Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
A small study found that TV effectively reduces kids' pain scores, with passive distraction being more effective than active distraction. Watching TV increases children's pain tolerance, making it a useful tool for minor procedures.
A new study by Rhys Williams and Gira Vashi finds that the hijab provides a clear identity marker for young American Muslim women, allowing them to carve out their own place in the Western world. The research also shows how the hijab symbolizes modesty and moral purity in an American culture perceived as materialistic.
A multi-year study by Texas A&M researchers found that the amount and quality of time parents spend with their children has a direct effect on children's rates of obesity. Mothers' time with children was more strongly linked to lower obesity risks, while fathers' time was associated with higher risks for older children.
Research reveals that young people who use condoms often apply them too late or remove them too soon, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Those with a close relationship with their mothers are more likely to use condoms correctly.
A mother's attentiveness to her baby's distress is more important than positive feedback for secure attachment. Researcher Nancy McElwain found that sensitivity during times of distress, not nondistress, predicts attachment security at 15 months.
Regular screening of new mothers is crucial to identify women who develop symptoms of postpartum depression throughout the year. Medication, talk therapy, and support groups are effective treatments for this condition.
A new study found that men with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to pass the disease to their children than women. The researchers discovered that fathers with MS have twice as many children who develop MS as mothers with the disease.
Language barriers compromise health care for 50 million U.S. residents who do not speak English at home, resulting in delayed care, preventable injuries, and higher healthcare costs. The article highlights the need for adequate language services to ensure optimal communication, patient satisfaction, and safety.
Research found that daily reading by English-speaking mothers at 14 months predicted greater language comprehension and vocabulary in toddlers. Non-English speaking families also benefited from daily reading, with significant improvements in language and cognitive development.
Researchers developed a non-invasive Doppler ultrasonography method to detect fetal anemia in high-risk pregnancies. The study found that this new procedure is safer than traditional testing methods, which can be traumatic for the mother and carry a risk of miscarriage.
A UC Berkeley study found that in utero exposure to DDT is linked to lower developmental scores in children, while nursing was beneficial despite DDT transmission through breast milk. The study suggests that the benefits of nursing may outweigh the potentially harmful effects of DDT transmission.
A study of 566 older mothers found that they prefer their daughters as caregivers, regardless of practical considerations. The sociologists suggest that gender plays a significant role in this preference, with mothers expecting daughters to provide care due to emotional closeness and shared experiences.
A study found that children from trailer parks who integrate into the community, develop intense relationships with mentors and town friends, and invest in their education can overcome socioeconomic obstacles. Investing time and energy from parents also plays a crucial role in social mobility for these teenagers.
Researchers found that zebra finch males prefer females with beaks more extremely colored than their mothers', demonstrating a 'peak shift' effect. This suggests that sexual imprinting drives the evolution of skewed mating preferences and exaggerated traits in birds.
A study found that false-positive newborn screening results can lead to increased worry, parenting stress, and strained parent-child relationships. Parents who received incorrect information about the diagnosis had higher stress levels, whereas those with accurate information reported reduced anxiety.
A study of over 845,300 pregnancies found a three-fold higher risk of placenta praevia among mothers who had conceived both naturally and through ART. The increased risk may be directly related to reproductive techniques used, including embryo placement methods.
The US lags behind Norway in providing maternity leave and support for breastfeeding mothers, potentially discouraging continued breastfeeding. Implementing policies that prioritize flexibility and respect for mother's feeding choices can encourage higher rates of breastfeeding and promote a healthier society.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 3,000 children and found small but reliable associations between child-care provider relationships and measures of attachment. Long-term stability of care was linked to secure relationships with providers.
Women who balance work and family responsibilities are more likely to report good health, with those who have been home-makers for short periods showing the lowest rates of obesity. Analysis suggests that adopting multiple roles may be a contributing factor to overall well-being rather than a cause of poor health.
Researchers found that visual perception is influenced by one's racial group membership, with Black-primed and White-primed biracial individuals differing significantly in their search patterns. The study demonstrates the malleability of visual perception to top-down influences.
Researchers found that most mothers realize the importance of protecting their child's health but often prioritize maintaining marital harmony. The study showed that even with public smoking bans, families still face challenges in quitting smoking at home.
A new study found a strong connection between colic and postpartum depression in demographically diverse women. 19% of mothers reported moderate to severe symptoms of postpartum depression, while 8% reported their babies were difficult to console.
Research found that mothers with prenatal cocaine exposure reported high symptoms of depression and behavioral problems in children. However, these issues were more closely linked to maternal depression than the prenatal exposure itself.
A study of over 2,700 children found that maternal mental health problems, substance abuse, and domestic violence can contribute to behavioral issues in children. As the number of reported difficulties increases, so does the risk of aggression, anxiety, depression, inattention, and hyperactivity in kids.
Researchers found that mice born to mothers with senile amyloidosis exhibited elevated levels of amyloid fibrils, accelerating disease onset. The presence of fibrils in the milk of affected mothers was confirmed, demonstrating transmission via nursing.
A Swedish study reveals that men and women with a maternal history of coronary heart disease (CHD) are at higher risk of developing the condition. The research found that 55% of men and 43% of women with a maternal CHD history developed CHD, compared to those with no family history.
Infants born to mothers with extremely short or long intervals between pregnancies face increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Short intervals (less than 6 months) result in a 40% increase in preterm birth risk, while long intervals (more than 59 months) lead to a 20-43% higher risk.
A new study finds that PCOS is associated with elevated cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in mothers. The long-term health consequences of PCOS are significant, and mothers should be screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers discovered that African legless amphibian B. taitanus females provide nutrition to their hatchlings via their skin for up to four weeks. This post-hatching parental care is unprecedented in amphibians and may represent an evolutionary intermediate between reproductive modes.
Nine lone walrus calves were reported swimming far from shore, unable to forage and likely to drown or starve. The researchers suggest that increased polar warming may lead to a significant population decline of the walrus species due to their inability to adapt to caring for their young in shallow waters without sea ice.
Researchers discovered a link between oral bacteria and preterm birth, finding Bergeyella bacteria in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. This pilot study suggests that oral bacteria may play a role in premature deliveries, which can lead to health challenges for babies and increased medical costs.
A new study by the University of Queensland research has found a link between cannabis use and marital changes in children up to age 21. Children who experienced more frequent changes in their parents' marital status were more likely to report cannabis use, with almost half having used cannabis at some point.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschool children who watched TV during lunch ate significantly less than those who did not. However, children who frequently watched TV also tended to eat more on TV days, suggesting a potential link between TV viewing and overeating in young children.
A study found that teenage mothers with iron deficiency during pregnancy had children who were less active and responded slower to their environment. The researchers suggest that a mother's nutritional status in pregnancy affects the behavior and personality of the child.
A new EU project aims to explore the impact of prenatal exposure to food and chemicals on adult diseases. The NewGeneris study will analyze DNA and proteins in women and their newborn children from across Europe to identify potential biomarkers for increased risk of cancer or immune disorders.
A new parent therapy program has demonstrated preliminary promise in helping substance abusing mothers recognize their own and their children's emotional states. By improving the emotional quality of mother-child relationships, the program aims to promote children's psychosocial development and reduce preoccupation with drug use.
The typical pregnancy duration has decreased to 39 weeks, leading to a rise in late preterm births. Late preterm infants face increased risks of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, and reduced brain development compared to full-term babies.
A large-scale study found that successful treatment of mothers with depression leads to significant improvements in their children's mental health, including a 33% higher remission rate for children whose mothers recovered from depressive symptoms. Children of non-remitted mothers showed a 12% increase in depression diagnoses.
A study published in JAMA found that effective treatment of a mother's depression with medication is associated with reduced rates of diagnoses in her children. After three months, children whose mother's depression remitted had a 33% lower rate of psychiatric diagnoses compared to those whose depression remained unresolved.
This study examines the impact of welfare reform on single, low-income mothers and their children. The results show that the percentage of women without health coverage was higher in the never-married group, but the gap increased after TANF implementation, exacerbating the problem.
A study found that 76% of children exposed to tobacco smoke carried pneumococci, compared to 60% of those not exposed. Higher carriage rates are associated with a higher risk of infection, according to lead author David Greenberg, MD.
A study of 72 children in Ecuador found that prenatal pesticide exposure was associated with higher systolic blood pressure and decreased ability to copy shapes. The effects of prenatal exposure may last into childhood, with stunting also linked to impaired cognitive function.
Research finds that postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers are associated with reduced breastfeeding rates, less frequent playtime, and reduced interaction with infants. The study emphasizes the need for pediatricians to screen for maternal depressive symptoms and provide guidance on interactive parenting practices.
A study found that nearly 18% of mothers experience depression in early infancy and that maternal depressive symptoms have an unfavorable impact on active engagement with the child. Mothers with depressive symptoms were less likely to play with their infants daily and show them books compared to those without symptoms.
A study of 244 parents found that intensive support programmes improved their life satisfaction by shifting focus from internal to external issues. The programme helped parents develop knowledge and coping strategies, particularly fathers and full-time working parents.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that emotions like guilt and regret play a critical role in motivating people to make wise decisions about self-protection. The research finds that appeals combining fear and accountability are more effective than those relying on hope or good intentions.
A study by UCSD/Boston University found a small but significant increased chance of delivering an infant with severe respiratory failure (PPHN) if pregnant women take SSRIs like Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft in the second half of pregnancy. The risk is relatively low, affecting about 6-12 mothers per thousand.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that mothers teaching their daughters about HIV and sexual health can significantly reduce high-risk behavior. The Mother/Daughter HIV Risk Reduction program, which included joint mother/daughter homework assignments and abstinence agreements, was more effective than other interventions.
A study of 120 babies found that antidepressant use during pregnancy was associated with a 30% risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Infants exposed to SSRIs exhibited common symptoms such as tremor, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disturbances.
Chronic periodontitis and certain bacteria are linked to preeclampsia in pregnant women. Periodontal infection may increase the risk of preterm birth due to its association with cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that pregnancy-associated gingivitis is preventable and easy to treat.
A study of 702 pregnant women found that lung function worsened in mothers with either male or female fetuses until about 30 weeks, after which improvement was noted. Mothers carrying males had better lung function throughout pregnancy by 10 percent.
The Mayo Clinic study found a significant association between high levels of HtrA1 in placental tissues and severe preeclampsia. The findings may lead to the development of a blood test to track HtrA1 levels, enabling early detection and management of preeclampsia.
Researchers found that anxious fathers can increase a mother's pain experience after a caesarean delivery. Preparing the birth partner through antenatal classes and pre-operation support may reduce post-operative pain and improve the birth experience.
Despite having more free time, women experience a 'family penalty' from childcare and housework responsibilities. A study found that married women with children feel 2.2 times more rushed than single, childless women.
Researchers found that the temperature of a person who has consumed a beverage can affect the accuracy of oral electronic thermometers. The study suggests that parents should wait for at least 30 minutes to take their child's temperature after consumption.
Exposure to household insecticides and garden pesticides during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing acute leukemia. The study found that mothers who used insecticides while pregnant or after birth nearly doubled their child's risk, while exposure to garden insecticides increased the risk by more than doubling.
Researchers found that mothers with high stress levels perceived their babies as more challenging, affecting parenting behaviors and infant development. Cocaine-exposed infants showed lower socioeconomic status, increased reactivity to stimuli, and higher maternal stress.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that coaching women to push during labor does not significantly affect the length of labor or long-term pelvic floor problems. However, coached women experienced shorter labors and smaller bladder capacities, with bladder function returning to normal over time.
A 6-week group intervention using cognitive-behavioral techniques reduced depressive symptoms in low-income single mothers, while a study illustrates the effectiveness of cost-effective nursing interventions for improving mental health outcomes.
A study of over 79,000 women found that prepregnancy obesity rates increased by 9.2% between 1999 and 2003, linked to higher risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and labor complications. The trend was observed regardless of age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic factors.