Birth Weight News and Research

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Prenatal checkups linked to healthier birth weights in West Africa

In The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, 1 in 10 newborns have a low birth weight — less than 5.5 pounds — and face daunting challenges.

27 Jun 2025

Prenatal exposure to nitrates associated with increased risk of preterm birth

Even low levels of nitrate-a common agricultural runoff and drinking water contaminant-are associated with increased risks of preterm birth and low birthweight babies, according to a new study published June 25 in PLOS Water by Jason Semprini of Des Moines University College of Health Sciences, US.

25 Jun 2025

Prenatal air pollution exposure linked to higher childhood obesity risk

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, specifically to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may increase the risk of childhood overweight or obesity.

25 Jun 2025

Pregnancy complications linked to higher long-term stroke risk in women

Women who experience complications during pregnancy face a higher risk of stroke in the following decades according to research published in the European Heart Journal today (Tuesday).

23 Jun 2025

Health risks for newborns rise with increasing maternal age

Giving birth to a child after 40 is becoming more and more common – but it can entail an increased risk to the child.

23 Jun 2025

Cord blood proteins help detect early sepsis in preterm infants

Scientists from Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and colleagues identified several proteins from the umbilical cord blood of preterm newborns that signal acute systemic inflammation as an immune response to infection, providing objective and noninvasive means to diagnose early onset sepsis.

20 Jun 2025

Cognitive gains from multivitamins depend on pregnancy diet

High-quality maternal diets enhance child development, while multivitamins are beneficial for those with poor diets, emphasizing nutrition's role in pregnancy.

20 Jun 2025

Wildfire smoke and heat stress impact birth outcomes in vulnerable communities

Exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress can negatively affect birth outcomes for women, especially in climate-vulnerable neighborhoods, according to a recent study led by USC postdoctoral researcher Roxana Khalili, PhD.

19 Jun 2025

Antibiotic use predicts microbiota dysbiosis in preterm infants

Antibiotic use in preterm infants is linked to gut microbiome changes, increasing susceptibility to infections and impacting long-term health outcomes.

11 Jun 2025

Large cohort study reassures on mRNA vaccine safety for early pregnancies

A large prospective cohort study in Germany found no statistically significant increase in major birth defects following first trimester mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. While slightly higher rates of some anomalies were observed in vaccinated pregnancies, no consistent patterns or causal links emerged.

11 Jun 2025

Early signs of breastfeeding failures after premature birth

A study on breastfeeding after premature birth identifies key factors affecting milk composition and volume, emphasizing the need for early support for mothers.

10 Jun 2025

Common antibiotic shows promise in reducing preterm births

A study of almost 1000 pregnant women in Zimbabwe found that a daily dose of a commonly used, safe and inexpensive antibiotic may have led to fewer babies being born early.

5 Jun 2025

Can smoking while pregnant harm your child’s teeth? New research suggests yes

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with dental anomalies in children, including enamel defects and hypodontia, necessitating more rigorous studies.

2 Jun 2025

New study reveals widespread malnutrition in infants under six months

Over 10 million infants under six month old may currently be underweight, according to a new analysis of data collected across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

30 May 2025

Researchers develop new method for predicting the risk of birth injuries

High birth weight is the main risk factor for birth injuries to the anal sphincter muscles of the person giving birth, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg.

21 May 2025

Most Americans back MMR vaccine as measles surges and misconceptions rise

A national survey shows that most Americans still support MMR vaccination for children, but public understanding of measles complications and vaccine facts is declining. Despite a sharp rise in measles cases, misconceptions about vaccine risks and autism persist.

20 May 2025

Repeated antibiotics in preterm infants linked to long-term lung problems

Repeated perinatal antibiotic exposure in very low-birth-weight preterm infants was associated with impaired lung function and a higher risk of asthma at early school age. The findings underscore the need for cautious antibiotic use and targeted respiratory health strategies in this high-risk group.

18 May 2025

USPSTF urges universal syphilis screening in pregnancy to prevent congenital infections

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reaffirms its recommendation for universal syphilis screening in pregnancy, citing strong evidence for early detection and prevention of congenital syphilis. Despite ongoing disparities and rising rates, early screening and treatment remain essential to improving outcomes for mothers and infants.

18 May 2025

Measles cases surge in the United States amid falling vaccination rates

The United States is in the midst of the second-highest year of measles cases since 2000, when the disease was declared eliminated in this country, meaning that cases within the United States originated outside the country.

16 May 2025

Maternal testosterone levels shape boys' activity and girls' strength by age 7

Boys born to mothers with PCOS or high third-trimester testosterone levels are less physically active at age 7, particularly on weekends. Girls exposed to high prenatal testosterone show reduced muscle strength but not lower activity levels.

10 May 2025