Pregnancy News and Research

Latest Pregnancy News and Research

Study finds worrisome increase in medical imaging during pregnancy

Use of medical imaging during pregnancy increased significantly in the United States, a new study has found, with nearly a four-fold rise over the last two decades in the number of women undergoing computed tomography CT scans, which expose mothers and fetuses to radiation. Pregnant women are warned to minimize radiation exposure.

1 Aug 2019

Early neuroimaging essential for Zika-exposed infants

Seventy-one of 110 Brazilian infants at the highest risk for experiencing problems due to exposure to the Zika virus in the womb experienced a wide spectrum of brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations in cortical development, according to a study published July 31, 2019 in JAMA Network Open.

31 Jul 2019

Women with preeclampsia five times more likely to have end-stage kidney disease

Women with preeclampsia during pregnancy have a five-fold increased risk of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) later in life compared to women who don’t develop preeclampsia during pregnancy, according to a new study published this week in PLOS Medicine by Ali Khashan of University College Cork, Ireland, and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden and Liverpool University, UK.

From PLOS ONE 31 Jul 2019

Autonomic nervous system of babies functions well regardless of mode of delivery, study finds

Late in pregnancy, the human body carefully prepares fetuses for the rigors of life outside the protection of the womb. Levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, ramp up and spike during labor.

31 Jul 2019

Birthweight, height together may provide indication of heart health later in life

It's the proportionately of a newborn -- a measure that includes both birthweight and length -- that may best tell doctors whether a child is born with an increased risk for heart problems later in life, investigators report.

30 Jul 2019

Speech discrimination begins in the womb

New parents are always thrilled when their offspring finally speaks its first words - usually at the age of 12 to 18 months.

30 Jul 2019

Midwives and nurses may underestimate the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy

Alcohol use during pregnancy can have harmful consequences on the fetus including restricted growth, facial anomalies, and neurobehavioral problems. No amount of alcohol use during pregnancy has been proven safe.

30 Jul 2019

Study uncovers concerning knowledge gaps about birth control effectiveness

A new study has uncovered concerning gaps in knowledge about birth control effectiveness.

29 Jul 2019

Scientists identify link between high levels of estrogen in the womb and autism

Scientist have identified a link between exposure to high levels of estrogen sex hormones in the womb and the likelihood of developing autism. The findings are published today in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

29 Jul 2019

90% of hepatitis cases, 65% hepatitis deaths preventable by 2030

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 4.5 million deaths could be prevented by 2030, and 26 million beyond that, if 67 countries in the low- and middle-income bracket invest $6 billion a year towards abolishing hepatitis. Hepatitis is a completely preventable and treatable illness at present, and in fact, hepatitis C is completely curable.

29 Jul 2019

Study finds rates of new persistent opioid use among women after vaginal or cesarean delivery

Nearly half of American women having a baby in the last decade received a prescription for a powerful opioid painkiller as part of their birth experience, a new study shows.

27 Jul 2019

New device could help decrease the global burden of unwanted pregnancy

A device that could help decrease the global burden of unwanted pregnancy has been invented by University of Otago academics.

26 Jul 2019

EKF to showcase Lucica Glycated Albumin-L test for diabetes patient monitoring at AACC 2019

EKF Diagnostics, announces the availability of a liquid, enzymatic test for glycated albumin that was recently FDA cleared for sales in the U.S.

From EKF Diagnostics 26 Jul 2019

Connecting patients with their community can help transform healthcare

Engaging a wider range of resources to connect patients with organizations within their community can help transform healthcare and improve overall well-being, according to new research published in the Journal of Business Research by faculty at Florida Atlantic University's College of Business.

26 Jul 2019

Study reveals effect of Mediterranean-style diet on pregnancy outcomes

A Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy does not reduce the risk of overall adverse maternal and offspring complications, but may reduce weight gain during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes, according to a new study published this week in PLOS Medicine by Shakila Thangaratinam of Queen Mary University of London, UK, and colleagues.

From PLOS ONE 25 Jul 2019

$Study finds link between proximity to fracking activities and mental health issues during pregnancy$

Study finds link between proximity to fracking activities and mental health issues during pregnancy

A new study led by a researcher at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health identifies a link between proximity to hydraulic fracking activities and mental health issues during pregnancy. Results appear in the journal Environmental Research.

24 Jul 2019

Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy has potential to reduce weight gain, gestational diabetes

A simple Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy does not reduce the overall risk of adverse maternal and offspring complications, but has the potential to reduce weight gain in pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes, according to a clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Warwick.

23 Jul 2019

Study will investigate how to make talk therapy treatment more accessible to all women

Depression and anxiety during and after a pregnancy is the most common complication associated with having a child.

22 Jul 2019

IAS 2019 spotlights challenge of providing HIV services in humanitarian crises

More than 5,000 people from 140 counties have gathered in Mexico City for the opening of the 10th IAS Conference on HIV Science, where global experts called for urgent action to address the health needs of millions of people affected by humanitarian crises.

22 Jul 2019