Health — Fertility — December 16th, 2024

Cesarean deliveries during labor linked to risks in future pregnancies
Researchers suggest an association between cesarean sections during labor and recurrent preterm birth or mid-trimester loss in subsequent pregnancies, potentially due to cervical damage
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Missing and dismissing the impact of periods: Outcomes of focus groups of teens with period concerns
Menstruation is part of life for half of the population, however severe period pain is still not well understood.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Study suggests early struggles deter young people from using menstrual cups
Many young people are turning to menstrual cups as a reliable, safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly option for managing their menstruation needs.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Texas sues NY doctor for prescribing abortion pill by telehealth
A New York doctor has been sued by the state of Texas for prescribing abortion pills via telehealth to a Dallas woman.
December 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — December 13th, 2024

AI tool analyzes placentas at birth for faster detection of neonatal and maternal problems
A newly developed tool that harnesses computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) may help clinicians rapidly evaluate placentas at birth, potentially improving neonatal and maternal care, according to new research from scientists at Northwestern Medicine and Penn State.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

How DNA shapes reproductive health, fertility and even life expectancy
Led by researchers from the University of Oxford's Leverhulme Center for Demographic Science and the University of Iceland, a review, published in Nature Aging, explores how genetic variations can explain differences in reproductive health and longevity.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Potential new mRNA-based therapy for pre-eclampsia
A single injection of the therapeutic candidate was associated with improvements in maternal blood pressure in two mice models.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Prenatal SSRI exposure linked to functional constipation in offspring
Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with an increased risk of functional constipation developing in offspring, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Molecular Psychiatry.
December 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — December 10th, 2024

How government aid, housing, and jobs affect new mothers
Researchers provide vital insights into social determinants such as government support, stable housing, and employment opportunities on postpartum health among Louisiana mothers during stressful periods including COVID-19, hurricanes and the infant formula shortage.
December 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — December 6th, 2024

Autonomous imaging robot can assess embryos' response to environmental change
Scientists have used 3D-printed components to create a robotic instrument that can autonomously monitor the earliest stages of development in any aquatic species. The LabEmbryoCam has been created over the past decade by biologists and technologists from the EmbryoPhenomics research group at the University of Plymouth.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Many women with epilepsy unaware of seizure meds' risks to pregnancy
Many women with epilepsy who are of childbearing age might not realize their anti-seizure drugs can raise the risk of birth defects or dampen the effectiveness of their birth control, a new study warns.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause major changes in mothers' intestines
When women are pregnant and nurse their babies, their bodies change and various organs, such as the breasts or the immune system, are adapted to ensure the health of both mother and child. This happens throughout evolution in all mammals. An international research team led by Josef Penninger and Masahiro Onji, Medical University of Vienna, now reports the surprising finding that the intestine also changes completely in pregnant and nursing females, resulting in a doubling of the intestinal surface area and a striking structural reorganization.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Study identifies potential epigenetic biomarker for preeclampsia
Analysis of cheek swabs taken from pregnant women revealed a potential epigenetic biomarker for preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition that often leads to preterm births.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Research shows ~5 percent of pregnant women report intimate partner violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is associated with delayed or no prenatal care and affects health conditions during pregnancy and infant birth outcomes, according to research published in the Dec. 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
December 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — December 2nd, 2024

Novel organoid mimics all three key cell types of pancreas to offer a view of early fetal development
Researchers from the Organoid group (previously Clevers group) at the Hubrecht Institute have developed a new organoid that mimics the human fetal pancreas, offering a clearer view of its early development. The researchers were able to recreate a complete structure that includes the three key cell types in the pancreas, which previous organoids couldn't fully mimic.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Study of crisis pregnancy centers reveals misleading and dangerous claims
A study by scientists at the University of California San Diego introduces a powerful new approach to understanding the operation of crisis pregnancy centers, non-profit organizations dedicated to an anti-abortion agenda. The study published in JAMA Internal Medicine provides the first account of the practices of crisis pregnancy centers (CPC) operating in the United States.
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Women with premature ovarian insufficiency face higher risk of autoimmune diseases
Study highlights significant associations with autoimmune hypothyroidism, vitiligo, and other conditions, while family members show no increased risk
December 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 29th, 2024

Minimally invasive hysterectomy explained
A hysterectomy can treat many gynecologic conditions, including fibroids, painful periods and cancer, such as endometrial, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals physical and mental effects of unintended pregnancies on mothers
By taking data prior to birth into account, a study by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) used a novel way to analyze the physical and mental effects that unintended pregnancies have on mothers.
November 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 27th, 2024

Congenital heart defects caused by problems with the placenta
Congenital heart defects are the most common form of human birth defect, but we still don't fully understand what causes them. Previous research had suggested that some heart defects could be triggered by problems with the placenta, the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing embryo.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Depression increases chances of experiencing menstrual pain
A new study identifies a link between depression and dysmenorrhea, with sleeplessness as a potential mediator.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Long-lived proteins impact aging of female reproductive system, scientists find
For the first time, Northwestern Medicine scientists have identified a population of long-lived proteins in the ovaries which likely support the stability and longevity of the female reproductive system and may contribute to reproductive aging, according to a recent study published in eLife.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Report shows that US abortion numbers dipped slightly in 2022
The rate and number of abortions among U.S. women took a slight dip in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Newer epilepsy medications used during pregnancy do not affect neurological development in children, study finds
Children of mothers who took certain antiseizure medications while pregnant do not have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 6, according to a long-running study.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Offering moms antenatal colostrum expression as alternative to formula feeding in hospital
Interest in antenatal colostrum expression (ACE) is on the rise, with research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) showing that around half of pregnant moms in Perth are giving it a go.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Trump Doesn't Need Congress To Make Abortion Effectively Unavailable
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump tried mightily to reassure abortion rights supporters, vowing he would not sign into law a nationwide abortion ban even if Congress sent him one.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Woman's saliva could offer clues to stress and mental health during pregnancy
New research out of Michigan State University found that the number and type of microbes present in the saliva of pregnant women differ according to whether they are experiencing life stress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
November 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 25th, 2024

Better infant growth linked to healthy prenatal diet following USDA guidelines
A study of over 2,800 mother-child pairs across eight ECHO Cohort sites links a prenatal diet following USDA guidelines to healthier infant growth patterns, reducing risks associated with obesity.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Key brain circuit for female sexual rejection uncovered
A team from the Champalimaud Foundation (CF) has pinpointed a critical neural circuit for sexual rejection, identifying a set of brain cells that play a crucial role in determining whether a female accepts or rejects mating attempts based on her reproductive cycle. Their findings, published today in Neuron, deepen our understanding of how the brain regulates social and reproductive behaviors.
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Women who suffer pregnancy complications have fewer children, study finds
Women who suffer severe complications during their first pregnancy or delivery are less inclined to have more babies, a study published in JAMA by researchers at Karolinska Institutet reports. The paper is titled "Association of Severe Maternal Morbidity With Subsequent Birth."
November 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 21st, 2024

History of endometriosis and fibroids linked to heightened risk of early death, study suggests
Women with a history of endometriosis and uterine fibroids might have an increased long term risk of premature death, finds a large study from the United States published by The BMJ.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

'Pregnancy loss' considered more acceptable than 'miscarriage' by most patients
Clinical language used around pregnancy loss can negatively affect patients' mental health and exacerbate their grief and trauma, and should be personalized where possible, according to research led by a UCL academic.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Researchers zero in on genetic variant tied to miscarriages
In what could be a major advance in understanding the genetic causes underlying human infertility, scientists led by researchers from Rutgers University-New Brunswick have identified a gene variant directly tied to early miscarriages in women.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Study of menstrual tracking app usage highlights potential role in improving access to reproductive health services
A new study by researchers in the UK and Denmark, published in Digital Health, provides the first publicly accessible analysis of global downloads for menstrual tracking apps.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Transparent worms with glowing proteins may help fertility treatments
The development of maternal egg cells is pivotal for survival—but also precarious. During meiosis, the DNA-containing chromosomes can easily be broken or lost, causing infertility, miscarriage or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. Scientists have struggled to study these crucial cellular events in humans and other mammals.
November 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 18th, 2024

Discovery of new genes for molar pregnancies sheds light on their increased incidence in women aged 35 and over
A molar pregnancy, also known as a hydatidiform mole, is an abnormal human pregnancy with no embryo and an overgrowth of the cells that form the placenta. The common form of molar pregnancy affects one in every 600 pregnancies in Quebec.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Large cohort study builds pregnancy health atlas for phenotype-omics research in China
A new pregnancy health cohort study involving over 20,000 families has identified common complications, high-risk groups, and geographical trends through biological samples collected across China.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Maryland is training more health workers to offer abortion care
In the two counties around nurse practitioner Samantha Marsee's clinic in rural northeastern Maryland, there's not a single clinic that provides abortions. And until recently, Marsee herself wasn't trained to treat patients who wanted to end a pregnancy.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Study challenges safety concerns over planned home births for low-risk pregnancies
In low-risk pregnancies, mothers and children are just as safe with a planned home birth as they are with a planned birth center birth, a national study led by Oregon State University researchers has shown.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Study explores the pandemic's impact on breastfeeding practices in historically marginalized communities
A Saint Louis University study has explored the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on breastfeeding practices in the U.S.
November 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 15th, 2024

2022 to 2023 saw no change in U.S. infant mortality rate, report reveals
The U.S. infant mortality rate did not change from 2022 to 2023 and was 5.61 per 1,000 live births in 2023, according to the Nov. 14 National Vital Statistics Reports.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Children exposed to antiseizure meds during pregnancy face neurodevelopmental risks, study finds
Children born to mothers who take antiseizure medications to manage seizures and psychiatric conditions during pregnancy may face increased risks of neurodevelopmental conditions, according to new data from researchers at Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Cross-species transplantation: Generation of rat offspring from ovarian oocytes in mice
The idea of maturing oocytes in the ovary to produce offspring has been implemented in various ways. One such method, ovarian transplantation, is a relatively simple procedure for obtaining eggs, compared to in vitro culture of ovaries and follicles. However, it is still difficult to transplant ovaries into cellular immunodeficient mice and produce offspring from the eggs grown in the mice.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Generation of rat offspring from ovarian oocytes by cross-species transplantation
Attempts to obtain eggs and offspring using oocytes in ovary have been made for keeping desirable traits in livestock, preserving human fertility, etc. Ovarian transplantation, one of those methods, has been established and widely used. Although transplantation to different species is expected to bring benefits, it is still too difficult to produce offspring. Researchers have developed a novel system using xenotransplantation (transplantation of organs from one species to different one), and succeeded in producing offspring.
November 15th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 12th, 2024

Study advances understanding of metformin effects on fetus
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology demonstrates that when the diabetes drug metformin is given to the mother during pregnancy, fetus growth is restricted, including a slowed maturing of the kidneys, which has been linked to a higher risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
November 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 8th, 2024

New hope for male infertility: Researchers discover key mechanism in Klinefelter syndrome
How does an extra X chromosome lead to infertility in men? Professor Qiao Jie and her team at Peking University Third Hospital revealed why Klinefelter syndrome, a common genetic condition affecting one in every 600 men, often leads to infertility—and they've identified a potential way to treat it.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Research points to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women
During the COVID-19 pandemic, above all before vaccines were available, an alarm was sounded regarding a possible correlation between severe cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women and preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) in the expectant mother and high levels of protein in her urine (proteinuria). It can entail dangerous complications for mother and baby.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Women can incur 'catastrophic' bills for out-of-state abortions, study finds
One piece left out of the abortion debate is the high transportation and medical bills facing women forced to leave their state to obtain the procedure.
November 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 7th, 2024

Gynecological care for trans men
It's important for transgender men to get gynecological healthcare tailored to their individual circumstances. Learn about the care transgender men may need to stay healthy.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Neuroimmune communication pathway reveals interactions that may drive endometriosis-associated pain
Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School researchers have discovered a neuroimmune communication pathway that may drive endometriosis-associated pain and lesion growth.
November 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — November 5th, 2024

Improvement seen in some features of PCOS with weight loss interventions
Weight loss interventions are associated with improvement in some features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study published online Nov. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Nodal connects hopeful parents with surrogates as reproductive freedom hangs in limbo
Many people who want to have children can't, or shouldn't, carry a pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Gestational surrogacy can be a great option for those individuals — if they can endure the lengthy wait times and afford to pay for the costly service. New York-based Nodal looks to make the process less expensive, more transparent, and faster.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

New study links shorter time to fall asleep and snoring to higher risk of ovarian decline
The findings suggest that sleep disturbances may impact hormone levels and follicular development.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Recreational cannabis legalization tied to higher prenatal use
The implementation of recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) in California was associated with an increase in prenatal cannabis use, according to a study published online Nov. 1 in JAMA Health Forum.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Water retention: Relieve this premenstrual symptom
Water retention before your period can be annoying. Learn what may help ease the discomfort.
November 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 30th, 2024

Bills exclude mental health from emergency abortion exceptions
Two data points in the aftermath of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling paint a picture of that decision's impact on mental health.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

How to get pregnant
If you hope to conceive, don't leave it to luck. Know how to get pregnant — starting with predicting ovulation and do's and don'ts for maximizing fertility.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Longitudinal study links skin disorder to increased maternal and child health risks
University of Montreal and McGill University researchers in Canada have identified a significant association between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as long-term health issues for both mothers and their children.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Nearly 6% of pregnant women report marijuana use
A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health found that about 6% of pregnant women reported using marijuana during the last month, and many did not associate it with health risks. The study highlights the importance of education surrounding marijuana use during pregnancy, said lead researcher Mohammad Rifat Haider.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Reproductive health workers face uncertainty after Dobbs ruling
These days, half of what was the first nonprofit clinic in the nation to house a birthing center and provide abortions is empty.
October 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 28th, 2024

Study finds breastfeeding lowers cardiovascular risk in women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes

Researchers found that women who breastfed showed much lower rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with lower risk of CVD in women with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes (GDM). The researchers are from the Global Centre for Asian Women's Health or GloW, based at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
October 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 22nd, 2024

A fully automated AI-based system for assessing IVF embryo quality
A new artificial intelligence-based system can accurately assess the chromosomal status of in vitro-fertilized (IVF) embryos using only time-lapse video images of the embryos and maternal age, according to a study from investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

Could caffeine in pregnancy help prevent cerebral palsy in kids?
Experiments in sheep are hinting that doses of caffeine given to women in pregnancy, as well as their newborns after birth, could prevent cerebral palsy.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

Study highlights complexity of menopausal hormone therapy's impact on brain health
A study suggests that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) might have moderate effects on brain health, but this depends on past surgical history, the duration of treatment, and a woman's age at last use.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

Swedish hospital admits 33 women had unnecessary hysterectomies
A Swedish hospital on Tuesday said 33 women underwent unnecessary hysterectomies in 2023 and 2024 after being incorrectly diagnosed as being at risk of uterine cancer.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

THELMA project examines impact of algorithmic surveillance on women's reproductive health
In a context of demographic decline, algorithmic surveillance of reproductive health could be used to covertly control reproductive decisions, increase inequalities and violate women's rights.
October 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 20th, 2024

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs may reduce the risk of postoperative delirium
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help reduce patients' risk of postoperative delirium, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024 annual meeting.
October 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 18th, 2024

How cfDNA testing can reduce pregnancy risks and lower costs
The much-touted arrival of "precision medicine" promises tailored technologies that help individuals and may also reduce health care costs. New research shows how pregnancy screening can meet both of these objectives, but the findings also highlight how precision medicine must be matched well with patients to save money.
October 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 16th, 2024

Folic acid may mitigate link between lead exposure during pregnancy and autistic behaviors in children
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers has found that folate may weaken the link between blood-lead levels in pregnant women and autistic-like behaviors in their children. Researchers from SFU's Faculty of Health Sciences, led by Ph.D. candidate Joshua Alampi, published the study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
October 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 13th, 2024

Is 'Cycle Syncing' Real? Why People Are Scheduling Their Lives to the Tune of Their Menstrual Cycle
The different phases of the menstrual cycle have fluctuating hormones that impact mood, energy, nutrition intake and more.
October 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 11th, 2024

A potential non-invasive stool test and novel therapy for endometriosis
Promising findings by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions could lead to the development of a non-invasive stool test and a new therapy for endometriosis, a painful condition that affects nearly 200 million women worldwide.
October 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 10th, 2024

Doctors urging conference boycotts over abortion bans face uphill battle
Soon after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Roe v. Wade abortion ruling in 1973, Laura Esserman used her high school graduation speech to urge her classmates to vote for the Equal Rights Amendment to expand women's access to property, divorce and abortion.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Lighting the way with accurate and safe 3D embryo imaging
The inability to accurately predict embryo viability prior to implantation is a key contributor to the low success rate of clinical in-vitro fertilization (IVF), but a team of experts is highlighting a safe way to study embryos using 3D optical imaging.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

Maternal exercise during pregnancy may protect child against asthma
A child's risk of asthma can be reduced by nearly half if the mother engages in active physical exercise at least three times a week during pregnancy, compared to a child of a mother who is less active, a new study by the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) shows.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

New Zealand's BMI threshold for publicly funded fertility treatment is outdated and unethical. Here's why it should go
Women seeking publicly funded fertility treatment in New Zealand must have a body mass index (BMI) under 32, according to clinical priority assessment criteria for access to assisted reproductive technology.
October 10th, 2024 — Source

October 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 8th, 2024

Asthma and allergies may be caused by changes in the placenta, suggests study
Changes in the placenta may increase the risk of children developing asthma and allergies, as shown in new research from Örebro University. The study is published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.
October 8th, 2024 — Source

Relationship between intake of artificial sweeteners and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Artificial sweetener (AS) consumption may cause complications in pregnancy; however, this association remains unclear.
October 8th, 2024 — Source

The youth-led research giving voice to teen mothers in Uganda
The global rate of teen pregnancies has been decreasing in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide adolescent birth rates have decreased from 64.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15--19 years in 2000 to 41.3 births per 1,000 women in 2023.
October 8th, 2024 — Source

Young Australians turning to social media for sexual and reproductive health support, report reveals
Social media is helping fill gaps in sex education and providing an essential connection point to health services for young adults, according to a new report.
October 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — October 7th, 2024

Is there anything good about menopause? Yep, here are four things to look forward to
Menopause is having a bit of a moment, with less stigma and more awareness about the changes it can bring.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Menstrual cycle luteal phase lengths are not 'fixed' at 13 to 14 days
The current expectation is that every ovulatory menstrual cycle will have a luteal phase (the time from egg released until the next flow) that lasts approximately 14 days. It is simple, ovulation covers half of the expected, classical 28-day menstrual cycle. That fits with another current concept, "All regular month-apart menstrual cycles are ovulatory."
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Primary care electronic health records fail to capture extent of menopause symptoms
Electronic health record (EHR) documentation seen in primary care does not accurately reflect menopause symptom burden, and many women are not getting the treatment they need, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in Menopause.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Some forms of air pollution may prolong postpartum depression, researchers say
Exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution during pregnancy may prolong postpartum depression symptoms in new mothers, according to new research.
October 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 28th, 2024

Abortion rights worldwide: a snapshot
Despite being liberalized in scores of countries over recent decades, women's access to abortion remains a precarious right globally with numerous countries restricting the procedure or outlawing it altogether.
September 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 25th, 2024

Deadly High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Is on the Rise
As of August, Mary Collins and daughter Rory were both still recovering after Collins experienced severe high blood pressure in her pregnancy, which led to Rory's premature delivery. The condition, called preeclampsia, can damage a mother's organs and slow the baby's growth.
September 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 23rd, 2024

Giant panda skin cells transformed into stem cells to help ensure their survival
A team of biologists in China has reprogrammed skin cells from giant pandas into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), opening the door to creating primordial germ cells that could serve as precursors to sperm and egg cells.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Paternal gut health may affect the physical and mental health of offspring
Florey researchers have shown, for the first time, that a father's gut health plays a role in offspring physiology and behavior.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

She Was Accused of Murder After Losing Her Pregnancy. SC Woman Now Tells Her Story.
Amari Marsh had just finished her junior year at South Carolina State University in May 2023 when she received a text message from a law enforcement officer.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source or Source

Study finds health disparities in preterm births in England
Preterm birth rates are lower than the national average for white women and higher for Black and Asian women, and women living in the most deprived areas, according to a new University of Bristol-led study published in BMC Medicine.
September 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 19th, 2024

Abortion Clinics — And Patients — Are on the Move, as State Laws Keep Shifting
Soon after a series of state laws left a Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia, Missouri, unable to provide abortions in 2018, it shipped some of its equipment to states where abortion remained accessible.
September 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 16th, 2024

New study reveals changes in the brain throughout pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative time in a person's life where the body undergoes rapid physiological adaptations to prepare for motherhood—that we all know. What has remained something of a mystery is what the sweeping hormonal shifts brought on by pregnancy are doing to the brain. Researchers in Professor Emily Jacobs' lab at UC Santa Barbara have shed light on this understudied area with the first-ever map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy.
September 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 15th, 2024

Samsung Unveils Premium OB/GYN Ultrasound System ‘HERA Z20’ in ISUOG World Congress 2024
On-site event held to celebrate new product ‘HERA Z20’ and new website launch
September 15th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 13th, 2024

Florida abortion rate fell after six-week ban took hold
Florida's six-week abortion ban caused the state's abortion rate to drop dramatically, new research shows.
September 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 10th, 2024

Adverse pregnancy outcomes may increase cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women
Pregnancy-related hypertension has already been proven to lead to a number of negative health outcomes later in life, including more bothersome menopause symptoms like hot flashes, the risk of dementia, kidney problems, and stroke. A new study suggests it can also lead to cardiovascular disease during menopause.
September 10th, 2024 — Source

Analysis suggests ongoing individualized hormone therapy appears to have no age limit
The Menopause Society's 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement advises that women aged older than 65 years can continue using hormone therapy (HT) with appropriate counseling and risk assessment. A new retrospective analysis demonstrates that it's not unusual for women aged as old as 80 years to still benefit from HT.
September 10th, 2024 — Source

CBT protocol may improve sexual functioning during the menopause
Many women report a decline in sexual function, including desire, when transitioning through menopause. Such problems can contribute to poor self-image and negatively affect physical and emotional well-being. A new study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for mitigating sexual concerns during this period.
September 10th, 2024 — Source

Girls may start puberty early due to chemical exposure, research suggests
Girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be more likely to start puberty early, according to a paper titled "Identification of Environmental Compounds that May Trigger Early Female Puberty by Activating the Human GnRHR and KISS1R," and published in Endocrinology. EDCs mimic, block or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system.
September 10th, 2024 — Source< or Source or Source

Estrogen-based hormone therapies have favorable long-term effects on heart disease risk
Recent studies show that women can experience bothersome menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, for longer than originally estimated. As a result, more research is focusing on the long-term effects of hormone therapy. A new study suggests certain estrogen-based hormone therapies have favorable long-term effects on the risk of heart disease.
September 10th, 2024 — Source

Long-term hormone therapy proves valuable for older women
The Menopause Society's 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement advises that women aged older than 65 years can continue using hormone therapy (HT) with appropriate counseling and risk assessment. A new retrospective analysis demonstrates that it's not unusual for women aged as old as 80 years to still benefit from HT.
September 10th, 2024 — Source

Study finds clinical hypnosis more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy for hot flashes
Nonhormone options for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms are growing in popularity, especially for women who cannot take hormones due to health complications. Cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis are common nonhormone treatment options. According to a new scoping review, however, one is more effective than the other.
September 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 6th, 2024

Neurodivergent women 'urgently' need workplace support around menstrual health
Neurodivergent women at work are often managing—and hiding—severe psychological distress related to their menstrual health, new research from Heriot-Watt University suggests.
September 6th, 2024 — Source

Reproductive endocrinologist debunks seven common myths about IVF
For some people, getting pregnant can be challenging. So more and more are turning to in vitro fertilization—or IVF—which offers hope for couples and individuals trying to have a baby.
September 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 3rd, 2024

Research reveals impact of heatwaves on perinatal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa
Heatwaves in sub-Saharan Africa are predicted to become more common due to climate change. A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and others, published in Nature Medicine, reveals a worrying correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Rising temperatures in Africa may increase perinatal deaths
Heat waves in sub-Saharan Africa are predicted to become more common due to climate change. A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and others, published in Nature Medicine, reveals a worrying correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality.
September 3rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — September 2nd, 2024

Eggonomics reveals racial disparities in U.S. egg donation payments
White women are paid up to eight times more for their eggs than Black women in the US, according to data uncovered by the author of a new book which exposes the lesser-known ramifications of egg donation.
September 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 27th, 2024

Pregnancy after sterilization turns out to be surprisingly common
Tubal sterilization is thought to be a permanent form of birth control and is the most common method of contraception nationally. But a new study led by UC San Francisco reports that tubal surgery fails often enough that some other forms of birth control are usually more effective.
August 27th, 2024 — Source

Scientist discover rare genotype causing early menopause
Scientists have identified a sequence variant in the CCDC201 gene that, when inherited from both parents homozygous, causes menopause on average nine years earlier.
August 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 26th, 2024

Her Life Was at Risk. She Needed an Abortion. Insurance Refused To Pay
Ashley and Kyle were newlyweds in early 2022 and thrilled to be expecting their first child. But bleeding had plagued Ashley from the beginning of her pregnancy, and in July, at seven weeks, she began miscarrying.
August 26th, 2024 — Source

Strength-based cultural care improves health outcomes for Aboriginal mothers and babies
Bridgette Kelly and Trish Ratajczak from Murdoch University's Ngangk Yira Institute for Change are passionate about changing this, with both addressing these gaps in their Accelerated Master's by Research theses.
August 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 22nd, 2024

Inside conservative activist Leonard Leo's long campaign to gut Planned Parenthood
A federal lawsuit in Texas against Planned Parenthood has a web of ties to conservative activist Leonard Leo, whose decades-long effort to steer the U.S. court system to the right overturned Roe v. Wade, yielding the biggest rollback of reproductive health access in half a century.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Mouse model suggests proteins cause damage in fetal abdominal inflammation
Inflammation of the abdominal cavity in human fetuses resulting from a perforation of their intestine is likely to be caused by proteins contained in the fetal stool. This is the result of a Kobe University study that established a new mouse model allowing research and drug development for a condition that is otherwise difficult to approach.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers identify molecular mechanism that transports important dietary fats to the fetus
Research in mouse models has identified a new mechanism for how long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), like omega-3s, are transported from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. The results, published in Nature Communications, could help to identify ways to tackle LC-PUFA deficiency in the developing fetus.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Study finds ED use high before and after self-inflicted injury among youths
The rates of emergency department (ED) use are high before and after self-inflicted injury among youths, according to a study published online Aug. 15 in JAMA Network Open.
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Study links fine particulate matter exposure to increased risk of gestational diabetes
A recent BMC Public Health study assesses the relationship between exposure to fine particulate matter and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
August 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 21st, 2024

It's not just IUDs. Gynecologists and patients are focused on making procedures less painful
Federal officials affirmed this month that the pain people might feel when getting an IUD can be more than doctors' promises of "just a pinch."
August 21st, 2024 — Source

Men have a biological clock, too—fertility issues affecting dads over 50
We hear a lot about women's biological clock and how age affects the chance of pregnancy.
August 21st, 2024 — Source

Study reveals doubled risk of preterm birth for IVF pregnancies complicated by placental abruption
Women who conceive through in vitro fertilization and experience a serious pregnancy complication are twice as likely to deliver early (<37 weeks) compared to those with only one of those factors, according to a Rutgers Health researcher.
August 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 16th, 2024

Family members of pediatric neurosurgery patients experience high rates of PTSD, says researcher
When Wendy Beaudoin accepted a job as the nurse practitioner for pediatric neurosurgery and neuro oncology at the Stollery Children's Hospital, she had no idea how thoroughly her personal and professional lives would intertwine.
August 16th, 2024 — Source

Inside Conservative Activist Leonard Leo's Long Campaign To Gut Planned Parenthood
A federal lawsuit in Texas against Planned Parenthood has a web of ties to conservative activist Leonard Leo, whose decades-long effort to steer the U.S. court system to the right overturned Roe v. Wade, yielding the biggest rollback of reproductive health access in half a century.
August 16th, 2024 — Source

Uterus transplants are leading to healthy pregnancies
Uterine transplants are relatively rare and recent—the first was performed in 2011, and to date a little more than 100 transplants have been conducted worldwide.
August 16th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 8th, 2024

Many doctors underestimate the pain of IUD insertion for women—the CDC wants to change that
Plenty of women know that having an IUD inserted in their uterus can be an excruciating experience, but new government guidance issued Thursday may soon make the experience less painful for many.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Promoting healthy teen romantic relationships to reduce unintended pregnancy and STDs
Romantic relationships play an important part in adolescent development. Most young people have had at least one romantic relationship by middle adolescence (ages 14 to17). However, successful promotion of healthy sexual behavior to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections in this teen population has proven difficult.
August 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 6th, 2024

Epilepsy and pregnancy: Evaluating increased risks and outcomes in a large Nordic dataset
But exactly how big the risks have been less clear. Randomized clinical trials are ruled out for ethical reasons and observational studies need a very large population base to quantify the relatively rare events.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Increased risk of dying during pregnancy for women with epilepsy calls for improved care
Women with epilepsy are four times more likely to die during pregnancy and their babies are 50% more likely to suffer illness or death. These are the findings of a major new study led by Karolinska Institutet and Source. The researchers believe that better care of women before, during and after pregnancy can reduce the risks.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Inside project 2025: Former Trump official outlines hard right turn against abortion
From his perch in the Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services, Roger Severino made a controversial name for himself, working to shield health workers who declined to perform medical procedures including abortion on religious grounds.
August 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — August 2nd, 2024

Since fall of 'Roe,' self-managed abortions have increased
The percentage of people who say they've tried to end a pregnancy without medical assistance increased after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. That's according to a study published Tuesday in the online journal JAMA Network Open.
August 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 29th, 2024

Commonly used drug may extend women's fertility, claim scientists—what you need to know about rapamycin
A growing number of people are waiting longer to have kids. While there are many reasons people may want to hold back on that decision, about one-third of couples will have difficulties getting pregnant if the female partner is over 35. This is because women's fertility begins declining around that age.
July 29th, 2024 — Source

Confirmed link between maternal asthma and child allergies
For the first time, researchers from the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute, University of South Australia and University of Queensland have confirmed maternal asthma increases risks of child allergies.
July 29th, 2024 — Source

Fatty acids in umbilical cord blood might cause autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning capability and social behavior of people. Over the past few decades, awareness regarding ASD has increased, especially regarding its prevalence and effect on the lives of people diagnosed with ASD.
July 29th, 2024 — Source

Gynecology-related internet searches up following release of Barbie movie
The closing line of the movie "Barbie" ("I'm here to see my gynecologist") may have spurred public interest in gynecology, according to a research letter published online July 25 in JAMA Network Open.
July 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 26th, 2024

Prenatal care: First trimester visits
Pregnancy and prenatal care go hand in hand. During the first trimester, prenatal care includes blood tests, a physical exam, conversations about lifestyle and more.
July 26th, 2024 — Source

Prenatal care: Second trimester visits
During the second trimester, prenatal care includes routine lab tests and measurements of your baby's growth. You might consider prenatal testing too.
July 26th, 2024 — Source

Prenatal care: Third trimester visits
As you get closer to your due date, regular visits with your care team are important for checking on your health and your baby's health.
July 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 24th, 2024

Louisiana reclassifies drugs used in abortions as controlled dangerous substances
Louisiana lawmakers have added two drugs commonly used in pregnancy and reproductive health care to the state's list of controlled dangerous substances, a move that has alarmed doctors in the state.
July 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 22nd, 2024

Before Michigan legalized surrogacy, families found ways around the ban
The first time Tammy and Jordan Myers held their twins, the premature babies were so fragile that their tiny faces were mostly covered by oxygen masks and tubing. Their little hands rested gently on Tammy's chest as the machines keeping them alive in a neonatal intensive care unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beeped and hummed around them.
July 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 20th, 2024

Some have called this area a birthing 'desert.' A nurse midwife is working to change thatJeanine Valrie Logan sat in traffic for nearly two hours while she was in labor with her third child.

July 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 19th, 2024

High stress during pregnancy linked to elevated cortisol in toddlers' hair
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Dartmouth College have discovered a connection between toddler hair cortisol levels—a long-term stress biomarker—and maternal prenatal depression.
July 19th, 2024 — Source

New scoping review maps maternal and infant health in Morocco
A comprehensive scoping review led by McMaster University researchers provides the first map of the field of Maternal and Infant Health (MIH) research in Morocco over a span of 22 years, from 2000 to 2022 and suggests a different way to study global health.
July 19th, 2024 — Source

Pandemic health behaviors linked to rise in neonatal health issues
Studies show that social distancing and other public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic effectively reduced the spread of the deadly virus. However, they had unanticipated effects such as reduced health care accessibility and utilization, especially in high-risk populations.
July 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 18th, 2024

Brain changes linked to obesity result in low sperm count, mouse study finds
Obesity is known to cause lower testosterone in men, impacting muscle mass and cognition, as well as reproductive function by diminishing sperm numbers and lowering libido. Just how obesity produces these changes, in addition to causing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, is not fully understood.
July 18th, 2024 — Source

Hydroxyurea does not reduce ovarian reserve in patients with sickle cell disease, study shows
In female patients living with sickle cell disease (SCD), hydroxyurea had no effect on ovarian reserve, suggesting that fertility preservation measures prior to treatment may be unnecessary, according to a study published in Blood Advances.
July 18th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 9th, 2024

Diet and exercise for obese mothers could lower cardiovascular risk in children
Researchers from King's have identified evidence to suggest that lifestyle changes could offset the risk of some adult heart disorders that result from maternal obesity and changes in fetal heart development.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

Familial endocrine diseases linked to increased risk of pregnancy loss, new research shows
Women who have close family members with endocrine diseases--including type 2 diabetes, thyroid diseases and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)--are at higher risk of pregnancy loss, a new study has found.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

How may cannabis affect neurodevelopment when exposed in the womb?
In a recent study published in Nature Mental Health, researchers investigated whether prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) is related to variations in brain development, which may partially mitigate the relationship between PCE and increased psychopathology throughout early adolescence.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

If lawsuit ends federal mandates on birth control coverage, states will have the say
David Engler had been pretty sure he didn't want children. Then a frustrating school day two years ago helped seal the deal for the now 43-year-old substitute teacher.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

Medicaid now covers doulas for pregnant and postpartum Coloradans
Colorado's Medicaid program now covers doula care for all pregnant and postpartum members, but advocates don't expect to see an immediate improvement in maternal health.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

More Americans now think abortion should be allowed in any circumstance
Two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, more Americans think their state should allow a woman to get a legal abortion for any reason, a new poll finds.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

Survey finds most women with uterine fibroids are offered hysterectomies over minimally invasive treatments
Among women who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, more than half (53%) were presented with a hysterectomy, while fewer than one in five (20%) were presented with other less invasive options such as over-the-counter NSAIDs (19%), uterine fibroid embolization (17%), oral contraceptives (17%), and endometrial ablation (17%), according to new survey data by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Society of Interventional Radiology.
July 9th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 5th, 2024

Researchers aim to change contraceptive technology with new iron IUDs
When chemistry professor Samantha Gateman realized there was no non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) on the market without significant side effects, she became inspired to make a change.
July 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — July 2nd, 2024

Group prenatal care shows promise in reducing maternal health disparities
In the fight to reduce longstanding maternal health disparities, group prenatal care programs could be an effective tool, say researchers from Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and Yale School of Public Health.
July 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 29th, 2024

Animal study suggests a paternal fish oil supplement may lower obesity risk in offspring
A study performed in mice has uncovered a potential new tool to combat the escalating issue of childhood obesity. The research suggests that a simple dietary change, in the form of a fish oil supplement taken by fathers, might help address this pressing health concern.
June 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 28th, 2024

Arts-based research deepens understanding of intimate partner violence in pregnancy
A study led by Western nursing professor Kimberley Jackson shows the power of arts-based research to relay scientific findings and raise awareness about a pervasive public health concern: intimate partner violence (IPV) and, specifically, IPV in pregnancy.
June 28th, 2024 — Source

Iowa top court rules US state's six-week abortion ban can stand
Iowa's highest court on Friday upheld the US state's six-week abortion ban, two years after the federal right to the procedure was overturned and with the topic a key issue in the US presidential election.
June 28th, 2024 — Source

Republicans are downplaying abortion, but it keeps coming up
For generations, the GOP campaigned on eliminating the right to an abortion in the United States. Now, torn between a base that wants more restrictions on reproductive health care and a moderate majority that does not, it seems many Republicans would rather take an off-ramp than a victory lap.
June 28th, 2024 — Source

Spinal cord formation in the embryo: The role of a protein family identified
Work by the team of Dr. Frederic Charron recently published in The Journal of Neuroscience, identifies the fundamental role of a family of proteins, the &beta-arrestins, in the development of the nervous system at the embryonic stage.
June 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 26th, 2024

Centering childbirth coping strategies back to women
A proposed framework by La Trobe University's Judith Lumley Center, in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is challenging traditional categorizations of coping strategies in a bid to promote autonomy and create empowering childbirth experiences that are aligned to women's individual preferences and values.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Judge blocks Michigan's abortion waiting period, 2 years after voters approved abortion rights
A judge on Tuesday blocked Michigan's 24-hour waiting period for abortions, saying it conflicts with a 2022 voter-approved amendment to the state constitution that guarantees abortion rights.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Taking a closer look at the role Krause corpuscles play in sexual behavior in mice
A team of neurobiologists at Howard Hughes Medical Institute has taken a closer look at Krause corpuscles and learned more about their role in the sexual behavior of mice. In their study, published in the journal Nature, the group analyzed the nerve structure in both the penis and clitoris in mice.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

To fight infant mortality, program gives pregnant Philadelphians $1,000
A program guaranteeing income for pregnant residents of three Philadelphia neighborhoods launched on Monday in a city-led effort to decrease infant mortality rates that are higher here than in any other major city.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v Wade has had wider ramifications than previously reported
Women residing in states with the most restrictive abortion policies after the Supreme Court's reversal of "Roe v Wade" also experienced declines in the use of birth control pills and emergency contraceptives, according to a new USC study evaluating the impact of the decision.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

US abortion restrictions have unwanted knock-on effects: Studies
Restrictions or outright bans on abortion implemented in some US states can have unexpected consequences like reduced access to contraceptives and higher infant mortality rates, two studies published this week warned.
June 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 24th, 2024

Even very small amounts of elements in follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates, says research
Though exposure to "trace" (an extremely small amount) elements has been shown to affect ovarian functions in experimental studies, there has been little research on the impact of trace levels of non-essential elements, such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), on female reproduction. Studies have shown that high levels of these non-essential elements may lead to decreased female fertility and reduce the likelihood of getting pregnant.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Fertility treatments could get a boost from stem cells
An unexpectedly versatile and regenerative stem cell in early embryos may be key to creating new effective fertility treatments, suggests a new study in mice from the University of Copenhagen.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Impact of Cannabis Act: Increase in cannabis disorders among pregnant women in Quebec
In a recent study published in Addiction, researchers investigated the impact of the Cannabis Act (CAC) and the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on substance-related disorders among pregnant women in Quebec.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

New study finds medication abortion without ultrasound to be safe
Researchers compared patients who received care remotely to those who got ultrasounds and found no differences in outcomes. Medication abortion patients who receive pills by mail without first getting an ultrasound do just as well as those who are examined and given the drugs in person, new research from UC San Francisco has found.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Preeclampsia can be fatal for pregnant people and babies. New blood tests aim to show who's at risk
When you're expecting a baby, you hope nothing goes wrong. But at least one in 20 people who are pregnant develop a scary complication called preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that kills 70,000 women and 500,000 babies worldwide every year.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Study examines social media advocacy for reproductive rights
What to say? How to say it? These are questions advocates ponder before conducting a social media campaign. It was also the central focus of a qualitative analysis conducted by CUNY SPH faculty, published in the Journal of Communication in Healthcare.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Study exposes gaps in menstrual health education in English schools
A new study reveals inadequacies in menstrual health education provision in English schools. Findings highlight a lack of practical information being offered, pupils being taught too late, and attitudes that perpetuate stigma. The research is published in Women's Reproductive Health.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Texas's 2021 abortion ban tied to rise in infant deaths
Following state legislation passed in 2021 that essentially banned abortion in Texas, the rate of infant deaths rose by almost 13%, compared to a much smaller 1.8% rise nationwide, a new study finds.
June 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 21st, 2024

Looking for good info on vasectomy? Skip 'the snip' on TikTok
Men looking to limit their odds for fatherhood probably have questions about vasectomy.
June 21st, 2024 — Source

Pandemic stress in pregnant mothers may affect anxiety regions of babies' brains
A critical part of the brain linked to risks for anxiety later in life—the left amygdala—was significantly smaller by volume in babies of mothers who reported stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a paper published in JAMA Network Open.
June 21st, 2024 — Source

Research finds microplastics in human penile tissue
The accumulation of microplastics in the ecosystem is rapidly becoming an environmental and public health concern. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, a team of researchers assessed the accumulation of microplastics in penile tissue to determine potential toxicity concerns.
June 21st, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 20th, 2024

Adopting fully effective fortification with folic acid can help prevent birth defects
The UK government's failure to fortify all flour and rice with the vitamin folic acid "will result in more deaths and birth defects every year that could have been prevented," argues Professor Sir Nicholas Wald in The BMJ today.
June 20th, 2024 — Source

Heat exposure during pregnancy can lead to a lifetime of health problems
Global warming is part of this threat. Increasing temperatures are linked to deteriorating health, especially in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children.
June 20th, 2024 — Source

Study finds increase in cannabis-related disorders among pregnant women post legalization
In October 2018, Canada enacted the Cannabis Act in Canada (CAC), which legalised the non-medical use of cannabis. A new study has found that the rate of cannabis-related disorders diagnosed among pregnant women in the Canadian province of Quebec increased by more than 20% after the enactment of the CAC, while rates for all other drug- and alcohol-related disorders remained stable.
June 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 17th, 2024

Chronic high blood pressure during pregnancy doubled between 2008 and 2021 in the US: Study
The number of individuals in the U.S. who had chronic hypertension or chronic high blood pressure during pregnancy doubled between 2008 and 2021, while the prescribing and filling of antihypertensive medication during pregnancy remained low but stable at 60%, according to research published in Hypertension.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

New fathers should be screened for postpartum depression too, study says
An expanding volume of recent research has indicated that fathers, along with their female partners, can develop postpartum depression. Most experts estimate that around 10% of dads will experience the condition, while about 14% of moms will.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

Study reveals doubling of chronic hypertension in pregnancy from 2008 to 2021 in the U. S.
The number of individuals in the U.S. who had chronic hypertension or chronic high blood pressure during pregnancy doubled between 2008 and 2021, while the prescribing and filling of antihypertensive medication during pregnancy remained low but stable at 60%, according to new research published today in Hypertension, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
June 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 15th, 2024

Gonadal function in male mice disrupted by prenatal risk factors
Researchers have consistently shown that prenatal exposure to Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate harms the reproductive system in male mice and causes fertility defects. In a new study, scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have shown that the combination of DEHP and a high-fat diet in pregnant mice can cause more damage to pups than each factor alone.
June 15th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 10th, 2024

Testing immune cells in the placenta may indicate the health of fetal brain immune cells
Immune activation in a pregnant woman can have negative effects on the development of fetal brain microglia—or macrophage immune cells in the brain—and even lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in newborns.
June 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 8th, 2024

Experts call for clear rules governing human embryo research
Clear rules governing human embryo research must be established to enable regulators, researchers and funders to assess whether stem cell-generated models should be considered as human embryos, two leading experts from The University of Manchester have argued.
June 8th, 2024 — Source

Sperm counts may not be declining globally, study suggests
The widely held view that sperm counts in men are dropping around the world may be wrong, according to a new study by University of Manchester, Queen's University in Kingston, Canada and Cryos International, Denmark.
June 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 7th, 2024

Microplastics found in every semen sample tested by research team
A team of public health researchers affiliated with multiple institutions in China has found microplastics in the semen of every sample they tested. In their study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, the group looked for microplastics in semen samples obtained from 36 healthy adult men.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

Researchers say specialist scanning needed to help endometriosis patients
A review of existing research shows there is a growing benefit to using specialist scanning to diagnose endometriosis. The paper is published in the journal Fertility and Sterility.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

Study shows magnesium sulfate reduces risk of cerebral palsy and death for very preterm babies
An international research collaboration conducting a comprehensive review of studies from across the globe has reaffirmed that magnesium sulfate, a medication widely used during pregnancy, significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and death for very preterm babies.
June 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — June 6th, 2024

Many US women unhappy with maternal health care, poll finds
Many women are unhappy with the state of U.S. maternal health care, but a major new poll finds most Americans don't understand how badly the nation lags behind other wealthy countries in this area.
June 6th, 2024 — Source

Nanoparticles: Risk for babies in the womb
Little is yet known about the health effects of nanoparticles on pregnancy. An interdisciplinary team led by Empa researchers is currently analyzing the risks for babies in the womb. Using a lab model, the researchers were able to determine that certain nanoparticles impair the release of chemical messengers in the placenta and thus the formation of blood vessels.
June 6th, 2024 — Source

Wins at the Ballot Box for Abortion Rights Still Mean Court Battles for Access
Before Ohio voters amended their constitution last year to protect abortion rights, the state's attorney general, an anti-abortion Republican, said that doing so would upend at least 10 state laws limiting abortions.
June 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 30th, 2024

Florida allows doctors to perform C-sections outside of hospitals
Florida has become the first state to allow doctors to perform cesarean sections outside of hospitals, siding with a private equity-owned physicians group that says the change will lower costs and give pregnant women the homier birthing atmosphere that many desire.
May 30th, 2024 — Source

Taking the contraceptive pill could contribute to scarring hair loss
A new study published in JAMA Dermatology looks at how taking the oral contraceptive pill could be linked to a form of hair loss, known as frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).
May 30th, 2024 — Source

Too much or too little: The impact of protein dosage on fetal development
New research from the University of Lausanne reveals that both the excess and the deficiency of a single protein can lead to severe intellectual deficiencies. The discovery offers critical insights for early diagnosis of a rare developmental disorder.
May 30th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 29th, 2024

Microplastics: Invisible to the eye but severely harmful to pregnancy and metabolic outcomes
In a recent study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, researchers aimed to investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics on pregnancy outcomes and glucose metabolism.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

Study finds menstrual periods are arriving earlier, especially among racial minority and lower-income individuals
The average age at menarche—the first menstrual period—has been decreasing among younger generations in the U.S., especially those belonging to racial minorities and lower socioeconomic statuses, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It also found that the average time it takes for the menstrual cycle to become regular is increasing.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

Study links low oxytocin levels to symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome NewsGuard 100/100 Score
In a recent systematic review published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology, researchers from Portugal examined and discussed the role of oxytocin (OT) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its association with PCOS symptoms, and the effect of OT administration.
May 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 28th, 2024

People with disabilities more likely to experience pregnancy complications, report shows NewsGuard 100/100 Score
People with disabilities account for 13% of all pregnancies in Ontario, but a new report shows that this population was more likely to experience pregnancy complications such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and preterm birth.
May 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 27th, 2024

New study shows heat waves increase risk of preterm, early-term birth
The increased frequency and intensity of heat waves due to climate change puts women at a higher risk of experiencing preterm and early-term labor—jeopardizing the health and well-being of their babies.
May 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 23rd, 2024

Anti-Abortion Hard-Liners Speak Up
With abortion shaping up as a key issue for the November elections, the movement that united to overturn Roe v. Wade is divided over going further, faster — including by punishing those who have abortions and banning contraception or IVF. Politicians who oppose abortion are already experiencing backlash in some states.
May 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 17th, 2024

Study opens the door to designing therapies to improve lung development in growth-restricted fetuses
If during a pregnancy a fetus grows below normal thresholds, at each week of gestation there is an increased risk that some of its organs may not develop properly, which can adversely affect the baby's health after birth. The life-long effects of restricted fetal growth on brain and cardiovascular development have been the subject of much research, but there is a lack of scientific evidence on its impact on the lungs.
May 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 14th, 2024

New cryopreservation procedure established to preserve fertility before cancer treatment
A woman's egg reserve is finite. Gonad-damaging therapies, such as certain chemotherapies, can therefore lead to infertility. One of the options for preserving fertility is the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. This involves removing and freezing part of the ovary before a so-called gonadotoxic therapy. This can later be thawed and reimplanted so that undamaged eggs can be returned to the body.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

Survey finds 8,000 women a month got abortion pills despite their states' bans or restrictions
Thousands of women in states with abortion bans and restrictions are receiving abortion pills in the mail from states that have laws protecting prescribers, a new report shows.
May 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 13th, 2024

Birth by C-section more than doubles odds of measles vaccine failure, study finds
A study by the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, has found that a single dose of the measles jab is up to 2.6 times more likely to be completely ineffective in children born by C-section, compared to those born naturally. The results are published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
May 13th, 2024 — Source

Sending abortion pills through the mail found to be timely and effective
Dispensing abortion pills through the mail works as well as requiring patients to get them in person from a clinic or doctor's office, according to new research from UC San Francisco, which comes as the Supreme Court is considering whether to disallow the practice.
May 13th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 10th, 2024

Democrats seek to make GOP pay for threats to reproductive rights NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Democrat Lucas Kunce is trying to pin reproductive care restrictions on Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), betting it will boost his chances of unseating the incumbent in November.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Their First Baby Came With Medical Debt. These Illinois Parents Won't Have Another.
Heather Crivilare was a month from her due date when she was rushed to an operating room for an emergency cesarean section.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Women in rich countries are having fewer kids, or none at all. What's going on?
A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows US fertility rates dropped 2% in 2023. With the exception of a temporary increase in the fertility rate at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US fertility rate has been falling steadily since 1971.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 8th, 2024

Researchers find that a new mother's immune status varies with her feeding strategy
In one of the first studies of its kind, UC Santa Barbara researchers have found that the immune status of postpartum mothers shifts with how she feeds her baby. According to a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, certain inflammatory proteins—substances that are secreted as part of an immune response—peak at different times of day, correlating with whether the mothers breastfeed, pump or formula-feed their babies.
May 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 7th, 2024

Cannabis, nicotine use during pregnancy found to increase rate of infant death fourfold
In a new study, Oregon Health & Science University researchers report that combined cannabis and nicotine use during pregnancy is associated with significantly higher risk of poor health outcomes for newborns compared with use of either substance alone.
May 7th, 2024 — Source

South Africa's cesarean birth rates are too high—they can be dangerous for mothers and babies
A cesarean section is an important surgical intervention that can save the lives of mother and baby. Cesarean sections are essential in complicated labors such as prolonged or obstructed labor or if the baby is distressed.
May 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — May 3rd, 2024

Placenta map reveals source of pregnancy complications from infections
The first panoramic view of infection pathways in the human placenta has been created, which could highlight potential drug targets to develop pregnancy-safe therapies for malaria, toxoplasmosis and listeria, all diseases that can cause severe pregnancy complications.
May 3rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 30th, 2024

Quitting smoking during pregnancy prevents placental-fetal weight mismatch NewsGuard 100/100 Score
A new study from the University of Bergen and the University of Exeter shows that pregnant women who quit smoking may prevent an abnormal mismatch between the weight of the placenta and the growth of the fetus.
April 30th, 2024 — Source or Source

Health — Fertility — April 29th, 2024

What Florida's new 6-week abortion ban means for the South, and traveling patients
The Tennessee mother was around 13 weeks pregnant when, according to a lawsuit filed against the state of Tennessee, doctors gave her the devastating news that her baby had Patau syndrome.
April 29th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 24th, 2024

Infertility is rising among young married women in the US
The percentage of married American women under the age of 50 who are infertile rose between 2011 and 2019, new government statistics show.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Unveiling the mysteries of cell division in embryos with timelapse photography
The beginning of life is shrouded in mystery. While the intricate dynamics of mitosis are well-studied in the so-called somatic cells—the cells that have a specialized function, like skin and muscle cells—they remain elusive in the first cells of our bodies, the embryonic cells. Embryonic mitosis is notoriously difficult to study in vertebrates, as live functional analyses and imaging of experimental embryos are technically limited, which makes it hard to track cells during embryogenesis.
April 24th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 22nd, 2024

Ozempic 'oops' babies spark debate about weight-loss drug use as fertility drug
A surprising thing is happening to some women on weight-loss drugs who've struggled with fertility issues: They're getting pregnant. That's leading to questions about the safety of medications from Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly & Co. during pregnancy.
April 22th, 2024 — Source

Pressure in the womb may influence facial development
Physical cues in the womb, and not just genetics, influence the normal development of neural crest cells, the embryonic stem cells that form facial features, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
April 22th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 19th, 2024

Conversational AI improves 'fourth trimester' maternal care at Penn Medicine
The clinician-informed data model answers more than 70% of patient questions correctly, reducing the number of routine questions clinicians need to answer so they can focus on more complex patient concerns. The tool also is helping boost health equity.
April 19th, 2024 — Source

Hoping to conceive? Experts offer tips to better female fertility
Women hoping to get pregnant sometimes wonder if there's anything they can do to make it easier to conceive.
April 19th, 2024 — Source

Large-scale genetic study finds new link between IBS and the cardiovascular system
New research published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology sheds light on disease mechanisms common to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
April 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 17th, 2024

New study uncovers why boys born to mothers with HIV are at greater risk of health problems and death in infancy
Researchers have found that children of women with HIV infection have an increased risk of immune abnormalities following exposure to maternal HIV viremia, immune dysfunction, and co-infections during pregnancy.
April 17th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 15th, 2024

Social media algorithms may skew perceptions of the risks of birth control
Myths about birth control are as old as the hills. But social media platforms, in particular TikTok and Instagram, are allowing false information to proliferate in new and dangerous ways.
April 15th, 2024 — Source

Understanding hyperemesis gravidarum: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Severe morning sickness in pregnancy, known medically as hyperemesis gravidarum, can negatively affect both maternal and infant health. A review published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.221502 provides information to clinicians on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.
April 15th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 12th, 2024

First national study of Dobbs ruling's effect on permanent contraception among young adults
The first study to evaluate the effect of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling on permanent contraception procedures among young adults nationwide was published in a JAMA Health Forum research letter.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Midwives can play a role in supporting pregnant women to reduce drug use
Midwives are in a prime position to help support pregnant women to stop or cut down on alcohol and other drug use and to improve outcomes for the women and their children.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Study improves understanding of effects of household air pollution during pregnancy
In a new study, researchers from Oxford's Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health have found that pregnant mothers' exposure to air pollution from indoor stoves did not affect the development of their babies in any statistically significant way, challenging conventional wisdom regarding the impact of household air pollution on fetal growth.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Study of data from thousands of women suggests ovarian cycle is regulated by circadian rhythm
A team of reproductive researchers affiliated with several institutions in France and the U.S. has found that the timing of monthly ovarian cycles in women is mostly likely attributable to the circadian rhythm. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their study of thousands of ovarian cycles as reported by thousands of women in Europe and the U.S. and what they found.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Tylenol During Pregnancy Not Linked to Higher Risk of ADHD, Autism
Scientists and researchers have long raised concerns about the potential increased risks of autism and ADHD from taking acetaminophen during pregnancy, even though the FDA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have said it's safe to use when you're carrying a child.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Understanding the mechanisms behind embryonic diapause in hungry mouse mums
It's challenging to sustain a pregnancy when food is short, or conditions are otherwise tough. That's why many mammalian embryos can postpone their growth to get through periods of environmental stress and then re-enter development when conditions improve. This stalling of development is known as embryonic diapause, and understanding the mechanisms behind it might help improve infertility treatments, such as embryo freezing.
April 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 11th, 2024

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase risk of cardiovascular death after giving birth, study finds
Rutgers Health researchers have found that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are strongly associated with fatal cardiovascular disease for up to a year after birth.
April 11th, 2024 — Source

Study finds embryos in hungry mouse moms postpone development
It's challenging to sustain a pregnancy when food is short, or conditions are otherwise tough. That's why many mammalian embryos can postpone their growth to get through periods of environmental stress and then re-enter development when conditions improve. This stalling of development is known as embryonic diapause, and understanding the mechanisms behind it might help improve infertility treatments, such as embryo freezing.
April 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 10th, 2024

Lies about birth control are propagating on social media—here are the facts
Social media is full of bad advice when it comes to your health. With so much of this content created by influencers who don't actually have medical qualifications, it's no wonder that misinformation about health spreads so easily online.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Systematic reviews find inadequate evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones for gender distress
The evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones for children and young people experiencing gender related distress is wholly inadequate, making it impossible to gauge their effectiveness or their impact on mental and physical health, find two systematic reviews of the available research, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
April 10th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 6th, 2024

Birth rate in United States remained unchanged from 2021 to 2022, report shows
The birth rate in the United States was essentially unchanged from 2021 to 2022, according to the April 4 National Vital Statistics Reports (PDF).
April 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 5th, 2024

First atlas of the human ovary with cell-level resolution is a step toward artificial ovary
A new "atlas" of the human ovary provides insights that could lead to treatments restoring ovarian hormone production and the ability to have biologically related children, according to University of Michigan engineers.
April 5th, 2024 — Source

Protein intake during pregnancy affects offspring's facial features
The protein content of the diet during pregnancy can affect the face of the offspring. This is shown in animal studies, and the underlying mechanism was also found in human genetic studies. The research is described in a study led by the University of Gothenburg.
April 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 4th, 2024

Feds Join Ranks of Employers with Generous Fertility Benefits
Companies have increasingly offered generous fertility benefits to attract and keep top-notch workers. Now, the federal government is getting in on the act. Starting this year, federal employees can choose plans that cover several fertility services, including up to $25,000 annually for in vitro fertilization procedures and up to three artificial insemination cycles each year.
April 4th, 2024 — Source

Perinatal women of Mexican descent propose solutions to pandemic-related stressors affecting Latinos
Public policies blocked many families of Mexican descent living in the U.S. from accessing vital services such as food and mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though these communities experienced some of the highest infection and mortality rates.
April 4th, 2024 — Source

Sex education is under threat in the UK. What's going on?
It's been 20 years since LGBTQ+ sex ed was made legal and now it's at threat once again.
April 4th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — April 2nd, 2024

Abortion rights amendment can be on the ballot: Florida Supreme Court
Florida's Supreme Court on Monday paved the way for a ban on abortion after just six weeks of pregnancy, even as it allowed an abortion rights amendment to be on the ballot in November.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

Abortions are legal in much of Africa. But few women may be aware, and providers don't advertise it
When Efua, a 25-year-old fashion designer and single mother in Ghana, became pregnant last year, she sought an abortion at a health clinic but worried the procedure might be illegal. Health workers assured her abortions were lawful under certain conditions in the West African country, but Efua said she was still nervous.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

California universities are required to offer abortion pills. Many just don't mention it
When Deanna Gomez found out she was pregnant in September 2023, she felt the timing couldn't have been worse.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

Women's health researchers explore pregnancy and postpartum muscle strength
A decade-long partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) has yielded significant advancements in global research and scholarship, particularly in women's health.
April 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 28th, 2024

Few states cover fertility treatment for same-sex couples, but that could be changing
Elizabeth Bauer was working out at the gym one morning last August when she got a phone call from her fertility nurse. It was a call that Bauer and her wife, Rebecca, had long been waiting for.
March 28th, 2024 — Source

Positive associations found between premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression
Women affected by premenstrual disorders have a higher risk of perinatal depression compared with those who do not, according to research published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine. The relationship works both ways: those with perinatal depression are also more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth.
March 28th, 2024 — Source

Research finds no evidence probiotics offer benefit during pregnancy
A systematic review of the use of probiotics during pregnancy on pregnancy-related conditions found no evidence that probiotics had any effect on the conditions.
March 28th, 2024 — Source

Self-compassion could help endometriosis sufferers
New research shows endometriosis sufferers in New Zealand are likely to show some improvement in quality of life if they practice self-compassion.
March 28th, 2024 — Source

TikTok health hacks promising to change the taste and smell of female genitals are more sour than sweet
Wake up. Brush teeth. Exfoliate. Drink a glass of pineapple "coochie juice?"
March 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 27th, 2024

Exploring the link between prenatal nutrition and congenital craniofacial malformations NewsGuard 100/100 Score
A recent study published in Nature Communications conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis, using CAGE-sequencing on the facial mesenchyme of human embryos and comparing the results with genes linked to facial appearance by GWAS, to understand the complex development of craniofacial skeletal structures and improve treatments for congenital craniofacial malformations.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Meta and Google fuel abortion misinformation across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, report finds
While also reportedly restricting vital information from abortion providers and reproductive rights groups.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Mouse study shows exercise during pregnancy improves heart health of future generations
Exercising during pregnancy doesn't just benefit moms—it may also give their babies a head start on their heart health after birth, according to a study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Patients interested in learning about preeclampsia risk, shows study
The majority of childbearing-age people would value predictive testing for preeclampsia and report they would act on this information, according to a study published online March 13 in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Water breaking: Understand this sign of labor
Water breaking worries? Prepare yourself for childbirth by getting the facts about this important sign of labor.
March 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 25th, 2024

At stake in mifepristone case: Abortion, FDA's authority, and return to 1873 obscenity law NewsGuard 100/100 Score
Lawyers from the conservative Christian group that won the case to overturn Roe v. Wade are returning to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday in pursuit of an urgent priority: shutting down access to abortion pills for women across the country.
March 25th, 2024 — Source

Pre-pregnancy risk factors are common among women of reproductive age
Researchers want to improve the recording of pregnancy risk factors in GP medical records for their women patients after a Monash University-led audit found a concerning number were at risk.
March 25th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 22nd, 2024

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue's CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech
For Endometriosis Awareness Month, NewsMedical interviewed Audrey Tsang, CEO of Clue, a world-leading menstrual tracking app hosting over 10 million users from more than 190 countries.
March 22nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers uncover protein interactions controlling fertility in female mice
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have shed light on the proteins controlling the development of ovaries in mice before and after birth. This could lead to a better understanding of how female infertility develops.
March 22nd, 2024 — Source

Researchers unlock secrets of birth defect origins, offering early detection and prevention strategies
A new study led by the University of California, Irvine, has revealed a potential shift in our basic knowledge of the origins of birth defects, which affect about 3% of babies born in the United States each year. The findings offer new avenues of exploration for early detection and prevention strategies.
March 22nd, 2024 — Source

Risk of adverse pre-eclampsia outcomes accurately identified through new AI model
A potentially lifesaving model for identifying maternal risk in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia has been developed by researchers.
March 22nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 20th, 2024

After abortion ban, US state sees substandard pregnancy care
Louisiana's strict abortion ban is having spillover effects across women's health care in the US state, leading doctors to turn away patients for routine prenatal visits and perform unnecessary Cesarean sections, according to a report released Tuesday.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Losing sleep in extreme heat waves hurts pregnant people, newborns
People need plenty of sleep during pregnancy, but in India and other areas hit by extreme heat and heavy flooding, they're getting less. That's taking a toll on their health.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

More hysterectomies can be averted with earlier uterine artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhages, finds research
Early intervention with a minimally invasive treatment called uterine artery embolization (UAE) can help women avoid hysterectomy due to severe bleeding after childbirth, according to a new study being presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting held March 23--28 in Salt Lake City.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Objective risk information motivates preeclampsia prevention among pregnant patients
A new study in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth finds that objective information about risk of preeclampsia could be key to driving patient behavior change and creates motivation among pregnant patients to follow provider recommendations on prevention, even among those who are medication-hesitant.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate may not increase children's risk of autism spectrum disorder
Topiramate—an antiseizure medication prescribed to treat epilepsy as well as migraines and bipolar disorder—does not appear to increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children exposed to it prenatally, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Research illuminates a social media trap for new moms
Being a new mom is not glamorous or effortless—no matter what some social media influencers suggest—and the uptick of idealized portrayals online has been shown to have deleterious effects on moms.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Study calls for putting menstrual health front and center in routine pediatric care
The onset of menstruation is an impactful milestone as a marker of the start of reproductive potential and as a social cue for transitioning further into adolescence. Although the first period is often confusing, can trigger embarrassment, and is frequently laden with stigma, timely guidance can empower patients to advocate for their health throughout life, according to a paper at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Study reports alarming increase in U.S. maternal mortality rates NewsGuard 100/100 Score
The U.S. maternal mortality rate is accelerating at an alarming rate, reports a new study from Northwestern Medicine. But it's not due to the widely believed hypothesis that maternal mortality in the U.S. has increased largely because people are getting pregnant at older ages.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Study shows association between sedentary leisure time and men's risk of erectile dysfunction
Previous research has identified genetic variants linked to sedentary leisure behavior, which includes activities such as watching television, using a computer, and operating a vehicle.
March 20th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 18th, 2024

Montana, an island of abortion access, prepares for consequential elections and court decisions
A years-long battle over abortion access in a sprawling and sparsely populated region of the U.S. may come to a head this year in the courts and at the ballot box.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Mouse models shed light on the effects of metformin use during pregnancy on offspring
With the rise in gestational diabetes and metabolic disorders during pregnancy, metformin is also being prescribed more frequently. Although it is known that the oral antidiabetic agent can cross the placental barrier, the impacts on the brain development of the child are largely unknown. An interdisciplinary research team from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) have now been able to demonstrate in a mouse model that although metformin has positive effects in pregnant animals, it does not in the offspring. The results were published in the specialist journal Molecular Metabolism.
March 18th, 2024 — Source

Repurposed drug shows promise against endometriosis-related pain in animal model
NIH-funded study suggests fenoprofen as a potential therapeutic for disease that affects 1 in 10 U.S. women.
March 18th, 2024 — Source or Source

Health — Fertility — March 15th, 2024

Teen pregnancy may be associated with risk of premature mortality in early adulthood
In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers examined the risk of early death beyond 12 years of age related to teenage pregnancies and gestational age.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 14th, 2024

Researchers find lack of personalized maternity care is causing more unassisted 'freebirths'
The number of women having unassisted births, or 'freebirths' across the UK is believed to be rising, as more expectant mothers are unable to access high-quality individualized maternity care.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Researchers one step closer to preventing preeclampsia
Researchers have identified several differences in DNA methylation in people who experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy, according to a new study from Oregon Health & Science University. The study also revealed these differences appear to occur in connection to genes relevant to the disease. The study is published in Physiological Genomics.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Study explores homeless women's experiences of 'period poverty'
Research from the University of Southampton has identified common issues women face when experiencing periods while homeless.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

What are the most common symptoms of menopause? And which can hormone therapy treat?
Despite decades of research, navigating menopause seems to have become harder—with conflicting information on the internet, in the media, and from health care providers and researchers.
March 14th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 11th, 2024

A New $16,000 Postpartum Depression Drug Is Here. How Will Insurers Handle It?
A much-awaited treatment for postpartum depression, zuranolone, hit the market in December, promising an accessible and fast-acting medication for a debilitating illness. But most private health insurers have yet to publish criteria for when they will cover it, according to a new analysis of insurance policies.
March 11th, 2024 — Source

Can Nanoparticles Be Made Safe for Pregnancy Treatments?
Clinical trials in pregnant women are uncommon, and as a result, any available medications these individuals could tke are prescribed off-label for them or not at all. To address this, researchers have developed a proof of concept for the key characteristics required to generate pregnancy-safe gene treatments.
March 11th, 2024 — Source

California pushes to expand the universe of abortion care providers
California's efforts to expand access to abortion care are enabling more types of medical practitioners to perform certain abortion procedures potentially a boon for patients in rural areas especially, but a source of concern for doctors' groups that have long fought efforts to expand the role of non-physicians.
March 11th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 8th, 2024

Comparing pregnancy rates in patients undergoing two types of dialysis
Among patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on home dialysis, pregnancy rates are higher with home hemodialysis than peritoneal dialysis, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

Designing nanoparticles for pregnancy-safe treatments
Too often, the lack of clinical trials means that pregnant women suffer because available medications are prescribed off-label for them or not at all. A new study offers proof of concept for the important parameters to develop pregnancy-safe gene therapies.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

New guidelines for early menopause diagnosis and management
University of Queensland research has led to the development of a practical framework to help medical professionals around the world diagnose and manage early menopause.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

Pregnant women with autoimmune conditions at a greater risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes, study suggests
In a recent review published in BMC Medicine, researchers analyzed systematic reviews conducted on the association between autoimmune diseases and pregnancy outcomes.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

Research sheds light on new strategy to treat infertility
New research from Oregon Health & Science University describes the science behind a promising technique to treat infertility by turning a skin cell into an egg that is capable of producing viable embryos.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

The effects of high maternal folate intake on the health outcomes of offspring
In a recent review article published in Nutrients, researchers summarized what is known about the effects of excessive folic acid (FA) supplementation for mothers on children.
March 8th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 6th, 2024

Everything you need to know about the new over-the-counter birth control pill coming to retailers
After approval from the Food and Drug Administration last summer, Opill, a daily oral contraceptive, is now coming to retailers, making it the first birth control pill available without a prescription.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Improving women's fertility choices: Avoiding environmental catastrophe caused by population growth
Declining fertility rates and aging populations in Western nations have recently set off alarm bells, but continued global population growth will actually raise the pressure billions more people place on a destroyed environment, according to new research.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

New approach needed to better prepare and support women during menopause transition, experts say
A new approach to menopause that better prepares and supports women during midlife is needed -- going beyond medical treatments, to empower women using high-quality information on symptoms and treatments, empathic clinical care and workplace adjustments as required, says a new four paper Series published in The Lancet.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Perspectives of youth, parents and teachers on menstruation, endometriosis and menstrual health education
Western Sydney University has released an insightful new report into young people's experiences, knowledge, and preferences regarding menstruation and menstrual health education, finding 78% of students surveyed through the research reported that their periods stopped them from participating in activities.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Poverty shown to reduce women's ovarian reserves
Earlier menopause onset is associated with a variety of health consequences, including osteoporosis, neurologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Evidence suggests that the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool leads to menopause. A new study proposes that neighborhood disadvantage may affect the ovarian reserve and the timing of menopause. Results of the survey are published in Menopause.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Psychosocial stressors linked to higher inflammation in Black pregnant women
Distinctive stressors frequently experienced by Black individuals, such as neighborhood composition and racial discrimination, might influence preterm birth risk
March 6th, 2024 — Source or Source

Why is there a shortage of estrogen patches in Australia again?
Since 2020 or so, there have been recurring national shortages of estrogen transdermal patches in Australia.
March 6th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 4th, 2024

California Pushes to Expand the Universe of Abortion Care Providers
California's efforts to expand access to abortion care are enabling more types of medical practitioners to perform certain abortion procedures — potentially a boon for patients in rural areas especially, but a source of concern for doctors' groups that have long fought efforts to expand the role of non-physicians.
March 4th, 2024 — Source

Texas IVF patients scramble in wake of Alabama decision
Heather Burzlaff has four embryos in a freezer in Dallas and she doesn't know what to do with them. After seven years of medications, egg retrievals and waiting, the embryos are all the 38-year-old Flower Mound resident has left from the grueling in-vitro fertilization process, which resulted in no children.
March 4th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — March 1st, 2024

Alabama IVF ruling will have national implications, health experts argue
Two health experts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy are available to discuss what the Alabama Supreme Court's landmark ruling on frozen embryos could mean for the rest of the country and for the science of human embryo research.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

America's biggest pharmacy chains announce abortion pill rollout
America's two biggest pharmacy chains said Friday they will begin dispensing prescription abortion pills in a limited number of states where it's legal.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Meta is killing the Facebook News tab in the US and Australia
It follows the tab's deprecation in the UK, France and Germany.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Public health researcher discusses new push for abortion study retractions
A University of Maryland public health researcher joined scholars from institutions worldwide to call for the retraction of four studies purporting to show damaging psychological effects of abortion, including one submitted as evidence in a decision overturning Roe v. Wade and now involved in a current Supreme Court case over availability of the abortion drug mifepristone.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Reasons found for reduced supply of breast milk
A new international study led by La Trobe University researchers, and published in PLOS One, has revealed the reasons why some new mothers produce less breast milk than others.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Study results show 25% of pregnant people are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids
Results from a new nationwide cohort study show that, despite strong recommendations in favor of consuming omega-3 fatty acids for optimal pregnancy outcomes and offspring health, 25% of participants reported rarely or never eating fish during pregnancy, with fewer taking omega-3 supplements.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Study reveals low omega-3 intake among pregnant women despite health benefits
Results from a new nationwide cohort study show that, despite strong recommendations in favor of consuming omega-3 fatty acids for optimal pregnancy outcomes and offspring health, 25% of participants reported rarely, or never eating fish during pregnancy, with fewer taking omega-3 supplements.
March 1st, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 28th, 2024

Do high-stress jobs put pregnancy at risk?
Raw tuna. Copious caffeine. Cigarettes. Unpasteurized brie. Alcohol. Most women know to avoid these potentially harmful substances while pregnant, plus certain risky activities such as rock climbing, ice skating, and skiing. But what if your job could negatively impact your pregnancy?
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Fetal growth restriction found to harm the heart and lungs via the brainstem
Babies affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR) have poor cardiorespiratory control; now Hudson Institute researchers have become the first to show persistent injury in the brainstem of growth-restricted fetuses as the likely cause.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

If you're poor, fertility treatment can be out of reach
Mary Delgado's first pregnancy went according to plan, but when she tried to get pregnant again seven years later, nothing happened. After 10 months, Delgado, now 34, and her partner, Joaquin Rodriguez, went to see an OB-GYN. Tests showed she had endometriosis, which was interfering with conception. Delgado's only option, the doctor said, was in vitro fertilization.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Improving a non-invasive way to monitor contractions during labor
Uterine contractions are a key part of childbirth, but they can temporarily reduce oxygen supply to the fetus. During high-risk childbirth, monitoring of contractions is crucial to ensure the safety of the mother and unborn child. However, traditional monitoring techniques can be affected by maternal movements, or they are quite invasive.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Q&A: Decline in condom use indicates need for further education, awareness
New research from the University of Washington shows that condom use has been trending downward among younger gay and bisexual men over the last decade, even when they aren't taking pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.
February 28th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 27th, 2024

1st trimester pregnancy: What to expect
The first trimester of pregnancy can be overwhelming. Understand the changes you might experience and how to take care of yourself during this exciting time.
February 27th, 2024 — Source

Alabama ruling frozen embryos are equivalent to living children has worrying implications for IVF
In December 2020 in Alabama (PDF), a hospital patient gained unauthorized access to an adjoining IVF storage facility, which was not adequately secured. The patient is said to have removed several frozen embryos, which they then dropped on the floor, owing to a freeze-burn to their hand. The embryos were destroyed.
February 27th, 2024 — Source

Pregnancy care was always lacking in jails: It could get worse
It was about midnight in June 2022 when police officers showed up at Angela Collier's door and told her that someone anonymously requested a welfare check because they thought she might have had a miscarriage.
February 27th, 2024 — Source

The consequences of prenatal exposure to drugs, a growing crisis in rural America
Nearly 1 in 12 newborns in the United States in 2020—or about 300,000 infants (PDF)—were exposed to alcohol, opioids, marijuana or cocaine before they were born. Exposure to these substances puts these newborns at a higher risk for premature birth, low birth weight and a variety of physical and mental disabilities.
February 27th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 26th, 2024

Driver's license laws for undocumented immigrants linked to improved birth outcomes
In 2023, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Minnesota joined a growing list of states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses if an applicant can provide certain documentation, such as a foreign birth certificate or passport and evidence of current residency in the state. Altogether, 19 states and the District of Columbia have similar legislation in place.
February 26th, 2024 — Source

If You're Poor, Fertility Treatment Can Be Out of Reach
Mary Delgado's first pregnancy went according to plan, but when she tried to get pregnant again seven years later, nothing happened. After 10 months, Delgado, now 34, and her partner, Joaquin Rodriguez, went to see an OB-GYN. Tests showed she had endometriosis, which was interfering with conception. Delgado's only option, the doctor said, was in vitro fertilization.
February 26th, 2024 — Source or Source

What is Ryeqo, the recently approved medicine for endometriosis?
For women diagnosed with endometriosis it is often a long sentence of chronic pain and cramping that impacts their daily life. It is a condition that is both difficult to diagnose and treat, with many women needing either surgery or regular medication.
February 26th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 23rd, 2024

Pregnancy care was always lacking in jails. It could get worse.
It was about midnight in June 2022 when police officers showed up at Angela Collier's door and told her that someone anonymously requested a welfare check because they thought she might have had a miscarriage.
February 23rd, 2024 — Source or Source

Statement on safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection: Points to consider
Should we be using polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection? Providing in-depth analysis, the Social, Ethical and Legal Issues Committee of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released a new Points to Consider statement to assist health care professionals and patients in understanding the safety and utility of preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic disorders (PGT-P) as a clinical service.
February 23rd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 19th, 2024

Exposure to the sun's UV radiation may have a positive effect on fertility in women aged 30--40
A research team from Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer conducted an investigation of seasonal fluctuations in AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels. Their pioneering study revealed that during the summer, women of late reproductive age—between the ages of 30 and 40—experience increased secretion of the hormone from their ovaries.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Study provides evidence that antidepressant use in pregnancy affects child's brain development
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is an important brain region with respect to behavioral regulation. Aberrations in serotonin (5-HT) during early development have been reported to be associated with behavioral dysregulations over the long term, but how this works is still unclear.
February 19th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 12th, 2024

Ask the Pediatrician: How to keep the fun in sports to keep kids active
Does your child dream of becoming the next Olympic star or pro athlete? While you might share those goals, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages all parents and families to take a commonsense approach when it comes to sports training.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Associations between ultra-processed food consumption and phthalate exposures in pregnant women
In a recent study published in Environment International, researchers explored the relationship between consuming ultra-processed foods and urinary phthalate concentrations during pregnancy. They also investigated whether the ultra-processed category of food items mediates socioeconomic discrepancies in exposure to phthalate compounds.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

New study finds roughly 1 in 10 pregnant people will develop long COVID
While there is a growing body of research about the long-term effects of COVID in the general adult population, little research has been done on the long-term impacts on those who get COVID while pregnant.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Post-Roe v. Wade, more patients rely on early prenatal testing as states toughen abortion laws
In Utah, more of Dr. Cara Heuser's maternal-fetal medicine patients are requesting early ultrasounds, hoping to detect serious problems in time to choose whether to continue the pregnancy or have an abortion.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Vasectomies still rare but on the rise in France: Study
Fifteen times more French men are choosing sterilization to avoid getting their partner pregnant than a decade ago, a study said Monday, even if those undergoing the operation are still a tiny minority.
February 12th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 9th, 2024

Breastfeeding benefits mothers as much as babies, but public health messaging often only tells half of the story
Four babies are born every second in the world, and there are only two options for their first food at birth: human milk or formula.
February 9th, 2024 — Source

Erections: What researchers learned from mice could help with sexual health in humans
Have you ever wondered how penile erection works but never dared to ask? Well, imagine a dry sponge in a condom. Now pour water on the sponge (that's the blood flowing in). There you have it.
February 9th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 7th, 2024

Gut microbiome changes during pregnancy may influence immune system response
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system changes dramatically but researchers don't yet understand all the underlying mechanisms. A new study shows how the gut microbiota may play a role.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

More 'navigators' are helping women travel to have abortions
Chloe Bell is a case manager at the National Abortion Federation. She spends her days helping people cover the cost of an abortion and, increasingly, the interstate travel many of them need to get the procedure.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

New review: 1.6% of women and girls have debilitating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Researchers led by Dr Thomas Reilly at the University of Oxford looked at studies from across the world to work out how many women and girls met the strict diagnostic criteria for the condition. The data suggested around 1.6% did - equivalent to around 31 million women and girls globally.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

Study: Pregnant women should avoid ultraprocessed, fast foods
If you're pregnant, you may want to think twice before making a hamburger run or reaching for a prepackaged pastry, according to research published last month in the journal Environmental International.
February 7th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 5th, 2024

Simulations crack code of human egg fertilization
Who hasn't seen it before: the view through the microscope in which a sperm penetrates an egg cell and fertilizes it. This fundamental step in procreation happens dynamically and seemingly without problems. However, if you zoom in on the processes that take place during fertilization at a molecular level, it becomes highly complex and it is thus not surprising that 15 percent of couples worldwide struggle to conceive.
February 5th, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — February 2nd, 2024

Let's Face It: Shopping While Pregnant Can Be Scary
How to navigate making the best purchases with the least stress in those nine important months
February 2nd, 2024 — Source

Teen pregnancy, sexual health care use lower than expected during pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, population-level rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexual health-related care utilization were lower than expected, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in Pediatrics.
February 2nd, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 31st, 2024

Autoimmune disease and pregnancy: Study challenges prevailing wisdom and unveils nuances
For many aspiring mothers with autoimmune disease, pregnancy can be daunting and full of unknowns. In some cases, those suffering from specific autoimmune conditions have chosen to forego pregnancy altogether due to concerns about their disease treatments and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Endometriosis takes almost a decade to be diagnosed in the UK. Research reveals some of the reasons why
Around 1 in 10 women and people with uteruses in the UK have endometriosis. This disease causes tissue similar to the womb's lining to grow in other places—such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can cause chronic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, organ damage and fatigue.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Placenta cells may lower blood pressure
Scientists from La Trobe University and the Hudson Institute have demonstrated that cells from placentas could have therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from high blood pressure.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Polycystic ovary syndrome tied to memory, thinking problems
People with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems in middle age, according to new research published in the January 31, 2024, online issue of Neurology. The study does not prove that polycystic ovary syndrome causes cognitive decline. It only shows an association.
January 31, 2024 — Source

New research on health care burdens in the post--Roe v. Wade US
New research co-authored by Lori Brown, a distinguished professor of architecture at Syracuse University, was just published by the Journal of Women, Politics and Policy.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Study explores barriers to contraceptive use in females with kidney disease
The percentage of females with kidney disease who use contraception is much lower than the rate of contraceptive use by females in the general population, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Cincinnati.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Telehealth makes timely abortions possible for many, research shows
Access to telehealth abortion care can determine whether a person can obtain an abortion in the United States. For young people and those living on low incomes, telehealth makes a critical difference in getting timely abortion care.
January 31, 2024 — Source

Trial shows promise in addressing unnecessary cesarean sections
Cesarean sections now account for more than 1 in 5 childbirths globally, with the numbers set to rise in the coming decade to one-third of all births, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
January 31, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 29th, 2024

Guideline renewal and more openness needed toward new digital contraceptive methods
New digital contraceptive methods, such as apps or wearables to determine fertile days, are gaining in popularity. University of Amsterdam medical anthropologist Ellen Algera and her colleagues investigated whether and how these new methods find a place in the consultation room.
January 29, 2024 — Source

New review aims to help clinicians diagnose and manage polycystic ovarian syndrome
This disorder affects females of reproductive age and is associated with infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Its long-term health consequences include hypertension, cancer risks, and metabolic and psychological impacts. Patients usually present to health care between ages 18 and 39 years complaining of menstrual cycle irregularities, acne and excessive hair growth, but diagnosis and treatment are often delayed.
January 29, 2024 — Source

Pickle, anyone? Three possible reasons women get cravings during pregnancy
From pickles and french fries to oranges and ice cream, women and other people who are pregnant report craving a range of foods while they're expecting.
January 29, 2024 — Source

Scientists find variant in the synaptonemal complex protein SYCE2 increases risk of pregnancy loss
While it is well established that chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of miscarriages the biology behind pregnancy losses with or without chromosomal errors is not well understood. Over 114 thousand women from Iceland, Denmark, UK, U.S. and Finland who have experienced pregnancy loss participated in a genome-wide association study, testing 50 million sequence variants. A low frequency missense variant in the SYCE2 gene was found to increase the risk of pregnancy loss by 22%.
January 29, 2024 — Source

The contraceptive pill also affects the brain and the regulation of emotions, say researchers
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are used by more than 150 million women worldwide. Approximately one-third of teenagers in North America and Europe use them, making them the most prescribed drug for teenagers.
January 29, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 26th, 2024

2004 to 2019 saw increase in isotretinoin use in girls, women
From 2004 to 2019, there was an increase in isotretinoin use among girls and women of childbearing age in Germany, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in PLOS Medicine.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Dexmedetomidine cuts incidence of postpartum depression after C-section
For women with prenatal depression undergoing cesarean delivery, dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence of positive postpartum depression (PPD) screening, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in JAMA Network Open.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Maternal autistic traits linked to risk for adverse birth outcomes
A higher level of maternal autistic traits is associated with an increased risk for adverse birth outcomes, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in JAMA Network Open.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Most state abortion bans have limited exceptions, but it's hard to understand what they mean
More than a year after the Supreme Court found there is no fundamental right to get an abortion, 21 states have laws in effect that ban abortion well before fetal viability, generally allowing it only in the first trimester.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Study finds ER visits related to emergency contraception dropped significantly over 14-year period
Following federal approval for over-the-counter emergency contraception in 2006, emergency departments across the U.S. saw dramatic decreases in related visits and medical charges, a new study suggests.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Too many athletes develop reproductive problems, says researcher
Many athletes compete at the peril of their reproductive health. "This applies to both men and women. Competitive training can affect sex hormones and the ability to have children," says Professor Anthony Hackney.
January 26, 2024 — Source

Underground zine normalizes the taboo of vulvodynia
Opening Up, a zine created by grassroots organization Tight Lipped, advocates for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain. The 80-page zine, which was first published in 2020, is filled with art illustrations, Q&A interviews, handwritten letters and poems from people living with conditions including vulvodynia, vestibulodynia (a form of vulvodynia and a general term for pain in the vestibule), pelvic-floor dysfunction (when the pelvic floor muscles function abnormally) and vulvar lichen sclerosus (a skin condition that primarily affects the genital skin).
January 26, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 24th, 2024

Abortion and miscarriage care in New York State significantly delayed during COVID-19 pandemic: Study
A study by CUNY SPH researchers found that those seeking abortion and miscarriage care in New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced considerable delays.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Do different plant-based diets affect pregnancy and birth outcomes?
Women who follow vegan diets during pregnancy may face higher risks of developing preeclampsia and of giving birth to newborns with lower birth weight, suggests a recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Pregnant women exposed to common flame retardants may face preterm birth risk
In the largest study of its kind, researchers at UC Davis Health found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among females. The chemicals were also linked to higher birth weight, a concern for increased obesity risk.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Scientists identify potential new method for diagnosing male infertility
Researchers have discovered a new phenomenon where sperm from mice can induce non-reproductive cells from hamsters to fuse and form a syncytia—a cell with multiple nuclei.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Ultrasound can help predict the risk of preterm births, research shows
Researchers have developed a way to use ultrasound to predict whether a pregnant person is at risk of delivering a baby prematurely, which occurs in upward of 10% of pregnancies in the U.S.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Ultrasound method helps identify pregnant women at risk for preterm birth
Researchers have developed a way to use ultrasound to predict whether a pregnant person is at risk of delivering a baby prematurely, which occurs in upward of 10% of pregnancies in the U.S.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Vegan diet during pregnancy linked to higher preeclampsia and lower birth weight risks
For the study, 65,872 women identified themselves as omnivorous, 666 as fish/poultry vegetarians, 183 as lacto/ovo vegetarians, and 18 as vegans. Based on a questionnaire completed mid-pregnancy, investigators found that protein intake was lower among lacto/ovo vegetarians (13.3%) and vegans (10.4%) compared with omnivorous participants (15.4%). Micronutrient intake was also much lower among vegans, but when dietary supplements were considered, no major differences were observed.
January 24, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 22nd, 2024

Biden administration takes new steps to ensure access to abortion
On what would have been the 51st anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, the Biden Administration has announced new measures it will take to further protect a woman's access to abortion.
January 22, 2024 — Source

Does space travel impact the human reproductive system?
Recently, scientists have reviewed the existing literature to understand how space travel, space radiation, and microgravity affect human reproductive functions. This review was published in Npj Microgravity.
January 22, 2024 — Source

High blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes
In a recent cohort study published in the journal Hypertension Research, researchers from Japan investigated the link between blood pressure (BP) control and potential adverse outcomes in the perinatal period.
January 22, 2024 — Source

Mechanism linking anxiety to testosterone discovered by scientists
A study has unveiled a significant link between anxiety disorders and a brain receptor known as TACR3, as well as testosterone.
January 22, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 16th, 2024

Study finds low-dose calcium as effective as the WHO's recommended high-dose in preventing preeclampsia and preterm births
In a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a group of researchers assessed the noninferiority of a 500-mg daily dose of calcium supplementation compared to a 1500-mg dose in preventing preeclampsia and preterm birth in pregnant women in India and Tanzania.
January 16, 2024 — Source

Undocumented pregnant women are more often severely ill when seeking help at the ED
A new UiO study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care shows that pregnant, undocumented women are more often severely ill and must be admitted to the hospital, when they seek help at the emergency room in Oslo.
January 16, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 15th, 2024

New research finds semen microbiome's impact on male fertility
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers analyzed the relationship between semen microbiota and changes in semen parameters.
January 15, 2024 — Source

Survey finds link between drug/cannabis use during pregnancy and certain childhood cancers
While the risks of drug use, smoking and drinking during pregnancy are widely accepted, a new survey of parents has identified clear associations between certain types of childhood cancers and gestational substance use, notably cannabis.
January 15, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 12th, 2024

Infertility tied to poorer cardiovascular health in women
A history of female infertility may serve as a marker for cardiovascular health (CVH) later in life, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Mouse study finds aging sperm affects microRNA, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders
A recent study has reported that changes in mice sperm microRNAs brought about by aging may affect the growth and development of offspring. The finding adds to the growing literature on the effects of paternal aging on offspring.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Prenatal Supplement Labels Not Always Accurate: U.S. Report
The labels on prenatal supplements, commonly taken by people during pregnancy to promote maternal and fetal health, often misstate the amount of nutrients the product contains, according to a government report released Thursday.
January 12, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 11th, 2024

Early study shows health benefits of creative arts therapies and nutrition education for postmenopausal women
Transition to the menopausal stage of women's lives can be a negative experience for women, with changes in emotional well-being and cardiovascular health that impact their quality of life. A recent study from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions explored a new way to ease the transition with an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women.
January 11, 2024 — Source

Four ways men and women can improve their health before trying to conceive
It's well-known how important it is to look after your health during and after pregnancy. But it can also be just as important for both men and women to focus on their health even before they begin trying for a baby.
January 11, 2024 — Source

Fracture risk up with prediabetes before menopause transition
For women in midlife, prediabetes before the menopause transition (MT) is associated with increased risk of incident fracture during and after the transition, according to a study published online May 23 in JAMA Network Open.
January 11, 2024 — Source

New model creates an understanding of birth control pills regarding risk, resilience to depression
While birth control hormones given to mice result in lower stress levels, the mice showed normal corticosterone responses to stress when given newer formulations of the pill, according to a new University of Michigan study.
January 11, 2024 — Source

Study provides clinician guidance on follow-up for ovarian cysts
About 15 to 20% of women will develop an ovarian cyst during their lifetime. The fluid-filled or solid sacs in the ovaries are usually non-cancerous and go away independently—studies show that about 85% resolve within five years.
January 11, 2024 — Source

UK maternal deaths reaches highest level in 20 years: study
The number of women in Britain dying during pregnancy or soon afterwards has reached its highest level in almost two decades, a new study reported Thursday.
January 11, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 10th, 2024

California offers a lifeline for medical residents who can't find abortion training
Bria Peacock chose a career in medicine because the Black Georgia native saw the dire health needs in her community — including access to abortion care.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Cesarean deliveries surge in Puerto Rico, reaching a record rate in the US territory, report says
Cesareans are surging in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which has one of the world's highest rates with more than 50% of babies now delivered via surgery compared with only 32% on the U.S. mainland, according to a federal report released Wednesday.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Countries and companies need to address declining global fertility rates, doctors say
The global fertility rate is declining and most governments are failing to recognize and address the impact on economies and societies, say a group of physicians invited by the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) in a new paper and campaign launched today.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Exposure to high humidity and temperature in pregnancy could influence blood pressure changes in childhood
Outdoor humidity and temperature levels during pregnancy could affect the future blood pressure of the unborn child, according to new research by the University of Bristol, published in JACC: Advances.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Study suggests racial disparities persist in general anesthesia rates for C-section
Caroline Leigh Thomas, M.D., from the University of Chicago Medical Center, and colleagues examined the differences in general anesthesia use for cesarean delivery in a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study using electronic medical records for 35,117 patients who underwent cesarean delivery from Jan. 1, 2007, to March 2, 2018.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Mothers diagnosed with perinatal depression found to have three times higher risk of suicidal behavior
Maternal suicide is an alarming public health issue and the second most common cause of death during the postnatal period. New research from the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) published in JAMA Network Open shows that mothers with clinically diagnosed perinatal depression had a three times higher risk of suicidal behavior compared to mothers without perinatal depression.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Noninvasive test for embryo quality could streamline fertility treatment
In-vitro-fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing eggs in the laboratory and later implanting them in the uterus, has been a source of hope for many people struggling to conceive. However, the multi-step process is complex, and the overall live birth rate after IVF treatment is only 20--40% in females younger than 40 in the United States.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Preeclampsia and preterm birth risk may be reduced by calcium dose lower than current WHO standard
To help prevent preeclampsia and preterm birth—common complications in pregnancy that can be fatal to women and newborns—low-dose calcium supplementation (equivalent to one 500-milligram pill per day) may be as effective as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended high-dose calcium supplementation (equivalent to three 500-milligram pills taken throughout each day), according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and collaborators in India and Tanzania.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Study: High-school students with neurodevelopmental disorders experience worse premenstrual syndrome symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a relatively common condition that affects most women who menstruate, at some point in their lives. Typically, PMS can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and fatigue.
January 10, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 9th, 2024

Is maternal stress associated with blood glucose levels during pregnancy among women attending a fertility center?
Blood sugar levels are known to be a risk factor for conception and successful pregnancy. For women struggling with conception, stress levels are high, but these are linked to poor outcomes.
January 9, 2024 — Source

Largest genetic study of gestational diabetes discovers nine novel genetic regions linked to severe and common pregnancy complication
In a recent study published in Nature Genetics, a group of researchers investigated the genetic underpinnings of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and its relationship with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) through a genome-wide association study ((GWAS), identifying distinct and shared genetic factors.
January 9, 2024 — Source

OB-GYN answers questions about advanced maternal age, fertility and pregnancy
The average maternal age in Canada increased over the last few decades, according to data from Statistics Canada. In 2021, 25% of all mothers at childbirth were 35 years of age and older, an increase from 16% in 2001.
January 9, 2024 — Source

Stem cell ovarian transplant induces changes in plasma proteome of women with impaired ovarian reserves, finds study
A new research paper titled "Systemic changes induced by autologous stem cell ovarian transplant in plasma proteome of women with impaired ovarian reserves" has been published in Aging.
January 9, 2024 — Source

Health — Fertility — January 8th, 2024

Applying global lessons to protect abortion access in the United States
In the nearly two years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the introduction of state laws and policies further restricting access to abortion care has made the legal and health care landscape even more challenging.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective
A biodegradable sponge made of chitosan, a biopolymer derived from the shells of crustaceans, releases medication slowly into the organism and makes treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective, judging from the results of tests performed by researchers at the University of Porto in Portugal and the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil. An article describing them is published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Less than half of pregnant women get the flu shot: New data from UPMC Children's might change that
John Williams knows the risks associated with riding motorcycles, but they don't deter him. Neither do warnings from physician friends, who hope their chiding might prevent him from becoming a statistic.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Male pregnancy and weird courtship wiggles: How NZ's wide-bodied pipefish confounds expectations
If you've ever watched a natural history program on TV, you've probably seen animals performing a wide variety of behaviors to get the attention of the opposite sex.
January 8, 2024 — Source

Fertility — Resources

About vasectomy reversal, infertility, IVF, ICSI
Vasectomy reversal, infertility, IVF, male infertility and in vitro fertilization.
Provides a Service — Source

Endometriosis.org
is the global platform for the latest news on endometriosis.
Provides Information — Source

Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy week by week presents you brief information on physiological changes in your body during the nine months of pregnancy, types of clinical examinations modes of assessments of fetal wellbeing, safe motherhood and diagnosis of pregnancy etc.
Provides Information — Source