Articles tagged with Mothers
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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...
Research at Hebrew University and US researchers found a direct correlation between maternal overweight and increased tendencies towards adult child overweight, high blood pressure, and excess sugar and fat levels. This suggests that avoiding weight gain during adulthood may reduce these risk factors.
A large observational study found that pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with a three-point drop in reading scores and a two-point reduction in math scores among children aged 5-7 years. Maternal prepregnancy weight also had a negative impact on fetal brain development.
A study of mothers and toddlers found that mothers of overweight children were more than 88% less likely to accurately assess their child's body size. This misperception can lead to inappropriate feeding behaviors, such as encouraging a healthy-weight child to eat more.
A University of Calgary study found that earlier spring births result in a higher female-to-male sex ratio among big brown bats. This skewed sex ratio may be due to natural selection favoring females' reproductive success.
A study of 2,000 U.S. infants born to HIV-positive mothers found that using the anti-HIV drug tenofovir during pregnancy did not result in smaller babies at birth, but those treated with the drug were slightly shorter and had smaller head circumference by age 1
A study of low-income mothers with infants found a connection between food insecurity and restrictive feeding practices, which can disrupt hunger regulation and lead to obesity. Mothers experiencing food insecurity were more concerned about their child becoming overweight than those who weren't struggling with food access.
A study found that 24% of low-income mothers add cereal to bottles, increasing their children's risk of obesity. Mothers with depressive symptoms are more likely to engage in unhealthy feeding practices.
A recent study found that breastfeeding for six months or longer comes with a hidden cost: significant income loss for mothers. Long-duration breastfeeders experienced more pronounced and prolonged earnings drops compared to short-duration breastfeeders and formula-feeders.
A study on vervet monkeys found that social learning is strongly influenced by matrilineal family members, with mothers being particularly strong role models. The research suggests that the mother-offspring relationship plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior of young monkeys.
A new paper recommends cost-effective policies and programs to prevent behavior problems and conditions contributing to poor health. The initiatives have been tested in high-income countries and shown to reduce smoking, drinking, and other substance use among adolescents.
A new study of over 3,000 pregnant women finds that obesity and extreme slimness are associated with increased risks of complications during pregnancy, labour, and birth. Underweight women also face specific health challenges, including oligohydramnios and low birth weight.
A study found that stressed lizard mothers gave birth to smaller, but healthier, offspring with larger fat reserves, which may enhance their survival in a post-natal stressful world. Stressed mothers themselves were also more physically fit after giving birth, prioritizing self-preservation.
A recent Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found little vertical transmission of MRSA from mother to child, but babies closely matched their mother's carrier status within six weeks after birth. The study suggests that close contact may lead to horizontal transmission of the bacteria.
A new study found that mothers with higher symptoms of depression may disturb their infants' sleep by picking them up or moving them to alleviate their own anxieties. Researchers studied 45 mostly White moms and their infants, aged 1-24 months, over seven days.
Research found that depressed mothers are more likely to excessively worry about their infants' nighttime behavior and spend more time with them, leading to increased night waking in the infants. Mothers with high depressive symptoms were also more likely to seek out their babies at night, despite the infant not appearing distressed.
A new study found significantly more boys born to Indian mothers in Canada compared to those born to Canadian-born mothers. Indian-born women with prior children had even higher male livebirth rates, suggesting a possible link to prenatal sex selection or other factors.
A University of Illinois study found that obese mothers' placentas have an unhealthy nutrient supply, placing babies at risk for future health problems. Experts advise pregnant women to lose weight before conception to minimize the obesogenic environment.
A new study finds that mothers of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are more critical than parents of other children, which can lead to poorer treatment outcomes. The research suggests that parental criticism is not a characteristic of the parent in general, but rather a specific response to their child's anxiety.
A major study found strong links between maternal diabetes, obesity, and the likelihood of having a child with autism or another developmental disorder. Mothers with diabetes were nearly twice as likely to have a child with developmental delays, while obese mothers were 1-2/3 times more likely to have an autistic child.
A study published by the JAMA Network found that about half of preschoolers lack daily parent-supervised outdoor playtime, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Regular outdoor play was associated with improved physical health and development outcomes, as well as reduced TV viewing time.
A long-term study found that early life emotional trauma can stunt intellectual development, with the most significant impact during the first two years of life. The study tracked 206 children and found that those exposed to maltreatment or violence against their mother had lower cognitive scores at all age points.
Epigenetic changes in gene structure lead to higher incidents of obesity and diabetes for mothers with poor nutrition at the time of conception. The study found that dieting around the time of conception and early pregnancy can alter genes controlling food intake and glucose levels, increasing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A recent NIH study found that women take longer to give birth today compared to 50 years ago, with an average increase of 2.6 hours for first-time mothers. The study suggests that changes in delivery practices, including the increased use of epidural anesthesia and oxytocin, may be contributing to the longer labor duration.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that polar bear cubs in Svalbard have lower blood levels of PCBs and related contaminants, indicating a decline in exposure to these toxic chemicals. The levels of contaminants in mother bears' blood also decreased, suggesting reduced transmission from mothers to their cubs.