Recurrent miscarriage: diabetes drug could lead to new treatment
An existing drug can be used to improve the womb for pregnancy, study led by University of Warwick finds Sitagliptin is first drug of its kind shown to increase stem cells in the lining of the womb Stem cells have been shown to improve renewal…
Pregnancy: Coffee, nicotine and amphetamines activate “hot spots” in the foetal brain
If pregnant women take significant amounts of the psychostimulants coffee, nicotine and amphetamine during pregnancy, their children have a higher risk of developing neurological and psychiatric problems later in life.
Uncontrolled asthma attacks during pregnancy increase health risks for mothers and babies
Women with asthma who suffer severe symptoms while they are pregnant face higher risks of health problems both for themselves and their babies compared to women with well-controlled asthma, according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal[1].
Study shows lower mortality from induction of labor at 41 weeks
Inducing labor after 41 instead of 42 full weeks’ pregnancy appears to be safer in terms of perinatal survival, new Swedish research shows. The current study is expected to provide a key piece of evidence for upcoming decisions in maternity care.
High-fat maternal diet can cause brain damage in the unborn child
A study team at MedUni Vienna’s Center for Brain Research has found that high-fat maternal diets can cause life-long changes in the brain of the unborn offspring. When a pregnant woman consumes a diet high in polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, her body produces an excess…
Factors During Pregnancy May Affect Early Childhood Weight
In a study published in Pediatric Obesity, a child’s high and increasing body mass index between ages two and six years was strongly associated with pre-pregnancy obesity and overweight in the child’s mother; modestly associated with maternal type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes…
Are Oral Medications for Vaginal Yeast Infections Safe During Pregnancy?
Vaginal yeast infections may occur more commonly during pregnancy, and most are treated with topical medications, or creams. Oral medications are prescribed when topical treatment fails, but the safety of such agents during pregnancy is controversial. A recent review and analysis examined all relevant studies…
Best Strategy for Managing Hypertension and Preeclampsia at End of Pregnancy
In 2009, the Hypertension and Preeclampsia Intervention Trial At near Term-I (HYPITAT- I) trial showed that inducing labor in women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia at the end of pregnancy reduces the number of high risk situations for the mother, without compromising the health of…
Exercise during pregnancy can give child stronger bones
Vitamin D is important to enable calcium to be absorbed into the intestine. During pregnancy, vitamin D is especially significant because extra calcium is needed to build the baby’s skeleton. Low vitamin D levels in pregnancy can therefore be negative for the bone health of…
Pre-Eclampsia May Carry Long-Term Heart Risks for Women
Pre-eclampsia is a potentially dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure that arises in some pregnant women, but a review of published studies indicates that its effects on cardiovascular health can persist well after pregnancy.
Metformin has less risk for preterm delivery in PCOS
Metformin can halve the risk of late miscarriage and preterm births for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Breastfeeding mums’ milk can transfer life-long protection against infection to their babies
Mothers’ breast milk can provide protection against infection that lasts for life, finds new research in mice by an international team of scientists including experts at the University of Birmingham.