Pregnancy News and Research

Latest Pregnancy News and Research

Nearly one-third of UK maternal deaths tied to involvement of children's social care services

The involvement of children's social care services was a common factor in nearly a third of UK maternal deaths occurring during, or within a year of, pregnancy between 2014 and 2022, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Medicine.

12 Jul 2025

Hepatitis C treatment gaps persist for children and new mothers

As the opioid epidemic has worsened in the United States, prevalence of hepatitis C has also increased. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that damages the liver.

11 Jul 2025

Maternal depression found to disrupt key parenting behaviors

Mothers experiencing depression have considerable challenges across multiple parenting domains, according to a global systematic review published in the July issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry, part of the Lippincott portfolio from Wolters Kluwer.

11 Jul 2025

Research reveals high mortality risk for mothers involved with children’s social care

A third of women who died during or in the year after pregnancy were known to Children's Social Care – higher than previously reported, new research reveals.

11 Jul 2025

Ultrasound technique enhances decision making for reduced fetal movement

It can be difficult to decide whether to expedite birth when a woman in the final stage of pregnancy perceives less fetal movements.

11 Jul 2025

Early-onset diabetes rates soar among young adults in Sweden

Early-onset type 2 diabetes nearly doubled in Sweden between 2006 and 2021, with the sharpest increases among young adults, ethnic minorities, and those with lower education. Projections show early-onset T2D could triple by 2050, posing a major public health challenge.

10 Jul 2025

TMP-SMX in early pregnancy increases risk of birth defects, new study shows

A large US cohort study found that using trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for UTI in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations compared to β-lactam antibiotics. No increased risk was seen with nitrofurantoin or fluoroquinolones.

10 Jul 2025

Early skin-to-skin contact boosts breastfeeding in premature babies

More premature babies who had early skin-to-skin contact with their mother were being breastfed at the time of discharge from hospital and for up to one year afterwards. However, this is far from the only benefit.

10 Jul 2025

Doulas, once a luxury, are increasingly covered by Medicaid — even in GOP states

As a postpartum doula, Dawn Oliver does her best work in the middle of the night.

10 Jul 2025

Lead exposure in early life linked to faster memory loss in children

A study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai shows that exposure to lead during pregnancy and early childhood may accelerate the rate at which children forget information-a critical marker of memory impairment that may have implications for learning and development.

9 Jul 2025

Transabdominal cerclage reduces risk of preterm birth for women with history of cervical insufficiency

A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham adds evidence that the most effective way to prevent preterm birth among patients with a history of cervical insufficiency is to place a cervical stitch higher in the abdomen rather than vaginally.

9 Jul 2025

New study finds UK mums-to-be miss out on key nutrients

A new British Nutrition Foundation review finds that most UK women of reproductive age fall short of key nutrients before and during pregnancy, with teens and low-income groups most affected. The paper urges targeted, consistent guidance and greater support for healthy weight, supplementation, and plant-based diets.

7 Jul 2025

Assisted reproductive technology raises pregnancy risks in women with kidney transplants

Women with kidney transplants who use assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive might face higher risks of complications during pregnancy, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

7 Jul 2025

Preeclampsia in pregnancy reduces risk of some cancers but raises endometrial cancer odds

Women with preeclampsia in their first pregnancy had a lower risk of developing breast, cervical, and lung cancer later in life, but a higher risk of endometrial cancer. The large Nordic cohort study also found that siblings of women with PE had a modestly reduced risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer.

7 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

Early exposure to plastics raises young children’s asthma risk

A large international study found that early-life exposure to phthalates, common chemicals in plastics, is modestly associated with increased risks of asthma, wheeze, and rhinitis in children under five. No consistent associations were found for bisphenols, and effects were generally small.

6 Jul 2025

Vaping versus smoking’s impact on male fertility

A new study found that male E-cigarette users undergoing IVF had higher sperm motility and lower miscarriage rates compared to conventional smokers. However, E-cigarettes were not shown to be safe and further research is needed before recommending them for fertility.

6 Jul 2025

New insights into nature's most remarkable innovation- the ability to sustain a successful pregnancy

An international research team led by scientists from the University of Vienna has uncovered new insights into how specialized cell types and communication networks at the interface between mother and fetus evolved over millions of years.

4 Jul 2025

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Trump’s bill reaches the finish line

Early Thursday afternoon, the House approved a budget reconciliation bill that not only would make permanent many of President Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts, but also impose deep cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and, indirectly, Medicare.

3 Jul 2025

Short walks after meals deliver big benefits for blood glucose

A randomized crossover trial in healthy young adults found that a 10-minute walk immediately after glucose intake significantly blunted post-meal blood glucose spikes. Both short and longer walks improved overall glycemic control, but only the immediate walk reduced peak glucose levels.

3 Jul 2025