Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Researchers found that young children's defiance towards mothers is linked to emerging autonomy and confidence in controlling events. Children with sensitive mothers were more likely to be defiant, while those with depressed mothers were less likely to respond with defiance.
A new study from the University of Washington finds that domestic violence and psychological distress can lead to increased unemployment, especially among adolescent mothers. The research followed 234 women for 13 years and found that those with high levels of psychological distress were more likely to be unemployed.
A University of Rochester investigation found that physician self-disclosures have no benefits and may disrupt patient information flow. Most physicians believed self-disclosure was a good idea for building relationships, but the study showed it was actually doctor-centered and beneficial to the physician, not the patient.
Research suggests that higher doses of vitamin A do not improve health outcomes for mothers and children in areas with moderate deficiency. Lower doses, as recommended by the WHO, may be sufficient to prevent mortality. The findings urge caution against increasing standard dosing schedules without further investigation.
Researchers found that female mice with given birth had better auditory neurons at detecting and discriminating pup calls. The study suggests the brain improves information processing for specific communicative functions.
Researchers found that mothers' brains respond more quickly and robustly to ultrasonic calls of mouse pups, enabling them to detect and discriminate between sounds. This improvement in brain function is associated with the ability to recognize behaviorally significant sounds, such as those made by their young.
A new survey by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that the majority of doctors in North Carolina do not probe for signs of postpartum depression in new mothers. The study, to be published June 6, 2007, highlights the need for physicians to screen patients for depression during postpartum visits.
A study by the University of Alberta found that mule deer mothers respond to distress calls from both their own and other species' fawns, often putting themselves at risk. This behavior defies traditional explanations for parental care and suggests a more primal instinct for survival.
A University of Illinois study explores how family members perceive unequal treatment by parents, revealing that siblings who share a common understanding of parental behavior tend to get along better. The research emphasizes the significance of open dialogue and active listening among family members.
A new study found that children of mothers who ate the most apples were less likely to develop asthma or allergies. Fish consumption also showed a protective effect against eczema in children. The researchers suggest that specific nutrients like flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids may be responsible for these effects.
A meta-analysis of over 32,000 women and their babies found that taking aspirin or other antiplatelet drugs during pregnancy reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia by 10%. The treatment also has no significant effect on fetal or baby health outcomes.
New research suggests that breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments can protect maternal mental health from depression. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower stress levels, thereby reducing the risk of depression in new mothers.
A new study from Cornell University finds that adolescents exposed to chronic risk factors experience stress-induced physiological strain, but with responsive mothers, this toll is significantly reduced. The study also reveals that cardiovascular systems of youths are compromised regardless of their mothers' responsiveness.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto have developed a non-invasive screening test to detect placental damage in high-risk pregnancies. The test, which combines ultrasound and blood tests, can identify abnormal placental function at 16-23 weeks gestation, allowing for early intervention and improved pregnancy outcomes.
A new study found that pregnant women who gain excessive or adequate weight are four times more likely to have an overweight child. The study suggests reevaluating current pregnancy weight guidelines, as excessive weight gain during pregnancy can influence child health and increase the risk of obesity.
New research from Johns Hopkins University suggests that children who experience frequent transitions in their living situation are more likely to act out and have behavioral problems. The study found a persistent association between family instability and white children's behavior problems, but no such link for black children.
Research found that pregnant women who ate more than seven beef meals a week had sons with lower sperm concentrations and higher rates of sub-fertility. The study suggests a link between maternal beef consumption and reduced fertility in sons, potentially due to the presence of anabolic steroids and other xenobiotics in beef.
A 5-year study found that giving nitroglycerin to mothers in preterm labor led to significant improvement in their baby's health, especially those born between 24-28 weeks. This therapy resulted in cost savings and longer-term health benefits for premature babies.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that mothers' knowledge of local plants is a key factor in determining their children's health, particularly in remote areas where globalization is threatening traditional folk knowledge.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered four genetic variants associated with spontaneous preterm birth in Hispanic women. The study found that mothers carrying these polymorphisms were significantly more likely to experience preterm birth. Notably, the ENPP1 variant was linked to the highest risk of preterm birth.
Researchers found that older mothers with normal, full-term pregnancies were more likely to undergo Caesarean delivery than younger women with similarly low-risk pregnancies. Women giving birth for the first time were six times more likely to deliver by Caesarean.
A Johns Hopkins University undergraduate found that Ethiopian mothers' beliefs about diarrhea can lead to inappropriate treatment for their children's life-threatening condition. The study aimed to educate mothers so they can prevent and manage diarrheal diseases in their children.
Researchers found that exposure to smoke during pregnancy causes permanent cardiovascular damage in children, increasing their risk for stroke and heart attack. The study suggests that smoking in pregnancy has an independent effect on the child's health.
A study found that focused support increased breastfeeding rates among Latina women, with those receiving peer counseling being 10-66 times more likely to nurse exclusively at 2 months postpartum. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address ethnic disparities in breastfeeding promotion.
Organized youth activities facilitate teen independence in a way parents can appreciate, while also improving family relationships. Teens develop skills such as self-confidence, emotional regulation, and teamwork, leading to closer ties with their families.
A study published in The Lancet found that maternal seafood consumption during pregnancy is associated with better neurological development in children. High intake of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood was linked to higher verbal IQ and improved prosocial behavior, fine motor, communication, and social development scores.
Researchers mapped zebrafish axonal projections to reveal dual receptor expression and epigenetic programming. The study also explores the interaction of 'liking' and 'wanting' responses associated with compulsive behaviors, and investigates the role of ADAM10 in APP processing.
Researchers found lower concentrations of VOCs in breast milk than in indoor air, with toluene levels ranking highest. This suggests that reducing indoor air pollution is crucial for minimizing infant exposure to harmful chemicals.
Research shows African American mothers are 3 times more likely to deliver prematurely at 20-34 weeks and almost 4 times more likely to deliver extremely prematurely. Repeating premature births also occur at a significantly higher rate among African American women compared to Caucasian mothers.
Research in Uganda found that microfinancing improved women's positions within families and communities, but not their independence. The benefit of microfinancing lies in strengthening self-esteem and enabling women to take more responsibility and have a higher status within marriages and the community.
Research found prenatal exposure to nicotine alters brain areas critical for learning and reward, programming the brain for relapse to nicotine addiction. Pregnant women who smoke may need tailored smoking cessation approaches due to increased risk of relapse after birth.
Scientists discovered that cells passed from mother to child during pregnancy can differentiate into functioning islet beta cells producing insulin. Higher levels of maternal DNA were found in the blood of children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, suggesting a beneficial role for microchimerism.
A CAMH study found that previously married mothers had higher rates of depressive disorders and alcohol abuse compared to married or never-married mothers. The study also showed that single mothers who were never married and currently married mothers have similar prevalence rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders.
A new study suggests that HIV-positive mothers who receive adequate support can safely breastfeed either formula or short-term breastfeeding without compromising their infant's chances for survival and health. The research highlights the importance of providing comprehensive care to these mothers, enabling them to make informed decisio...
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that breastfeeding mothers who consume insufficient Calcium may be at risk for increased bone loss around their teeth and gums. The research emphasizes the importance of a high-Calcium diet during lactation to promote healthy periodontal tissues.
Women are more likely to inherit an increased risk of ischaemic stroke than men, with a higher likelihood of having a family history of stroke in mothers and sisters. The age at stroke for women and their siblings correlates with the age at stroke for their mothers.
A small study found that fish oil supplements during pregnancy improve toddlers' hand-eye coordination, with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to better performance. The findings suggest that relatively high doses of omega-3 rich fish oil supplements have no adverse effects on neurodevelopment or growth.
New research by Brown University sociologists found a significant decline in female support for mothers of young children over the last 120 years. From nearly 50% in the late 19th century to just 20% in the late 20th century, fewer women were available to help with household work and childcare.
First-time mothers are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems like depression and bipolar disorder after childbirth. The study found that the risk is highest in the first few weeks and months following delivery, with the greatest increase occurring within 10-19 days.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with decreased cardiac function, leading to increased daytime sleepiness. A behavioral-educational intervention improved nighttime sleep for new mothers and their babies, resulting in better overall sleep quality.
A new genetic theory suggests that certain offspring characteristics can only be explained by genetic cooperation between maternal and paternal genes. This challenges the prevailing view of a parental power struggle, instead proposing that positive interactions between mothers and their offspring drive imprinting patterns.
A study of over 3,000 mothers and their children found that pregnant smokers were almost three times as likely to have regular-smoking offspring by age 14. Children whose mothers resumed smoking after pregnancy had similar smoking patterns, suggesting a direct link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and child's smoking habit.
A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.
A new study examines how different conflict styles between parents affect children's mental health and adjustment. Different types of conflict may have distinct implications for mothers' and fathers' parenting duties, with fathers' emotional unavailability having a greater impact on children's psychological problems.
The March of Dimes and the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute launched a three-year Prematurity Prevention Initiative in Kentucky to test bundling proven interventions and reduce preventable preterm births. The initiative aims to provide expectant mothers, families, and healthcare professionals with comprehensive support and education.
Research suggests that women in their first pregnancy with placental malaria are three times more likely to develop preeclampsia. High levels of sVEGFR1 and VEGF were found in these mothers, indicating a conflict between the mother's and fetus's immune responses.
Research by Markus Neuhäuser and Sven Krackow found that the number and age of existing siblings significantly influence Down Syndrome risk. The study suggests that older mothers with a larger gap between pregnancies are more likely to have children with developmental defects.
A University of Illinois study explores how abused women decide on child custody arrangements, revealing the complex interplay between fear, practical considerations, and family ideology. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of parents with histories of violence.
A University of Illinois study found that parents' conversational styles contribute to their children's secure attachment, sense of self-worth, and eventual social competence. Elaborative conversations, characterized by rich detail and background information, foster memory development and promote a sense of shared history with the parent.
Prioritizing health facility births with trained midwives can substantially reduce maternal mortality worldwide. The Lancet series highlights the stark disparities between rich and poor countries, with women in developing countries being 1000 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Researchers found that bird moms alter the birth order of eggs to shield sons from mites, speeding up their growth and survival. This strategy allows both males and females to thrive despite increased mortality risk from parasites.
A study of 71 mother-child pairs found that low maternal education, unfamiliar foods, and younger child age predict more prompting from the mother. Conversely, obese mothers tend to have children who comply with food prompts less frequently, suggesting a need for tailored eating behaviors.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council finds that childless women, mothers of five or more children, teenage mothers, and those with short birth intervals have higher risks of death and poor health. Partnership and parenting experiences are crucial in influencing later life health.
A new risk factor for schizophrenia has been identified by UCLA scientists, with infants having a specific immune gene that closely resembles their mothers' being more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this genetic match may increase fetal susceptibility to schizophrenia, particularly in females.
Newborns exposed to methamphetamine in utero are 3.5 times more likely to be born underweight compared to those not exposed, with a risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome later in life.
A Queen's University study suggests administering low doses of carbon monoxide to pregnant women may help prevent the potentially damaging effects of pre-eclampsia, a condition affecting five to seven per cent of pregnancies. The research found that carbon monoxide may relax blood vessels and prevent cell death in the placenta.
A study found that maternal drinking during early pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of alcohol disorders in children, with increased exposure associated with difficulties in thinking, learning, and memory. The study suggests that in utero exposure to alcohol may predispose individuals to early onset of alcohol disorders.
Research suggests that children whose mothers had low vitamin E intake during pregnancy are more likely to develop wheezing and asthma by age five. Vitamin E exposure was found to have a dual effect on lung function and airway inflammation, with effects differing between early and later pregnancy.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide can prevent placental cell death caused by oxidative stress injury in a study published in The American Journal of Pathology. This finding suggests that carbon monoxide may be a possible treatment modality for pre-eclampsia, which affects 5-7% of pregnancies.
Researchers found that infant and neonatal mortality rates are higher among babies delivered by cesarean section than vaginal deliveries, even in low-risk women. The study analyzed over 5.7 million live births and nearly 12,000 infant deaths, revealing a significant increase in cesarean deliveries without medical indication.