Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A UCLA study found that single mothers' job loss can significantly affect children's educational achievement and social-psychological well-being. Children of laid-off mothers are less likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and experience depression compared to those whose mothers remained employed.
New studies reveal a connection between diabetes and low milk supply in new mothers. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to experience lactation issues, highlighting the need for targeted therapies to support breastfeeding success.
People bereaved by suicide are at increased risk of suicide, depression, and mental illness compared to those affected by other sudden deaths. The Lancet Psychiatry review emphasizes the need for more comprehensive support from health and social services.
A recent KU Leuven study reveals that suppressing positive emotions plays a significant role in the development of postpartum depression. The study found that women who downplayed or suppressed happy feelings were more likely to experience depressive symptoms postpartum.
A Simon Fraser University study has linked intimate partner abuse to postpartum mental health problems in new mothers. The research found that 61% of women experienced mental health symptoms and that different types of abuse were associated with varying levels of postpartum mental health issues.
A recent study finds that older mothers are at higher risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly when combined with intellectual disability. The risk is lower for fathers, who experience a more gradual increase in ASD risk as their age advances.
A recent modeling study reveals that fish consumption advisories are ineffective in reducing infant exposure to long-lived pollutants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), with estimates suggesting only a 10-15% reduction in child exposure even for mothers who stop eating fish before pregnancy.
Researchers found that holding babies on their mother's abdomen or chest immediately after birth does not compromise delayed cord clamping. This could lead to improved uptake and reduced risk of infant iron deficiency. The study suggests a more comfortable and bonding-friendly approach for hospitals.
A new study using real-time audio recordings of parents practicing corporal punishment found that children were hit for minor infractions and then misbehaved within 10 minutes. The study revealed parents often responded impulsively or emotionally, violating best practices recommended by spanking advocates.
A study using infant hair from rhesus monkeys found higher levels of cortisone and estrone in babies born to young mothers, suggesting a link between prenatal hormones and development. The findings raise questions about the impact on gender differences and chronic disease risk.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that mothers' conversations with their children help them understand moral missteps and develop empathy. The study showed that these conversations have a significant impact on children's understanding of themselves as moral people, capable of both good and harm.
A new collaborative study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cornell University found that single mothers do not delay marriage to boost their tax credit. Instead, they focus on maximizing their refunds through tax filing status changes, such as claiming zero dependents.
A new study from Duke University suggests that living with grandparents can exacerbate the baby blues in some mothers. Married and single mothers who live in multi-generational households experience higher rates of depression, while cohabiting couples without marriage benefits from having one or more grandparents in the house. The find...
A new study provides direct evidence that the fetus's brain response to glucose is associated with the mother's insulin sensitivity. Research found that women with lower insulin sensitivity had fetuses that reacted more slowly to sounds, while those with higher insulin sensitivity had faster reactions.
A new study found that mothers' levels of physical activity are closely related to those of their preschool children. Only 53% of mothers engaged in 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least once a week, with the amount of activity a mother and her child did each day being highly correlated.
A University of Iowa study found that mothers and children often disagree on the danger of situations, but mothers can bring their child's thinking around with effective conversations. Mothers use a specific tactic to explain why a situation is dangerous, focusing on present features rather than potential outcomes.
Researchers found that mothers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experience significant lifestyle changes, including difficulty sleeping and managing anxiety, even after treatment has ended. Depression symptoms were also common, affecting 26% of mothers.
A University of Illinois study found that mothers participating in a vocational training program gained a network of peers, leading to increased bargaining strength and improved children's consumption of rice and dairy. The program empowered women, allowing them to exert more say over household resources.
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that teenage Asian elephant mothers die younger than older mothers but raise larger families during their lifetime. The research found that early reproduction was favored by natural selection, despite reducing a mother's lifespan.
The UK's mother to child HIV transmission rate has dropped to an all-time low of 0.46%, according to a study published in the journal AIDS. The decline is attributed to earlier initiation of antenatal combination antiretroviral therapy and increased uptake of antenatal HIV screening.
A small pilot study of 22 mothers found that an 'Resourcefulness' intervention, teaching coping skills, bolsters moms' mental health and improves family dynamics. The intervention reduced negative emotions and depressive cognitions in mothers caring for children on life-sustaining devices.
Researchers found that mothers earning more than fathers do not increase the risk of relationship break-up, even in cases where they are the sole earners. In fact, in some instances, couples with higher-earning mothers were more stable, particularly during early childcare years.
A series of studies published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health highlights the effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving maternal and newborn health in rural Ethiopia. The Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership initiative has reduced mortality rates by increasing demand for focused maternal and...
A Vanderbilt study finds that premature babies who receive a combination of their mother's voice and a pacifier-activated music player learn to eat more efficiently and have their feeding tubes removed sooner. The intervention also reduces stress and shortens hospitalization times.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that mothers who receive formula in the hospital are less likely to fully breastfeed their babies in the second month of life. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, suggests that early formula use limits breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of quitting earlier.
Researchers are leveraging big data from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to better understand human behavior and social dynamics. Studies have found differences in communication patterns between parents and children, as well as predictors of postpartum depression.