Articles tagged with Mothers
Research finds that mothers respond better to their own infant cries, exhibiting increased brain activity in various regions. Nurturing behaviors also improve social difficulties in offspring related to poor parenting.
Researchers tracked infant monkeys separated from mothers at different stages of infancy to find varying behavioral impacts on social skills and adult behaviors. Timing of separation significantly influenced the development of social comfort, dominance, and playfulness in adulthood.
A team of scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that mice without the TR4 gene are born smaller, less fertile, and have poor parenting skills. The miniature mice exhibit reduced nest-building, nursing, and offspring care, resulting in high pup mortality rates.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that episiotomies do not reduce the likelihood of shoulder injuries to infants stuck in the birth canal. Instead, rotating the infant may realign its shoulders to fit within the mother's pelvis.
A study of 32 children found that those whose mothers were occupationally exposed to organic solvents during pregnancy scored lower in intellectual, language, motor, and neurobehavioral functioning. The children also showed reduced ability in recalling sentences despite normal global scores.
A Swedish study of over 700,000 young adults found that low birthweight and being born to a teenage mother are independent risk factors for increased suicide risk. The study also showed that individuals born fourth or more in sibling order and those from poor maternal socio-economic backgrounds are at higher risk of attempted suicide.
Women with fibromyalgia often struggle with breast-feeding due to medication side effects and pain. Research suggests healthcare providers should explore non-prescription methods and refer women to lactation consultants for support.
Research conducted by Penny Gordon-Larsen found that excessive TV watching and a lack of safe outdoor spaces contribute to increased obesity risk in young black girls. The study, which included 51 interviews with girls aged 6-9 and their mothers, highlights the need for affordable and accessible opportunities for physical activity.
Adolescents living with both biological or adoptive parents tend to have higher grades and greater college expectations. In contrast, adolescents from single-mother families often experience lower academic achievement due to economic deprivation. Single mothers face significant challenges in planning for their children's future education.
A study found that sun protection habits decreased in children between their first and second summers, with a 32% increase in skin damage. The decrease was attributed to lack of full protection, rather than increased sun exposure, highlighting the need for sustained sun protection efforts.
A new study has found that high levels of thyroid hormone are linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in women who are resistant to normal levels. The research, conducted on a family with a rare genetic disorder, revealed a significant increase in miscarriage rates among affected mothers compared to unaffected relatives.
A recent study published in JAMA found that excessive maternal thyroid hormone levels can lead to miscarriage and negatively impact fetal growth, with unaffected fetuses being more susceptible to these effects. The study also discovered that high maternal thyroid hormone levels can induce a catabolic state during fetal life.
A survey of mothers reveals that they view pediatricians as 'parenting partners' and carefully select a doctor for their child. Key findings include the importance of personality, health insurance coverage, and compatibility with parenting objectives in choosing a pediatrician.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison assistant professor Stephen Gammie found that low levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) trigger maternal aggression in mice, enabling them to protect their offspring. The results show that increasing CRH levels reduces maternal aggression and increases fear responses.
Research found that obese women have a lower prolactin response to suckling, compromising milk production. This leads to a significantly shorter period of breastfeeding. The study suggests that obesity affects breast-feeding success, with overweight mothers being 2.5 to 3.6 times less successful than non-overweight mothers.
A study found that high maternal anxiety during a specific period in pregnancy (12-22 weeks) can program the fetus's brain, increasing susceptibility to childhood disorders. This effect was more pronounced than other factors such as smoking or low birthweight.
Research found that infants with higher maternal DHA levels at birth showed more mature attentional development and were less distractible during play. This suggests a potential link between DHA supplementation during pregnancy and improved infant cognitive functions.
The study found that living at home helped teenage mothers stay in school during the first two years of their babies' lives, possibly due to increased encouragement and child care support. However, it had little impact on their parenting skills, which may be influenced by other factors such as maturity level.
Research found that 21% of embryo donation families chose to remain secretive about the child's origins due to concerns over family relationships and the mother's perceived biological role. Despite this, there were no negative effects on the children, and parental warmth and quality of parenting remained consistent across all groups.
A high-protein diet may disrupt genetic imprinting in mouse embryos, affecting foetal development and implantation rates. Research suggests that women trying to conceive should limit their protein intake below 20% of total energy consumption.
Researchers found a naturally occurring mutation in a child's myostatin gene, resulting in twice the normal muscle mass. The discovery provides hope for agents blocking myostatin activity to increase muscle mass in humans.
A New York City study reveals that newborns are equally exposed to DNA damage from air pollution as their mothers, despite lower pollutant doses. The research highlights the importance of reducing air pollution levels in urban areas.
A study published in Child Abuse & Neglect found that home visiting programs failed to identify risk factors and connect families with necessary resources, despite showing some positive outcomes. The researchers recommend better training for home visitors and improved coordination with community organizations.
An Australian study investigated the connection between autism and pregnancy-related complications, finding increased risk for older parents, firstborn children, and certain medical interventions. The research suggests that early nongenetic influences may play a role in some cases of autism development.
Children whose mothers ate oily fish were 71% less likely to develop asthma; the more fish eaten, the lower the risk. A family history of asthma remains a strong risk factor for childhood asthma.
Nonstandard work shifts negatively impact family stability, childcare arrangements, and parent-child relationships, leading to marital unhappiness and divorce rates. Policy solutions such as higher wages for late shifts and childcare subsidies are proposed to mitigate the social and health costs of these schedules.
Research suggests that when mothers use a controlling approach, children become disengaged and perform poorly in school. In contrast, an autonomy-supportive approach improves children's performance immediately and leads to better grades over time. The study emphasizes the importance of this parenting style for low-achieving children.
Research finds that controlling parenting styles hinder struggling children's academic progress, while autonomy support improves performance and school grades. Parents who adopt an autonomy-supportive approach allow children to explore independently and generate problem-solving strategies.
Research suggests that elevated cytokine levels in pregnant women can predict premature birth, brain injuries, and respiratory disorders in infants. Social stress factors such as substance abuse, family violence, and poverty also increase the risk of poor outcomes.
A study published in Journal of Biology reveals that young dolphins adopt an ideal position to get a 'free ride' in their mother's slipstream, reducing energy required for swimming. This drafting phenomenon helps the calf stay with its mother, but can be disrupted by fishing vessels, potentially impacting dolphin populations.
A study of over 1,900 mothers and their infants found that frequent spanking was a risk factor for behavior problems in white, non-Hispanic children. The researchers suggest that the broader family context surrounding spanking may influence its effects on children.
A study found that babies described as difficult eaters or overeaters are more likely to eat when their mother handles food and feed themselves after receiving a bite. This relationship was not seen in non-problem eater children, suggesting an innate link to social cues.
A Mayo Clinic study found that most children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) carry a particular gene from their mother, triggering an immune response. The research suggests that maternal cells may play a role in the development of JDM, a rare condition that causes inflammation and muscle damage.
Young female chimpanzees learned to fish for termites at 31 months, while young males began playing and swinging around at 58 months. Females also copied their mothers' fishing techniques more closely, reflecting their adult sex roles.
Researchers measured blood levels of chlorpyrifos and diazinon in umbilical cords before and after the ban and found a significant reduction in birth weights and lengths in infants with high pesticide exposure. The study confirms developmental impact of insecticides on human health.
Research suggests that pediatricians can play a crucial role in addressing postpartum depression among mothers. A study found that mothers are open to discussing their mental health concerns with pediatricians, but a trusting relationship must be established first.
The Providence Journal won the 2004 Dart Award for its 'Rape in a Small Town' series, which delves into the life of Laura, a girl who was raped by a popular classmate during her sophomore year. The series also explores the lingering effects of rape on the victim and their family, as well as the community's response to the crime.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences found that a toxin combination common in fish impairs motor skills, particularly when combined with PCBs. The research suggests that additive toxic effects of these chemicals on human health should be seriously considered.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal explores the trend of elective cesarean sections, highlighting concerns about comparing vaginal birth to planned cesarean delivery. Hannah argues that only a comparison of planned vaginal and planned cesarean births can determine which carries greater risk to mother and baby.
Researchers found that mothers' brain activity increased when shown pictures of their own babies compared to others, indicating involvement of the orbitofrontal cortex in maternal attachment. The study's findings suggest a link between positive emotions and maternal bonding.
A $1.7 million NIH-funded study found that bed rest in high-risk pregnancies is associated with weight loss, increased risk of fetal growth restriction, backache, joint soreness, headaches, muscle loss, and depression. The study suggests that prescribed antepartum bed rest may be more harmful than helpful.
Laws regulating short hospital stays in the US led to an average increase of 16 days in postpartum care for privately insured women. Hospital charges also rose by $200 per patient. The effects varied across states, with some seeing significant improvements in maternal health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that lactating mammary glands can sense changes in calcium levels and adjust milk production accordingly. The calcium-sensing receptor plays a key role in this process, allowing the gland to match milk production with the availability of calcium in the mother's body.
Researchers found that manual techniques can reduce permanent brachial plexus damage in babies by up to 50% compared to episiotomies. This approach also minimizes severe perineal injuries in mothers. The study suggests a safer and more effective alternative for managing severe shoulder dystocia during childbirth.
A four-year study published by Ohio State University researchers found that attempting a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Despite this, many women continue to opt for VBAC due to the relatively low level of risk involved.
A US CDC study found that 10% of vaccine doses administered to children in 2002 were invalid, resulting from premature vaccination. Invalid doses need to be repeated to ensure adequate protection against disease.
A recent study by Dario Maestripieri found that young monkeys reared by a mother other than their own exhibit the aggressive or friendly behavior of their birth mothers, rather than foster mothers. This suggests that inherited behavioral predispositions may play a more important role in shaping social behavior in primates.
A new study suggests that women who have had a caesarean section may be at higher risk of stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies. The research found that the risk of stillbirth was greater for women who had previously given birth by caesarean section, with an increased risk starting at around 34 weeks of their second pregnancy.
A study found that children identified by newborn screening required hospitalization at a lower rate than those clinically identified, and mothers experienced lower stress in the screened group. However, false-positive results were associated with increased risk of hospitalization and parental stress.
Recent baboon studies provide insights into the complexity of monkey social behavior and suggest that natural selection has favored sophisticated social intelligence in primates. This research may inform theories concerned with the evolution of human language and cognition.
Researchers found that genes influence offspring growth, while quality of care from mothers is the primary factor. The study suggests that there are both "super moms" and "dud moms", with success determined by environmental conditions like food supply.
A study by Rutgers University researchers found that female rats during the postpartum period are less anxious and more resistant to stress than females without offspring. This unique response may be linked to the high incidence of mental illness in new mothers, including depression and anxiety.
Pregnant women exhibit enhanced odor sensitivity and unpleasantness, which may help protect against stress. A study also found that brain areas mediating 'reward' are stimulated by pup suckling in rat mothers, suggesting a potential link between smell, reward, and maternal bonding.
A study found that children whose mothers experience postnatal depression are more likely to exhibit violent behavior, particularly in boys. The link is associated with attention and emotional regulation problems, which can lead to a higher propensity for violence.
A study published in The Lancet found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth can significantly reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission. The regimen resulted in a 7% protection rate for infants who received the full course, compared to 12% for those who only received nevirapine.
A study found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth reduced mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission by around 15% compared to nevirapine alone. This combination therapy resulted in a protective efficacy of 36%.
Researchers found that yeast cells experience a sudden surge in genetic changes at late-middle age, similar to humans. Genetic instability is linked to cell division cycles, not lifespan, and may explain why cancer typically surfaces later in life.
A study of 2,604 children with solid tumours found a significant link between mothers' breast cancer and their child's age at diagnosis. The risk is higher for younger children and boys, suggesting hormonal disruption during pregnancy may play a role.
A single-dose nevirapine regimen significantly decreased the risk of HIV-1 transmission from mother to child by 47% compared to a zidovudine regimen. The regimen was found to be safe and effective in all study mothers up to six weeks after delivery and for all babies up to 18 months of age.
A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that giving one dose of nevirapine to HIV-positive mothers during labor and their newborns reduced transmission by 41 percent. The simple regimen has the potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of new infections every year.