Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.