Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
A study of over 750,000 births in Denmark found that mild maternal hypertension early in pregnancy benefits the fetus, but late-pregnancy hypertension has negative health consequences for the child. Mothers with minor increases in blood pressure in the first trimester have babies with better health outcomes.
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.
A Norwegian study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements during early pregnancy had a 40% reduced risk of having children with autistic disorder. The timing of the supplements was critical, with the greatest reduction in risk observed when taken between 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.
A multi-site clinical trial shows that Bright IDEAS problem-solving skills training reduces mothers' levels of anxiety and symptoms of posttraumatic stress after a child's cancer diagnosis. The training also improves overall coping with a child's illness, making things seem manageable for parents.
A study of 85,000 Norwegian children found that prenatal folic acid supplementation was associated with a lower risk of autistic disorder. The research suggests that maternal use of folic acid supplements before and early in pregnancy may protect against the development of autism spectrum disorders.
Research shows that babies of immigrant mothers in Ontario have higher birth weights compared to babies born in their mothers' native countries. The weight differences are more pronounced for babies born in poorer, less developed countries.
Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy found that potty training from birth can improve bladder control and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in Vietnamese babies. This technique involves a special whistling sound to remind the baby when it's time to urinate, allowing for early elimination of diapers.
A new study using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study found no increase in problematic behaviour among siblings who spent more hours in child care. The researchers suggest that Norway's favorable work-family policy, including paid parental leave and easy access to quality childcare, may be a contributing factor.
Researchers at Harvard University challenged long-held assumptions about juvenile primate tooth development and weaning by studying chimpanzees in the wild. The study found that many young chimps continued to nurse as much, if not more, than before after their first molar erupted.
Researchers found a 43% increase in autism among mothers with top 20th percentile CRP levels and an 80% increase at the top 10th percentile. The study used a large national birth cohort and adds to evidence of an overactive immune response altering fetal brain development.
A study finds that breast milk contains very low levels of tacrolimus, and babies can clear the drug at the same rate whether breast-fed or bottle-fed. Women taking tacrolimus who wish to breast-feed after counseling should not be discouraged from doing so.
Researchers discovered that female quail select egg-laying substrates based on the unique characteristics of their own eggs, maximizing disruptive coloration to avoid predation. By matching their egg patterning with surrounding colors, quail reduce the likelihood of their eggs being detected and eaten by predators.
Mothers of newborns in neonatal intensive care units struggle to find private spaces for breastfeeding due to hospital design. This lack of privacy can lead to missed feedings and increased health risks for low-weight premature babies. The study's findings highlight the need for innovative solutions to address mothers' concerns.
Researchers found that mothers with higher levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy had fatter children. Conversely, those with higher levels of n-3 PUFAs had less fat and more muscle in their offspring. This discovery could lead to a beneficial diet strategy for pregnant women.
Research from the University of Missouri found online discussion boards provide safe environments for mothers to anonymously express child-rearing concerns. Common topics include feeding, sleep, development, discipline, and mother-child relationships.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that mothers who were obese and had fussy babies spent more time watching TV with their infants. This finding highlights the growing concern of obesity and inactivity among US children, and suggests a potential solution for mothers to combat these effects
A study by Michigan Medicine found that two-thirds of mothers with sick babies in Ghana are at risk of postpartum depression. This condition can lead to poor infant growth and nutrition, as well as increased mortality rates for both mothers and babies.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that obese mothers pass on insufficient vitamin D to their babies, leading to lower levels in newborns. The study also suggests that obese women may need increased vitamin D supplementation to provide sufficient levels for their babies during pregnancy.
A new study from Temple University psychology professor Marsha Weinraub found that most babies sleep through the night, waking up only about once per week, by six months. The research revealed two groups: sleepers and transitional sleepers, with 66% of babies not waking at all and a majority being boys.
Researchers found postpartum women exhibit reduced stress response to images unrelated to their babies compared to childless women. Oxytocin nasal spray administration showed similar brain activity and reduced subjective stress in childless women, suggesting its role in these changes.
A Wayne State University researcher has found that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of externalizing problems in young children. Adoptive parents' antisocial behavior is a significant predictor of growth in these problems, especially when combined with birth mother characteristics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that a mother's vitamin D level is positively related to birth weight and head circumference. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D during the first trimester was negatively associated with the risk of a baby being born small for gestational age.
Research from USC finds that expectant mothers' beliefs about family roles predict higher birthweights and lower asthma rates in their children. The study suggests that cultural values can provide tangible physical health benefits.
A recent study found that two-thirds of Australian mums-to-be are unsure about how much weight they should gain during pregnancy. The majority knew healthy eating was important but struggled to identify the right amount from different food groups. Overweight women were more likely to gain too much weight, while those with a lower BMI s...
A Cornell University study found that serving vegetables with dinner increases the positive response of the meal and its preparer. Parents surveyed by researchers rated vegetable-prepared meals as more complete, loving, and tasty, and perceived the cook as more thoughtful and attentive.
USC/CHLA researchers have found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing autism in young children. Exposure to traffic-related and regional air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood may increase the risk by more than two-fold.
Researchers observed synchronized swimming in pilot whales as a response to external threats, highlighting their social structure and affiliative behaviors. The study revealed that these cetaceans form permanent partnerships and change their diving behavior in the presence of vessels.
Researchers at Durham University found that some grey seal mothers adopt a flexible parenting style, adjusting their behavior to local conditions. This approach allows them to give their pups a better chance of survival, but also carries risks if they misjudge the environment.
Researchers at Yale University have found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower reading scores in children. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 children and found that those exposed to high levels of nicotine scored 21% lower on reading accuracy and comprehension tasks.
A new study reveals that parents' dental fear can transmit to their children, with fathers acting as a major mediator in this process. The research analyzed 183 children and found that the father's emotional reactions significantly impact the child's perception of dentist anxiety.
A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that maternal vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy can stunt fetal hippocampus development by up to 10-15%, potentially leading to memory problems and learning difficulties. The damage cannot be reversed even with vitamin C supplements after birth.
Low levels of omega-3 during pregnancy may trigger depressive episodes. Increasing fish consumption could help bring maternal omega-3 levels up to recommended levels, potentially reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that prenatal and childhood exposure to PBDEs is linked to poorer attention, fine motor coordination, and IQ in school-aged children. The study collected blood samples from 279 women during pregnancy or at delivery and from 272 children when they were 7 years old.
A new study using genetic variation to investigate the effects of moderate alcohol intake during pregnancy found that exposure to alcohol in the womb can lower a child's IQ by almost two points. The study suggests that even moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can have an impact on future child intelligence.
A four-year health care project in India's poorest district resulted in a half-fall in infant mortality and a three-quarters reduction in women's death from pregnancy and childbirth complications. Nurse-based clinics expanded access to healthcare, changing attitudes towards patients and leading to increased check-ups and hospital births.
Researchers discovered that babies born to mothers who lost weight after bariatric surgery have fewer cardiovascular risk factors than siblings born before the surgery. The metabolic changes and weight loss post-surgery positively affect inflammatory disease-related genes in offspring.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that high birth weight, rapid weight gain, and maternal smoking are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. Conversely, breastfeeding and delayed introduction to solid food may reduce the risk.