Study Finds Perinatal COVID-19 Exposure May Impact Children’s Development and Respiratory Health
A recent study led by the University of Bristol reveals that children exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy or shortly after birth may face long-term effects on development and respiratory health. Published in eClinicalMedicine, the research shows that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the womb or as newborns can lead to delays in social development and increased risk of breathing problems. Dr. Ela Chakkarapani highlights the importance of monitoring children’s development and lung function to address potential risks associated with perinatal exposure to the virus.
Pregnancy’s Effect on Biological Age
Pregnancy can have a significant impact on biological age, with new research showing a reversal of aging effects after delivery. The study from Yale University highlights the potential for bodies to bounce back from the changes of pregnancy, but researchers emphasize the need for further understanding of the mechanisms at work.
U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate Nearly Doubles from 2014 to 2021, Study Finds
A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that U.S. maternal mortality rates have nearly doubled between 2014 and 2021, contradicting the belief that older maternal age is the primary factor. The research emphasizes the need to identify the underlying causes of the escalating maternal mortality rates and implement preventive measures to address this concerning trend.
Flawed record-keeping may have overstated rising maternal death rates in the U.S.
New research challenges the widely reported increase in maternal deaths in the U.S., suggesting that flawed record-keeping may have led to overstated statistics. The study found that maternal mortality rates were stable over two decades, in contrast to the reported rise in deaths. The findings call for a reevaluation of the methods used to track and classify maternal deaths in the U.S.
Study Links Pregnancy Complications to Future Heart Health Risks for Children
Recent research presented at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine’s annual pregnancy meeting has revealed that children born to mothers with pregnancy complications like high blood pressure or diabetes are more prone to developing heart-related issues at a young age. By the age of 12, these children have a higher likelihood of being overweight and being diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar. The study, supported by the government and tracking 3,300 mother-and-child pairs globally for over a decade, emphasizes the correlation between healthy pregnancies and child health, but does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.