Tag Archives: pregnancy

Significant Shifts in Oral Microbiome During Pregnancy Could Contribute to Tooth Loss

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Maintaining good oral hygiene may be especially important during pregnancy

Chondros Eva Catalin/Getty Images

A popular saying suggests that “if you give birth to a child, your teeth will fall out.” While pregnancy is known to elevate the risk of dental issues, the underlying reasons remain somewhat unclear. Recent studies indicate that the oral microbiome alters during pregnancy, becoming less diverse and potentially more susceptible to inflammation.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are often cited as the main culprits for the increased risk of conditions like periodontal disease and tooth decay. Moreover, there’s a widespread belief that the fetus extracts calcium from the mother’s teeth, a notion that lacks scientific backing.

Disruption of the oral microbiome, which comprises over 700 bacterial species, can lead to dental issues regardless of pregnancy status. However, Yoram Luzon and his team from Bar-Ilan University in Israel aimed to explore whether this typically stable ecosystem shifts during pregnancy. They collected saliva samples from 346 Israeli women across all three trimesters: 11-14 weeks, 24-28 weeks, and 32-38 weeks.

Their investigation revealed a decrease in species diversity in saliva samples starting from the transition between the first and second trimesters, continuing to decline throughout the pregnancy. A notable characteristic was the reduction in the number of species, with Akkermansia muciniphila, often hailed as a beneficial bacterium, declining alongside an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria like Gammaproteobacteria and Synergystobacteria.

“While the oral microbiome is generally stable, we have noted a gradual decrease in its diversity over the years,” Louzoun observes. “Pregnancy accelerates this slow evolution, allowing changes that typically take years to manifest in just nine months.”

Despite being relatively minor overall, numerous factors may contribute to these changes. “Pregnancy involves a multitude of hormonal shifts and inflammation, leading to alterations in your microbiome,” explains Lindsay Edwards from King’s College London. “Dietary changes are frequent during pregnancy, and various factors such as nausea, medication cessation, and altered eating habits all play a role.”

The participants filled out questionnaires regarding their diets and health, allowing the researchers to identify similar yet distinct effects among different women. This included those who followed a gluten-free diet, took antibiotics, experienced stress, or were current or former smokers. “Many women quit smoking during pregnancy, but their prior smoking habits can impact their microbiome,” notes Dr. Luzon, emphasizing the potential long-term effects.

A parallel study found similar changes in the oral microbiomes of 154 pregnant women in Russia during their second and third trimesters.

Although pregnancy heightens the risk of dental complications, particularly in the early stages, Luzon does not definitively link oral microbiome changes to these issues. “We can’t conclude whether these microbiome alterations are beneficial or detrimental, but they are undoubtedly changing rapidly,” he states.

Conversely, Edwards suggests that shifts in microbial composition might be a contributing factor, highlighting that saliva tends to become more acidic during pregnancy, altering the types of bacteria present.

Valentina Biagioli and her colleagues from the University of Genoa in Italy assert that changes in the oral microbiome may correlate with variations in systemic hormone levels, as both systems potentially influence each other. “There exists a plausible biological link connecting the observed microbiome changes to prevalent dental issues during pregnancy, such as tooth loss,” she comments.

Disruption in the oral microbiome has been noted to relate to pregnancy complications. Consequently, establishing what constitutes an optimal microbiome during pregnancy could serve as a benchmark for monitoring pregnancy progression. “Once we establish the baseline oral microbiome of pregnancy, deviations can be detected,” Louzoun states.

Moreover, ongoing research aims to elucidate this microbiome’s role in the immune system, affecting both the health of the pregnant woman and her unborn child. “The microbiome is instrumental in shaping the immune system, fostering a reciprocal relationship,” Edwards explains.

In light of this, enhancing our understanding of how to sustain a healthy oral microbiome (e.g., via good dental hygiene and a balanced, nutritious diet) could yield significant benefits. “Microbiome changes may influence the inflammatory state of expectant parents and better prepare the child’s immune system, potentially affecting long-term health, allergies, infection susceptibility, and chronic inflammatory conditions,” cautions Edwards.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Skeleton ‘Pregnancy Test’ May Unlock Secrets of Ancient Maternal Lives

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Skeleton of a woman holding a baby in her left arm, interred in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Screnby, England

Dr Hugh Wilmot, University of Sheffield

Researchers are now investigating ancient pregnancy tests undertaken on women from centuries past.

For the first time, scientists have identified levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in remains of women from the 1st to the 19th century. Some of these women were entombed with their unborn children. This revelation indicates that historic bones and teeth can retain identifiable traces of specific sex hormones, which might aid in discerning which individuals at archaeological sites were pregnant or had recently given birth at the time of their demise, according to Amy Barlow from the University of Sheffield, UK.

“The physiological and emotional impacts of pregnancy, miscarriage, and childbirth carry profound significance for women, yet they remain largely unexplored in archaeological records,” she notes. “This technique could revolutionize how we comprehend the reproductive narratives of ancient populations. We’re genuinely excited about it.”

Establishing pregnancy in ancient individuals can be challenging, particularly if the fetus lacks a visible skeleton. Even second- and third-trimester fetuses may be overlooked due to their bones resembling those of the mother’s hands, often placed on the abdomen during burial.

Contemporary pregnancy tests evaluate hormone levels such as hCG in blood or urine. However, hCG degrades rapidly, leaving minimal evidence in the body.

In contrast, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone can persist in tissues for extended periods. Recent studies have demonstrated that these steroid hormones are also present in human blood, saliva, and hair. Samples from long-buried Egyptian mummies.

To explore the likelihood of identifying ancient pregnancies, Barlow and her team analyzed rib fragments and one neck bone from two men and seven women interred in four British cemeteries. They also examined teeth from another male.

Two of the women had fetal remains discovered within them, and another two were buried alongside their newborns. The gender of the others was established through DNA analysis.

The research team ground each sample into powder and employed chemical techniques to extract the steroid hormones. Laboratory tests subsequently identified the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels in each of the 74 samples.

Estrogen was only found in four samples, without a discernible pattern. This may be due to its quicker breakdown compared to progesterone or testosterone, which may not accumulate as efficiently in tissues.

However, between the 11th and 14th centuries, heightened levels of progesterone were discovered in the spines of young women who died while carrying full-term fetuses. A later pregnant woman interred in the 18th or 19th century also exhibited elevated progesterone in her ribs. Moderate progesterone levels were noted in the dental plaque of two women buried with their infants during the 5th or 6th century.

Interestingly, no testosterone was detected in the bones or teeth of these four women. However, one woman who was buried with her premature infant had trace amounts of testosterone in her dental plaque. In contrast, three unrelated women from 8th- to 12th-century sites and Roman tombs showed testosterone in all layers of their ribs and teeth.

Low testosterone levels are known to play a crucial role in women’s health, so its discovery in these samples isn’t unexpected, Barlow states. “However, the absence of testosterone may indicate that she was recently or currently pregnant at the time of her death,” she adds.

“This intersection of archaeology and hormone science is exhilarating and unforeseen,” states Alexander Komninos from Imperial College London. “These methods will enhance our ability to detect pregnancy in human remains with greater precision, providing deeper insights into ancient pregnancies.”

Nevertheless, while the findings show promise, additional research is essential to clarify many aspects, according to Barlow. For instance, moderate progesterone levels were frequently found in the bones and inner teeth of men, but the reasoning behind this remains unclear, she comments. “Interpretation is quite cautious at this junction.”

Walking through Hadrian’s Wall and Rome’s innovations: England

Join this immersive walking tour along Hadrian’s Wall, one of Great Britain’s most iconic ancient structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

I Felt It Was My Destiny: Social Media Rumors Sparked Pregnancy Speculation, Leading to Unforeseen Consequences

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I cannot recall the exact moment my TikTok feed presented me with a video of a woman cradling her stillborn baby, but I do remember the wave of emotion that hit me. Initially, it resembled the joyous clips of mothers holding their newborns, all wrapped up and snug in blankets, with mothers weeping—just like many in those postnatal clips. However, the true nature of the video became clear when I glanced at the caption: her baby was born at just 23 weeks. I was at 22 weeks pregnant. A mere coincidence.

My social media algorithms seemed to know about my pregnancy even before my family, friends, or doctor did. Within a day, my feed transformed. On both Instagram and TikTok, videos emerged featuring women documenting their journeys as if they were conducting pregnancy tests. I began to “like,” “save,” and “share” these posts, feeding the algorithm and indicating my interest, and it responded with more content. But it didn’t take long for the initial joy to be overtaken by dread.

The algorithm quickly adapted to my deepest fears related to pregnancy, introducing clips about miscarriage stories. In them, women shared their heartbreaking experiences after being told their babies had no heartbeat. Soon, posts detailing complications and horror stories started flooding my feed.

One night, after watching a woman document her painful birthing experience with a stillbirth, I uninstalled the app amidst tears. But I reinstalled it shortly after; work commitments and social habits dictated I should. I attempted to block unwanted content, but my efforts were mostly futile.

On TikTok alone, over 300,000 videos are tagged with “miscarriage,” and another 260,000 are linked under related terms. A specific video titled “Live footage of me finding out I had a miscarriage” has garnered almost 500,000 views, while fewer than 5 million have been dedicated to women giving birth to stillborns.

Had I encountered such content before pregnancy, I might have viewed the widespread sharing of these experiences as essential. I don’t believe individuals sharing these deeply personal moments are in the wrong; for some, these narratives could offer solace. Yet, amid the endless stream of anxiety-inducing content, I couldn’t shake the discomfort of the algorithm prioritizing such overwhelming themes.


“I ‘like,’ ‘save,’ and ‘share’ the content, feeding it into the system and prompting it to keep returning more”…Wheeler while pregnant. Photo by Kathryn Wheeler

When discussing this experience with others who were also pregnant at the same time, I found shared nods of understanding and similar narratives. They too recounted their personalized concoctions of fears, as their algorithms zeroed in on their unique anxieties. Our experiences felt radical as we were bombarded with such harrowing content, expanding the range of what is deemed normal concern. This is what pregnancy and motherhood are like in 2025.

“Some posts are supportive, but others are extreme and troubling. I don’t want to relive that,” remarks 8-month-pregnant Cerel Mukoko. Mukoko primarily engages with this content on Facebook and Instagram but deleted TikTok after becoming overwhelmed. “My eldest son is 4 years old, and during my pregnancy, I stumbled upon upsetting posts. They hit closer to home, and it seems to be spiraling out of control.” She adds that the disturbing graphics in this content are growing increasingly hard to cope with.

As a 35-year-old woman of color, Mukoko noticed specific portrayals of pregnant Black women in this content. A 2024 analysis of NHS data indicated that Black women faced up to six times the rate of severe complications compared to their white counterparts during childbirth. “This wasn’t my direct experience, but it certainly raises questions about my treatment and makes me feel more vigilant during appointments,” she states.

“They truly instill fear in us,” she observes. “You start to wonder: ‘Could this happen to me? Am I part of that unfortunate statistic?’ Given the complications I’ve experienced during this pregnancy, those intrusive thoughts can be quite consuming.”

For Dr. Alice Ashcroft, a 29-year-old researcher and consultant analyzing the impacts of identity, gender, language, and technology, this phenomenon began when she was expecting. “Seeing my pregnancy announcement was difficult.”

This onslaught didn’t cease once she was pregnant. “By the end of my pregnancy, around 36 weeks, I was facing stressful scans. I began noticing links shared by my midwife. I was fully aware that the cookies I’d created (my digital footprint) influenced this feed, which swayed towards apocalyptic themes and severe issues. Now with a 6-month-old, her experience continues to haunt her.

The ability of these algorithms to hone in on our most intimate fears is both unsettling and cruel. “For years, I’ve been convinced that social media reads my mind,” says 36-year-old Jade Asha, who welcomed her second child in January. “For me, it was primarily about body image. I’d see posts of women who were still gym-ready during their 9th month, which made me feel inadequate.”

Navigating motherhood has brought its own set of anxieties for Asha. “My feed is filled with posts stating that breastfeeding is the only valid option, and the comment sections are overloaded with opinions presented as facts.”

Dr. Christina Inge, a Harvard researcher specializing in tech ethics, isn’t surprised by these experiences. “Social media platforms are designed for engagement, and fear is a powerful motivator,” she observes. “Once the algorithm identifies someone who is pregnant or might be, it begins testing content similar to how it handles any user data.”


“For months after my pregnancy ended, my feed morphed into a new set of fears I could potentially face.” Photo: Christian Sinibaldi/Guardian

“This content is not a glitch; it’s about engagement, and engagement equals revenue,” Inge continues. “Fear-based content keeps users hooked, creating a sense of urgency to continue watching, even when it’s distressing. Despite the growing psychological toll, these platforms profit.”

The negative impact of social media on pregnant women has been a subject of extensive research. A systematic review examining social media use during pregnancy highlights both benefits and challenges. While it offers peer guidance and support, it also concludes that “issues such as misinformation, anxiety, and excessive use persist.” Dr. Nida Aftab, an obstetrician and the review’s author, emphasizes the critical role healthcare professionals should play in guiding women towards healthier digital habits.

Pregnant women may not only be uniquely vulnerable social media consumers, but studies show they often spend significantly more time online. A research article published in midwife last year indicated a marked increase in social media use during pregnancy, particularly peaking around week 20. Moreover, 10.5% of participants reported experiencing symptoms of social media addiction, as defined by the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale.

In the broader context, Inge proposes several improvements. A redesigned approach could push platforms to feature positive, evidence-based content in sensitive areas like pregnancy and health. Increased transparency regarding what users are viewing (with options to adjust their feeds) could help minimize harm while empowering policymakers to establish stronger safeguards around sensitive subjects.

“It’s imperative users understand that feeds are algorithmic constructs rather than accurate portrayals of reality,” Inge asserts. “Pregnancy and early parent-child interactions should enjoy protective digital spaces, but they are frequently monetized and treated as discrete data points.”

For Ashcroft, resolving this dilemma is complex. “A primary challenge is that technological advancements are outpacing legislative measures,” she notes. “We wander into murky waters regarding responsibility. Ultimately, it may fall to governments to accurately regulate social media information, but that could come off as heavy-handed. While some platforms incorporate fact-checking through AI, these measures aren’t foolproof and may carry inherent biases.” She suggests using the “I’m not interested in this” feature may be beneficial, even if imperfect. “My foremost advice is to reduce social media consumption,” she concludes.

My baby arrived at the start of the year, and I finally had a moment to breathe as she emerged healthy. However, that relief was brief. In the months following my transition into motherhood, my feed shifted yet again, introducing new fears. Each time I logged onto Instagram, the suggested reels displayed titles like: Another baby falls victim to danger, accompanied by the text “This is not safe.” Soon after, there was a clip featuring a toddler with a LEGO in their mouth and a caption reading, “This could happen to your child if you don’t know how to respond.”

Will this content ultimately make me a superior, well-informed parent? Some might argue yes. But at what cost? Recent online safety legislation emphasizes the necessity for social responsibility to protect vulnerable populations in their online journeys. Yet, as long as the ceaseless threat of misfortune, despair, and misinformation assails the screens of new and expecting mothers, social media firms will profit from perpetuating fear while we continue to falter.

Do you have any thoughts on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words for consideration in our Letters section, please click here.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Breast Milk Defends Against Infections Threatening Pregnancy

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Streptococcus Bacteria are responsible for vaginal and urinary tract infections, as well as neonatal infections

Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The sugars found in breast milk play a significant role in combating common strains of Streptococcus Bacteria, which can cause complications during pregnancy if they infect the vagina.

Research on breast milk remains ongoing. “This is the second most crucial liquid in the universe after water, and yet its intricacies remain largely unexplored,” states Stephen Townsend from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

Investigators are starting to uncover the beneficial sugar structures unique to breast milk: human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). While once regarded as trivial sugars, they are now believed to function as effective prebiotics.

Prior investigations into HMOs primarily focused on their advantages for gut microbiota. However, Townsend and his team shifted their attention to their impact on vaginal health, specifically how HMOs may assist in regulating the balance of beneficial bacteria while managing potentially harmful Group B Streptococcus (GBS).

“Group B Strep is a bacterium we all harbor,” Townsend notes. “It typically poses no harm, remaining undetected in most cases.” Nevertheless, GBS can lead to serious illnesses in immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women and newborns, causing various complications such as preterm births. Thus, women with vaginal GBS infections are often prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy.

Townsend and his team monitored GBS and the growth of lactobacillus Bacteria when exposed to HMOs, conducting their research in three distinct scenarios: live mice and lab-created vaginal tissue. Across all three settings, HMOs were found to enhance beneficial bacterial growth while inhibiting GBS.

As a result, Townsend suggests the presence of a “small storm of positive effects.” He elaborates that GBS struggles to thrive in an HMO-rich environment, while healthy bacteria not only consume HMOs for nourishment but also multiply and flourish, further hampering GBS growth. Additionally, the metabolism of HMOs by beneficial bacteria leads to a more acidic environment and the generation of fatty acids that can kill more harmful bacteria.

This discovery opens pathways for regulating and restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome. “These insights present new tools and strategies of significant therapeutic value for women and their infants,” remarks Katie Patras from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas. However, she emphasizes that potential treatments are still in developmental stages.

Even if new therapies emerge, researchers maintain that the most effective strategy for treating GBS infections remains the use of antibiotics. “Our work is not intended to replace antibiotics,” insists Townsend. “Our research aims to preserve their efficacy.” This is crucial, considering that overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the issue of antibiotic resistance. Innovative therapies like HMOs to modulate microbiomes may ultimately reduce the volume of antibiotics required to combat GBS.

“These synergistic interactions can prove extremely beneficial,” he asserts. Lars Bode from the University of California, San Diego, cautions that the application of breast milk therapies should wait until further research validates their efficacy, as unprocessed milk may pose additional risks, including infections like HIV.

In the interim, Townsend aims to deepen understanding of the unique evolutionary adaptations humans have developed in their HMOs.

“It’s incredibly daunting that we have barely scratched the surface in recognizing the strength of breast milk,” Bode expresses.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The lingering impact of pregnancy on the body is greater than we realized

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Postpartum recovery takes longer than the traditional six-week period commonly referred to as the “fourth stage.” Recent research conducted by biologists at the Wiseman Institute of Science and Helen Schneider Women’s Hospital in Israel, and Yale University School of Medicine in the United States, suggests that it may take more than a year for the body to settle into a new normal after giving birth.

Professor Uriaron, a systems biologist at the Weizmann Institute of Science, led the study and emphasized the importance of understanding the extended recovery period postpartum. Using data from over 300,000 Israeli births, the researchers analyzed how various health markers changed between four and a half months to a year and a half after giving birth.

The study revealed that only 47% of the health markers studied stabilized within a month of delivery, while 12% took 4-10 weeks, and the remaining 41% took more than 10 weeks to stabilize. Some markers, such as bone and liver health, took up to 56 weeks to stabilize after childbirth.

Although certain health measurements improved over time, they did not return to pre-pregnancy levels even after a year and a half postpartum. The study also highlighted potential risk factors for pregnancy disorders but did not analyze differences between breastfeeding.

The effects of breastfeeding on the postpartum body have not been analyzed in this study, but may provide useful insights in future studies. – Credit: Igor Alessander via Getty

Experts like Professor Rebecca Reynolds, Professor Uriaron, and Professor Dimitrios Siassakos have provided valuable insights into the study’s findings. This research offers a detailed understanding of how the body changes after childbirth, which can potentially improve postnatal care.

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About our experts:

Professor Uriaron: He is a system biologist at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the lead researcher at Uri Alon Lab.

Professor Rebecca Reynolds: She is a professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on understanding the mechanisms linking intrauterine development to health and illness.

Professor Dimitrios Siassakos: He is an honorary consultant in obstetrics at University College London and University College Hospital, contributing to various clinical care groups and research initiatives.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Revealed Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on Different Body Parts

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Pregnancy has many effects on the body

Anna Still/Getty Image

As anyone who goes through it knows, pregnancy transforms the body a lot. And now we have the most detailed picture of how it affects the blood, organs and immune system each week. This not only helps to provide post-pregnancy treatment, but also helps to identify the risk of developing certain conditions during pregnancy.

“We’ve got an unprecedented view of how much it takes a mother’s body to change weekly, to make up for the incredible load and how long it takes to recover after delivery,” he says. Uriaron At the Wiseman Institute of Science, Rehobot, Israel.

Despite its importance, pregnancy has not been studied, Aron says. For example, previous studies have tracked how about 20 blood markers change, including salt and iron levels. Up to about 6 weeks for dozens of pregnant women After delivery, samples collected during standard healthcare will be used. “These experiments are usually performed in a small number of patients and sample only once at the late pregnancy or at each time point,” Aron says.

To gain a more comprehensive view, Aron and his colleagues analyzed previously collected blood samples from over 160,000 women in Israel, ages 25 to 31. Together, these samples provided weekly, weekly physical snapshots from 20 weeks of conception to 18 months after birth, with each woman providing several points of data. This approach gives useful insight into how the body generally changes during pregnancy at the population level, but says that following the same woman over time will provide a better picture of the individual trajectory. Christofree Imperial College London.

The researchers mapped changes in 76 blood markers, including levels of protein, fat and salt that show the functioning of the liver, kidneys, blood, muscle, bone and immune system. They found that each of these markers differed significantly from preconcept levels during pregnancy to gradually return to preconceived levels or reverse overshooting before returning to preconceived baseline.

In particular, scientists found that 36 markers, including those associated with blood clotting, bounced off within a month of delivery, but 31 markers took more than 10 weeks to recover. For example, some changes to the liver and immune system took about 5 months to return to prepregnancy levels, and some kidney markers took about six months. Some bone and muscle markers took even longer. It is unclear what exactly this means for women’s health, but it should be investigated in future work, Aron says.

Additionally, several other markers did not return to baseline levels for more than one year after birth. “The slightly archaic view that by six or eight weeks after pregnancy, everyone is completely back to normal is clearly wrong,” says Leeds.

For example, iron levels remained much lower after giving birth. “Women are very likely to have anemia [have low iron levels] I think it will take 6-12 months for the iron shop to return to normal after giving birth due to bleeding, and as the developing fetus removes many iron stores from the body.

Meanwhile, levels of proteins called CRP remained high. “CRP is affected by many different processes. Inflammation is certainly one of them, but things like hormonal changes can also affect this,” says Lees. In another analysis, the team examined differences in markers between women with prelammosis. This saw people who are pregnant and not with hypertension, where high blood pressure can cause headaches, vision problems and pain under the ribs. This revealed that women who developed pre-lamp syndrome before conception had increased levels of blood cell fragments called platelets and proteins called ALT.

“For decades, the idea was that if the placenta wasn’t properly planted and not properly planted, the blood supply would be destroyed and the mother would release the hormones and substances that would help her blood pressure,” says Leeds. “However, some studies suggest that those who developed it have different cardiovascular functions before pregnancy. These findings add weight to this theory.”

If further studies have shown that these conceptual markers actually indicate the risk of pre-lammosis, they could be used to identify potentially high-risk women. “Then you can target ways to improve your health before pregnancy (through exercise and lifestyle advice) and reduce your risk,” says Leeds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Common Painkillers During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Risk of ADHD in Children

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Microscopic view of paracetamol crystals

Henri Koskinen/Shutterstock

Children who used paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, during their mother’s pregnancy, are more likely to develop ADHD than those whose mothers do not, suggesting small studies. Although inconclusive, this finding gives weight to the contested idea that widely used painkillers can affect fetal brain development.

Previous studies on paracetamol and neurodevelopmental conditions provide conflicting findings. For example, a 2019 study linking over 4,700 children and their mothers with their mothers to use painkillers during pregnancy There is a 20% higher risk Children developing ADHD. However, the analysis presented by nearly 2.5 million children last year There is no such connection When comparing siblings who were exposed or not to paracetamol before birth.

One problem is that most of these studies rely on self-reported medication use. This is a serious limitation as you may not remember taking paracetamol during pregnancy. For example, only 7% of participants in the 2019 study reported using paracetamol during pregnancy. It's well below the 50% seen in other studies. “A lot of people take it [paracetamol] Without knowing that” Brennan Baker At Washington University in Seattle. “It could be the active ingredient in some of the cold medicines you're using, and you don't necessarily know.”

So Baker and his colleagues used more accurate metrics instead. They looked for medication markers in blood samples collected from 307 women. They were all black and lived in Tennessee in the late pregnancy. None of them were taking medication due to chronic illnesses and were unaware of the complications of pregnancy. The researchers then followed up with participants when the child was 8 to 10 years old. In the US, Approximately 8% of children I have ADHD between the ages of 5 and 11.

On average, children whose mothers had a marker of paracetamol in their blood were three times more likely than children born to mothers, even after adjusting for factors such as mother's age and body mass index before pregnancy. There was a possibility (BMI), mental health status among close relatives of socioeconomic status and mental health. This suggests that using paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing ADHD in children.

However, it is also possible that the actual factor that increases your risk of ADHD is not the drug itself, but the first thing you will be taking paracetamol. “They couldn't explain anything like the reason why their mother took it. [paracetamol]”It has been found to be risk factors for adverse development in children, such as headaches, fever, pain and infectious diseases.” Viktor Ahlqvist At the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

But Baker believes that it is the drugs that are responsible. Subsequent analysis of tissue samples from 174 of participants' placenta showed that people using paracetamol have different metabolic and immune system changes. These changes are similar to those seen in studies testing the effects of paracetamol in pregnant animals without infection or underlying health conditions.

“I think the fact that we see immune upregulation in animal models also really strengthens the causal case,” Baker says. “There are many previous studies showing that elevated immune activation during pregnancy is linked to adverse neurodevelopment.”

Yet these findings are far from conclusive. For one thing, the study included a small number of participants, all black and lived in the same city, limiting the generalization of the findings. Another case, it measured only the blood markers of paracetamol at one moment. These markers have stuck for about three days, so the study probably captured more frequent users, and may have a dose-dependent effect, says Baker.

“[Paracetamol] Now is the first-line treatment option for pain and fever during pregnancy,” says Baker. “But I think I'm an agency [US Food and Drug Administration] In addition, various obstetric and gynecological associations should continuously review all available research and update their guidance. ”

Meanwhile, if it's unclear whether to take paracetamol during pregnancy, people should talk to their doctor, Baker says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

‘Ease of Pregnancy for Young Women in the Age of Smartphone Fertility Apps’

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A controversial app aimed at empowering women to manage their sex lives by predicting fertile days is being criticized for making inaccurate claims that could lead to unintended pregnancies.

Many women in the UK, including 69% of 18-24 year olds, use smartphone apps to track their menstrual cycles and identify their most fertile and least fertile days. However, experts caution that the data used by these apps to make predictions is often unreliable and limited.

Despite these concerns, one app, called the Period & Fertility Tracker, falsely promotes itself as a reliable method of contraception. Another app, Cycles, claims to accurately predict pregnancy chances daily but offers a disclaimer on its website stating it is for informational purposes only.

While some apps offer features to manage fertility goals and check chances of pregnancy each day, their effectiveness is doubted by experts. The increasing use of “natural contraception” methods raises further concerns, as studies show a rise in unintended pregnancies among users of these apps.

The accuracy of these apps in predicting fertile windows is also questioned, as they rely on traditional methods that have a high risk of error. Despite some apps requiring daily data entry for improved accuracy, the overall effectiveness of these methods remains low.

Regulators are urged to address the potential dangers posed by unregulated apps that claim to be contraceptives. While only one app is authorized to be sold as a contraceptive in some countries, the overall lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety and accuracy of these apps.

In conclusion, the growing trend of relying on period tracking apps for contraception raises serious issues about women’s health and the need for more reliable contraceptive methods.

Source: www.theguardian.com

AI in Africa: Transforming Pregnancy Scans and Bringing Joy by Showing Baby’s Movement

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MaPregnant women have become familiar with their first look at the baby through a blurry, black-and-white ultrasound scan that they share with loved ones. However, in many parts of the world, this is still considered a luxury. AI is now being utilized to create technology that can provide this essential pregnancy milestone to those who truly need it: a health check-up on their baby.

A pilot project in Uganda is utilizing AI software in ultrasound imaging not just to scan the fetus but also to encourage women to seek medical services early on in their pregnancy, aiming to reduce stillbirths and complications.

In low- and middle-income countries, the availability of trained experts and equipment to conduct these scans is mainly limited to urban hospitals, making the journey from rural areas long and costly for women.

Dr. Daniel Lukakamwa, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Kawempe National Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, who is involved in the development of the AI software, underscores the importance of early pregnancy examinations in saving lives.

“Pregnant women are increasingly interested in undergoing ultrasound scans,” Lukakamwa stated. “There’s a high willingness to participate in the study without any hesitations. It seems that we are getting overwhelmed.”

Lukakamwa emphasized the significance of tackling delayed births within obstetric care. He added, “The early stages of pregnancy are critical because any abnormalities or subsequent complications can lead to stillbirth.”

A software called ScanNav FetalCheck Software based on AI has been developed by Intelligent Ultrasound. It enables precise dating of a pregnancy without the need for a specialized ultrasound technician to assess the fetus’s progress inside the uterus.




This technology allows for accurate pregnancy dating without the need for a specialized ultrasound technician. Photo: @GEHealthcare

One of several AI programs for pregnancy assessment is currently undergoing testing, with promising early results reported by developers.

The technology enables midwives or nurses to perform the scan by simply placing an ultrasound probe on a woman’s abdomen, with the program providing the necessary data. It can also be used with a portable device for in-home care.

A significant aim of the trial at Kawempe Hospital is to develop a tool that can predict which pregnancies are at the highest risk of stillbirth, while also aiding in engaging with women at an early stage.

Radiologist Jones Biira mentioned, “Mothers who have given birth are referring us to take part in studies. They talk to the mothers and more and more are joining the research programme. They really like it and they trust our findings.”

The primary concern facing the staff is “probably the power outages,” she noted.

For Sarah Kyolaba, 30, from Kikoni village, the technology has given her more control over her second pregnancy.

“You can see how the baby is moving and how the organs are developing,” she says. “When you do a scan, you can see everything. It’s good to see that the baby is thriving and moving.”

She discovered during her first pregnancy that her baby was too large and would require a Caesarean section shortly before delivery, catching her off-guard. “They told me I had to have a Caesarean section, but I wasn’t prepared for that,” she disclosed.

AI is involved in the largest study ever to evaluate the use of aspirin in preventing pre-eclampsia. Clinical trials are ongoing in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa to compare the impact of two different aspirin doses on women at high risk of pre-eclampsia.

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Accurate gestational age is critical for this trial because the risk of pre-eclampsia changes as pregnancy progresses, and early administration of aspirin depends on knowing the exact gestational age.

Dr. Angela Koech, an obstetrician in rural Kenya and a research scientist at the Aga Khan University in Nairobi, emphasized the importance of knowing the precise number of weeks pregnant.




Dr. Alice Papageorgiou, co-founder of Intelligent Ultrasound, believes that AI can enable hospitals in disadvantaged countries to “develop the same capacity as higher-income countries.” Photo: Intelligent Ultrasound

“One of the biggest challenges I face is when a mother develops complications, typically in the later stages of pregnancy, and I have to make decisions,” Koech explained, highlighting the role of leading research leading to the AI ultrasound program.

“For instance, if a woman presents with pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia in the third trimester, I may have to decide on the timing of delivery based on the baby’s survival odds. The decision varies significantly based on whether the woman is 30, 32, 34, 36, or 38 weeks along.”


Koech emphasized the risks of delivering extremely premature babies in rural facilities lacking neonatal care units. She said, “When a mother gives her last period as pregnancy age but you’re uncertain, the decision becomes very challenging and unreliable.”

Many individuals in rural Kenya delay seeking medical assistance until late in pregnancy, with some considering it inappropriate to announce a pregnancy early, while the expenses and long travel time to antenatal clinics present further challenges.

Dr. Alice Papageorgiou, co-founder of Intelligent Ultrasound and director of clinical research at the Oxford Institute of Maternal, Child and Perinatal Health, acknowledges concerns that the technology could be viewed as providing subpar services to women in lower-income countries.

“Ideally, we should focus on building capacity in these environments by providing the right equipment, training, and resources similar to high-income countries. However, the reality is that this hasn’t been accomplished in recent decades. So, as an interim solution – one that may only be temporary – I believe it is a good solution,” she concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The unexpected scientific explanation behind virgin ray pregnancy

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Charlotte, a stingray residing in an aquarium with no male rays, surprised people worldwide with her sudden pregnancy, sparking interest in parthenogenesis, which refers to virgin conception in scientific terms.

Some speculations about stingrays include TikTok views exceeding 12 million. Jimmy Kimmel mentioned: Charlotte is clearly an Immaculate Conception and highlighted the rays at the Aquarium & Shark Research Institute in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

While virgin births may seem rare, experts point out that many species, like zebra sharks, California condors, and Komodo dragons, can reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis. Understanding this process could aid in conservation efforts.

Mercedes Burns, a biologist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, stated, “There’s nothing unnatural about asexual reproduction,” emphasizing the remarkable strategies animals employ for successful reproduction.

The buzz surrounding Charlotte’s pregnancy arose when the Aquarium and Shark Research Institute announced her condition. Speculation on social media suggested she was impregnated by a neighboring shark or through parthenogenesis.

Kevin Feldheim, a researcher at Chicago’s Field Museum, debunked the shark theory, emphasizing the genetic differences between sharks and stingrays. Genetic testing post-birth will confirm if the offspring resulted from parthenogenesis.

Researchers are just beginning to explore parthenogenesis in various species. This phenomenon has been observed in 15 elasmobranch species since 2007.

Although common in animals, parthenogenesis is rare in mammals due to genetic mechanisms preventing it. Meiosis and fusion with polar bodies are key in spontaneous parthenogenesis.

The prevalence of parthenogenesis in the wild remains unknown, but it is easier to detect in captive environments. Vertebrates’ ability to reproduce asexually remains a mystery.

Research suggests parthenogenesis could be an environmental response or a chance occurrence in cell division.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Pregnancy Strap that Monitors Heart Rate Could Forecast Preterm Birth

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Scientists used fitness tracker WHOOP to monitor heart rate during pregnancy

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Wearing a wrist-strap heart rate tracker during pregnancy may help doctors predict who is at risk for premature birth.

In previous research, shon rowan Researchers at West Virginia University recruited 18 women to wear heart-tracking wrist straps from the brand WHOOP throughout their pregnancies.

They were all born at term, and tracking data showed that heart rate variability (the variation in the time interval between heartbeats) decreased clearly during the first 33 weeks of pregnancy, and then steadily increased until birth. It became clear.

Rowan was curious to see if the same pattern occurred in people who give birth prematurely. Emily Capodilupo A larger study is being conducted at WHOOP in Boston, Massachusetts. They and colleagues analyzed tracker data provided by 241 pregnant women between the ages of 23 and 47 in the United States and 15 other countries. It is unclear whether this data includes data for transgender men.

All participants were pregnant with one child born between March 2021 and October 2022. In total, more than 24,000 heart rate variability records were provided.

Similar to the previous study, those who gave birth at term showed an obvious switch in heart rate variability around 33 weeks of gestation, or an average of seven weeks before delivery.

However, the 8.7% who were born prematurely had much less consistent patterns of heart rate variability, Rowan said. This change from decrease to increase in variability occurred at different times during pregnancy, but similar to those born at term, the change occurred on average about 7 weeks before birth, although the birth was premature. It seemed like there was.

In the future, the device could identify pregnancies that require closer monitoring or benefit from administering drugs such as steroids to help the fetus' lungs develop, Rowan said.

You can also plan to stay near hospitals that provide specialized care, which can be especially helpful for people who live in remote areas, he says.

“Once we are able to remotely monitor some of their health using things like the WHOOP tracker, and we start to see changes in that. [in heart rate variability]Then you might be able to be a little more proactive,” says Rowan.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Revolutionary Method for Ending Pregnancy Nausea Quickly: Discover the Morning Sickness Cure

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We have all experienced vomiting at some stage in our lives. Whether it’s due to a nasty bout of food poisoning or the well-known norovirus that infects the population episodically. And we can all agree that it’s scary.

But imagine what it would do to you physically, mentally, and emotionally if you were to expect constant nausea and vomiting at a critical stage in your life.this is the reality for them
4 in 5 women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Even mild cases can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

for 3% of women develop a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.things get worse and require hospitalization and treatment.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2022 this will result in: 20,000 women hospitalized.

But until recently, little was known about the causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the more nausea and vomiting you have, the healthier your pregnancy, and even suggests that it is related to the number of babies you have.

However, real-world evidence shows this is not true. In fact, nausea and vomiting can vary widely in severity and pattern during pregnancy.

Often referred to as “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. Usually it’s worse for the first 12 weeks, then it calms down. However, for many women, it lasts throughout the pregnancy.

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However, after more than 20 years of research in this field, a breakthrough has been made that identifies a causal relationship. This was promoted by Dr. Malena Fezo, a geneticist at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Fezo was inspired to pursue this career after suffering from severe nausea and vomiting during her second pregnancy in 1999. She was unable to eat or drink without vomiting, and she rapidly lost weight and became so weak that she could no longer stand or walk.

However, doctors were skeptical that she might be exaggerating her symptoms to get attention. Fezo was eventually hospitalized and she miscarried at 15 weeks.

Fezo will conduct genetic research on previously pregnant women in collaboration with 23andMe, a private company that allows individuals to send samples of their DNA to determine health status and insights into their ancestry. did.

She identified a link with a woman who suffered from severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (requiring an intravenous fluid). and a variant of the gene encoding a protein named GDF15, a hormone that acts on the brain stem.

This association pinpointed the need for further research to understand the role of GDF15 protein in pregnancy.

GDF15 is secreted by the placenta during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. It also likely plays a role in preventing the mother from biologically rejecting the baby, which is essential to allowing the pregnancy to continue. However, GDF15 has been shown to regulate physiological body weight and appetite through the brain. This substance is produced in excess in cancer patients who suffer from severe appetite and weight loss.

In addition to previous research, research led by Fejzo and the University of Cambridge Professor Stephen O'Rahilly We found that the level of GDF15 was high. Seen in women with severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. However, the effects of this hormone appear to depend on the woman's susceptibility and her exposure to GDF15 before pregnancy. Women who received higher levels of exposure before pregnancy had higher levels of the GDF15 hormone but did not have symptoms of nausea or vomiting.

It has been hypothesized that long-term exposure to GDF15 before pregnancy may have a protective effect and reduce a woman’s sensitivity to the hormonal surge caused by fetal development.

This exposure relationship is very unique and provides more understanding and knowledge as well as the potential that women may be desensitized by increasing their exposure to hormones before pregnancy. It also suggests possible treatments. Just like some people treat food allergies with controlled exposure therapy.

Many of the common symptoms affecting women, such as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, are poorly understood despite their very high incidence. Women’s healthcare is not a niche, and there is much to understand and learn through this type of research.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com