Underweight and overweight women at higher risk of recurrent miscarriages
A new study has shown that underweight and overweight women are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing recurrent miscarriages compared to those of average weight. A research team led by the University of Southampton assessed the link between women’s lifestyle and risk of recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as women having two or more consecutive […]
New insight into formation of the human embryo
Pioneering research led by experts from the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute has provided new insight into formation of the human embryo. The team of researchers discovered an unique regenerative property of cells in the early human embryo. The first tissue to form in the embryo of mammals is the trophectoderm, which goes on […]
Maternal caffeine consumption and birth size
A study has found that caffeine consumption during pregnancy, even in amounts less than the recommended 200 mg per day, is linked to smaller neonatal anthropometric measurements. The longitudinal cohort study in JAMA Network Open concluded that compared to women who drank no, or very little caffeine, women who drank the most caffeine (a plasma […]
Experimental treatment offers hope of fertility for early menopausal women
A novel approach of administering platelet-rich plasma and gonadotropins near the ovarian follicles is showing promise in restoring ovarian function in women with early menopause. As more women look to build their careers before pursuing motherhood, the average age of conceiving a child continues to be pushed back. For some of these women, however, their […]
Multiple Sclerosis does not raise the risk of pregnancy complications
In a finding that should reassure women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who want to have a baby, new research suggests the disease doesn’t raise the risk of pregnancy complications. “While previous research has shown there is no higher risk of birth defects for babies born to women with MS, there are still a lot of […]
Preconception cannabis use linked to reduced chances of pregnancy
Women who use cannabis — marijuana or hashish — could have a more difficult time conceiving a child than women who do not use cannabis, suggests a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Cannabis use among the women’s partners was not studied. The researchers were led by Sunni L. Mumford, Ph.D., […]
Identical twins often don’t share 100% of their DNA
Identical twins may not in fact be genetically identical at birth, according to a new study by researchers in Iceland. Researchers found that twin-specific genetic mutations could occur while embryos were still developing inside the womb. The team were also able to pinpoint at which stage in development the mutations occurred, by searching for them […]
Researchers isolate high-quality sperm using acoustic waves
Monash University researchers have combined acoustic waves and fluid dynamics to create a new approach for separating high-quality sperm in assisted reproduction – opening new windows for infertile couples to have a family of their own. This rapid and automated acoustofluidic process, developed by a team from Monash University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, […]
Cell-free DNA blood tests may help predict pregnancy complications
UCLA researchers say a blood test commonly used to detect fetal genetic abnormalities may help predict complications associated with pregnancy before symptoms develop. Their preliminary study, appearing in Epigenetics, links certain cell-free DNA signatures to adverse outcomes in pregnancy, including ischemic placental disease and gestational diabetes. The findings are the first to show that genetic […]
Researchers have begun recruiting for a study looking at the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on male fertility
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is the first institution studying the effects on sperm of men who receive the vaccine, according to the study’s principal investigator, Ranjith Ramasamy, M.D., associate professor and director of reproductive urology. “Based on the mechanism by which mRNA acts, we do not expect the COVID-19 vaccines will have […]