Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Research found that children of mothers with preeclampsia have higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure, linked to re-entry altitude sickness and potential long-term health risks. The study suggests new ways to prevent and treat primary pulmonary hypertension.
Research suggests that the quality of time spent by employed mothers with their infants is crucial for early development, rather than the amount of time spent. Mothers who prioritize spending time with their babies, regardless of employment status, are more likely to provide sensitive and high-quality parenting.
A recent study published in Journal of Nursing Scholarship found that low-income single mothers experience high levels of depressive symptoms. The study suggests that nursing intervention can help reduce these symptoms and mitigate the impact on their ability to parent and engage in education and employment.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that mothers' positive approach during homework-help sessions promotes persistence in children. Children who experienced positive interactions with their mothers were more motivated in school and valued the learning process.
Research finds that exposure to cigarette smoke increases severity of RSV bronchiolitis in young children. The study also reveals surprising findings on the role of allergens and asthma in infection severity.
The University of Manchester is conducting a groundbreaking study to investigate the impact of early pregnancy on bone health in teenage mothers. The researchers aim to determine whether calcium and mineral supplements can be beneficial for younger expectant mothers, with findings expected by the end of 2006.
A recent study by Dr. Susan Harkness found that despite increased employment rates for mothers with pre-school children, women continue to face unequal working hours and household responsibilities, leading to increased time pressures and decreased earning power.
A study found that induction at 32 weeks pregnancy can significantly lower infections in both mom and baby, as well as shorten hospital stay for newborns. This approach may be a viable option for women with prolonged premature membrane rupture to minimize potential infection risks.
A meticulous diary kept by a mother of twins has revealed indicators of autistic behaviour in children as young as six months of age. Children with autism develop normally for six months, then begin developing atypically, according to research published in Neurocase.
A study by Kalil A and Ziol-Guest KM found that single mothers' employment dynamics impact their adolescents' sense of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and educational progress. Adolescents whose mothers were stably employed in higher-wage jobs showed better outcomes compared to those with unstable or low-wage employment.
Researchers found that magnesium treatment delayed labor long enough for steroid therapy to work in about half the cases, reducing repeat preterm labor risk. Babies born after 34 weeks showed better health outcomes, with most doing well despite preterm delivery.
Researchers found that children of working mothers with nonstandard schedules performed worse on cognitive tests, despite controlling for environmental factors. The type of care children receive during these hours may be a key factor in this effect.
Current clinical practice identifies only half of infected mothers, highlighting the need for systematic screening. Screening can detect infection early, preventing severe eye and brain damage in infants.
Researchers identified a specific antibody causing congenital heart block, targeting the p200 part of the Ro protein. The level of this antibody in mothers correlates with the degree of damage to the heart, highlighting a potential marker for high-risk pregnancies.
Children of depressed mothers exhibit higher levels of conduct problems, suggesting maternal depression disrupts caregiving environments. Maternal depression combined with antisocial personality disorder poses the greatest risk for children's ASB.
A six-year study found that children of overweight mothers exhibit significant weight gain and increased body fat by ages four and six. The research highlights the importance of targeting prevention efforts towards at-risk children from an early age.
Researchers used PGD to select an RhD- embryo, resulting in a healthy baby girl. The technique aims to alleviate the risk of haemolytic disease of the fetus or newborn associated with RhD alloimmunization.
A study of 119 mothers in three age groups found that those who received consistent care during childhood displayed more affection towards their infants. In contrast, mothers raised by frequently changing caregivers exhibited less affection and more instrumental behavior.
A study found that college students were less willing to hire a woman with two children and judged her as a lesser candidate for promotion compared to a childless woman. Fathers, on the other hand, were held to more lenient standards than both women and childless men.
A study using a birthing simulator found that turning the baby so its spine faces the mother's belly requires less force and stretching on the baby's nerves than other techniques. This method can help reduce the risk of injury to babies during complicated deliveries.
Rutgers-Newark researchers found that early movement provides critical information to the developing brain for proper sensory representation. This discovery may explain how the brain determines spatial awareness and distance perception.
The study reveals that step-families struggle with deciding where children should spend Christmas, particularly when a non-resident father is involved. Mothers often prioritize fairness between biological and step-parents, leading to difficult negotiations.
A national study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC) is more dangerous for mothers, with higher rates of uterine rupture and endometritis. However, the risk remains small, and researchers recommend thorough counseling for women considering VBAC.
Research found that triplet mothers exhibited lower sensitivity to their babies' communicative signals compared to singletons and twins. At 1 year, triplets showed poorer cognitive development and symbol usage skills. High parenting stress was linked to lower maternal sensitivity and child cognitive achievement.
A study of 44 adolescents with same-sex parents found they developed positively in school and psychologically, with no significant differences compared to peers with opposite-sex parents. The quality of parental relationships was more important than the gender of a parent's romantic partner.
A University of Toronto study identifies immigration, lack of partner support, and readiness for hospital discharge as factors increasing new mothers' risk of developing depressive symptoms. Early detection can lead to early intervention and improved maternal and child outcomes.
This study explores the role of low-income fathers in their children's development, finding that supportive father-child interactions predict better language and cognitive outcomes. Fathers' involvement also affects mothers' parenting styles, promoting a positive cycle of care.
Research reveals substantial effects on IQ among children with prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly those born to older mothers or with a history of heavy drinking. The study identified subgroups of vulnerable children with compromised academic and social performance.
A twenty-year prospective study of pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found that mothers on maintenance therapy had fewer relapses and their babies were born with higher birth weights. The study also showed a lower rate of congenital anomalies in the IBD group compared to healthy pregnant women.
A NICHD study suggests that pediatricians can assist immigrant mothers in identifying potential problems with their children's development. The researchers found that Asian and Latino mothers scored lower on a survey measuring knowledge of infant development, but they were knowledgeable about physical health and safety guidelines.
Researchers found that babies who enthusiastically imitate their parents tend to develop a sense of right and wrong earlier, up to two-and-a-half years later. Children who imitated their mothers were more likely to follow rules and show guilt when breaking them.
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.
Research using non-human primates reveals that early life stress exposure timing affects brain development and behavior in adulthood. The study found that monkeys separated from their mothers at different ages displayed distinct behavioral patterns, with those separated earlier showing reduced social skills and increased anxiety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.