Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A Spanish study finds that teenage mothers tend to emancipate earlier, enter romantic relationships, and experience career disruptions. The study also reveals a decline in age of onset for sexual activity and contraceptive use, leading to a significant increase in teen pregnancy.
Good oral health during pregnancy combats adverse effects of oral disease, preventing pain, infections, and nutrient deficiencies. Regular dental treatment can be safely performed at any time during pregnancy.
A novel pouch system developed by Duke University researchers can provide a potentially life-saving dose of an anti-HIV medication to newborn babies born at home. The system uses foil and plastic pouches that can hold a single dose of Nevirapine, allowing mothers to give their newborns treatment shortly after birth.
Vitamin A supplementation before, during, and after pregnancy significantly improved lung function in preadolescent children. Children whose mothers received vitamin A had a greater forced expiratory volume and vital capacity compared to those who received beta-carotene or placebo.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that physical contact from a female experimenter increases financial risk taking in adults. The researchers suggest that this effect is due to the way mothers use touch to make their babies feel secure, creating a sense of attachment and increased willingness to take risks.
A study found that teen girls disclose more information about their dating habits than boys, with mothers being the preferred confidant. However, when it comes to issues involving sex and unsupervised activities, teens from both sexes are equally close-mouthed.
Research on early childhood experiences shows that changes in these critical years can significantly impact children's future emotional and psychological well-being. Studies found prenatal exposure to nicotine linked to sleep problems, while antidepressant use during pregnancy associated with increased internalizing behaviors in children.
A new study finds that nearly 76% of pregnant Arab women have low levels of vitamin D, with many having insufficient dietary intake and limited sun exposure. This deficiency can lead to health issues for both mother and child, highlighting the need for urgent attention to prevention strategies.
New research reveals low-level prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with deficits in motor and cognitive development for African American children. The study highlights a racial disparity in developmental problems, emphasizing the need for expectant mothers to be particularly careful during pregnancy.
Researchers found that giving breastfeeding mothers DHA supplements increased DHA levels in their breast milk by almost 12 times, providing a boost to premature infants' brain development. This effective way of providing DHA supports optimal growth and neurodevelopment for preterm babies.
A new study reveals that depression is common among disadvantaged mothers beyond the postpartum period. Brief on-site treatment has been shown to improve depression symptoms and maternal perceptions of their child's behavior.
A new study by Yale researchers suggests that depression among economically disadvantaged mothers can persist beyond the postpartum period and may be treated with brief therapy. The study found that symptoms improved significantly in women who received cognitive behavioral therapy.
Women with preeclampsia have reduced incidence of breast cancer, possibly due to soluble endoglin inhibiting cell growth. However, pups born from mothers with preeclampsia are more likely to develop breast tumors.
Children born to mothers prescribed methadone during pregnancy may experience significant vision problems, including nystagmus, strabismus, and refractive errors. Up to 80% of these cases require treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
People who think more abstractly respond better to mixed emotions ads, which portray conflicting feelings. The researchers found that age and culture affect people's ability to think abstractly, with elderly and Asian subjects thinking more abstractly.
College women are more likely to be vaccinated against HPV if their mothers communicate with them about sex and approve of the vaccine. Young women who thought their mothers would approve were more interested in getting vaccinated, while those whose mothers discussed values in relation to sex showed less interest.
Research reveals that family tree research can open a Pandora's Box of secrets and skeletons, including unwelcome information, family issues, and previously unknown origins. This can lead to conflict and widen rifts within families, as people struggle with the consequences of their discoveries.
A physiotherapist-led exercise and education program improved wellbeing and reduced depressive symptoms in postnatal women. The study found a 50% reduction in
A study by Cornell University found that having a husband who works 50+ hours per week can hurt women's careers and increase the likelihood of quitting. Women in dual-income households are disproportionately affected, with odds of quitting increasing by 42% for those whose husbands work 60+ hours per week.
A study published in Sleep found that a woman's perception of poor sleep and its impact on daytime functioning are stronger predictors of immediate postpartum mood disturbances than actual sleep quality and quantity. Poor subjective nighttime sleep during pregnancy and after delivery is associated with worse postpartum mood.
A study by Southern Methodist University found that children who witness violence between their parents report fewer trauma symptoms if they don't perceive the violence as threatening. The researchers highlight the importance of assessing how threatened a child feels when his or her parents are violent toward one another.
College-educated mothers in the US are spending more time coordinating and driving their children to organized activities, trading nine hours of leisure time per week. The phenomenon, dubbed 'the rug rat race,' is linked to increased competition in college admissions.
A physical therapy exercise and health education program has been shown to improve postnatal well-being and reduce the risk of postnatal depression. The study found that the program reduced depressive symptoms and improved psychological well-being in new mothers, with a significant positive effect at 8 weeks after completion.
Research found that high stress levels in mothers are associated with differences in immune function markers in cord blood, which may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in offspring. The study suggests a link between prenatal stress and the development of asthma later in life.
A Norwegian PhD candidate's study sheds light on the struggles of mothers with eating difficulties, including feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Despite being kept under wraps, these women face significant challenges in maintaining a double life, affecting their relationships and daily activities.
Researchers found that birds leave messages in the egg that influence the development of their chicks' begging behavior. The messages can affect the chick's weight gain and survival after hatching.
A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center found elevated levels of cobalt and chromium in the offspring of mothers with metal-on-metal hip implants. The levels were significantly higher than those in a control group, suggesting that metal ions can be transferred from mother to fetus.
A study suggests a possible early warning sign for autism spectrum disorders in families, with older siblings showing trends of hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Mothers of young autistic children experience more depression and stress than mothers of typically developing children.
Researchers found that higher-energy milk from heavier mothers with previous pregnancies led to more confident, active, and curious infants. In contrast, lower-energy milk was associated with less confident and less active infants when separated from their mother.
A unique program, Philadelphia FRESH, provides intensive, individualized smoking cessation treatments to new mothers in underserved areas. The program shows promising results, with participants exposed to less second-hand smoke and children having lower levels of urine cotinine.
A study finds that fetuses exposed to high levels of stress hormone cortisol may have trouble paying attention or solving problems later on. However, if mothers provide sensitive care during infancy and toddlerhood, the negative link disappears almost entirely.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that taxing unhealthy foods reduces overall calories purchased, while subsidizing healthy food increases calorie intake. Mothers who received subsidies spent their savings on less healthy alternatives, whereas taxes encouraged healthier choices.
A Kansas State University study found that people favor mothers who stay at home full-time over those who work outside the home, even when the working mother's child is involved. The study also showed that participants devalue mothers employed full-time and perceive their children as troubled and their relationships as problematic.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of low-income urban mothers met the criteria for a diagnosis of depression after childbirth. Researchers identified three reliable screening tools to detect depression accurately among this population, highlighting the need to adjust cutoff scores for optimal identification.
Infants born to bilingual mothers show different language preferences than monolingual infants. Bilingual babies exhibit equal interest in both languages, suggesting prenatal bilingual exposure prepares them for multilingualism. Discrimination between languages helps prevent confusion, enabling young bilinguals to navigate two languages.
Researchers linked malaria and bone abnormalities to King Tut's death through DNA analysis and genetic testing. The study also revealed a possible familial relationship between Tutankhamun and other royal mummies.
Researchers highlight the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in preventing spontaneous preterm birth. A review article highlights family history, infection, stress, and genetics as risk factors for early birth.
Research finds that maternal obesity can program cellular responses in offspring, predisposing them to inflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes. This effect persists even after the offspring lose weight, highlighting the long-lasting impact of maternal obesity.
The study found that advanced maternal age is associated with a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, increasing by 18% for every five-year increase in the mother's age. In contrast, advanced paternal age is only linked to an increased risk when the father is older and the mother is under 30.
A longitudinal study found that pregnant mothers who experience depression are four times more likely to have children exhibiting violent behavior at age 16. The study suggests a link between maternal depression during pregnancy and increased antisocial behavior in children, with no apparent influence from family environment factors.
Research reveals genetic variants increasing risk of preterm labor, but also necessary for fighting infection; identifying high-risk individuals may lead to personalized care and healthier outcomes.
Researchers have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The variants were found in genes involved in inflammation and extracellular matrix regulation, suggesting a link between immune response and preterm birth.
Researchers discovered DNA variants in genes involved in fighting infection that increase the risk of preterm labor and birth. These variants, carried by both mothers and fetuses, can lead to an inflammatory response that triggers early childbirth.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children of Hispanic mothers who speak Spanish spend nearly two-and-a-half hours watching TV, compared to about 90 minutes for children with English-speaking mothers. The study suggests cultural perceptions and lack of programming in Spanish may contribute to the difference.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism by which yeast cells transport damaged proteins to mother cells using conveyor-like structures called actin cables. This process ensures that newly formed daughter cells are born without age-related damage, paving the way for potential treatments of age-related diseases.
A study of over 800 parents and 439 children found that mothers and fathers of overweight and obese children were significantly heavier than those with normal-weight children. Parents also tended to underestimate their child's weight, with mothers of obese children being more concerned about their child's weight.
A UK study found that ethnicity and previous births significantly impact breastfeeding duration. The research identified that White mothers were more likely to stop breastfeeding compared to non-White mothers, highlighting the need for tailored support programs.
The study found that Inuit-inhabited areas had a 2.7 times higher fetal and infant mortality rate, with higher rates of preterm birth and younger mothers, highlighting dire maternal and infant health situations.
Researchers found Fusobacterium nucleatum in the lungs and stomach of a stillborn baby, linked to its mother's pregnancy-associated gum disease. The study suggests that oral bacteria can be transmitted from mother to fetus through the blood, emphasizing the importance of good oral health care during pregnancy.
A Zambian study suggests halting breastfeeding early harms children born to HIV-positive mothers, increasing mortality. Longer breastfeeding protects against fatal infectious diseases in low-resource settings.
A nurse home visitation program has been shown to reduce the likelihood of girls entering the criminal justice system by age 19, according to a recent study. The program, which focuses on promoting maternal health and caregiving skills during pregnancy and infancy, was found to have long-term benefits for these young women.
A study finds that Turkish women wear veils as a symbol of independence from Western values and to rebel against their mothers' generation's tradition. The fashion industry responds by creating fashionable alternatives, inspiring others to adopt the practice.
A study by Kirby Deater-Deckard et al. found that mothers with poorer working memory skills were more prone to reactive negativity towards their children, leading to increased child abuse and adverse behavior. The research suggests that enhancing working memory skills in parents can lead to improved parenting outcomes.
Despite general distrust of men, low-income mothers in a study found they can form trusting relationships by compartmentalizing or suspending their trust behaviors. However, these alternative forms of trust often lead to unhealthy partnerships with serious implications for women and their children.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals high densities of western lowland gorillas in a Congolese swamp forest, with estimated populations exceeding 5,000 individuals. The researchers warn that protection is needed to safeguard these gorillas and their environment from imminent threats.
A pilot study of 145 preschool children found that higher phthalate exposure was associated with less male-typical play, such as trucks and rough-and-tumble play. The study suggests that fetal exposure to anti-androgens like phthalates may alter masculine brain development.
Researchers found that French infants produce rising crying tones and German babies cry with falling intonation, suggesting early exposure to language-specific intonation patterns. This study suggests that the sense of hearing develops before other senses and influences a child's ability to learn their mother tongue.
Researchers found a significant increase in gastroschisis births in Washoe County from April 2007 to April 2008, with case mothers more likely to report infections and recreational drug use before pregnancy. The cluster appears to have subsided, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying causes.
A new study found that infants as young as three to five days old produce cry melodies consistent with their native language. Researchers analyzed the cries of 60 newborns and discovered differences in melody contour based on mother tongue, suggesting an early impact of native language on sound production.
A comprehensive review of flu seasons past reveals that pregnant women are at significant risk for serious flu-related illnesses and complications, which far surpass the risks associated with injectable vaccines. The study confirms existing CDC recommendations for prioritizing pregnant women in flu vaccination.