Articles tagged with Mothers
A new study reveals that childfree women perceive more social pressure to become mothers than others, yet feel less distress. The research highlights the varying reasons behind childlessness and their effects on women's lives, challenging societal assumptions about motherhood.
A study found that low-level prenatal mercury exposure increases the risk of ADHD-related behaviors in children, while moderate fish consumption during pregnancy reduces this risk. Researchers recommend pregnant women consider both benefits and risks of eating fish while pregnant.
Researchers show that newborn mice learn to suckle their mother's milk through a learned response built on learning her unique combination of smells. The study, published in Current Biology, finds that a pheromone is not involved in initiating suckling in mice.
Researchers found that baboon females with 'nice' personalities formed strong social bonds, which led to better health and reproductive outcomes. In contrast, those with 'aloof' or 'loner' traits had weaker social connections and lower fitness levels.
A study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found that a series of ten self-help booklets helped nearly 70% of pregnant women remain smoke-free after giving birth. The booklets provided detailed information on quitting cigarettes during and after pregnancy, with varying effects based on household income and age.
Women born preterm are at higher risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and hypertension. The risk almost doubles for mothers born before 32 weeks' gestation, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Researchers found that premature infants who received Kangaroo Mother Care had better brain functioning in adolescence, comparable to those born at term. The technique, which provides skin-to-skin contact with the parent's chest, promotes immediate and future brain development.
A new study by experts at CRAMC University reveals that newborns exposed to nicotine from active and passive smoking mothers show poor physiological, sensory, motor, and attention responses. The researchers analyzed the behavior of 282 healthy newborns using the Neonatal Behavioural Evaluation Scale.
A new study found that fetuses exposed to heavy maternal drinking required more trials to habituate and exhibited greater variability in test performance. This suggests that maternal drinking during pregnancy can damage the earliest fetal learning abilities, leading to impaired habituation and stability of performance.
A study by the University of Exeter and York found that male killer whales over 30 are almost 14 times more likely to die within a year after their mother's death. This prolonged menopause allows females to invest in their sons' survival, giving them a significant advantage in passing on their genes.
The Saving Brains initiative aims to improve conditions for children's development, with funding focused on malnutrition, maternal depression, premature birth, and malaria. Innovations include Kangaroo Mother Care, Vitamin A supplementation, and early treatment of malaria to prevent brain injury.
A study of over 5,000 mothers from immigrant Latino, Asian, and White backgrounds reveals varying levels of mental health, household conflicts, and reading with young children. Immigrant families often display important strengths in parenting that may buffer the negative effects of poverty.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway leading to preeclampsia in humans, characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. The imbalance of PlGF and sFlt-1 proteins disrupts placental blood supply, affecting the mother and unborn baby.
Research finds that a mother's education and years of survival are more influential on her child's adult health than maternal age. Children born to older mothers have a higher incidence of health conditions if they lose their mother at an early age, but this effect is statistically insignificant when adjusted for these factors.
A new Johns Hopkins study found that early diet after birth plays a significant role in determining lifetime obesity risk, rather than prenatal nutrition. Rats exposed to high-fat diets post-birth were more likely to become obese and develop metabolic disorders.
A new study by Cornell University finds that employed mothers spend three-and-half fewer hours per day on children's diet and exercise compared to stay-at-home mothers. Meanwhile, working fathers devote just 13 minutes daily to such activities.
Maternal presence is crucial for juvenile moose survival, with orphaned calves facing up to 47 times more aggression. The study's findings suggest policy changes are needed to protect young moose, highlighting the importance of conservation planning and non-invasive data collection methods.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine found that a mother's emotional health and education level during her child's earliest years influence their oral health at age 14. The study analyzed the teeth of 224 adolescent participants and discovered that mothers with higher education levels, healthy em...
Research suggests that the menopause evolved to reduce competition between related women, enabling cooperation in childcare. Women who stopped reproducing around age 50 had more grandchildren due to reduced rivalry with their daughter-in-laws.
Women who work full-time after having children are healthier at age 40 than those who stay at home or have intermittent employment. Working provides a sense of purpose and autonomy, leading to better mental and physical health. Conversely, persistent unemployment is linked to greater stress and poor health outcomes.
A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that miscommunication is common between mothers and clinicians caring for critically ill newborns. Mothers often perceive their child's condition differently than clinicians, leading to misunderstandings about the severity of the illness.
A Kansas State University expert's study reveals that relationship dynamics with ex-partners significantly impact co-parenting relationships. Mothers with contentious relationships often struggle with parenting styles, financial concerns, and control issues, while those with amicable relationships prioritize communication and shared re...
Babies born to obese mothers are at higher risk of complications and death, including admission to neonatal care, macrosomia, low Apgar score, and mortality. The study highlights the urgent need for research into the causes of death and strategies for educating women on maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy.
Research found that 69% of overweight Chinese children underestimated their own weight, while 72% of mothers rated their children as normal or underweight. This highlights the importance of accurate perceptions of weight in preventing childhood obesity.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers gained less weight and grew less in length than those born to normal-weight mothers. This delayed growth may be attributed to inflammation and an underdeveloped pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in fetal development.
A recent study by Ellen Langer found that first-time mothers who practice mindfulness during pregnancy report better well-being, positive feelings, and lower emotional distress. The research suggests that mindfulness can have a positive impact on health and happiness beyond just the mother's own well-being.
A new paper reveals the off-label use of dexamethasone to engineer fetal sex in pregnant women at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The synthetic steroid is known to cause significant developmental changes, raising questions about the ethics of prenatal experimentation.
Research by Monash University scientists found that genetic variation in mitochondrial DNA can predict male life expectancy, but not female. The study suggests that these mutations, which affect males' aging speed and lifespan, are passed down from mothers due to the unique inheritance pattern of mitochondria.
A recent study published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that parents can positively impact their children's physical activity by increasing their own activity levels. When mothers reached or exceeded a daily step goal, their children took significantly more steps on average.
Researchers found high levels of exposure to three antiretroviral medications in the hair samples of HIV uninfected infants at twelve weeks of life. The findings indicate a moderate transfer of efavirenz both in the womb and during breastfeeding, while lopinavir and ritonavir were transferred exclusively in the womb.
A Rutgers University study suggests that poor mothers are more likely to be classified with generalized anxiety disorder due to poverty rather than mental illness. The research found no evidence of a link between anxiety and parenting stress in these mothers.
Two new studies by Cornell University's Brian Wansink found that vegetables make meals more appealing and parental effort perceived as caring. The studies also identified favorite vegetables among children, revealing a surprising preference for broccoli and corn.
Research from Tufts University found that being born to an obese mother with elevated hepcidin levels is associated with lower iron status at birth. Overproduction of hepcidin interferes with the transfer of iron from mother to infant, potentially leading to health problems.
A recent study found that women who believe in intensive parenting are more likely to experience stress, depression, and lower life satisfaction. Mothers who endorsed these attitudes had moderate levels of stress and depression, with approximately 23% showing symptoms of depression.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully sequenced a fetus's genome using only a maternal blood sample. The new approach, published in Nature, has significant implications for prenatal diagnosis and could bring genetic testing one step closer to routine clinical use.
Research shows that Norwegian mothers who received a childcare benefit to stay at home with small children often don't return to full-time work until their child is six. However, educated mothers can safeguard their careers by working part-time, maintaining job expertise and networks.
A classic study on male and female promiscuity has been called into question after UCLA biologists repeated the experiment using the same methods as the original. The team found that Bateman's conclusions about the relationship between mate number and offspring fitness were likely flawed due to a bias in his methodology.
The University of Louisville Hospital has implemented new guidelines to guide perinatal nurses in caring for women at risk of postpartum depression (PPD). The guidelines, developed by a team led by M. Cynthia Logsdon, aim to improve PPD assessment, education, and referral policies.
A study by Temple University found that parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating in families, particularly among urban fathers who face higher rates of unemployment. Fathers and mothers experience different challenges in preparing meals, with mothers spending more time on food preparation but reporting fewer family meals.
A comprehensive study of 1,628 Danish children found no adverse effects of moderate alcohol consumption on their IQ, attention span, or executive functions. The research provides important new information for pregnant women and health professionals, suggesting that small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to harm the unborn child.
A Michigan State University study found that poor mothers produce fattier milk for their daughters than sons, supporting a 1973 hypothesis. In contrast, wealthy mothers prefer to invest resources in sons who are more likely to increase their status through marriage.
A study by Scottish researchers found that women who experience an initial ectopic pregnancy are less likely to conceive in the future and at increased risk of having another ectopic pregnancy. However, their obstetric outcomes following the ectopic pregnancy were no worse than those in first-time mothers.
A new UCLA-led study shows that a two- or three-drug combination given to infants within 48 hours of birth can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission by about half compared to AZT alone. The study found that this combination significantly reduced HIV transmission, while also being less toxic to the infants.
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that mother goats can recognize their kids' voices even after they've been separated by weaning. The researchers recorded kid calls at five weeks old and played them back to mothers 12-18 months later, revealing that the memory remains.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that single mothers who spend quality time with their children experience lower levels of parental stress. Engaging in daily activities such as reading, playing games, or putting the child to bed can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of fulfillment.
Research found that blogging positively impacts new mothers' well-being by increasing feelings of social support, marital satisfaction, and reducing parenting stress. Blogging provides an outlet for stay-at-home moms to connect with family and friends, showcasing their hobbies and accomplishments.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
A new report by Save the Children reveals that global health funding often ignores newborn care, with only 0.1% of official development assistance targeting newborns. The report finds that more than 40% of child deaths now occur in the newborn period, and African families have the highest risk of newborn deaths.
Research reveals that fatherly love is critical to a person's development, with rejection having a significant impact on anxiety, insecurity, and relationships. The study suggests that the influence of one parent's rejection can be greater than the other's, highlighting the importance of fathers in child care.
A new study by Miriam Liss and Mindy Erchull found that feminist mothers support time-intensive, hands-on parenting practices associated with attachment parenting. The researchers surveyed 431 American women and found that feminists were more likely to endorse attachment parenting than non-feminists.
A study by Ohio State University found that 44% of new mothers increased their Facebook use after giving birth, while 31% of fathers did. This was attributed to the need for social support and feedback during a stressful time. Mothers who reported greater satisfaction with their parenting role had closer ties on Facebook.
A study of 1216 babies found that those born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy weighed and measured less, with lower body mass index. The results highlight a significant difference in body composition between babies born to smoking and non-smoking mothers.
A study led by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to nutrient deficiencies in breast milk and growth deficits in offspring. The researchers also discovered that exposure to arsenic increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
Research at UCSF links smoking during pregnancy to increased risk of acute asthma symptoms in teens. The study found a significant association between maternal smoking and asthma severity in African-American and Latino children.
A Michigan State University study suggests that lower-income mothers should adopt healthy eating habits themselves and encourage their children to eat good foods. By doing so, mothers can help create a healthier diet for their kids without using force or restrictions.
A new study suggests that MTV shows '16 and Pregnant' and 'Teen Mom' send mixed messages about teenage pregnancy. The study found that frequent viewers whose fathers communicated openly with them about sex were less likely to have recently had sex, while those whose fathers rarely did so were more likely.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center isolated antibodies from breast milk that can generate neutralizing antibodies to help inhibit the HIV virus in infants. The study's findings may help develop immune system prophylaxis during breastfeeding for mothers infected with HIV-1.
A new initiative by the University of Southampton highlights the crucial role mothers play in teaching children about their minority heritage. The study found that mothers from mixed families are responsible for introducing their children to traditional foods, clothes, music, and dancing, ensuring their cultural identity is maintained.
Researchers are studying the genetic link to pre-eclampsia, aiming to predict and prevent the disease. By understanding which genes cause pre-eclampsia, it may be possible to improve treatment and provide additional ante-natal care for high-risk women.
A Rutgers University study found that young children of unmarried parents who receive court-mandated financial support from their fathers exhibit more aggressive behavior. In contrast, children whose fathers provide informal support without court orders have increased cognitive skills and verbal abilities. Researchers suggest that pate...