Pregnancy

The device may also improve outcomes in difficult deliveries

Health & Wellbeing

Fetal oxygen monitor could reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections

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.

"Recurrent miscarriage" is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies, with additional miscarriages decreasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy

Medical

Diabetes drug may also help prevent recurrent miscarriages

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.

Research suggests healthy women can safely induce birth at week 41, and waiting later can increase the risk of adverse events

Health & Wellbeing

Controversial pregnancy trial identifies safer induction cut-off date

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.

The new study claims to present clear evidence of a dynamic fetal microbiome, altering in composition throughout gestation

Medical

New evidence suggests a baby’s microbiome forms before birth

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?

Myelin, seen above, is a lipid-rich layer that protects nerve fibers in the brain. A new study suggests lowered levels of a pregnancy hormone can increase the thickness of these myelin sheaths, and increase a child's risk of developing autism.

Medical

Lack of key placental hormone linked to autism development

New research is offering compelling evidence to suggest levels of a steroid hormone called allopregnanolone can affect fetal brain development, and when disrupted can result in cerebral abnormalities and increases in autism risk.

Two new studies affirm the importance of monitoring maternal mental health during pregnancy

Science

Stress during pregnancy affects baby’s sex and brain development

New research is elucidating the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on fetal development. The research is finding links between a mother's stress levels during pregnancy and several birth outcomes including brain development and a baby’s sex.

Significant differences in a baby's gut microbiome were detected when comparing two different modes of delivery

Medical

C-section babies show distinct gut microbiome differences

Research finds significant differences in gut bacterial diversity between babies born by caesarean and those born vaginally.

A metastudy, comprising over 20 million births, concluded c-section delivery increased a child's risk of developing autism by 33 percent

Medical

Criticism of study linking C-section births & autism

A study linking autism with c-section births is criticized by experts calling it an example of correlation not equaling causation.

Experts urge caution interpreting these results as the study is just observational

Medical

Controversial new study rekindles link between fluoride and low IQ in children

A new study has found a correlation between fluoride levels in a pregnant woman's urine, and the IQ of their offspring measured several years later.

A new study suggests the growth of preterm babies is significantly affected by disruptions in the developing microbiome causing metabolic dysfunction

Medical

Gut bacteria alterations may be responsible for growth failure in preterm babies

Why do some extremely premature babies fail to grow while others prosper, despite similar diets? New research suggests these metabolic differences are underpinned by specific gut microbiome alterations that leave some preterm infants in a physiological state similar to fasting.

The Yono has a layer of soft silicon which helps it sit comfortable within the ear throughout the night

Health & Wellbeing

Earbud-like sensor predicts fertility window for more accurate family planning

Identifying one's fertility window is critical for many women trying to get pregnant – and those wanting to avoid it – but it can be a difficult, inaccurate process. Yono, an earbud-like device takes the data collection and analysis off your hands, while adding significant improvements in accuracy.

Just a few eight-minute listening sessions a week were enough to significantly improve neural growth of premature babies to that resembling the brain of a full-term infant

Medical

Incredible study shows music can help build the brains of premature babies

The vast majority of neural growth for a baby occurs during the last trimester of a pregnancy. An exciting new study has demonstrated how specially composed music can aid brain growth in premature babies, resulting in neural development similar to that of full-term infants.