Embryos in pregnancies that end in miscarriage take longer to develop in the womb than those in pregnancies that result in live births, according to new research published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. For the first time, researchers in The Netherlands have been able to look at the […]
Category: Fertility
Mothers’ alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy is linked to changes in children’s face shapes
Researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technology to find a link between alterations in the shape of children’s faces and the amount of alcohol their mothers drank, both before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy. The study, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, is […]
Fourteen per cent decrease in live births in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns
Europe saw a 14% decrease in live births in January 2021, just nine to ten months after the first peak of the COVID-19 epidemic and the first lockdowns, compared to the average numbers of live births in January 2018 and 2019. The researchers of the study, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of […]
PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children
Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing infections, allergies and other childhood illnesses by the age of 13, according to the largest study to investigate this. The study, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, looked at 1,038,375 children […]
Smoking before and after conception is linked to delayed embryonic development
Smoking by mothers during the period immediately before and after conception is linked to a delay in embryonic development, smaller foetuses at the time of the 20-week ultrasound scan, and lower birth weight. The study, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, followed 689 women with singleton […]
Most mothers born with heart defects can become pregnant and give birth safely
Expert medical care and counselling are essential Most women who are born with heart defects can safely become pregnant and give birth to healthy babies with few or minor problems if they are supported by expert medical care and counselling, according to research published in the European Heart Journal. [1] In the last few decades, […]
Researchers develop all-in-one test for the avoidance of de novo genetic disease in embryos
De novo variants (DNVs), genetic mutations that were not previously identifiable in the family history of one of two prospective parents, may cause disease in any children they have. Where a disease-causing DNV is present in one parent, the risk of passing it to a child can be as high as 50% and being able […]
Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy
Study suggests women should avoid alcohol in second half of menstrual cycle A study of the associations between drinking alcohol and the chances of becoming pregnant suggests that women who want to conceive should avoid heavy drinking. In the second half of menstrual cycle even moderate drinking is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy. The […]
Ozone in air pollution is linked to fibroid development in Black women
Higher levels of ozone from air pollution are linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids among Black American women according to a large study published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the womb. They are diagnosed in 25-30% of […]
Could environmental pollution from industry contribute to cryptorchidism increase?
‘Landmark study’ suggests research should focus more on exposure to major industrial pollutants rather than low-level exposure to chemicals in food, says expert commentator Environmental pollution from industries such as coal mining and metal works may play a role in the increasing numbers of boys born with undescended testicles, according to a study published in […]