Covid-19 in pregnant women can damage the placenta and the foetus: Using prenatal magnetic resonance imaging, a group of MedUni Vienna researchers examined the placentas and foetuses of women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. Their research results demonstrate that the different strains of the virus that emerged during the pandemic led to varying degrees […]
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How common is brain damage at birth? Causes and effects. In the UK, most expectant mothers are fortunate enough to be eligible for a guaranteed high quality of care during every stage of the birthing process. From prenatal appointments to group sessions with other new mothers, the dutiful care from the 22,000 NHS midwives in […]
Research shows all underweight babies may be at higher risk of childhood developmental complications – not just those with extremely low birthweights Babies with mild to moderately small birthweight may face an increased likelihood of childhood developmental complications – and may need the same monitoring and support currently reserved for babies with low and high […]
WHO advises immediate skin to skin care for survival of small and preterm babies: WHO launches new guidelines to improve survival and health outcomes for babies born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or small (under 2.5kg at birth). The guidelines advise that skin to skin contact with a caregiver – known as kangaroo mother […]
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University of Queensland research has revealed that having more babies reduces a woman’s risk of endometrial cancer. Dr Gunn-Helen Moen and Shannon D’Urso from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience investigated risk factors for endometrial cancer using genetic analysis, and have found that having three babies compared to none could decrease a woman’s risk by 50 […]
Test that detects Group B Streptococcus in development: Volunteers needed to help develop new test to prevent life-threatening infections in newborn babies. Chemists at Bath are developing a new test that detects Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria in 45 minutes. Scientists at the University of Bath are looking for volunteers to help them develop a new test […]
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Researchers from the University of Aberdeen have been awarded almost £1 million to fund research looking into how pregnant women can be supported to plan their birth. The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) awarded more than £973,000 to the collaborative team made up of scientists, clinicians, members of the public and those […]
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Government urged to set the right level of folic acid in flour to prevent severe birth defects. The UK Government’s current proposal to fortify one type of flour with folic acid is inadequate as it suggests a low dose that would fail to prevent hundreds of cases of severe birth defects each year, according to […]
Maternal mental health and well-being profoundly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic: Maternal well-being has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a third of women experiencing significant mental health problems and ongoing fatigue and parenting stress, according to a new policy brief. The brief by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute found the pandemic had exacerbated […]
This week is World Breastfeeding Week 2022. Breastfeeding plays and important role in managing the double burden of malnutrition. Breastfeeding provides food security and reduces inequalities. This breastfeeding week focuses upon rebuilding essential pre-pandemic support systems. It takes a village to raise a child. Parents face a multitude of challenges in providing the best care […]