Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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 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 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 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.
Researchers have found a way to help health-care providers and social workers understand the stages that abused women go through when deciding to leave their partners. The study identifies five stages, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, with key turning points for women's empowerment.
Researchers found that a multifaceted approach including psychoeducational groups and treatment adherence support led to significant clinical improvements in low-income mothers with postnatal depression. The study suggests that this intervention could be effectively implemented in developing countries, reducing the adverse effects of p...
A recent study found that individuals with an affected mother have reduced brain metabolism in certain regions, similar to Alzheimer's patients. This suggests a possible link between maternal transmission and increased disease risk.
A study analyzing data from over 4,900 mothers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had increased conduct problems, attention and impulsivity issues. The association remained even after controlling for other variables, suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure may cause childhood conduct problems through environm...
A new Nordic study reveals a correlation between mothers' body mass index (BMI) and symptoms like hyperactivity in their children. The research, based on over 12,500 children in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, suggests that even moderate weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD-like symptoms in school-age children.
A recent study found that breastfed babies with asthmatic mothers had lower airflows and no improved lung growth, suggesting a potential link between breastfeeding and increased risk of asthma. In contrast, non-asthmatic mothers' milk may promote lung development.
A common medication used to stop preterm labor is associated with increased risk of brain damage and intestinal problems in premature infants. However, use of the medication has not been linked to other serious complications. Obstetricians are now advised to limit its use to cases where babies are at greatest risk.
The Duke of York highlights a global shortage of trained anaesthetists, inadequate equipment, and poor healthcare facilities in the developing world. Effective anesthesia is crucial for universal human rights, including safe childbirth and relief from pain, but progress has stalled due to lack of investment.
Oxytocin levels in pregnant women predict the formation of an exclusive bond with their infants. Mothers with higher oxytocin levels report more bonding behaviors and are preoccupied with thoughts of their infant's well-being.
The study aims to develop a model that combines audio, tactile, visual, and vestibular stimulation with teaching programs for mothers of premature infants, reducing behavioral problems and improving early infant health. By reducing hospital stays by three days, the grant hopes to save over $2 billion dollars annually.
Mother of thousands plant reproduces by dropping off complete miniature plants that grow independently, unlike most plants which rely on seeds. The plant's ability to make plantlets has been linked to the expression of specific genes STM and LEC.
Researchers found that vaginal progesterone gel reduced the need for intensive care and decreased hospital stays for premature infants. The treatment may also help prevent early preterm birth among women with a short cervix, according to the study's results.
Children benefit when mothers and fathers react differently to their child's negative emotions, with one comforting and problem-solving while the other provides space. This helps gain experience in understanding and controlling emotions, developing complex thinking about emotions.
A new study finds that maternal depression and controlling behavior are linked to increased stress responses in infants, as measured by cortisol levels. Infants of depressed mothers had lower pre-stress cortisol levels and a correlation between mother and infant cortisol levels.
A study of 2,087 parents aged 50+ found that divorce can predict an adult child will provide less involved care in the future. Geographical separation and remarriage after a divorce can disrupt the parent-child relationship.
Children who had acquired high percentage body fat by age 3–1/2 were more likely to be obese at age 7. Rapid growth spurts, TV viewing time, and physical inactivity also contributed to obesity risk.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Paul Joosse cautions against the ideological motivations behind 'ecoterrorism' in North America. The study suggests that individuals committing arson attacks may be acting for personal reasons, rather than environmental concerns, due to the lack of leaders in the Earth Liberation Front.
A study by Durham University researchers found that mothers who cradle their babies to the right hand side are displaying signs of extreme stress. This finding could help identify mothers at risk of developing post-natal depression.
Researchers found that rhesus macaques increase grunts and girneys when interacting with babies, suggesting a way for females to elicit attention and encourage behavior in infants. These vocalizations may also facilitate interactions between females with babies, promoting social tolerance.
Researchers found that Shuar participants could distinguish infant-directed speech from adult-directed speech with 73% accuracy, indicating a universal understanding of vocal emotional communication. This study provides support for the notion that baby talk conveys similar intentions across cultures.
In a study on the superb fairy-wren, researchers found that mothers who receive child-care assistance from helpers produce smaller eggs with less nutritious yolks, allowing them to live longer and breed more often. This unique adaptation suggests that helper birds may play a crucial role in the survival of some bird species.
A new study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine suggests that children whose mothers are depressed do better when their fathers are actively engaged in family life. An involved father can serve as a buffer, reducing the risk of problem behaviors such as aggression, hyperactivity, depression, and anxiety.
A recent study by UCLA's Center on Everyday Lives of Families found that convenience foods are commonly used in American families' dinners despite initial expectations. On average, meals took 52 minutes to prepare, with no significant time savings from relying on convenience foods. The study also revealed that mothers bear the brunt of...
A landmark nationwide study found that 17% of mother-infant pairs were identified as 'not ready' for postpartum discharge. The study identified several factors, including being a first-time mother, history of chronic disease, and inadequate prenatal care, as contributing to unreadiness.
A study of over 10,000 women found that those who were obese prior to pregnancy had a higher risk of giving birth to babies with structural birth defects. The findings suggest a possible mechanism involving alterations in glycemic control, similar to those seen in women with diabetes.
A research team, including UC Riverside biologists, has found experimental evidence supporting a theory of genetic conflict in the reproduction of fish that bear placentas. The conflict is likened to an
Researchers found that mutations in PPARγ lead to poor milk quality, causing health issues in nursing pups. Ingestion of toxic milk sets off an inflammatory response, disrupting hair growth and leading to baldness.
Research at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that pregnant women's feelings about pregnancy are crucial in shaping their toddlers' attachment security. Mothers who struggled with pregnancy acceptance were more likely to feel overwhelmed by parenthood, highlighting the need for supportive policies and social services.