Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Research by Dr. Christiana Tsaousi finds that women's underwear choices are influenced by personal taste, social background, and professional status, challenging the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to femininity. The study suggests comfort is key to feeling feminine in underwear.
A new fossil specimen of the ancient Mesozoic marine reptile Chaohusaurus has revealed evidence of a live birth, suggesting that live births in land reptiles may have appeared much earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the moment of live-birth.
A Saint Louis University pediatric researcher is conducting a study to determine the best time to discuss obtaining parental consent for clinical research involving treatment of newborns in the delivery room. The goal is to develop a method that satisfies ethical requirements while making it easier for parents to understand the researc...
A study reveals that average US job tenure has been surprisingly stable over time, but there are divergent trends among men and women. Married mothers experienced a significant increase in job tenure due to changes in labor market expectations and workplace accommodations.
Researchers found that routine delivery did not decrease maternal complications but increased neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, while expectant monitoring reduced risks in both mothers and babies. The study suggests that expectant monitoring should be considered for women with hypertensive disorders between 34-37 weeks of pregnancy.
A study published in Psychological Science found that infants can pick up on their mother's stress and show corresponding physiological changes. Infants of mothers who received negative feedback during an evaluation session showed significant increases in heart rate relative to baseline.
Researchers found that fetal surgery activates a mother's T cells, which normally reject foreign organs. In mice, this activation leads to preterm labor and fetal death. The study provides possible clues to the high rate of preterm labor after human fetal surgery.
A study published in Cell reveals that obesity in mothers can predispose their children to lifelong obesity and metabolic disorders due to abnormal neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus. Mothers who consume a large amount of fat during the third trimester may be putting their children at risk for these conditions.
A new study published in Cell found that mice offspring of mothers consuming a high-fat diet during lactation had abnormal neuronal circuits and altered insulin signaling, leading to lifelong obesity. The study suggests that proper nutrition during critical developmental periods can impact long-term metabolic health.
A meta-analysis published in The BMJ suggests that infants exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during late pregnancy are at a higher risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to breathing difficulties. However, the authors stress that the overall risk remains low and that depression during pregna...
Research shows that postpartum depression symptoms decrease over time, but 30-50% of affected women experience chronic depression. Factors like age, income, and relationship quality may contribute to a higher risk of chronic depression.
A new study finds that heavy viewers of 'Teen Mom' and '16 and Pregnant' have unrealistic perceptions of teen mothers' quality of life, income, and involved fathers. The research, led by Indiana University professors, suggests that these shows lead to a distorted view of reality TV and teen parenthood.
A new study has found that levetiracetam does not appear to be associated with thinking, movement, and language problems in preschool children born to mothers who took the drug during pregnancy. In contrast, valproate was linked to some difficulties in preschoolers.
A recent study by Janni Niclasen found that children of mothers who consumed small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy showed improved emotional and behavioral outcomes at age seven. However, the study also highlighted the importance of considering psychological factors such as attachment between mother and child. The research, conduct...
A patient with 'word blindness' was able to learn a new technique that enables her to recognize and read words through tactile skills. The technique, which involves tracing letters of the alphabet, was effective in helping her regain reading abilities.
A national survey of 497 mothers found that those familiar with MyPlate were more likely to be 'vegetable lovers' and involve their kids in meal prep. The study suggests involving kids in meal planning, making healthy options appealing to families, and utilizing the USDA's ChooseMyPlate website for practical tips.
Children born to mothers who ate more nuts during pregnancy may have a lower risk of developing peanut or tree nut allergies. The study found that nonallergic mothers with the highest P/TN consumption had children with the lowest risk of P/TN allergy.
A US study found that women who gained too little weight during pregnancy are at increased risk of losing their baby in its first year of life. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, showed that nearly a quarter of women did not gain enough weight during pregnancy.
A 35-year study of ring-tailed lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center found that infants born to older mothers are less likely to get hurt than those born to younger mothers. The results suggest that older moms may be better at fending off attackers or protecting their infants during fights.
Researchers found that mothers underestimate their youngest child's height by 7.5 cm on average, while overestimating their eldest child's height is almost accurate.
A University of Granada study found that early breast-feeding and natural deliveries contribute to higher maternal satisfaction. The researchers monitored 60 mothers and discovered a strong correlation between positive birth experiences and continued breastfeeding, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
A McGill study suggests that a father's diet before conception plays a crucial role in the health of their offspring. The research found that paternal folate levels may be as important as those of the mother, with potential consequences for birth defects and long-term development.
ETH Zurich researchers discovered a mechanism that enables yeast cells to memorise 'bad experiences' during reproduction by forming protein aggregates. These aggregates make future mating attempts more difficult, conserving energy and preventing unproductive reproduction. The system appears to be universal and relatively old in evolution.
Research from North Carolina State University found that nonstandard work schedules can hurt parent-child relationships, increasing delinquent behaviors. However, certain circumstances can be beneficial for children, particularly when one parent works a nonstandard schedule while the other maintains a standard schedule.
Research finds that children whose bond with mother was disrupted early in life show similar responses to adoptive mother and strangers in the amygdala, indicating potential long-term effects on social interaction. Longitudinal study of 67 youths aged 4-17 reveals reduced amygdala differentiation and increased indiscriminate friendliness.
A new algorithm, relational social image search, can find individuals in untagged photos by quantifying relationships between people based on tag locations. The algorithm achieves high reliability without using computationally intensive software and is more efficient than standard approaches.
A study by the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health found that US mothers are less physically active than previous decades, spending more time watching TV than cooking, cleaning, and exercising. This decline in physical activity has led to a decrease in energy expenditure, potentially predisposing children to o...
A comprehensive study reveals that poor mothers and fathers from ethnic minority groups experience high levels of chronic stress, affecting their mental and physical health. The research also found that certain ethnic groups, such as recent immigrants, tend to have lower stress levels despite facing similar socioeconomic challenges.
A Ben-Gurion University of the Negev study suggests that children are significantly more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if their mother is already afflicted with the condition. The research found that over 21% of children exhibited PTSD symptoms, often accompanied by psychosomatic complaints such as constipatio...
Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.
Researchers at UEA are developing a virtual birthing simulator that takes into account individual factors such as mother's body shape and baby positioning. The system will enable healthcare professionals to predict potential complications and advise on necessary interventions, aiming to reduce complicated births.
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Health is scaling up an essential obstetric and newborn care (EONC) model, improving maternal and newborn health services across the country. The model, piloted in Cotopaxi province, has yielded significant improvements in practices to improve the health of mothers and newborns.
Researchers found that in regions with limited economic opportunities, stepparents were more likely to neglect their stepchildren, while in areas with greater resources, they treated all children equally. The 'Cinderella effect' is not inevitable, and parental care depends on factors beyond biological relationships.
Women who have undergone bariatric surgery are at increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, according to a large registry study. The study suggests that prenatal care should be monitored extra carefully for these women.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.