Researchers developed a novel 3D microfluidic device to study complicated processes within the placenta, including placental malaria. The model demonstrates that CSA-binding infected erythrocytes add resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decrease glucose transfer across this barrier.
Research found a 74% higher risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among women who received frozen embryo transfers compared to those with fresh embryo transfers or natural conception. The study suggests that IVF treatment factors may be involved, but more research is needed to identify the specific risks.
A new UCLA study has found that anxiety specific to pregnancy and childbirth is associated with shorter gestation times and earlier births. Screening for depression in pregnancy and postpartum is now common, but adding an evaluation for anxiety could identify women who need interventions for healthier pregnancies and babies.
A study published in Psychological Science found that babies react to flavors from foods eaten by their mothers while still in the womb. The researchers used 4D ultrasound scans to observe fetal facial reactions to carrot and kale flavors.
A new international study found that maternal education levels and household income at birth are significant predictors of childhood overweight and obesity. Social inequalities were evident across seven high-income countries, with lower maternal education associated with higher risk of overweight and obesity.
A new study published in Current Biology found that carrying crying infants for 5 minutes can promote sleep and reduce crying. The technique, known as the Transport Response, involves steady walking followed by sitting before laying the baby down to sleep. This method offers an immediate solution for parents of newborns struggling with...
A large study found that tighter gestational diabetes control reduced serious health problems and deaths in newborns, while increasing health risks for mothers. However, the exact causes of these increased risks remain unexplained, highlighting the need for further research.
A study from UC San Diego finds increased depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in Latina mothers, particularly those in border cities, due to reduced coping resources. The researchers attribute these findings to the increasing hostility of the political climate towards Latinx Americans.
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.
A study analyzing over 4,131 pregnant mothers found that the essential nutrients in fish can protect against mercury content and that frequency of fish consumption is a more important factor than type. The researchers argue for revising current advice warning pregnant women not to eat certain types of fish.
Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality. The review also found that WIC participants are more likely to receive child preventative services, such as vaccines.
A new study found that pregnant women taking fish oil and vitamin D supplements had a lower risk of their children developing croup. Children whose mothers took the supplements had an 11% risk of croup compared to those who did not take them, with a significant decrease in risk.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that the TV drama 'This Is Us' reduced stigma around Alzheimer's disease and encouraged family discussions about aging plans. The narrative was developed in consultation with experts and met with the show's writers to ensure accuracy.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruptions in healthcare utilization, resulting in projected increases of 3.6% in child mortality and 1.5% in maternal mortality globally. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, the pandemic reversed years of progress in women's and children's health, causing thousands of preventable deaths.
A new EAT protocol increases the prevalence of direct breastfeeding in NICU babies without increasing hospital length of stay. The study found that a nurse-led, step-by-step approach and educational materials for parents can encourage more mothers to directly breastfeed their preterm infants.
A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that pregnant Gen Zers and millennials are approximately two times more likely to be newly diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy. The finding highlights the need for broader screening and prevention efforts among younger people.
A new study identified five socio-economic and health risk profiles among mothers of young children that may lead to food insecurity. The study found that these risk profiles can help pediatricians identify families at risk for food insecurity, who may be reluctant to disclose their struggles due to fear of child removal.
A study of over 4,000 pregnant women in New Zealand found that lowering the blood-sugar threshold for diagnosis can improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes using a lower threshold were more likely to receive treatment and use healthcare services.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
A new study found no difference in sexual enjoyment between women who gave birth via caesarean section and those who delivered vaginally. However, women who had a caesarean section were more likely to report sex-related pain at later stages postpartum.
Research in rats found that an enriched environment leads to better maternal behavior and higher-quality breastmilk. Mothers in enriching environments had more efficient parenting, resulting in larger offspring with increased body weights and improved social behavior.
A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies involving over 100,000 women found that mothers with a family history of psychiatric disorders are at almost twice the risk of developing postpartum depression. The findings suggest that family history may be a significant risk factor for postpartum depression.
Mothers with personality disorder symptoms have a higher likelihood of insecure attachment with their adolescents, who are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance use problems. Maternal recalled experiences with caregivers also play a mediating role in this relationship.
A new study is providing training to mothers of infants at the Linda Ray Intervention Center, equipping them with a critical caregiving skill. The program focuses on infant-directed singing, which has been shown to help babies regulate their emotions and develop self-regulation skills.
A new study has found that mothers of twins are not more fertile than other women, but rather, their increased frequency of childbirth increases the likelihood of a twin birth. The researchers used pre-industrial data from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Switzerland to reach this conclusion.
In India, two out of five eligible children are missing out on preventive vitamin A supplementation, with wide variations in coverage among and within states. The analysis found large 'cold spots' in provision across the country, ranging from just under 13% to 94.5%, and distinct geographical hotspots and coldspots.
A new study found that a fast food diet before pregnancy can negatively impact breast milk quality and baby's health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even short-term consumption of high sugar and fat diets affects women's health and fertility.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that telehealth can improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction for pregnant mothers and their infants. The researchers analyzed 28 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies to assess the effect of telehealth-delivered care on maternal health outcomes.
Researchers found no significant differences in placental health indicators, birth weights, or Apgar scores between vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Vaccination against COVID-19 was shown to be safe during pregnancy, protecting both mothers and babies from severe illness.
A Rutgers researcher contributed to a National Institutes of Health study confirming a link between phthalate exposure and increased risk of preterm birth. The study examined data from 6,045 pregnant women in the U.S., finding that higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites were associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth.
Researchers found that mothers who didn't transmit HCMV to their infants had higher levels of antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, suggesting a non-neutralizing immunity mechanism. This finding has implications for the development of effective HCMV vaccines.
Research from the University of Georgia found that feminist mothers and daughters have more positive body images, with less shame about their bodies. The study also shows how mothers' negative body talk affects daughters' body image.
A study by Columbia University found that diverse nurse workforces are associated with reduced risk of life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Racial and ethnic minorities face higher risks, with Native American mothers having the highest incidence of severe adverse maternal outcomes.
Studies in rats have found that T-cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to preeclampsia complications. Researchers are exploring ways to dampen this response to reduce the risk of premature birth or worse outcomes for mother and child.
Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.
A new study led by the University of Washington strengthens evidence that air pollution can harm childhood behavioral problems and IQ. Researchers found prenatal and postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and small-particle air pollution were associated with poorer child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance.
Research suggests that paternal genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to preeclampsia, but the impact of paternal phenotype and lifestyle remains unclear. The study found no significant differences in socioeconomic background or health history between fathers with preeclamptic pregnancies and those without.
SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJul 7, 2022
A randomized evaluation of Nurse-Family Partnership found that low-income mothers in South Carolina experienced adverse birth events at a rate of 26.9 percent, similar to the control group. The study evaluated various outcomes, but more evidence is needed on effective interventions to address racial and structural inequities.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
New research by Professor Susan Harkness reveals that motherhood earning penalties have a significant impact on the economic wellbeing of single mothers. The study found that labour market penalties, cost of partner absence and child-related increases in financial needs combine to negatively affect single mothers' income.
Researchers found enteric viruses like noroviruses replicate in the salivary glands of mice and can be transmitted through their saliva, potentially explaining high infection rates worldwide. This discovery could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for diseases caused by these viruses.
A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.
A Rutgers study found that parental depression affects about one in five US families and can have severe consequences on children's health. The research suggests that increased screening for parental depression across a wider age range has the potential to identify families in need of resources.
Maternal mortality jumped by 33% after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with disproportionate increases among Black and Hispanic mothers. Existing disparities emerged, including a 40% jump for non-Hispanic Black women and a 74% jump for Hispanic women.
A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...
A new study found that intimate partner violence is often overlooked in custody cases, leading to longer court times and increased risk for mothers. The research suggests that documenting IPV can lead to worse custody outcomes, but also highlights the importance of addressing safety concerns.
Studies by UC Davis MIND Institute found predictive protein patterns in expecting mothers' blood and links between maternal autoantibodies and higher autistic traits. MAR ASD patterns were associated with autism before birth, with certain patterns predicting autism in previously diagnosed children.
Researchers discovered that midgestation leptin surge in preeclampsia leads to endothelial dysfunction, blood vessel constriction, and restricted fetal growth. This finding highlights the crucial role of leptin in pregnancy and its potential consequences on maternal and infant cardiovascular health.
Researchers Francesca Scala and Michael Orsini analyze Canadian policy texts highlighting the negative impacts of older motherhood on women who give birth later in life. The study reveals ageism, ableism, and a focus on biomedical risks in current policy discourse.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
Researchers investigated how COVID-19 affected breastfeeding practices, finding some mothers experienced improved bonding with their babies during stay-at-home orders. Food insecurity was linked to higher diabetes distress among adults with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The studies also found that technology access was crucial for older ad...
Children who excel at playing well with others in pre-school tend to enjoy better mental health as adults. Research analyzing data from over 1,700 children found a clear link between peer play ability and reduced signs of poor mental health.
A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.
Infants born to mothers with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests during pregnancy were more likely to receive neurodevelopmental diagnoses by 12 months, even after accounting for preterm delivery. Longer studies are needed to confirm these associations and understand the long-term effects of in utero COVID-19 exposure.
A new study suggests that fathers' depressive symptoms in economically struggling families are particularly damaging to the couple's relationship, leading to higher levels of destructive conflict. Material hardship is a key factor in this link, according to researchers.
A new study found that pregnant women's use of alcohol correlates with that of their partner, highlighting the importance of both parents reducing their alcohol consumption. The research, which analyzed data from 14,822 Finnish women and their partners, showed that exposure to alcohol can have detrimental effects on fetal development.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a lower incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants born to vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated mothers.