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Tag: Pregnancy
The Application of Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Using Cell-free DNA in General Risk Pregnancies – The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Publishes its Highly Anticipated Evidence-based Review
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released its second, highly anticipated systematic evidence-based review (SER): “The Application of Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Using Cell-free DNA in General Risk Pregnancies.”
Men with Obesity Can Double Their Sperm Count
Men all over the world are suffering from deteriorating semen quality – often referred to as an outright fertility crisis.
Choline makes key nutrient available for baby development
The nutrient choline – shown to have long-term benefits for children whose mothers consume it during pregnancy – also helps the body more efficiently use an omega 3 fatty acid that is essential for fetal brain, cognition and vision development, a new study finds.
Long-Term Study of Pregnant Women Finds Increasing Chemical Exposure
Urine analysis found a range of potentially harmful chemicals. Levels were particularly high in Latinas.
Epilepsy and pregnancy: A conversation with Dr. Page Pennell
Can women with epilepsy get pregnant, give birth to healthy babies, and breastfeed? What are the myths and misconceptions, and what do physicians and women need to know? Dr. Anca Arbune interviews Dr. Page Pennell about the latest research and knowledge.
New measure of sperm age may be predictor of pregnancy success
A novel technique to measure the age of male sperm has the potential to predict the success and time it takes to become pregnant, according to a newly published study by researchers at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Study: Treatment Minimizes Infants’ Opioid-Related Brain Abnormalities
Treating pregnant women with opioid use disorder can help minimize opioid-related brain abnormalities in their newborns. Led by scientists at Cedars-Sinai, this is the first study to report evidence validating the benefits of using medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Not Linked to Epilepsy in Children
A new study suggests that antidepressant use by mothers during the first trimester of pregnancy does not increase the chances of epilepsy and seizures in babies. The research is published in the May 11, 2022, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
A healthy lifestyle helps to prevent gestational diabetes in those at highest genetic risk
Gestational diabetes is the most common health-related challenge during pregnancy. Today, it is diagnosed in every fifth expectant mother in Finland.
Stress, Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy May Hinder Toddler’s Cognitive Development
Women’s elevated anxiety, depression and stress during pregnancy altered key features of the fetal brain, which subsequently decreased their offspring’s cognitive development at 18 months.
Experts Provide Hope and Treatment Options during Infertility Awareness Week
Infertility is a common problem affecting millions of Americans. The National Center of Health Statistics estimates 1 in 8 couples of reproductive age has problems conceiving. Infertility refers to the inability to produce a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected…
Stress during Pregnancy May Lead to Heart Disease, Accelerated Aging in Next Generation
Prenatal stress can cause damage in the aorta in offspring, which may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and accelerate aging, according to a new study in mice. The article is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
Making a Game of It: Contests Help New Moms Increase Their Steps
Study Used Wearable Tech to Foster Activity in High-Risk, Diverse Populations
Study Shows Important Change in B-Cells in Women with PPD
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry is the first to look at multiple levels of biology within women with postpartum depression (PPD) to see how women with the condition differ from those without it.
Pregnant women have lingering depression despite antidepressant treatment
Despite using antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), many pregnant women had lingering depression and anxiety symptoms throughout their pregnancy and postpartum, reports a new Northwestern Medicine study.
Unborn babies could contract Covid-19 says study, but it would be uncommon
An unborn baby could become infected with Covid-19 if their gut is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finds a new study led by UCL researchers with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the NIHR Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre.
Pregnancy stretch marks cause stress and emotional burden, study finds
Stretch marks cause pregnant women and individuals substantial embarrassment that can negatively impact pregnancy and quality of life, a new study found. The lesions, and concerns for developing and permanency, may be contributing factors for depression or anxiety in the perinatal period, which affect up to one in seven women during pregnancy and postpartum. Researchers say this should bring new focus on stretch marks and identifying mental health disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Research Reveals Racial and Ethnic Disparities Persist in Pregnancy Outcomes of Patients with Lupus
While investigators have known that maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have improved over time, it is unknown whether the improved outcomes are shared equally among different racial and ethnic groups. Lupus has been shown to disproportionately affect minorities of childbearing age. A new study that includes researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) presented today at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting shows that pregnancy outcomes in women with lupus have improved in all racial and ethnic groups over the past decade, but disparities still exist.
E-cigarette Exposure during Pregnancy Changes Autophagy Signaling, Leads to Brain Defects in Rats
Article title: Fetal e-cigarette exposure programs a neonatal brain hypoxic-ischemic sensitive phenotype via altering DNA methylation patterns and autophagy signaling pathway Authors: Andrew Walayat, Yong Li, Yanyan Zhang, Yingjie Fu, Bailin Liu, Xuesi M. Shao, Lubo Zhang, Daliao Xiao From…
Metabolic Syndrome during Pregnancy Leads to Abnormal Development of Fat Tissue in Mouse Offspring
Article title: Accelerated developmental adipogenesis programs adipose tissue dysfunction and cardiometabolic risk in offspring born to dams with metabolic dysfunction Authors: Anna Mikolajczak, Nada A. Sallam, Radha D. Singh, Taylor B. Scheidl, Emma J. Walsh, Sebastian Larion, Carol Huang, Jennifer…
Pregnant Women with Penicillin Allergy Label Should be Tested to Reduce Antibiotic Exposure
A new study being presented at this year’s ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting showed the majority of pregnant women with a penicillin allergy label who were tested were not allergic and could tolerate penicillin during labor.
Renowned Physician-Scientist with Expertise in High-Risk Pregnancies Named System Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Health System
Joanne L. Stone, MD, a leading physician-scientist in women’s health with special expertise in fetal imaging and caring for high-risk pregnancies, has been named the Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Health System. Dr. Stone currently serves as Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Fellowship program for the Mount Sinai Health System, Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion of the OB/GYN Department, and Immediate Past President of the Faculty Council.
Pregnant Women with Takayasu’s Arteritis and Their Babies at High Risk for Serious Complications
New research presented this week at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that pregnant women with Takayasu’s arteritis appear to have a high prevalence of serious maternal and fetal adverse outcomes
Chemicals found in everyday products found to be harmful to fertility
Three studies found that a group of chemicals found in many plastic products are harmful to women who are pregnant and to couples planning a pregnancy – yet the products are often not on the list of things to be avoided.
The 5:2 diet – a good choice for gestational diabetes
Weight loss after gestational diabetes can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Yet finding the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off can be a challenge, especially for mothers with a new baby. Now, new research from the University of South Australia suggests that the popular 5:2 or intermittent fasting diet ¬is just as effective as a conventional energy-restricting diet, enabling women greater choice and flexibility when it comes to weight loss.
U of U Health leads national studies of “long COVID” in adults and during pregnancy
University of Utah Health scientists are on the leading edge of a pair of large studies investigating the long-term effects of COVID-19. The nationwide studies, supported by the National Institutes of Health, will attempt to answer key questions about the lingering effects of the viral disorder on pregnant individuals and their infants, as well as why some people develop post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), including “long COVID,” and others don’t.
In pregnant women with COVID-19, sex of fetus may influence maternal and placental immune response and neonatal immune protection
In pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, male placentas demonstrated significantly higher levels of certain genes and proteins associated with increased immune activation compared with female placentas, according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine.
Mom’s Pregnancy Diet and Low Birth Weight Can Impact Kidney Size at Birth, But Not in Adulthood
Article title: Podocyte endowment and the impact of adult body size on kidney health Authors: Luise A. Cullen-McEwen, James van der Wolde, Kotaro Haruhara, Leon Tribolet, John P. Dowling, Michael G. Bertram, Robert de Matteo, Fabian Haas, Jan Czogalla, Yusuke…
Hopkins Med News Update
Hopkins Med News Update
Researchers identify markers that could detect pregnancy risks earlier than currently available tests
Researchers from Flinders University and the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide have identified distinctive biological markers that could improve the routine blood tests pregnant women already undergo and detect risks for pregnancy complications earlier than currently possible.
Many Mothers May Have Delayed or Abandoned Plans for Additional Children Because of COVID-19 Pandemic
Nearly half of New York City mothers who had been trying to become pregnant again before the coronavirus pandemic began stopped in the first few months of the outbreak, a new study shows.
Do a Mom’s Medications Affect Her Breast Milk and Baby? New Center Investigates
UC San Diego School of Medicine receives $6.1M to launch a new research center studying the effects of maternal antibiotic use on breast milk and infant health. The center is funded by National Institutes of Health, as part of their new Maternal and Pediatric Precision in Therapeutics (MPRINT) Hub.
Enzyme Could Be Major Driver of Preeclampsia
A new study by UT Southwestern scientists indicates that an enzyme called protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) appears to be a major driver of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by the development of high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. The finding, published in Circulation Research, could lead to new treatments for preeclampsia other than premature delivery, which is often the only option.
‘Leaky’ Heart Valves in Pregnant Women Need More Attention Than Once Thought, Study Suggests
An analysis of more than 20,000 individual medical records suggests that a form of heart valve disease thought to be relatively benign during pregnancy may put women at risk for serious bleeding, high blood pressure, organ damage and other complications during childbirth, according to research from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Alarming Number of Pregnant COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in August
Vanderbilt University Hospital treated 39 pregnant patients hospitalized with active COVID-19 infections in August, 10 of whom were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Two UAlbany Studies Find Links Between Neighborhood Risk and Birth Outcomes, and Maternal Depression and Gestational Diabetes
Two new studies released by the University at Albany School of Public Health shed light on different factors impacting the health of mothers and newborns, with one study finding a link between neighborhood risk and birth outcomes, and a second indicating a relationship between maternal depression and gestational diabetes.
Hopkins Med News Update
News stories in this issue
Delivery for hospitalized pregnant women improves recovery outcome, study finds
Pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 had improved recovery outcomes after delivering their babies early, according to new research from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
Maternal obesity during pregnancy linked to higher risk of colorectal cancer in adult offspring
Infants whose mothers were obese during pregnancy may have a heightened risk of developing colorectal cancer later in life, according to new research led by public health experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).
Pregnant women with COVID-19 face higher risk of pre-eclampsia, study shows
A review of the scientific literature published by Brazilian researchers shows that pregnant women infected by the novel coronavirus run a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by persistent high blood pressure, usually in the second half of pregnancy or shortly after delivery.
Fertility and COVID-19 Vaccination: Experts Weigh In
Fertility and pregnancy were often stressful topics even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, but now, many who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant have questions about how to protect themselves from the virus while keeping their reproductive goals in mind.
Online, Video-Based Exercise Program Can Help with Postpartum Abdominal Bulge and Back Pain
A study at HSS finds that an online, video-based core exercise program can help with a condition many women experience after childbirth. Diastasis recti causes the abdominal bulge that often occurs after giving birth and may be associated with low back pain and urinary incontinence.
Teens who use cannabis frequently more likely to have premature baby, study suggests
Teenagers who use cannabis frequently may be more likely to have children born preterm, when they become parents up to twenty years later, finds a new University of Bristol-led study. The research, published in Scientific Reports, repeatedly assessed 665 participants in a general population cohort on their tobacco and cannabis use between ages 14 to 29 years, before pregnancy.
What Pregnant Women Need to Know About Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reinforcing its recommendation that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine following new data underscoring its safety and effectiveness throughout pregnancy. This recommendation comes at a time when doctors across the country are…
NIH award to tackle early infant morbidity due to increasing incidences of food allergies
A Wayne State University School of Medicine researcher has been awarded a $1.93 million, five-year grant by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health to study the impact of maternal immunoglobulin D (IgD) transferred to the fetus during pregnancy and its impact on protecting against food allergies.
UIC researchers awarded $9.9M for Black midwives program
A new health care program developed by University of Illinois Chicago researchers and Melanated Group Midwifery Care, or MGMC, that aims to combat disparities that affect maternal and infant outcomes for Black pregnant people has received $9.9 million in funding. The five-year award was granted by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, or PCORI, an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010 to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers, and clinicians with evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions.
The CDC recommended that pregnant people be vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn more from BIDMC’s Dr. Ai-ris Collier, who has led research evaluating the immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Ai-ris Collier, MD, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is available for expert comment regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that pregnant people be vaccinated against COVID-19. Dr. Collier has led research published…
Rat Model of Preeclampsia Gives new Insight into Immunological Changes during Pregnancy
Article title: Immunological comparison of pregnant Dahl salt-sensitive and Sprague-Dawley rats commonly used to model characteristics of preeclampsia Authors: Erin B. Taylor, Eric M. George, Michael J. Ryan, Michael R. Garrett, Jennifer M. Sasser From the authors: “The current study…
Wisconsin bioethics project chronicles pregnancy, substance use disorder and the law
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is embarking on a massive research project to shed light on early child development, including the health and developmental implications of opioid use during pregnancy. The very first task is to ensure the study — the HEALthy Brain and Child Development study (HBCD) — is on solid legal and ethical ground.