Other content tagged: news research
Effects of growth differences during twin pregnancy on later life
Researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands found that children who have received less nutrients during pregnancy compared to their identical twin sibling have a higher risk of developmental problems later in life. This disbalance in nutrient supply can be a health-related disadvantage affecting their entire life. Ten to 15 percent of twin pregnancies are characterised by an uneven distribution of the placenta. This means that one child receives a larger…
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Relation between vaginal hygiene practices and spontaneous preterm birth
Researchers from the Netherlands wanted to find out if there is an association between vaginal hygiene practices before and during pregnancy and spontaneous preterm birth. As one of the results, the study suggests that there is a relation between the use of vaginal gel and spontaneous preterm birth. Therefore, a new potential risk factor could have been discovered with this research, and women should be informed about it. Every year, one in ten babies is…
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Global trends in preterm birth from 1990-2019
In a recent study from China, data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study have been analysed to show trends in preterm birth. Deaths and incident cases decreased globally, but on a regional and national level, preterm birth rates also increased. Preterm birth is a global issue. Almost 15 million infants were born too soon (preterm) in 2014, with a global incidence rate of 10.6%. Despite improvements in medical care, increases in preterm…
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Developmentally supportive care among NICU nurses in South Korea
The implementation of developmentally supportive care can directly impact the health outcome of preterm babies. A study evaluated South Korean NICU nurses’ experience and perception regarding this approach. Of the 160 participants, almost half could not provide adequate developmentally supportive care, and all nurses indicated the need for education on the matter. Preterm birth rates have increased in South Korea during the last years, and management and care provision has become a significant healthcare…
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The legislative framework of donor human milk and human milk banking in Europe
When mothers own milk is not available, donor human milk (DHM) is the best alternative to nourish preterm or sick babies. Nevertheless, human milk banks (HMB) within Europe are rarely and heterogeneously regulated. A study reviews these differences in regulations and their implications for the use of DHM. Results confirm the importance of establishing a national and international regulatory framework for HMB.…
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Child growth and neurodevelopment following an antenatal lifestyle intervention in routine care
Having overweight or obesity in childhood increases the risk of being overweight or obese in adulthood and is accompanied by an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer. In addition, neurological developmental disorders are more frequent in children with overweight. Maternal factors during pregnancy are discussed to have an impact on anthropometry and neurological development of children. If and to which extent a healthy maternal lifestyle during pregnancy is…
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Are pre- and early pregnancy lifestyle factors associated with the risk of preterm birth? A secondary cohort analysis of the cluster-randomised GeliS trial
Preterm birth remains a global and partially unresolved health problem with affected newborns having an increased mortality and morbidity risk and often long-term health impairments. In this secondary analysis, researchers investigated the preventative role of modifiable risk factors for preterm birth and identified that a high dietary quality seems to be protective. Since preterm birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five years, effective prevention strategies to reduce…
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Family Integrated Care to Improve Paternal Mental Health
A study conducted in the Netherlands examined the mental health of fathers of preterm infants after their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Responses of 126 fathers who were enrolled in integrated family care units (FICare) were compared to those of 137 fathers in standard neonatal care units (SNC). It is known that active participation in the care of their infants during NICU stay has a positive impact on maternal mental health…
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Compassionate care for sick or preterm newborns at the end of life
Providing palliative care for sick or preterm newborns and their parents/caregivers is a major challenge and is in strong contrast to ‘usual’ care. Healthcare professionals should make decisions in the best interest of the child while weighing the continuation or omission of treatments, accompany the parents in this extremely difficult situation, and allowing as much time as possible between child and parents/caregivers. Verbalising and showing one’s own feelings, perceiving parents as experts and considering…
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