Many Moms-to-Be Are Stressed, and it Might Affect Baby's Brain

THURSDAY, Jan. 30, 2020 -- Many mothers-to-be feel overwhelmed by stress, and it might have implications for their babies' brain development in the womb, a new study suggests.

The researchers found that even in a group of highly educated, healthy pregnant women, stress and anxiety were common. More than one-quarter reported higher-than-average levels of "perceived stress," while a similar number had anxiety symptoms. Another 11% had depression symptoms.

In Small Study, No Sign That Coronavirus Can Be Passed to Baby During Pregnancy

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 -- There's some good news about the new coronavirus: Preliminary research suggests that the virus cannot be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to the fetus.

The researchers stressed that the study population was small -- just nine pregnant women -- and a number of other factors mean questions linger when it comes to maternal-fetal transmission.

Mom-to-Be's Cosmetics Chemicals Could Lead to Heavier Baby

TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2020 -- When pregnant women use cosmetics containing parabens, their children may have a greater likelihood of becoming overweight, a new study suggests.

Parabens are chemicals that have long been used as a preservative in cosmetics and body care products. A number of studies have suggested that parabens mimic estrogens in the body and may disrupt the normal function of hormones.

Inducing Labor Safer Bet for Late-Term Pregnancies: Study

THURSDAY, Nov. 21, 2019 -- The risk of newborn death in late-term pregnancies may be lower if labor is induced rather than taking a wait-and-see approach, a new study suggests.

It's widely believed that mothers and babies have an increased risk of problems at or beyond 42 weeks of pregnancy. (A normal-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.) Some studies have suggested that inducing labor at or after 41 weeks reduces those risks, but there is no consensus on managing healthy pregnancies that last more than 41 weeks, according to background information about the study.

Trauma of Miscarriage May Trigger PTSD

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 15, 2020 -- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn't confined to soldiers on the battlefield; it can happen to anyone after a traumatic event -- including pregnancy loss.

After a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, 1 in 6 women can have PTSD nearly a year later, European researchers report.

Car Exhaust May Up High Blood Pressure Risk in Pregnant Women

THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 -- Air pollution from vehicles increases the risk of dangerously high blood pressure in pregnant women, U.S. government researchers report.

Scientists from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' (NIEHS) National Toxicology Program analyzed published studies on the links between traffic-related air pollution and preeclampsia. The analysis was reviewed by experts from academia and industry, who agreed unanimously with the final conclusion of the report, released Dec. 18.