Articles tagged with Mothers
A cognitive-behavioral intervention called problem-solving education (PSE) may help reduce parental stress and depressive symptoms immediately after a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mothers of children with ASD report high levels of parental stress, depressive symptoms, and social isolation.
A new study finds that short-term depression therapy through weekly home visits can relieve symptoms in low-income minority mothers, even in the face of poverty and trauma. The intervention improved depressive symptoms for 8 months after treatment ended, with participants regaining a sense of hope and control over their lives.
Research reveals that family naming trends in the US follow regional patterns, with people in states emphasizing honor more likely to use patronyms. Matronymns are rare and do not predict any statewide variables. The study highlights gender differences in naming traditions.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that mothers' friendships with other adults can impact their adolescent children's relationships with their own friends. Mothers who display high levels of conflict with friends may signal to their children that such behavior is acceptable, leading to anxiety and depression.
A study of 182 dual-earner couples found that mothers spent nearly 70% of their time on child care when their children were 9 months old. Despite having similar work constraints, the researchers discovered that mothers still invest significantly more time into parenting.
A University of Cincinnati study found that web-based programs for mothers can improve children's fruit and vegetable intake and reduce screen time. The program, called EMPOWER, also increased physical activity and reduced sugary beverage consumption among participating families.
A study found that clinicians are more likely to recommend invasive prenatal tests like amniocentesis for mothers who conceived naturally, compared to those who used assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The 'precious baby' phenomenon may affect medical advice, with doctors being influenced by the method of conception.
Research finds that early skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room significantly increases exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly when mothers intend to breastfeed exclusively. Skin-to-skin contact and maternal intention are strongly associated with successful breastfeeding outcomes.
Research in South Asian countries reveals that young maternal age and rapid pregnancies are major factors contributing to high infant mortality rates. In India and Pakistan, these factors account for nearly one-quarter of infant mortality among young mothers, leading to approximately 200,000 infant deaths annually.
A study by MU researchers discovered that older siblings' cells can be passed from a female dog to her puppies while they are still in the womb. This finding will help further investigate the health effects of microchimerism in dogs and humans.
Researchers discovered that a lack of information about kinship can lead to increased cooperation and reduced conflict within groups. This phenomenon, known as the veil of ignorance, is observed in both social insects and genes, suggesting its evolutionary advantages.
Research finds that maternal smoking impairs infant immunity, leading to a broad range of respiratory and non-respiratory infections. Infants born to smokers are 50% more likely to be hospitalized or die from infectious diseases compared to those born to non-smokers.
Researchers suspect that killer whale menopause is related to the animals' social structure, where older females help protect and care for offspring and grandoffspring. The study aims to uncover why these whales evolved this trait, which may also shed light on human menopause.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that children born to teen moms have similar spatial and non-verbal skills as those born to older mothers, after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status and perinatal care. However, a slight difference in verbal skills scores remained.
A study found that children born to teenage mothers have delayed speaking skills at age five, likely due to limited opportunities for education and well-paid jobs. Parenting involvement, such as playing and reading with the child, was predictive of higher-level development.
A study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology found that economic hardship and financial strain exacerbate depressive symptoms among poor mothers, even with support from family and friends. Marital status did not significantly alleviate these symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that multiple courses of prenatal corticosteroids did not increase the risk of death or disability in children. The study included over 1,700 mothers and their children, with no significant difference in outcomes between those who received single vs. multiple courses of corticosteroid therapy.
A team of forensic experts found no genetic link between the mummified head and three Bourbon descendants of King Henry IV. The analysis ruled out a maternal connection as well, making it highly unlikely that the head belonged to the French king.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that households with crowding, noise, and lack of routine are associated with poorer health outcomes in preschoolers. The study suggests that chaos in the home environment can lead to stress, which in turn can increase exposure to toxins and germs.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Economics found that contaminated water is linked to lower birth weights and prematurity, especially among less-educated mothers. Infants exposed to contaminated water are also more likely to have mothers who are younger, less educated, or African-American.
A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that exposure to social stress in new mothers can negatively impact their daughter's ability to provide maternal care. The transgenerational study used female rats to model postpartum depression, revealing similar behavioral and physiological changes in second-generation females.
Research finds abusive mothers experience stress and physiological responses when attempting warm parenting, leading to increased hostility. The study suggests a biological basis for aversive parenting patterns, making it harder for interventions to succeed.
A 40-year longitudinal study found that prenatal exposure to stress hormones and maternal smoking during pregnancy predict nicotine dependence in adult daughters. Mothers who smoked 15 cigarettes a day or more during pregnancy were 52% more likely to have a daughter addicted to nicotine.
Researchers found that subordinate female meerkats who have recently lost litters or been evicted are more likely to wet-nurse the dominant female's pups. This behavior may provide a survival benefit for the nursed offspring and the mother of the pups, allowing the subordinate female to remain in the group.
A University of Iowa study found that mothers with prematurely born infants who participated in personal sessions with NICU nurses reported lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The sessions, led by a nurse, allowed the mothers to focus on themselves and their needs, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are more likely to have overweight and obese children. The study, which analyzed data from over 10,000 mothers and their children, suggests that measures to limit pregnancy weight gain may help prevent obesity in the subsequent generation.
Researchers found evidence of maternal care in eight species of Chrysomelinae beetles, including defense mechanisms against predators and parasitoids. The study reveals complex subsocial behaviors and provides insight into the natural history of these insects.
A new study found that 92% of new moms reported at least one breastfeeding concern three days after birth, with infant feeding issues being the most common. The study suggests a two-pronged approach to support breastfeeding mothers, including strengthening protective factors and ensuring professional lactation support.
Researchers discovered that mothers show increased activation in the dopaminergic system of the caudate nucleus when exposed to newborn odors, a key finding suggesting biological underpinnings for maternal functions. The study's results imply a neural response linked to maternal status.
A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
Researchers observed that orphaned chimpanzees engaged in social play more frequently but with shorter bouts and higher aggression. In contrast, mother-reared juveniles played smoothly and successfully. The study highlights the importance of maternal care in developing social skills in young chimpanzees.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment. Mothers with comorbid PTSD and depression showed the highest levels of physically and psychologically abusive behaviors, highlighting the importance of measuring PTSD symptoms when a...
Researchers from The University of Manchester have identified two new proteins that could predict women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy. These proteins, PSG5 and PSG9, were found to be as good a predictor of disease risk as the current best marker, placental growth factor.
Two Tennessee high school students, Dalton Chaffee and Hayes Griffin, published their research on mate choice in the journal Evolution, shedding new light on how mate selection is influenced by sexual imprinting. The study revealed that females' ability to identify preferred mates affects the evolution of sexual imprinting.
Researchers found that mutations of maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA in mice accelerate ageing and impair development. Damage from mother's mitochondria starts at birth and accumulates over time, leading to premature ageing and increased mortality risk.
Research reveals that maternal mitochondrial DNA can influence an individual's aging process, accelerating it. The findings suggest that inherited genetic mutations from mothers contribute to the aging process and potentially impact brain development.
Researchers have found that a mother's genes can influence an individual's aging process. The study suggests that mild DNA damage transferred from the mother contributes to the aging process and that reducing mutations may help extend lifespan.
A community-based intervention program in North Carolina found that mothers who completed a mandatory IPV program were less likely to be re-victimized and more likely to leave abusive relationships. The program, MOVE, showed promising results, with a 96.5% reduction in physical abuse and an 84% decrease in psychological abuse.
A global systematic review and meta-analysis found that newborns of mothers with bacterial infection or colonization are at higher risk for early-onset neonatal infections. The study analyzed data from 83 studies and found a significant association between maternal infection and newborn infection, with odds ratios ranging from 2.3 to 9.4.
A new analysis found that breastfeeding for over 6 months may safeguard nonsmoking mothers against breast cancer, with a 10-year delay in diagnosis compared to shorter breastfeeding periods. In contrast, smoking mothers did not benefit from longer breastfeeding
A study by the University of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that children born to obese mothers are one-third more likely to die before age 55. Hospital admissions for heart problems were almost a third greater among these children.
A three-year study found that female blue tits with brighter UV-reflectant crown feathers fledge more offspring than duller females, experiencing lower levels of stress hormones during arduous periods of chick rearing. This suggests that male choice of mate based on plumage color may be a wise strategy.
A new study finds that working mothers engage in mental labor related to family matters for approximately 29 hours per week, while fathers engage in about 24 hours. Mothers experience increased stress due to societal expectations and the pressure to balance work and family responsibilities.
Research shows that adolescents with half-siblings from a different father are at a higher risk of using drugs and having sex by age 15. The study, which examined data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, found that these children are about 65% more likely to use drugs and 2.5 times more likely to have sex by their 15th birthday
Research on Malagasy black-and-white ruffed lemurs found that communal nesting and creches significantly improve infant survival rates. Female lemurs can spend less time at their nests, increasing opportunities to feed elsewhere.
A study of 602 new mothers found that extroverted and emotionally stable individuals are more likely to breastfeed and continue breastfeeding. Mothers who were introverted or anxious faced challenges with breastfeeding, including feelings of self-consciousness and difficulty accessing support services.
Researchers found that economic conditions worsen only for mothers carrying the T allele, leading to increased harsh parenting. The study suggests that anticipation of adversity, rather than actual economic hardship, drives this response.
Researchers found that rats fed high-fat or high-sugar diets during pregnancy weighed more as adults, drank more alcohol, and had stronger responses to abused drugs. Exposure to sugar-rich diets before birth or nursing increased sensitivity to amphetamine and hyperactivity.
A study highlights the importance of physicians recognizing mothers' use of herbal supplements while breastfeeding. Research suggests that there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of herbal supplements during lactation.
A study on postpartum sexuality found that partners of new mothers experience changes in sexual desire due to factors like fatigue and stress related to caring for a new baby. The research highlights the importance of considering the co-parent's perspective, as their sexual health can be related to each other regardless of the cause.
The Saving Lives at Birth partnership has announced 22 Round 3 award nominees for innovative solutions to prevent infant and maternal deaths. These nominees present cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to delivering services, including family planning, nutrition, and HIV prevention.
A maternal junk food diet during pregnancy changes the development of the opioid signalling pathway in the baby's brain, making them more likely to overconsume high-fat, high-sugar foods. This alteration can lead to negative metabolic outcomes and a lifelong risk of obesity.
Scientists have found evidence that North Atlantic right whales mate in the Gulf of Maine, with a high proportion of potential mates aggregating there between November and January. The study used aerial surveys and genetics data to identify individuals and determine mating grounds, shedding light on the species' life history.
A significant association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring conduct problems was observed among genetically related and unrelated mothers. Conduct disorder is a significant concern globally, and the study sheds light on prenatal risk factors for child psychological problems.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no correlation between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum-like behaviors among children in the Republic of Seychelles. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,700 participants, suggests that low-level exposure to mercury may not contribute to developmental problems.
A new national study by University of Virginia researchers found that infants spending at least one night per week away from their mothers had more insecure attachments compared to those with fewer overnights or staying with fathers during the day. This raises concerns about the impact of parental separation on children's emotional con...
Children exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero are at risk for motor development issues, language skills difficulties, and autistic traits. The study also found no increased risk of developmental delays in children born to mothers with epilepsy who did not use AEDs during pregnancy.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that 16% higher vaccination rate in boys whose mothers received a flu shot, and 13% higher rate among those with a Pap screening. Boys from low-income neighborhoods, Hispanic, and enrolled in Medicaid programs also showed increased vaccine uptake.
A study of 172 expectant mothers found that those who gained excessive weight during the first half of pregnancy gave birth to heavier and longer babies with more body fat. Healthy eating and exercise during pregnancy have long-lasting benefits for both mother and child.
A study published in Journal of Marriage and Family found that flexible working schemes like ROWE led to increased schedule control for mothers, but did not change the actual amount of time spent with children. Mothers reported eating one additional family meal with their children compared to those in traditional departments.