Articles tagged with Mothers
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...
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.
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 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.
A University of Alberta study found that new moms are weaning their infants early and only 54% were exclusively breastfeeding three months after giving birth. The study suggests addressing concerns and misconceptions about breastfeeding is crucial for promoting long-term breastfeeding.
The University of North Carolina will assist the President's Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood Initiative by designing maternity homes, training healthcare providers, and establishing a residency program. The grant aims to reduce maternal and infant deaths in Malawi, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
A new research project from Aarhus University found that test-tube children are generally as mentally healthy as naturally conceived children. However, children born to mothers who received hormone stimulation treatment for infertility have a small but increased risk of developing mental disorders such as autism or ADHD.
Researchers found that introducing solid foods before 4 months increases Type 1 diabetes risk, while breast-feeding reduces it. The study suggests parents wait until after 4 months and introduce solid foods by 6 months or soon after with breastfeeding to lower the risk.
Researchers have identified a risk factor for autism in children, linking prenatal exposure to maternal antibodies to changes in brain development that affect behavior. The study found altered patterns of neurodevelopment and social behavior in offspring exposed to specific antibodies.
Researchers have identified a specific risk factor for autism, known as MAR autism, linked to maternal antibodies attacking fetal brain proteins. The study found that mothers of children with autism were more than 21 times likely to have these antibodies, offering a potential biomarker for drug development and early diagnosis.
A study on rats found that stress even before conception causes changes in the expression of a gene linked to the stress mechanism, affecting offspring's brains. The research suggests a potential link between transgenerational influences and human experiences.
A study found that pregnant women with pre-pregnancy diabetes are more than three times as likely to become infected with MRSA before hospital discharge. Researchers also found no association between gestational diabetes and MRSA infection.
Researchers at Pitt and MWRI found that placental cells can resist viral infection by transferring genetic material called microRNAs through tiny spheres called exosomes. This trait could lead to new approaches to combat viral infections during pregnancy.
A new study found that children whose parents divorce early in life tend to have more insecure relationships with their parents as adults. The researchers also discovered that paternal relationships are more likely to be affected by divorce, possibly due to mothers being more likely to receive primary custody.
A rare metabolic complication during pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), is found to program babies to be overweight and more prone to type 2 diabetes in later life. The study suggests that the environment in the womb plays a major role in metabolic diseases in adults.
A study found that conversations between parents and adolescents focused on weight are associated with an increased risk of unhealthy adolescent weight-control behaviors. On the other hand, mothers who engaged in healthful eating conversations were less likely to diet and use unhealthy weight-control behaviors.
Research in Finland and mice found a prenatal link between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and increased child obesity risk. Teenagers born to mothers with the condition had altered metabolic profiles and higher BMI. A mouse model also revealed offspring were more susceptible to metabolic disease and diet-induced obesity.
New research at the University of Chicago shows that non-verbal clues about words can help young children learn new vocabulary faster. The quality of these cues explains a quarter of the differences in children's vocabularies when they enter kindergarten.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that healthy, full-term babies secrete higher levels of corticosterone during labor and delivery compared to their mothers. Corticosterone concentrations increased with fetal distress and were linked to the method of delivery, with vaginally delivered infants producing more cortisol.
A new study has identified corticosterone as a potential biomarker of fetal stress during labor and delivery. Corticosterone concentrations increased by 148% compared to cortisol, suggesting that it may serve as an indicator of infant distress.
A new study shows that mothers in low-income countries often lack understanding of why their baby is in the hospital, leading to difficulty communicating preferences and recognizing future warning signs of illness. This communication gap puts sick newborns at high risk of adverse health outcomes.
Obese mothers may program their children to develop metabolic problems, but a healthy diet can mitigate this risk. The study found that offspring of obese mothers were more likely to be heavier and develop type 2 diabetes, but a low-fat diet could protect them from overt metabolic disease.
A systematic review explores the potential value of genetic information obtained from breast milk for optimizing neonatal diets. The study suggests that genetic analysis of breast milk could help tailor nutrition to individual infants' needs, improving their outcomes.
A study by Penn State and University of California, Irvine researchers found that Mexican American mothers' formal immigration status impacts their children's and grandchildren's educational attainment. Unauthorized immigrant mothers' children lag behind in education compared to authorized immigrant mothers' and U.S.-born mothers' chil...
A new study finds that Mexican American children of authorized immigrant mothers have a 2-year advantage in educational attainment compared to those whose mothers entered the country illegally. The legacy effects of grandparents' unauthorized status contribute to this gap.
The NHS receives millions of pounds annually in revenue from promotions to pregnant women, raising concerns over commercial interests influencing healthcare decisions. Trusted organizations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, profit from selling advertisers access to pregnant women through promotions.
Research suggests that toddlers living in socially-deprived areas are most at risk of suffering a scald. Factors such as age, family size, and parental demographics play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of a child experiencing a hot water-related injury.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found similar PCB concentrations in mothers and children from East Chicago and Columbus Junction, challenging long-held assumptions about urban-rural differences in chemical exposure. The study detected a greater variety of PCBs in the blood of mothers and children in East Chicago, but ultimately s...
Mothers who experienced childhood trauma exhibit traumatic avoidance symptoms, leading to shorter conversations and less child participation. This phenomenon has negative impacts on cognitive and emotional development in children.
A new study suggests that young women are more likely to get vaccinated against HPV if the emphasis is on preventing sexually transmitted diseases rather than cancer. The study found that messages focusing on genital warts were more effective in encouraging college-aged women to discuss vaccination with their doctors.
Researchers found that fetuses produce a hormone called adrenomedullin, which protects mothers from preeclampsia. This discovery could lead to new methods for detecting and preventing the condition.
Researchers found that an interpersonal-based intervention program reduced the incidence of PPD by 50% among adolescent mothers. The REACH program, delivered over five one-hour sessions during pregnancy and postpartum, improved communication skills and helped girls manage stress, develop a support system, and set goals.
A recent Indiana University study found that mothers in male-dominated occupations are more likely to leave their jobs due to overwork. The study reveals how these women face discouragement despite being committed to work, and highlights the need for labor policies that minimize work-family conflicts.
Research suggests that high stress hormone levels in mothers can actually help their offspring grow faster and stronger. In a six-year study on North American red squirrels, stressed-out mothers raised pups that were significantly larger than those of control females.
Researchers found that female red squirrels produce more stress hormones during pregnancy, which increases their pups' growth rate and chances of survival. The study confirms that natural selection favors faster-growing offspring, and these squirrels can adapt to high population density by anticipating environmental changes.
A new review highlights the need for additional legislation and guidelines for surrogate pregnancies in modern obstetrics. The lack of clear guidance puts women, babies, and parents at risk of exploitation, making it essential for healthcare professionals to have practical advice on managing these cases.
Infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried, characterized by slowed heart rates, reduced movement, and cessation of crying. This phenomenon, observed in both human and mouse babies, is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system and may have implications for parenting strategies to prevent child abuse.
A Brigham Young University study identified three key factors for closeness in stepfamilies: keeping arguments to a minimum, motherly involvement, and parental agreement. This approach allows stepfathers to build strong bonds with their children despite financial or educational challenges.
A recent CWRU study found that mothers with postpartum depression prefer online interventions for anonymous access to professional advice. The study also highlights the need for accessible resources to help new mothers cope with depression, which affects up to 15% of new mothers.
The study found that 37% of parents and step-parents who killed their children had some form of mental illness, with mood disorders being the most common diagnosis. Additionally, fathers were more likely to kill their children than mothers, and were more likely to use violent methods of killing.
A pilot program called Single Fathers Due to Cancer has been launched at the University of North Carolina Health Care to provide emotional support to men facing unique challenges after losing their partner to cancer. The group aims to address feelings of profound aloneness and provide a safe space for men to share advice and feedback.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that young children are more likely to die when their mother is seriously ill, with the highest risk occurring in the months leading up to and following her death. The researchers also discovered a significant increase in child mortality rates if the mother dies of AIDS-related causes.
A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that female great tits' appearance signals healthy attributes in their offspring, with black stripe correlating to chick weight at two weeks and white cheek patches to immune strength. The research suggests a balance between genetic and environmental factors in determining offspring health.
Research reveals that maternal diabetes impairs the methylation of the maternal imprinting gene Peg3, contributing to impaired development in offspring. This effect is observed even before the onset of overt symptoms and affects embryo development and number of offspring.
A new study questions the role of kinship in mass strandings of pilot whales, finding that related and unrelated individuals were present at each event. The separation of mothers and calves suggests strong kinship bonds are being disrupted prior to stranding.
A recent study challenges the hypothesis that mass strandings of pilot whales are driven by family relationships. The research found that stranded groups are not necessarily members of one extended family and that many calves have no identifiable mother among the other beached whales. This suggests that social bonds among kin may actua...
A new study confirms that children of mothers with obesity are four times more likely to experience frequent wheezing during the first 14 months of life. This finding suggests a potential intergenerational link between maternal obesity and asthma, highlighting the importance of weight management before pregnancy.
A study by Brigham Young University reveals that mothers prioritize their male offspring with high leadership potential, providing better nourishment and habitats. This investment has a lasting impact on the males' survival and health even after independence.
A Vanderbilt study found that maternal diets high in carbohydrates during pregnancy correlate with severe RSV cases in infants. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests a dose-dependent relationship between carbohydrate intake and RSV severity.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that maternal stress exposure affects the developing brains of male and female offspring differently. The researchers discovered a biomarker, Ogt, which may signal to the fetus that its mother has experienced stress.
Mother Teresa's image was constructed through a media relations campaign, with facts such as her dubious care for the sick, questionable political contacts, and suspicious management of funds uncovered. Despite these issues, she built an image of holiness through mass media promotion, including a eulogistic film and numerous awards.
Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that pregnant mothers who consume junk food alter the development of their unborn child's opioid signaling pathway, leading to decreased sensitivity and increased tolerance for junk food. This can result in children being more likely to develop a lifelong addiction to unhealthy foods.
A study found that morning sickness lasting all day is often linked to hormonal and genetic factors, with ethnicity and diet also playing a role. Women who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of severe nausea during subsequent pregnancies.
Researchers found that prenatal DHA supplementation increased mean birth weight and gestational age, reducing the risk of very low birth weight and early preterm delivery. The study supports the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes.