Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
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.
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 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 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.
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 Mayo Clinic study found that 69% of mothers and 58% of fathers reported having distressing thoughts about their infant's safety. New fathers struggle with obsessional thoughts, which can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional care.
A new study finds that family-friendly policies do not reinforce traditional division of household labor, contrary to previous theories. In fact, some women report using policies to alleviate stress and resentment, while others find them liberating by encouraging husbands' involvement in home-based tasks.
A case report suggests Munchausen syndrome by proxy may be responsible for unexplained medical conditions in infants, with symptoms including bleeding, seizures, and rash. The condition can be difficult to diagnose due to the perpetrator's cooperative nature, but experts emphasize its potential lethality.
The July/August 2003 Annals of Family Medicine issue addresses health care disparities and promotes evidence-based interventions to improve breastfeeding rates. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends structured educational classes and behavioral counseling to support breastfeeding, with programs combining these elements sho...
The WHO leader highlights three key priorities for action: reinstating health as a focus of organizational agendas, scaling up effective interventions to reach more dying children, and building capacity at the district level. Collaborative partnerships are necessary to achieve these goals and reduce child mortality worldwide by two-thi...
A study of 34 surrogate mothers found that none reported misgivings about handing over the baby, with most enjoying good relations with commissioning couples. However, some experienced mild psychological difficulties after handover, which subsided with time.
A study found that 85% of children in low-income families had daily exposure to secondhand smoke, with mothers reporting the highest levels. Cotinine levels in children's urine only confirmed exposure for about 90% of cases, highlighting potential limitations of testing.
Researchers at USC developed an animated health intervention called Carmen's Bright IDEAS to improve social problem-solving skills of mothers caring for kids with cancer. The system uses robotic thespians and AI to engage users in a positive experience, resulting in uniformly positive reviews from clinical trial participants.
A study published by Brown University researchers found that nicotine exposure in the womb can lead to behavioral changes in babies, including jitteriness and stiffness. The study suggests that public health officials consider interventions to promote healthy newborns for smoking mothers.
A study found that prenatal exposure to a diabetic environment from mothers with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance and a defective insulin secretory response in adult offspring. This effect was observed independently of genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
A Cumbria study finds a 17% higher risk of neural tube defects and 12% higher heart defect risk near incinerators, but no increased risk for babies born before their operational period. The authors suggest further investigation due to limited emissions data.
A study of over 570 children found that those who were breastfed had better math, spelling, and reading skills compared to bottle-fed children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. The researchers suggest that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk may promote brain development and counteract the negative effects of smo...
A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology reveals a growing incidence of gastroschisis in the U.S., particularly among mothers under 20 years old. Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the intestines develop outside the womb, and its mortality rate ranges from 3-8 percent.
A recent study published by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that consuming large quantities of seafood during pregnancy does not pose a detectable risk to children. The study, which followed 300 children from birth in 1989 and 1990, found no adverse effects from low levels of mercury in fish.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that fetuses can recognize their mother's voice before birth and prefer it after delivery. The research found that fetuses responded differently to their own mother's voice versus a stranger's, suggesting they were learning about language in the womb.
Research finds that promoting marriage may not be an effective solution for women who had children before marriage, as it fails to address the economic disadvantages they face. Women who had children before marriage are more likely to be poor and experience unstable relationships.
Unmarried mothers with boys are more likely to find a husband and tie the knot, a study by University of Washington economists found. The researchers discovered that single mothers of boys are 11% more likely to get married than those with girls.
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that frequent school changes are an independent predictor of behavioral problems in children. The study involved 3,285 children between the ages of 5 and 14, who were more likely to experience behavioral issues if they attended multiple schools.
A recent study conducted at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that approximately one in five mothers who visited the pediatric emergency department or a well-child clinic had depression. The study also revealed that 76% of these mothers reported difficulty caring for their children due to their depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that seal pups can recognize their mothers' calls within two to five days after birth, a crucial skill for finding each other among hundreds of fur seals. This quick recognition is essential due to the mother leaving her pup on land while she forages at sea.
Researchers discovered that lambs born from undernourished mothers exhibit significantly shorter gestation periods compared to those from well-fed mothers. The study suggests that maternal undernutrition around the time of conception may trigger an early birth, potentially due to hormonal changes in fetal development.
A rural Indian community study found that training healthcare workers to promote exclusive breastfeeding until age 6 months reduced diarrhea rates by a third. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were also significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Exclusive breastfeeding rates increased by 33% with counselling, while diarrhoea decreased by a third at three months and 15% at six months. No negative impact on infant growth was observed in either group.
A study found that prenatal alcohol exposure of less than one drink per day can impair executive functioning (EF) in early childhood, including working memory, planning, and inhibitory control. Children exposed prenatally to alcohol had difficulty following rules and performing tasks that required inhibition.
Research suggests that mother-infant bed sharing is associated with higher infant heart rates, particularly in non-REM sleep stages. The study found a significant increase in heart rate during bed sharing nights, with smaller increases seen during REM sleep.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that folic acid-iron supplementation reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 16% and multiple micronutrient supplements by 14%. This research aims to improve maternal health and child survival in developing countries
Researchers found that mothers' anxiety and depression levels can impact whether their children visit the doctor for gastrointestinal problems. The study suggests that parents should be sensitive to how they teach their children to deal with physical sensations.
A new study estimates that at least 85 newborns are killed or left to die each year by their parents, with the majority being females. The research, led by Dr. Marcia Herman-Giddens, found that 34 cases were reported in North Carolina over a 16-year period, representing 2.1 deaths per 100,000 newborns.