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Pregnant women in blighted neighborhoods have higher testosterone levels, study finds

Pregnant women living in blighted neighborhoods with high levels of known stressors have higher levels of testosterone – the primary sex hormone in males -- which disrupt hormone regulation and may lead to life-threatening complications during and after childbirth, according to Rutgers research.

3 Nov 2023

Study challenges link between low birth weight and childhood neurodevelopmental issues

A recent study in JAMA Psychiatry used Mendelian Randomization to examine the link between low birth weight and neurodevelopmental issues in children. The research found no causal relationship between maternal genetic factors affecting birth weight and offspring neurodevelopment, although some evidence suggested that fetal genetic variants may play a limited role.

25 Oct 2023

Feds try to head off growing problem of overdoses among expectant mothers

When Andria Peterson began working as a clinical pharmacist in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson, Nevada, in 2009, she witnessed the devastating effects the opioid crisis had on the hospital's youngest patients.

19 Oct 2023

Early pregnancy obesity linked to heart risks and complicated births

Study reveals a significant link between obesity in early pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, which in turn are associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk later in life. The findings suggest the importance of early interventions to mitigate long-term health risks.

12 Oct 2023

How vitamin D and genetics shape early brain development

The study examined how vitamin D levels and vitamin D binding protein genotypes in both pregnant mothers and their children aged 3-5, impact early childhood neurodevelopment. Findings suggest that higher vitamin D concentrations in children were associated with better neurodevelopmental scores, with additional influences from sociodemographic factors and certain genetic variations.

4 Oct 2023

Early metformin therapy falls short in curbing gestational diabetes woes

In a significant randomized clinical trial, early metformin therapy was tested for its potential to lessen insulin dependence and enhance glycemic control in gestational diabetes-afflicted pregnant women; however, it yielded no improvements in diabetes symptoms. While metformin reduced maternal weight gain, its effects on primary diabetes symptoms and other secondary outcomes like infant weight gain were mixed, indicating a need for further focused research to unravel these associations.

4 Oct 2023

Could breastfeeding and delaying soda be the keys to lower childhood obesity rates?

New research presented at the EASD Annual Meeting suggests that breastfeeding for at least six months and delaying the introduction of soda until after 18 months can lead to lower body fat percentages in children at age nine. The study highlights the long-term impact of infant feeding choices on childhood obesity risk.

1 Oct 2023

Smoking during pregnancy more than doubles risk of premature birth, study finds

Cambridge researchers have found that women who smoke during pregnancy are 2.6 times more likely to give birth prematurely compared to non-smokers – more than double the previous estimate.

28 Sep 2023

Deviations from normal pattern of sleep and physical activity could predict preterm birth risk

A lack of sleep and reduced physical activity during pregnancy are linked to risk of preterm birth, according to new research led by the Stanford School of Medicine.

28 Sep 2023

Pregnant women living in polluted areas more likely to have smaller babies, study finds

Women exposed to air pollution give birth to smaller babies, according to research that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy.

8 Sep 2023

Convincing evidence supports avoidance of cannabis during adolescence, pregnancy and while driving

Experts recommend avoiding cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood, in people prone to or with mental health disorders, in pregnancy, and before and while driving, based on an in-depth evidence review published by The BMJ today.

7 Sep 2023

Broad-spectrum antibiotics linked to higher sepsis risk in neonates

A preprint presents evidence for the hypothesis that neonatal sepsis is linked to prenatal antibiotics.

7 Sep 2023

Is alcohol exposure before and during pregnancy associated with reduced longitudinal fetal growth?

The association between exposure to alcohol in pregnancy and longitudinal growth.

29 Aug 2023

Dangers and deaths around Black pregnancies seen as a ‘completely preventable’ health crisis

Tonjanic Hill was overjoyed in 2017 when she learned she was 14 weeks pregnant. Despite a history of uterine fibroids, she never lost faith that she would someday have a child.

24 Aug 2023

Review explores relationship between sleep disorders and pregnancy

A recent review summarizes what is known about these conditions and suggests future research directions and opportunities.

23 Aug 2023

Can air pollution shape adolescent brain development? New study reveals sex-specific effects of PM2.5, NO2, and O3 on white matter microstructure

Researchers investigated the sex-stratified effects of childhood exposure to ambient air pollutants.

22 Aug 2023

How effective is the keto diet for managing PCOS?

Scientists discuss the metabolic advantages of the ketogenic diet in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

21 Aug 2023

Pregnant women living in walkable communities more likely to experience favorable birth outcomes

Pregnant women that live in walkable communities-;with more sidewalks, parks and walking paths-;not only engage in more physical activity but are also more likely to experience favorable birth outcomes, according to research from the University of New Hampshire.

17 Aug 2023

Spanish flu pandemic linked to increase in low birth weight and stillbirth

In the wake of the 1918/1919 "Spanish flu" influenza pandemic, the probability of low birth weight and stillbirth increased among women in Switzerland, according to a new study published this week in the open-access journal PLOS ONE Kaspar Staub of the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and colleagues.

16 Aug 2023

What gestational age at delivery is associated with the best perinatal outcomes in term singleton pregnancies conceived with infertility treatment?

Researchers investigated the age of gestation associated with optimal perinatal outcomes among in-term single-infant pregnancies conceived using infertility therapies.