pregnancy Tag

13 Oct

Posted at 19:26h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Neurology, OBGYNE

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Professor Anick Bérard PhD FCAHS FISPE

Canada Research Chair Tier 1 on Medications and Pregnancy

Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Cité, France

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal

Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France

Principal Investigator: Canadian Mother-Child Initiative on Drug Safety in Pregnancy (CAMCCO – Research, Training, Knowledge-Dissemination); CONCEPTION study – COVID-19 and Pregnancy; AMerican PREGNANcy-Mother-Child CohorT (AM-PREGNANT)

Director, Research Unit on Medications and Pregnancy, Research Center – CHU Sainte-Justine

Editor in Chief, Frontiers in Pharmacology – Pharmacoepidemiology

Medication and Pregnancy Notice: Migraine preventive medications, including anti-CGRP therapies and propranolol, should only be prescribed and monitored by your healthcare provider. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or think you may be pregnant, do not stop, start, or change any medication on your own. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits for your individual situation.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response:

  • Migraine is very prevalent in pregnancy – 20%.
  • It usually improves in the 2nd/3rd trimester – especially for migraine without aura.
  • Anti-CGRPs are effective therapies for the prevention of migraine but their safety in pregnancy is unknown. Guidelines do not recommend use during pregnancy except in very few cases. Women with chronic migraine are usually switched to safer alternatives 5-6 months before pregnancy (because of the 30-day half-life – 5 times the half-life). But inadvertent exposures occur.
  • Our study is the first large scale study looking at the safety of anti-CGRP during pregnancy for the prevention of chronic migraine. Using data from US pregnant women with chronic migraine, anti-CGRP use increased the risk of spontaneous abortion by 42% (baseline risk of clinically detected spontaneous abortions is 6-8%; the absolute risk on anti-CGRP becomes 8-11%); but propranolol use did not. Our findings are in line with the current guidelines on migraine preventive therapies which recommend discontinuation of anti-CGRP at least 5 months before conception and switch to established migraine preventive therapies such as propranolol.

11 May

Posted at 16:06h in OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73653" align="alignleft" width="150"]Bailey MilnePhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON Bailey Milne[/caption] Bailey Milne PhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON A large population-based study using health administrative data from Ontario examines whether endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in offspring — with findings that suggest increased monitoring may be warranted for affected pregnancies.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? The study was conducted using health administrative data in Ontario. The data was from 2006 to 2021, which resulted in over 1.4 million mother-baby pairs. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, which can result in painful menstruation, intercourse and bowel movements. Roughly 10% of reproductive aged patients have endometriosis, and of those, 30–60% have infertility.

11 May

Posted at 12:53h in OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_73644" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Image by Magnific Image by Magnific[/caption] Pregnancy affects nearly every system in the body. While public conversations often focus on major milestones such as fetal development, nutrition, and delivery preparation, many of the day-to-day physical changes experienced during pregnancy receive far less attention despite having a significant impact on overall well-being. As the body adapts to support fetal growth, hormonal shifts, weight redistribution, circulation changes, and musculoskeletal adjustments can all influence how a person moves, rests, and functions throughout everyday life. Increasingly, healthcare professionals and wellness experts are emphasizing the importance of supporting maternal comfort throughout pregnancy rather than focusing exclusively on clinical milestones alone.

08 Apr

Posted at 18:29h in Laboratories, OBGYNE
hCG Levels Can Help Estimate Early Pregnancy Timing Finding out you are pregnant often comes with one immediate question: How far along am I? In the earliest days of pregnancy, before an ultrasound can confirm dating, many people look to blood work for clues. One of the most talked-about markers is human chorionic gonadotropin, better known as hCG. Because hCG levels in early pregnancy usually rise in a predictable way, they can sometimes offer a rough estimate of early pregnancy timing. That is why tools such as an hCG gestational age calculator can be helpful as a starting point. Still, hCG is only one piece of the picture. hCG values can vary widely from one healthy pregnancy to another, and a single test result may suggest a possible range but cannot confirm exact dating, viability, or whether a pregnancy is progressing normally on its own.

02 Feb

Posted at 15:25h in Author Interviews, OBGYNE
Editor's note: Please let your health care provider know if you are experiencing night sweats, whether you or not you are pregnant. Experiencing night sweats early pregnancy sign symptoms can be surprising and uncomfortable, especially if you’re still waiting for that positive test or just beginning your first trimester. Many women wake up drenched, overheated, or restless during early pregnancy without realizing that this very common symptom is often linked to hormonal changes. While uncomfortable, night sweats at this stage are usually harmless and reflect your body’s rapid adjustments as pregnancy begins. As your hormones shift, the right sleep setup can make a huge difference. A supportive maternity pillow can help regulate airflow around your body, improve sleep posture, and reduce overheating caused by restless sleep. Understanding why night sweats happen and how to manage them can help you stay comfortable and confident through these early changes. Night Sweats as an Early Pregnancy Sign The Hormonal Rollercoaster: Why Progesterone and Estrogen Cause Temperature Swings Hormones are the most common reason for early pregnancy night sweats. Right after conception, your body rapidly increases its production of progesterone and estrogen, both of which directly influence your temperature regulation.

Here’s how hormones trigger night sweats:

  • Progesterone naturally raises body temperature
  • Estrogen fluctuations affect heat sensitivity
  • These hormones stimulate your metabolism
  • Your body works harder to support the uterine lining
This creates a warming effect that becomes more noticeable at night when your body is naturally trying to cool down. Hormone-driven temperature swings are perfectly normal and often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

09 Jan

Posted at 16:39h in Health and Wellness, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_71975" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pregnancy-wellness-self-care.jpg Photo by Garon Piceli[/caption] Pregnancy has a strange way of making time feel elastic. Your body is working harder than it ever has, your emotions are doing things you didn't expect, and your days have this new density to them. And right in the middle of all that, someone inevitably tells you to "make sure you're taking care of yourself." As if it's that simple. The advice is well-meaning, but it starts to pile up like homework. And honestly? The last thing most pregnant women need is another checklist. Here's what I think: self-care doesn't have to be effortful. It doesn't need to look good on Instagram or take up half your afternoon. The version that actually nourishes you during pregnancy is usually quieter than that. It slips in between other things, settles your nervous system, and helps you feel like yourself even when everything is shifting. This isn't another productivity guide. It's an invitation to rethink what self-care can be when you're growing a human.

23 Sep

Posted at 10:45h in Author Interviews, Autism, OBGYNE, Pain Research, Pediatrics
[caption id="attachment_70749" align="alignleft" width="150"]Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhDDean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Dr. Baccarelli[/caption] Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD Dean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Colleagues and I recently conducted a rigorous review, funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We reviewed 46 previously published human studies worldwide. We found evidence of an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.

25 Jun

Posted at 10:10h in Fertility
[caption id="attachment_69180" align="aligncenter" width="500"]fertility-pregnancy-infertility Photo by RDNE Stock project[/caption] When it comes to fertility treatment, there’s no such thing as a “standard” patient. Every individual’s reproductive journey is shaped by a unique blend of health history, age, hormone levels, emotional readiness, and life circumstances. That’s why personalized fertility plans are not just helpful, they’re essential. The world of reproductive medicine has evolved tremendously in the past two decades. We now understand that successful fertility treatment requires more than just a clinical checklist. While two people may receive the same diagnosis, their treatment paths can look vastly different. What works for one couple may not work for another.

07 Jun

Posted at 10:42h in Fertility, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_68954" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Yan Krukau[/caption] Knowing the process timeline of an egg donation agency will enable aspiring egg donors and parents to understand what to expect so there are no bad surprises, and to determine how much time they may need for a particular journey. Although actual timelines will differ depending on the agency and situation, the steps in the process can be expected. Initial Consultation and Application In your initial consultation, we will discuss your wants and needs, and you will fill out some paperwork and tell us your medical and social history. The agency will describe its process, fees, and services. You will also fill out lots of application forms, including medical questionnaires and consent forms. During this phase, financial matters are discussed and contracts are reviewed. Most programs need psychological clearance at this stage to make sure you’re ready for the emotional side of egg donation. You’ll also get educational materials on the process and what to expect in the months ahead.

25 Apr

Posted at 23:56h in Author Interviews, Genetic Research, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67888" align="alignleft" width="200"]Prof. Hermona Soreq The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) and The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science at the Hebrew University Prof. Hermona Soreq[/caption] Prof. Hermona Soreq Professor of Molecular Neuroscience The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences Department of Biological Chemistry The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences The Hebrew University of Jerusalem The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram Jerusalem Israel and [caption id="attachment_68187" align="alignleft" width="125"]Shani Vaknine, Ph.D. candidateBrain and Behavioral Sciences The Hebrew University Shani Vaknine[/caption] Shani Vaknine, Ph.D. candidate Brain and Behavioral Sciences The Hebrew University     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve long known that maternal stress during pregnancy can affect her baby’s development, but the molecular mechanisms behind this remained unclear. In our study, we explored how psychosocial stress experienced by the mother in late pregnancy influences tiny molecular fragments in the newborn’s blood. These fragments, called transfer RNA fragments or tRFs, were considered for many years to be disposable, but have recently been shown to have important biological functions.

10 Apr

Posted at 12:54h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, Medical Imaging, OBGYNE, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67865" align="alignleft" width="200"]Sam (Seyedmehdi) Payabvash, MD Associate Professor of Radiology  Columbia University Medical Center Dr. Payabvash[/caption] Sam (Seyedmehdi) Payabvash, MD Associate Professor of Radiology Columbia University Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prenatal marijuana use is on the rise, largely due to increasing legalization and shifting public perception of its safety during pregnancy. Although prior studies have linked prenatal marijuana exposure to adverse neonatal and behavioral outcomes, the long-term neurodevelopmental effects, especially as assessed through advanced neuroimaging techniques, remain underexplored.

21 Mar

Posted at 14:23h in Legal-Malpractice, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_67435" align="aligncenter" width="500"]childbirth-c-section-choice Photo by Bruno Curly:[/caption] In England and Wales, women have the right to decide how they give birth. While there is no absolute legal entitlement to a caesarean section on demand, healthcare professionals must discuss all available options, including both vaginal birth and caesarean sections. This includes providing a clear outline of the risks and benefits associated with each method. A decision can then be made once the individual has been fully informed and is able to give their consent. This emphasis on informed decision-making ensures that women have autonomy over their birthing experience. Healthcare providers are expected to respect these choices, even when they differ from their own professional opinions, so long as the woman has received comprehensive information and appropriate support. If a request for a specific birth method is declined, the individual should be referred to another healthcare professional who is willing to consider their preference.

22 Nov

Posted at 07:55h in OBGYNE, Supplements
Editor's note:  Most supplements, including  lactoferrin, are not FDA approved or tested and therefore should be used only under the supervision of your health care provider. Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it also brings its share of challenges, including keeping your immune system strong. Your immune system works overtime to protect both you and your growing baby, which makes it even more important to give it the support it needs. By adopting healthy habits and incorporating the right nutrients into your diet, you can boost your immune health and reduce the risks of common infections or illnesses during pregnancy. Here are 10 practical tips to strengthen your immune system while ensuring the safety and well-being of your little one. [caption id="attachment_64939" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pregnancy-pregnant Photo by freestocks.org[/caption]

1. Add Lactoferrin to Your Routine

A lactoferrin supplement  is a natural protein found in milk and other fluids that boosts immunity by supporting healthy gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. It also helps your body absorb iron more effectively, which is crucial during pregnancy. Before taking any supplements be sure to consult your healthcare provider. Lactoferrin is a dairy product and should not be taken in the case of suspected or diagnosed allergy to cow's milk proteins.

23 Oct

Posted at 20:18h in Chiropractic, OBGYNE
Editor's note:  Please check with your obstetrician before seeing a chiropractor. Pregnancy is an amazing adventure, but it comes with an honest proportion of bodily challenges for expecting mothers. From lower back aches and joint soreness to pelvic misalignment, the body undergoes massive changes that could affect routine lifestyle. Many mothers-to-be are searching out natural, scientific ways to alleviate those pregnancy-associated discomforts, and this is where prenatal chiropractic care comes in. A prenatal chiropractor focuses on assisting pregnant women through tailor-made chiropractic treatments that are gentle, secure, and, in particular, designed to address pregnancy-related issues. In this blog, we'll explore the potential benefits of prenatal chiropractic care and how it may help the general well-being of each mom and child during pregnancy.

17 Oct

Posted at 20:57h in Nursing Homes, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_64085" align="aligncenter" width="500"]post-partum-recovery Source[/caption]   The postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging as new mothers navigate recovery while caring for their newborns. Creating a nurturing space at home is essential to support healing and emotional well-being.  As per the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum depression is a prevalent issue, with about 75% of new mothers experiencing the baby blues shortly after delivery. Of those, approximately 15% will go on to develop postpartum depression, which can significantly impact their recovery and overall well-being. In more severe cases, about one in 1,000 individuals may experience postpartum psychosis. This highlights the importance of support from qualified nursing professionals during this critical time. A comfortable, calming environment can significantly impact your recovery experience. From organizing your living area to incorporating elements that promote relaxation, small adjustments can make a big difference. In this article, we’ll explore how to design your postpartum space thoughtfully and practical tips to enhance your recovery journey at home.

16 Oct

Posted at 18:03h in Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64046" align="alignleft" width="200"]Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MScAssistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF Dr. Jaswa[/caption] Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MSc Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Some infections during pregnancy have been associated with abnormal neurodevelopment in children. This is likely due to the infection itself, or the maternal immune system response to infection. We sought to determine whether maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, a now common occurrence, was associated with changes in children's neurodevelopment out to 24-months-old, compared to control children not exposed to maternal COVID-19 in utero.

11 Oct

Posted at 10:57h in Fertility, OBGYNE
Women are looking to freeze their eggs, which is an option that is gaining popularity and provides fertility preservation for a level of control over family planning. Medical advances have made the procedure more reliable, and it allows women to put off having children without diminishing their chances of being able to conceive using their eggs later on. In this post, let’s get into why egg freezing is a powerful and how it can potentially give women more options when it comes to the capacity of reproduction. [caption id="attachment_63468" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pregnancy-test-fertility_pexels-rdne-6149343 Source[/caption] Better Chances of Getting Pregnant The quality and number of eggs decline with age, which makes getting pregnant more challenging. Freezing eggs can up their odds, as long as they do it at a younger age. Because generally speaking, lower-quality eggs do not respond as well to fertility treatments.

30 Sep

Posted at 18:24h in OBGYNE, Sleep Disorders
sleep-during-pregnancy.jpg   Sleep deprivation is something all new parents go through, but for many women, it starts before the baby is born. As your belly is growing, the baby is kicking, and your hormone levels are fluctuating, you are very likely to experience insomnia, poor sleep quality, or nighttime awakenings. Even though there is no magic solution that can fix your problems entirely, there are some things you can do to get some good night's sleep during pregnancy:

Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine

Try to come up with a bedtime ritual that you can perform every night to signal your brain and your body that it is time to sleep. First, stop using screens because modern devices produce blue light that impedes your body’s production of melatonin. So instead of scrolling through your phone, consider reading a book before bedtime. Additionally, introduce some habits that can support and improve your mental health during pregnancy. For example, you can take a soothing, warm bath, sip on a cup of warm milk or a caffeine-free tea, or listen to a guided meditation. Also, you can introduce aromatherapy to your bedroom. Using a pillow spray or a diffuser can make you feel more relaxed in minutes. Finally, stick with a consistent routine that provides you with at least eight hours of sleep every night.

25 Sep

Posted at 11:00h in OBGYNE
The journey from conception to bringing a new life into the world is filled with anticipation, preparation, and a series of important healthcare services. Maternity services are designed to provide comprehensive care for women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. These services ensure that both mother and baby have the best possible outcomes with the support of specialized healthcare professionals. But navigating the world of maternity care can often be overwhelming for expectant parents. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of maternity services, helping soon-to-be parents to make informed decisions for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Integrating Pediatric Care Into Your Postpartum Plan

pregnancy-maternal-care.png A critical but sometimes overlooked aspect of postpartum care is establishing a pediatric care plan for the newborn. Early well-child visits are essential for monitoring growth, administering vaccinations, and addressing any health concerns that may arise. These appointments also guide parents on milestones and the general development of their child. One innovative example of integrative maternity services is the model provided by modern maternity care centers. Such centers focus on a seamless transition from pregnancy to pediatric care, ensuring continuity and a holistic approach to both mother and baby's health. They work under the philosophy that a well-cared-for mother raises a healthy and happy child.

23 Aug

Posted at 00:33h in Anemia, Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE
[caption id="attachment_60875" align="alignleft" width="133"]Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 Dr. Davis[/caption] Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Iron is important to overall health, and people need more iron when they are pregnant. This can make pregnant people at increased risk for iron deficiency, which can progress to anemia and cause complications for both moms and their babies. After reviewing the latest available research, the Task Force found that there is not enough evidence on whether pregnant people who do not have signs or symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia should be screened—or take iron supplements—to improve their health or the health of their baby.  

29 Jul

Posted at 09:12h in Mental Health Research, OBGYNE
It’s no secret pregnancy causes many changes in a woman’s body - physically and emotionally. One of the most common changes occurs in the brain, a phenomenon known as the pregnancy brain.  Pregnancy Brain ExplainedThe pregnancy brain is often referred to as momnesia or baby brain. This condition underlies the cognitive struggles and difficulty associated with concentrating that some women experience during pregnancy and sometimes after giving birth.  Generally, pregnancy is characterized by an increase in steroid hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. These hormones will be discussed in detail in the following sections. Steroid hormones are responsible for handling metabolism, inflammation, immune functions, salt and water balance, the development of sexual characteristics, and the ability to withstand injury and illness during pregnancy.   The genesis of pregnancy brain stems at least partially from the influx of these steroid hormones. This, among other factors, will be mentioned in this article.

29 May

Posted at 15:28h in AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61675" align="alignleft" width="150"]Emmanuel Bujold, ReproductionMother and Child Health Unit CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center Université Laval Québec, QC Canada Dr. Bujold[/caption] Emmanuel Bujold, Reproduction Mother and Child Health Unit CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center Université Laval Québec, QC Canada     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by preeclampsia? Response: Preeclampsia is a complication of the second half of pregnancy, manifesting as high blood pressure and renal dysfunction. The only current treatment is to deliver the baby before it becomes complicated by damage to maternal organs or fetal distress. A few years ago, we demonstrated that aspirin started in the 1st trimester can prevent the majority of preeclampsias in pregnant women at risk. It has therefore become urgent to identify pregnant women at risk as early as the 1st trimester.

19 Mar

Posted at 23:52h in Author Interviews, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61457" align="alignleft" width="125"]Chelsea A DeBolt, MDAssistant Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. DeBolt[/caption] Chelsea A DeBolt, MD Assistant Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Significant immunological shifts, systemically and at the maternal-fetal interface, are required for a successful pregnancy. Yet, there is a paucity of comprehensive data investigating the systemic immune changes within the same individual transitioning from the non-pregnant to pregnant state.

26 Sep

Posted at 19:56h in Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, JAMA, OBGYNE, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, are among the leading causes of serious complications and death for pregnant people in the United States. Pregnant women and pregnant people of all genders should have their blood pressure measured at each prenatal visit to help find and prevent serious health issues related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. 

09 Aug

Posted at 17:23h in Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:x [caption id="attachment_60752" align="alignleft" width="133"]Dr. Nicholson Dr. Nicholson[/caption] Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor of Prevention and Community Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Vice chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Neural tube defects are when a baby’s spinal cord or brain don’t develop properly during pregnancy, which can cause serious complications including disability and death. The good news is that taking folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy is proven to help prevent this from happening.

25 Jul

Posted at 12:33h in Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Microbiome, Nature, OBGYNE, UCLA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60665" align="alignleft" width="125"] Dr. Callaghan[/caption] Bridget Callaghan Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology UCLA Dr. Callahan studies interactions between mental and physical health across development.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: A growing body of evidence links the gut microbiome to brain and immune functioning, and changes to that community of microorganisms is likely among the ways that hardship affects children’s socioemotional development. Limited evidence in humans has demonstrated the adversities experienced prenatally and during early life influence the composition of the gut microbiome, but no studies had examined whether stress experienced in a mother's own childhood could influence the microbiome of the next generation of children.

07 Jul

Posted at 18:23h in Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60581" align="alignleft" width="160"]Dorothy A. Fink, MDDeputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health Director, Office on Women's Health US Department of Health & Human Services Rockville, MD Dr. Fink[/caption] Dorothy A. Fink, MD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health Director, Office on Women's Health US Department of Health & Human Services Rockville, MD MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Delivery-related mortality in U.S. hospitals has decreased for all racial and ethnic groups, age groups, and modes of delivery while the prevalence of severe maternal mortality (SMM) increased for all patients, with higher rates for racial and ethnic minority patients of any age. This study specifically looked at inpatient delivery-related outcomes and found a 57% decrease from 2008-2021. The decreasing mortality rates within the inpatient delivery setting demonstrated as statistically significant and a welcome finding for all women. This study also looked with greater granularity at the impact of race, ethnicity, and age. Mortality for American Indian women decreased 92%, Asian women decreased 73%, Black women decreased 76%, Hispanic women decreased 60%, Pacific Islander women decreased 79%, and White women decreased 40% during the study period.

26 Jun

Posted at 17:20h in Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60541" align="alignleft" width="128"]Alex P. Miller, PhDTranSTAR T32 Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Psychiatry  Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO Dr. Miller[/caption] Alex P. Miller, PhD TranSTAR T32 Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Psychiatry Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Adolescent cannabis use is increasing in the United States. Prior research suggests that people who start using cannabis earlier are more likely to engage in problematic use and also experience greater mental health challenges and socioeconomic disadvantages overall. For example, children who begin using cannabis early are more likely to have behavioral problems and disorders and are more less likely to complete school. In our study, we used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is following nearly 12,000 kids across the nation to track behavior and brain development as well as health from middle childhood to young adulthood. We looked at what factors are associated with the initiation of cannabis use by age 12-14.

01 Mar

Posted at 18:33h in Author Interviews, Infections, NIH, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
William A. Petri, MD PhDWilliam A. Petri, MD PhD Wade Hampton Frost Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Research of the Department of Medicine Professor of Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, and Pathology, Medicine: Infectious Diseases and International Health, Medicine: Infectious Diseases and International Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? MedicalResearch.com We tested if prophylactic antibiotics could prevent sepsis and death in women in the late stages of normal vaginal labor and delivery. It was previously known that antibiotic were effective for this purpose in women undergoing C-section. The study was a randomized placebo-controlled trial at 8 international sites of nearly 30,000 women.