A Rutgers researcher was part of a National Institutes of Health study that found pregnant women who were exposed to chemical compounds known as phthalates during pregnancy had an increased risk of preterm birth.
Tag: Pregnancy
Six-Country African Study Shows COVID-19 Can Be Dangerous in Pregnancy
A new study involving hospitalized women in 6 African countries from the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Institute of Human Virology showed that pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 had 2X the risk of being admitted to the ICU and 4X the risk of dying than pregnant women who didn’t have COVID-19.
Disease control, safe medications critical to pregnancies for women with rheumatic disease
Pregnant women with active rheumatic disease carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes than the general population including hypertension, preeclampsia, higher cesarean section rate, small for gestational aged infants, preterm delivery, and fetal loss. To decrease the risk of these complications, rheumatic disease should be under control before conception with medications that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Preterm birth more likely with exposure to phthalates
Pregnant women who were exposed to multiple phthalates during pregnancy had an increased risk of preterm birth, according to new research by the National Institutes of Health. Phthalates are chemicals used in personal care products, such as cosmetics, as well as in solvents, detergents, and food packaging.
Treating Moderately Elevated Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
The Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School discusses a practice-changing study he coauthored
An Appetite Map in the Brain
Let’s face it. As enticing as the idea of starting lunch with a chocolate cake might be, few would actually make that choice when it comes down to it.
Anorexia Linked to Significant Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Women diagnosed with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa are five (500%) times more likely on average to have underweight babies, according to a comprehensive new study.
Motherhood After Breast Cancer Doesn’t Lower Survival Chances
Having a baby after breast cancer does not negatively impact a woman’s chance of surviving the disease.
Past Kidney Disease May Increase Preeclampsia Risk, Impair Blood Vessel Health during Pregnancy
A history of kidney problems may put people at a higher risk for impaired blood vessel function, which could lead to high blood pressure, preterm labor and other adverse outcomes, according to the results of a study in rats. The researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiological Society (APS) and American Society for Nephrology Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease conference in Charlottesville, Virginia.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy Helps Protect Infants from Needing Hospital Care for COVID-19
In a new study sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers provide additional evidence that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps protect babies younger than 6 months from being hospitalized due to COVID-19. The risk of COVID-19 hospitalization among babies was reduced by about 80 percent during the Delta wave (July 1–December 18, 2021) and 40 percent during the Omicron wave (December 19–March 8, 2022).
A mother’s blood may carry the secret to one type of autism
The reactivity of a mother’s autoantibodies to specific fetal brain protein patterns may predict the child’s diagnosis with a type of autism known as MAR ASD. MAR ASD was present in around 20% of kids with autism in Arkansas and Philadelphia samples and was linked to more significant autistic traits.
Researchers Continue Study of COVID-19 Vaccinations, Pregnancy and Postpartum
A $10 million grant over four years will support further examination of a national study looking at COVID-19 vaccination safety during pregnancy and immune response pre-and post-delivery for both mom and baby.
SSRI use during pregnancy not related to childhood depression
In one of the first studies to look at the association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medications and brain development in young children, research from the Behavioral Research and Imaging Neurogenetics (BRAIN)Lab at Washington University in St. Louis found no association between children’s exposure to the drugs in the womb and later childhood depression.
Pregnant Women’s Drinking Correlates with Their Partner’s Drinking
Pregnant women’s use of alcohol correlates with that of their partner, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital shows.
Babies Exposed to COVID in the Womb Show Neurodevelopmental Changes
Babies born to mothers who suffered COVID-19 disease during pregnancy seem to exhibit differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 weeks, according to a preliminary analysis presented in the 30th European Congress of Psychiatry.
Study Underscores Importance of Multidisciplinary Medical Team for Pregnant Women with Lupus
A study that includes researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary medical team to counsel and provide care for women with systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common form of lupus, who become pregnant. Using a nationwide database, the investigators reviewed the records of more than 50,000 patients with lupus who gave birth over a 10-year period. Findings revealed a higher rate of fetal morbidity and severe maternal morbidity compared to women who did not have lupus.
Mouse study links air pollution exposure to adverse outcomes in pregnancy
A new study in mice by UCLA scientists reveals how exposure to traffic-related air pollutants causes cellular changes in the placenta that can lead to pregnancy complications and affect the health of both mother and offspring.
University of Kentucky Study: Asymptomatic COVID-19 Could Still Cause Pregnancy Risks
According to a new University of Kentucky College of Medicine study, asymptomatic COVID-19 infection during pregnancy could still have potential long-term consequences for a developing baby.
The study led by Ilhem Messoudi, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, was published in Cell Reports May 25.
The research shows that COVID-19 infection in pregnant mothers who were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms still triggered immune responses causing inflammation in the placenta.
Data contradict fears of COVID-19 vaccine effects on pregnancy and fertility
Study adds further evidence that vaccination is protective and safer than COVID-19 infection.
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.