Birth Weight News and Research

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Probiotics shown to mitigate effects of toxic fire-retardant chemicals

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are fire-retardant chemicals that are found everywhere - upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics, and even infant products.

23 Nov 2024

Chewing gum to prevent preterm birth

Xylitol-containing gum during pregnancy significantly reduces preterm births and low birth weights, offering a simple solution for improving maternal health.

19 Nov 2024

Non-invasive, low-cost tool developed for assessing risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women

Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is naturally produced through sun exposure and certain foods. However, excessive sunburn prevention measures are causing a severe problem of vitamin D deficiency, particularly among young women in Japan.

15 Nov 2024

Limited impact of prenatal COVID-19 exposure on child neurodevelopmental outcomes

Research shows prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 linked to slight regulatory behavior improvements in infants, but no significant neurodevelopmental impacts.

12 Nov 2024

Heat exposure significantly heightens risks for maternal and newborn health

The study reveals that heat exposure increases health risks for pregnant women and their babies, impacting outcomes like preterm birth, low birth weight, and hypertensive disorders.

10 Nov 2024

Pregnancy vitamin D supplementation boosts bone density in kids up to age 7

Research indicates that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy positively impacts children's bone health and lean mass, with potential long-term benefits.

8 Nov 2024

Babies born to mothers with PCOS and obesity are smaller in size

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity are at a higher risk of giving birth to smaller babies in terms of birth weight, length, and head circumference, according to a recent study conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

5 Nov 2024

Study finds prenatal sleep quality affects newborn brain structure and emotional health

Prenatal sleep quality significantly influences neonatal brain development and emotional outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted sleep interventions.

1 Nov 2024

Researchers identify 4-gene signature to predict neonatal sepsis before symptoms

The study uncovers gene expression signatures that predict neonatal sepsis, highlighting the potential for early intervention to reduce mortality in infants.

31 Oct 2024

Low vitamin D associated with increased depression risk in pregnancy and after birth

Research indicates that low vitamin D levels may contribute to anxiety and depression in pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of adequate supplementation.

29 Oct 2024

Parents of low birth weight babies face economic and employment challenges

Parents with babies born preterm or with low birth weight face significant economic and employment challenges, according to new research published in JAMA Pediatrics.

28 Oct 2024

Air pollution control devices save lives and cut health costs

A new commentary found that power plants' use of these devices saved up to 9,100 lives and up to $100 billion in health costs in 2023.

25 Oct 2024

How your baby’s birth and environment can shape lifelong gut health

Early life factors, like birth mode and green environments, shape infant gut microbiota, with outdoor time becoming crucial in late infancy. Residential greenery impacts diversity only during early infancy.

24 Oct 2024

Tibetan women’s high-altitude adaptations drive greater reproductive success

Researchers uncover how specific genetic and cardiovascular traits give Tibetan women an edge in surviving and thriving at high altitudes, linking better oxygen delivery to more successful pregnancies.

23 Oct 2024

Maternal stress and depression alter infant DNA, with potential lifelong impact

Maternal stress and depression during pregnancy and postpartum are linked to DNA methylation changes in infants, potentially affecting their development and long-term health.

23 Oct 2024

Research uncovers key proteins linked to early-onset preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy complication marked by persistent high blood pressure that is even more serious when it occurs early in the first trimester.

14 Oct 2024

Understanding the impact of sperm DNA damage on IVF pregnancy risks

For the first time, researchers have linked specific frequent defects in sperm to risk of pregnancy complications and negative impacts on the health of the baby.

12 Oct 2024

Coffee consumption during pregnancy not linked to children's neurodevelopmental difficulties

A University of Queensland-led study has failed to find any strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children, but researchers are advising expectant mothers to continue following medical guidelines on caffeine consumption.

9 Oct 2024

Heat stress impacts development of babies during critical early years

Exposure to high levels of heat may both impact the growth of fetuses during pregnancy and infants up to the age of two, a new analysis suggests.

8 Oct 2024

Relationship between intake of artificial sweeteners and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Researchers identify causal associations between artificial sweeteners and pregnancy outcomes.