Birth Weight News and Research

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Pollution tied to silent miscarriage among pregnant women

Miscarriage happens when an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. In some cases, pregnant women experience silent miscarriage, also known as missed abortion. It happens when the fetus failed to develop or has died.

16 Oct 2019

Children exposed to smokeless tobacco in fetal life more likely to have higher blood pressure

Five to six year old children had higher systolic blood pressure if their mothers used snus, a moist, powdered smokeless tobacco that contains nicotine, while pregnant compared to children of mothers who did not use snus, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the open access journal of the American Heart Association.

16 Oct 2019

Heavier babies more likely to develop childhood allergies

A new study shows that babies who weigh more at any gestational age have a higher risk of later developing food allergies or eczema in childhood. However, there was no increase in the risk of hay fever. The paper published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that the risk of food allergy went up by 44% and of eczema by 17% for each kilogram of added weight. On the other hand, restricted growth in the womb appears to be protective.

15 Oct 2019

Maternal stress could affect a baby's brain development

New research from King's College London has found that maternal stress before and during pregnancy could affect a baby's brain development.

8 Oct 2019

Twin birth rate falls in the US due to improvements in reproductive technology

According to a new report by the CDC, twin birth rates in the US have dropped by 4% since 2014, potentially due to improvements in reproductive technology.

4 Oct 2019

Men should stay alcohol-free for at least six months before conception

A new study has revealed that men hoping to conceive should stop drinking for at least six months before to prevent congenital heart diseases.

4 Oct 2019

Low birth weight linked to chronic health conditions later in life

Low birth weight is linked not only to poor health outcomes at birth but also to chronic health conditions later in life.

3 Oct 2019

Severe vomiting in early pregnancy linked to increased autism risk

A new study published in the American Journal of Perinatology shows a 53% increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children born to women who had excessively severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

3 Oct 2019

Researchers identify new genetic signals for regulation of infant growth

Researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway have identified new genetic signals for the regulation of how infants grow. This may be a crucial step in the fight against growth-related diseases.

1 Oct 2019

Paracetamol use during pregnancy linked to childhood behavioral problems

A new study has found further evidence linking paracetamol intake during pregnancy with potential adverse behavioral and cognitive outcomes during childhood.

16 Sep 2019

Cannabis use may alter gene linked to autism in male sperm

Researchers from Duke University Medical centre, Durham, USA have come up with an important study that shows that use of cannabis among men could alter a specific gene in their sperm that is linked to autism. The study titled, “Cannabis use is associated with potentially heritable widespread changes in autism candidate gene DLGAP2 DNA methylation in sperm,” and is published in the latest issue of the journal Epigenetics.

28 Aug 2019

Exposure to pesticides in the womb linked to changes in brain activity in adolescents

Pesticide exposure has been linked to many conditions, especially after long-term exposure. These chemicals can cause short-term adverse effects and in some cases, chronic adverse health effects that can emerge months or even years after exposure.

28 Aug 2019

New toolkit enhances early detection, treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy

The implementation of a novel quality improvement toolkit has shown to enhance early detection and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital.

21 Aug 2019

Study finds no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment during pregnancy

A new Pharmacology Research & Perspectives study found no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy compared with no treatment.

16 Aug 2019

Hookah smoking not a safe option, finds new study

With the decline in cigarette smoking, students have taken to other ‘safer’ forms of smoking, especially hookah smoking. However, a pioneering study shows that a single puff from a hookah exposes the smoker to as high a level of certain toxins as an entire cigarette does!

13 Aug 2019

Depression is the single largest driver of substance use in pregnant women

It is well known that tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use during pregnancy are associated with poor birth outcomes, yet many women continue to use these substances during pregnancy.

9 Aug 2019

$Study finds link between proximity to fracking activities and mental health issues during pregnancy$

Study finds link between proximity to fracking activities and mental health issues during pregnancy

A new study led by a researcher at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health identifies a link between proximity to hydraulic fracking activities and mental health issues during pregnancy. Results appear in the journal Environmental Research.

24 Jul 2019

Mozambican women using kerosene lamps have higher exposure to black carbon

Exposure to black carbon particles is 81% higher among Mozambican women who use kerosene as the main source of energy for lighting compared to those who use electricity.

23 Jul 2019

Danbury Hospital launches 'Healing Hugs' for its most vulnerable patients

Hugs matter. And for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, hugs can change their lives. With the goal of delivering the highest quality care to every NICU baby, Danbury Hospital launched Healing Hugs, a new service where trained volunteer cuddlers provide comfort to babies in the Spratt Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

18 Jul 2019

Adults who were born pre-term less likely to have sexual, romantic relationships

Adults who were born pre-term (under 37 weeks gestation) are less likely to have a romantic relationship, a sexual partner and experience parenthood than those born full term.

12 Jul 2019