Articles tagged with Mothers
A new study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center found that children of mothers who drink to escape tensions are more likely to dislike the smell of beer and other alcoholic beverages. Children's emotional responses to odors can provide insights into their emotional worlds.
A new study reveals that a mother's interaction with her baby during the first year of life can significantly predict challenging behavior in later childhood. The research found that infants who were more predictable and less fussy, as well as those who received greater intellectual stimulation from their mothers, were at lower risk of...
A study by Christine Percheski reveals that professional women's employment levels have made steep gains over time, especially for mothers of young children and women in historically male professions. The study shows a shrinking employment gap between mothers and childless women, with more women working full-time year-round.
Postpartum mothers of twins suffer from severe sleep deprivation, averaging only 5.4 hours of sleep per day. Over 70% report less than six hours of sleep, with fragmented and short sleep episodes. Depressive symptoms are common, affecting almost half of the mothers, but improve over time as they develop a routine and find ways to rest.
A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reports a significant disparity in infant mortality rates between black and white mothers, with obese black mothers facing a higher risk of newborn death. Researchers analyzed over 1.4 million births and found that high BMI was an independent risk factor for neonatal mortalit...
A study found that bright light therapy improved mothers' nocturnal sleep time by 6.07 hours, decreased daytime sleepiness, and promoted overall well-being. The treatment group received 10,000 lux blue-green bright light therapy for four weeks, while the control group received a placebo dim red light therapy.
A study of 97 couples found that fathers are more involved in infant care when their wives provide active encouragement, regardless of their own beliefs or the quality of parenting. Encouragement from mothers can either foster or limit fatherly participation, with mothers acting as 'gatekeepers' to their involvement.
A nationwide study of 2,635 women found a significant link between pregnancy and tooth loss, with women having more children being more prone to missing teeth. The study suggests that biological and behavioral changes during pregnancy and childbirth may contribute to tooth loss.
A new analysis by the March of Dimes found that nearly all increases in singleton preterm births in the US are due to c-section deliveries. Late preterm babies account for most of this rise, with a greater risk of complications such as breathing problems and delayed brain development.
Researchers found that antidepressant use during the first trimester of pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of birth malformations. The study used data from the Quebec Pregnancy Registry and analyzed records of 2,329 new mothers diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.
Research finds higher serum levels of certain organochlorine compounds in mothers correlate with increased incidence of undescended testicles and hypospadias in sons. Maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to urologic conditions, highlighting the importance of regular well-baby checkups.
Young children whose mothers are severely depressed are nearly three times more likely to suffer accidental injuries than other children in the same age group. Mothers with chronic depression may not properly safeguard their environments, leading to poor supervision and increased injury risks.
Researchers have developed a genetic trial that can identify the sex of a fetus from the eighth week of pregnancy, surpassing previous methods which required waiting until the fourth or fifth month. The method has an effectiveness rate above 98% and is based on analyzing DNA found in a pregnant woman's plasma.
Researchers found that black bears acquire behavior to conflict with humans through social learning and isolation, challenging the assumption that mother bears teach their cubs. The study indicates that 56% of mothers did not share behavioral habits with their offspring.
A randomized trial found that exclusively breastfed children scored an average of 7.5 points higher on verbal intelligence tests and 2.9 points higher on non-verbal intelligence tests compared to formula-fed children. Teachers also rated these children significantly higher academically in reading and writing.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that behavioral change strategies improved public hospital care in Latin America by reducing bleeding and saving lives. Interventions reduced episiotomies and increased oxytocin use, leading to significant improvements in childbirth safety.
A recent Australian study found that part-time and casual work among new mothers has a significantly negative impact on breastfeeding rates, almost as big as returning to full-time work. The lack of paid maternity leave and workplace support for breastfeeding are cited as major factors contributing to this finding.
A Norwegian study found that mothers born in India, Sri Lanka, and Africa have a higher prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum due to genetic factors. Mothers aged 20-24 years old and those with multiple fetuses also showed increased risk.
Research shows that preterm babies can recover from pain faster when given kangaroo mother care, reducing facial expressions of pain and recovery time. This approach could also have benefits for mothers whose parental role diminishes while their baby is in intensive care.
A study of 740 pregnant women in the UK found a clear link between mother's diet and infant sex, with higher energy intake around conception associated with an increased likelihood of having a son. Women who consumed more calories, especially from breakfast cereals, were also more likely to have sons.
Children with allergic or asthma-prone mothers are at increased risk of wheezing and respiratory issues if they swim before 6 months old. Most infants who swam showed no increase in lower respiratory tract infections or ear inflammation.
Research shows maternal diet impacts offspring health, with low-protein diets leading to hypertensive pups and abnormal blood vessels. The study highlights the need to investigate a potential link between maternal nutrition and human health.
The Lancet Editor Dr Richard Horton calls for increased action on maternal and child mortality rates, citing strikingly inadequate progress towards the MDGs. He urges politicians, policy makers, donors, research funders, and civil society to take radical change to prevent unnecessary deaths.
Infants exposed to methamphetamines in utero suffer from irreversible brain damage and impaired recognition of novel objects, according to a new study. The research provides evidence for the cognitive damaging effects of these drugs on fetal development.
Researchers have identified two strains of mice that exhibit high rates of maternal neglect, which reflects disrupted reward-seeking behavior and abnormal dopamine signaling. The study provides a valuable opportunity to investigate the biological and behavioral bases of naturally occurring maternal neglect.
A study found that certain parenting behaviors, such as cosleeping and giving food to children after waking, can lead to sleep disturbances later in childhood. These behaviors were associated with bad dreams, short total sleep time, and delays in falling asleep.
The Hospital Clinic de Barcelona has been recognized for its expertise in detecting brain damage in fetuses, thanks to a multidisciplinary research group led by Dr. Eduard Gratacós. The award includes €1.2 million for further research on premature brain damage.
Research published in Lipids in Health and Disease found that pregnant and lactating rats fed a diet rich in hydrogenated fats had babies with increased fat content. The study also showed that the gene expression of adipokines was affected, leading to changes in insulin production.
A study published in Child Development found that mother-child attachment security is linked to conflict resolution, while children's temperament affects the frequency and quality of conflict. Researchers observed 60 mothers and their 2-year-olds in lab visits and home visits, analyzing conflict patterns and outcomes.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that Chikungunya virus-infected mothers rarely harm infants early in pregnancy but can cause severe problems, including brain injury, in babies born near the time of delivery. Researchers recommend clinicians monitor babies exposed to chikungunya around delivery for supportive treatment.
African American adolescent mothers with depression are more likely to have a subsequent pregnancy within two years of giving birth. Depressive symptoms were associated with a 44% increase in risk of subsequent pregnancy, highlighting the importance of treating maternal depression.
Researchers at Rutgers University have uncovered how the developing embryo reacts to fluctuations in maternal vitamin A levels. The study reveals that LRAT protects tissues from toxic levels of vitamin A and identifies three key molecular players involved.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that mothers' brains show distinct activation patterns when identifying their own infant's cries versus those of other infants. This unique response is thought to be biologically meaningful for successful infant care.
A new study by University of Missouri professor Christine Proulx found that mothers and fathers reported similar positive changes in the parent-child relationship as their children transitioned to young adulthood. Parents reported increased adult-like interactions, mentorship, and continued emotional support.
A University of Iowa study shows that poor women in Iowa are more likely to experience clinically significant postpartum depression than their wealthier counterparts. 40% of Iowa mothers with a household income less than $20,000 suffered from depression, compared to 13% of those with higher incomes.
A 18-month study explores the relationship between environment perception and physical activity in Hispanic fifth graders, examining how moms' views influence child behavior. The UH-PEAK study uses innovative technology to track daily activity and gather data on safe spaces for play.
A study by UC-Davis researchers found that antibodies in mothers of children with autism bind to fetal brain cells, potentially disrupting healthy development. The findings suggest a possible link between the maternal immune system and autism risk, paving the way for future research on prenatal identification and prevention.
A new study from the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute suggests that brain-directed antibodies during pregnancy may be a causal factor for some cases of autism. The research found that exposure to IgG antibodies in pregnant monkeys exhibited repetitive behaviors similar to those seen in children with autism.
A study found that children with close, positive relationships with their mothers showed better self-regulation skills at preschool age. Similarly, fathers' interactions with children in the first two years were also associated with improved outcomes.
A study on monkeys found that moderate prenatal exposure to alcohol and stress can lead to touch sensitivity in offspring. Researchers suggest that reducing sensory sensitivities at an early age may help prevent behavioral problems associated with fetal alcohol-related issues.
Research findings suggest that children born to mothers receiving multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMN) exhibit increased weight and body size compared to those born to mothers given iron and folic acid supplementation alone. These effects persist into the first three years of life, with an average increase of 2% in weight.
Researchers have identified a mitochondrial genetic bottleneck that affects the inheritance of mtDNA, leading to varying severity and location of disease. This breakthrough may enable predicting disease risk and severity in children, previously difficult to forecast.
Researchers developed a computational model to study mitochondrial disease inheritance in mice, revealing how mtDNA is divided and separated during embryo formation. The model accounts for the 'mitochondrial genetic bottleneck' and could help predict a child's risk of developing maternally inherited mitochondrial diseases.
Research suggests that babies conceived during a period of famine are at increased risk of developing addictions later in life. The study, which examined the 1944-45 Dutch 'hunger winter,' found that pregnant women who experienced severe food shortages were more likely to have children with addictive disorders.
Children as young as 4 years old can use explanation to help them learn and apply what they've learned to other tasks. Listening to an adult's response without providing answers helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Children whose mothers experience chronic stress during early years have a higher asthma rate than peers. Long-term maternal stress was associated with an increase in nearly a third of childhood asthma prevalence. Maternal distress also intensified risk under specific home environments, such as high-income households or sibling presence.
A new study found that low-income mothers prefer receiving nutrition information on the web rather than through a video game or printed pamphlet. The study suggests that websites are a smart strategy for certain groups, particularly in increasing nutrition literacy.
A recent study found that divorce widens the distance between teenagers and their fathers, who often struggle to maintain close relationships despite increased involvement. The research suggests that fathers' involvement with children has increased, but mothers still do most of the childcare, creating pressure on fathers to invest more...
A new study found that adult male chimpanzees, like females, have distinct core areas for foraging alone and show high site fidelity. They remain faithful to the area in which they grew up, even 20 years after their mother's death.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed new modeling tools to create accurate computer simulations of the human body during pregnancy. This breakthrough enables safer and more effective radiation therapy and nuclear medicine imaging procedures for expecting mothers.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that children of mothers with a history of abuse have higher health care needs, including increased costs for mental health services. The research highlights the importance of screening women for intimate partner violence and providing interventions to minimize its effects on families.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a preference for alcohol's taste and smell, making young people more likely to abuse it. Prenatal exposure also affects the development of the olfactory system, which enhances the sensory impact of alcohol.
Researchers found that young chimpanzees possess an extraordinary working memory capability for numerical recollection, surpassing that of human adults. This surprising ability is reminiscent of 'eidetic imagery,' a special skill present in some normal human children.
Young children of depressed mothers are more prone to behavioral problems and injuries, according to US research. The study found that maternal depression significantly increases the risk of behavioral problems in children, which may lead to an increased risk of injury.
A study by Temple University researcher Dr. Robert Whitaker found that smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers, affecting the health of their children. The combination may lead to sudden infant death, asthma, ear infections, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, language delay, and childhood depression.
A new study by MIT researchers has found that children of mothers with contaminated water supplies during pregnancy exhibit gene expression changes associated with cancer and other diseases. The team developed a reliable test using 11 genes, offering an alternative to routine blood tests.
The US is relying on medical graduates from low-income countries to fill primary care gaps, draining developing nations of needed physicians. Family physicians play a vital role in equity in healthcare, with disproportionately high rates of care for disadvantaged populations.
A study by Kaiser Permanente and Harvard Medical School found that new mothers who slept five hours or less per day had a threefold higher risk for substantial weight retention (11 pounds or more) at their baby’s first birthday. Getting enough sleep, even just two hours more, may be as important as a healthy diet and exercise for new m...
A new study published in Child Development found that the living arrangements of low-income children do not significantly predict their well-being. The research suggests that policies and programs targeting changes to family structure may not be effective in improving the lives of these children. Instead, income support and other forms...
Researchers found that girls living in families with supportive parents and lower levels of stress are more likely to delay their onset of puberty. These findings support a life history model that suggests children's early experiences affect how they mature, including when they reach puberty.