New research from UTHealth Houston points out that young adult and teenage mums who have previously battled cancer may have a higher likelihood of having children with birth defects. This study, guided by Caitlin C. Murphy, PhD, MPH, provides valuable insights that could help inform healthcare support for these women before and during pregnancy. The…

We all know that as we age our fertility can decrease. This can lead to difficulties for those of us who choose to become moms later in life. But did you know that tiny parts of our cells, called mitochondria, play a big part in this? Mitochondria and Fertility – What’s the Connection? Scientists have…

Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation and changes, not just for the body, but for the brain too! A recent scientific study sheds light on the much talked about phenomenon known as “baby brain” or sometimes humorously referred to as “pregnesia”. It’s that phase where expectant moms may feel a bit more forgetful or…

Pregnancy is an entirely personal journey, and it’s no secret that it brings about some considerable changes to our bodies. Do these changes affect how we perceive ourselves, or our ‘body image’? Let’s look at an illuminating study that brings surprising insights to the surface. What’s the Problem with Our Body Image? Body image dissatisfaction…

The latest guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests ‘Kangaroo Mother Care’ (KMC), especially for premature babies. But its adoption and sustainability have been lagging. Why, though? A new study digs deeper into what influences the uptake of KMC, with the end goal of amplifying its use for every newborn. Major Findings: Positives and…

Managing diabetes during pregnancy just got easier, thanks to a recent study conducted in Ireland. Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, can have negative effects on both mothers and babies. But the study, carried out at the University of Galway, has found a potential solution – a medication called metformin. What…

Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), is a common complication experienced by 50-90% of pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy. While the effects of NVP on the mother’s physical and mental health have been studied, little attention has been given to its impact on the bond between mother and baby.…

New research from Stanford School of Medicine reveals that reduced sleep and physical activity during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The study, which analyzed data from more than 1,000 women wearing wearable devices throughout their pregnancies, found that deviations from normal patterns of sleep and activity were warning signs for…

Expecting a baby? This news may interest you. A study carried out by the National Institute of Mental Health discovered that managing stress during pregnancy could be key to minimising any negative effects prenatal COVID-19 infection could have on your baby’s attention span and emotional and cognitive development. Who’s Behind the Study? The research, published…

For many women, pregnancy is a transformative experience, filled with anticipation and challenges. One challenge that has been discussed for decades is the potential risk to unborn babies when mothers smoke. A recent study has shed new light on this topic, revealing risks that were underestimated in previous research. Understanding the New Findings A study…