Pregnancy

When performing artificial insemination, the better the motility of the sperm, the greater the chances of a successful pregnancy. That's where a new microfluidic chip comes in, as it selects only the most vigorous, "highly-motivated" sperm from the herd.

Although spermicides do already exist, they're still not 100-percent effective. Scientists are developing what could be a more reliable alternative, in the form of a vaginally applied solution that keeps sperm trapped within the semen.

A new consensus statement is calling for the common painkiller acetaminophen (aka paracetamol) to be used cautiously during pregnancy, saying there are potential neurological and reproductive issues in children associated with excessive use of the drug.

New data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is affirming the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. The ongoing surveillance project found no safety concerns for the vaccines or increased rates of miscarriage.

Impressive new research has discovered a set of biomarkers that can predict when a pregnant woman will go into labor several weeks in advance. The breakthrough findings are hoped to be translated into a predictive blood test within the next few years.

Researchers are reporting allergies that develop in a baby’s initial year of life could be predicted by analyzing their first poo after birth. The study claims one’s microbial make-up at birth can play a major role in early immune development.

New findings from a team of Australian scientists suggest increased exposure to testosterone during pregnancy, triggered by a vitamin D deficiency, may be one of the causal factors explaining why autism spectrum disorder is more common in boys.

A new review encompassing dozens of observational studies and meta-analyses suggests there is no safe level of caffeine consumption during pregnancy. The review calls for a “radical revision” to health recommendations but not all experts agree with the findings.

Many readers are likely already familiar with the oximeters that measure blood oxygen levels via the patient's finger. Well, scientists have now developed a device that works on the same principle, but it can be non-invasively used on unborn fetuses.

According to British scientists, a lack of stem cells in the lining of the womb is one of the main causes of recurrent miscarriages. There may be hope, however, as they also believe an existing diabetes medication could help remedy the situation.

The results of a trial investigating the best practice for managing late-term pregnancies have finally been published, recommending women induce labour by week 41. The study was halted in 2018 after a number of deaths raised ethical issues.

A new study is trying to answer a medical mystery - when does the microbiome begin to form? Is the womb and placenta a sterile environment, with bacteria seeded when a baby is born? Or can a mother transfer microbes to her child during pregnancy?