Childbirth News and Research

Latest Childbirth News and Research

Study reveals brain structure differences in women with peripartum depression

Researchers have identified structural grey matter differences in the brains of women with a history of peripartum depression and those without within a group of major depressive disorder patients.

6 Dec 2024

Women with infertility have higher risk of developing systemic autoimmune diseases

Women who experience infertility but do not use fertility treatments have a higher risk of developing a group of conditions called systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) in the nine years after a naturally conceived birth compared to women without fertility problems.

4 Dec 2024

Study reveals physical and mental effects of unintended pregnancies on mothers

By taking data prior to birth into account, a study by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) used a novel way to analyze the physical and mental effects that unintended pregnancies have on mothers.

29 Nov 2024

New oral painkiller developed for chronic abdominal pain

University of Queensland researchers have developed a new class of oral painkillers to suppress chronic abdominal pain that is based on the peptide hormone oxytocin that drives childbirth contractions.

18 Nov 2024

AI-based ultrasound software guides childbirth decisions with high accuracy

A new AI-based software has been developed that can be integrated with an ultrasound device to 'guide' childbirth by providing precise, real-time information on the baby's head position.

11 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

Preeclampsia and COVID-19 share pathophysiological similarities in pregnant women

During the COVID-19 pandemic, above all before vaccines were available, an alarm was sounded regarding a possible correlation between severe cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women and preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) in the expectant mother and high levels of protein in her urine (proteinuria). It can entail dangerous complications for mother and baby.

7 Nov 2024

Study examines impact of birthing positions on maternal satisfaction

Whether lying on their back, all-fours position, sitting upright or squatting - women adopt different birthing positions during childbirth.

4 Nov 2024

Concussion history identified as key risk factor for maternal mental illness

People with a history of concussion face a 25% higher risk of having severe mental health issues after childbirth, according to a new study from ICES and the University of Toronto.

4 Nov 2024

Study reveals gaps in interconception care for Australian mothers

Some Australian mothers regard navigating their personal health care in between pregnancies as confusing, inconsistent, and hard to access, new research by a Monash University-led team has found.

4 Nov 2024

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': The campaign's final days

With the 2024 election campaign in its final days, House Speaker Mike Johnson this week floated "massive" health care reform if former President Donald Trump wins — changes that are also dependent, of course, on whether Republicans control Congress next year.

1 Nov 2024

Enhancing social support through non-traditional sources may help mothers with opioid use disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a growing public health problem among pregnant and parenting people in the U.S. Between 1999 and 2014, the number of pregnant women with OUD increased by more than four times.

28 Oct 2024

The hidden effects of opioid use on the endocrine system

A new Scientific Statement released today by the Endocrine Society highlights research gaps associated with the negative effects of opioid use on the endocrine system.

25 Oct 2024

Voters fret high medical bills are being ignored by presidential rivals

Tom Zawierucha, 58, a building services worker in New Jersey, wishes candidates would talk more about protecting older Americans from big medical bills.

24 Oct 2024

Exploring the role of gut microbes in the aging process

Aging is a universal and complex process affecting all organisms, characterized by several genetic hallmarks such as telomere attrition, genomic instability, and epigenetic changes.

9 Oct 2024

Fear of childbirth may affect duration of breastfeeding

The duration of breastfeeding is shorter than average among mothers with a fear of childbirth - regardless of the mode of delivery, a new study from Finland shows.

7 Oct 2024

Research highlights impact of body weight on pregnancy outcomes

Overweight is a major contributor to complications during pregnancy and childbirth – this applies to both women born in Sweden and women who have moved here, something that has not been well researched so far. Interventions that promote a healthy weight have the potential to prevent complications for all women, the researchers conclude.

3 Oct 2024

Vance-Walz debate highlighted clear health policy differences

Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz met in an Oct. 1 vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News that was cordial and heavy on policy discussion — a striking change from the Sept. 10 debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

2 Oct 2024

Discovery of cyclotide from violets enhances glioblastoma chemotherapy

Glioblastoma is one of the most serious brain diseases known. More than 45% of brain cancers are gliomas.

30 Sep 2024

Family physicians in rural hospitals and their impact on cesarean delivery rates

The U.S. is experiencing a maternal health crisis, particularly in rural areas. This issue is compounded by rising rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality.

24 Sep 2024