either males or females without young, accessing more nutritious food and avoiding predators. The researchers believe this strategy is an adaptive way to cope with climate change and biological challenges in their high-altitude habitat.
A study of 181 children aged 6 years found no association between breastfeeding and cognitive function, with higher IQ levels observed in breastfed children. The study also showed that IQ was related to drug dosage and maternal intelligence.
Research by Johns Hopkins University reveals that most millennial mothers who don't attend college also delay marriage and have children outside of wedlock. According to the study, 74% of non-college graduate mothers had at least one child out of wedlock.
Research found that children from low-income families had higher cognitive skills if their mothers went back to work before they were 9 months old, and fewer conduct problems if their mothers worked between 9-24 months old. For middle-income households, there were no ill effects of maternal employment.
A study by Beth Humberd and colleagues found that working fathers juggle four primary images of themselves as fathers, influenced by work demands and interactions with colleagues. The findings suggest that employers must acknowledge the changing role of men in fatherhood and support their caregiving responsibilities.
Researchers found that the daily energy demands of a female sea otter increase by 17% after giving birth to a pup and can be nearly twice what they are when she doesn't have a pup. The study reveals why female sea otters often appear in poor condition at the end of lactation period.
A new study found that a text messaging program, Text4baby, significantly improves health risk beliefs and behaviors in pregnant women. The pilot study recruited 943 pregnant women and found that exposure to the program reduced targeted health risks, including pre-natal care attitudes and alcohol use during pregnancy.
Women with shorter birth spacing have shorter pregnancy lengths, increasing the risk of preterm birth. African-American women are more likely to experience this issue, regardless of timing.
A University of Illinois study found that WIC moms who received farmers market vouchers consumed a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, despite lower prices at grocery stores. The study suggests that while vouchers can increase access to fresh produce, they may not significantly impact overall consumption.
Expectant mothers who opt-out of prenatal gender reveal tests tend to have a more relaxed approach to parenting and are less likely to conform to traditional gender stereotypes. They often score high on personality traits like openness to experience, which suggests they prefer a more natural and spontaneous approach to pregnancy.
A new study from Project Ice Storm found that prenatal maternal stress predicts asthma-like symptoms and autistic-like traits in 6 1/2 year-old children. The greater the mothers' objective hardship and subjective distress, the more severe their children's autistic-like traits at 6½ years of age.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that environmental influences, not gene mutations, contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in some cases. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that older mothers face a similar risk to older fathers and may be linked to epigenetic alterations in cheek cells.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that mothers of daughters with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly increased risk of death, especially when combined with type 2 diabetes. The research compared mortality rates between mothers and fathers of PCOS daughters with the general Dutch population.
Infant health has improved among US poor despite worsening economic conditions, thanks to programs like Medicaid, WIC, and SNAP. These policies have helped reduce low-birth-weight babies and improve maternal health.
A significant shift is observed in US custody patterns with a dramatic decline in mother-sole custody cases over the past two decades. Shared custody has become more prevalent, particularly among higher-income families, while the gender and age of children involved do not significantly impact custody decisions.
The Lancet publication highlights the need for accelerated action to reduce newborn mortality rates, citing a lack of registration and official recognition as a key barrier. The research suggests that scaling up achievable interventions can save three million lives by 2025.
A major new Series of papers reveals that three million lives can be saved by 2025 if achievable interventions are scaled up to nearly universal coverage. The research highlights the critical need for improving care at the time of birth, particularly for small and sick newborns.
A new series published in The Lancet reveals that almost all newborn and stillborn babies who die every year enter the world without official recognition, resulting in slower progress in reducing mortality rates. The research sets targets to be achieved by 2030 to ensure every newborn has a healthy start.
A new series of papers highlights the need for improved investment, leadership, and measurement to prevent newborn deaths. The research reveals that three million lives can be saved by 2025 with achievable interventions scaled up to nearly universal coverage.
The Lancet Series presents a clear picture of progress and challenges in improving newborn survival worldwide. The research highlights the need for political commitment and increased investment in newborn health to reduce preventable deaths by 2030.
A study found that exposure to particulate air pollution during the second trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of developing asthma in early childhood, particularly among non-obese mothers. The research suggests that timing of exposure may be crucial in understanding this relationship.
A study by researchers at Stanford University reveals fundamental differences in parenting methods between Asian Americans and European Americans. Asian American 'tiger mothers' motivate their children through interdependence, allowing them to draw on connectedness with their mother for motivation. In contrast, European American parent...
A new study published in Diabetes journal found that poor-quality sleep during late pregnancy can increase the odds of weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in offspring. Disrupted sleep can lead to epigenetic modifications that reduce expression of the adiponectin gene, resulting in increased body fat and reduced activity.
A new study finds that mothers' depressive symptoms predict both increased and reduced negative reactivity to their children's behavior. When the child's behavior is pleasant, mothers with depression tend to be less responsive, but when it becomes unpleasant, they become more over-reactive.
Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...
A study published in CMAJ found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious traffic crashes during the second trimester, with a 42% increase in crashes compared to baseline. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding excessive speed and minimizing distractions, to prevent accidents.
A new study on mice found that mothers eating a gluten-free diet during pregnancy and lactation can protect their pups from developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers hope that this knowledge can be used to develop new treatments for the disease, which affects over 1% of the Danish population.
Research at the University of Chicago found that community doulas significantly improved breastfeeding rates and infant development in young mothers from low-income African American families. The study showed that doulas who were similar to the mothers they supported had a more positive impact on their relationships with their babies.
Researchers identified distinct genetic underpinnings for different manifestations of preeclampsia, including early vs. late timing and high severity levels. The study found unique sets of genes involved from both mother and fetus, suggesting specific biological contributions to the condition.
A new benchtop semiconductor sequencing procedure and bioinformatics software tools can detect multiple types of chromosomal abnormalities with high sensitivity and specificity. The noninvasive method uses cell-free fetal DNA and is faster, cheaper, and safer than current procedures.
A study by Royal Holloway University found that pregnant women use the right side of their brain more when processing positive emotions, preparing them to bond with their babies. This increased activity may help new mothers better understand and respond to their baby's emotional expressions.